Helping a fallen grandparent, aiding other kids, these 15 students did the right thing – Democrat & Chronicle

We dare not end the school year without recognizing kids whose good choices made a difference for others.

COVID-19 delayed ceremonies, but these 15 students didthe right thing this school year and for that reason, local police departments and officials recently congratulated them with awards and recognition dating back to the fall and winter months.

The Do the Right Thing Award Program recognizes students for demonstrating role model behavior, accomplishmentsand good deeds by rewarding those who strive to make good choices, do well in school, give back to their communities, or demonstrate turn-around or improved behavior.

The students recognized during a virtual ceremony on Facebook Live this month included:

James and Jesnialis Fernandez Reyes pictured with School Resource Officer Jose Munoz.(Photo: Provided)

James and Jesnialis are siblings who were nominated by Carmen Torres, a parent liaison at their school, for their ability to handle a dangerous situation quickly, bravely, and courageously. Back in November, James and Jesnialis were riding thebus to school one morning when they observed two students sitting in front of them engaging in potentially harmful behavior. James and Jesnialis remained calm while they devised a plan to safely intercede. The entire incident was recorded by cameras on the bus. Thanks to these brave and quick-thinking siblings, the two students were appropriately addressed by school staff once they arrived at school, and provided the necessary assistance to safely resolve the situation.

Viola Fortunato.(Photo: Provided)

Viola was nominated by Douglas Averill, an employee of the Irondequoit Police Department who wasimpressed by her kindness and generosity. Back inNovember, Viola and her mother went to the Irondequoit Police Department tomake a donation to the Willow Domestic Violence Center Purple Box Campaign from her birthday partyearlier that month She had been given so many gifts that she wanted todonate some to other children. Viola has a heart condition and received a trip to Disney Worldthrough the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has granted life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses. Viola is soappreciative of the generosity that was bestowed upon her, that she did not think twice about doing thesame for others.

For moreabout Willow Domestic Violence Center or Make-A-Wish Foundation,visit willowcenterny.org and wish.org.

Jadiel Santiago(Photo: Provided)

Ariella Santiago(Photo: Provided)

Jadiel and Ariella were nominated by 911 telecommunicator Kathleen Burns. On Nov. 24, Burns received a 911 call from 9-year-old Jadiel and his sister Ariella, who was 4 years old at the time. The children were calling from their home to request an ambulance for their mother who was having a medical emergency. Ariella alerted Jadiel of what was happening, and Jadiel placed the call to 911. During this incident, both children remained calm and provided helpful information, knowing exactly what to do in an emergency situation.

Yamina Sharif pictured with her family.(Photo: Provided)

Yamina was nominated by her math teacher, Jason Lengyel, for her role model behavior. During an exam last October, there was a student who did not have a pencil. This student often borrowed a pencil from Lengyels emergency stash, however, on this day the emergency stash was depleted. Without any prompting, Yamina got up from her seat and brought the student a stack of pencils from her own supply, and put pencils in the emergency stash container. Lengyel was so impressed with Yaminas generosity and compassion for both her classmate and teacher, and as he spoke to other staff members about this incident, he was told that she exhibits this sort of generosity and compassion daily. She helps to tutor other students who are struggling, has frequently helped out with mediation and/or peace circles, contributes positively to the overall climate in the building by helping clean up, and always has a positive attitude. Shehas a heart of gold, is always part of the solution, always chooses to do the right thing, and the staff at Northwest are so proud of her.

Samir Smith pictured with his mom.(Photo: Provided)

Denajia Washington(Photo: Provided)

Samir and Denajia are classmates at School of the Arts, and were nominated by School Resource Officer Nelsy Madrid for their helpful actions that took place last September. During class, a student began acting disruptive and disrespectful and was asked to leave the classroom by the teacher. The student did, but quickly returned and continued to be disruptive. Samir and Denajia observed the students actions and walked over to assist the teacher. They were able to convince the student to leave the classroom without any further disruption. Their quick thinking led to the situation not escalating any further.

Patrick Triassi(Photo: Provided)

Patrick was nominated by school counselor Caitlynn Berger for his positive attitude and role model behavior. Patrick works hard academically to overcome any challenges he faces in the classroom, and isfriendly and supportive of everyone in the Bishop Kearney community, going above and beyond the average middle-school student. He is always saying hello to other students and is very respectful towards teachers and staff. During lunch and classes, he will stay after and help clean up. He is a member of the mentoring system within his school house, and reaches out to make everyone feel included. He has even helped organize his classmates to make sure no one sits alone in the lunchroom, and is aware when someone may need a friend. Patrick is an excellent example of upholding Bishop Kearneys school motto of Do all things well.

William Gagnier, right, with Brighton Police Chief Dave Catholdi.(Photo: Provided)

William was nominated by a friend, Leslie Hunter, who shared this impressive story of Williams bravery and compassion during a recent scary situation. One evening this past January, William came across an individual who was incoherent and needed help. William remained calm and brought the person to a safe location, where he stayed with the person while offering water, and contacted the individuals parent for help. During the incident, several adults were nearby, yet none offered their assistance. The parent quickly arrived at the location, and William helped carry the individual to the parent's car, then accompanied them to the hospital, providing comfort, conversation and support. William's actions took on a heroic role, and his quick thinking, reassuring demeanor, and knowledge of the individual likely saved that persons life. Williams compassion and loyalty continued as he frequently visited the person while they were hospitalized.

Davin Gomulak-Cavicchio pictured with School Resource Officer Wagner.(Photo: Provided)

Davin was nominated by Bruce Tehan, supervisor of the Arnett Branch of the Rochester Public Library, for his outstanding efforts as a volunteer at the location. For the past year, Davin has volunteered at the library, performing the task of shelf reading the collection. A tedious but vital task, when done correctly, misplaced and miscataloged items are often found. Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System is needed to perform this job. Davin has mastered the system, and his work has resulted in countless patrons having access to the books that are important to them. His work has been of the highest caliber, and he has taken on several big projects independently and efficiently as well. Additionally, his recommendations have positively contributed to the childrens book collection. His helpfulness and efficiency is truly appreciated by all at the Arnett Branch Library.

Kaden Harris and family.(Photo: Provided)

Kaden was nominated by DyShawn Wall, a teaching assistant at Kadens school, for his honesty and integrity. One morning this past January, Kaden and his friends got off the school bus and were on their way to the cafeteria for breakfast when Kaden came across an envelope that contained almost $50. He immediately took the envelope to Assistant Principal Lowan Brown and let her know that someone had lost it. Everyone at Wilson Foundation Academy is so proud of Kaden for his honesty. Instead of keeping the money for himself, Kaden chose to do what was right and give the money to a responsible adult so that it could be returned to its rightful owner.

Elijah Knowlton with Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter.(Photo: Provided)

Elijah was nominated by his grandmother, Maggie Carter, for his quick actions in helping his grandmother during a very serious medical situation. While she was at Elijahs house watching him and his sibling, she fell down a flight of stairs and was knocked unconscious. Elijah heard the noise and came to see what had happened. Seeing his grandmother on the floor, he immediately went for help. The neighbors were not home, so he approached the crossing guard at the corner who came back to the house with him to help. When they got there, Carter was gaining consciousness and heard her grandson calling 911. She told him to cancel the call, however, he refused to do so, insisting that she needed to see a doctor. She was transported to the hospital via ambulance, and Elijah remained at the house and contacted another family member to come and stay with them until his parents could return home, remaining calm the entire time. And luckily, Elijah was so insistent on Ms. Carter receiving medical attention, asshe suffered a brain injury from the fall. Shereceived prompt treatment and is doing well. Elijah is truly his grandmothers lifesaver.

Adrien Martinez with School Resource Officer Wagner.(Photo: Provided)

Adrien was nominated by his grandmother, Lisa Camacho, for his thoughtfulness and sense of responsibility to his community. On a Sunday in March, Camacho brought her grandchildren to Maplewood Park. After playing for a little while, Adrien decided he wanted to clean up the park. He asked for a pair of gloves and spent almost an hour cleaning debris off the ground. He said he did this because he wanted others to enjoy a clean area in which to play. Adrien showed maturity, selflessness and concern for others.

Nicholas Tate(Photo: Provided)

Nicholas was nominated by DyShawn Wall, a Teaching Assistant at Nicholass school, for his responsible behavior. On the morning of Jan.28, Nicholas woke up late for school. As a result, he missed his school bus. As soon as Nicholas woke up, he got up, got ready for school as he typically does, and proceeded to walk to school, which is over three miles away.This behavior showed that Nicholas is committed to being a Wilson Scholar, and everyone at the Wilson Foundation Academy applauds him for his efforts in making sure that he made it to school on a cold winter morning.

The Do the Right Thing Award Program is a nonprofit organization, made possible by the donations of local sponsors, and has been part of the Rochester Police Department since 1995. The goal of the Do the Right Thing Award Program is to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youths in the Rochester community.

The Democrat and Chronicle and News 10NBC WHEC-TV are media sponsors for Do The Right Thing.Highlighting the studentspromotes positive recognition and shows that good choices are newsworthy.

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Helping a fallen grandparent, aiding other kids, these 15 students did the right thing - Democrat & Chronicle