The Cape Coral Police Department hosted its Do The Right Thing Student Recognition Awards ceremony for the month of November on Wednesday at City Hall. The following students and groups were recognized for their positive attitudes toward school and family, their healthy decisions regarding drugs and violence, as well as their good citizenship.

Overall winner
— Chase Colwell, 11th grade, Cape High, son of Stacy Colwell
— Keanu Judge, seventh grade, Challenger Middle, son of Kelly Cadore
— Antonio Greaves, sixth grade, Caloosa Middle, son of Rene Greaves
In early October, a Cape Coral citizen, David Bodden, contacted us to tell us that on Oct. 2, his 86-year-old father fell and struck his head on the floor. His mother, who is disabled, crawled, in a panic, to the front door and screamed for help. These three young men ran to her assistance, called 911 and stayed with her until help arrived. While they waited for help, one of the three found her phone and called relatives to let them know of the emergency. When I spoke to Mr. Bodden the first time, it was the day after his father passed away. With everything that was happening in Mr. Bodden’s life, he took the time to let us know how proud he was of these three young men. He stated, “They went above and beyond their years, and my family will be eternally grateful for the bravery and quick thinking they showed in a stressful situation.”

— Dale Ellenberger, 10th grade, Island Coast High, son of Jose and Marisol Rosa
Dale will be the first to admit that he got off to a rocky start last year during his first year of high school. With poor grades and various other issues, neither his teachers nor the administration had the greatest expectations for him. A lot of his difficulties, his teachers say, were due to his choice of friends. Sometimes it takes a major event in your life to spark a fuse, and Dale endured that situation this past summer in one of the most painful, emotionally upsetting and challenging things a young man should have to experience — the loss of his younger brother. Dale, in an essay he wrote, realized the events that were cut short in his young brother’s life and is now determined to make the most of, and appreciate his own life. His teachers state that when Dale returned to Island Coast this year, he had completely turned his attitude around. His grades are exemplary and his conduct reflects that of a mature young adult. His entire demeanor has been a remarkable change for the better. Dale, himself, states that he is now appreciating his parents and cherishing every minute.

— Christian Cousin, 12th grade, Cape High, son of Tammy and Harry Cousin
According to his teachers, Christian is an outstanding young man. As part of his Eagle Scout requirements, Christian helped to set up a new school in Rwanda with supplies. He heard of the school, which so badly needed financial help, through a local contractor who was associated with Builders without Borders. Through his efforts, besides the garage full of school supplies and VCR tapes that he received as donations through several drives he held, he also raised approximately $1,400 through various fund-raisers which he used to purchase additional school supplies for impoverished children in Rwanda. Christian is a fine example of selflessly giving to others.

— Kenny Mestre, 10th grade, Island Coast High, son of Kenneth Mestre Sr. and grandson of Judith Lorenzo
Kenny is assigned to work with the Life Skill students at Island Coast, but it is more than an assignment to him. He shows empathy for students with limitations, treating them as if he were their older brother. He is always upbeat and treats the students like friends. If Kenny sees any of them in the hall, he makes the effort to introduce them to whomever he is with. Kenny puts forth every effort to make sure these students feel like they fit in and they look forward each day to his arrival.

— Bryanna and Dayna Long, eighth grade, Gulf Middle, daughters of Tim and Laurie Long
In September, a student who attends Gulf Middle was hit in the head with a rock while leaving the school grounds on his bicycle. He suffered a head injury and was badly shaken from the accident. Immediately, Bryanna and Dayna took over, instructing the boy sit down until an adult arrived to help. Two staff members arrived with a towel to stop the bleeding. Bryanna held the students’ head in her lap as Dayna flagged an administrator to the scene. The student was taken to the clinic with Bryana following, her T-shirt soaked with blood. When the assistant principal suggested she change her clothes, it was apparent that Bryana was more concerned about the welfare of the child than with her own appearance. Both girls took action in an event which should never have occurred. They remained calm and put the needs of a fellow classmate first.