Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism was recognized Thursday May 17, at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” awards ceremony.

The ceremony was held at 2 p.m. in the board room of the School Board of Lee County, Lee County Public Education Center, at 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Each month throughout the 2011-12 school year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honored the positive actions of the community’s students through the 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.

“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 the community’s youth.

The following students were among those honored:

– Joslyn F. Boone of Lehigh Acres is a third-grader at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts.

Veterans Park Academy for the Arts third-grade teacher Corey Julin wrote in the nomination letter that, “Joslyn’s 4-year-old brother was pushed into a swimming pool. Observing what had happened, and immediately responding to this dangerous life threatening situation, she responded. With all her clothes on she jumped into the swimming pool and rescued her little brother. Her heroic actions saved a life that day.”

– Aubrey Rubush of Lehigh Acres is an eighth-grader at Alva Middle School.

Alva Middle School teacher Margaret Spradlin wrote in the nomination letter that, “Aubrey found an expensive cellular telephone and iPod. Without any hesitation Aubrey turned these items in to school authorities. Aubrey’s actions reflect honesty and integrity.”

– Wisline Pierre of Lehigh Acres is a seventh-grader at Lehigh Acres Middle School.

Lehigh Acres Middle School testing coordinator Carmelita Hampton wrote in the nomination letter that, “This student became aware of proposed actions that potentially involved dishonesty and fraud. She knew in her heart that this was wrong. She came forward and shared her observations and concerns so the matter could be addressed. Her decision and actions reflect her courage and strong moral values.”

– Dario Perez of Lehigh Acres is an eighth-grader at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Varsity Lakes Middle School eighth-grade teacher Jessica DiCarlo wrote in the nomination letter that, “I had two students in class get sick – one had passed out and the other student needed assistance to go to the school clinic. Dario took the initiative, without being told to, to provide comfort and make sure the student who had passed out was ok until help arrived. He then assisted the other ill student by escorting them to the school clinic, again without being told. Dario returned to class and then took the student’s belongings down to the school office. Dario showed true character and compassion in that stressful situation. I am so proud of him.”

– Brandon Allen of Lehigh Acres is an eighth-grader at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Varsity Lakes Middle School social studies teacher Tammy Bosnoian wrote in the nomination letter that, “I was informed by another student that a child had dropped a large amount of money on the floor and did not realize it. Brandon observed what had happened. He picked up the money, informed the student that she had dropped the money and returned it to her. Brandon could have kept the money, but instead he did the right thing.”

– Alexis Lasa of Lehigh Acres is a sixth-grader at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

Varsity Lakes Lakes Middle School school secretary Carlene Burkehead wrote, “Alexis found and iPod in the girl’s restroom at school and immediately came to the front office and turned it in. It is very refreshing to see a young person choose honesty over taking something that does not belong to them, especially when that something is as popular as an iPod.”

201112 Schools of the Year

Each month throughout the 2011-12 school year, the schools honored have actively participated in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office “Do the Right Thing” Student Recognition Program.

They have used the program to reinforce positive behavior among children and to establish students as role models for their peers.

They have been keenly aware of the power of positive behavior, positive choices and positive actions as articulated by the “Do the Right Thing” Program.

They have been true partners with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in its combined effort to make a lasting positive impact on the community’s youth.

– Elementary school: Bayshore Elementary School, Principal Lynn Herrell

– Middle school: Alva Middle School, Principal Steve Hutnik

– High school: Cypress Lake High School, Principal Tracy Perkins