Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt (R-Dysart) pictured in his Toledo office earlier this summer. This upcoming school year, the Sheriff’s Office will roll out a new voluntary award program for area school districts. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TAMA COUNTY – Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt is ready to go big — really big — for area students.

“I want this to be a completely over-the-top, special, make-a-big-deal-about-this award ceremony. Hopefully leave an impact on the kids,” Sheriff Schmidt told the newspaper earlier this month in reference to his department’s new initiative, Be the Example, which is set to kick off countywide this school year.

According to documents shared with the newspaper, Be the Example is a community-supported award program sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office meant to recognize K-8 students who consistently show strong character through everyday actions.

“This award is about more than grades, sports, or discipline records. It focuses on qualities that truly matter in life: integrity, responsibility, leadership, accountability, and respect for others. These are the values that help shape good citizens and strong communities,” the program overview states. “The idea is simple. Celebrate kids who choose to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Whether it is helping a classmate, showing kindness, or taking responsibility, these actions deserve recognition. By honoring these students, the Sheriff’s Office hopes to support the positive work already happening in schools and encourage good decision-making at an early age. We believe that recognizing these behaviors will inspire and motivate students to keep building strong character that will serve them well throughout life.”

Be the Example will seek to recognize at least two students per quarter from each participating Tama County school district – “students who have a real and direct connection to Tama County.”

Teachers, school staff, and administrators will provide the nominations, while the Sheriff’s Office will manage everything else, including the nomination process, review, and selection.

Sheriff Schmidt said he was inspired to create Be the Example after learning about a similar program in Florida called Do The Right Thing.

“Last October, my niece received a (Do The Right Thing) award. I was working and turned on the livestream and thought, we have to do this here,” Schmidt explained. “I reached out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office organizer and chatted with them for a while … But I had to tailor the program to a smaller county our size. The benefit that Lee County has, it’s one countywide school district.”

Schmidt admitted there will likely be logistical challenges during his program’s first year, but Be the Example’s organizing team is ready to work through any hiccups or hurdles that arise.

“My vision is to get through the first year, see how successful it is, go from there. But I think it’s going to be pretty successful.”

Sheriff Casey Schmidt's niece, Harper Schmidt of Lee County, Fla. (front row, right), pictured during a Do The Right Thing awards ceremony this past school year. The Florida program inspired Sheriff Schmidt to launch a similar initiative — Be the Example — in Tama County beginning this school year. Also pictured are Schmidt's wife, Cady (back row, third from left), and his brother, Harper's father (back row, third from right). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Throughout this past spring and early summer, Schmidt met with most area school administrators regarding the program and received a good response. When asked if he was worried at all that the new program would simply become “one more thing” on teachers’ already-full plates, Schmidt said he did consider that.

“On paper, it does have the potential to look like a daunting program. But in reality, the way I explain it is, the only buy-in — the only thing that I ask of teachers — is to keep your eyes and ears open. If you see something that needs to be nominated, it’s that simple. … This is something I’m passionate about, but I don’t want [anyone] to think that it’s a daunting task to nominate somebody. … (In my meetings), everybody was very excited and very supportive of the program.”

Schmidt also stressed participation is completely voluntary, and school districts that do elect to participate are not required to track data; they do not have to host events; and no policies or procedures need be changed.

Be the Example nomination examples run the gamut but could include:

-Helping another student or adult when they need support

-Being honest and showing integrity, even when it is difficult

-Taking responsibility for a mistake instead of blaming others

-Standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly

-Showing leadership through actions, not just words

-Consistently treating others with respect and kindness

When asked what his own three kids think of the program – all three attend the Union Community School District – Schmidt said they’re excited.

“They watched their cousin (win her award). They think it’s cool,” he replied before laughing, “But they automatically think that they’re going to be nominated just because of who they are. … I told the school administrators, I want genuine, authentic acts. Not just, ‘Hey I want to get this cool award. I want to get this trophy.'”

During his sit-down with the newspaper earlier this month, Schmidt repeatedly emphasized the grandiose nature of the awards ceremony itself which will feature a custom trophy and community sponsorships.

“I want parents to think it’s a little over the top. I want it to be over the top. I want it to be special. We’re taking the time and effort to make this a big deal so I want kids to remember it as a big deal,” he explained before later adding, “It’s hopefully (going to leave) an impression that can change the way we view how we treat each other. Because ultimately … it’s so divisive (out there) … there’s plenty of awards for sports, extracurriculars, music, band, academics – there’s so many awards. Don’t get me wrong, those are great. But for me it’s — what about the kids who are just good kids doing great things, helping each other out? … I want to champion that.”

The Tama County Sheriff’s Office plans to roll out the new Be the Example award program during the 2026-27 school year. For more information, including how to sponsor an awards ceremony, contact Sheriff Schmidt at cschmidt@so.tamacountyiowa.gov, or by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 641-484-4111.