Character Development Program (CDP)

The Medal of Honor Convention Twin Cities partnered with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to facilitate a first-of-its-kind statewide education initiative.  By implementing the Medal of Honor Character Development Program (CDP) in schools across the State of Minnesota, we hope to inspire our future leaders by promoting courage, commitment, integrity, citizenship, sacrifice and patriotism, and provide lasting value to our communities.


 

Minnesota Medal of Honor Recipient

Leo Thorsness is currently the only living Medal of Honor recipient from Minnesota. This week, his hometown of Walnut Grove and a neighboring town, Westbrook, honored him by hosting two recipient school visits and dedicating a city park in his name. 


 

Elementary Character Development Program

The State of Minnesota launched the new Elementary Level Medal of Honor Character Development Program this week in conjunction with the Convention.  This cutting-edge program was highlighted at events throughout the week by Tom Kelley, President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and Ron Rand, President and CEO of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.  


 

CDP Training Highlights

»  Over 75 schools and districts trained

»  District-wide training for Minnesota Transitional Schools:

    • MTS Elementary School 
    • MTS High School 
    • MTS Banaadir Academy 
    • Banaadir South 
    • MTS, P.E.A.S.E. Academy 
    • General Colin L. Powell Leadership Academy 
    • Minnesota Virtual High School 
    • MN Connections Academy 

 

CDP DEVELOPMENT

Local Minnesota teachers developed the Elementary Level CDP lesson plans during a teacher-writing workshop.  Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry spoke to teachers and assisted in the process.


 

School Visits

»  Six school visits took place in advance of the Convention.

»  14 school visits took place during the week of the Convention.

»  All schools chosen for visits have implemented the CDP.

»  The schools have a wide cultural and demographic range:

    • Rural and inner city
    • ALL grade levels (pre-K to 12th grade)
    • Blackhawk helicopters provided transportation for recipients at 5 outlying schools. 
    • After school youth programs in the Minneapolis Public School District assembled at the University of Minnesota for an auditorium, town hall style school visit. 

The State of Minnesota is the second state to pass legislation recommending the Medal of Honor
Character Development Program in the state’s
character education bill.

(Section 120B.232)