An expanded program

Last year, the St. Louis Rams stressed how inner strength and character of its players helped win the Super Bowl  championship. 

Now, St. Louis educators are counting on Rams players and cheerleaders to encourage students to develop their own character to make them better persons and more successful citizens.

Over 100 St. Louis area schools are expected to participate this year in a special character-building program to teach the virtues of respect, perseverance, responsibility, self-esteem and service. 

A main feature of the program is a video featuring interviews with Rams players and cheerleaders about these principles.

About perseverance, All-pro defensive end Kevin Carter: "A quitter never wins and a winner never quits. My father told me that over and over again when I was a kid." 

Concerning self-esteem, receiver Torry Holt said "building an inner confidence and self-esteem" is essential to building a better life. 

Eight schools that create and execute the best plans for teaching these character traits will be honored with 10 tickets to a Rams game in December and a one-hour personal visit to their school by a Rams player.

The program is a collaboration of the St. Louis Rams Foundation and the Cooperating School Districts. Last month, two teachers workshops were held at Rams Park in Earth City to explain the program to area teachers. 

Another workshop is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Hyland Center at St. Anthony's Hospital in South County. The third workshop will give additional schools a chance to sign-up for the 2000-2001 school year. 

Any school interested in participating should call Nyla Snyder at the Cooperating School Districts office at (314) 692-9723. 

Participating teachers receive a handbook outlining different ways to teach five different  on lessons. In addition, each teacher gets a 12-minute video in which Rams players explain how these character principles influenced their lives.

Concerning responsibility, All-pro running back Marshall Faulk said, "To be successful, you have to be great at personal decision making." He said making right personal decisions as a teenager is "the big one" when it comes to success later in life.

About respect, Rams cheerleader Bridgett Jones said, "You must respect your faith, your body and your talent." 

On self-esteem, linebacker London Fletcher said, "Never say die; never give up. I've always felt I could come out on top." In the past, Fletcher had been considered to be too small to be a successful middle linebacker. 

Concerning community service, Carter said, "You can't help yourself without helping others. And, I'd never be what I am today without the help of others." 

The announcers for the video were Channel 4 sports editor Steve Savard and Rams color commentator Jack Snow, a former Rams player. Savard said Rams players can be "true role models" for St. Louis youth. 

The Rams Foundation, which helped underwrite both the video and the school program, has pledged $1 million in community outreach funds for "positive youth development" in the St. Louis area. 

This program is one of several CHARACTERplus programs by the Cooperating School Districts.