Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism was recognized during the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s fifth “Do The Right Thing” Awards Ceremony of the school year.

The ceremony was January 13 in the board room of the Lee County School board at the Public Education Center in Fort Myers.

Each month throughout the 2010-2011 school year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honors the positive actions of Lee County students 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, said John McGraw, director of the program. Some 18 students were honored at the ceremony. The following are students from the east zone:

* Sabrya Prim of Lehigh Acres is a third grade student at Harns Marsh Elementary School.

School Paraprofessional Cinya Cortes wrote in her nomination letter that “we had several students that were sick at school, one day, with Sabrya being one of them. Her mother was summoned to come to pick her up from school to take her home. As Sabrya was on her way out to her family’s car she found a wallet. Even though she was sick, she picked it up and immediately brought it in to the school office, and turned it in. The wallet contained money, credit cards and a driver’s license. Sabrya made a very good choice.”

* Veronica Arredondo of Lehigh Acres is a second grade student at Manatee Elementary School.

Second Grade Teacher Ginjer Fassold, who nominated the student, wrote that “I am nominating Veronica Arredondo for the Do The Right Thing Youth Recognition Program for her willingness to reach out and help someone in need. One day Veronica brought to school a full bag of barely used and well kept girl’s clothes and shoes for donation. She said that she had outgrown the clothes and shoes and was hoping that they could be used by someone in need. I was so touched by this. One fact that Veronica was unaware of was that I have a dear friend whose son and daughter in law’s house had recently burned down. They had been unable to save anything from their home. They left with the clothes on their backs. That couple has two small children. I was touched by Veronica and her family’s whole heartedness. t is wonderful that Veronica is thinking of others at this time of the year. Instead of making her Christmas list, she is giving to the needy!

“Veronica and her family are always giving to class feasts. Veronica is becoming a remarkable role model for all the students and friends in her life. She has such a very caring heart and should be rewarded for being the kind and thoughtful individual she is every day. I hope that Veronica will be one who is chosen to be recognized for the warm, caring young lady she is becoming.”

* Alicia Dawson of Lehigh Acres is a fifth grade student at Manatee Elementary School.

Fifth Grade Teacher Kristie Kennedy wrote: “I am nominating Alicia Dawson for the program for her care and concern she demonstrated at school during a serious situation. Alicia was concerned and alerted me to the situation so I was able to handle it. Without Alicia doing the right thing, the situation could have gotten much worse. I am proud of Alicia and what she did. Alicia is also a very responsible student in class who works hard and keeps track of her assignments. I feel that she is the perfect candidate for this award.”

* Matthew Sanchez of Lehigh Acres is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.

Seventh Grade mathematics teacher Sharon Wall nominated Matthew “because of his consistent, commendable tenacity and positive attitude toward his school work and life in general in light of his hearing loss and regular use of hearing aids. Matthew, of course, has a tremendous amount of support from his parents, speech and hearing therapists and teachers, but it is readily apparent that he draws upon his own internal motivation to focus and do well in school, to make good choices in friends, and to regularly communicate orally, although speaking clearly is very difficult for him at times given his hearing loss. Matthew remains a positive influence to his peers as well as education professionals. I highly recommend that Matthew be awarded the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.”

* Britton Howell of Fort Myers is an eighth grade student at Alva Middle School.

School Resource Officer, Deputy Bill Patton, wrote in his nomination letter, that “Britton has always been an honest student and quick to help out with the class. Britton approached me with a very expensive cellular telephone that she had found after class and turned it in. It is not often in this day and age that young students would go out of their way to turn in something that does not belong to them.”

* Alyssa Ratz of Lehigh Acres is a sixth grade student at Alva Middle School.

Peggy Spradlin said in his nomination letter that “Alyssa turned in a book bag that contained a wallet with money, a cellular telephone and other important items. I recommend Alyssa for the Do The Right Thing Award.”

* Megan Wong 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 said in his nomination letter that “Megan completed 12 hours of community service during October. She assisted various organizations in her school and community. At Varsity Lakes Middle School, Megan tutored Mathematics students, volunteered at Friday Night Live, and helped run the concession stand during the basketball games. Outside of school, Megan assisted her church by volunteering in the Children’s Ministry and helping with a church-wide car wash. Megan is the type of person we would like all of the students to become.”