CHAPEL HILL — The Kiwanis Club of Chapel Hill-Carrboro recognized 57 “Terrific Kids” Jan. 24 at Glenwood Elementary School.

TERRIFIC is an acronym for “thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, responsible, inclusive, friendly, inquisitive and capable.”

Terrific Kids is a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. Students, pre-K through fifth grade, work with their classroom teacher to set goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance and schoolwork during a given time period.

Glenwood School has seven recognition periods per school year.

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends attend the events as each child is individually recognized and presented with a certificate and other prizes. Of great significance is the “MY KID IS A TERRIFIC KID” bumper sticker given to each child.

The Terrific Kids Program has continued at Glenwood School for several years. The goal of the local Kiwanis Club is to sponsor “Terrific Kids” in all Chapel Hill-Carrboro elementary schools. The clubs sponsorship committee anticipates starting the program in at least three additional schools in 2008-09.

Jim Gray is the chairman of the Kiwanis Club’s Terrific Kids program. For information e-mail him at grayjm@verizon.net.