Several students who attend schools in the East Zone were honored Thursday, March 17 at the Lee county Public Education Center on Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Each month throughout the 2010-2011 school year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honors the positive actions of students through the “Do The Right Thing” student recognition program. They were given T-shirts and trophies.

The following are students and schools from the eastern area of Lee County, including Lehigh and Alva:

Alexander Kazmierzak of Lehigh Acres is a fourth grade student at Gateway Elementary School.

School Counselor Sheri St. John who nominated her said that Alexander became aware of a safety concern at his school. She said he immediately informed the teachers. His brave act potentially saved one or more people from great harm. In today’s world of peer pressure and bullying, it was very courageous of him to report this and do the right thing. He is a great example for this award, St. John wrote.

Eldon Woolf of Lehigh Acres is a second grade student at Bayshore Elementary School.

Speech Language Pathologist Angela Trewartha who nominated Eldon wrote that he is a very helpful when he sees another student or a teacher in need. When Eldon noticed that a younger student needed help understanding directions for an activity, he asked the student “can I help you?” He did so without being prompted to do so. He has also helped search for and returned a “Bee Buck” for a student who had lost it. Eldon is a pleasure to work with. His kind and caring attitude makes him a positive behavior model for children around him, Trewartha wrote.

David Lopez of Lehigh Acres is a fifth grade student at Harns Marsh Elementary School.

Fifth Grade Teacher Shandra Backens Zarina who nominated him said that “David has an ‘I care’ personality. He is thoughtful about others feelings and is careful with his actions. I’ve seen this many times but today’s example helped me decide to create this nomination. When other students avoided getting involved and helping, David made a decision to stop, help and take action. He did the right thing. By doing so he showed true character. He is very bright, make great grades, keeps a clean workspace, and most of all is popular with his peers. They look up to him and marvel at his natural leadership and congeniality. I seriously believe he deserves this award for knowing the difference between mediocre and extra effort. He will give extra effort without thinking about it and I look forward to finding out what his future holds or should I say what he has to offer us in the future.”

Juan Torecillas of Lehigh Acres is a fourth grade student at Harns Marsh Elementary School.

Fourth Grade Teacher Amy Johnson, who nominated him, said Juan found a gift card with money on it in the hallway at school. He immediately turned it in to the teacher. “Juan was honest and made the right choice,” she wrote.

Noah Murphy of Lehigh Acres is a second grade student at Sunshine Elementary School.

Noah’s mother, Julie Murphy, wrote “that Noah celebrated his eighth birthday on February 9, of this year. As a birthday gift he received money from his cousin, in the mail. When I got home from work he told me that he wanted to donate his money to the ‘Jump Rope for Heart Program’ which his school is doing to help children with heart problems.”

Mackenzie Cook of Fort Myers is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.

Resource Officer Deputy Bill Patton , who nominated her, said that Mackenzie, while on a break, found an I-Pod Touch in the hallway. Mackenzie attempted to find the owner, but was not successful. Mackenzie then came to the school resource office and turned it in. The owner was eventually located and the property was returned.

Miya Tibble of Fort Myers is an eighth grade student at Alva Middle School.

Resource Officer Deputy Bill Patton said that Miya was in physical education class when she found a gold necklace. She attempted to find the owner of the necklace, but no one came forward to claim it. Miya then turned the necklace over to her teacher. It was later claimed by the owner. Miya was recommended for her honesty.

Carissa Smith of Alva is a seventh grade student at Alva Middle School.

Resource Officer Deputy Bill Patton said that Carissa saw a dog hit by a car she insisted that they stop to check on the well-being of the dog. The dog lifted its head and wagged its tail when Carissa approached, but could not get up. Carissa wrapped the dog in a blanket and rushed the dog to an emergency veterinary clinic. She stayed with the dog three hours while the veterinarian stabilized the dog and cleaned its wounds. Carissa then took the dog home and took care of the dog. She then made flyers and posted them all around Alva asking if anyone knew this dog. Two days later the owner was found and he took dog home. Carissa showed compassion and responsibility by her actions and should be recognized for doing the right thing, Patton said.

Dereck Perez of Lehigh Acres is a seventh grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Teacher Dawn Ades, who nominated him said that Dereck and a couple of other boys found a $20 bill on the gym floor. Dereck gave his teacher the money to see if the owner could be found. Instead of keeping it he chose to do the right thing, Ades said. “I am very proud of Dereck’s integrity. Actions like these show the values that were instilled not only at home but also in the Cadet Program of which he is a member. Varsity Lakes Middle School Resource Officer Deputy Yadi Perez-Luna also wrote that as a cadet “Dereck is part of my Honor Guard Team. He is a very smart and respectful student. I am very proud of him, for doing the right thing. He is also in charge of the Delta Squad which consists of ten children he supervises and mentors.”