Posted at: 02/12/2009 3:22 PM | WHEC.com

 |  Print Story

Do The Right Thing January/February 2009

The winners of the January/February 2009 Do The Right Thing Awards were announced at a ceremony at the Public Safety Building.

The following students were recognized for their actions:

Katrina Murray (not pictured) was nominated by her teacher for helping someone in need.  A spectator at a school football game collapsed and went into a seizure. Katrina immediately went to his aid, keeping him calm and calling 911 on her cell phone. Because of her quick, calm actions the man was able to get the proper treatment and was taken to the hospital.

Daniel Erne was nominated by his father for his community stewardship. Over the past several years, Daniel has volunteered his time to help an elderly couple in the neighborhood where he lives. He performed many tasks and always refused money.  Recently, Daniel came to the aid of car accident victims when he witnessed a head-on crash. He provided assistance to the victims and called 911.

Nicholas Reiss was en route to school one morning when he observed several children lying in the road. Nicholas ran to the aid of the children and called 911. Nicholas remained very calm in the midst of this chaos and rendered aid to one child that was unconscious. The brother of the injured children attempted to move the child from the road, but Nicholas persuaded him not to move the child to prevent further injury. His quick thinking played a critical role in getting medical assistance to the scene, and kept the injured children safe until help arrived.

Cheyann Pifer continued the Pencil Project at her school, a project started by her late teacher, Ms. Hoyt. Cheyann took the initiative to collect 10,000 pencils for her school.  She wrote personal letters to friends, family, local businesses and companies across the country. Because of Cheyann’s efforts, she exceeded her goal.

Kamren BuFearon (not pictured) was nominated by a fellow student for his honesty.  Ben had lost his wallet while on the school bus. Kamren found the wallet and immediately turned it in to the assistant principal when he got to school. The student was grateful to get his wallet and all the contents back. The two students had never met before this incident.

Amy Welch was nominated for her bravery. Amy was awakened by a smoke detector in her home early one morning. She called 911 immediately and woke her parents.  Amy also woke her neighbors in this four family apartment building.  Nearly a dozen residents were safe, and the fire was contained to one unit in the building because of Amy’s quick actions.

Brittany Frank was nominated by her mother. After having the last of her daycare children leave for the day, Ms. Frank sat down to eat and began to choke and could not breathe. Brittany immediately called 911 and kept her mother calm as medical assistance was dispatched. 

Elizabeth Celata was nominated for her unselfish acts. Elizabeth was instrumental in raising money for schools in Kenya. She has participated in many benefits to help raise funds for a classroom that will last 50 years in the Kenya climate. This building will replace ones made out of mud, which are easily destroyed in harsh rains. Funds raised will also be used for materials to educate the children.

Kevin Mathew was nominated for his compassion and leadership. Kevin realized that the mother of a classmate had passed away. Kevin immediately contacted his fellow classmates to encourage them to attend the funeral and all sit together. He arranged for transportation to and from the funeral. The support of the classmates to the grieving family was appreciated and helped the young man in the grieving process.

Brett Sweet was nominated by his teacher. Brett and his mother were victims in a car accident. Brett’s mom was injured in the crash and needed medical attention. Brett remained calm, called 911 and the rest of the family. His quick thinking and calm demeanor got the necessary medical attention to the scene quickly. Once his mother was discharged from the hospital, Brett continued to help his mother around the house while she recovered from her injuries.