Brave Bates Elementary student rewarded for speaking up

Left to right: PCSSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Linda Remele, Bates Principal Matt Mellor, Thomas, Sharpe Dunaway, Thomas' mother and Mike Kennedy

When a second-grade student at Bates Elementary School brought a gun to school last week another brave young man named Thomas stepped in. As soon as he heard about the gun, he did the right thing and told an adult. The gun was immediately located and secured and the entire situation was handled safely and without incident.

Today, Bates Elementary held a schoolwide assembly to recognize Thomas’ quick thinking and decisive action and to educate other students about the dangers of guns. Governor Mike Bebee sent a letter commending Thomas for helping keep his school safe. On hand for the celebration were local personalities Sharpe Dunaway and Mike Kennedy of 94.1 The Point FM, who presented Thomas with a $94 gift certificate to Toys R Us. Thomas also received free pizza for a year from Take and Bake Pizza Cafe, dinner for his family at Cantina Laredo and signed merchandise from golfer John Daly.

Bates Principal Matt Mellor took this opportunity to talk to his students about school safety and to encourage them to speak up when they see something wrong. We appreciate Thomas and the Bates Elementary staff for keeping our students safe at school.

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Published on May 2nd, 2012