Do Right Thing students again honored at Bayshore Elementary
Each month, The Neighbor profiles local students who have been awarded the prestigious Do The Right Thing Award by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The awards recognize good deeds – acknowledging positive actions of our community s students. The goal of Do The Right Thing is to reinforce positive behavior among youths and to establish students as role models for their peers.
From North Fort Myers, this month four students are profiled, including three who were honored for November 2010, Sammy Neal, Savannah Moyer, Michael Staskiewicz, and another student, Elijah Sanchez, who made the October distinction.
They are all from Bayshore Elementary School, which has been noted as Do The Right Thing Elementary School of the Year two years in a row.
“We are going for three,” said Bayshore Elementary Vice Principal Ben Ausman. “In many schools you see siblings trying to take care of younger brothers and sisters; here, that’s not the whole case. These are students who help other students on their own, taking that initiative.”
Usually articles on the awards quote officials, from both the Sheriff’s Office or from the schools, but this month, the students were asked how they felt about the distinction.
“I think just doing the right thing is better for everyone and everything around them,” said Moyer. “It is just being a thoughtful person, and trying to help everyone else.”
“I believe kids doing the right thing provides a better school environment, and a better country,” said Michael Staskiewicz.
His story that follows was preventing a bullying act, something that is rare at that school, said Bayshore officials.
“It can happen, but it was an innocent child being bullied. There was no reason for it,” Staskiewicz said.
Neal also helped a younger child in trouble.
From what could be a simple thing for another child, an episode where a younger student got squirted with ketchup upset both. “He had ketchup on his clothes, and in his eye. “It was all over. I helped him clean up his clothes and his eye.”
He then alerted school officials. What could have been a traumatic day for a very young student needed with the kind gesture.
“I’ve never been nominated for anything before,” said Sanchez proudly. He helped a much younger child who was trying to get her lunch, forgot her cafeteria number and was very upset. He took her to a school official, and all was well with the day.
“It really felt good to be nominated by my teacher. I just moved here, and that made me feel really good about the school.”
Both Moyer and Staskiewicz also belong to the Green Team at the school. “We walk around and pick up recycling around the school,” Moyer said.
Of their aspirations, Moyer said she would like to be scientist, Neal a lawyer or a doctor, Sanchez a basketball player and Staskiewicz an archeologist.
The ceremony that honors the students is very special, said Ausman. “John McGraw of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department leads the ceremonies. The students get a trophy, T-shirts and a sports bag with great things. Most importantly, officials read each individual nomination, so each student has their own time to shine, and parents and guests are invited to the ceremony.”
Here are the four Bayshore Do The Right Thing stories from their school official nomination letters, followed by other honorees from around Lee County:
Savannah Moyer of North Fort Myers is a fifth grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School fifth grade teacher James Guffey, wrote in the nomination letter, that I just love Savannah Moyer She works very hard at becoming a better student and she looks for opportunities to be of service to all of her Bayshore Elementary School family. Savannah knows how to work hard and help other students and teachers make our school great. She is a leader in Fifth grade and a model student of how to share, care, lead and work hard to learn.
Bayshore Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Amanda Byrnes also wrote Savannah ran out to my car because she noticed I had a lot of things to carry in. She helped me carry my bags. She was very thoughtful to over to help me.
Michael Staskiewicz of Fort Myers is a fifth grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School Principal Lynn Herrell wrote it is my absolute joy and pleasure to nominate Michael for the Do The Right Thing Award. He is a very special young man. He is kind, considerate and well mannered. Michael’s hard work is evidenced by his grades at school, all A’s and B’s. If you came to our school to meet Michael you would be impressed with his carefree happy spirit, and he would definitely greet you with a smile. Being respectful and making the right choices is just a part of his character. Although he is always helping others.
“I am nominating him for one incident in particular. One afternoon at dismissal time I saw Michael bent over speaking quietly to one of our Kindergartners. The child was upset and Michael was trying to comfort him. When I walked over to them, I asked what was wrong and Michael said that the child was upset because someone on his bus was giving him a hard time. I told the child not to be upset because I was going to go with him and speak to the student on the bus. On the way to the bus, Michael expressed his concern for the Kindergartner and the way he was feeling. I spoke with the student on the bus and had him apologize to the Kindergarten student. Michael was so concerned about the Kindergartner that he stood outside the bus doors to make sure everything was okay before he himself boarded his bus to go home. This is just one example of the integrity of Michael Staskiewicz.
Sammy Neal of Fort Myers is a fourth grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School Assistant Principal Ben Ausman wrote in the nomination letter that Sammy noticed a Kindergarten student in the school cafeteria that was very upset. Sammy went over to the student to calm this student down and find out why he was so upset. Sammy helped calm the student down, and was able to find out what was wrong. Sammy is a wonderful student at Bayshore Elementary School and he cares about all the students. He is a role model for his peers and continues to make great choices.
Elijah Sanchez of Lehigh Acres is a third grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School Counselor Jan Moretti wrote in the nomination letter that Elijah was in the school breakfast line when a little girl began to cry uncontrollably. This Kindergarten student was crying because she had forgotten her breakfast number. Elijah quickly came to her assistance, leaving his place in line in order to help her. He brought her over to me to help calm her down and then saw to it that she got to her classroom and teacher in order to get her number. He continued to assist her by making sure that she was able to get back in the breakfast line for her breakfast. I was so impressed with how caring and helpful Elijah was in helping this little girl.
Other Lee County honorees:
Xander Mullen of Fort Myers is a fourth grade student at Orange River Elementary School.
Orange River Elementary School, fourth grade teacher, Michael Boddy wrote in the nomination letter that Orange River Elementary School has a large number of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch rate. Many of our families struggle to make it day to day to have food. With food being the number one priority, many times clothing and other basic necessities take a back seat. Many students rely on donations to our school that we are able to provide to them in order to have the things they need.
“Xander transferred to our school this past April and when he saw the great need of several of his classmates, he decided to write two national companies to request socks for his classmates. The companies do not normally give out donations, but were able to make an exception to their rules and provided our school with two boxes filled with socks for students. It was through Xander s efforts that we were afforded this gift for our students. His thoughtful actions and putting others before himself is truly commendable!
Orange River Elementary School Principal Holly Bell wrote Xander is a young man who truly cares about his classmates. The overwhelming needs of his classmates truly bothered his soul until he came up with this idea on his own. He is a hero for realizing his good fortune and caring about others.
Hannah Lamon of Fort Myers is a fifth grade student at Heights Elementary School.
Heights Elementary School Principal Diane Salko wrote in the nomination letter that Hannah is a successful student at Heights Elementary School. She earns excellent grades and always makes positive choices. She implemented a school-wide fundraising effort to raise money to Save the Rainforest for Arbor Day. She organized a core team to take action and begin the cause. She appeared on the morning news show at school to update everyone and encourage students to be involved. Her efforts raised $535.13 for the Rainforest. This is a perfect example of an elementary International Baccalaureate student who thinks compassionately and globally and takes action to make a better world.
Juan JC Nevarez of Fort Myers is a fifth grade student at Tice Elementary School.
Tice Elementary School Assistant Principal Ronda Martin, wrote in that nomination letter that JC observed a situation that involved school safety concerns. He immediately reported what he saw to the teachers and me as the Assistant Principal. The situation was dealt with immediately. No one was hurt due to the quick thinking of JC.
Sophia Ayala of Lehigh Acres is a second grade student at Manatee Elementary School.
Manatee Elementary School second grade teacher Mrs. Ginjer Fassold wrote that I am nominating Sophia Ayala for her care and concern for another student. Recently we received a new student in our class. This student was extremely shy and quiet. Sophia volunteered to be this student’s buddy, to help her learn the daily routines of our classroom and school. Sophia held the student’s hand to and from lunch and enrichment classes to assure that the student felt safe and secure. I truly believe if Sophia had not been her buddy right away, the student would have had a hard time adjusting to a new classroom. However, Sophia made the adjustment an adventure with a friend instead of a scary situation.
“Sophia is a constant role model at school. In our classroom, she is consistently offering to help other students and work together with them to achieve class goals. She is always the first student to offer a pencil or any classroom supply that a student does not have. Sophia is a very outgoing and friendly student. She goes out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable and included in the class family. It is obvious that Sophia makes a conscious effort to be gracious and considerate to everyone and it shows on a daily basis. She not only keeps her grades up but she also has a wonderful manners. That, too, is appreciated in the school environment. Her willingness to reach out and help others has made a great impression on so many. I am hoping that Sophia will have the opportunity to be one who is chosen to be recognized for the warm caring young lady she is becoming.
Rocco Sinibaldi of Fort Myers is an eighth grade student at Oak Hammock Middle School.
Oak Hammock Middle School School Resource Officer Deputy Chris Doughty wrote in the nomination letter that Rocco brought to my attention a safety concern. He had observed something that was not right. With this information I was able to take the next appropriate steps. Excellent job Rocco!
Mikala Hingson of Fort Myers is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.
Alva Middle School Physical Education Teacher Margaret Spradlin wrote in the Nomination Letter that Mikala found a diamond earring in the locker room at school. She immediately turned it in to school authorities. Her actions reflect great honesty and integrity.
The following three students are to be honored together.
Amanda Katz of Alva is a seventh grade student. Ashley Gonzalez of Lehigh Acres is a seventh grade student. Ashley DiCaprio of Lehigh Acres is a seventh grade student. All attend Alva Middle School.
Alva Middle School physical education teacher Margaret Spradlin wrote in the nomination letter that the three girls found money in the locker room at school. They immediately turned the cash in to school authorities. Their actions reflect great honesty and integrity.
Camila Villacreses of Lehigh Acres is an eighth grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
Sarah Ferguson, sixth grade language arts teacher at Varsity Lakes Middle School wrote in the Nomination Letter that Camila volunteered sixty hours of her summer vacation to be a teacher’s assistant. Camila helped the children in their daily activities as well as helping keep the camp clean.
Cassandra Ramirez of Lehigh Acres is an eighth grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
Ferguson also nominated Ramirez. She wrote in the nomination letter that Cassandra volunteered fifty-two hours of her summer vacation at the Lehigh Acres Youth Soccer Organization. She assisted the coach in coaching the team three nights a week.
Alexis Anderson of Fort Myers is an eighth grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
In another nomination Ferguson wrote that Alexis volunteered seventy-five hours of her summer vacation at Orange River Elementary School. She tutored students in the Pre-K Program and assisted school staff as needed.
Tristan Byrd of Fort Myers is an eighth grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
Elena Baldwin, ESE teacher at Varsity Lakes Middle School wrote in the nomination letter that another student made very inappropriate comments to Tristan. Instead of responding verbally or physically, Tristan went to an adult and explained what had happened. The adult was able to help. This was not the first time Tristan had a negative experience with this student. Tristan continues to make the right decisions and I am very proud of him.
Daniel Morales of Fort Myers is a sixth grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.
Varsity Lakes Middle School paraprofessional Carlene Burkhead wrote in the nomination letter that Daniel found an iPhone in the locker room at school and turned it in to the school office. This kind of honesty and integrity in a student needs to be acknowledged and rewarded.
Chandler Tarquino of Bonita Springs is an eleventh grade student at Estero High School.
Estero High School, school resource Officer Deputy Allen Thierer wrote in the nomination letter that Chandler found a substance on campus that was a safety concern. She secured it and brought it to me. I want her to be honored for Do The Right Thing.
The following two students are to be honored together.
Chandrae Bethea of Fort Myers is a ninth grade student. Brittany Johnson of Lehigh Acres is a ninth grade student. Both students attend East Lee County High School.
East Lee County High School media specialist Colleen Mitchell nominated Chandrae Bethea and Brittany Johnson. Mitchell wrote that Chandrae and Brittany had gone to the restroom at school. When they were there they became aware of a situation that was a safety concern. They could have overlooked it, but they made the right decision and reported the concern to their teacher. School authorities were then able to take the next appropriate action.
Brittany Rollins of Fort Myers is a 12th grade student. Meghan Corbett of Fort Myers is a 12th grade student. Jillian Durdan of Fort Myers is a 12th grade student. All three attend Cypress Lake High School.
Cypress Lake High School School Resource Officer, Cpl. Ranju George wrote in the nomination letter that Brittany, Meghan and Jillian were driving together to school one morning when they observed an unusual phenomenon. They saw vehicle hit and injure a duck. The driver of that vehicle did not stop. They could also see that the duck was still alive. Safely stopping their vehicle they proceeded to remove the injured duck from the roadway. They then attempted, via their cellular telephone, to make contact with an agency that dealt with injured birds. They wanted to find a place to transport the injured duck so that it could receive the appropriate assistance. Unfortunately the duck died ten to fifteen minutes later. Together they took the time to help this bird in need. Their actions reflect kindness, compassion and concern for nature.
The Do The Right Thing programs partners in 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.
For information, call 477-1175.