PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Alexis Vargas, a seventh grader at Calkins Road Middle School, is being honored for making students feel welcomed and included.

Vargas is president of the Best Buddies program at her school, helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities make friends. She helped organize after-school activities like crafts, cookie decorating and open gym, connecting with someone new at every event.

“Best Buddies is a club where you can make friends with anyone and everyone with any sorts of ability,” Vargas said. “I seem like a very inclusive person and I like to have many friends,” Vargas said.

Her school counselor said Vargas is a natural leader who works well with others and is always willing to try something new.

Any student in grades K-12 in a Monroe County school is eligible for a nomination. The good deed must have occurred within one year of the nomination. Anyone over 18 years of age can submit a nomination form, including family, friends, school staff, and coaches.

The Rochester Police Department has held the Do the Right Thing awards since 1995. You can learn more about nominating a student here. See past winners here.

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