Memorial students give back Published Oct. 30, 2012 By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- "Students at this age really have an inner drive to be part of something - this is something positive they can be part of and hopefully something they can continue into adulthood," said Kari Halverson, Memorial Middle School counselor of the 65 students involved in the Character Counts Group. Halverson said the Character Counts club was established in 2009 and continues to grow every year to include more and more activities. "This is the first year we have included seventh graders," she said. "Previous years only included the eighth grade group. Right now we have approximately 65 kids in the group. We have a lot of different activities for them to do, so they sign up for two or three activities they really like." Recently, the group participated in cleaning up Darby Land, a playroom located in Roughrider's Pizza. The kids do lots of other similar activities throughout the year. "We have lots of things for them to do and we will be adding more as the year goes on," said Halverson. "Some of the activities include giving tours for new students, acting as assembly leaders, and sponsoring a holiday party in December with money going towards buying gifts for children in need." Other activities include making cookies for Airmen, sponsoring a mental health week, conducting an American Cancer Society fundraiser, Spring cleaning, organizing spirit week and reading to kindergarten students. Halverson said with students in middle school trying to find their place in the world, groups like this help students realize all the good things they can do. "It gives them a place to talk about their ideas, what they think is important and helps to showcase their talents and skills," she said. "We have really talented and great kids at Memorial. They are kind and considerate and are just waiting for an opportunity like this group offers."