December 2008
Darnell Brown
Gateway High School
St. Louis Public Schools
A normal day of hanging out at his friend's house suddenly took a turn for Darnell. Without any warning, his friend's front porch began to collapse. Darnell realized there was a small child close by who was about to be crushed. Immediately Darnell grabbed the child and pulled him away before he was totally under the debris. Even though both Darnell and the child received some scraps and bruises, we are happy to report they are both successfully recovering. So today we honor Darnell Brown for doing the right thing. His courage and bravery saved the life of a three year old child. Minnette Lawson who nominated him stated, "Darnell was so brave. He didn't hesitate to protect the young child from harm. There is no doubt he saved a life."
Jakob Cegelka & Makaila Cegelka
C.A. Henning Elementary School
Triad School District
Jakob and Makaila are not only brother and sister; they are a team when it comes to doing for others. This year alone they have raised over $2,500 for Henning Elementary's walk for diabetes. In the past two years, Jakob and Mikaila also solicited donations for diabetes research and raised more money than the whole student body put together. In the past three years, Jacob and Makaila have raised over $5,000. So today we honor Jakob and Makaila Cegelka for doing the right thing. Thanks to their kindness and generosity, many will benefit. Ms. Vara Yochum of Henning Elementary who nominated them stated, "These are two special children who are wonderful role models and will develop into wonderful, caring adults. And, they are still raising money. We're so proud of them."
Savon Evans
Twillman Elementary
Hazelwood School District
One seemingly normal day around the house changed dramatically for Savon. Suddenly he saw his mother collapse and it was obvious she was gravely ill. Immediately Savon called 911. Realizing something needed to be done right away, he ran and got a neighbor to come and help. Within a short period of time, help arrived and we're happy to report Savon's mother received necessary medical attention and is doing well. So today we honor Savon Evans for doing the right thing. His brave and responsible actions saved his mother's life. Ms. Selina Loughridge of Twillman Elementary who nominated Savon stated, "This is a very special young man who saved his mother's life. We are so proud of him and his actions."
Megan Jenkins
Westhaven School
Belleville School District 118
Megan knows how to be a good friend. So when she became acquainted with two students who are learning English as a second language, Megan befriended them. Without being asked, Megan would help her friends by re-explaining what was occurring so they could succeed. She also spends time with them at recess so they feel included. Thanks to Megan, both students are doing much better at school socially and academically. So today we honor Megan Jenkins for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and service to others, two students feel more included in class and are experiencing success and friendship. Teacher Marie Davis who nominated her stated, "Megan is a kindhearted person who saw both of these students struggling, and she made it her priority to help them. I am very appreciative of Megan's kindness�she is a very special young lady."
Olivia Kloeckner
Delores Moye Elementary School
O'Fallon, Illinois School District
Olivia has a true love for animals. So this year for her birthday party, she asked that her friends and family members bring gifts for animals that she could donate to a local animal shelter. At both her school party and her family party, Olivia received gifts that she later took to the shelter that is in dire need of supplies. So today we honor Olivia Kloeckner for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and generosity, a local animal shelter is able to better care for at-risk animals. A neighbor, Camille Pryor who nominated her stated, "Megan is a sweet, responsible girl who goes above and beyond what is asked of her. Even when she watches our cats when we are out of town, I know they receive lots of loving attention. She deserves to be honored."
Alejandro Torres
Krietner Elementary School
Collinsville Unit 10 School District
As everyone was sleeping one night, Alex (as he likes to be called) heard the fire alarm and realized the house was on fire. Without hesitation, Alex ran through the house and found his 2 year old and 4 year old brothers and led them outside to safety. And, we're happy to report that thanks to Alex alerting everyone that the fire was occurring, his mother and uncle also got out of the house safely. So today we honor Alex Torres for doing the right thing. Thanks to his bravery and courage, his family members' lives were saved. Kathy Osorio, his grandmother who nominated him stated, "Alex is caring in so many ways. In fact, this fall at the "Boo at the Zoo"he found a lost child, and Alex took him to a park ranger who united the little boy with his family. He's our hero!"
Steve Walters
Northwest Valley Middle School
Northwest School District
As Steve and his mother were on the way home one day, their car ran out of gas. While awaiting help, Steve noticed a briefcase was sitting on the side of the road. Steve looked for some identity and found a man's name and phone number inside. Steve immediately contacted the owner and found out the case had been stolen. And, the man was so thrilled to have it returned he gave Steve a reward. So today we honor Steve Walters for doing the right thing. Thanks to his responsible and appropriate actions, valuable stolen property was returned to its rightful owner. His grandmother Ginny Bilbro who nominated Steve stated, "I am very proud of my grandson all the time, but especially for doing the right thing in this situation."
Dakota Wyatt
Boone Elementary School
Lincoln County School District
While Dakota and her mother were walking in a parking lot after shopping, she realized something didn't seem quite right. Her mother suddenly became disoriented and confused and since she was pregnant, Dakota realized she needed help. Dakota immediately found a worker and they called for help. Within a short period of time, she received medical attention and it was determined her mother was suffering from low blood sugar. We're happy to report mother and baby are doing just fine. So today we honor Dakota Wyatt for doing the right thing. Thanks to her mature and responsible actions, her mother received immediate medical attention. Her teacher, Aimee Daw who nominated her stated, "Dakota came to school so excited about saving her mother's life. We are so proud of her."
Brett Young
Fox High School
Fox School District
Brett enjoys helping his grandmother. All of a sudden one day, he realized her clothes had caught fire. Since she uses an oxygen tank, Brett had presence of mind to quickly turn off the tank. Then without hesitation, he covered her with a blanket and put out the fire. We're happy to report his grandmother received immediate medical attention and is successfully recovering. So today we honor Brett Young for doing the right thing. Thanks to his bravery and courageous actions, his grandmother's life was saved. Ms. Diane Walters who nominated him stated, "Medical personnel credit Brett with not only saving his grandmother, but the entire family since his actions kept the house from blowing up. He is a hero!"We agree Brett.
