Miami Lakes Middle School student ‘Does the Right Thing’

Education By Alexandra Herrera, Reporter Friday, June 2, 2023

     A Miami Lakes Middle School student was honored at the May 10 Do The Right Thing Awards in Miami. 

     Seventh grader Rebeca Funes sought help for a classmate “who was going through a very difficult emotional moment in his life,” said Ariadna Espinosa, executive director of the organization that, with the Miami Police Department, pay tribute to kids who make hard decisions. 

     Rebeca went to a counselor to seek help for the student, who received the help they needed that same day due to Rebeca’s efforts, Espinosa said. 

     Rebeca was honored with a plaque; a mini tablet; a free pizza from Papa Johns; a $25 Amazon gift card; two tickets to a Miami Marlins baseball game; tickets to Zoo Miami; tickets to the Miami Seaquarium and two tickets to Island Queen Cruises. 

     U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples sent her letters of recognition, Espinosa said. 

At the Do the Right Thing ceremony on May 10 at the Miami Police Department auditorium in downtown Miami, from left: Papa Johns Pizza Mr. Slice mascot; Miami Police Asst. Chief Thomas Carroll; Miami-Dade County Division Chief Eric Garcia; Miami Lakes Middle School Trust Specialist Vittoria Cianciulli; Jacob Funes; Cesia Funes and Rebeca Funes and Miami Police First Asst. Chief Cherise Gause. 

     Photo provided by Do The Right Thing Miami.