CHARACTER COUNTS! Week is celebrated nationally each year during the third full week of October. Our celebration in Tulare County includes the Tulare County Office of Education and the Visalia Times-Delta partnering to sponsor the Kids of Character Awards. During the month of September, schools and communities are invited to nominate youngsters in their communities who have demonstrated acts of good character in their homes, schools, and youth organizations by completing the online nomination form.

Students receiving the Kids of Character Awards receive a CHARACTER COUNTS! certificate, a CHARACTER COUNTS! pencil and a Tulare County CHARACTER COUNTS! school folder. In addition, their names appear online during CHARACTER COUNTS! Week and throughout the next year.

Since so many of our youth have exceptional character, the Visalia Times-Delta staff interviews, photographs and shares selected stories of students every day during CHARACTER COUNTS! Week. These students profiled in the Visalia Times-Delta and the Tulare Advance-Register along with the finalists in each pillar category are then honored at the Annual Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Kids of Character Reception. Last year's honorees include:

Diego Yanez Sandoval, Trustworthiness
Elizabeth Garcia, Respect
Diego Mora, Responsibility
Joshua Villarreal, Fairness
Brynn Bartlett, Caring
Ben Watson, Citizenship

Choose a link below to view Tulare County CHARACTER COUNTS! Week past honorees.

2022 Honorees
2021 Honorees
2020 Honorees
2019 Honorees
2018 Honorees
2017 Honorees
2016 Honorees
2015 Honorees
2014 Honorees
2013 Honorees
2012 Honorees


For more information about CHARACTER COUNTS! Week, contact Kelley Petty, CHARACTER COUNTS! Coordinator, by e-mail at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303.