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Local students honored at Do The Right Thing ceremony

By Staff | Feb 25, 2015

Of the 26 students honored on Feb. 19 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” ceremony in Fort Myers, six were from Lehigh Acres and Alva.

Recognized were:

– Jayden Williams, of Lehigh Acres, second-grader at River Hall Elementary School

School coach Brooke Thorne wrote, “Jayden is an excellent student who never gets in trouble and is always there to help others. During a recent physical education class, Jayden found a wallet with money in it. Jayden could have done many things, but he chose to do the right thing and turned the wallet in to me as his coach. His decision was based on honesty and integrity, and that is why I feel Jayden deserves this award.”

– Vanier Baptiste, of Lehigh Acres, third-grader at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Ayme Pappas wrote, “We were having a hectic dismissal due to the rain and buses not present on the bus ramp. There were three grade levels waiting for the buses. An altercation between two first-grade students started. Vanier quickly stepped in, broke them up, and was coaching the boys by the time I could get there. I am very proud of him, his courage and maturity.”

– Santos Varela, of Lehigh Acres, kindergartener at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Georgian Nesfield wrote, “Santos is a role model in the classroom in every way. He always does what is expected and beyond. He works hard on completing his work, learning new things and helping others. Santos is always kind and respectful toward his classmates as well as adults. He is such a positive role model for all of us.”

– Ariana Raldiris, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “Ariana recently brought a bullying situation to our attention. Ariana became aware two students had been being bullied by another student. The bullying continued and both those students began to worry about coming to school and were feeling very sad about the situation. The bullying was occurring at times that made it more difficult for school staff to be aware of as quickly as usual. Even though Ariana was nervous about becoming a victim of bullying herself, she took a stand and did what she knew was right. Ariana advised us about the whole situation and made sure the students who had been being bullied were identified so they could get help in dealing with the situation. By Ariana having the courage to come forward and help these students, she let them know they were not alone and had friends who care about them. In a time where so many people don’t want to get involved out of fear, it is encouraging to see a young lady have such compassion and be willing to stand up for others. I am very proud of Ariana for being such a great example of good citizenship.”

– William Rapp, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “William is a member of the safety patrol. Every morning, William has a bright smile and a happy comment for people, and is just a joy to be around due to his contagious positive attitude. One day, a student with a broken leg exited his vehicle and began walking on his crutches toward the entrance of the school. After taking a few steps, one of the handles on his crutches broke, preventing the student from walking any further. William quickly came to assist and helped find the missing parts, then stayed with the student and helped put the crutches back together. It should be noted William was in the process of eating his breakfast at the time, and he immediately put everything down without a thought to attend to the needs of the student. When the bell rang shortly thereafter, William picked up his remaining food and entered the school to begin his day, with his hands full. When he saw Deputy Gamez and several students preparing to enter the school as well, he turned back around and pushed open the door, holding it for several people to enter, despite having his own hands full and the remainder of his breakfast to eat before starting class. William is such a wonderful example of being a good citizen and friend, and making time to do kind things for others. I am exceptionally proud of William for always being so positive and kind to everyone he meets and his eagerness to help others. William is amazing and extraordinary.”

– Brianna Meinholdt, of Fort Myers, sixth-grader at The Alva School

Teacher Jaimee Zrebiec wrote, “Brianna displayed both keen observation and wisdom beyond her years after she observed a fellow classmate having a difficult time with a personal situation. Brianna further identified that her classmate was conflicted about going to teacher/faculty member and seeking help. After thoughtful contemplation Brianna made the right choice to seek out a teacher to get help for her friend/fellow student. Thanks to Brianna’s awareness and thoughtfulness the teacher/faculty member was able to alleviate the dilemma quickly.”

Local students honored at Do The Right Thing ceremony

By Staff | Feb 25, 2015

Of the 26 students honored on Feb. 19 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” ceremony in Fort Myers, six were from Lehigh Acres and Alva.

Recognized were:

– Jayden Williams, of Lehigh Acres, second-grader at River Hall Elementary School

School coach Brooke Thorne wrote, “Jayden is an excellent student who never gets in trouble and is always there to help others. During a recent physical education class, Jayden found a wallet with money in it. Jayden could have done many things, but he chose to do the right thing and turned the wallet in to me as his coach. His decision was based on honesty and integrity, and that is why I feel Jayden deserves this award.”

– Vanier Baptiste, of Lehigh Acres, third-grader at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Ayme Pappas wrote, “We were having a hectic dismissal due to the rain and buses not present on the bus ramp. There were three grade levels waiting for the buses. An altercation between two first-grade students started. Vanier quickly stepped in, broke them up, and was coaching the boys by the time I could get there. I am very proud of him, his courage and maturity.”

– Santos Varela, of Lehigh Acres, kindergartener at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Georgian Nesfield wrote, “Santos is a role model in the classroom in every way. He always does what is expected and beyond. He works hard on completing his work, learning new things and helping others. Santos is always kind and respectful toward his classmates as well as adults. He is such a positive role model for all of us.”

– Ariana Raldiris, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “Ariana recently brought a bullying situation to our attention. Ariana became aware two students had been being bullied by another student. The bullying continued and both those students began to worry about coming to school and were feeling very sad about the situation. The bullying was occurring at times that made it more difficult for school staff to be aware of as quickly as usual. Even though Ariana was nervous about becoming a victim of bullying herself, she took a stand and did what she knew was right. Ariana advised us about the whole situation and made sure the students who had been being bullied were identified so they could get help in dealing with the situation. By Ariana having the courage to come forward and help these students, she let them know they were not alone and had friends who care about them. In a time where so many people don’t want to get involved out of fear, it is encouraging to see a young lady have such compassion and be willing to stand up for others. I am very proud of Ariana for being such a great example of good citizenship.”

– William Rapp, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “William is a member of the safety patrol. Every morning, William has a bright smile and a happy comment for people, and is just a joy to be around due to his contagious positive attitude. One day, a student with a broken leg exited his vehicle and began walking on his crutches toward the entrance of the school. After taking a few steps, one of the handles on his crutches broke, preventing the student from walking any further. William quickly came to assist and helped find the missing parts, then stayed with the student and helped put the crutches back together. It should be noted William was in the process of eating his breakfast at the time, and he immediately put everything down without a thought to attend to the needs of the student. When the bell rang shortly thereafter, William picked up his remaining food and entered the school to begin his day, with his hands full. When he saw Deputy Gamez and several students preparing to enter the school as well, he turned back around and pushed open the door, holding it for several people to enter, despite having his own hands full and the remainder of his breakfast to eat before starting class. William is such a wonderful example of being a good citizen and friend, and making time to do kind things for others. I am exceptionally proud of William for always being so positive and kind to everyone he meets and his eagerness to help others. William is amazing and extraordinary.”

– Brianna Meinholdt, of Fort Myers, sixth-grader at The Alva School

Teacher Jaimee Zrebiec wrote, “Brianna displayed both keen observation and wisdom beyond her years after she observed a fellow classmate having a difficult time with a personal situation. Brianna further identified that her classmate was conflicted about going to teacher/faculty member and seeking help. After thoughtful contemplation Brianna made the right choice to seek out a teacher to get help for her friend/fellow student. Thanks to Brianna’s awareness and thoughtfulness the teacher/faculty member was able to alleviate the dilemma quickly.”

Local students honored at Do The Right Thing ceremony

By Staff | Feb 25, 2015

Of the 26 students honored on Feb. 19 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” ceremony in Fort Myers, six were from Lehigh Acres and Alva.

Recognized were:

– Jayden Williams, of Lehigh Acres, second-grader at River Hall Elementary School

School coach Brooke Thorne wrote, “Jayden is an excellent student who never gets in trouble and is always there to help others. During a recent physical education class, Jayden found a wallet with money in it. Jayden could have done many things, but he chose to do the right thing and turned the wallet in to me as his coach. His decision was based on honesty and integrity, and that is why I feel Jayden deserves this award.”

– Vanier Baptiste, of Lehigh Acres, third-grader at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Ayme Pappas wrote, “We were having a hectic dismissal due to the rain and buses not present on the bus ramp. There were three grade levels waiting for the buses. An altercation between two first-grade students started. Vanier quickly stepped in, broke them up, and was coaching the boys by the time I could get there. I am very proud of him, his courage and maturity.”

– Santos Varela, of Lehigh Acres, kindergartener at Sunshine Elementary School

Teacher Georgian Nesfield wrote, “Santos is a role model in the classroom in every way. He always does what is expected and beyond. He works hard on completing his work, learning new things and helping others. Santos is always kind and respectful toward his classmates as well as adults. He is such a positive role model for all of us.”

– Ariana Raldiris, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “Ariana recently brought a bullying situation to our attention. Ariana became aware two students had been being bullied by another student. The bullying continued and both those students began to worry about coming to school and were feeling very sad about the situation. The bullying was occurring at times that made it more difficult for school staff to be aware of as quickly as usual. Even though Ariana was nervous about becoming a victim of bullying herself, she took a stand and did what she knew was right. Ariana advised us about the whole situation and made sure the students who had been being bullied were identified so they could get help in dealing with the situation. By Ariana having the courage to come forward and help these students, she let them know they were not alone and had friends who care about them. In a time where so many people don’t want to get involved out of fear, it is encouraging to see a young lady have such compassion and be willing to stand up for others. I am very proud of Ariana for being such a great example of good citizenship.”

– William Rapp, of Lehigh Acres, fifth-grader at Lehigh Elementary School

SRO Deputy Carolyn Gamez wrote, “William is a member of the safety patrol. Every morning, William has a bright smile and a happy comment for people, and is just a joy to be around due to his contagious positive attitude. One day, a student with a broken leg exited his vehicle and began walking on his crutches toward the entrance of the school. After taking a few steps, one of the handles on his crutches broke, preventing the student from walking any further. William quickly came to assist and helped find the missing parts, then stayed with the student and helped put the crutches back together. It should be noted William was in the process of eating his breakfast at the time, and he immediately put everything down without a thought to attend to the needs of the student. When the bell rang shortly thereafter, William picked up his remaining food and entered the school to begin his day, with his hands full. When he saw Deputy Gamez and several students preparing to enter the school as well, he turned back around and pushed open the door, holding it for several people to enter, despite having his own hands full and the remainder of his breakfast to eat before starting class. William is such a wonderful example of being a good citizen and friend, and making time to do kind things for others. I am exceptionally proud of William for always being so positive and kind to everyone he meets and his eagerness to help others. William is amazing and extraordinary.”

– Brianna Meinholdt, of Fort Myers, sixth-grader at The Alva School

Teacher Jaimee Zrebiec wrote, “Brianna displayed both keen observation and wisdom beyond her years after she observed a fellow classmate having a difficult time with a personal situation. Brianna further identified that her classmate was conflicted about going to teacher/faculty member and seeking help. After thoughtful contemplation Brianna made the right choice to seek out a teacher to get help for her friend/fellow student. Thanks to Brianna’s awareness and thoughtfulness the teacher/faculty member was able to alleviate the dilemma quickly.”