LEWISTON, Maine — Ava Coffill quickly settled into her new school after her family moved to Lewiston three years ago. Like many kids her age, the seventh-grader loves hanging out with her friends during recess and being with them in the classroom.
A lot has changed for students in the city during the last few weeks. Lewiston schools were closed the days after last month's tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 people. But Coffill said it's been good to be around her friends and her teachers again.
"For teachers, it might have been hard for them to get back to teaching kids, and it’s good for us to help out and do our work," she added.
It's clear this middle school student cares about those in her community. She also feels a close connection with her school's resource officer, Keith Caouette.
“He’s always at lunch with us, walking around our hallways and he helps out a lot with us and checks in," Coffill said.
Caouette was also one of the first Lewiston police officers who responded to Schemengees Bar & Grille, one of the mass shooting scenes, last month.
So, Coffill had the idea to say thank you to her school resource officer by making a gift basket.
"I thought it would be really nice because he helped out with the situation that happened, and I thought it would be really fun to make one for him," she added.
With the help of friends, neighbors, and community members, Coffill was able to collect gift cards, a sweatshirt, T-shirt, and a "Lewiston Strong" water bottle. The young student surprised Coffill with the gift basket and thank you card before school Thursday morning.
“He was like very surprised that someone did something like that for him, and he said, 'Thank you.' He was very happy," she said.
It's clear this seventh-grader loves to make people happy, and her act of kindness did not go unnoticed by the Lewiston Police Department.
The agency passed along this statement:
"From donations received, to the letters and cards penned to our officers, we are certainly feeling tremendous support, in a time where I can admit that we need it more than ever. It would [be] impossible to name all the individuals, students and businesses who have reached out, so suffice it to say that we appreciate each and every one of you and your generosity has not gone unnoticed. This is yet another great reminder why each of us choose to work in this strong and vibrant community. Lewiston, we love you."