Charlotte County Public Schools

The Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Florida Southwestern State College. The following students were recognized:  

Shayla Milien, Grade: 6, Port Charlotte Middle School 

Shayla was honored for instinctively doing the right thing. I was modeling a lesson in Shayla's ELA class; when I finished, I rushed to another classroom to teach. Unfortunately, I did not realize that a sentimental diamond bracelet had fallen off my wrist. The emotional value could not have been replaced either. Shayla saw the bracelet and without hesitation she picked it up and took it directly to her teacher. This was a precious teachable moment to remind the students that doing the right thing is the most important thing to do whether someone knows or not.... whether there is a reward or not…whether you could benefit or not. I am so proud of Shayla for naturally doing the right thing by turning in the bracelet. 

Yanna Monzon Hernandez, Grade: 5, Meadow Park Elementary School 

Yanna was honored for her courageous intervention with a classmate. While in school, Yanna was walking to a class with another student and noticed they were upset and decided to walk slowly to talk with them. When Yanna and this student entered the stairwell to walk downstairs, Yanna saw that this classmate was standing next to the balcony area of the stairs and was not moving. This student then tried to lift themselves over the railing to jump. Yanna quickly sprang into action. She quickly put her things down and went over to this student. Yanna inserted herself between the student and the railing and could be seen talking to the student and putting her arm on the student’s arm. Yanna then spoke with the student (all while being in-between the railing and the student) to coax them away from the balcony area. Yanna can be seen putting her arm around the student’s waist and nodding her head and speaking with the student, guiding them towards the stairs. Yanna walked the student to the classroom and told the class teacher what had happened. Without Yanna's quick thinking and compassion, this student would have had a much different outcome. Yanna is incredibly selfless, empathetic, and kind. She did not have to do anything but chose to absolutely do the right thing! 

Kenia Morales Pineda, Grade: 6, Murdock Middle 

Kenia was honored for her unwavering moral compass and inner strength. Day after day, Kenia embodies the very essence of courage, responsibility, and grit. She does not shy away from difficult situations, demonstrating remarkable bravery in standing up to her peers when necessary. Furthermore, her commitment to doing what's right is evident in her consistent willingness to take responsibility and report instances of wrongdoing that she witnesses or hears. This makes her a truly deserving candidate. 

Ashton Locke, Grade 5, Myakka River Elementary 

Ashton was honored for his exceptional help during a bus evacuation drill. Ashton and a classmate were the "helpers" at the back door. These two students, with very minimal instruction and hands-on guidance, took care in helping every single student off the bus. They were consciously reaching out for students as they prepared to exit the bus, making sure they did so in a safe manner. They also took extreme care when guiding the kindergarten students. 
 
If anything can be done at the school level to recognize these two outstanding Mighty Manatees, please do so on behalf of our Transportation team. It is very rare these days to find students, especially at this young age, who seem to truly care for their peers. It is very refreshing, and I appreciate that. 

Kason Long, Grade 5, Myakka River Elementary 

Kason was honored for his exceptional help during a bus evacuation drill. Kason and his classmate were the "helpers" at the back door. These two students, with very minimal instruction and hands-on guidance, took care in helping every single student off the bus. They were consciously reaching out for students as they prepared to exit the bus, making sure they did so in a safe manner. They also took extreme care when guiding the kindergarten students. 
 
If anything can be done at the school level to recognize these two outstanding Mighty Manatees, please do so on behalf of our Transportation team. It is very rare these days to find students, especially at this young age, who seem to truly care for their peers. It is very refreshing, and I appreciate that.