Two RCSD students earn recognition for standout acts of courage and kindness through the Do the Right Thing awards

Rochester, New York – Two students from the Rochester City School District are being recognized for acts that reflect compassion, honesty, and a willingness to help when it matters most. This month, the “Do the Right Thing” Award—an honor designed to spotlight young people who choose responsibility over convenience—was presented to Moses Aponte and Wilbert Jackson for their meaningful contributions to those around them.

For both students, the actions that earned them recognition began with small choices that grew into something larger. Their decisions not only helped the people close to them but also demonstrated the kind of character that strengthens a school community from the inside out.

Moses Aponte, a 2025 graduate of the School of the Arts, was nominated by family friend Ashley Williams-Wall for the steady dedication he showed during a difficult time for his loved ones. As his grandmother’s health declined, Moses stepped in without being asked, taking on responsibilities that many adults find overwhelming. He began mowing her lawn, cleaning her home, and bringing her treats to brighten her day. All the while, he managed a demanding schedule of his own. Moses maintained a 4.0 GPA and stayed active in student life, serving as secretary of the Black Student Union and contributing to the school’s news bulletin editing committee. Now studying entrepreneurship at Monroe Community College, he continues to build on the leadership habits he developed in high school.

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The second honoree, Andrew Langston Middle School student Wilbert Jackson, showed integrity when he could easily have stayed silent. He was nominated by his 6th-grade teacher, Jennifer Quinn, after a moment during a classroom presentation on internet safety and cyberbullying. Wilbert raised a concern about a group chat that, in his view, had the potential to harm his friends. By speaking up, he allowed adults to intervene quickly, giving teachers and parents the chance to address the situation before it escalated. His choice underscored the importance of digital awareness and reminded classmates that doing what is right sometimes begins with just one honest voice.

The “Do the Right Thing” program aims to encourage exactly these kinds of moments. By highlighting students who show courage, compassion, academic dedication, or positive change, the initiative works to strengthen relationships between youth and the Rochester Police Department. The program also serves as a reminder that leadership can be expressed in quiet, everyday actions—not only major achievements. As the program describes, it rewards young people who “strive to make good choices, do well in school, give back to their communities, or demonstrate a turnaround or improved behavior.”

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Families interested in learning more or nominating a student can visit www.cityofrochester.gov/DotheRightThing.

Both Moses and Wilbert represent what the program hopes to encourage: young people choosing integrity even when no one is watching, and in doing so, inspiring their schools and communities to follow their example.