Layla Marie Uriostegui resides in Ft. Myers. Alyssa Ruiz resides in Lehigh Acres. Both are first grade students at Tice Elementary School.
Tice Elementary School, Parent Involvement Specialist, Yasmin Gallo wrote “Layla and Alyssa were eating lunch in the cafeteria when they noticed another student take an item that did not belong to them. Both students immediately informed me of the theft and I was able to give the property back to its owner. Layla and Alyssa’s honesty is no surprise as both girls are always a positive influence to the other students at Tice Elementary.”
Harry Toussaint of Lehigh Acres is a fifth grade student at Tortuga Preserve Elementary School.
Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, fifth grade teacher, Paige Walker wrote that “on the sixth day of school, Harry saw a student that was new to the school, and also in his class, sitting at the wrong table by himself. Harry got up and showed the new student the correct table. His efforts also made the new student feel accepted. Way to go Harry on being helpful and nice to others and doing the right thing!”
Hans Leif Alcerro of Lehigh Acres is a fourth grade student at Sunshine Elementary School.
Sunshine Elementary School teacher Kimberly Kunzie wrote that “Leif has been a tremendous help starting out the school year. He is always willing to to go above and beyond our positive behavior school wide system. During the rainy day dismissals, he took it upon himself to write down the busses called, on the white board, while his teacher was typing the bus numbers on the smart board. He was helping to insure that students knew the busses that were dismissed so his classmates did not miss their bus. He is always asking if his teacher needs any assistance, he graciously holds the door open for his fellow classmates and staff, and always has a positive outlook. He is a positive role model for his fellow Sunshine Scholar classmates, always being safe, respectful and responsible. Leif has chosen to do the right thing.”
Xochitl Olaguna of Lehigh Acres is a fourth grade student at Sunshine Elementary School.
Sunshine Elementary School teacher Kimberly Kunzie wrote that “Xochitl has been a wonderful asset to our classroom the first few weeks of school. In our classroom, we have several students that only speak the Spanish language. Xochitl is fluent in Spanish and English and has been extremely helpful being a translator to our new Spanish speaking students. She was willing to be a buddy to our monolingual students during the beginning of the year safety drills and has made sure that they understood our safety procedures. She is a positive role model to her fellow Sunshine Scholar classmates, always being safe, respectful and responsible. Xochitl has chosen to do the right thing.”
Michael Merchant of Lehigh Acres is a fourth grade student at Harns Marsh Elementary School.
Harns Marsh Elementary School, third grade teacher, Maria Lasa wrote that “I feel Michael Merchant should be honored by the ‘Do the Right Thing Program’ as he consistently does the right thing. I have had the pleasure of being Michael’s teacher for a second year now, and he amazes me with his ability to be kind and patient, and follow the rules – all the time. Michael comes to school each day with a positive attitude, and ready to learn. He speaks kindly and respectfully to all, and models positive behavior for his classmates. He gets along with everyone, and inspires his classmates to do the same. If his classmates are having a disagreement, he encourages them to resolve the issue, be friends, and get back to work. Michael is deserving of this honor for the hard-working, considerate, role-model that he is. Thank you.”
Wilmer Cintron Martinez of Lehigh Acres is a junior at Bonita Springs High School.
Bonita Springs High School, Principal Jeff Estes, Assistant Principal Chris Drake and school resource officer Cpl. Iris Sullivan, wrote about Wilmer Martinez. They wrote that “Wilmer exemplifies the true meaning of good citizenship and good character; he is a great student and a disciplined athlete. Recently he was challenged to help a friend in their time of need. He had received information that the friend was depressed and confused about their emotional state. The student appeared distraught and was crying. Worried for their safety, Wilmer rendered aid with his friendship and began to counsel the student. The student told Wilmer that they were having problems dealing with personal issues at home. Wilmer knew that this was serious and could not be taken lightly and immediately alerted the school administration. Wilmer’s quick response and action, amazed the school administration. This eagerness potentially saved a friend. Wilmer, could have asked someone else to help and/or simply ignored their plea and go on with his daily life…. However, Wilmer did the exact opposite! He took matters onto his own hands and got involved!, Wilmer said ‘I knew it was important that my friend receive care as soon as possible’. Principal Jeff Estes, said; ‘this is an example for others to follow! We are very proud of Wilmer!’ He also volunteers his time to help the less fortunate and mentors other students. He is highly respected and admired by his teammates and peers as he has a great personality and exhibits great sportsmanship!”