Trautwein Elementary in the Mehlville School District has been named a 2012 National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership, joining only 24 schools and one district from across the country to earn the prestigious distinction this year.

Each year, the Character Education Partnership, or CEP, selects schools and districts that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process, including the completion of an in-depth application and site visit, how their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to a district news rerelease. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results.

“I think we’re most proud that in order to earn this recognition, our students must demonstrate they have truly internalized the lessons on character we have been teaching over the past four years,” Trautwein Elementary Principal Donna Wagener stated in the news release. “Our students were able to show the site visitor they know what it means to be ‘Tigers of Integrity.’ Credit goes to the staff, as well, who incorporate character education into everything they do.”

Schools and districts from more than 30 participating states are named State Schools of Character before advancing to the national level for review. In the Mehlville School District, Blades, Hagemann, Point and Rogers Elementary Schools were named Missouri Schools of Character this year, with Trautwein earning the distinction in 2011.

The CEP will honor the 2012 National Schools of Character at the National Forum on Character Education scheduled for Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, Trautwein Elementary will receive a National School of Character award, banner and a small grant to help with outreach efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of the students and staff at Trautwein Elementary for their continued character education efforts,” Superintendent Eric Knost stated in the release. “The National School of Character award is the highest honor a school can earn for its character education program, and by simply walking through the halls at Trautwein, you know they absolutely deserve this recognition.”

For more information about CEP, the NSOC program, the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education or the National Forum, visit

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