Do the Right Thing of Miami, Inc. and the City of Miami Police Dept. honored students who go above and beyond at school and in their communities during a ceremony in January.
Recognized was Natalie Garcia, a seventh grader at Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes. The organizations gave Natalie the award after she showed compassion and cared for a younger student at her school.
“Natalie is a remarkable example of a positive role model who exemplifies what it means to be resilient and provides a positive outlook for others,” said Dayana Sanchez, administrative assistant for Do The Right Thing of Miami Inc.
Natalie and her schoolmate share a condition and due to Natalie’s kindness, the student received a boost of confidence, said Sanchez.
Sanchez said the pair have a “remarkable bond.”
Natalie received a tablet; a plaque; a free pizza from Papa Johns; an Amazon gift card; two tickets to a Miami Marlins game; tickets to Zoo Miami and a trip aboard Island Queen Cruises & Tours.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples and U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Miami, wrote letters to congratulate Natalie.
Shown in the photo from left, Papa Johns mascot Mr. Slice; Miami Police Asst. Chief Armando Aguilar; Bob Graham Education Center Teacher Cindy Inturmendi; Natalie Garcia’s mom Linda Garcia and brother Nathan Garcia; Natalie Garcia; Miami-Dade County Police Maj. Samuel Bronson; Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc. Vice President Juanita Walker and Miami Dade Schools Police Dept. Maj. Joseph Bevilacqua.