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.

The City's Character Counts Subcommittee is comprised of Councilwoman Mari Barnes, Human Relations Chairwoman Sandra Bast, Commander Michael Olshefke of the Highland Park Police Department, Director of Youth and Senior Services Charlotte Landsman, Highland Park Facilities Manager Bob McCraren, and Program Supervisor at Youth Services Mariclare Elko.

For more information, please contact Charlotte Landsman at 847-432-4110 or download a Nomination Form.