The Cape Coral Police Department recognize 12 students at the monthly “Do the Right Thing” ceremony Wednesday at City Hall.
A special Volunteer Service Award was also presented to Pat Foote, the outgoing president of the Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral.

— Jude Jean Jacques, 8th grade, Challenger Middle, son of David and Honorine Jean Jacques
Challenger Middle recently got a new student from Haiti who speaks English but not well. Her native language is Haitian Creole. Jude is bilingual, so served as an ambassador for Lowrandy’s first days in a new school and a new country. Jude enthusiastically agreed to change his academic schedule to help Lowrandy to be successful. He is kind and patient and takes pride in explaining class expectations for assignments. He helps Lowrandy while completing his own work as well. He stands up for her in interactions with peers and has given up free time with his own friends in order to make Lowrandy more comfortable in her new setting.

— Darren LaTorre, 7th grade, Gulf Middle, son of Matt and Suan Latorre
— Matthew LaTorre, 6th grade, Gulf Middle, son of Matt and Suan Latorre
Matt and Darren went to a teacher at Gulf Middle asking how they could help the children in Haiti after the tragic earthquake. The school began a drive to collect school supplies and Matthew and Darren each used gift cards which they had received for Christmas to purchase items for the drive. They also brought an entire suitcase full of supplies from home.

— Neil Nowall, 8th grade, Challenger Middle, son of Melanie and Rick Nowall
When Neil heard about the earthquake in Haiti, he told his parents that he would like to do something to help the victims. He and his parents researched several options online and then Neil learned that there was a Haitian man, Mr. St. Lot, who now lives in Lehigh with his daughter but still has family in Haiti. Neil donated $50 that he had received for his birthday, and had been saving for a Wii game, to Mr. St Lot to send to his family.

— Lehuanani Burell-Williams, 10th grade, Mariner High School, daughter of Christy and Dwayne Moore
— Lauren Wilson, 10th grade, Mariner High School, daughter of Katherine Wilson
The news of the earthquake in Haiti hit everyone hard, even those with no ties to Haiti or the Haitian community in South-west Florida. As the two Mariner students listened to the broadcast at Lehua’s house during the time of the tragedy, they decided they needed to help. They made plans to hold a car wash to raise funds and contacted the Red Cross for instructions on holding a productive, authorized event. They ap-proached personnel at the Shell gas station on Burnt Store Road and obtained permission to use that site. Then they printed fliers and advertised at school and in the community. Because of the extraordinary actions of these two ordinary girls, they were able to raise $200 in order to help strangers suffering from a tragedy.

— Remy Snyder, 3rd grade, Cape Elementary, daughter of Sean and Tara Snyder
— Rory Snyder, 5th grade, Cape Elementary, daughter of Sean and Tara Snyder
— Mikayla Nemetz, 5th grade, Cape Elementary, daughter of Michael and Tracey Nemetz
— Karlee Beneventano, 3rd grade, Cape Elementary. Daughter of Charlie and Miranda Cameron
The day after the earthquake in Haiti struck, these four girls went to their principal with compassion for the victims and an idea to help. The four had brainstormed, and organized a “Pennies for Haiti” drive, the proceeds of which would go to World Vision, an organization already set up I Haiti to provide aid. The girls spent all weekend making posters to hang throughout the school and created a flier which was sent to the entire student body. The girls also placed a milk jug in every classroom with a label they designed explaining “Pennies for Haiti.” They collected over $1500.

— Caroline Barker, 8th grade, Gulf Middle School, daughter of Steve and Karen Barker
Caroline Barker is an 8th grade honor student who comes to school an hour and a half early every day to help a struggling 6th grade student with his homework. Each day, she makes sure his work is organized and neatly completed. She helps him study for tests, and doesn’t stop until he truly understands the concept. As Caroline works with the student, she asks him to think, reflect, and explain his answers in order to make sure he un-derstands what he is learning. As she reads his A-R books to him, she reads with enthusiasm and expression in order to keep his attention. He knows he better pay attention, as often she gives him a quiz afterward. She makes a point to complement him and encourages him not to give up. Before they leave the classroom, she always says, “Now you better not be late tomorrow.” She has created a rapport with him and has earned his respect. Caroline is passionate about making sure this young man is successful in 6th grade.

— Danielle Schwigk, 7th grade, Challenger Middle, daughter of John and Paula Kemmerer
Danielle works very hard every day to benefit Challenger Middle School. She arrives at school 1 1/2 hours early every day to help with an array of tasks. She organizes materials for the teachers, makes copies, sets up bulletin boards, keeps the school calendar, and provides the school communications for staff and parents. She stays after school to work the concession stand for sporting events, and assists at open house events in every capacity that’s needed. During Christmas, her school has a giving tree. The teacher in charge of it had a tremendous amount of work to organize the donations and recipients, so each morning, Danielle did this for him, spending countless hours and incredible organizational skills. Challenger Middle staff says that the school would not run as efficiently without Danielle.