The Cape Coral Police Department hosted their monthly “Do The Right Thing” awards program in the City Council Chambers Wednesday at City Hall.
The Department presented awards to eight students who were nominated for their recent actions that have had a positive impact on the community.
Also, during the ceremony, local firefighters Todd Rigoni, Juergen Schmidt, and Paul Marzella were awarded company citations by the department for the saving of a two year old child in a near drowning incident last month in Cape Coral.
Providing musical entertainment at this month’s ceremony, was the Diplomat Middle School Jazz Cats under the direction of Linda Mann.
December Do The Right Thing Award Winners
Emily Hole- 4th grade, Hector Cafferata Elementary School, daughter of Shawn & Kristy Hole
Emily has been participating in Hector Cafferata’s food drive for the past three years and has taken pride in the large amount of canned goods which she has been donating. This year, though, Emily planned ahead knowing that she wanted to make a big difference during the time of year that the food banks often go empty. Emily spent hours of her summer vacation standing outside of Publix collecting donations of canned goods or money for the drive. She used the cash collected to purchase more food and when all was said & done, Emily had brought in more than 300 items. She states that she intends to continue this project every summer. This year was special to her because she saw on the news in late October that someone had stolen a truck full of food from the Harry Chapin Food Bank and while it greatly upset her, it also gave her the motivation to work that much harder.
Mister Ziegler- 4th grade, Cape Elementary School, son of Jesse & Angela Ziegler
It sometimes takes a young person to keep adults focused. Mister’s dad told me that he himself left his house early in the morning and as he was driving away, he noticed an elderly neighbor was sitting on his lawn in the dark. He returned a while later to pick up Mister and as they drove past, Mister noticed that the man was still sitting in his lawn and urged his dad to stop so he could check on him. It turned out that the elderly man who has beginning stages of Alzheimer’s was walking his dog when he had fallen on the sidewalk. The dog was very protective of his owner and wouldn’t let anyone near, so first Mister got the dog away, then ran down the street to tell the man’s son so his family could get him to safety. We appreciate Mister for his observant nature and for taking action to help a neighbor.
Parker Cauble- 12th grade, Island Coast High School, son of Rick & Linda Cauble
Parker is a popular senior football player who has many friends. He is also a member of the Swamp Buddy program, a group of students whose intentions are to broaden the social network of Island Coast students with disabilities by including them in different activities. On November 11th, the night of Parker’s Senior Homecoming Dance, Parker was instrumental in ensuring that many of his Swamp Buddy friends were interacting, dancing, and having a good time. He invited them into dance circles and assisted in teaching them various new dance moves. Parker is a role model and encourages others to do what is right.
Anthony Almeida- 12th grade, Cape Coral High School,son of Diana & Anthony Almeida.
Anthony has come full circle this year. His behavior and attitude have greatly improved, specifically in the way he treats his classmates. One of his classmates has a speech impediment which other students mock and make fun of. Anthony has befriended this young man and goes out of his way to encourage him. Anthony has shown kindness and leadership by encouraging this young man to improve his grades so that he can be part of the basketball team.
Slade Stovall- 7th grade, Caloosa Middle School, son of Grace Ohzo
Last year Slade had difficulty following the rules and being a good role model and his grades showed it. Slade has come back this year as an entirely different person. He is mature, working hard to get all A’s & B’s and was able to attend the Renaissance celebration, to show his mother and teachers that he was capable of achieving good grades and doing well in school. He already knows what college he wants to attend and has put himself on the right path to achieve his goal.
Ashleigh Smith- 8th grade, Challenger Middle School, daughter of Mark & Stephanie Smith
Jordan Pollack- 8th grade, Challenger Middle School, son of Mark & Tina Pollack
Ashleigh & Jordan, without ever having been asked, have taken it upon themselves to clean up after their schoolmates on a daily basis. After they’re done eating, the two clear trash off the tables, sweep the floors, take out the trash, wring out the washcloths and clean the cafeteria. Their volunteering to clean up other students’ messes helps to keep Challenger’s lunchroom clean and inviting.
Isabella Brimm- 4th grade, Caloosa Elementary School, daughter of Nicole & Cynthia Brimm
Bella is an extraordinary student whose responsibility enables her to be successful both in school and at home. Bella’s two younger siblings both have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her brother Bly attends a special school for children with autism and her sister Mia is part of the social communication program at Caloosa. On the morning of October 27th, Bella found her brother Bly suffering a Grand Mal seizure. Thinking quickly, she notified her mother then dialed 911. After calling 911, Bella watched over her younger sister keeping her calm while the paramedics tended to Bly. After the ordeal she comforted her mom by telling her that everything will be ok.