Four local youths were among those recognized at the Do The Right Thing award ceremony on October 22. The program, sponsored by the Rochester Police Department, recognizes students who have gone above and beyond to do the right thing. These students have proven they are role models through their actions by demonstrating courage, leadership, selflessness, generosity, honesty, and maturity.
Jeremiah Currier – 9th Grade, Brockport High School
Josiah Kelly – 9th Grade, Homeschool
Matthew Kelly – 9th Grade, Homeschool
Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith and RPD Officer Michael Murphy both nominated Jeremiah, Josiah, and Matthew for their heroic actions.
Brothers Josiah and Matthew, along with their friend Jeremiah, spent a winter day during their February break playing in the snow together at Hamlin Beach State Park. Their fun-filled day took a turn when they noticed a young girl, by herself, far out on the ice of Lake Ontario. They kept an eye on her, worried that something might happen. Those fears came true when they saw the ice break underneath her, and she fell into the water. Without hesitation, Josiah immediately ran to her, safely got down on the ice, and grabbed the girl’s arm before she slipped under the lake’s frozen patches. He yelled to Matthew and Jeremiah for help, and the three worked together to quickly pull the nine-year-old girl out of the freezing water and get her safely to shore. The teamwork and exceptional bravery of these three young men helped to prevent a tragedy that day, and because of their actions, the little girl is okay.
CJ Piatt – 8th Grade, Brockport Middle School
CJ was nominated by his aunt, Courtney Webster, for demonstrating quick thinking, courage, and exemplary leadership by stepping in to help a classmate during an incident that occurred at school last January, when he was a 7th grader.
One day during lunch, CJ noticed a fellow student was in distress and choking. CJ immediately rose from his seat, approached the student, and performed the Heimlich maneuver. His prompt and effective actions successfully dislodged a piece of steak sandwich, allowing the student to quickly breathe normally again.
The Brockport Central School District Board of Education recognized CJ with a Brockport’s Best Award after his teacher, Ms. Howlett, nominated him. The Brockport’s Best Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the values of the Brockport Central School District through bravery, service, and honor.
Ms. Howlett said that CJ’s calm response and willingness to help without hesitation reflect his outstanding character and responsibility. She praised CJ’s actions and the example he set for the school community, saying his courage, composure, and selfless, life-saving actions in a moment of crisis represent the very best of Brockport. Superintendent Sean Bruno also commended CJ for the leadership and care he demonstrated in the moment, saying, “CJ’s actions speak to the character we strive to cultivate in our schools. When a classmate needed help, he acted quickly and without hesitation. His courage and compassion are a powerful example for our entire Brockport community.”
For more information about the Do The Right Thing program, and to learn how to nominate a student, visit Cityofrochester.gov/DoTheRightThing.
Provided information
Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith nominated (l-r) Jeremiah Currier, Josiah Kelly, and Matthew Kelly for their heroic actions. Photo from Legislator Smith on Facebook.
CJ Piatt with Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, and Rochester Police Chief David Smith. Provided photo.
