Character Moment #20 – February, 20, 2008

There is a big controversy brewing in Indiana these days. The head basketball coach at the University of Indiana has been charged with breaking NCAA violations on how coaches can contact recruits. The university president has given the athletic director until Friday to make a decision about the fate of the coach. The coach has continued to lead his team, but may have coached his last game. The team is tied for first place in the league. The players love the coach. The university has always taken pride in having a clean basketball program. What is the AD to do?

It sounds like a soap opera doesn’t it? The issue though is about the character of the coach. He left his last job under scrutiny and now finds himself in a mess again. The decision will not be an easy one, and it will surely be debated in the papers and on TV for weeks to come.

Being accused of cheating, or lying, or stealing is a major thing. If the allegations prove true, they ruin careers. Even if they are dismissed at times, they still can affect how people view a person’s career.

Having a set of standards by which we can all commit to helps us hold each other accountable in the area of honor. Our honor code was designed a few years ago to highlight what it means to be a Lancer. This honor code is hanging in each of your classrooms. It is a core value of all that takes place here at Orange Lutheran. Look around your room and focus in on the words.

HONOR CODE

Lutheran High School of Orange County is relentlessly committed to Christian character development of each student enrolled. An essential value that is at the heart of a strong Christian character is honesty. Each member of the Lutheran High School family is asked to assume responsibility for refraining from dishonorable conduct.

An honor offense is defined as an intentional act of lying, cheating, or stealing. Each student will commit to faithfully abide by this system of Honor and will subject themselves to negative consequences when they choose to surrender their honor.

As a member of the Lutheran High School family, I commit to relentlessly strive to:

Live honestly

Accept responsibility for my actions

Not to lie, cheat, or steal

Create and cultivate a safe environment

Establish a climate of integrity

Respect myself and others

Overall, I aim to be a person of honor, who values integrity, respect, and service as a redeemed child of Jesus Christ.

It is my hope for all of us that we strive to live honorably as a way to thank God for His love to us. May God give each of us the courage to be people of honor.