Rotary Club of Austin
Dawson's character education program is the Early Act First Knight program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin.
Teaching service above self through the visually captivating theme of a knightly hero, and assisting students with character traits throughout the school year. The program teaches students to be civil service-oriented people during their formative years, focusing on traits of respect, friendship, compassion, and honesty.
Teachers select students throughout the year for knighting in dramatic, surprise ceremonies taking place every six weeks in the Dawson cafeteria. Students are selected based on their ability to be role models exemplifying the character trait of the month: friendship, respect, and compassion. Knighted students receive a medal presented to them by one of the Knights of the Guild, dressed in actual Medieval regalia while parents are invited to the stage for their child's knighting.
Fourth and fifth grade students are chosen by their teachers to be Service Club leaders. Leaders are responsible for selecting service projects involving the entire student body.
There are three categories of yearly service projects: school, community, and global projects.
www.rotary-austin.org/get-involved/earlyact-firstknight/