January Winners | 2015

Nick Cline

Jefferson Elementary School
Belleville District 118

Nick, who is a Cub Scout, was on a camp out with his pack. While they were there, Nick observed a boy hitting another boy in the leg with a stick. Knowing this was not how Cub Scouts act, he asked the offender to stop hitting the other Scout. When the hitting continued, Nick stepped in and confronted the offender, telling him that it was unacceptable. Even when the offender turned and started yelling at Nick, he stood his ground. So today we honor Nick Cline for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his bravery and integrity, Nick made a difference at camp. Ms. Nicole Green who nominated him stated, “Nick continued to do the right thing, by standing his ground and telling the offender that what he was doing was wrong, and that he was going to tell an adult. Because of Nick’s actions the offender not only left Nick alone, but also left the boy he was originally hitting alone!” What a great citizen you are, Nick! We are so proud of you!

Morgan Gonski

Amelia Carriel Jr. High School
O’Fallon School District 90

Morgan was in the gymnasium in the morning waiting to be dismissed to begin the day, when she witnessed something that she knew was wrong. She approached Mrs. Vosse after they were dismissed; informing her of vandalism to the bleachers that another student did that morning. Morgan was also able to provide information as to who committed the act as well, before she responded to begin her day. So today we honor Morgan Gonski for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her courage and thoughtfulness her school is a better place. Mrs. Carrie Vosse, who nominated her stated, “I could tell Morgan was upset. It would have been easy for Morgan to just ignore this act of vandalism that she witnessed and go on about her day as many of her classmates did. Instead Morgan showed perseverance by waiting for me to finish my conversation, integrity by doing the right thing even when others did not, and service to her school by caring about the school environment. It is a true pleasure to know such an honest and responsible young adult!!” You really did a great job, Morgan! Congratulations!

Dakota Evers

Ste. Genevieve High School
Ste. Genevieve School District

Dakota was traveling home from school with his dad when they noticed an ATV flipped over in the creek as they were crossing the bridge. They were able to get the passengers who were screaming for help to safety. Dakota used his shirt when it was needed for compression on a wound. He also went in the creek to assist with locating needed items that fell into the water. Dakota was doing whatever was needed to help including comforting one of the passengers. So today we are honoring Dakota Evers for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his responsible ways and concern several people are safe. Mr. Al Engelmann who nominated Dakota stated, “Dakota is a very compassionate, wonderful kid. He would stop what he was doing to help anyone in need. If you ask him about helping him that day, he would simply say “it’s no big deal; I just did what needed to be done”. He acted in such a brave and selfless way, which is why we nominated him for the Do The Right Thing award.” We agree, we are so proud of you Dakota! Congratulations!

Madison Dondlinger

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

Madison is a great friend. She became concerned about the well being of another student, and even though some of her peers told her not to say anything, Madison did what was right. Madison didn’t listen to them, instead she went to Ms. Rainbolt, the school’s social worker, and expressed her concerns. So today we are honoring Madison Dondlinger for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her concern and caring spirit another student is safe. Ms. Lori Rainbolt and Kathy Belding who nominated her stated, “Madison reported concerns about another student’s safety and we were able to get her the help needed to ensure her overall safety. I am proud of Madison for overcoming her fears of listening to her peers and doing what she felt was in the best interest of her friend.” We are so proud of you Madison, what an awesome job!

Madison Dondlinger

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

Madison is a great friend. She became concerned about the well being of another student, and even though some of her peers told her not to say anything, Madison did what was right. Madison didn’t listen to them, instead she went to Ms. Rainbolt, the school’s social worker, and expressed her concerns. So today we are honoring Madison Dondlinger for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her concern and caring spirit another student is safe. Ms. Lori Rainbolt and Kathy Belding who nominated her stated, “Madison reported concerns about another student’s safety and we were able to get her the help needed to ensure her overall safety. I am proud of Madison for overcoming her fears of listening to her peers and doing what she felt was in the best interest of her friend.” We are so proud of you Madison, what an awesome job!

Braden Course

Delores Moye Elementary School
O’Fallon School District 90

Braden was out playing at school on the kickball field when he found five dollars lying on the ground. Braden picked it up and brought the money over to Ms. Greenwald turning it in immediately. Braden made sure the money was given to an adult so its rightful owner could be found. So today, we honor Braden Crouse for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his honesty and trustworthiness, he impressed his teachers and shown great character. Ms. Margie Greenwald who nominated Braden stated, “Braden brought the money over to me while all his friends were saying “No, don’t do that”. He never looked back to reply to any of them. I told him how responsible he had been by not listening to his friends and turning the money in.” You are incredible Braden! Keep up the good work.

Matthew Conners

Buder Elementary School
Ritenour School District

Matthew was sleeping early one morning when a noise that was “out of the ordinary” woke him up. He looked outside to see what the noise was and discovered the neighbor’s garage on fire. Matthew woke up his parents and told them to call 911 because of the fire. While his mom called 911, his dad tried to wake the neighbors to get them out of the home. So today we are honoring Matthew Conners for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his responsible and quick action he helped his neighbors that morning. Chris, who nominated him stated “Police and the Fire Department arrived on the scene and were able to get the home owners out safely and put out the fire with only minimal damage. Matthew’s fast actions saved lives as well as the area homes. I believe Matthew deserves to be recognized for doing the right thing.” We certainly agree Matthew, keep it up!

 

Lucas Hankammer

Westhaven Elementary School
Belleville School District 118

Lucas is a great student and a great friend to those in his classroom who really benefit from his friendship. When a student in the classroom ends up not having a partner or has to work alone, Lucas volunteers to give up working in his group to be a partner for the lone student. Even when Lucas is teased by others for being the student’s partner, Lucas stands up to the teasers and tells them it is the right thing to do. He has befriended many of the students who could use a friend despite some of the uncomfortable consequences that come with that decision. So today we honor Lucas Hankammer for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his kindness and friendship his classroom and fellow classmates are in a better place. Mrs. Barb Harnist who nominated him stated, “Lucas not only offers his friendship, but helps the student with their work to do better. Each of the students he has extended the hand of friendship to when no one else would has a brighter outlook on their day when Lucas helps them out. He truly steps up without hesitating and does the right thing. You are awesome, Lucas!” We are super proud of you Lucas, you really are awesome! Congratulations!

Neana Lowery

Premier Charter School
Sponsored by UMSL

Neana was asleep in her bedroom resting peacefully when her dog got excited and ruined it all. Thankfully, his excitement woke her up. Neana noticed her room was full of smoke; quickly she began running and yelling for her mom and dad. Neana was able to wake them up and get her entire family safely out of the house. So today we are honoring Neana Lowery for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her bravery and quick action her family is safe. Mr. Mike Lowery, who nominated Neana stated, “The covered deck that is attached to the house was on fire right outside Neana’s window! The entire family along with her twin brothers were able to get out safely. The family practices what to do in case of a fire and Neana was spot on with her actions.” It sounds like you were amazing Neana, 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!

Taylar Marshall

Signal Hill Elementary School
Signal Hill School District 181

Taylar is an all-star sister! She has three younger brothers and she walks them to school everyday. But she goes beyond just walking them to school. She carries her youngest brother if he can not walk, carries his backpack, and always holds his hand. She walks him to his classroom, giving him a hug and a kiss and tells him to have a great day. If the morning is a little rough for him, she will stay with him and his teacher until he is calm before going to her class. So today we are honoring Taylar Marshall for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her kindness and affection, her little brothers have a wonderful role model to look up to. Ms. Kristin Miesner, who nominated Taylar stated, “Taylar is very compassionate and loving to her brothers. She demonstrates selfless behavior everyday and deserves recognition for her kindness. Taylar is a student with true character, and does these acts without a concern for recognition. Her actions as a sister already prove what kind of person she will grow up to become.” We agree Taylar; we can’t wait to see how wonderful you will be when you grow up! We are very proud of you!

Nate Mueller

Amelia Carriel Jr. High School
O’Fallon School District 90

Nate is an amazing kid, student, athlete, a great friend, a role model and a great member of our community. An incident occurred in the school cafeteria at lunch time; all the kids knew two boys were going to fight at the end of the day. When everyone turned their back on helping and left for the day, Nate didn’t, he went and helped so no one would get hurt. Another example is Nate witnessed another incident and Nate made a tough decision, no one else did. Nate reported what he knew to the main office. So today we are honoring Nate Mueller for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his bravery and exceptional character, Carriel Jr. High is a better place. Ms. Julie Mueller, who nominated Nate stated, “Both of these decisions show what amazing character he has and the will to do the right thing. He stepped out of his comfort zone and in a tough situation he made good choices. He should be praised for this behavior as it is tough for anyone to do, but especially a teenager trying to fit in and get along with his peers.” You really are a brave example of an upstanding young man Nate! We are really proud of you!

Brianna Middendorf

Smithton School
Smithton CC School District 130

Brianna recently celebrated her birthday, but she did something a little different this year. She is a big fan of dolphins–ok, she loves them–and realizes that a lot of money and time goes in to caring for these animals. Instead of wanting to keep her birthday money for herself this year, Brianna decided that she would donate all of the money that she received on her birthday to the Marine Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. So today we are honoring Brianna Middendorf for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her generosity and kindness, various marine animals will benefit. Mrs. Holly Sliment and Mrs. Kathy Belding, who nominated Brianna stated, “Brianna’s money will now be used to care for hurt and abandoned marine animals. This act shows a lot of kindness and compassion on Brianna’s part. She not only shows her compassion towards marine life, but she is also a wonderful, caring student in our classroom, that displays kindness towards all of her classmates.” You are wonderful Brianna, we are very proud of you!

Libby Noonan

Ralph M. Captain Elementary School
School District of Clayton

Libby was playing a fun game with her cousins trying to see how many marshmallows you can stuff in your mouth. One of her cousins started having a problem, and they realized the cousin was choking on a marshmallow! While the adults were stunned about what to do, Libby moved right through the crowd and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her cousin’s life. So today we are honoring Libby Noonan for doing the right thing!

Thanks to her quick action and bravery, her cousin was rescued. Ms. Laura Franzen, who nominated Libby stated, “Libby received an American Girl magazine a year before this incident and was able to remember what an article said about how to do the Heimlich. She stayed calm when even the adults were panicked, and she was able to rescue her cousin. Her sharp memory and swift thinking in a moment of panic were a gift to her cousin and their families. I’d love for them to get to celebrate life with this award!” We agree Libby, you did an amazing job!! Congratulations!

John Wildermuth

Central Jr. High School
Belleville School District 118

John is an extremely good runner. He has ran in numerous races, winning many of them. On November 1st, John ran in the Millstadt “D.A.R.E. to Run for Backstoppers” 5K as a running buddy with a sixth grade student from the Roosevelt Elementary School Running club. John could have finished the race in first place for his age division, but he was a great running buddy and stuck with his sixth grade partner. John helped her pace herself and encouraged her along the way. So today we are honoring John Wildermuth for doing the right thing!

Thanks to his kindness and compassion, he helped another student live up to her potential. Ms. Michelle Schaefer, who nominated John stated, “John did what a great running buddy should do and crossed the finish line right next to her instead of pursuing first place for himself. His partner ended up receiving first place in her age category, and John received third place in his age category. He showed such selflessness throughout this race!!!!! This is the kind of role model more kids need to see.” We agree John, you are a wonderful role model, keep it up!