Two local boys were recently commended by the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office and others for being good citizens. After finding a wallet filled with money and credit cards, the boys immediately took it to an adult who then called authorities. From left: Taurean Causwell, Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Justin Whack, and Eugene White. -Photo by Michaele Duke

Choosing between right and wrong sometimes isn’t easy. As children, we probably heard our parents say these things to us. And doing the right thing is what they would have expected from us. However, sometimes we choose to fudge a little, especially when we think no one is watching. What can it hurt, right? As they say, finders keepers, losers weepers.

That wasn't the case with two Kingstree boys. School was out and 10 -year-old Taurean Causwell and 11-year-old Eugene White were taking advantage of their newfound freedom. They jumped on their bicycles and headed to the Longstreet Plaza Shopping Center for a day of cruising. As they navigated their way around the parking lot and along the walkways Eugene spied a wallet on the ground. The boys retrieved the wallet and went inside Food Lion in search of help. "Our neighbor was there and I asked her to call the cops," said Taurean. Williamsburg County Sheriff's Deputy Sergeant Justin Whack arrived on the scene and took possession of the property.

They never guessed their simple act would end up winning the heart of a stranger. "I guess after putting the groceries in the car, I forgot I left it on the trunk and drove off," said the owner who asked not to be identified. Later that day Deputy Whack delivered the wallet to its rightful owner. "I had no idea that my wallet was even missing," she said. "Everything was in that wallet. My identity could have been ruined."

The boys’ mothers are extremely proud of their sons, which they rightly credit family values playing a role in their behavior. "I am so proud of them," said Eugene's mom Amanda. "We try to teach them to do the right thing." Taurean's mom Joddean echoed Amanda's sentiments. "We try to instill the right things in our kids. When they do things like that it just makes us feel good about them," said Joddean. "To know that what we taught them - they're like carrying it out."

Unbenounced to their parents, the boys had gone back to the sight where they discovered the wallet and found more money. That booty as well was handed over to Sergeant Whack. "It’s very rare that anyone would return property that’s found, especially when there is money involved in these days and times," said Whack. "Their parents are doing a wonderful job in raising them and I think they are going to be outstanding citizens." Both Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office and the owner of the wallet presented the young heroes with a handshake and a token of their appreciation. Their good deed may have been rewarded but it wasn't intended for that purpose.

Eugene and Taurean followed the moral and judicial law but more important they followed their conscious.