Area students from the Lehigh and Alva areas were among several students honored recently at the Do The Right Thing program held in Fort Myers by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

John McGraw, program director, was the emcee on Jan. 14 and called students to the front to be honored as he read reasons they had been chosen to be winners of the Do The Right Thing January program. The ceremony is held in the board room of the School Board of Lee county at 2855 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Among those from this area who were honored were:

Dakota Smith of Lehigh Acres is a sixth grade student at Alva Middle School.

Science Teacher Paul Dunn wrote in his nomination letter that “while on walkway duty, I was approached by Dakota Smith. He had a handful of papers and weathered looking materials. He asked if there was a trash can nearby and I replied in the cafeteria. I asked Dakota why he needed to know. Dakota replied that ‘he was helping the school by keeping it clean.’ It is not very often that you see a middle school student choose to take their own time to show consideration for anything not directly related to themselves. I think Dakota has displayed very socially responsible behavior.”

Andrew Brienza of Lehigh Acres is an eighth grade student at Alva Middle School.

Alva Middle School, School Resource Officer, Deputy Bill Patton wrote in his nomination Letter that “a student had reported the loss of her school lunch money. We searched the areas where she had been, but could not find the money. A short time later I was approached by Andrew who handed me $25 dollars, he said he found in the hallway at school. The money was returned to the student who had lost the money and she was now able to pay for her lunch. Andrew is a great student and it is a pleasure knowing that honesty and integrity plays a role in life.”

Mitchell Crespo of Lehigh Acres is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.

School Resource Officer Deputy Bill Patton wrote in his nomination letter that “Mitchell found and turned in a sterling silver necklace with a pearl pendant valued at approximately $100. Mitchell is a great role model for the other students at out school and has honesty and integrity.”

Courtney Prevatt of Alva is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.

School Resource Officer Deputy Bill Patton wrote in his nomination Letter that “Courtney found a wallet on the school bus on her way home. She asked several students on the bus if the wallet belonged to them and they said no. Courtney took the wallet home and the next day turned it over to me. The wallet was returned to the owner. Courtney is a good role model for all of the students and has great honesty and integrity.”

Trae Maeder of Lehigh Acres is a ninth grade student at Lehigh Senior High School.

School Resource Officer Cpl. Andrew Penny wrote in his nomination letter that “Trae became aware of a serious safety concern. Fearing for a fellow student’s safety, Trae came forward and spoke with me about the concerns. The parent of the student was informed and the issue was addressed. As a direct result of Trae’s actions law enforcement became involved and the matter was resolved. The student was safe.” Trae’s actions reflect courage and a genuine concern for others, McGraw said.

Jorge Martinez of Lehigh Acres is an eleventh grade student at East Lee County High School.

School Resource Officer Cpl. Garfield Young wrote in his nomination letter that “Jorge found another student’s wallet in the restroom at school and turned it over to me. Inside the wallet was a credit card and drivers license.”

Dontavia Martinez of Lehigh Acres is a twelfth grade student at East Lee County High School. School Resource Officer Cpl. Garfield Young wrote in his nomination letter that “Dontavia became aware of a safety concern at her school. She advised me of the concern and provided critical information regarding what she had observed. As a result of her coming forward law enforcement was able to take the next appropriate action and the issue was resolved. Dontavia got involved, and for that she is to be commended.”

The students received trophies and T-shirts from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.