Posted at: 06/08/2007 12:10 PM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 10/08/2009 3:09 PM

 |  Print Story

Do The Right Thing November/December 2008

Trinity Burton, 8th Grade
Savanna Upshaw, 10th Grade
North West College Preparatory
Trinity and Savanna were nominated by Mr. Sean P. Pogue, Administrator of Building Operations for the College Prep School at Douglass. Mr. Pogue reports on October 15, 2008 while riding a RTS bus to school both Savanna and Trinity observed two female students from another school verbally abusing another female student from a different school. When the girls all disembarked from the bus the two girls who were verbally abusing this girl proceeded to punch and kick the girl. These girls even displayed a knife. Savanna and Trinity without thinking of their own safety stepped in to help the victim causing the other girls to run off. They comforted the victim until police arrived.  It is without a doubt that Trinity and Savanna’s courageous action kept this female victim from serious injury that could have resulted in a fatality.

Joshua Bridges, 6th Grade
School #54
In August of 2008 after shopping at The Public Market Ms. Lombardo became the victim of a robbery.  The suspect, a male who was 18 years old stole her purse, Ms Lombardo struggled with the suspect however he got away.  Joshua was instrumental in assisting Officer Bongiovanni with the identification and location of the suspect; his decision to help led to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspect.  Ms. Lombardo was very grateful to Joshua as she was able to retrieve some of her property and his actions have renewed her faith in young people.

Kristina  Chapell, 2th Grade
Fairport H.S.
For the past three years, Kristina has organized a backpack and school supply drive for students in Mrs. Jill Roberts 1st and 5th grade classes at school #19. Kristina has collected hundreds of backpacks through the distribution of fliers and attending garage sales.  This year Kristina has expanded her work to include the collection ofwinter coats for students and has already exceeded her expectations.  She has called this project “the Power of one” to exemplify the ability that anyone person has. 

Linai Weatherspoon, 8th Grade
School Of The Arts
Maria Mendicino, a Crisis Intervention Specialist at SOTA, nominated Linai for the courage, patience and friendship she displayed on Sept. 24, 2008.  On this date Linai received a text message from a friend who said he wanted to end his life.  She texted him back urging him to stop and go to school to talk with someone. Linai although afraid for her friend spoke with Ms. Mendicino about the situation who was able to obtain enough information to get him the help he needed.  

Janiya Brooks, 3rd Grade
School # 36
Mr. Paul Montanarello, Principal at #36, nominated Janiya for reporting to her teacher of the potential for a major incident involving a student coming to school with a pocket knife. Janiya saw the knife in another student’s pocket. Janiya recognized the knife as a potentially dangerous weapon and knew the knife was a violation of the school rules.

Rashad McGlory, 4th Grade
School #4
Rashad was nominated by Joann Polhemus an operator at the 911 Emergency Communications Center.  Ms. Polhemus received a hang up call from a location and upon calling the number back spoke with Rashad.  Rashad indicated he and his brothers were jumped and his brother’s book bag was stolen while on their way home. Rashad was able to provide the address where the incident occurred, descriptions and names of the suspects. He also advised the operator that his mother was out looking for the suspects. Rashad was able to remain calm and focused during the entire call and remained on the phone until he saw his mother outside talking to an officer.

Cameron Odum, 4th Grade
School #4
Ms. Susan Passineau, School Administrator nominated Cameron for immediately turning in $30.00 he found to his teacher. His teacher was able to return the money to the person who dropped it.  Cameron’s honesty and good decision making is to be commended.

Chris Reed, 4th Grade
Indian Landing Elementary 
Chris was nominated by his Principal, whom is described as a “peacemaker” and is always conscious and helping others. On the first day of school a little girl was told by another child on the play ground she couldn’t play. Chris reminded the group of the playground and school rules.  “Everyone gets to play!” Chris has a friend who has juvenile diabetes and both he and his family are involved in The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Chris is described by his teacher as someone who lives “Do The Right Thing” and is a consist role model for others.

Nicholas Morticelli, 12th Grade
Penfield H.S.
Ms. Geraldine Lesniak, Aunt of Nicholas nominated him for his consistent volunteer efforts.  Nicholas has volunteered his time for the past five years at the Penfield Public Library with their used book sales.  For the past 4 years he has taken part in a baseball clinic at Penfield High School teaching young players about the game.  He also has been actively involved with the Special Olympics.  Nicholas has great compassion for people and life.