Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism were recognized Feb. 16 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” Awards Ceremony.

Each month throughout the school year, the LCSO honors the positive actions of the community’s students through the program. The goal 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 young adults.

Some of the local students honored were:

n Mark Bauerle, of Lehigh Acres, an eighth-grade student at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Varsity Lakes Middle School, Life Skills Teacher Elena Baldwin wrote in the Nomination Letter that “Mark has become a very good friend and positive role model for my life skills students. He frequently comes to my classroom to work with my students and helps them if they need it. Mark does this not because he is asked to, but because he has a heart of gold. He genuinely enjoys being with my students and being their friend.”

n Sara Campbell, of Lehigh Acres, a 10th-grade student at Riverdale High School.

Sara Campbell was nominated for two separate acts of courage. The first involved children in the neighborhood starting a fire. Sara became aware of what had happened and immediately responded by calling 9-1-1 to summon the fire department. She began to fight the fire herself. She grabbed a garden hose and rake, and began to apply water and rake the area that was burning. Her immediate response to this fire helped prevent extensive damage. The second act of courage involved her witnessing someone breaking the law. She called law enforcement authorities immediately. Her description and information was invaluable to law enforcement making an arrest. She is an excellent student and is also involved is sports at her school. In both instances her immediate actions reflected courage and bravery.

n Valery Paul, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student at East Lee County High School.

East Lee County High School, School Resource Officer, Cpl. Melissa Smith wrote in the Nomination Letter that “a student reported a cellular telephone being stolen. After viewing the school video, Valery is seen locating the telephone on the top of the lockers. She then immediately walks to the school office. Valery turns the telephone in and never left her name. The telephone was returned to the owner. Valerie was identified on the video as the student who did the right thing.”

The following students were honored together as members of the ABC, or Anti-Bullying Club, at East Lee County High School:

* Tyler Lott, of Lehigh Acres, a 10th-grade student.

* Lindsey Davis, of Alva, a 10th-grade student.

* Victoria Goins, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student.

* Jessica Davis, of Lehigh Acres, a 10th-grade student.

* Annette Rodriguez, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student.

* Emmanuel Candelaria, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student.

* Philip Brumfield, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student.

* Nancy Hovinga, of Lehigh Acres, a 12th-grade student.

East Lee County High School, School Resource Officer, Cpl Melissa Smith wrote in the Nomination Letter that “East Lee County High School students with the direction and creator Tyler Lott started the anti-bullying club called the ABC. Students are attempting to educate their peers on bullying and what to do to prevent it.”