BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – The third annual Youth With Character Academy in Botetourt County kicked off Monday with more than 20 rising sixth-graders.
The students were invited to attend as representatives of the seven elementary schools in the county.
During the three-day academy, students will participate in hands-on activities that focus on the pillars of character, such as responsibility, respect, caring and trustworthiness.
"What we've learned about trusting each other and working together. I'm excited about getting to know everybody, and what they like," said Makayla Petty, a student of the Youth With Character Academy.
"They will see the importance of having good character in their community, and that community being home, school and the community beyond. They've just jumped in with all the activities, and they seem to be having a great time," said Wanda Martin, the co-chair of the Botetourt County Character Counts Leadership Council.
The goal of the academy is that students will share what they learn with fellow students at Central Academy and Read Mountain middle schools this upcoming school year.