The Lakeland Police Department held the first bi-monthly "Do The Right Thing" awards ceremony on Thursday at the police station. Six students from Lakeland area schools were recognized for exceptional acts of character and citizenship. Each student, when faced with the opportunity to ignore a situation or just look the other way, chose to do the right thing. We are pleased to be able to honor them for their actions.
Tyler Spanier is the overall winner for getting involved in a situation that needed to be brought to the attention of adults and the police. During September Tyler took initiative when he reported an incident at his school, Lakeland Highlands Middle. Tyler shared that he knew of an elementary student who was in possession of Marijuana which had been sold to him at a local youth recreation establishment. Because of his ability to step up and report what he knew the SRO was able to contact the school that the student attended and the student's parents to alert them of the illegal activity that their child had been exposed to while at a children's function. Further, an investigation was opened in order to prevent other children from being exposed to illegal drugs. This chain of events which will benefit numerous children would never have taken place if Tyler had not chosen to do the right thing.
The other winners in alphabetical order include:
Audrey Anderson was attending the bookfair in her school, Rochelle School of the Arts, library she observed another student place books from the fair in his bookbag and leave the library without paying for them. Upon noticing this, she alerted the school librarian who then provided the School Resource Officer with the information to investigate the theft. The suspect was apprehended and admitted to the theft. The proceeds from the book fair are used to purchase books for the library which benefits the entire school. Audrey's actions are to be commended as she demonstrated courage and character by reporting the theft to which so many others in this day and age may have turned a blind eye.
Evette Chaparro is a senior in the school to work program at LHS. Evette takes AP classes because she wants to set an example for other Hispanic girls in this community, hoping that by doing so she will encourage others to strive harder and higher in their goals. She is seen as a role model for her peers as she sets a fine example everyday for others to follow. She wants to show all the Hispanic students to show pride in themselves, but also to earn the respect of the other students through their manner and behavior. She works hard, makes good grades and is a positive young woman who lives without the benefit of parents.
Josh Hunt is student at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy and volunteers in his community working at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter. Josh helps with the pre-school children by teaching, playing and serving them lunches and dinners. As homeless children lack the benefit of confidence and security, they need the attention and love that children like Josh provide so unselfishly. His actions make him a admirable role model.
Brinea McPherson and Portia Simmons are students Rochelle School of Arts where on October 10 they were walking to class and observed a lost wallet. The wallet containing another student's ID and $21.75 was lying outside the Art building. The girls turned the wallet in to the front office of the school to be returned to the rightful owner with all the contents still inside. Porsha and Brinea showed exemplary character in their honest actions.
Congratulations to each of this outstanding students and thank you for your choice to do the right thing.
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
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