Opelika Character Council

This August, Opelika focuses on commitment as our character word of the month. Commitment is choosing to stay dedicated to what matters, even when the work is challenging. It inspires us to keep our promises, support one another, and strengthen the connections that make our community thrive.

Resilience is a key part of character. When things get tough, remember these words from Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts". Keep pushing forward, Opelika! Every setback is just a setup for a comeback. 💪

Fear is a natural part of life, but it shouldn't hold us back from doing what is right. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear."

Whether it's standing up for a neighbor, advocating for our community, or holding true to your values, let's prioritize what truly matters this month!

We often think of courage as a loud, bold action, but it takes just as much strength to be quiet and understand others. Winston Churchill shared this wisdom: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Let's practice courageous listening in Opelika today. 🤝

At the Opelika City Council meeting on July 21, Mayor Eddie Smith, Councilwoman Janataka Hugley-Holmes, and the Opelika Character Council had the distinct privilege of recognizing Darryl Mitchell as our July Character Award recipient for Courage.

When we think of courage, we often think of heroic moments. But courage is also found in the people who consistently show up, step into the gap, and serve their community day after day. Darryl, a lifelong Opelika resident and proud graduate of Opelika High School’s Class of 1990, exemplifies this perfectly.

Through his work as a coach with the Dawg Pound Football program, Darryl invests countless hours mentoring, encouraging, and guiding our young people. He knows that building strong youth takes more than teaching a sport—it requires instilling discipline, setting a positive example, and shaping the next generation of leaders.

Beyond the football field, Darryl is a steadfast advocate for our city. He consistently demonstrates his love for Opelika by promoting neighborhood pride, supporting community clean-up initiatives, and encouraging a safer, stronger city for all of us.

It takes true courage to step up when others step back, and to give your time when no one is watching. Darryl, thank you for your leadership, your volunteerism, and your unwavering commitment to our community's youth and families.

Please join us in congratulating Darryl Mitchell on this well-deserved recognition!

Progress in our lives and in our city requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Muhammad Ali reminds us, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

What is one courageous risk you are willing to take this July to improve your life or the lives of those around you?

Honor and courage go hand in hand when building a strong community. The philosopher Aristotle noted, "You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."

Let's bring our best minds and our most courageous hearts to everything we do for our city this July.

Sometimes, courage is as simple as facing the day even when you feel overwhelmed. In the words of John Wayne, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

Whatever challenges you are facing today, we are rooting for you to "saddle up" and tackle them head-on! 🐴

Building character is a lifelong journey, especially for the youth in our community. As E.E. Cummings wrote, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

To all the parents, teachers, and mentors in Opelika—thank you for giving our kids the courage to find their true selves! 🌟

Are you waiting for the perfect moment to be brave? Dale Carnegie tells us, "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy".

Let's get out there and build our confidence through action this week!