March 2009
Chance Armstrong
Delores Moye School
O'Fallon School District
Chance knows how to be a wonderful friend. Over the past few years, he has become somewhat of a big brother, protector, and mentor to a special needs student. Regularly Chance looks out for him so that his life at school is easier and so that he can succeed. So when Chance witnessed his friend being bullied one day in the cafeteria, he didn't stand for it. Immediately, Chance went to the assistant principal and told her what was occurring. Chance then stayed at his friend's side until the problem was resolved. Thanks to Chance, his friend was protected and the bullying ceased. So today we honor Chance Armstrong for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kindness and caring spirit, a student with special needs was protected and experiences a successful life at school. Assistant Principal Kelly West who nominated him stated, "Chance is a stellar example of character. In this potentially serious situation, Chance clearly displayed that he knows how to do the right thing. We are very proud of him and his actions."
JaKobi Buchanan
John Weldon Elementary School
And
Wesley Buchanan
Francis Howell High School
Francis Howell School District
When University City Sgt. Mike King was killed in the line of duty last fall, JaKobi and Wesley were truly affected by his tragic death. At the time, JaKobi had been saving his money for an Ipod. Realizing that Sgt. King was survived by his wife Susan, JaKobi decided his money needed to go to her. Wesley also wanted to help in some way. At that point, the boys learned about the organization that helps families of fallen police officers and firefighters�The Backstoppers. Both Wesley and JaKobi decided they were going to raise some money for Mrs. King and the Backstoppers Organization. So, instead of buying personal items for themselves, they donated their personal savings and the funds they raised to Mrs. King and to the Backstoppers. So today we honor JaKobi and Wesley Buchanan for doing the right thing. Their service to others and generosity touched the life of the widow of a slain police officer. And, their contributions to Backstoppers will be far reaching. Mrs. Susan King, Sgt. King's widow who nominated the boys stated, "I was so touched by the boys' kind acts. I believe these selfless, good deeds should be recognized. They have made a true difference!"
Rebecca Corzine
LaVerna Evans Elementary School
O'Fallon School District
Rebecca truly enjoys helping others. This entire school year she has volunteered to tutor a struggling student. Every day Rebecca goes to his first grade classroom and works with the student. With patience and dedication, Rebecca tutors him so he can be successful. She never hesitates to donate extra time to help the student. And, we are happy to report that thanks to Rebecca's help, the boy is now reading! So today we honor Rebecca Corzine for doing the right thing. Her acts of caring and responsibility have made a difference in the life of a young child so he can succeed in school. First grade teacher Mrs. Stefanie Roy who nominated her stated, "I feel that Rebecca's dedication to him and her responsibility for taking on this job has helped him with the boost he needed to be a successful, confident reader!"
Morgan Glazebrook
Westhaven Elementary School
Belleville School District #118
Morgan enjoys spending time volunteering. At school she enjoys helping students with their class work. And, on a day off from school, Morgan helped her teacher organize the classroom when it was going to be painted. Morgan was also very helpful recently at fundraisers for a 5-year old family friend who suffered a traumatic brain injury. At a benefit breakfast, Morgan worked as a hostess. Then at a dinner and silent auction, she volunteered and helped in many ways. And thanks to hard work like Morgan's, the events were successful. So today we honor Morgan Glazebrook for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and service to others, many have benefitted. Her teacher Beth Manville who nominated her stated, "Rebecca demonstrates a giving spirit. She never hesitates to help and she has a genuinely giving nature, especially when she helped raise money for the family of a hurt child."
Promise Lindsey
Confluence Academy
A day of fun with her family suddenly took a turn for Promise. Her grandmother, aunt and cousins were enjoying a weekend outing and were at an indoor swimming pool. As the children were having fun, Promise realized one of her cousin's began struggling in the water. Without hesitation, she jumped in and pulled him out of the water and on to the side of the pool. Thanks to Promise's immediate and brave actions, her cousin did not suffer any injuries and is doing just fine. So today we honor Promise Lindsey for doing the right thing. Thanks to her courage and bravery, the life of a child was saved. Ms. Victoria Davison who nominated her stated, "The best part of this story is a child's life was saved by a child. Promise risked her life to save another.�I just feel she deserves to be honored."
Renee Lohan
Washington Middle School
Washington School District
Renee truly enjoys working with children with special needs. Since last year, she has worked with children with autism and Downs Syndrome at a tennis clinic every Sunday afternoon. She works hard so they can have fun by helping them follow directions so they can hit the ball! On Monday evenings, she also assists children with Autism in a creative movement class. She offers assistance and gives positive reinforcement to help them perform in the class. Without receiving any monetary compensation or awards, Renee gives of herself to children who may not otherwise have such full lives. So today we honor Renee Lohan for doing the right thing. Her kindness and caring spirit make the difference in the lives of countless children and their families. Anne Barry who nominated her stated, "My son is doing better because of Renee. He is four years old with autism and considers Renee to be his friend. She is making a difference in our community and no doubt will be an extraordinary adult."
Cathryn Miller
Frontier Middle school
Wentzville School District
Cathryn realizes how important it is to befriend someone who has special needs. So when she experienced a child with autism being bullied and made fun of on the school bus, she immediately stepped in to protect him. Even though some of her friends were involved, she still reported the incident to a counselor at school. She realized how bullying and teasing anyone, much less someone who has a hard time fending for himself, should not be tolerated. And the best part of all, the boy now has a good friend in Cathryn. So today we honor Cathryn Miller for doing the right thing. Her acts of kindness and caring spirit protected a child with special needs so he can ride the bus without being tormented. Her Aunt, Elizabeth Cromer who nominated her stated, "Instead of standing by and watching kids, including some of her friends, bully and tease this little boy, she let the counselor know. And she also gave this little boy something else he may have been longing for�a friend!"
Cade Thomas
Fox Elementary School
Fox School District
Late one evening as Cade was playing with one of his electronic games, he suddenly saw smoke coming from the front porch. Without hesitation, he ran through the house and warned his parents and younger sisters that something was wrong. Indeed there was! There was an electronic malfunction that caught the porch on fire. Unfortunately, the flames rapidly spread and the entire house was on fire and ultimately burned to the ground. However, thanks to Cade's quick thinking and appropriate actions, his entire family got out of the house safely. And, firefighters were able to save his neighbors' homes from catching on fire. So today, we honor Cade Thomas for doing the right thing. Thanks to his mature and brave actions, the lives of his entire family were saved along with the homes of his neighbors. His teacher Lisa Sell who nominated him stated, "Cade's quick actions not only saved his life, but his dad, mom and little sisters�he is our hero and we are extremely proud of his actions."
