Ten RCSD Students Recognized with “Do the Right Thing” Awards
(June 5, 2020) On Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the virtual awards ceremony for the “Do the Right Thing” program, 10 Rochester City School District students were recognized for their positive behavior, accomplishments, and good deeds.
James Fernandez Reyes and Jesnialis Fernandez Reyes, Henry Hudson School No. 28
James and Jesnialis Fernandez Reyes were nominated by School No. 28 parent liaison Carmen Torres. The siblings were recognized for their ability to handle a dangerous situation quickly and courageously. In November, James and Jesnialis observed two students engaging in potentially harmful behavior while riding their school bus to school one morning. James and Jesnialis remained calm while devising a plan to intercede with caution. Thanks to their bravery and quick thinking, the two students were provided the necessary assistance to resolve the situation safely once they arrived at school.
Ariella Santiago, Baden Street Settlement, and Jadiel Santiago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9
Ariella and Jadiel were nominated by Kathleen Burns, a 911 telecommunications operator. On November 24, 2019, Ms. Burns received a 911 call from 9-year-old Jadiel and his sister Ariella, who was 4 years old at the time. When their mother was experiencing a medical emergency, Ariella alerted Jadiel of what was happening, and Jadiel placed the call to 911 to request an ambulance. During the incident, both children remained calm and provided helpful information. They knew exactly what to do in an emergency situation.
Yamina Sharif, Northwest Junior High at Douglass
Math teacher Jason Lengyel nominated Yamina for her role-model behavior. This past October, Yamina assisted a classmate who needed a pencil to complete an exam. Not only did Yamina help the student, but she also replenished Mr. Lengyel’s emergency stash of pencils from her own school supplies. Later, Mr. Lengyel learned from other staff members that Yamina exhibits this type of generosity and compassion daily. She helps tutor other students who are struggling and frequently helps with mediation and peace circles. Yamina contributes positively to the overall climate in the building by helping clean up, and she does so with a positive attitude. Staff describe her as having a heart of gold – she is always part of the solution and chooses to do the right thing.
Samir Smith and Denajia Washington, School of the Arts
School of the Arts classmates Samir and Denajia were nominated by School Resource Officer Nelsy Madrid for their helpful actions that took place this past September. Samir and Denajia assisted when a student became disruptive in class. They observed the student’s actions and helped their teacher by convincing the student to leave the classroom without any further disruption. Their quick thinking led to the situation not escalating further.
Kaden Harris, Wilson Foundation Academy
Kaden was nominated by teaching assistant DyShawn Wall for his honesty and integrity. 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 a large sum of money. Kaden immediately took the envelope to Assistant Principal Lowan Brown. 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.
Adrien Martinez, Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7
Adrien was nominated by his grandmother, Lisa Camacho, for his thoughtfulness and sense of responsibility to his community. In March, Ms. Camacho brought her grandchildren to Maplewood Park. After playing for a short 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 was recognized for his maturity, selflessness, and concern for others.
Nicholas Tate, Wilson Foundation Academy
Nicholas was nominated by teaching assistant DyShawn Wall for his responsible behavior. In January, Nicholas woke up late for school and missed his bus. As soon as Nicholas woke up, he got ready and proceeded to walk to school, which is over three miles away. This behavior proved that Nicholas is committed to being a Wilson Scholar. Everyone at Wilson Foundation Academy applauds Nicholas for his efforts in making sure that he made it to school on a cold winter morning.
The goal of the “Do the Right Thing” program is to foster positive relationships between the Rochester Police Department and community youth. The program rewards students who strive to make good choices, do well in school, give back to their communities, or demonstrate a turnaround or improved behavior. For more information or to nominate a child, visit cityofrochester.gov/DoTheRightThing.