LCSO recognizes students at awards ceremony

By Staff | Apr 1, 2015

Humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision making and heroism were recognized on March 19 during the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s “Do The Right Thing” awards ceremony.

Each month throughout the school year, the LCSO will honor 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 local students were recognized:

– Isaiah Ceron, of Lehigh Acres, is a fourth-grade student at Sunshine Elementary School

Sunshine Elementary School teacher Kim Tarsenko wrote, “Isaiah should be honored because he is an exceptional young man who is always on his best behavior. He is always following the ‘AIMS’ rules, which is: ‘active learner, integrity, mutual respect and sense of community. Isaiah has also been awarded a good citizenship award and is very deserving of the Do The Right Thing award.”

– Dannielle Jamieson, of Lehigh Acres, is a first-grade student at Sunshine Elementary School

Sunshine Elementary School teacher Wykeisha Fikes wrote, “While in class, one day, a student mentioned that her birthday was the next day, but she did not think she would be able to bring any snacks for the class to celebrate. The next morning, Dannielle brought in a twenty pack of bag of potato chips for the class to enjoy. She expressed that she brought the snacks for the student who would be celebrating her birthday, just in case she was not able to bring any of her own. This made the birthday student extremely happy. In class we had been talking about our class community and helping one another, and Dannielle’s act of kindness was an amazing example of caring and commitment to others. Her selfless act, not only made the birthday student happy, but warmed my heart to know that students at such a young age care for their peers. I think Dannielle is an awesome candidate for this award!”

– Ja’mari Mattis, of Lehigh Acres, is a first-grade student at Sunshine Elementary School

Sunshine Elementary School teacher Anne Schorle wrote, “Ja’mari Mattis is an exceptional student and young man. Each day Ja’mari demonstrated positive behaviors, lends a helping hand, and strives to put others needs before his own. If a student in class is upset, Ja’mari brings them a tissue, if waiting in line Ja’mari will let others take a turn before he does. If he observes someone struggling to carry something he will ask if he can help and finally if anyone needs help cleaning up Ja’mari is there. These are just a few examples of the positive impact he has on our first grade classroom. He enters the classroom each morning with a greeting and an infectious smile. His kind spirit shines through all he does. On numerous occasions other teachers and staff members have come to the classroom to share a kind deed, word or action Ja’mari has done for them. He deserves this award because of the way he lives as an example to all, everyday.”

– Gabriela Morales-Velazquez, of Lehigh Acres, is a fifth-grade student at Sunshine Elementary School

Sunshine Elementary School teacher Elia Sorice wrote, “Gabriela is a model student and constantly doing the right thing. She has received A/B Honor Roll twice, is an avid reader, and is constantly completing her assignments and tasks in school. She is a great role model and stays away from students who are off task. She always helps others without even being asked! I thought of Gabriela as soon as I thought of a good role model!”

– Eneida Ayala, of Lehigh Acres, is a first-grade student at River Hall Elementary School

River Hall Elementary School teacher Mrs. Stubelt wrote, “Eneida is a leader and a role model for her classmates. She always goes above and beyond when completing her assignments and is the first student to help anyone in need. Eneida recently helped two classmates find their lost jackets on a very cold day. That is why I feel she should be awarded with the Do The right Thing Award.”

– Barbara “Bobbijo” Butler, of Lehigh Acres, is a fifth-grade student at River Hall Elementary School

River Hall Elementary School teacher Becky Silcox wrote, “Barbara (also known as Bobbijo) walked into a classroom where a substitute was in for an absent teacher. Barbara immediately noticed a fight beginning to break out between two girls. The substitute appeared to not know what to do. Barbara also noticed the hesitation, and reacted immediately to what was happening. She rushed across the hall and let another teacher know so that the matter could be taken care of. She did the right thing by comprehending the situation in its entirety and immediately getting appropriate help by letting someone know.”

– Danny Camis Jr., of Fort Myers, is a fourth-grade student at Bayshore Elementary School

– Aiden Emery, of North Fort Myers, is a fourth-grade student at Bayshore Elementary School

– Hailey Kasney, of Alva, is a fourth-grade student at Bayshore Elementary School

– Miguel Zacarias-Lopez, of Fort Myers, is a fourth-grade student at Bayshore Elementary School

Bayshore Elementary School, teacher Alison Ackerman wrote, “I am nominating these four students because they helped to spearhead a campaign at our school to raise money for the family of a former student at Bayshore Elementary. This child named ‘Ruby” was not able to return to school this year, because she became very ill and was receiving medical treatment. She would have been in the third grade. As a service project the National Honor Society wanted to help. These four students are members of the Society. They created posters and spread the word that the student needed help. These four students went above and beyond during the ‘Reindeer for Ruby’ campaign, the week before the Christmas break. These four students sold things before school, and daily would count the money and deposit it into the bank account. They had set a goal of $1000, but with hard work and generous hearts, they actually raised $3700 for Ruby’s family. In addition to the money, they sent a specially made a greeting card for Ruby that had the signature of each child and staff member on it. Her family was thankful for the gift and responded with a heartfelt thank you. Of course, we hope Ruby will be able to return to our school very soon!”

– Derrick Waters, of Lehigh Acres, is a ninth-grade student at East Lee County High School

East Lee County High School teacher Hughey White wrote, “Derrick should be honored because he found a wallet, and came to me to ask for permission to turn it in to lost and found. Derrick immediately turned it in to school administration. His actions reflect honesty and integrity.”

– Carlos Diaz, of Lehigh Acres, is a ninth-grade student at East Lee County High School

East Lee County High School staff member Obed N. Morales wrote, “Carlos should be honored because of his honesty and integrity. Carlos found a wallet that contained cash and identification cards. Carlos immediately knew what he would do. He went to the administration office and turned the wallet in.”