On Thursday, April 12, 2012, the Lakeland Police Department recognized five students during an award presentation of the Do the Right Thing Program.
Bi-monthly the City of Lakeland Police Department honors children in the community who distinguish themselves by their exemplary behavior. Nominations are received and children are recognized for their accomplishment, attitude, or outstanding effort, which makes them a positive role model for their peers.
Jashantis Moore is a 5th grader at Cleveland Court Elementary and was nominated by Officer Diaz. Officer Diaz learned that Jashantis was given 2 - $20.00 bills from a fellow student during class. The student had stolen money from his grandmother and given it away to other students in the class, as well. Jashantis told her mother what happened when she got home from school, and her mother then contacted the school. After an investigation into the incident, it was discovered that a total of $140.00 was stolen from the grandmother and given away. The assistant principle, Mr. Kim, was able to retrieve most of the money and return it to the grandmother. Jashantis stood up for what is right and did the right thing by telling her mom what had occurred at school.
Cassandra Willis is a 5th grader at Southwest Elementary and was nominated by Johnnie Roache’. Cassandra is a 5th grade patrol, who has been invaluable to Mrs. Roache’ in helping with the students in her Pre-K class. Cassandra has taken many tasks on to help the teacher, such as making sure the students get in and out of their cars safely and that the parents sign the students in and out for the day. Cassandra went to the aid of a young student one morning and prevented him from possibly being hit by a car. Her quick thinking and actions averted a potential accident. Other teachers have complimented Cassandra on being so responsible and willing to help. Cassandra goes above and beyond her duties as a patrol and epitomizes the qualities of a Southwest Elementary SPUR (productive, understanding, and responsible). Cassandra was the overall winner this month.
Josh McDowell is a 5th grader at Lincoln Academy and was nominated by Carla Campbell. Josh has been an outstanding patrol captain; he is dependable and always goes above and beyond to help the safety of the school’s environment. Josh takes his leadership role seriously and is respectful of those he works with. He is a fair liaison between patrols, students, and teachers. Josh is a role model to others in exemplifying outstanding behaviors of a leader.
Kevin Carranza (not pictured) is a 5th grader at Sleepy Hill Elementary and was nominated by Mareilys Garcia. Kevin demonstrated great courage when he came to the aid of a young girl who was being assaulted by a young boy. Kevin interceded and made the child stop assaulting the young girl. He also informed the police of the incident and told them what had occurred. Kevin is a great student who demonstrates respect towards others and works hard on his school work. He demonstrated great courage in standing up for the young girl and telling what he had witnessed.
J’Keja Jarrett (not pictured) is a 6th grader at Sleepy Hill Middle School and was nominated by Shelia Graham. J’Keja was assisting Ms. Graham with a cart after leaving the computer lab. On the cart was a plan book that contained $10.00, which Ms. Graham had put in there because she didn’t have pockets. Along the way back to the classroom, the money fell out of the plan book, and J’Keja picked it up and placed it in a plastic tub for safekeeping. J’Keja is a responsible, honest, and caring child and demonstrated these qualities when she placed the money in a safe place for her teacher.
The Lakeland Police Department is proud to recognize these students for their exemplary demonstrations of how to “Do the Right Thing”.
For more information on how to nominate someone for this award, please go to http://www.lakelandgov.net/lpd/Programs/DoTheRightThingProgram.aspx.
-posted by Ann Dinges, PIO
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