More than 200 middle-schoolers from Seward Montessori, Anne Sullivan and the American Indian Magnet School joined United Way and the Minnesota Vikings for the third annual Character Playbook event. Character Playbook is digital, interactive education program that teaches kids how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships, make good decisions and step in when they see questionable activity.
On Friday, the kids got to experience it in person at the Minnesota Vikings Training facility in Eagan. They started out the day with a panel moderated by Carly Zucker. She was joined by Vikings linebacker Kentrall Brothers, Vikings cheerleader Maddie, and United Way staffers, Anthony Bass and Leslie Wright.
The panelists spoke about the importance of developing character, recognizing the positive influences of friends and family, while avoiding outside influences like peer pressure.
After a great discussion, students joined volunteers on the field for character stations, consisting of football skill (40- yard dash, vertical jump, passing drill, etc.) combined with a central character component. Volunteers shared each station’s theme (Effort, Communication, Focus, Determination, Vision and Perseverance) and why that theme is important to success. The kids then put those values to achieve each station’s football skill.
The event was a celebration of the students’ work throughout the year in the online curriculum for Character Playbook. Congratulations to all the participants!
