The William H. Barton Intermediate School in Queensbury has been named a 2023 National School of Character.
This is the second time the school has been honored with the distinction from Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities. 
WHBI is one of 36 schools and two districts — and the only school in New York State — to earn the national designation.
“Each of these schools has put in place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org.
National certification is the highest level of distinction bestowed by Character.org. Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted over three million students, staff, parents and community members. The schools and districts that apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools.
Each school is assessed by a team of trained evaluators.
“There is an ethic of care at these schools,” said Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “Working together with students, parents and community members, these schools are creating stronger communities focused on character.”
WHBI earned the national distinction five years ago, and Principal Gwynne Cosh said the school is thrilled to be rewarded again. The WHBI students take Sparatude seriously, she said.
“The students know who they are and who they want to be,” Cosh said. “They know it’s OK to be different, not follow the crowd and lead with their hearts.”
The school will be formally recognized at Character.org’s International Forum held Nov. 6 and 7 in Washington, D.C.
“We are excited that WHBI has once again been selected as a National School of Character,” said Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon. “It is well deserved. The teachers, staff and administrators at the Barton building work hard as a cohesive team to provide the best education for our fourth and fifth grade students.”