Character Counts – Local

Heritage Academy Maricopa (HAMaricopa/Athletics)...
Damon Allred

Heritage Academy’s Abby Dirks works hard to be a good example for all

Abby Dirks knows what it means to be a leader on and off the court. She understands the big picture and her place in it.
5 months ago
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Aaron Schmidt

Campo Verde’s Addison Gavigan spreads positivity, overcomes academic adversity

Addison Gavigan might don a 3.20 GPA as a senior at Campo Verde High School, but there's more to her academic career than the eye can see.
5 months ago
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Aaron Schmidt

ALA Ironwood’s Braxton Henderson impacting community at young age

As a student, business owner and varsity baseball star, ALA Ironwood's Braxton Henderson has had quite the high school experience.
7 months ago
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Character Counts

8th grader maintained school activities through virtual COVID-19 setting

Life in school has been wildly different for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. It didn't stop Hanna Macias during her eighth-grade year.
2 years ago
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Character Counts

Mountain Ridge’s Tegan Bernard helps individuals find strength

Mountain Ridge High School's Tegan Bernard knows that not everyone can be mentored or helped in the same way.
2 years ago
Scottsdale Prep senior Jay Robertson. (Jay Robertson Photo)...
Character Counts

Scottsdale Prep senior Jay Robertson combines nature and nurture

There are two things 17-year-old Scottsdale Prep senior Jay Robertson loves most in this world: nature and helping people.
2 years ago
(Photo via @Keepers_Care on Instagram)...
Character Counts

Odyssey Institute’s Dylan Mapston wins Character Counts scholarship

Dylan Mapston, a sophomore from Odyssey Institute in Buckeye, was named the 2020 Character Counts scholarship winner on Monday night.
3 years ago
(Courtesy photo)...
Torrence Dunham

Tucson high school senior finds new way to help kids amid coronavirus

Abigail Gahr is making a difference in the lives of kids, families and teachers in the new world of virtual communication amid the coronavirus pandemic.
4 years ago
17-year-old Lauren Kobley displays her Veterans Heritage Project book and figure skating gold medal...
Torrence Dunham

Gold medalist figure skater helps send veterans on memorable trip

Seventeen-year-old gold medalist figure skater Lauren Kobley raised $21,000 for Honor Flight Arizona that sent 18 veterans to Washington D.C.
4 years ago
Brett (left) and Naomi Nyboer (right). (Courtesy)...
Torrence Dunham

Casteel sophomore soccer player uses hands to communicate with buddy

Casteel sophomore Naomi Nyboer can’t use her hands on the soccer field, but she uses them on the sideline to impact the life of an 8-year-old boy.
4 years ago
Sandra Day O'Connor High School senior Oscar Voeller lines up a free throw. (Photo provided by Bria...
Tom Kuebel

Sandra Day O’Connor basketball player uses faith to fight disease, help others

Sandra Day O'Connor High School senior Oscar Voeller has relied on his family and faith to help him prepare for his senior year.
5 years ago
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Character Counts

Arizona Sports Character Counts scholarship winner announced

The winner of the Arizona Sports Character Counts $10,000 scholarship courtesy of Parker & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is Adonis Watt.
5 years ago
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Tyler Drake

Veritas Prep tennis player not letting his disability slow him down

For Veritas Prep tennis player Zachary Radack, helping others and being the best person he can be comes second nature.
6 years ago
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Tyler Drake

Westwood soccer player aiming to help others beyond state lines

Soccer, gymnastics and swimming can be very demanding, but that isn't stopping Westwood High School junior Montana "Tanna" Gilletti from helping others in -- and out of -- the state of Arizona.
6 years ago
(Facebook Photo)...
Tyler Drake

Hamilton tennis player uses unique art form to help former teacher’s son

Hamilton high school tennis player Esha Rajadhyaksha is in the business of helping people. Using a unique art form called paper quilling, Rajadhyaksha is helping change lives for the better.
6 years ago
(Garrett Elkins Photo)...
Tyler Drake

Seton Catholic basketball player delivering on and off the court

While Garrett Elkins steady focuses on his mid-range jumper, the power forward is determined on doing something much more impactful. Making sure everyone gets a fair chance to succeed.
6 years ago
(Twitter Photo/@kevinmccabecbs)...
Tyler Drake

Peoria Liberty football player determined to get back on the field

Just by looking at him, you probably couldn't tell Liberty senior lineman Zach Hunzinger is battling more than just opposing defenses.
6 years ago
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner shows his Football Hall of Fame ring during his ri...
Zach Pekale

Kurt Warner to honor Shane Doan at game night fundraiser

With their playing days behind them, Kurt Warner and Shane Doan continue to leave a lasting impact on the state of Arizona.
6 years ago
Kody Huff (Courtesy Chantal Huff)...
Kevin Zimmerman

Horizon’s Kody Huff more than a rising baseball star

Horizon High School's Kody Huff has recently been garnering attention for his work on the baseball field. But he's been making an impact off it for a while.
7 years ago
Courtesy Vee Hiapo...
Kevin Zimmerman

Campo Verde’s Kanani Hiapo thrives on volleyball court, in the classroom

Campo Verde High School's Kanani Hiapo grew up in a volleyball family. Her siblings all play it. Her parents both coach it.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

Raymond S. Kellis sophomore Chase Weaver balances leadership roles in sports, church

Whether Raymond S. Kellis High School's Chase Weaver is in the classroom, on the field or at his church, he's realized leadership comes naturally to him.
7 years ago
Brianna Anderson and her swimming teammate, Teila....
Kevin Zimmerman

Westwood’s Brianna Anderson makes big differences with little actions

Westwood High School's Brianna Anderson hopes she can cause a ripple effect to help others.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

Marcos de Niza kicker Krysten Muir using football success to build up others

Marcos de Niza kicker Krysten Muir overcame the perception of being a girl football player and is now helping others do the same.
7 years ago
Grant Loftin (Courtesy Grant Loftin)...
Kevin Zimmerman

Arcadia High School’s Grant Loftin leads in lacrosse and beyond

Senior Grant Loftin wears many hats but it's clear he ties the experiences from many of them together.
7 years ago