UA Receives National Recognition from Character.org for Two Innovative Promising Practices

 

Union Academy Charter School is proud to announce that it has been awarded two Promising Practices by Character.org, a national organization that champions character development in schools and organizations around the world. The announcement, made today in Washington, D.C., honors schools whose programs exemplify the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education.

This year, Character.org recognized 230 Promising Practices from across the country - only three schools in North Carolina received recognition. Union Academy’s honors went to its innovative Cardinal News Network (CNN) and Mindful Mondays programs—both of which foster student voice, build community, and embed character education into the daily culture of the school.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these programs and practices have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Cardinal News Network (CNN): A Student-Led Broadcast Making Headlines

Cardinal News Network (CNN) has had a profound impact on Union Academy by strengthening school culture, fostering student leadership, and enhancing community engagement. What began as a summer idea among communications interns quickly evolved into a weekly student-driven broadcast that celebrates student achievements and promotes an inclusive school environment. Each episode highlights a diverse range of clubs, extracurriculars, and individuals—including monthly Volunteers of the Month and Character Students of the Month.

CNN gives students a powerful platform to use their voices, develop leadership skills, and represent the best of Union Academy. Younger students look up to the high school interns as role models, while families and community members gain a unique glimpse into the vibrant life of the school. Even the blooper reels at the end of each broadcast have become a beloved tradition, reminding students that learning includes making mistakes. Through this creative and character-focused lens, CNN has become a transformative force—celebrating student potential and uniting the UA community.

“Cardinal News Network has completely transformed how we communicate and connect as a school community,” said Jennifer Sutton Smith, Union Academy’s Director of Communications. “It’s more than just a student broadcast—it’s a platform for student voice, leadership, and belonging. Watching our interns grow in confidence while highlighting the accomplishments of their peers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. CNN has become a unifying thread that brings our students, staff, and families together each week with purpose and Cardinal Pride.”

Mindful Mondays: Character Through Reflection and Connection

Mindful Mondays was inspired by a keynote speech at the 2023 Character.org National Forum, where CBS correspondent Steve Hartman shared moving stories of kindness, compassion, and perseverance. Union Academy’s Character Team brought that inspiration home, creating a schoolwide initiative that engages K–12 students with a weekly video vignette, sparking meaningful conversations and reflective learning each Monday morning.

More than just watching videos, students participate in thoughtful discussions, journaling, and hands-on projects that connect to the week’s character theme. This consistent, shared experience has become a cornerstone of Union Academy’s culture—reinforcing values such as integrity, empathy, and responsibility while encouraging students to apply those lessons in their daily lives.

A Commitment to Character

“These two programs reflect our school’s deep belief that character is not just something we teach—it’s something we live,” said Cynthia Mitchell, Character Coach at Union Academy. “We are honored to be recognized by Character.org and proud of how our students and staff have embraced these initiatives to make a real impact.”

Union Academy continues to prioritize a culture of character, empowering students to lead with kindness, courage, and purpose.

For more information about Character.org’s 2025 Promising Practices, visit www.character.org.