Union Academy juniors, Caroline Seaford and Tiffany Mason, were selected to participate in Character.org’s National High School Leadership Academy this school year. Comprised of educators, researchers, business and civic leaders who care deeply about the vital role that character will play in the future, Character.org empowers people of all ages to practice and model core values that shape our hearts, minds, and choices and is the organization that designates National Schools of Character, such as Union Academy. 

This national group of high school students met virtually throughout the school year to work on a social media campaign about Integrity. Student groups brainstormed, collaborated, and implemented their ideas into one meaningful campaign.

Caroline said, “The Character.org leadership Academy was an amazing experience, and I learned valuable lessons from students across the nation. I also found the importance of collaborating while creating a shared vision. My biggest takeaway was learning not only the responsibilities of a leader, but how we can serve our school community with integrity and respect.” 

Together, the students decided to launch a social media campaign to inspire others using the hashtag – #DoTheRightThing. The students executed two different campaigns — one based on a Game Show format and another based on interviews with high school students, on when it was difficult for them to do the right thing.

The Character.org creative team edited the student videos to create a series of short 60-second inspirational messages that are being posted on TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram throughout the summer of 2023.

“Through being a part of Character.org’s National High School Leadership Academy, I learned the importance of doing the right thing even when it’s hard,” stated Tiffany.