Ten Collier County students were recently recognized for good deeds ranging from helping an injured elderly man to reporting a theft to deputies.
The students were recognized at the fourth “Do The Right Thing” award ceremony for the 2012-13 school year at Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology on Feb. 11.
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 actions and outstanding accomplishments in the community.
The following students have been recognized for February:
Jamie Maxwell, 10th grade, Palmetto Ridge High School
During Thanksgiving weekend, Jamie was walking down her street when she noticed an elderly man on the ground in her next door neighbor’s driveway and bleeding from the head. She ran up to the man, told him she was going to get help, and then notified a neighbor.
Jizreel Plancher, ninth grade, Naples High School
After finding a wallet that contained cash, a gift card and personal information near his bus stop, Jizreel turned it in at the school front office.
Noah Valcin, Jason Trejo, William Despagne Jr. and Jerry Lee Sliger, sixth grade, Lake Trafford Elementary School
Noah, Jason, William and Jerry learned from another student that the student stole an iPad from a teacher. The four boys reported the theft to the school’s youth relations deputy.
Elena Martens, fifth grade, Pelican Marsh Elementary School
Elena, who is CPR and First Aid certified through the American Red Cross, rescued a 2-year-old child from drowning in a swimming pool.
Demitrios Vardoulias, fourth grade, Poinciana Elementary School
While riding the bus home, Demitrios noticed a video game that was left unattended on one of the seats. Wanting to help return it to its owner, Demitrios held onto the game and turned it over to the front office at his school the next morning.
Alex Miller and Hollie Persch, fifth grade, Osceola Elementary School
Alex and Hollie serve as role models through exemplary leadership and dedication to community service. Every day they assist a child with special needs walk home. In addition to walking, they talk with and encourage the student to make good choices.
Photo by Cpl. Efrain Hernandez/CCSO