Beach student displays heroism for police honor
Fort Myers Beach resident Gregory Cain, a senior at Cypress Lake High School, recently picked up his second “Do The Right Thing” honor for heroics that may have saved a girl’s life, according to the nomination letter written by Cypress Lake Assistant Principal Adam Kurtz. The “Do The Right Thing” Student Recognition Program is supported and organized by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to reinforce positive behavior among youths and to establish students as role models for their peers.
Kurtz’ letter stated, “Gregory saved a girl’s life. It occurred near his home. When emergency help was needed, he responded and helped pull an intoxicated female out of a hot tub. Paramedics were summoned and the female was transported to the hospital. On another occasion, he became aware of safety concern that involved the school. He shared the information with school authorities who were able to respond appropriately.”
The program, which focuses on humanitarian concern, honesty, integrity, positive decision-making and heroism, involves law enforcement, local government, business and the Lee County educational community in “an effort to make a lasting positive impact on our community’s young adults.”
Gregory is the son of Terry and Richard Cain. The Cains were unable to attend the awards ceremony, which was held last Thursday in the Lee County Public Education Center, due to sickness in the family. When reached by phone, Terry Cain said she was proud of her son’s efforts but downplayed the heroism.
“Greg is a very conscientious kind of kid, and when he thinks there is a need he really goes forward and tries to do the right thing,” she said. “He just knew there was a bad situation and tried to correct it. There was a girl who was in distress, and he got in touch with the right people.”
Although she did not want to talk about the details of the event which her son was “at the right place, at the right time” to protect the girl (whom she didn’t know) and her privacy, Terry did have very positive things to say about “Do The Right Thing.” Cain is the land stewardship coordinator for Lee County Parks and Recreation Department.
“I think it’s a fantastic program,” she said. “I think its great for young people in the community who are recognized for watching out for their neighbor. I can’t say enough about the program and the teachers and administrators who nominate the kids. It’s a really good program that installs in young people how important it is to be part of your community. It’s great to have wonderful role models in the sheriff’s department and emergency medical technicians and to have these kids emulate them.”
According to John McGraw of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the goal of “Do The Right Thing” is to reinforce positive behavior among youths and to establish students as role models for their peers. Each month throughout the 2010-2011 school year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honors the positive actions of our community’s students through the “Do The Right Thing” Student Recognition Program.