Nathan Biermann
Antonia Elementary School
Fox School District
Nathan receives medical treatments on a regular basis at one of our local pediatric medical facilities and decided he wanted to do something for the group where he goes. So he asked his 4th grade class to him collect some necessary supplies during this school year. We’re happy to report that his class jumped right in by soliciting donations. And, Nathan and his fourth grade class have been very successful and have generously donated many helpful supplies for the group. So today we honor Nathan Biermann for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kindness and generosity, many sick children are being helped thanks to having various supplies and books to help their group keep up with their school work. Kelli Gibbar who nominated him stated, “Nathan is a hard worker. Thanks to him, new and used books were donated to the hospital at Christmas time. He shows many character qualities and sets a superior example for others to follow and deserves this award.”
Paige Black & MacKenzie Ryan
Estell Kampmeyer Elementary School
O’Fallon School District
When Paige and MacKenzie found out their school district was raising funds for the Haitian earthquake victims, they decided they wanted to help in some way. So they created jewelry made from duck tape and that led to wallets, purses bookmarks, ribbon, bows and other accessories. The craze took over at school where students, staff members and teachers can be seen wearing and using the items! We are happy to announce that their efforts are continuing in order to send a generous donation through the O’Fallon School District’s 90’s campaign. So today we honor Paige Black and MacKenzie Ryan for doing the right thing. Paiges’ teacher Teresa Rainwater Derby who nominated her stated, “She is a wonderful, selfless and caring young lady who deserves to be considered for this award.” Ms. Jana Vasquez who nominated MacKenzie stated, “Mackenzie is a wonderful young lady who fully understands the impact the earthquake has left on its nation. She deserves to be honored for doing the right thing.”
Brynn Burns
Lutheran South High School
A regular evening of doing homework took a sudden turn for Brynn when he heard the fire alarm go off in his apartment building. Without hesitation, Brynn was able to alert his mother and then he awakened his younger siblings and led them to safety. Byann and his mother then got help to get his bed-ridden grandmother out of the building. Bryann then directed the fire department to where his elderly uncle was and he was led to safety. We are happy to report everyone survived the fire. So today we honor Bryann Burns for doing the right thing. Thanks to his bravery and courageous actions, many lives were saved from a devastating fire. His father Michael Burns stated, “Bryann was so brave and made sure firefighters knew who was left in the building so that everyone could be led to safety. We are so proud of Bryann.”
Lily Frank
Reed Elementary
Ladue School District
Lily enjoys pets very much. So, for her past two birthdays she decided instead of receiving gifts for herself, she wanted gifts she could donate to an animal shelter. Generously, her friends gave her animal toys and food items that are needed at the shelter. Along with those wonderful gifts, Lily collected over $700 that was donated for the Animal House Fund, which is a capital campaign for the building of a new city shelter. So today we honor Lily Frank for doing the right thing. Thanks to her generosity and kindness, many homeless animals are receiving some important necessities. Her mother Megan Frank stated, “Lily loves animals, especially dogs (we have adopted four so far) and she loves helping as many pets as she can! She enjoys putting them before herself!”
Kylee Hook
Carriel Junior High School
O’Fallon School District
One day after getting off the school bus, Kylee realized a kindergartner got off also but seemed lost and confused. Immediately Kylee went to his side and found out he had gotten off at the wrong stop. Kylee took the little boy to her home and contacted her mother, who in turn contacted school. In a short time, the little boy was returned by bus to his school and his mother was able to pick him up safe and sound. So today we honor Kylee Hook for doing the right thing. Her responsible and mature actions kept a lost child out of harm’s way. Becky Williams who nominated her stated, “Thanks to Kylee’s quick action and clear thinking, she made this little boy’s day….she deserves to be honored for doing the right thing.”
Devontae Howard
Dunbar Elementary School
St. Louis Public Schools
Recently at school one day Devontae was approached by a student about buying what appeared to be marijuana. Realizing the severity of what was occurring, Devontae removed himself from the situation and went to the principal to report what happened. Police were then called to the school and proper action was taken. So today we honor Devontae Howard for doing the right thing. Thanks to his mature and brave actions, a serious problem was handled properly by authorities. St. Louis Police Detective DeAndre Davis who nominated him stated, “Devontae’s responsible actions and courage deserve our praise. So many of our young people choose to go along and get along. Devontae stood up for what was right.”
Savannah Peppers
Mt. Olive Junior High School
Mt. Olive School District
A lovely lunch with her friend and grandmother turned into quite an event one day. Suddenly Savannah noticed something wasn’t right—her grandmother was choking. Without hesitation, Savannah jumped up and performed the Heimlich maneuver. Within a matter of seconds, the food was dislodged, and her grandmother began breathing again. We’re happy to report her grandmother is doing quite well. So today we honor Savannah Peppers for doing the right thing. Thanks to her brave and appropriate actions, a life was saved. Alice Ryan, her grandmother who was saved stated, “Savannah learned the Heimlich Maneuver at girl scout camp. When I started choking, no one else could help me but Savannah. I’m so proud to say she saved my life.”
Quinton Robinson
Hazelwood East High School
Hazelwood School District
Quinton enjoys helping his fellow man. He has coordinated a club called “The Lions Club” recruiting members of the community to belong. He is an honor roll student and plans to attend college and continue his business plans of the Lions Club. Never does he pass someone who is hungry or in need that he doesn’t come to the person’s aid. Quinton is quite the kind and giving person towards those with whom he encounters. So today we honor Quinton Robinson for doing the right thing. His service to others and kindness to those in need make life better for many people in his community. Dorothy Brown who nominated him stated, “He is truly a young man who lives his life trying to ‘Do The Right Thing,’ His efforts are truly worth recognition.”
Galen Selligman
Kennard Classical Jr. Academy
St. Louis Public School
A day of playing outside took a sudden turn for Galen one day. All of a sudden he saw what appeared to be a real handgun lying on the ground. Without hesitation, Galen ran home and told his mother. She then called the police who met them at the scene, and it was determined the handgun was real and the safety was off. Thanks to Galen, the gun did not get into the wrong hands! So today we honor Galen Selligman for doing the right thing. Thanks to his mature and appropriate actions, a gun is off the streets and no one was hurt! Cub Scout Den Leader Sheryl Trask who nominated Galen stated, “He used his scout training and handled a potentially dangerous situation very well and involved a responsible adult to handle the problem.”
Heather Rae Shue
Orchard Farm High School
Orchard Farm School District
Heather is a great lover of animals. For several months she did her best to care for a stray dog that kept coming into her yard but who wouldn’t go into shelter. Finally the dog bonded with her during inclement weather, and he is now being cared for at the Animal Paws Animal Rescue. In the meantime, Heather and her friends from the club Trend at Orchard Farms High School, held fundraisers to donate to the cause of homeless, needy animals. Their efforts have not been in vain with over $800 in cash and 800 pounds of dog and cat food being donated. So today we honor Heather Shue for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and generosity, many at-risk animals have been given a better quality of life. Melinda Botkin who nominated her stated, “Heather not only did a great job with the homeless dog that she cared for, but deserves kudos on a fantastic job spearheading fundraising.”
Brittany Watson
Lafayette High School
Rockwood School District
An ordinary day took a drastic turn for Brittany when all of a sudden there was a burglar in her house. Brittany rounded up her sisters, one being hearing impaired, and hid them in an upstairs bathroom. Then she called 911 and told the dispatcher who she was and what was occurring. Police arrived a short time later and were able to place the burglar under arrest. And thanks to Brittany, everyone hiding in the bathroom was safe and sound. So today we honor Brittany Watson for doing the right thing. Thanks to her courage and appropriate actions, not only were her family members safe, but a career burglar was placed under arrest. St. Louis Police Officer Thomas Streckfuss who nominated Brittany stated, “Brittany is the true, brave hero in this whole situation. I would like to nominate her for this award so she can stand out among her peers and her community!”
