AKRON - The Akron Community Relations Task Force presented the First Annual Peacekeeper Awards to students at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School during their end-of-the-year awards programs.
Qualifications to be nominated as a Peacekeeper Award recipient were in keeping with the mission statement of the Akron Community Relations Task Force. The mission is to improve the lives of all community members, to raise multicultural awareness and respect, and to build and maintain positive relationships through social, educational and economic means.
It was the purpose of the Task Force to recognize students who are not only "good citizens" in the general sense, but individuals who also clearly demonstrate one or more of the following: a friendly, positive attitude toward everyone - especially toward others of a different culture, ethnic, racial and/or socio-economic background; regular, cooperative working and social relationships with those of differing backgrounds - in small group work, in student organizations, and/or on teams; a sense of advocacy for those in need - stands up for and tries to help those who are victims of bullying, are often "left out" of activities and social situations, and/or are "at risk" for some reason.
The opportunity was provided for any staff member of Tippecanoe Valley Middle School to nominate a boy or girl who personifies a "Peacekeeper" as defined above. The nominations were confidential and the recipients of the Peacekeeper Award were not informed prior to their program. The nomination narratives were read aloud when the Peacekeeper Awards were presented. Each recipient of the Peacekeeper Award was presented with a certificate, an engraved key ring and booklet of the nomination narratives.
