September 19, 2013
On Thursday, September 19, 2013 the Fort Myers Police Department’s “Do the Right Thing” program honored six area youth for their good deeds. Chief Doug Baker presented awards to the following students at a ceremony at the City of Fort Myers Council Chambers:
Carlee and Isabel Isenhower of Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts were honored for their honesty. Carlee and Isabel were at a restaurant and had visited the ladies room. While washing their hands, the girls found two expensive rings next to the sink. Carlee and Isabel collected the rings and located the restaurant manager who was able to return the rings to a very grateful owner. We are proud of the girls for doing the right thing.
Taylor Evans is a 2nd grader at Orangewood Elementary. Taylor was recognized for his awareness and knowledge of safety. While outside in the school yard a visitor on campus asked Taylor to open the school gate to allow access to the property. Taylor did not know the adult and told the visitor that she could not open the gate, and that it was against the rules and not safe. We are proud of Taylor for keeping her school safe.
Delaney Armstrong is in Kindergarten at Orangewood Elementary. Five days into the new school year while waiting in the parent pick-up line a safety patrol member walked Delaney to a car she didn’t recognize. Delaney refused to move stating “that’s not my car.” Staff members approached the car and learned that it was not her family’s car but it was Delaney’s mom in a borrowed car. Delaney would not go over to the car until she made eye contact with her mother. We are very proud of Delaney for not going with, what she thought, was a stranger.
Lazaro Rodriguez-Lopez is in the 2nd grade at Orangewood Elementary. Lazaro was recognized for his ability to stay calm and assist others during a crisis. Recently, while in the parent pick-up line Lazaro’s grandmother fainted. Lazaro immediately went to his younger brother’s side and tried to shield him from seeing his grandmother. When the ambulance arrived Lazaro took his brother inside and entertained him so he would not see his grandmother being taken away in the ambulance. We are proud of Lazaro for remaining calm and confident for his brother during a very scary situation.
Levontai Summersett is a 3rd grader at Edgewood Academy. Levontai was recognized for his courage to Do the Right Thing in the face of adversity. While on the school bus two young students got into a fight. Older students began to incite the situation and targeted one of the boys. Many students on the bus became involved in the altercation and it quickly grew from a verbal argument to a physical fight. Levontai pushed his way through the crowd and kneeled down over the boy to protect him and get the bus driver’s attention. School Administrators viewed the video footage of the incident and witnessed the extreme courage on Levontai’s part as he stepped in front of the many older students to reach the child. We are proud of Levontai’s courage to do the right thing.
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.
Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
239-321-7721