Makilya Brisby
Hodgen Elementary School
St. Louis Public Schools
Makilya is a wonderful big sister. Every day she helps her younger siblings in many ways. First of all, she helps her preschool twin brothers when they go to their bus. She also helps her first grade sister who has special needs making sure she gets to class each day. Well one day at school, her little sister fell and cut her chin on the edge of a step. Makilya stayed with her and helped calm her down and explained what happened when help arrived. Makilya made a big difference in helping her sister so she could receive proper attention. And we’re happy to report her sister is doing just fine! So today we honor Makilya Brisby for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kind and giving ways, her siblings have better days at school. Vasilika Tsichilis who nominated her stated, “Makilya makes sure her sister with special needs eats breakfast and gets to class okay…..she also helps her twin preschool brothers daily by signing them out of preschool and getting them to their bus. She is the ultimate big sister.”
Kevin Dice
Carriel Junior High School
O’Fallon School District
Besides being a great student, Kevin enjoys participating in many activities at school. One of his favorite things to do is play the tuba in the 8th grade band. Kevin never hesitates to be part of bands events in the district—such as the jazz band, solo and ensemble contest, and competition band. He also participated in the 7th grade St. Clair County Honor Band last year. On a regular basis, Kevin gives of himself by volunteering to help with the 5th grade band. He is an excellent role model for the younger students he works with. Kevin is also a member of the cross country team and played a large role for them this past season. So today we honor Kevin Dice for doing the right thing. Thanks to his service to others, work ethic, and responsible actions each and every day, he is truly a role model for all fellow students! His band teacher David Fairchild who nominated him stated, “Kevin is a great student who goes over and beyond a typical student. He is a leader by action and is respected by his peers!”
Ethan Humble & Jaylon Johnson
Bethel Luthern School
Ethan is a 6th grader and Jaylon is an 8th grader at Bethel Lutheran School. Together with fellow students in their grades, they help organize and participate in Monday activities for students in preschool through first grade. The activities consist of story time, making crafts and playing various games. Both Ethan and Jaylon have taken on leadership roles and encourage the younger students so they have a better time participating in the activities. Both boys read stories to the children, ask questions and take charge by displaying a willingness to not only help the children learn but so they also have fun. They have made a big difference in the success of these special activities. So today we honor Ethan Humble and Jaylon Johnson for doing the right thing. Thanks to their leadership and caring ways, many young children are having positive learning experiences. Ms. Sandy Kalin, principal of Bethel Lutheran who nominated the boys stated, “Each week I see these two boys becoming stronger leaders.....the younger children look up to them and want to be with them as they progress through the different activities. What fine young men for the students to emulate!”
Tyler Killian
Hillsboro Junior High School
Hillsboro School District
Tyler is an 8th grade student who truly enjoys helping others. When he found out one of his teachers was collecting soda can tops for Ronald McDonald House, he got all excited because he had been saving tops since 3rd grade. Ronald McDonald House provides housing free of charge to families of critically ill children who are hospitalized. So instead of cashing in the tops he had saved, he donated them to his teacher for this cause. Needless to say, since he has been saving them for several years, Tyler donated a huge amount! So today we honor Tyler Killian for doing the right thing. Thanks to his generosity and kindness, enough soda tops were donated that it will be possible to send one family to Ronald McDonald House for a stay! His teacher Becky Walker who nominated him stated, “Tyler is a student who willingly gave away years of collecting for someone in need—what a generous act.”
Shane Reese
Godfrey School
Alton School District
One evening when Shane was having a nice time visiting his great-grandmother, he noticed something wasn’t right. As he spoke to her while she was sitting in her chair, he realized she was suddenly unresponsive. Immediately he called his mother and told her what was occurring so she could call 911. Then he stayed close to her while awaiting help. In a short period of time, emergency medical help arrived and Shane’s great-grandmother was transported to the hospital. And, we’re happy to report that she recovered and is back home doing very well! So today we honor Shane Reese for doing the right thing. Thanks to his responsible and caring ways, a serious medical situation was handled appropriately, and his great-grandmother received immediate and proper care. Tammy Reese who nominated him stated, “My mother-in-law has completely recovered…..and we owe it all to Shane for knowing what to do in an emergency situation. He did the right thing!”
Hanna Sambo
Abraham Lincoln Elementary
Belleville School District #118
One seemingly normal afternoon after school Hannah had just finished her homework when things suddenly took a turn. As usual, she called for her mother to let her know it was time for a snack, but there was no response. Immediately Hannah checked on her mother and realized she was unconscious. Understanding her mother is a diabetic and might be going into a diabetic coma, Hannah took action. She called 911 to report what was occurring and also alerted her dad what was happening. After emergency medical professionals arrived, Hannah was able to give a full report about her mother’s condition and medical history. We’re happy to report her mother responded well to treatment and was revived. We’re also happy to report Hannah’s mother is doing well after quite a scare. So today we honor Hannah Sambo for doing the right thing. Thanks to her brave and courageous actions, her mother’s life was saved. Her mother, Tina Sambo stated, “Hannah stayed strong until the EMS and Swansea police arrived….without the fast thinking of my daughter, I may not be here today.”
Kamran Shaibov
Woerner Elementary School
St. Louis Public Schools
Kamran really enjoys spending time with his grandmother. Every day he visits her and enjoys keeping her company. Together they play cards or he does things for her that she is unable to do for herself. When there was a neighborhood block party, Kamran accompanied her so she could attend and have some fun! No matter what her needs, Kamran is happy to be there for his grandmother to make her life more fulfilling! So today we honor Kamran Shaibov for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kind acts and service to others, his grandmother has a much better quality of life. His teacher Danielle Phelps who nominated him stated, “Kamran is a very caring, kind and respectful young man….he has such a love for his grandmother and she is very proud of him.”
Dominique Wells
Bishop Dubourg High School
One day when Dominique was standing outside a gas station, he suddenly saw a pickup truck without a driver as it began rolling towards gas pumps and other cars. All of a sudden Dominque saw a young boy jump out of the truck and go behind it in an attempt to stop it. Realizing the possible dire consequences, Dominique ran and jumped into the driver’s side of the truck and applied the brakes, bringing it to a stop. And we’re happy to report, the young child was unhurt and there was no damage of any kind to any property. So today we honor Dominique Wells for doing the right thing. Thanks to his extraordinary bravery and courageous actions, the life of a child was saved. His aunt, Betsy Wells who nominated him stated, “Thanks to Dominique running over and putting the truck into park, the little child wasn’t run over! He was so courageous!”
