Iowa Character Awards

The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.  Since 2005, we have recognized more than 100 Iowans for showing good character. 

2019 Iowa Character Awards Nomination form

Congratulations to the 2018 Iowa Character Award recipients:

Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award:  Mike Gartner, Des Moines (video)

Aaron Eilerts Award:  Trinity Hopkey, Cumming (video)

Partner of the Year:  MidAmerican Energy (video)

Character Champion: Jay Parker, Urbandale (video)

Community of Character:  Aplington-Parkersburg (video)

Pursuing Victory with Honor Award:  Iowa High School Dance and Drill Team Association (video)

Business/Organization of Character:  Boone Hope Foundation, Boone (video)

Adult Citizen of Character:  George Belistos, Ames (video)

Youth Citizen of Character:  Zyrianna Cerna-Koehrsen, Iowa Falls (video)

School of Character: Denison Elementary/Broadway Schools (video)

Educator of Character:  Kevin Johnson, Lynnville-Sully (video)

School Team/ Organization of Character:  Mentors in Violence Prevention (Cedar Rapids Kennedy), Cedar Rapids (video)

The 2018 Iowa Character Awards are presented by:  

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