Six students recognized in first Do The Right Thing ceremony of year
The 2014-15 school year’s first “Do The Right Thing” ceremony was held Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Council Chambers at Cape Coral City Hall. This ceremonies are open to the public and the public is encouraged tocome out and show its support to the outstanding young men and women who “did the right thing.”
Six Cape Coral students were recognized. The winners were:
Alejandro Espinosa-Sierra 8th Grade
Challenger Middle
Alejandro is an extraordinarily caring person. When he sees injustice, he takes action to try and correct it. While riding the school bus, Alejandro noticed two smaller students were being picked on by a larger child. Alex said the child was just “playing” and force was not used but the two boys were punched and hit, and their book bags, shoes and cell phones were taken and hidden. Alex decided to make a point. He took the other child’s shoe and asked him how he felt about it. Alex then spoke up to the other child to try and make him aware that the “play” was not enjoyed. Alex said that little kids don’t know how to defend themselves. He believes that it is his role to speak up when he see injustice taking place.
Sam Pucin – 8th Grade
Challenger Middle
Sam is dedicated to volunteering to help others. He volunteers and works with the “Hooters to Hooters Race” and the Turkey Trot. He sets up the equipment for the races and hands out water before and during the races.
Every year at Tip-A-Cop for the Special Olympics Sam sells hats, shirts and raffle tickets to help support the Special Olympics.
Shayna Symonds 2nd Grade
Gulf Elementary
Earlier this year, after Shayna’s tee ball game at a local park, she noticed an exposed needle syringe partically covered with leaves on the ground. This concerned Shayna very much since the needle syringe was next to the bleachers where other children were playing. Shayna politely interupted her grandfather’s conversation and brought the syringe to his attention. After looking around the areas, two more syringes were found. Coaches on the field were also told of the danger which they notified parents with children playing in the area. The syringes were disposed of properly.
I believe that Shayna’s actions in “Doing the Right Thing” may have prevented another child from possibly being injured, while enjoying the park. Her willingness to speak up about the danger, was a sign of responsibility to her fellow team-mates and community.
Anna Langford – 8th Grade
Challenger Middle School
Anna is dedicated to volunteering to helping others. She volunteers and works with younger children teaching them to swim at the community pool. Anna volunteers at the concession stand at Miracle baseball games. She works to earn money for new pool covers, children’s equipment and scholarships for the children’s swim lessons at the community pool. What a special young lady this is!
Tyler Wooten 11th Grade
Cape Coral High School
One Wednesday afternoon, Tyler decided to visit her mother at work in Cape Coral. During that same time period, an elderly woman walked into the store almost in tears asking Tyler’s mom if she knew of any church around the area that could help her get back home to Bonita Springs. The elderly woman was running out of gas and did not have any money available in her bank account until another week or so. While Tyler’s mom proceeded to tell the woman where to go to get assistance, Tyler stepped from behind her mom and handed a $20 bill to the elderly woman. The woman asked Tyler for her address so she could mail her a check but Tyler told her it was OK and that she did not need the money back. Whenever Tyler sees someone in need, she always gives and does whatever she can to help.
Camryn Chaffee 8th Grade
Challenger Middle School
Camryn is dedicated to providing service to others. She volunteers in an elementary classroom every morning. She works with younger children on reading and writing skills. Camryn teaches the kids how to play softball and plays with them. The Fort Myers Track Club holds races in which she volunteers. Camryn sets up and dismantles the equipment for these races. She worked the Edison Festival of Lights Race and the Hooters Half Marathon this year. This is a child dedicated not only to helping others but also to her community.