FEBRUARY WINNERS | 2015

Patrick Bartz

Kennerly Elementary School
Lindbergh School District

Patrick demonstrated the true spirit of the winter holiday season by making two charitable donations. Patrick was super lucky when he won a tablet in an all-school raffle; he only purchased one ticket and won! Instead of keeping the tablet for himself he donated it to the St. Vincent Home for Children in St. Louis. As if that wasn’t enough, he was selling raffle tickets for his school’s strings program and sold the winning ticket which won him a $25 iTunes gift card. Instead of keeping that for himself he donated that as well to his music teacher at school. So today we honor Patrick Bartz for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his kindness and generosity, Patrick made a difference in the lives of others. Ms. Angela Dunsford who nominated him stated, “Patrick’s selfless and kind acts demonstrate the great character for which we should all strive, everyday.” Wow what a great citizen you are, Patrick! We are so proud of you!

Jillian Cross

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

Jillian is a sweet and thoughtful person and thinks of others before herself. Jillian and her friends get together often to create “good deed” crafts or projects. Jillian will make or create items for people who are less fortunate or donate the items to a charitable organization. Currently, Jillian is working on bags to give to the homeless. Bags of food items, water, blankets, and other needed items are kept in the car and distributed when Jillian sees someone in need that is homeless. So today we are honoring Jillian Cross for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her compassion and generosity, she has made the world a better place for those in need around her. Mrs. Stacey Rank who nominated Jillian stated, “Jillian is so sweet and thoughtful, she even donates some of her own money to various charities in addition to her crafts and projects, Smithton School is so proud of her!” Awesome job Jillian! Keep up the good work.

Damon Crawford

Henry Raab Elementary School
Belleville District 118

Damon is a sixth grader and a basketball player; he is also a great young man and teammate. At basketball practice, Damon noticed another teammate not being treated fairly. He left where he was practicing and went to see what was going on. Damon became concerned when he could not find his upset teammate and went to the office. He explained what happened and went to find him. Within a few minutes, Damon brought the upset teammate to the office, where his teammate was able to talk to someone about the situation. So today we are honoring Damon Crawford for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his concern and compassion he helped his teammate. Ms. Donna Schock who nominated him stated “Damon is a wonderful example of good character and he displays this everyday. He is always helping others and is a great teammate. Great Job Damon! You make your Henry Raab Family very proud!” We certainly agree Damon, we are very proud of you too!

Bridget Custer

Westhaven School
Belleville District 118

Bridget was participating in our class rummage sale, where clothes are brought in that the children can pick items for themselves. When it was Bridget’s turn to pick, the teacher had just laid out one of the “cutest hoodies”. All the girls in the class wanted it, and one of the girls took it, even though it wasn’t her turn. Bridget said, “That’s ok, Sania can have it because I think she loves it, I’ll take this one.” This is just one very recent example of Bridget’s friendship. So today we are honoring Bridget Custer for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her kindness and caring spirit she is a great friend and classmate. Ms. Marla Gibson who nominated her stated, “Bridget treats her friends this way everyday! One girl who is in our class is unable to verbally communicate or control her body. Every Morning, Bridget talks with Laney, asks her questions, shows her things, reads to her and in general, includes her in our classroom.” Bridget you are just an amazing young lady. We are so proud of you!

Abby Deters

Castlio Elementary School
Francis Howell School District

Abby and her brother Connor were visiting their grandmother, Artie at her home. They were all playing basketball, when their grandma when to shoot a basket, she slipped and twisted her foot causing her to fall. When grandma Artie hit the concrete, Abby knew she was hurt. Remaining calm, Abby jumped into action, calling her dad at work, and then 911 so the paramedics could come quickly. Abby explained that her grandma’s hip and shoulder were hurting. She was so thoughtful she even called her grandmother’s hairdresser to let her know she wouldn’t be making her appointment that day, so her hairdresser wouldn’t worry. So today we are honoring Abby Deters for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her responsible ways and quick action her grandmother is safe. Ms. Sandy Sullivan who nominated Abby stated, “Abby immediately took action! Hats off to Abby for remaining calm and “Doing the Right Thing” by making those phone calls quickly.” We agree we are so proud of you Abby! Congratulations!

Marnice Eason

Nance Elementary School
St. Louis Public School District

Marnice who is five years old and a kindergartner was listening when her school talked about this month’s character word, caring. She found a bracelet that was accidentally left in the girls’ restroom and turned it in to an adult. There was no hesitation in giving it to an adult so it could be returned to its rightful owner. So today we honor Marnice Eason for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her honesty and thoughtfulness she proves that caring for others is the way to live. Ms. Marilyn Jackson, who nominated her stated, “Marnice sets a great example for other to follow not only in the classroom but in the community as well. Her actions demonstrated the importance of thinking about others.” You really did a great job, Marnice! Congratulations!

Abbey Engelmann & Josie Toombs

Ste. Genevieve Middle School and Ste. Genevieve High School
Ste. Genevieve R-II School District

On December 18th Abbey and Josie found themselves helping others. Both volunteered to help with the Ste. Genevieve Christmas toy drive. Abbey and Josie helped sort and bag up age appropriate toys for the kids who were referred to the organization. Both girls put so much thought into putting every bag together, they each made sure to pick out the perfect toys that would make the children receiving them happy. So today we honor Abbey Engelmann and Josie Toombs for doing the right thing!

Thanks to their kindness and thoughtfulness children in the community had a wonderful Christmas. Officer Christina Clark who nominated them stated, “Josie always has a smile on her face and if you are having a bad day it is her determination to make you smile with her. Abbey is always volunteering to help others during and after school. Abbey has been raised to be a very caring person and it shows. Their thoughtfulness, caring and helping others people every chance they get is why I nominated Abbey and Josie for Do The Right Thing!” We are super proud of you Abbey and Josie! Congratulations!

Makeena Luster

Union School
Belleville District 118

Makeena is a great student and has shown she knows what character really means. She is seated near a student who struggles cognitively. Every day, she takes time to explain directions to the student; she helps the student get organized as well as assisting the student with getting started on assignments. Makeena is like a teacher’s assistant and she is always making sure this student has what they need to be as successful as possible! So today we are honoring Makeena Luster for doing the right thing.

Thanks to her caring ways and generosity she has helped her teacher and her classmate. Ms. Tanya Herkenhoff who nominated her stated, “Makeena’s help is wonderful, the most amazing thing is she has never been asked to do this, the student has never asked her for help and I have never asked her to do it. She just saw a peer in need and lent a helping hand! I am so proud of her for being so generous of her time. She is so kind to this student and is so very gentle in her approach.” We are so proud of you Makeena! Congratulations!

Abby Hoffman

Commons Lane Elementary School
Ferguson-Florissant School District

Abby was at her brother’s soccer game when her mom was speaking with the wife of one of the coaches, who is also a police officer. Abby’s mom shared with Abby and her brother, Aaron, how it was hard for the officers who are trying hard to keep our community safe, while awaiting the grand jury verdict. Right there in the car on the way home, Abby insisted on leading the family in prayer for the police officers, but her dad wasn’t allowed to close his eyes because he was driving. When Abby got home, she asked her brother and his friend to make a banner while she started on 100 thank you notes for the officers. Abby delivered them to a Florissant officer and has made more notes and cookies for police officers in the area since that first time. So today we are honoring Abby Hoffman for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her kindness and compassion, police officers in our community feel appreciated. Ms. Sherry Opich who nominated Abby stated, “When it dawned on me that all the protesting and violence was a lot for a little girl to think about, I told her not to be afraid, the officers were going to protect her. Abby looked at the grown ups with a surprised look and said, “Oh no, I’m not afraid; there’s a Bible verse I like to say. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Abby continues to call and ask what she can do to help; she’s amazing!” It sounds like you are amazing Abby, and we are so proud! Congratulations!

Ashley Marcus

Westhaven Elementary School
Belleville School District 118

Ashley is a remarkable little girl and she is a great help to other students. She is determined to learn and her strength to do that is why she has progressed to the wonderful point she is today. She is very responsible, and helps to remind her classmates when it is time to respond to their other classroom. She makes sure they have everything they need, including their eyeglasses; and she makes sure they all arrive right on time! So today we are honoring Ashley Marcus for doing the right thing.

Thanks to her dedication and caring ways she helps her classmates immeasurably. Ms. DeAnna Doussard who nominated her stated, “Ashley makes sure they are at my room on time, but she also makes sure her friends have all their necessary supplies. In today’s “egocentric” world, Ashley is the model for all of us to follow. No matter what your struggles are, life is easier when we all help each other through it.” We are so proud of you Ashley, keep up the good work! Congratulations!

Olivia Morley

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

One morning, Olivia greeted her teacher as she was coming into her classroom. Olivia told her teacher that she had something for the teacher to help “Stomp Out Child Abuse.” Olivia said she had read about the Royal Family Kids’ Camp, her teacher directs, when a flyer was sent home asking for gently used shoes to help send campers to the camp. Olivia wanted to help send a child to camp and has been doing extra chores and saving her allowance so she could help a child. Olive handed her teacher an envelope of money, stating that she had saved $200. She also wants to volunteer and is planning to help with the Royal Run on March 21st in Belleville. So today we are honoring Olivia Morley for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her compassion and generosity she is helping to “stomp out child abuse.” Ms. Ashley Crompton who nominated her stated, “Olivia is a wonderful role model for other students. Her generosity is helping send local foster children to a week of Royal Family Kids’ camp; she’s wonderful!” Wow, Olivia that is awesome we are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Richard Potter

Hillsboro Junior High School
Hillsboro R-3 School District

Richard was at a wrestling event at his school. While he was there he located a pair of “Beats” headphones in the bleachers after the event was over. We all know how expensive those headphones are, and Richard didn’t stash them away for himself. Richard turned them in, so they could be returned to their owner. So today we are honoring Richard Potter for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his honesty and kindness he helped someone who misplaced their belongings. Mr. Heath Allison who nominated him stated, “Ricky was great, we were able to eventually return the headphones to the student who lost them, and the student didn’t even attend our school. Ricky showed the other school what honest and kind students Hillsboro Junior High is made of!” We are so proud of you Ricky, keep up the good work! Congratulations!

Na'Anna Rice

Delores Moye Elementary School
O’Fallon School District 90

Na’Anna is a new student at Moye and the group of girls she typically plays with at recess were not displaying appropriate Moye behavior. They were bullying, yelling, fighting and excluding others. Na’Anna, who is usually shy and quiet, sought out her teacher to help diffuse the situation. So today we are honoring Na’Anna Rice for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her bravery and courage she has shown others the right way to handle a situation. Ms. Lynae Vahle who nominated her stated, “I was very proud of Na’Anna’s courage to walk away from her friends making poor choices and “Do the Right Thing” to seek help in this difficult situation. As a new student, she usually follows; however, in this case she was a strong leader!” We are so proud of you Na’Anna, keep up the good work! Congratulations!

Kyla Watkins

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

Kyla is a bright student, has a giving spirit, a kind soul, and has an amazing connection with her peers. When her teacher came back to the classroom after missing the first six weeks of school due to illness, Kyla stepped up and made the teacher’s transition back bearable. She was a great help with the schedule and everything her teacher needed. So today we are honoring Kyla Watkins for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her kindness and maturity, she helped make coming back to school better for her teacher. Mrs. Shelley LePere, who nominated Kyla stated, “Kyla is such a strong example of strength and grace, she feels like she is the luckiest girl for the blessings she is given. Just before Christmas I was asking the students what the one thing they just had to have under the tree on Christmas morning. The answers from the other students were typical; I-phones, X-boxes and other high-priced gifts. When I came to Kyla she was so excited to tell everyone she had to have the blue EOS lip balm, such simplicity for her dream gift! Kyla chooses to live her life daily by Doing the Right Thing for all those she meets.” Kyla you are amazing and we are so very proud of you!

Addie Steagall and Vivian Vaughn

Ste. Genevieve High School
Ste. Genevieve R-II School District

Addie and Vivian are remarkable young ladies. They have been working on a project called No Kid Hungry. They have a web site, twitter account, video, and many community activities and service projects to raise awareness on the topic of hunger to not only their fellow students, but to everyone in their area. They have held bake sales, trick or treating for canned foods, raised money during basketball games, t-shirt sales and had Thanksgiving food drives. There are so many ways these girls are raising awareness of the hunger problem of children. Both girls are excellent students, leaders and involved in a variety of school and community groups to make the community a better place, believe me there’s a list. So today we are honoring Addie Steagall and Vivian Vaughn for doing the right thing!

Thanks to their dedication and generosity they are helping to make sure children in their community are not hungry. Dr. Tracey Eatherton who nominated them stated, “You can tell that these girls are very active and also good students, so for them to take this much time to help other children is amazing. Because of the size of our community and school, their goal was to reach $700. However they have nearly doubled that amount already. Ste. Genevieve School District is so proud of these two young ladies and thank them for Doing the Right Thing!” We are so proud of you Addie and Vivian, keep up the good work! Congratulations!