Students from Cape among Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing winners
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announced its “Do The Right Thing” – Monthly Honorees:
– Kara Coltellino of Cape Coral, a senior at Cape Coral High School.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Kyle Conley nominated Kara. In the nomination letter we learned that “Kara is 17 years of age. She is an avid swimmer. On her way to swim practice she witnessed a car accident. She was the first person there that had stopped and ran to help the man in the car. Two other people also stopped and were already on their cellular telephones speaking with 9-1-1. She was the only one who went and tried to provide medical assistance. When she got to his side, she knew there was very little she could do. All she was able to do was turn him over on his back and use her hooded sweatshirt to lift his head up, to help him breath. She did not know if she could have done anything else. She sat beside him and comforted him. She laid her hands on him and prayed. She prayed until the ambulance got there then she left them to do their job. She left with her hands covered in his blood, and the memory of his face in her head. Later, when she found out that the person had died. Her eyes filled with tears. She was so sorry, wishing she could have done something. She wants the family to know that someone else besides friends and family cares.”
– Elijah Santiago of Cape Coral, a sixth grade student at Caloosa Middle School.
Caloosa Middle School, School Resource Officer Deputy Damon Geiger wrote that “Elijah became aware of a safety concern at school. He had the courage to get involved. He brought this information to the attention of the closest teacher. The administration was then able to act and take appropriate actions to alleviate the safety concern. Because of Elijah’s actions he is helping to keep Caloosa Middle School a safe place.”
– Lorelei Bungard of Cape Coral, a sixth grade student at North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts.
In the nomination letter we learn that “In May 2014, at the end of fifth grade, Lorelei turned 11. As she was planning her party she asked for a dog and cat theme. She asked that all of her friends bring pet food for Lee County Animal Services, rather than presents for her. After the party she donated the large amount of food and treats to the Lee County Shelter. She did this for her 7th birthday too, all on her own. Also in May, Mrs. Thomson’s 5th grade class was assigned a project. Students were asked to find a community event in the local news and design a poster for it. Rather than use an already scheduled event, Lorelei created an animal food drive for her poster and accepted items at school to add to her donation. Lorelei has always loved animals and hopes to be a marine biologist in the future. Her love for animals has driven her to selflessly put animals in need above her own wishes. I nominate Lorelei for a Do the Right Thing award because I think that her selflessness and devotion should be commended and recognized by more than just the animals. But I’m sure she would tell you that playing with the animals when we dropped off the food was reward enough.”
– Kyle Daniel of Cape Coral, a freshman at Mariner High School.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jared Rogers wrote in the nomination letter that “Kyle observed a potentially dangerous situation on campus. Kyle knew what he had to do. He immediately reported the information to a school administrator. Thanks to Kyle the school administration was able to investigate and take appropriate action. Kyle is a great student and shows great leadership skills, he should be honored for his integrity.”
– Zach Shapiro of Cape Coral, a junior at Cape Coral High School.
Cape Coral High school, Assistant Principal Kim McGlohon wrote in the nomination letter that “Zach found a wallet that contained credit cards and personal information. He immediately turned it in to school authorities. Zach and his actions are a great representation of Cape Coral High School!”
Other winners include:
– Scoi Moorer of Lehigh Acres, a fifth grade student at Harns Marsh Elementary School.
Harns Marsh Elementary School, support staff member Joyce Woosley wrote that “Scoi turned in a wallet that he had found on the floor of the school cafeteria. The wallet contained cash. His actions reflect honesty and integrity.”
– Matthew Carl Galdine of Bonita Springs, an eighth grade student at Bonita Springs Middle School Center for the Arts.
Bonita Springs Middle School Center for the Arts, school counselor Vivian Colon wrote in the nomination letter that “Matthew did something that most people would consider to be heroic. During a game of flag football, Matthew had noticed that one of the players had jumped into the deep end of the pool to retrieve the ball. It was a 7-year-olld boy, who was so excited to participate in the game that he had forgotten that he did not know how to swim. As the boy began to helplessly struggle in the water, Matthew noticed that he was thrashing and quickly sinking closer to the bottom of the pool. Without hesitation, Matthew sprang into action. Matthew immediately jumped into the pool, and pulled his friend up from the bottom of the pool and into safety. The boy could not thank Matthew enough for saving his life that day! Matthew’s incredible quick thinking and heroic actions saved a life and also prevented a tragic outcome, for a day that was meant to be fun. Matthew’s ability to put the needs of others in front of his proved that his actions were no less than acts of bravery. The Bonita Springs Middle School Center for the Arts is very proud of Matthew and happy to have an outstanding young man in their school. Thank you Matthew for saving a life! Matthew you did the right thing!”
– Justin Swift of Estero, an eighth grade student at Gateway Charter School.
Bonita Springs Middle School staff member Brandi Hingson wrote that “Justin was on his way into school and found cash on the front sidewalk of school. He promptly turned the money in to the front office at school. Justin could have easily have kept the money, but instead he demonstrated honesty by turning it in. I feel Justin should be honored not only for his honesty, but also for being a positive role model for his fellow students.”
– Brandy Jean Louis of Lehigh Acres, a junior at East Lee County High School.
East Lee County High School, Assistant Principal Obed Morales wrote that “Brandy found and turned in a wallet that contained a cellular device, credit card and driver’s license. Brandy knew what to do and immediately turned it in to school authorities. Her actions reflect honesty and integrity.”
– Ramesh McGregor of Lehigh Acres, a sophomore at East Lee County High School.
East Lee County High School, Assistant Principal Obed Morales wrote that “Ramesh found an I-Phone 5 cellular telephone at school. He immediately turned it in to school authorities. His actions reflect honesty and integrity.”
The following three students will be honored together:
– Dylan Gamber of Lehigh Acres and Brianna Krick of Fort Myers are tenth grade students. Omar Velez of Lehigh Acres is a junior. All three students attend Riverdale High School.
Riverdale High School Social Studies teacher Terri Bruce wrote in the nomination letter that “on the morning of Aug. 28, Dylan, Brianna and Omar brought it to my attention that they had found and rescued a very sick and malnourished kitten out by the bus ramp at school. The kitten was so scared that it had run under an air conditioning unit. Dylan, Brianna and Omar lovingly rescued it and brought it to me in the front office. While I was doing my duties the students found the kitten a nice box with some warm bedding, got it some fresh water and tuna fish. They stroked its head and stayed with it until my morning duties were done. When I had the chance, I ran the kitten down to the Vet’s office where they cared for it properly. It warmed my heart to know that these students were such caring human beings and I feel that they need to be recognized for helping a defenseless animal.”
– Annalisa Incorvaia of Estero is freshman at Estero High School.
Bonita Springs Middle School staff member Brandi Hingson wrote that “Annalisa was walking in the hallway at when she found cash by the water fountain. She knew what she had to do. She immediately brought the money to the front office. Annalisa could have easily kept the money, but instead she demonstrated honesty by turning it in. I feel Annalisa should be honored not only for her honesty, but also for being a good role model for her fellow students.”
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing – Ceremony.