October 2008
Neonna Campbell
Ashland Elementary
St. Louis Public Schools
A normal day at recess for Neonna suddenly took a turn. As she played with her friends, Neonna observed a student fall and hit his head. Realizing the seriousness of the injury, Neonna comforted the boy and then told him she would get help. After she told two adults nearby what happened and where the boy was, she ran into the building to alert the office staff and the principal. Neonna then ran and alerted the school nurse and his teacher about what happened. Several people responded and we're happy to report, the boy was treated and successfully recovered. So today we honor Neonna Campbell for doing the right thing. Her appropriate and immediate actions saved a young boy from suffering possible severe trauma. Lorna Turner, a Counselor at Ashland Elementary who nominated her stated, "Neonna is learning empathy and has learned to move quickly in crisis mode. No one had to tell her the right people to get, she just knew. I am so very proud of her."
Allison Fronick
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
One evening Allison and her sister went to bed like any other night when suddenly something seemed wrong. Allison noticed her sister was talking in an unusual way and not acting like herself. Immediately Allison ran and told her parents something was wrong. Her parents went to check on Ashley and were able to determine she was having a seizure. After taking her to the hospital that evening, Allison's sister suffered additional seizures. However, she received immediate medical attention, and it was determined the problem may have occurred due to a fall earlier in the day. We're happy to report Ashley recovered and is doing well. So today we honor Allison Fronick for doing the right thing. Her mature and appropriate actions made a difference in the life of her sister. Her mother Colleen Fronick, stated "If Ashley hadn't come to get us, who knows what would have happened. We are thankful and very proud of Allison for her quick thinking."
Andrew Givens
Ford Elementary School
St. Louis Public Schools
Andrew is a conscientious student who also knows how to be a good friend. One day at school when two fifth grade boys were arguing and about to fight, Andrew stepped between them hoping to stop the altercation. Andrew told the students "Whatever it is, it's probably not worth fighting and getting into trouble." When the students were taken to the office for counseling, the boys mentioned they probably would have fought if it wasn't' for Andrew. Not only did Andrew prevent a fight, he helped the students realize they needed to think before using their fists. So today we honor Andrew Givens for doing the right thing. His admirable and responsible actions were an example for all students at Ford Elementary. Mr. Melvin Hudson, the school counselor who nominated him stated, "Andrew prevented the students from fighting. What's amazing, the boys involved realized Andrew led them in the right direction."
Sarah Jennemann
And
Tracy Jennemann
Bierbaum Elementary School
Mehlville School District
Two members of the Bierbaum school community recently experienced serious illnesses and have been going through difficult times. One is a student who is battling leukemia. In this case, the student's father had recently died, so the family was experiencing a tremendous amount of medical bills already. In the other case, one of the custodians at Bierbaum had an aggressive, non-operative brain tumor. His family has also been having a difficult time with medical bills. So Sarah and Tracy decided to help. They did all the planning, set-up and work at a �temporary tattoo' booth at their school picnic. After all of their hard work and dedication, they donated 100 percent of the donations to the families who are in great need! So today we honor Sarah and Tracy Jennemann for doing the right thing. Thanks to their generosity and service to others, two families who are going through extremely difficult times received help and support. Mr. John Janzer who nominated the girls stated, "As a member of the picnic planning committee, I was touched by their generosity and efforts. Their hearts are in the right place and their desire and determination to make a difference should be commended."
Taylor Martin-Giacalone
Central Junior High School
Belleville District #118
For the past several months Taylor has volunteered at the Belleville Area Humane Society. Once each week she faithfully cares for orphaned animals at the facility. Recently however her volunteerism went beyond the norm. Taylor took home and cared for an expectant lab-mix mother until she safely delivered her 13 puppies. And we're happy to report mother and puppies are doing well thanks to Taylor's care. So today we honor Taylor Martin-Giacalone for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and willingness to give up her free time, many animals whose lives are in jeopardy receive proper care. Ms. Nance Kreeb of Central Jr. High School who nominated her stated, "As a young teen, Taylor shows great character by giving of her time and talent by helping so many helpless animals and we are proud of her."
Kevin Nunez-Ortiz
Gateway Middle School
St. Louis Public Schools
Kevin is very helpful at school. Since he speaks Spanish and English fluently, he has been helpful with translating. Recently a new student at Gateway Middle was unable to properly communicate vital information that was needed at school. Kevin willingly and without giving it any thought befriended the student and spoke to the child about what was needed. Kevin then called the student's parents and conveyed to them what information the school needed. And, we're happy to report the school and family were able to work together to finalize paperwork that was needed. So today we honor Kevin Nunez-Ortiz for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kindness and service to others, a student and his family were able to experience a smooth transition at his new school. Gateway Middle School Secretary Phyllis Boehme (BAY-ME) who nominated him stated, "Kevin's very helpful and modest about how he translated for our school staff when we needed him most. He doesn't expect to be honored, but we are very proud of him and are happy that he can be recognized for his service."
Brenna Roche
Jefferson School
Belleville District #118
One day at recess Brenna noticed something that appeared to be a tool lying on the playground. Upon closer examination, she realized it was a dangerous, knife-like object. Brenna realized she shouldn't touch it and immediately found a supervisor and told her about what she had discovered. The supervisor retrieved the knife and thankfully no one was injured. So today we honor Brenna Roche for doing the right thing. Thanks to her mature and appropriate actions, a weapon that could have caused injury or that could have gotten into the wrong hands was properly retrieved. Elissa Garland from Jefferson School who nominated her stated, "Brenna's quick and responsible actions kept others from possible injury. She did a great job and we are proud of her."
Maggie Wasilewski
Kehrs Mill Elementary School
Rockwood School District
Maggie has a special friend at school who has Down's Syndrome. Each and every day Maggie goes out of her way to include her friend in school activities. She plays with her at recess, sits with her at lunch and helps her in the classroom. And, thanks to Maggie's excellent example, other 5th grade girls are beginning to include the special student in their activities. Yes, Maggie's special friend is having a wonderful school year! So today we honor Maggie Wasilewski for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and service to others, a special child is having positive experiences at school. Kehrs Mill Elementary Counselor Rhonda Mozingo who nominated Maggie stated, "Many lives have been enlightened because of Maggie's actions. These 5th grade girls have found that friendship comes from many sources!"
Dillon Weiss
Moye Elementary School
O'Fallon School District
Dillon enjoys school and is a cooperative student. He also knows how to be a good friend. So when a new student joined his class the third week of school this year, Dillon realized he needed to help him feel welcome. Dillon approached his teacher and asked if he could move desks in order to be by the new student. And, Dillon continues to go out of his way to spend time with his new friend so he feels welcome in his new school community. So today we honor Dillon Weiss for doing the right thing. Thanks to his kindness and caring spirit, a young man is adjusting to a new school situation with comfort and ease. His teacher Ann Toler who nominated him stated, "Dillon is consistently exhibiting great character in my classroom. He is honest, cooperative and respectful. He deserves to be honored with the Do The Right Thing award."
