The Human Relations Commission named Robert Barnard as the first recipient of the Character Counts Pillar Award. An active volunteer throughout his life, Mr. Barnard gathered clothing and money for needy families in the greater Highland Park area. He also volunteered through the Highland Park Rotary at the annual Highland Park High School job fair. After his death, the City Council appropriately re-named the Character Counts Pillar Award to honor Robert Barnard. Since the first award was given in 2001, fifty other awards have been presented.

THE CHARACTER COUNTS COMMITTEE of the City of Highland Park selects the Robert Barnard Character Counts Pillar Award Recipients. The Committee honors nominees whose beliefs, attitudes and actions consistently exemplify the six pillars of character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Nominees were also evaluated in the categories of overcoming obstacles, making difficult choice, generosity and self-sacrifice, and community service. The committee selected recipients in the categories of business, general community and students.

For more information, please contact Gina Gooden at (847) 926-1865 or ggooden@cityhpil.com.

Click here for a list of the 2009 Recipients!