The District 241 Citizenship Committee is looking for nominations for its 2002 Citizen of the Year.

Monday, March 25, 2002

The District 241 Citizenship Committee is looking for nominations for its 2002 Citizen of the Year.

Students and adults alike are invited to nominate someone who practices good citizenship. Choices might be friends, neighbors or family members, whether child or adult.

The citizenship committee guidelines suggest that a good citizen might show some of the following characteristics:

– Should have been an active, participating citizen in District 241 for at least four years.

– Has contributed to the community beyond the requirements of the job. May work hard for others directly or indirectly on executive boards, service clubs, church or religious organizations, volunteer programs, fraternal organizations’ special help projects, or community activities that make for a better life in District 241. The good citizen is not just a joiner and non-worker.

– Shows concern for the future of the residents of District 241, such as concern for the institutions, ecology, living environment and planning for community development.

– Exercises rights as a citizen such as voting, participating in governmental and political affairs and recognizes the rights of others.

– Respects and obeys laws, and may actively promote respect for the law, not just be innocent of law breaking.

– Has a positive attitude toward self and others.

– Makes others happy by sharing and caring, and has a genuine concern for the welfare of friends, fellow citizens and family.

– Is dependable, trustworthy and has good moral character.

Fifth-grade students, parents and teachers from each elementary school have been participating on the citizenship committee to learn more about and encourage good citizenship.

For example, the Sibley Citizenship Committee recently completed a poster contest for grades one through six. The theme was &uot;America’s Pride,&uot; and first-, second- and third-place winners were selected in each grade. Winners received gift certificates from The Constant Reader.

In addition to the poster contest, Sibley students clean up the school grounds, conduct a food drive, and do a teacher appreciation event in the spring.

&uot;We also try to promote good citizenship around the school,&uot; said parent volunteer Therese Claussen.

Citizenship committee members from all the elementary schools will select the District 241 Citizen of the Year from nominations and the winner will be recognized in May.

People are urged to fill out the accompanying form as well as write a letter on how their choice meets these characteristics.

Forms and letters should be send by April 12 to Nancy Royce, Hawthorne Elementary School, 1000 E. Hawthorne St., Albert Lea.