In March the Police Department began recognizing youths who have made remarkable turnarounds in their academic and personal lives and are now leading by example or, as the police call it, doing the right thing. That tag is a perfect fit for this month's poster boy- 17 year old Daniel Magana. He was on the road to becoming a high school dropout, but is now at the top of his class and this morning, the center of attention at Nazarene High. Keith Swift has Daniel's story.
Daniel Magana, Student
"That felt good, feels like you are in a concert or something."
17-year-old Daniel Magana feels like a rock star, his classmates treat him like one, and after hearing his skills on the drums - he may even him sound like one but Daniel is a just an average second form student at Nazarene High School. What makes him special is that today he was honored for "doing the right thing" by the Police Department. He got a certificate and a t-shirt.
What Daniel did right was a make personal turnaround in his education. Daniel went from the back of his class - to the top of his class. Samuel Suknandan is Daniel's principal.
Samuel Suknandan, Principal
"Daniel failed the first year at Nazarene High, did very poorly academically, was given a chance to repeat and on his second chance he did outstandingly well, placed second in his class."
He is now at the top of his class and Daniel says he got there with good old hard work, dedication and help from the woman he proudly stood next today - his mom - Lois Magana.
Lois Magana, Mother
"He decided to rise up and wanted to do it. First he was just playing but we got behind him and told him he could do all things and he will get the strength through Christ and because of that we pushed him and today is the result of hard studying and faith in God."
Daniel Magana,
"I am proud of myself for getting this award because I know I could have done it but I think I played too much in the first chance but I said myself I will try better this time."
And it seems the sky is the limit for Daniel who wants to be a veterinarian...and a funky drummer in his spare time.
The other October winners are Natalia Ramos from Independence High School, Karena Mahung from Toledo Community College, Elvis Tablado Jr. from Muffles College, Jose Gongora from Mount Carmel High School, Gisel Leacock from Corozal Community College, Liliana Pinelo from St. Ignatius High School in Cayo, and Olivia Gillett from San Pedro High School.
At this morning's ceremony, Saint John's College committed to providing two full associate degree scholarships for two of the winners at their junior college. The selection will be made by the Police Department in May of next year and the scholarships are valued at ten thousand dollars.
