Students at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School learn about character development, which is taught in every area of the school.

What happens when you don’t tell the truth? What are the consequences? How does it affect your life?

Fourth-graders at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School in Delray Beach pondered these questions while reading the Newberry Honor-winning novel On My Honor.  The story centers on a boy named Joel whose friend drowns while they are swimming in a dangerous river.

During the discussion, students were asked to weigh in on Joel’s decision to hide the truth about the drowning.

“Lying makes it worse,” one student chimed in.

Another student said: “You don’t value your friends until they’re gone.”

Students at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School were discussing Marion Bauer’s book because it is one of many that focuses on the development of character. At St. Vincent, the school's theme, Build a Better World by Building a Better You, is taught throughout the school: in classroom projects, curriculum and activities.

“We are under construction,” said Vikki Delgado, principal at St. Vincent. “Sometimes we fail, but we get up and try again.” (more…)