April 2008

2008 Olympics Controversy Highlights Debate on Olympic Goals

The bright orange flames of the Olympic Games. Usually, this iconic sporting symbol brings joy and excitement everywhere it goes as the torch proceeds through countries throughout the world, from hand to hand, building anticipation for the Games. But this year, the burning torch has been met with both pride and protest.
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Definitions of Virtues

Citizenship: The status of a citizen with respect to his duties, rights, and privileges; and having the desire to make his state/country a better place.

Compassion: Feeling of sympathy for the distress of others, with the desire to help.

Courage: The capacity to meet danger without giving way to fear; to have the courage of one's convictions; to be willing to put one's opinions into practice.

Decency: Conformity to prevailing standards of modesty, what is appropriate in speech, dress and behavior.

Discipline: Training expected to produce a specific character trait, moral or mental improvement; self-control.

Empathy: Entering into the feeling or spirit of others and imagining yourself in another person's situation.

Fairness: Playing by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded; listen to others; don't take advantage of others; don't blame others carelessly.

Generosity: Giving freely of our own possessions, time and or talent to someone else.

Hope: Confident expectation of the fulfillment of a wish.

Integrity: Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.

Justice: Fair treatment and due reward or punishment in accordance with honor, standards, or law.

Morality: concern with the distinction between good and evil or right and wrong; right or good conduct.

Perseverance: Trying hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties.

Prudence: thinking through the implications of our actions and decisions to avoid error or danger and to promote the good.

Respect for Others: showing full appreciation of the worth and dignity of others; living by "the golden rule": do unto others as you would want done unto you.

Responsibility: accepting and meeting the demands of our duty in life, being accountable, and pursuing excellence.

Solidarity: A shared common interest; active loyalty within a group.

Tolerance: Realizing and appreciating that everyone has a right to different beliefs and opinions, as long as those beliefs and opinions do not cause harm to others.

Wisdom: ability to apply knowledge, experience, understanding or common sense and insight; the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.

"Sow a Thought, and you reap an Act;

Sow an Act, and you reap a Habit;

Sow a Habit, and you reap a Character;

Sow a Character, and you reap a Destiny."

- Charles Reade

"Virtue in Action has been an integral part of the everyday lesson plans in our district. Our schools use the program to help with state and federal mandates. It goes without saying that Virtue in Action has been very effective and useful to teachers and students in our district."

- Glen Giannetti, Superintendent, District 206 High Schools, Illinois

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