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Just Deserts After Dinner

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Handel Eugene, a recent Hillsborough High School graduate, was looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner out with his family before leaving two days later for the University of Central Florida.

Thursday evening's three-course, catered meal at the Woodmont Clubhouse was as delicious as he had expected, but what followed almost brought the 18-year-old to his knees.

Eugene and his absent high school buddy Timothy Gologram were named winners of the Temple Terrace Police Department's 2007-08 Do the Right Thing annual award. They were selected from among nine other monthly winners by a 10-member community policing advisory committee, a group of community leaders chosen by the city's police department.

Eugene and Gologram each were awarded a MacBook laptop computer, compliments of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

"I've really been wanting a laptop to take to college with me, and I can't believe I now have one," Eugene said. "This is awesome."

The young men were recognized for their part in identifying and capturing a nonstudent runaway male whom they suspected had stolen three of the school's camcorders, each valued at more than $200. Because of their actions, the cameras were recovered and the person was charged with grand theft and ultimately returned to his parents.

Hillsborough High's community resource officer, Mike Holmes, nominated the young men.

"I just feel that with all the negative things publicized about today's youth, it's important to recognize that there are kids who are doing the right thing," said Holmes, who has also nominated several other students under his watch for the program's monthly awards.

Eugene's parents, Erika and Antoine Eugene, are proud of their son.

"He's one of the best children a parent could ever have," Antoine Eugene said.

Police Chief Tony Velong said the Do the Right Thing program is "one of the best things we do."

"Our policemen see a lot of bad kids, so it's really good to recognize the good ones," he said.

Mayor Joe Affronti agreed.

"What a great bunch of kids," he said. "We're so proud of them, and we're proud of their parents."

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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