Charlotte County Public Schools

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

Wyatt Lindstedt, Grade: 9, FSW Collegiate High School  

Wyatt was honored for turning in a set of missing keys. A teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School accidentally misplaced their car keys, they had fallen while walking to their vehicle. After much searching, their husband had to pick them up. The following school day, Wyatt found them in the grass and gave them to our security officer, Josh Crowell. It is such a wonderful blessing to have children who still think of others.  

Colton Riley, Grade: 1, Myakka River Elementary School  

Colton was honored for seeing something and saying something. A kindergarten student inadvertently brought over-the-counter medication to school in their lunchbox. Upon discovering it in the cafeteria, the student placed the medication in their pocket and later showed it to classmates. Colton recognized the potential danger and immediately reported the incident to his teacher. He emphasized the importance of removing the medication from the classroom, stating that it was 'poisonous' and should not be in the school environment. The students' ability to identify and address this hazardous situation at such a young age is commendable.  

Brody Johnson, Grade: 1, Myakka River Elementary School  

Brody was honored for seeing something and saying something. A kindergarten student inadvertently brought over-the-counter medication to school in their lunchbox. Upon discovering it in the cafeteria, the student placed the medication in their pocket and later showed it to classmates. Brody recognized the potential danger and immediately reported the incident to his teacher. He emphasized the importance of removing the medication from the classroom, stating that it was 'poisonous' and should not be in the school environment. The students' ability to identify and address this hazardous situation at such a young age is commendable.  

Ja’Lani Winesett, Grade: 5, Deep Creek Elementary School  
Ja’Lani was honored for her concern and compassion for others. Ja'Lani went above and beyond to help a friend in need. Ja'Lani noticed a friend in her class was acting differently on the bus. When in class she was able to talk to the peer who disclosed that his father had hit him and showed the marks left. Ja'Lani made sure the teacher was aware of what had happened; the teacher was addressing the issue. Ja'Lani and her friend supported the peer throughout the day; helping him with his work, comforting him when he was upset, and trying to help him get his mind off things. Ja'Lani also provided the peer with her phone number to call if he needed someone to talk to when he was not at school.  

Journee Chalder, Grade: 5, Deep Creek Elementary School  

Journee was honored for her responsibility and courage reporting a serious incident. Journee was riding the bus to school when she noticed a friend acting differently and trying to hide his arms. She asked him what was wrong, and he showed her his arms. The student had welts and red marks on his arm. She asked him how that happened, and he disclosed to her that his father did it. When Journee arrived at school, she notified her teacher what had happened. Because of Journee's actions, the teacher was able to make sure that she did her duty and that things were done to keep the student safe. After Journee told her teacher, she periodically checked in on her friend and provided the friend with her phone number if they ever needed to talk to someone.