“Character Counts” is a phrase that students at MHS have constantly heard. However, it’s more than just two simple words being repeated; this phrase is the foundation of not only great students, but great people. Keeping those two words in mind is just as important as any other subject in school because it will help to promote camaraderie amongst students around campus and build appropriate morals for life.

Character Counts includes the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. “If I had to define Character Counts I would say it’s terrific (TRRFCC). It’s a catchy way to remember the Six Pillars,” said MHS Vice Principal Jamie Oshiro, a firm believer in the Character Counts program.

Faculty at all Mililani complex schools make an effort to instill Character Counts in their students as a way to promote ethical living. “Hopefully Character Counts has been embedded in all (students) from elementary school, to middle school to high school,” said another supporter of the Character Counts program, MHS Vice Principal Christine Alexander.

Though students don’t take Character Counts classes, it doesn’t lessen their importance. In this critical period in students’ lives, it’s easy for morals to be compromised with exposure to profane songs, glamorous and not-so-realistic reality shows and everyday high school drama.

While school administrators from elementary school to high school continue to make a valiant effort to embody the Six Pillars, it’s the responsibility of the students to carry it out. Exemplifying good character isn’t something people usually get a gold medal or honors at graduation for, but it’s important nonetheless; because it is with strong character that we build strong relationships.

Character Counts will come up in relationships built throughout life. People often look for friends who are trustworthy and bosses hire workers who are responsible. Pretty much every behavior that will lead to success not only in high school, but in the future as well, fall under the umbrella of the Six Pillars of Character Counts.

Combined efforts to follow the ethical principles set by Character Counts will help not only MHS students to build a stronger bond amongst themselves, but with others as well. “My hope at MHS is we not only practice Character Counts but we live it. We’re an ohana at MHS and we need to be responsible and respectful,” Oshiro expressed.

Merely being aware of Character Counts isn’t enough; it’s what we do with those lessons that will really make a difference. Students need to take it upon themselves to set good examples and encourage others to do the same; it’s not enough to wait around for others to become who we’d like to be.