April 2009
Jestina Bass
Mann eMints Academy
St. Louis Public Schools
Jestina enjoys being a good friend. So when she met a new student at her school who was having a hard time adjusting because he spoke little or no English, Jestina volunteered to work with him. Eash cay she helped him learn English by working with him on a computer and by reading to him. Without being asked, she gave up her free time to help him in any way possible. And, when a teacher offered to have him sit next to his brother at lunch, he said "No thanks." He wanted to sit next to Jestina! So today we honor Jestina Bass for doing the right thing. Her kindness and caring ways helped a student adapt to many difficult situations. Her teacher Ms. Lisa Abernathy who nominated her stated, "When other students said unkind things to this student, Jestina quickly reminded them that they should be nice. She has been a true friend."
Almedina Besic
Woerner Elementary School
St. Louis Public Schools
Almedina is a very good student and enjoys school. When she realized another student was feeling uncomfortable on her first day at school, Almedina befriended her. Alemedina showed her where to go for all of her activities and checked on her regularly so she wouldn't be scared or confused. When the new girl began missing her mother, Almedina comforted her and reassured her things would be fine. Thanks to Almedina, the girl finally settled in and is having great success at school. So today we honor Almedina Besic for doing the right thing. Thanks to her caring spirit and kind actions, a new student was able to successfully adapt to her new school situation. Her teacher, Ms. Stephanie Penrose who nominated her stated, "Almedina is always so helpful. She is a great student and a wonderful person."
Kaitlyn Capestro &
Marissa Pappas
Northwest Valley 7th & 8th Grade Center
Northwest School District
A normal day of having a nice time at the mall took a turn for Kaitlyn and Marissa. As they were leaving, they noticed some boys were acting strangely on the parking lot. Suddenly they saw one of the boys as he got into a car and stole a purse. As he ran away, the girls found security personnel and reported what they had just witnessed. Thanks to their prompt actions, the suspects were caught and ultimately arrested. So today we honor Kaitlyn Capestro and Marissa Pappas for doing the right thing. Thanks to their bravery and appropriate actions, thieves were arrested and property was returned. Their Principal Kelly Muzzey (muzz-EE) who nominated the girls stated, "The girls were so brave and happy that their actions stopped more crimes from being committed."
Henry Raab School
Belleville School District #118
As Mason rode the bus home one day, he suddenly witnessed a special needs child being bullied. In a matter of moments he saw the bully put his hands on the child. Immediately Mason told the bus monitor what was occurring so the child would be protected. And thanks to Mason's actions, the principal watched the video of the incident and was able to discipline the bully and put a stop to what was happening to the special needs child. So today we honor Mason Harrison for doing the right thing. Thanks to his mature and brave actions, a helpless child was saved from further abuse. Principal Kim Enriquez who nominated him stated, "Mason showed bravery and courage in coming forward and reporting this behavior. I wish all students looked out for others the way that Mason did."
Romello Hatter
Union School
Belleville School District # 118
All of a sudden during lunch time at school one day, a group of students began arguing and it began escalating into a physical fight. Romello immediately intervened and broke up the fight. He talked to his fellow students about making wise choices and told them that violence is not the answer to problems. Thanks to Romello's actions, the fight was stopped in a short time and no one was hurt. So today we honor Romello Hatter for doing the right thing. Thanks to his brave and courageous actions, a possible major incident at school was averted. His teacher, Becky Ritter who nominated him stated, "Romello is a real role model for young men in our community and I am so proud of his and his warm and caring disposition. Students and teachers respect him and what he stands for."
Maceo Jackson
Confluence Academy
A regular day for Maceo suddenly took a turn when he realized his neighbor's apartment was on fire. Immediately he ran to see if he could help in some way when he realized a young child was in the building. Maceo saw a man in the building trying to figure out how to get the child out. Maceo called to the man and said to hand over the child. At that point, Maceo grabbed the child and carried him to safety. We're happy to report, the child is doing fine. So today we honor Maceo Jackson for doing the right thing. Thanks to his bravery and courage, a young life was saved. MaryAnn Williams who nominated him stated, "Maceo showed a great deal of composure and maturity in the face of very serious and stressful circumstances. Maceo is also a great student and positivity impacts his class."
Johnathan Marchbanks
High Mount School
High Mount School District
Johnathan enjoys being a good friend at school. So when he witnessed a child with Autism being bullied on the playground one day, he took action. Immediately Johnathan intervened so the bullying would stop. He then reported the incident to a school official so the situation could be handled further. Thanks to Johnathan's actions, proper action was taken so the special needs child would be protected. And we're happy to report the playground is now a much safer place. So today we honor Johnathan Marchbanks for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kindness and brave actions, a helpless child was protected and can now go outside to a safer playground. His teacher Kelly Schlueter who nominated him stated, "Johnathan's act of bravery is what we need in our schools to make sure bullying stops altogether. We need more students like him�.I am so proud of him."
Christopher Moore
Renfro School
Collinsville Unit 10
A day of fun with his 4 year-old cousin suddenly took a turn for Christopher. As they were having a great time playing, his cousin began eating a mint. Within a few seconds, Christopher realized something was wrong and his cousin was choking. Immediately it became obvious his cousin couldn't breathe and the mint was stuck. Christopher came to his aid and performed the Heimlich Maneuver on him and the mint popped out. We're happy to report, even though he was scared, his cousin recovered just fine. So today we honor Christopher Moore for doing the right thing. Thanks to his brave and courageous actions, he saved the life of his cousin. LaVern Oatman who nominated stated, "We asked Christopher how he knew what to do. He said he saw it on a sign at school and at a local nursing home he had visited. He truly saved his cousin's life and we are so proud of him."
Morgan Ramo
Parkwood Elementary School
Morgan understands it's important to be a friend and at school she knows how to show friendship in a special way. Each day, she assists a five year-old boy with Autism. Since he doesn't speak very much, Morgan often speaks for him. She helps him have some fun on the playground and also helps him eat his lunch. Each and every day, she shows him kindness and makes his life at school fulfilling. So today we honor Morgan Ramo for doing the right thing. Her kindness and caring actions made a difference in the life of a special needs child. Her teacher Julie Finder who nominated her stated, "Morgan is a very special girl who understands what true friendship is all about. She is a wonderful citizen and friend�.she has incredible empathy and love for others."
KiOtney Turner
Gateway Institute of Technology
St. Louis Public School
One day at school a fellow student began choking on a chocolate chip cookie. Several people witnessing the problem began trying to help the student. However, KiOntey knew exactly what to do and came to the rescue. Immediately she began performing the Heimlich Maneuver and the substance became dislodged and the student began breathing properly. Thanks to KiOtney's swift and appropriate actions, the student successfully recovered. So today we honor KiOntey for doing the right thing. Thanks to her brave and appropriate actions, the life of a fellow student was saved. Assistant Principal Chip Clatto who nominated her stated, "KiOntey has been trained in the Heimlich Maneuver through Gateway's EMT program. In an urgent situation, KiOntey acted swiftly and carefully. We are grateful for her actions." We're proud of you too KiOntey.
