February 2009
Emma Becker
North County Primary School
North St. Francois County School District
A normal evening at home alone with her mother took a frightening turn for Emma. Suddenly it was obvious her mother had become unresponsive. Realizing something was terribly wrong; Emma didn't hesitate for a moment to take action and called 911. Emma calmly explained to the dispatcher her mother was a diabetic and unconscious. She also gave perfect directions to their home. Within a short period of time, an ambulance arrived and paramedics were able to revive her mother who had gone into diabetic shock. And, we're happy to report her mother recovered is doing well. So today we honor Emma Becker for doing the right thing. Her mature and courageous actions saved her mother's life. Her teacher Kathy Paul who nominated her stated, "Emma called 911 and calmly explained that her mother is a diabetic and that she could not wake her. She acted in such a mature way. We're so proud of her." We're proud of you too Emma and we're glad to hear your mother's doing well.
Taylor Byerly
Chesterfield Elementary
Rockwood School District
Taylor and his friend were having a great day spending time together when things suddenly changed. As the boys were eating a snack, Taylor's friend began choking. Taylor realized his friend was unable to talk, move or breathe. Without hesitation, Taylor jumped up and performed the Heimlich maneuver on his friend. Within a few moments, the food was dislodged and his friend was able to breathe. We're very happy to report his friend is doing great! So today we honor Taylor Byerly for doing the right thing. Thanks to his brave and courageous actions, he saved the life of his friend. His mother Amber Byerly stated, "It was so amazing how Taylor was able to appropriately react during such an emergency....and, the boy's life was saved. Way to go Taylor."
David Hart and Jennifer Hart
Parkway South High School
Parkway School District
One seemingly normal day of returning home from school suddenly changed for David and Jennifer. As they were riding down the street, they observed a man they know had collapsed in the street and was lying directly in front of a parked bus. Without hesitation, they both jumped out of the car and ran to his side. As they both tried to get a response from the man, Jennifer called 911 and stayed on the phone with them until a rescue team arrived. Within a short period of time, help arrived and the man received appropriate medical attention. And, we're happy to report he is successfully recovering. So today we honor David and Jennifer Hart for doing the right thing. Their brave and responsible actions saved a man's life. Their mother Kathy Hart stated, "It was such a cold day. If David and Jennifer hadn't helped this man and told the responders his medical history, there could have been a terrible outcome. I am so proud of their actions."
Johna Hinnah
Parkwood Elementary School
Pattonville School District
Johna knows how to be a good friend. One of her classmates is disabled and uses a wheelchair, and Emma helps her each day with many of her needs. Johna helps her with the elevator, takes her to the nurse, and also spends time with her whenever needed. Thanks to Johna, the student receives much needed assistance, but she also experiences friendship at school. Each and every day her school experiences are better because of Johna. So today we honor Johna Hinnah for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and service to others, a young girl with Spina Bifida functions well at school and also experiences friendship. Teacher Julie Finder who nominated her stated, "I think this is very kind of Johna to show such empathy at such a young age. She is a special girl who can be counted on to always do the right thing."
Donald Holweg
Vanessa Holweg
Froebel Elementary
St. Louis Public Schools
Donald and Vanessa have true concern for cancer patients, especially for those who are going through the type of chemotherapy which causes them to lose their hair. So for quite some time, both of them decided to grow their hair as long as necessary in order to donate it for wigs. Over the most recent Christmas break, Donald and Vanessa both had their hair long enough, so they had it cut and donated to Locks of Love, the organization that makes wigs for cancer patients. Yes, both of them showed great sacrifice for others! So today we honor Donald and Vanessa Holweg for doing the right thing. Their kindness and service to others will make a difference in the lives of people going through the difficult experience of losing their hair due to chemotherapy. Teacher Cindy Gapsch who nominated them stated, "They are quite the brother and sister team! It's amazing how they are both so caring about people they don't' even know. They are really making a difference."
Floyd Irving
SCOPE
Lindbergh School District
As everyone was sleeping one night Floyd awakened and realized the house was on fire. Without hesitation, he ran through the house and made sure his mother got out safely. Then, bravely he led his siblings outside to safety. Unfortunately, the house burned to the ground. However, we're happy to report that thanks to Floyd's immediate actions, his entire family survived the fire. So today we honor Floyd Irving for doing the right thing. Thanks to his bravery and courage, his family members' lives were saved. And I am proud to report that six, yes SIX of Floyd's teachers nominated him for this award. Each nomination stated what a wonderful young man Floyd is and how he continues to work hard at school after experiencing such a terrible event!
Steven Mack
Delores Moye Elementary
O'Fallon School District
Steven knows how to be very helpful at school. So when a particular student tries to be a distraction in the classroom, Steven befriends and assists him with his difficulties. Instead of ignoring his classmate, Steven continues to help him so he can be successful. Last year was the first time Steven helped this particular student. This year, he has been willingly helping him again. And, thanks to Steven, the boy fits in much better and is showing signs of success. This not only benefits the boy but the entire class! So today we honor Steven Mack for doing the right thing. Thanks to his responsible and kind actions, a fellow student is doing much better in school. His teacher Ms. Lynae Vahle who nominated him stated, "It is evident that Steven is a very patient child and two teachers have recognized how he has assisted a fellow student in need. I am very proud to have Steven in my class."
Joshua Newsham
Parkway South High School
Parkway School District
As Josh was hiking with his friends, he saw a dog get away from a man and run out onto the ice of the Meramec River. Suddenly the ice broke through and his owner ran after him, and both the dog and man ended up in the freezing water. Josh's boy scout training immediately kicked in. He ran to their aid and found a sand bar, laid on his stomach and crawled to the man. Josh then grabbed him and pulled him to safety. Fortunately, as the man was being pulled and the ice began breaking up, the dog was able to follow and was also saved. So today we honor Josh Newsham for doing the right thing. Thanks to his courage and brave actions, both a man's life and his pet's were saved. His dad John Newsham stated, "Josh saved a man's life.he took a real risk...he reacted with real courage."
Kira Nussbaum
Westhaven Elementary School
Belleville District #118
Kira is an excellent student who is constantly a source of help at school. Without even being asked, Kira's teacher can always count on her to help in any way in and out of the classroom. On a daily basis whenever a student is struggling, Kira is willing to help. And, if a student has been absent and needs help catching up with assignments, Kira cheerfully lends a helping hand. Kira is willing to do anything she can to make a positive difference in the lives of her fellow students. So today we honor Kira Nussbaum for doing the right thing. Her kind and responsible actions consistently make a positive impact at her school each and every day. Her teacher Ms. Charissa Gagen who nominated her stated, "Kira does not have to go out of her way to try to win this award, she exemplifies each and every word of character every day in our second grade classroom."
Robert Summers
Bierbaum Elementary School
Mehlville School District
Robert not only knows how to help his mother, he also knows how to be a wonderful big brother. So recently when his sister was experiencing a seizure, Robert was at her side and helped his mother handle the situation. Immediately, Robert called 911. He then remained calm and reported what was occurring so emergency responders would have all the necessary information. Thanks to Robert, in a short period of time his sister received proper medical attention. And, we are pleased to report she is doing well. So today we honor Robert Summers for doing the right thing. His mature and responsible actions helped save his sister's life. His teacher Cory Letchworth who nominated him stated, "Robert was definitely a hero in the eyes of his mother and me, his teacher. He was able to do the right thing during at time when others might have been too scared or upset to do so." You did a great job Robert.
