BGEC student Does the Right Thing!

Education By Alexandra Herrera, Reporter Friday, January 19, 2024

     November’s Do The Right Thing Awards honored Bob Graham Education Center seventh grader Louis Egipciaco. 

     Louis was recognized for his volunteer efforts and outstanding student achievements during a ceremony that celebrates students who make good decisions while at school and in the community. 

     Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc. and City of Miami Police recognized Louis for his good work. 

     Louis is described as “sweet and kind-hearted” and is known for volunteering; achieving the honor roll and as part of the National Junior Honor Society has organized care packages for breast cancer patients, cards and coloring books for pediatric cancer patients, a sock donation drive and toy drive for those less fortunate, said Ariadna Espinosa, executive director of Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc.    

     Louis also works with kids at Elevate Church Miami Lakes, where his father Louis Egipciaco is senior pastor. 

     When Louis is older, he would like to create an organization to help the homeless, Espinosa said. 

     Louis received a tablet; a plaque; a free pizza from Papa Johns; a $25 Amazon gift card; two tickets to a Miami Marlins baseball game; tickets to Zoo Miami and a ride aboard Island Queen Cruises

     Also, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples and U.S. Rep. Maria Elivira Salazar, R-Miami sent letters of recognition to him.

     Shown at the Dec. 20 ceremony at the Miami Police College are from left: Papa Johns mascot Mr. Slice; City of Miami Asst. Chief Chiquita Butler; City of Miami Asst. Chief Armando Aquilar; City of Miami Chief Manuel Morales; siblings Luke and Bethany Egipciaco; Louis Egipciaco, Louis’ father and senior pastor at Elevate Church Miami Lakes; Betsy Egipciaco, his mother; Louis Egipciaco; Cindy Iturmendi, teacher at Bob Graham Education Center; Miami-Dade County Schools Police Maj. Joseph Bevilacqua; Miami-Dade Police South Division Chief Gina Beato-Dominguez and Asst. Chief Richard Perez.