'Character Counts', Painted Rock Elementary, Poway, CA

Painted Rock Elementary School in Poway, CA teaches program called "Character Counts".

The 6 pillars of character traits:

Caring, Citizenship, Trust, Fairness, Respect and Responsibility

Inspired by 1st. Lt. Jared Landaker, they believed he represented all the best traits found in "Character Counts". The children in room 19
wrote to Joe and Laura Landaker, his parents, and asked them to come and talk about Jared. They wanted to know about Jared, the choices
he made, how he lived his life and how he stood firm for what he believed.

The children in room 19!

The children filed into the class, each wearing a white t-shirt
with the words, 'Character Counts in Everything' and a smiling Photo of Jared, a touching moment for all.

Laura and Joe prepared a beautiful power point depicting
the story of Jared's life which she shared with the class.

After the power point, the children raised their hands forever asking questions, questions and more questions about Jared. Joe and Laura shared fond memories and fun stories about Jared that delighted and intrigued all of us.

The Landakers gave each child a t-shirt from the first annual
Jared Landaker Memorial Run.

Center of attention was a photo board displaying pictures of Jared's later years.

View the 2007 Jared Landaker Tribute from Room 19!

Also see Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Memory of Jared Landaker

Photos courtesy of Dian Self
posted 4/06/08