On a daily basis, there are young people in the Oxford school district who are doing volunteer work, practicing compassion, infecting others with their positive attitudes and leading by example.

Last week, Oxford Addison Youth Assistance honored 37 students at its Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony held at the middle school.

“I’m so proud of you,” said Oxford Village Police Chief Mike Solwold, who served as guest speaker.

He told the kids they make an officer’s job “a lot easier” because they’re out there “following the rules” and “doing good things in our community.”

“You’re helping us out because we can’t be everywhere. We do the best we can, but we just can’t,” Solwold said.

As a police officer, Solwold said he carries a lot of valuable equipment around on his belt, but the most important “tool” he has – the one that he uses “every day” – is his mouth.

“If you treat people with respect, then nine times out of 10, you’re going to get that respect back,” he said.

He encouraged students to remember that.

“Treat people how you want to be treated,” Solwold said. “Talk to people how you want to be talked to.”

This year’s honorees included Liam Bazydlo, Austin Bilbey, Mira Cline, Esmeralda Coronado, Collin Crosby, Sophie Fazzari, Ryan Fisher, Jacob Flanders, Caitlyn Geda, Aubrey Greenfield, Nathan Greer, Paityn Hasselbring, Brandi Iid, Sophia Jablonski, Chyanne Kalchert, Brody Kogelmann, Taylor Lang, Andi Lesner, Abigail Liebenow, Julian Mayin, Emily McClear, Annabelle Meldrum, Ben Miller, Landon Miner, Evelyn Myers, Rilyn Ojala, Riley Parker, Laron Pinchback, Brody Pollard, Alexandria Poosch, Wesley Pratt, Eva Rayner, Parishawn Redding, Evelyn Rippetoe, Brooke Shefferly, Alex Van Haren and Evelyn Wells.