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on 8/10/2022
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Press Releases
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University hosted the 2022 Iowa Character Awards on Friday, July 29, at Prairie Meadows Event Center. Twelve Iowa individuals and groups were recognized for their exceptional character, including Luanne Kustra from Carroll.
An Iowa Character Awards primetime special featuring the 2022 award recipients will air on Fox affiliate stations during the following dates and times:
- Fox 17 (Des Moines) on Tuesday, August 9 from 8-9 p.m.
- Fox 28 (Cedar Rapids) on Friday, August 12 from 6-7 p.m.
- Fox 44 (Sioux City) on Saturday, August 13 from 5-6 p.m.
The Iowa Character Awards special will also be posted at IowaCharacterAwards.org.
Luanne Kustra received the Adult Citizen of Character Award. Luanne exemplifies 
the Six Pillars of Character through volunteerism. She has been a driving force behind many causes in the Carroll community. She has supported the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Domestic Abuse Prevention Center, the Carroll Community of Concern Food Pantry, and serves as a board member of the Carroll Community Theatre. Luanne launched two holiday initiatives that have served the community for 15 years. The “Holly Jolly Reading” campaign gathers new and gently used books for New Opportunities Community Action Center for children and families who need them. The “Stuff the Bus” project helps the local food pantry provide for families during holidays.
To watch Luanne's 2022 Adult Citizen Character Award video, click here.
The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 150 Iowans for showing good character.
The 2022 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, FOX 17, Prairie Meadows, Murphy Enterprizes, and Alliant Energy. For a complete list of 2022 Iowa Character Award recipients or to submit a 2023 nomination, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.
The Ray Center helps create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior. Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, we provide character education n schools, organizations, families, and communities.
Contact: Amy Smit, Amy.smit@drake.edu, 515-229-9327
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