Daniels receives ‘Do The Right Thing’ Award for assisting at Junior Olympics
When Charles Daniels helped Cody Martin complete the quarter-mile run in his wheelchair at the Junior Olympics back in January, it did not go unnoticed.
Excelling academically is nothing new for this 14-year-old ninth grade Pine Islander who’s already made AB Honor Roll, but after witnessing his concern for Martin, his Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) mentor nominated him for the Do The Right Thing Award, noting that he’d always been polite but seemed to be growing into an exceptional young man. Daniels received the award along with four other nominees in Cape Coral Wednesday, Feb. 19.
At the Junior Olympics, when Daniels saw Martin, a 4th-grader, in the wheelchair after having broken his leg, he immediately felt compassionate, because he knew Martin would rather have been running in the event.
“I know Cody, because he’s also been in my sister’s class. He’s always been athletic and there he was in a wheelchair,” said Daniels.
In addition to his academic achievements and having been recognized for the kindness he displayed at the Junior Olympics, Daniels is already a young man with a growing concern for the environment. With the help of his mentors, he’s currently working toward bringing a project to fruition that will protect the island from corrosive materials found in discarded batteries from cars, boats or golf carts. He contacted a company which confirmed they would pick up the batteries and properly dispose of them.
Daniels is on a mission now to find weather-proof containers in order to seal them in a way that’s environmentally sound during bouts of rain, and assign at least four drop-off locations, easily accessible from all over the island. Despite his age, Daniels said he sees future potential in this project based on both the necessity of battery usage on the island, combined with the islander’s natural inclination to protect the land.
Currently Daniels is taking two science classes in addition to working on a principles of bio-medical science elective, because he said down the line he’d like to do something in a related field. With his mind on college, he’s already looking into scholarships, and considering dual enrollment to ensure his future education.
Although he’s had a passion for books since he was in elementary school, Daniels said these days he often finds himself thinking about breaking into gymnastics, though his schedule may simply not allow the time necessary for him to train.
He said he is committed to continue in his volunteer work, however, as it has grown to be very important to him.
Daniels admits, though he’s a proud recipient of his new award, that’s far from the reason he helped young Martin and he thinks it’s great that kids are now being recognized when doing things for others.
“I feel like everybody should be doing the right thing,” said Daniels. “Whether they get an award for it or not.”