January 24, 2012
“FMPD Honors Six Students for Doing the Right Thing”
On Tuesday, January 24, 2012 the Fort Myers Police Department’s “Do the Right Thing” program will honor six children for their good deeds. Awards will be presented to the following students at a ceremony in the City of Fort Myers Council Chambers at 3:00 p.m.:
Ava Turner is in the second grade at Edison Park Elementary. Ava is a member of the Lee County 4-H Trail Blazers. The 4-H youth group is committed to the environment and community service. Ava has given up weekends to assist in raising awareness of the dangers of monofilament fishing line to birds and sea life. She has done this by passing out monofilament collection canisters and assisted in removing about 100 pounds of debris from the mangroves in New Pass. Ava is committed to preserving life in the mangroves and along the seashore.
Michael Santos Leon is a fourth grader at Tanglewood Elementary. Michael was on the playground at school when he found five dollars. Without hesitation Michael contacted one of the teachers and gave it to her. Coincidently that very teacher was the one who lost the money. She was very thankful for Michael’s honesty.
Zachary Thomas is a fourth grader at Edison Park Elementary. Recently, a bike was stolen from the school campus that belonged to a student. When Zachary heard about the stolen bike he decided that he would like to give his bike to that student. Zachary went home, shined up his bike and brought it to school the next day to give to that student.
Rachael Dochinger is a fourth grade student at Allen Park Elementary. For the second consecutive year the school collected money for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Rachael set a personal goal to help those less fortunate. She started by asking her family to drop in extra change and then when her birthday came around Rachael took some of her own money and stashed it away for the Red Kettle Campaign.
Annelie and Seth Losey are students at Edison Park Elementary. Prior to winter break Annelie and Seth went to their school principal and told him they wanted to do something to help the community. They explained that each year their grandmother gives them all of her spare change to buy themselves gifts. Annelie and Seth decided they had everything they needed and wanted to donate the coins to those in need. The following day the students presented the Principal with a check for $300.00. The money was used to purchase grocery store gift cards for ten families in need.
The purpose of the “Do the Right Thing” program is to reinforce positive actions among local youth. It is also designed to enhance relationships between local law enforcement members and school-aged children. The media is encouraged to attend this rewarding event.
Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer
239-321-7721