The Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Florida Southwestern State College. The following students were recognized:
Olivia Cruz, Kindergarten, Meadow Park Elementary School
Olivia was honored for her kindness and compassion. She loves helping other classmates who are struggling and shows empathy for others. Olivia is a role model for our GATOR expectations at Meadow Park Elementary.
Obi Edeoga, Grade: 9, Charlotte High School
Obi Edeoga was recognized for his extraordinary efforts to bring joy and compassion to the foster boys at Crossroads. It is my understanding that Obi’s inspiration for this initiative began last year when he learned that a teammate on his basketball team, who resides at Crossroads, would not be receiving any gifts for Christmas. Moved by this realization, Obi took it upon himself to organize a large-scale Christmas gift drive. Through his leadership, he successfully coordinated the sponsorship of over 40 boys, ensuring that each received presents specifically requested from their own wish lists.
Obi’s selflessness and determination to make a difference demonstrate an exceptional level of empathy and generosity. His actions not only brought joy to these children but also exemplified the true spirit of community and kindness. Obi’s big heart and unwavering commitment to helping others make him an outstanding candidate for this award.
Jasmine Goodman, Grade: 5, Vineland Elementary School
Jasmine was honored for helping a peer in need. Jasmine was in the pool with peers and noticed someone needed some assistance. She notified the staff and swam to help him.
Ella McClure, Grade: 7, Genesis Christian School
Ella was honored for being a wonderful role model. Ella has a heart of gold and will go out of her way to help others. She excels academically and has a positive attitude which guides her through each situation. This year, some of her friends were not so nice to her, and she handled this with maturity and found it in her heart to forgive the students who were not making the best choices. It warms my heart knowing there are kids who are such great role models and examples for others.
Luca Vaast-Petrovick, Grade: 11, Charlotte High School:
Luca is an exceptional example of a student who consistently does the right thing in our community. He always willingly gives his time to help others and demonstrates leadership abilities that benefit people and organizations. Since grade school, he has volunteered for the Punta Gorda Boat Club and the Charlotte Harbor Learn to Sail School. In the Learn to Sail School he regularly sets an outstanding example for the younger students and provides valuable guidance while assuring safety. He has certainly become a stellar role model. He recently even pursued education that enabled him to be an instructor in the school, which always only had adult instructors. Thus, he conducts classroom and hands-on learning. He even routinely helps the new adult volunteers learn important specifics of the program
During the aftermath of recent hurricanes, he assisted his neighbors with clean up and politely refused payment. Plus, he does have a paying job in addition to his schoolwork and volunteer work. He is an excellent student and an accomplished pianist. Luca is an asset to our community and is truly deserving of "Do the Right Thing" recognition.
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