First PLACE! , an exciting community-wide initiative, is a partnership among The Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks®, Characterplus®, and the public schools in Taney County to foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. The students learn a new character education word each month and explore what implementing that word in their life means for them and their classmates. Each Monday morning the school community gathers in the gymnasium to celebrate successes, recognize student achievements, and encourage each other. Students are nominated to be in the prestigious Winner’s Circle. It is a select group of students nominated by their classmates and teachers for exemplifying the nine character words in their academic and social lives.