EDMOND — The Edmond City Council and the Character Council of Edmond recognized Edmond Public Schools’ Director of Elementary Education Lynne Rowley as a “Champion of Character” for the character trait of decisiveness during a recent Monday City Council meeting.

The trait of decisiveness is defined as “The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions,” said Character Council President Jim Hulsey, adding that it’s “ … a trait that, more often than not, requires gathering accurate information, keeping a clear perspective toward making the right choices, and weathering criticism as you follow through with your commitment.”

Nominated as a Champion of Character by Cheyenne Middle School Counselor Lisa Kadavy, who expressed her reasons for nominating Rowley by saying, “Mrs. Rowley is faced with making important decisions on a daily basis for Edmond Public Schools.”

“Mrs. Rowley’s good character is a sure foundation for being able to process information into sound decisions,” continued Kadavy’s nomination. “It takes time and patience to make an effective decision and Mrs. Rowley excels in this area. Decisiveness is not to be confused with rash decision making. Mrs. Rowley knows the importance of consulting with others as needed when making decisions.”

Rowley has been employed with the Edmond Public School System for more than 30 years. During that time, she has served as an elementary teacher, an elementary administrator and is currently the Director of Elementary Education.

The theme of “processes information in making sound decisions” is echoed repeatedly, Hulsey said of Rowley’s nomination.

David Goin, superintendent of Edmond Schools, commented, “I'm pleased to hear that Mrs. Rowley will be recognized. When I think about Lynne and the character trait of decisiveness, decisive actions result from the thorough manner in which she approaches her work. She typically is equipped with pertinent information and sound rationale prior to making recommendations and or taking actions related to her responsibilities.”

In addition, Hulsey said, it came as no surprise that Brenda Lyons, Edmond associate superintendent of Secondary Education remarked that, “Lynne Rowley is a person who takes her time to make decisions because she thoroughly researches the possibilities. Because of this thoroughness, when she makes a decision, it is based on fact, not feeling or conjecture.”

“Her character trait of Decisiveness is therefore deserved,” wrote Lyons of Lynne Rowley.

In Kadavy’s summation regarding the benefit of Rowley’s “unique ability to know what facts are important to consider; knowing the right decision to make and take responsibility to see that decision through to completion,” she wrote: “The benefit of Lynne’s actions has produced trust and integrity amongst her many co-workers, students, teachers, families and friends of Edmond Public Schools. Thank you Mrs. Rowley for your continued decisiveness as you serve others and exemplify good character.”

The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a “Community of Character.” The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced.

To nominate a resident as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, log on to www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, P.O. Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.