Eight students earn Do the Right Thing recognition
The monthy Do the Right Thing ceremony was held Wednesday at Cape Coral City Hall. A total of eight students earned recognition during the program.
Overall winner
Bret Frederick, 7th grade, Cape Coral Charter School
Bret took quick action to save his baby sister Sage’s life. Bret’s grandma looks after Bret, his two brothers, Hayden and Frank, and their 20-month-old sister, Sage. They were all in the backyard and put Sage in a stroller to keep her safe while they did lawn work. What they didn’t count on was the stroller and baby rolling down the backyard slope into the canal and all the way under water. Bret chased the stroller down, jumped in the canal, and by the time their grandma got to the canal, had lifted the stroller up so his baby sister’s head was above water. Seven-year-old brother Frank and 9-year-old brother Hayden saw what was happening and also jumped in. And everyone worked together to hold the stroller up and get Sage out. Bret saw the incident happening and took action so quickly that his little sister didn’t even take in any water.
Julie Sabo, 2nd grade, Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary, daughter of Jana and D.J. Sabo
Julie’s family, throughout the country, decided this past Christmas to pool its resources in order to help one cause. The family chose the food center pantry and GED program at Grace Community Center. When Julie saw her family members writing checks for the cause, she realized that she didn’t have a lot of money to give so asked her mom if she could hold a food drive as her contribution. She put out boxes at school, through scouts and at her favorite businesses, Monkey Playhouse and Discount Pets. She collected roughly 150 pounds of food and pet food which she proudly donated, and continues to collect pet food to donate to the Community Center. Julie also volunteers at the community center on the third Saturday of every month during which time the center gives food, haircuts and medical screenings to as many as 530 people. Julie spends her time entertaining the children who have come along with their parents for the hour or two that it takes them to get through the process of filling out their paperwork, and getting their food, clothing, pet supplies, medical screenings and hair cuts. Last month there were 23 children in the area. Julie played games and entertained them, and gave out snacks. She frequently brings along items to donate to the children’s area so there are always new things for the kids to do and play with. Julie asks each month if they can volunteer again the following month.
Jennifer Artiles, 8th grade, Challenger Middle, daughter of Marilyn Luque and Orlando Artiles
Jennifer’s mom is fighting advanced breast cancer which has spread to other organs. This requires that Jennifer accompany her mom weekly to Miami for treatments of chemotherapy where she is constantly by her mom’s side. At home, Jennifer does her mom’s housework, helps her dad with food preparation and cares for her 5-year-old brother by reading to him and helping him with his homework. Jennifer said, “My mom did everything for me when I was little, so this is the least I can do by taking care of her.” Jennifer has missed school because of the trips but never makes excuses. She maintains a 4.0 with all As. She remains focused in class and does every extra credit assignment possible. Jennifer’s teacher says she is polite and respectful. She never has a negative comment and looks down on no one; in fact she will offer to work with another student because she knows no one else is willing to. Jennifer is mature beyond her years and stated that she knows her mom “wants her to be someone.”
Shanda Fox, 6th grade, Caloosa Middle, granddaughter of Linda Martin
Cortney Williams, 8th grade, Caloosa Middle, granddaughter of Linda Martin
Brandon Williams, 5th grade, Caloosa Elementary, grandson of Linda Martin
Caloosa Middle School’s Business Leadership class asked students to complete a community service project to “give back to society.” These three made a difference in over 100 lives by their display of kindness and selflessness. Their grandmother, Linda Martin, had been working on making beautiful, warm lap blankets for a year, and just before the holiday, the children prepared them each with a hand-tied bow and a card. Christmas morning, the Martin grandchildren, bearing elf ears and hats, personally delivered the packages to each of the nursing home residents at Page Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. They visited with the residents, then performed for them by singing and reading the nativity story. The family touched the hearts of the 100 residents as well as every one whose paths they crossed that day.
Natalie Sanchez, 12th grade, Mariner High, daughter of Angel and Lilia Sanchez
Natalie has been volunteering at the Cape Coral Hospital daycare for about four years. She loves children and wants to be a pediatrician. After looking at HealthPark Children’s Hospital’s Web site last fall, she became inspired to help kids in their pediatrics ward and decided to do a toy drive for Christmas. After checking with her parents, she ran it by her National Honor Society sponsor then began planning. Logistically, Natalie knew there were 70 beds so her goal was to get a toy for each patient. She did not know, though, the ages or how many would be boys and how many would be girls. Natalie was nervous but hopeful. She didn’t know any direct contacts so she approached local stores and asked if she could set up a collection area, but was turned away from each one. She didn’t give up, though. Natalie then went to her principal and was given permission to collect toys at school. She designed a flier and placed one in each teacher’s mailbox every Monday for five weeks. She was able to collect about 90 toys, ensuring a good selection for the possible variety of patients. Just before Christmas, Natalie delivered gifts and treats and spent valuable time with the children making crafts and listening to music. While many of our country’s teenagers thought about gifts that they would like for Christmas, Natalie selflessly spent her time attempting to brighten the holidays of hospitalized children.
Kyla Brylanski, 2nd grade, Cape Elementary, daughter of Rick and Brenda Brylanski
Kyla did something pretty incredible to celebrate her 8th birthday. Instead of looking forward to gifts for herself, Kyla asked her birthday party guests to bring pet food and supplies that she could donate to the local animal shelter.