Title
Presentation of the Police Department's Citizen Recognition Award to student Emily Martinez-Lanza.
Body
Emily Martinez-Lanza is a gifted eleventh grade student at Gulliver Preparatory School. Enrolled in all Advanced Placement classes, she excels, receiving many academic honors and awards. She has received the Superior Scholar Award, Outstanding Scholar, Distinguished Scholar, and the Teacher's Choice Award, and always made the Headmaster's List. Emily has recently joined forces with the Victim Witness Unit of the Coral Gables Police Department fundraising efforts to assist victims during their recovery. As President and Founder of Teens Against Domestic Abuse (TADA) she is creating awareness through education and support. During the Holidays, Emily collected approximately 300 cell phones by conducting a drive for old cell phones to help victims reach emergency services. Through several fundraising charity events and monetary collection drives, she also collected over $4,000 to provide basic needs for victims and support educational programs. Ms. Martinez-Lanza also coordinated a media covered activity about domestic violence in her school. I was invited to present the topic, followed by a testimonial from a Gulliver alumnus, who is also a crime survivor. Most recently, Emily was nominated and selected for the "Do the Right Thing" Program, sponsored by the Miami Police Department, where she was also selected as the high school Special Recognition winner, receiving a free trip to London, courtesy of British Airways. Emily's commitment is admirable and commendable.