It's been said that integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. For students in Elizabethtown Area School District, someone has been watching, and 29 students were recognized as "Do the Right Thing" recipients this past school year.

The program highlights good deeds performed by students and is a national initiative. Locally, it's a collaborative effort between the school district, the Elizabethtown Police Department and Elizabethtown Area Communities That Care (EACTC).

"We are so pleased to recognize these amazing students," said Gail Viscome of EACTC. "Each of them helps make our schools and community a better place."

The students were acknowledged at ceremonies held at their respective schools, where they were celebrated by teachers, administrators, parents and peers.

At the high school and middle school levels, Bryn Shebelsky helped a shy peer feel welcome and walk into school, while Julian Wallace guided an injured classmate to class daily. Olivia Wellenbecher was honored for demonstrating positivity and determination, and Kylee Koons was recognized for supporting struggling peers with kindness and encouragement. Landon Harnish was lauded because he cheerfully assisted classmates and kept the classroom tidy daily, and Jason Miller earned praise for helping a fellow student understand class material and feel included. Stefan Halbleib aided a student who had fallen, and Steven McDonald mentored a younger student struggling with belonging. Rosaliz Arredondo helped a friend get to school on time daily, while Tyrion Leitham obtained assistance for a family member experiencing a medical emergency. Classmates Cora Strickler, Elyse Sprenkle and Kamryn Wasko alerted teachers to an issue in the classroom. Skylar Richard immediately helped a staff member in need of medical assistance, and Annabelle Goretzke safely intervened during a student conflict to stop a fight. Donovan Fuddy demonstrated integrity in turning in $100 he found before school.

At Bainbridge Elementary School, Winston Lavala demonstrated leadership in helping a kindergartner navigate activities and find her mom, while Gabriel Esgrance invited a classmate to lunch, inspiring others to include the student. Ellie Stauffer helped a peer express gratitude with empathy and support, and Sophie Hostetter brought an elk habitat learning experience to the school. Paxton Johnson comforted a crying student by choosing to sit with him, while Hiram Wolgemuth befriended and supported a new student during lunch and recess.

Bear Creek Elementary School students who were honored are Maverick Eves, who was recognized for quietly leading with kindness and lifting up others daily, as well as Anika Heistand, who proactively helped others and kept the classroom tidy. Mason Grimes was honored for leading by example with kindness, focus and respect. Felicia Bentum was recognized for being a thoughtful leader who always puts others first, and Andy Kopp mentored a younger student with compassion and maturity.

At East High Elementary School, Gabriel Ruiz was honored for selflessly cleaning up a large mess made by other students without being asked, and Rose McDermott quietly gave up her spot in line to comfort an injured peer.

"Do the Right Thing" seeks to recognize students in the community who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments, attitude or outstanding efforts and emphasizes random acts of kindness that otherwise may go unnoticed.

"These students have shown the power of giving and compassion, in ways that are both big and small," Viscome said. "They've gone above and beyond to make their community a better place. The actions of each of these students has changed the experience of another student in school in a significant way."

School staff members and police officers typically nominate students whose positive actions come to their attention, but any adult age 18 or over can nominate a student. A volunteer committee reviews nominations and selects a winner or winners for each month of the school year. To learn more, visit https://eactc.org/programs-initiatives/dtrt.

EACTC is a community organization committed to improving the lives of children, youths and families in the Elizabethtown area. Using research-based programs, initiatives and strategies, the organization guides and encourages youths in making positive choices about alcohol, drugs and other high-risk behaviors.