Do Right Thing honorees announced
Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism will be recognized tomorrow during the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s seventh “Do The Right Thing” Awards Ceremony of the school year.
The ceremony will be held Thursday March 18, 2010, at 2:00 PM 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 Honorees are below:
March 18, 2010 – Lee County Sheriff’s Office – Do The Right Thing – Honorees
Elizabeth Gardner of North Fort Myers is a Fifth Grade student at Hancock Creek Elementary School.
Hancock Creek Elementary School First Grade Teacher Ms. Carol Tucker wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Elizabeth is a special friend to one of my First Grade students. This fall when that student’s father was sick with cancer, Elizabeth, who is that student’s neighbor, would invite her over to play every day. Often times when the student would visit her bed-ridden dad, Elizabeth would come in the room with her for support. When the student’s father passed away in December, Elizabeth was instrumental in helping her cope with her father’s death by being a wonderful friend and neighbor.”
Austin Petersen of Estero is a Fifth Grade student at Spring Creek Elementary School.
Spring Creek Elementary School, Gifted Education Teacher for Grades 2-5, Ms. Beth Graziani wrote in the Nomination Letter that “recently Austin won a $30 cash prize for coming in first place in a Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest. The next day, the country of Haiti was struck by an earthquake. Our Fifth Grades decided to collect money for Haiti, Austin donated his entire prize to this cause. He said ‘I can’t think of a better thing to do with it’.”
Tessa Ann Daniels of Bokeelia, is a Fifth Grade student at Pine Island Elementary School.
Pine Island Elementary School, Fifth Grader Teacher, Ms. Maria Smedley wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Tessa Ann Daniels is one of the most creative, intelligent, sweet-natured students of my teaching career. She presented a well organized plan to gather resources for the animals at the Humane Society. She passed out boxes and fliers to each classroom and will be picking them up on Friday. The Project was her idea and her presentation of the Project to the school was well executed. The Do The Right Award would be a well deserved for Tessa’s Project.”
Dawson Kenyon of North Fort Myers, is a Second Grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School Second Grade Teacher Ms. Ann Fuller wrote that “I am nominating Dawson Kenyon, for his willingness to reach out and help another student. Dawson has diabetes, and when a younger student was recently diagnosed with diabetes, Dawson took the time to talk with him about his insulin pump and how he handles his diabetes. He regularly stops at the other child’s classroom to take him to the School Clinic for their blood testing. Dawson handles this physical challenge with a great deal of knowledge, confidence and grace. He has made the younger child more comfortable with his diagnosis, as well as less embarrassed and scared. Dawson deserves to be recognized as a caring, unselfish, young man.”
Dylan Stewart of Alva, is a Third Grade Student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School, Third Grade Teacher, Ms. Joelle Beverly wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Dylan Stewart is always doing the right thing. As a matter of fact, he makes good choices and helps others so often that it has become a standard for him. In the beginning of the year, he would walk Kindergarten students to their buses and out to parent pick up, just because it was the right thing to do. He brings in his own personal books to share with the others in class. He consistently offers to help his peers when he is finished with his class work. Last week when the cold snap came, I watched him offer his own warm jacket to a disadvantaged student in our classroom. He did this without being asked, and without knowledge of being watched. It is a joy and a pleasure to spend my days with such a selfless and considerate person. I am incredibly proud of him. I want to honor him for those unselfish acts of kindness and I greatly appreciate the opportunity that
Dylan Stewart continued:
the Lee County Sheriff’s Office provides. Dylan is a role model, a leader,
and a shining example of the amazing children that can be found her at Bayshore Elementary School. Thank you for your consideration.”
Nicole Glover of North Fort Myers is a Second Grade Student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher, Ms. Ginjer Fassold wrote in the Nomination Letter that “I am nominating Nicole Glover for her willingness to reach out and help animals in need. This year for Nicole’s birthday party, she is having a veterinary themed party. With this theme in mind, Nicole decided to request donations of animal food and supplies in lieu of regular gifts. This is an amazing request for a seven year old. Instead of asking for the newest toys, Nicole would rather help those animals that can not help themselves. Her plan is to have the party at her house, receive the donations for the animals and deliver them to the Animal Refuge Center. This lack of selfishness is exceptional. Nicole is showing her friends how to giving people. Nicole has a very big heart and should be rewarded for being such a leader. She is a role model to the other students in our class and I hope that Nicole will be recognized for the warm, caring young lady she is becoming.”
The following three students are to be honored together:
Jake McGovern, Peyton McGovern and Kayla McGovern are siblings residing in North Fort Myers. Jake and Peyton McGovern are Second Grade Students at Bayshore Elementary School. Kayla McGovern is a Sixth Grade Student at Oak Hammock Middle School.
Bayshore Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher, Ms. Ginjer Fassold wrote in the Nomination Letter that “I am nominating Jake, Peyton and Kayla McGovern for their care and concern for others following the earthquake in Haiti. These siblings were very disturbed by the news stories of the earthquake and aftershocks that have shattered the existence of so many Haitians. Jake, Peyton along with their sister Kayla decided to have a bake sale and a lemonade stand to collect donations for the people of Haiti. Prior to the event Peyton said that they had a particular fund raising goal in mind, and if they needed to they would have more that one bake sale to reach their goal.
The three children are constant role models at home and at school. At home they have the responsibility of helping to care for a new puppy and complete
Jake, Peyton and Kayla McGovern continued:
their daily chores. In our classroom Jake and Peyton are consistently offering to help other students and work together to achieve class goals. They never hesitate to help a student who has expressed that they do not understand something. They are outgoing and friendly students. They go out of their way to make new students feel comfortable and included in the class ‘family.’ They obviously make a conscious effort to be gracious and considerate to everyone and it shows on a daily basis. They not only keep their grades up but have wonderful manners. Their willingness to reach out and help others has made a great impression on so many. There are numerous children these days that have the ‘what about me’ attitude. In the McGovern Family, they have the ‘what about others’ attitude. They have chosen to try and touch others. I hope that Peyton, Jake and Kayla will have the opportunity to be the ones chosen to be recognized for the warm, caring young people they are becoming.”
The following two students are to be honored together:
R. Trenton Morell and Michael Morell are brothers who reside in Fort Myers. R. Trenton Morell is in Eighth Grade. Michael Morell is in Fourth Grade. They both attend Canterbury School.
In the Nomination Letter we learned that “the spirit of giving is alive and well with the Morell Brothers! This past holiday season Trenton and Michael, spent enormous amounts of their own time and money working for the good of people whom they had never met.
Trenton had read about the volunteers at Lee Memorial Hospital collecting items for the Troops, and wanted to be part of the effort. Trenton organized three different drop-offs full of supplies for the Troops. He organized the first two with his Boy Scout Troop and sent bags of supplies over to the Troops in time for Thanksgiving. He and his brother Michael personally delivered them. That felt so good, that Trenton organized another one in time for Christmas. Then, the brothers learned that the troops were asking for used DVD’s, so they called friends and family asking for donations of this item. In the end their efforts yielded dozens of movies for the Troops to enjoy. Trenton also learned of a way to send Holiday cards to recovering, injured American soldiers being treated at Walter Reed Medical Center. He organized an effort that resulted in over 120 cards being sent to these wounded men and women.
R. Trenton Morell and Michael Morell continued:
The brothers became aware of special needs in our community. Rev. Israel
Suarez of the Nations Association was on the television news explaining that he was short of toys for needy children. They knew that they had to do something. Trenton and Michael decided to donate the equivalent of nearly three month’s allowance that they had been saving to help. They also contacted neighbors and friends for help in this cause. They proceeded to purchase items and on December 21, Michael and Trenton delivered a total of 130 toys, a $50 check, 80 cans of food, and a lighted Christmas tree, to Rev. Suarez. While standing there in the waiting room, the boys noticed a sign about a free Christmas dinner in the park that the Nations Association was providing. At the bottom of the Flyer it said ‘Special Note – this year we will be giving out used clothing.’ The boys knew it was getting cold and many people would be in need of warm clothing. They began to scour around for donations of clothing. The next day the boys delivered four dozen coats, jackets, sweaters and shoes to be given out.
The following day, the boys spent their afternoon ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. They invited two friends to come along and help out. These friends had never had that experience before and loved being able to collect money for those in need. Everyone was singing Christmas carols and ringing the bells and having so much fun. The boys invited their aunt to join. She came with musical instruments and now they had a band. When the friend’s mom showed up, to pick her kids up, she started singing and ringing the bell too. When Trenton and Michael’s father showed up after work, still dressed in his work clothes, he began to help too. Before long eight people were singing their hearts out and working to help those whom they would never meet. Their enthusiasm was contagious and the passerby’s were having fun donating as well. When their kettle time was over, the kettle was full of donations, it was hard to carry.
Trenton and Michael have never given so much of themselves to help others before. Their energy was inspiring, their momentum was amazing. They learned valuable lessons, passed those lessons on and inspired many others along the way and look forward to helping out again next year. Please consider them for the Do The Right Thing Award. Thank you.”
Ashley Castro of Bonita Springs is an Eighth Grade Student at Bonita Springs Middle School.
Bonita Springs Middle School, Principal Dr. Ruthie Lohmeyer wrote in the Nomination Letter that “every weekend Ashley helps her mother deliver food to the homeless people in Riverside Park. Ashley has good grades and her behavior is exemplary. She loves Bonita Springs and she feels very sad for people who are poor. She says ‘that could be me’ and she chooses to help the people in need. I am honored to be her Principal.”
Rebecca Archey of Bonita Springs, is a Seventh Grade Student at Bonita Springs Middle School.
Bonita Springs Middle School, Assistant Principal, Mr. Bob Scallan wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Our School has a relationship with a local computer club that donates computers to our neediest students. Just before Christmas, Rebecca’s dream of getting a laptop computer came true when she was informed that she would be receiving a free computer. It was going to be a great Christmas. But after further thought, Rebecca realized that her family already had a computer in their home and that there were probably other students in the school who could benefit more from receiving the free laptop. So Rebecca graciously and unselfishly declined the laptop so that it could be given to a more deserving student. Because of her generosity, Christmas for a needy student was made a whole lot brighter and merrier. Rebecca’s actions exemplify the highest degree of compassion and moral character that we love to see in our students.”
Jennifer Baptiste of Lehigh Acres is an Eighth Grade Student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
Varsity Lakes Middle School, Reading Teacher, Ms. Sarah Otto wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Jennifer is a great student and is always attentive with all her work. Jennifer recently donated $600 from her College Fund to help in the Haitian earthquake relief effort. This shows that Jennifer is a very generous person and she should be recognized for this donation.”
Devyn Duncan of Alva, is a Sixth Grade Student at Alva Middle School.
Carissa Smith of Alva, is a Sixth Grade Student at Alva Middle School.
Alva Middle School, School Resource Officer, Deputy Bill Patton wrote in the Nomination Letter that “after hearing and watching the images coming from the earthquake destruction in Haiti. Devyn Duncan and Carissa Smith
Devyn Duncan and Carissa Smith continued:
went door to door in their neighborhood and collected money for Haiti. The money they collected went to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.”
Kaleigh Woodward of Lehigh Acres is an Eleventh Grade Student
at East Lee County High School.
East Lee County High School, School Resource Officer, Cpl. Garfield Young wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Kaleigh became concerned about a safety issue at the school. Instead of doing nothing she came forward a spoke with me about it. Job well done Kaleigh, you did the right thing.”
Amederly Forbes of Fort Myers, is a Twelfth Grade Student at Cypress Lake High School.
Cypress Lake High School, Algebra and Intensive Mathematics Teacher, Ms. Lisa Grabowski wrote in the Nomination Letter that “two students were involved in a physical altercation at school. Amederly stepped up to help the teacher by breaking up the altercation. Amederly has a great attitude towards everything he does.”
Scott Hudgins of Fort Myers is a Twelfth Grade Student at Cypress Lake High School.
Cypress Lake High School, Assistant Principal, Dr. Jonathan Druskis wrote in the Nomination Letter that “during a Soccer Game Scott was able to intervene and calm down a fellow teammate. That teammate was about to make a bad decision and Scott helped that teammate work it out. Scott displays leadership as he is Part-Captain of the Cypress Lake High School’s Soccer Team. He excels academically and is also on the school Track Team. He has qualified for the State of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship and is part of the All Star-State of Florida Team.”
Gaethan Petit-Homme of Lehigh Acres is a Twelfth Grade Student at Lee Alternative Charter High School.
Lee Alternative Charter High School, Spanish Language and ESOL Teacher Ms. Elizabeth Suarez wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Gaethan came from Haiti to our country to seek a better life and educational opportunity. When he set foot on our school Campus in March 2009 he had the inspiration to learn our culture and language. Gaethan did exactly what he had set out to do and passed all educational requirements and passed the FCAT Test. He has become a leader and role model in helping all of the new
Gaethan Petit-Homme continued:
Haitian students at our school. He helps his classmates adjust to the school
schedule and activities. Gaethan uses his own time to translate the Creole Language into the English Language so students can better learn and understand the English Language. He has been an active participant and successful contributor in helping with the Haitian Community. He has gone the extra mile to make sure his fellow classmates overcome the barriers in being part of our community. I am very proud to nominate Gaethan for the Do the Right Thing Award.”