The students were recognized at the third “Do The Right Thing” award ceremony for the 2012-13 school year at Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology on Dec. 17.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office adopted the "Do the Right Thing" program in January 1988, and has honored hundreds of children for acts that reinforce good behavior, positive acts, and outstanding accomplishments in the community.
The following students have been recognized for December:
Ava Graziano, fifth grade, Sea Gate Elementary School
While eating at Jason’s Deli, Ava heard a woman who fell out of her wheelchair in the parking lot calling for help. Even though it was pouring rain at the time, Ava did not hesitate to run outside and help lift the woman back into her chair.
Travis Hayden, 11th grade, Immokalee High School and Austin Blocker, eighth grade, Immokalee Middle School
Deputies responded to an accident that left a vehicle submerged in water. Travis and Austin stopped to assist by making sure everyone inside the car made it out safely and also offered one of the passengers their sweaters to keep her warm. Both remained on the scene until deputies arrived.
Logan Madigan, kindergarten, Big Cypress Elementary
Logan warned his family about a grease fire that started on their kitchen stove. His quick response gave his parents enough time to put out the fire before it had a chance to become more dangerous.
Trevor Reed, 10th grade, Barron Collier High School
Trevor learned of an international event called “Go Skateboarding Day,” which is usually held every June. Out of his passion for skateboarding, Trevor worked with Fleischmann Park staff to host the first “Go Skateboarding Day” in Collier County. Coordinating this event required him to volunteer many hours of his time.
Roland Borges, seventh grade, St. Ann School
Roland demonstrated good sportsmanship when he recently competed in a South Florida Judo Competition. Roland competed well, but ultimately lost a match during the finals. During the closing ceremonies, Roland was called out by the judges to receive two gold medals but he knew he actually won only one. He chose to be honest and approached the judges to inform them of the error.
Eduardo Hernandez, eighth grade, Immokalee Middle School
Eduardo was walking down the hallway of his school when he encountered a stranger who wasn’t wearing a name badge. He was concerned about the stranger’s presence and immediately notified a teacher.
Cooper Smith, fourth grade, Lake Park Elementary School
While crossing Golden Gate Parkway to attend a football game at Naples High School, Cooper noticed a purse in the road. Cooper retrieved the purse and handed it to a nearby deputy. The deputy was able to locate and return the purse to its owner.
John Meo III, eighth grade, Gulfview Middle School
John serves as a good role model to others. He is a good student and active in his youth group at the First Church of the Nazarene. Not only is John enrolled in advance classes, he volunteers his time to participate in mission trips, serve meals at St. Matthew’s House, and other projects that help families in need.
Malina Mahan, fifth grade, Palmetto Elementary School
Malina serves on her school’s safety patrol team. One day she noticed two students trying to walk off the campus. She immediately stopped the students and had them go to the office.
