The Cape Coral Police Department recognized it Do the Right Thing honorees Wednesday. Those recognized include:

Samantha Veres, seventh grade, Gulf Middle, daughter of Molly and Joe Haskill and Keith and Heidi Veres

In last year’s sixth grade science class, Samantha learned about conservation of our natural resources, including water. During the classroom discussion, her science teacher asked the class to imagine a child their age in Africa having to walk great distances to gather water. Samantha thought about it for a long time, and several months after that classroom discussion, Samantha mentioned to her family that she had been saving her money for a well in Africa and asked if they, too, would donate. She posted signs and envelopes throughout her house and showed her mom a jar with $90 for the people of Africa that she had saved from birthday and Christmas gifts. Realizing that this had become an ongoing project for Samantha, her parents tried to help her with ideas for collecting funds when her dad came across a website called “The Water Project” and shared with Samantha the idea of donating through this organization. Samantha registered with The Water Project and wrote a heartfelt e-mail which she sent to friends and family explaining the need for drinking water in Africa. In her own words, she explained “The Water Project’s” philosophy that dirty, diseased water leads to a cycle of sickness, lack of education, poverty and lost hope. Samantha’s project has been well received by her friends and family and has now collected about $800 toward her goal of $6500, the cost of one well in Sudan.

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Tyler Gould, 8th grade, Caloosa Middle, son of Leonard and Valerie Gould

Tyler’s teacher states, “Tyler is a wonderful kid. He is outgoing, polite, and a pleasure to have in class. He regularly responds to classmates’ needs for assistance without being asked and tutors other students outside of school in his free time, attempting to make others feel comfortable and welcome at his school.” Tyler is a member of the “Make It Better Club” and has been a leader in coordinating events for fundraisers and new community service projects. Tyler is always first to volunteer for a project and has collected over 1600 tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. His teacher goes on to say, “I’m proud to have Tyler as my student and can always trust him to do the right thing.”

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Austin Ward, 12th grade, Mariner High, son of Amy Williams and Adam Ward

Austin is a role model. For the past three years, he’s been volunteering as an assistant coach for the Pop Warner football teams. He takes his job there very seriously, and the little guys respect him and look up to him. He volunteers every week night and all day on Saturdays but before going to Pop Warner, he works out at Mariner High with his own football team. Despite getting home late, Austin maintains a very good GPA and is college bound with a goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. His mom tells me that… while she goes to work in the evenings, Austin gets dinner for his three younger brothers, helps them with their homework, and gets them off to bed. Austin has stepped up to help her with housework as well telling his mom he doesn’t mind because “we’re a team.”

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Brent Deno, sixth grade, Gulf Middle, son of Mike and Sherry Deno

Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen in any school system and can cause serious and lasting harm. Knowing this, Brent approached a teacher one day recently and told her that he knew of a student who was bullying another. After giving the teacher some details about where it took place and what was said, Brent informed her that he thought this was a terrible thing that was happening. He also stated that he stood up for this boy and told the bully to leave the young man alone on more than one occasion. Brent’s teacher states, “Middle school is a tough age, and Brent thought to defend another person! I am proud of him for that, especially considering that the bully is bigger than he.” Since Brent made the negative actions known, the guidance counselor was able to get involved and put a stop to it.

Source: Cape Coral Police Department