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Local students honored for Do The Right Thing

By Staff | May 20, 2010

Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism will be recognized tomorrow during the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s ninth “Do The Right Thing” Awards Ceremony of the school year. Also the names of the three “Do The Right Thing Schools of the Year” will be announced.

The ceremony will be held today at 2 p.m. in the Board Room of the School Board of Lee County, Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Each month throughout the 2009-2010 school year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honors the positive actions of our community’s students through the “Do The Right Thing” Student Recognition Program. The goal of “Do The Right Thing” is to reinforce positive behavior among youths and to establish students as role models for their peers. “Do The Right Thing” partners law enforcement, local government, the business and Lee County educational community together in an effort to make a lasting positive impact on our community’s young adults.

*PLEASE NOTE: The Bios of the twenty-four Honorees and the names of the three Schools of the Year are below:

“Do The Right Thing” – Monthly Honorees – Lee County Sheriff’s Office May 20, 2010

Stephen McCarkle of Lehigh Acres is a Second Grade student at Sunshine Elementary School.

Sunshine Elementary School, Second Grade teacher Mrs. Margaret Miller wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Stephen is a kind-hearted student. Our class started early to save ‘Pennies for the Heart’, in support of our local Ronald McDonald House. After I discussed with the class the ways that the monies were used and ways they could work with their family or friends to earn donations, Stephen made his own plans. He went home and emptied part of his savings from his bank and brought it in. He gave $10.69; $2.45 in nickels and 824 pennies! When I asked him if he was sure he could give this much, he explained, “He really wanted to help the parents who wanted to stay close to their children.” His example caught on and many others followed his example of bringing in change for Pennies for the Heart. Every class needs a Stephen to “Do the Right Thing” and set an example for others.”

Aylin Lopez-Lopez of Fort Myers, is a Second Grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.

Bayshore Elementary School, Second Grade teacher Ms. Ann Fuller wrote “I am nominating Aylin for the Do The Right Thing Youth Recognition Program for her willingness to reach out and help another student. Aylin has taken it upon herself to be an ‘extra hand’ for a classmate with a broken arm. She willingly prepares his breakfast so he can eat it; she carries his lunch tray and helps him clean up after they eat. The day this child broke his arm, Aylin was the first student to make him a card and encouraged others to do the same. She has gone out of her way to make another child’s life much easier to manage without being asked. Aylin deserves to be recognized as a caring unselfish, young lady.”

Jer’mari Buchanan of Fort Myers is a Second Grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.

Bayshore Elementary School, Second Grade teacher Ms. Ginjer Fassold wrote “I am nominating “Jer’mari Buchanan for her willingness to always help around the classroom. As each school day comes to an end, our classroom is littered with pencils, erasers, paper, etc. Jer’mari does not have to be asked to help clean up. She is the first one to pick up anything she sees out of place. Often times, she can be seen with hand fills of pencils and paper that she has retrieved from the floor, front table and/or the computer. She is also quick to offer assistance when classroom materials need to be given out or put away. She realizes that the demands of the classroom are ongoing, therefore each day she continues to help in any way that she can. It is a pleasure to have such a helpful student in my class. She has become a role model within our classroom because of her helpful behavior. The lack of selfishness she shows is exceptional. She has a very caring heart.”

Kaylee Robinson of North Fort Myers is a Second Grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.

Bayshore Elementary School, Second Grade teacher Ms. Ginjer Fassold wrote “I would like to nominate Kaylee Robinson. In August 2009 I told my Second Grade class about a 97 year old neighbor of mine. The students wanted to make cards to let my neighbor know that others were thinking of him. Throughout the year, our class has continued to do ‘happy things’ for this man. He lives alone and is often lonely. On March 9th, my neighbor fell at his house and broke three ribs. He was admitted to the hospital and I informed my class. On March 12th, Kaylee came to school with an Easter basket filled with goodies for my neighbor. She also brought in a card for the class to sign. I feel that this was a very thoughtful thing to do. That evening, my family and I took the basket to the hospital to present it to our neighbor. He was so excited. His face was glowing. The gentleman said that the basket made him feel very special. I find it very uplifting that Kaylee took the time to think about cheering up my neighbor and making him feel special. Kaylee is a kind, considerate, young woman and should be acknowledged for this behavior. I hope she will be one who is chosen for the Do The Right Thing honor.”

Adela Alfaro of Bonita Springs is a Sixth Grade student at Bonita Springs Middle School.

Bonita Springs Middle School, School Resource Office, Deputy April Meritz wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Adela is a Lee County Sheriff’s Office Cadet. At a school event where Adela was helping as a Cadet, her keen observation skills helped her observe a student who was making a bad choice. She immediately reported what she had observed and the individual was then confronted by school authorities. Adela does a great job, and I am so proud and glad that she is part of the Cadet program.”

Rudy Lujan of Fort Myers is a Seventh Grade student at Bonita Springs Middle School.

Bonita Springs Middle School Principal, Dr. Ruthie Lohmeyer wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Rudy was on his way to his school bus stop when he discovered credit cards in the grass. He picked them up and when he arrived at school, he immediately turned them in to me. His actions reflect great honesty.”

Johnny Gallagher of Bonita Springs is a Seventh Grade Student at Bonita Springs Middle School.

Bonita Springs Middle School Principal, Dr. Ruthie Lohmeyer wrote in the Nomination Letter that “two boys were pushing and shoving ready to fight when Johnny pulled the two boys apart. He said to the boys ‘it’s not worth it.’ We are proud of Johnny’s bravery. His actions reflect – safety first!”

Doug Shapiro of Estero is a Seventh Grade student at Bonita Springs Middle School.

Bonita Springs Middle School Principal, Dr. Ruthie Lohmeyer wrote in the Nomination Letter that “two boys were pushing and shoving ready to fight when Doug yelled ‘stop’ several times. We are proud of Doug’s bravery. His actions reflect – safety first!”

Alexis Sylvia of North Fort Myers is a Eighth Grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Varsity Lakes Middle School Reading teacher Ms. Sarah Otto wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Alexis donated fifty books, personal hygiene products and other items to the troops in Iraq. She also donated fifty books to the classroom library. Alexis has shown great generosity.”

Jessica Stith of Lehigh Acres is a Eighth Grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Language Arts teacher at Varsity Lakes Middle School, Mr. Brent Engelhart wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Jessica has bagged food for the homeless and helped distribute the food with her parents. Jessica has also participated in a Walk for Cystic Fibrosis this year. She is a wonderful asset to the community of Lehigh Acres.”

Jaclyn Granitz of Bonita Springs is a Eighth Grade student at Bonita Springs Charter School.

In the Nomination Letter, Girl Scout Leader, Ms. Daralene Jones of Fort Myers wrote that “Jaclyn’s smile and service to others has always characterized her ten years in the Girl Scout. She has earned the highest awards achievable through each of the four levels of scouting, and she is not done yet. She is well on her way to earning the highest award Girl Scouts can earn, the Gold Award which less than 1% of girls achieve. Her desire to serve has resulted in her many exemplary projects: outreach to elderly at local nursing homes, co-hosting annual Mother-Daughter Luncheons, producing and distributing over 1,000 ‘thank you’ cards for veterans, serving on the camp staff for several Girl Scout encampments and other projects. After the recent earthquake in Haiti, Jaclyn immediately desired to help in the relief efforts for the injured victims. She created her project named ‘One Foot Forward’ and began collecting gently used medical walking aids for the injured. She has logged over three hundred hours with her project, collecting and shipping over 1,000 medical items to Haiti. She has been appointed with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Bonita Springs to head their campaign for relief as a youth missionary. With the news of the other worldwide earthquakes affecting Taiwan, Chile and China, she is interested in taking her project ‘One Foot Forward’ to establish a foundation. Everyone in the local scouting community knows that if they need/ want help, that Jaclyn is the ‘Go To Gal.’ She also mentors young children and helps at her church. She is a very sensitive, mature young lady that always has numerous projects in the works.”

Breahna Claytor of Alva is a Sixth Grade student at Alva Middle School.

Alva Middle School, Physical Education teacher Ms. Margaret Spradlin wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Breahna turned in a very nice girl’s bracelet. She had found it in the locker room at school and immediately turned it in.”

Aubrey Rubush of Lehigh Acres is a Sixth Grade student at Alva Middle School.

Alva Middle School, Physical Education teacher Ms. Margaret Spradlin wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Aubrey’s actions reflected honesty and integrity when she found a ring in a locker room at school and immediately turned it in to school authorities.”

Margaret Blair McGinley of Fort Myers is a Eleventh Grade student at Cypress Lake High School.

Cypress Lake High School, Arts teacher, Ms. Micki Smith wrote “I would like to nominate Blair McGinley for doing the right thing. Her quick response and kind actions helped save someone’s life. Blair and friends were buying ice cream when they noticed that the server was choking, turning purple and was unable to speak. Blair immediately called 911 and then went around to the back door of the building. The server was able to open the door for them so they could assist her at getting the object dislodged. The server had recovered by the time the Paramedics arrived. Because of Blair’s quick response and cool head, this incident had a good ending.”

Kayla Towle of Fort Myers is a Ninth Grade student at Cypress Lake High School.

Cypress Lake High School, School Resource Officer Cpl. Ranju George wrote in the Nomination Letter that “after school is over Kayla volunteers at Cypress Lake Middle School. She helps out with the ‘Odyssey of the Mind’ Program. Kayla is a great student with a positive outlook towards life.”

Ella Miller of Bonita Springs is a Twelfth Grade student at Cypress Lake High School.

Cypress Lake High School, Mathematics teacher, Ms. Lisa Grabowski wrote “I would like to nominate Ella Miller for the Do The Right Thing Award. She found an I-Pod in a classroom bathroom and turned it in to me. I really don’t think that many other students would have turned it in. She also always does her work and is on task. She is a great student.”

Chelsea Fleeman of Fort Myers is a Twelfth Grade student at Cypress Lake High School.

Cypress Lake High School, Assistant Principal Ms. Tara Meagher wrote in the Nomination Letter that “I would under every circumstance recommend Chelsea Fleeman for any award. She has single-handedly maintained the after school peer tutoring program. She is the only tutor that shows up every Tuesday and Thursday. She is always, a smiling happy person, and a very accomplished scholar. However, what makes her so unique is her kindness and consideration for others. She helps students with any subject matter, even though she was slated to only help with Mathematics. She has helped students ranging from Algebra to Pre-Calculus material, and many of these students on the same day. She helps others without complaint. She makes other students feel students good about coming to tutoring.”

Caroline Doller of Fort Myers is a Ninth Grade student at Cypress Lake High School.

Cypress Lake High School, Assistant Principal Ms. Tara Meagher wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Caroline found an I-Phone and immediately turned it in. The owner of the telephone was grateful for getting it back.”

Maya Patel of Estero is a Tenth Grade student at Estero High School.

In the Nomination letter we learned that “Maya donated one foot of her hair to the ‘Locks Of Love’ Program. Maya is a great student with a very positive outlook towards life. She maintains a 4.13 Grade Point Average and also finds time to be part of the Estero High School Band.”

Kiara Suarez of Lehigh Acres is a Twelfth Grade student at Lee Alternative Charter High School

Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Bill Patton wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Kiara has been an outstanding student since she entered the Lee Alternative Charter High School. She has volunteered and organized all of the fundraising events, for the school, related to honoring students who are graduating. Kiara goes out of her way to translate the Spanish Language to the English Language for the new students while she makes herself available to help the school staff. Kiara has a 3.8 grade point average and it is remarkable that a student of her character can be

Bio of Kiara Suarez Continued:

involved in all these areas while keeping her grades up. It is not often I meet students with such a passion to help the community and fellow classmates. I strongly recommend Kiara for the Do The Right Thing honor.”

The following four students will be honored together:

Connor Edward Roggero of Cape Coral is a Tenth Grade student.

Kelsey Lauren Roggero of Cape Coral is a Eleventh Grade student.

Jessica Francisca Brown of Cape Coral is a Tenth Grade student.

Michael Ivan Brown of Cape Coral is a Twelfth Grade student.

All four students attend North Fort Myers High School.

In the Nomination Letter we learned that “these four teenagers have demonstrated exemplary behavior. A recent situation displayed the maturity, compassion and character of these four teenagers. They individually and collectively faced differing degrees of challenges and adversity and they overcame them. Jessica and Michael were faced with an extremely difficult situation at home. The made the decision to do the right thing to get loved ones the help they needed. As result of that help their lives were adversely changed in an unexpected way. That is when Connor and Kelsey wondered what they could do to help. In their hearts they knew that they had to do something. As a result they were willing to make sacrifices in their effort to help. They opened up their hearts and their home to help Jessica and Michael. In spite of the challenges the four became closer as friends and establishing a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime. The four are active in their school, maintain excellent grades and simply are wonderful teens. The future looks bright for these kids as they head into adulthood with caring hearts, strong moral character and the determination to succeed.”

Do The Right Thing Schools of the Year 2009-2010

Each month throughout the 2009-2010 school year, the schools we will honoring today have actively participated in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office “Do the Right Thing” Student Recognition Program. They have used the “Do the Right Thing” Program to reinforce positive behavior among children and to establish students as role models for their peers. They have been keenly aware of positive behavior, choices and actions as articulated by the “Do the Right Thing” Program and have acknowledged and rewarded this. The have been true partners with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in our combined effort to make a lasting positive impact on our community’s youth.

Elementary School Level – Bayshore Elementary School

Principal Lynn Herrell

Middle School Level – Alva Middle School

Principal Steve Hutnick

High School Level – Cypress Lake High School

Principal Tracy Perkins

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office