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Do The Right Thing Awards
The Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Florida Southwestern State College. The following students were recognized:
Abrianna Burtscher, Grade 4, Liberty Elementary School
Abrianna was honored for her compassion for others. Our school had an unannounced Active Assailant Alarm go off during breakfast time. Bree Burtscher did not hesitate to pick up a Special Needs student who was scared and carried them to the safest area. Once in the safest area, she also pulled another non-verbal student who was crying hysterically into her lap and comforted them. She stayed calm (at least outside) the entire time. Her quick and caring actions helped scared students get to safety and feel less afraid.
Logan Carey, Grade 9, FSW Collegiate High School
Logan was honored for his generosity. The Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte held a karaoke fundraiser at Finnegan’s to raise money for school supplies for Port Charlotte Middle School students. Not only did Logan volunteer his entire afternoon to work for the fundraiser, but he also won and donated the proceeds back to the school.
Mallory Sutton, Grade Kindergarten, The Fletcher School
Mallory was honored for her bravery. I was dispatched to a call for a 2-year-old who had fallen into a pool. While in route, a transmission advised that the child was out of the water and that the child was breathing. At that moment, a wave of relief came over to me. It was learned that Margo and her sister, Mallory, were playing and chasing a toy, and while doing so, Margo had fallen into the pool. Margo, not knowing how to swim yet, had sunk beneath the surface of the water. Mallory quickly sprang into action. Mallory had let out a yell to alert her father, who was nearby assembling a swing set. Mallory then bravely jumped into the water, positioning herself beneath her sister, who was facing down, and began pushing her to the surface. At which time, Mallory and Margo’s father, Chris, quickly jumped into the water and began patting Margo on the back to get her to vomit, to expel the water she had taken in. Margo then threw up several times and began breathing on her own. Without Mallory’s great bravery, fearlessness, quick instincts, and courage, I feel that the outcome would not have been the same. I truly feel that Mallory saved Margo’s life.
Dennis Castaneda, Grade 8, Port Charlotte Middle School
Dennis was honored for his quick action. Dennis noticed that my yard and the outside of my house were on fire, and it was quickly escalating. Dennis quickly came to my front door to alert us to the danger. We were unaware and very alarmed. He called 911 as we started to fight the fire. If he had not acted when and how he did, we probably would have lost our house due to the extremely dry conditions in our area. He made sure I was ok, and even after the fire was out and the fire department wrapped things up. He double-checked on me to ensure I was ok and safe. This young man was amazing and very calm. I am so thankful for his responsible and empathetic actions.
Carter White, Grade 5, Meadow Park Elementary School
Carter was honored for his quick, thought-out decision-making. Carter and his friend Dennis noticed that my yard and the outside of my house were on fire while they were riding their bikes, and that it was quickly escalating. The fire was inside the privacy fence that surrounded my backyard. He quickly came to my front door and alerted us to the danger. We were unaware and very alarmed when we saw the immediate danger. Carter and Dennis called 911 as we started to fight the fire. If they had not acted when and how they did, we probably would have lost our house due to the extremely dry conditions in our area. They made sure I was ok even after the fire was out and the fire department wrapped things up. Carter is one who led in the decision-making of their actions and led the concerted effort to do the right thing. This young man was responsible and considerate, and clearly thought things through carefully while acting quickly without panicking. I am so thankful for his responsible and empathetic actions. Carter's father is Assistant Chief Dave White with the Nokomis fire department. Both boys were amazing, but Carter led their efforts and acted with a maturity and awareness way beyond his years.