'Do the Right Thing' winners: December 2020

School resource officer Chris English surprises Albany High School senior Wazier Dozier when he presents him with a Samsung tablet through 'Do the Right Thing.'

School resource officer Chris English surprises Albany High School senior Wazier Dozier when he presents him with a Samsung tablet through 'Do the Right Thing.'

City School District of Albany students continue to Do the Right Thing, and several of them were rewarded for their efforts Wednesday with Samsung tablets.

“Do the Right Thing” is a collaboration between the school district, the City of Albany and the Albany Police Department. Middle- and high-school students are nominated each month for their accomplishments, positive behavior and good deeds. A committee determines the top students, who win tablets and other prizes.

School resource officers Chris English and Nicole Reddix personally delivered the tablets the homes of students who were selected for the month of December.

The students are:

  • Tony Davis, grade 6, Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School of Excellence. He was nominated for being an outstanding and diligent student who is eager to learn, actively participates and is always seeking feedback on how to improve and work better.
  • Bonnie Diefendorf, grade 8, William S. Hackett Middle School. Why chosen: She is a talented musician who has performed in virtual concerts to raise money for organizations such as St. Catherine’s Center for Children and the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society.
  • Wazier Dozier, Albany High School, grade 12. Why chosen: He is an outstanding student, artist, avid basketball player and all-around role model student.
  • Arianah Moore, Albany High, grade 10. Why chosen: She works hard, helps her siblings with their work, helps around the house and has become the family’s tech guru.
  • Maggie Papa, Albany High, grade 12. Why chosen: She is the student coordinator for the Albany High blood drives, has helped raise money for school clubs and is a strong anti-bullying advocate.
  • John Riley, grade 8, Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School. Why chosen: He was nominated for handling the change to virtual learning and multiple schedule changes with humor and grace. He also completes work on time, actively engages in class and shows initiative.
  • Nixon Villeda-Castro, grade 6, Hackett Middle School. Why chosen: He is a hardworking student, shares his Chromebook with sister and lets her use it first, then logs on at night and gets his work done when the Chromebook is available.

Know a middle- or high-school student worthy of recognition? Nominate them here.


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