Yesterday, we introduced you to three young adults who stand out as individuals with great character in both their schools and community. The Minot Character Counts Coalition has recognized six students within the city as recipients of the American Youth Character Award. And today, we had the opportunity to visit with the remaining three recipients from Minot High, Bishop Ryan, and Ramstad Middle School to ask them why they feel good character is so important...

(Zac DeMers, Minot High Sophomore) "Well, if we don't have character, our society falls down. I just keep smiling and I just want to look positive to other people. It just makes me feel good."


(James Murphy, Erik Ramstad 6th Grader) "Everybody has a role-model, and if you have character they look up to you a lot, and that's really good. It's just good that everyone has character. That's what I think."


(Matthew Charley, Bishop Ryan Junior) "I think that the Character Counts thing, like the whole concept of it is really good, because today it's really important still to have good character, even though a lot of people don't think it's that important, but I think it's vital."

The six students, along with a few teachers, administrators, and community leaders, will receive their awards tomorrow night at the annual Youth and Community Character Awards Banquet. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list