Do the Right Thing Awards Home

The Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Florida Southwestern State College. The following students were recognized: 

Hadlie Lewis, Grade 4, East Elementary School

Hadlie was honored for her compassion. Hadlie's friend, for many years, has been going through a tremendous unexpected loss of her older brother. Hadlie was gathering missing work for her (a grade above Hadlie's). Hadlie even made sure that she knew how to do the work in the event Emmilyn might need help or give extra direction to complete her assignments. Hadlie offered to tutor Emmilyn to make sure her work was caught up and made time to just be there with her as a friend. Hadlie had never spent the night away from her family before, but in this time of need, she put her friend's needs above her own and decided to spend the night with her to make her feel better and take her mind away from the traumatic event that was going on in her life.

Gabriella Calderon, Grade 6, Punta Gorda Middle School

Gabriella was honored for exemplifying kindness. She makes the BEST choices every day and was a supreme leader in her 5th grade class. She is the type of young woman who is never told what to do; she just knows how to make people happy. Yesterday during our aftercare program at school, she took it upon herself to read with a young girl with special needs. She was never told to do this; she just instinctively knew that this young lady could not read the books and needed a friend to read to her. Turning around and watching this moment with her reading to this student, showing her the pictures and being so patient with her, reminded me that there is GOOD in the world. As a teacher, sometimes it’s hard; more often than not, you are faced with difficult situations. This small moment in time was everything to me. It allowed me to see that our future is still filled with the kindness of a young lady who will share a book with a friend and not look at her disability as a reason not to.

Annee Douglas, Grade 5, Neil Armstrong Elementary School

Annee was honored for her decisive action. Annee entered the bathroom and immediately noticed small flames in the trash can. She quickly alerted staff by stating, 'There is a fire in the bathroom.' Mr. McCarty, our para, and I immediately checked the scene, while the class next door was informed and evacuated safely. Due to Annee’s quick response and adherence to 'See Something, Say Something,' the fire was contained to the small garbage can, and no other damage was done. Our whole school evacuated safely and in a timely manner thanks to her actions. I nominate Annee for the 'Do the Right Thing' award.

Dean Fitton, Grade 10, Charlotte High School       

Dean was honored for his integrity. Dean found a $100 bill on the ground at Charlotte High School. Rather than pocket the money for himself, which he could have easily done without anyone knowing, he stopped and thought about what the right choice was. He turned it into the school in hopes that the money would find its way to the person who lost it. Dean is a perfect example of what it means to have integrity. He is an exemplary brother to his siblings and helpful at home to his family. He is on the Charlotte High School basketball team and is supportive of his teammates while working to improve himself. Dean is a team player who models good sportsmanship.

Camryn Hughes, Grade 8, L.A. Ainger Middle School

Camryn was honored for his prompt assistance during a medical emergency. A female student was unresponsive in the classroom and needed to be taken to the floor for assessment and medical attention. Upon the request of his teacher and without a second thought, Camryn assisted in getting the student to the floor, allowing for medical treatment. Without Camryn's quick assistance, the student may not have survived. Camryn maintained his composure during a highly stressful event and helped take lifesaving steps for this student.