Shakeila Blackwood reacts with surprise to being recognized by Do the Right Thing.
One student saw something concerning in his neighborhood and reported it. Another persevered and continued to strive for excellence despite challenging circumstances. And yet another is involved in volunteer activities including anti-bullying work.
They – and four others – are the first group of student winners of the “Do the Right Thing” program. They were recognized for their efforts Thursday when school resource officers Chris English and Nicole Reddix and program administrator Shamyr McCain presented them with Samsung tablets and other goodies.
The winners were chosen from among 36 nominated for Do the Right Thing, an initiative that acknowledges middle- and high-school students each month for their accomplishments, positive behavior and good deeds. Worthy students are nominated by school staff, parents, police officers and community members.
The program is a partnership between the Â鶹ӰÒô Police Department , the City of Â鶹ӰÒô and the City School District of Â鶹ӰÒô. It was launched in October.
The winners, and why they were chosen, include:
- Shakeila Blackwood, Â鶹ӰÒô High School, grade 9. Why chosen: Determined; has made huge strides and improvements in academics; always kind, smiling, hopeful and positive
- Christopher Diaz, North Â鶹ӰÒô Middle School, grade 6. Why chosen: Shares computer with brother and lets him use it before he does; works hard to get work done even if he has to do it offline
- Elijah Doyle, Â鶹ӰÒô High School, grade 9. Why chosen: Determined and motivated; worked by candlelight to get homework done when power went out
- Saniyah James, Â鶹ӰÒô High School, grade 10. Why chosen: Strove for excellence despite obstacles, even when had to temporarily relocate due to family emergency; got work done and continues to improve attendance
- Anya Miller, William S. Hackett Middle School, grade 7. Why chosen: Volunteer work, including anti-bullying initiative; academic superstar; athlete; musician
- John Mills, Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School. Why chosen: Saw something concerning in the neighborhood and reported it
- Zyire Royal, North Â鶹ӰÒô Middle School, grade 6. Why chosen: Excellent role mode, studious, respectful, focused on academics and an avid reader
Besides the seven winners, students nominated for Do the Right Thing recognition during October were:
- Nih’asia Acevedo-Lombard, Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School of Excellence, grade 8
- Isaac Allen, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 9
- Gabriel Beckett, Tony Clement Center for Education, grade 11
- Jayan Campbell, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Wazir Dozier, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 12
- Eleanor Farrell, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Lyndsey Heyliger, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 9
- Akshay Kumar, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 9
- Logan Lieman, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 11
- Jasmine McCall, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 12
- Arianah Moore, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Miguel Munoz, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Seyyed Mousavi, Â鶹ӰÒô International Center, grade 11
- Murana Musa, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 11
- Aveon Myles, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 9
- Margaret Papa, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 12
- Colin Paulsen, Hackett, grade 7
- Rayshawn Quintyne, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 11
- Shaquin Robinson, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Truasia Royall-Watson, O’Neal, grade 8
- Eh Shar Blu Say, O’Neal, grade 8
- Samuel Starja, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 11
- Troy Treece, O’Neal, grade 8
- Shamir Utsey, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 11
- Nixon Villeda Castro, Hackett, grade 6
- Jakiem Walden, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 9
- Keyorrie Wilson, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 12
- Duaa Zahra, Â鶹ӰÒô High, grade 10
- Hala Zaid, O’Neal, grade 8
All the nominees received a Do the Right Thing t-shirt, a certificate, a free pizza coupon and a free ice cream coupon.
Know a middle- or high-school student worthy of recognition? Nominate them here.
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