The Jeff Hayden Character Award was established during the 2005-2006 school year by then Freedom Elementary Principal Dr. Keith Kline. The award will be given out annually to a sixth grade girl and boy that demonstrate the traits which the school refers to as “Freedom Pride”. Sixth grade teachers make the choice through a 3 step process. They select independently, and then vote independently, until they get to the top five students for each gender. Then through discussion they select the two students that best demonstrate Freedom Pride. This involves looking at student's history at Freedom including academics, specials, recess, lunch, bus, etc.

Freedom Pride, the school's character education initiative, was lauded as one of the nation's finest and includes working with students on the development of strong character as a means to both improve academic performance and to prepare students for life.

In its tenth year, Freedom Pride focuses on the following Freedom Pride Skills: Responsibility, Respect, Citizenship, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Honesty, Motivation, Integrity and Teamwork. Community service projects and working with struggling students in unique ways are also part of the Freedom Pride mission.

The Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation is honored to be associated with Freedom Elementary and proud that they chose to name their prestigious Character Award after Jeffrey. Thanks to Principal Sabrina Hubert for continuing the tradition established by her predecessors.

2006-2007 Award Recipients - Elle Nguyen and Brian Smudski

2005-2006 Award Recipients - Alexis Blevins and Eric Meadors