September 2008
Eric Fischer
Assumption Catholic School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
One summer afternoon while Eric was playing, he noticed his mother looked like something was wrong. Immediately Eric ran to her side and she explained she was dizzy and weak, which was a complication from surgery. Without hesitation, Eric helped her sit down on her recliner, covered her up and gave her some orange juice. His father came home a short time later and thanks to Eric, his mother quickly recovered. So today we honor Eric Fischer for doing the right thing. His mature and immediate actions saved his mother from suffering possible harm. Karen Fisher, Eric's mother stated, "I can't thank Eric enough for taking care of me when I was too sick to take care of myself. He even watched over his younger brother who has special needs. I want him to know I'm very proud of him."
Brittany Gasawski
Belle Valley South School
Belle Valley School District
and
Paige Mercer
West Junior High
Belleville District #118
Last school year Brittany and Paige went to school together at Jefferson School in the Belleville School District #118. One day when they were spending time with a fellow student, he began asking them questions about committing suicide. Both Brittany and Paige became concerned about the boy's comments. Instead of ignoring the situation, they went to one of their teachers and told her about the situation. And, we're happy to report that thanks to the girls' prudent actions, the student received prompt attention and intervention and is doing quite well. So today we honor Brittany Gasawski and Paige Mercer for doing the right thing. Their caring spirit and mature actions resulted in a young man's problems being appropriately addressed. Their former teacher, Mary Beth Blain who nominated the girls stated, "These girls were extremely concerned for this student and their concern potentially saved his life�..I am so excited that they showed such amazing character."
Davion Green
Garfield Elementary School
Normandy School District
Late one night Davion suddenly heard what appeared to be burglars breaking into his house. Realizing his brother was sleeping downstairs, he ran and alerted him about what was occurring. Then Davion directed him into a closet where they hid until the suspects left. When it was safe, Davion went upstairs and called 911 and reported that a TV and surround sound system had been stolen. He then observed the suspects entering a house across the street with the stolen items. When police arrived, Davion was able to give a complete description of the suspects, which led to their arrests and the recovery of the stolen items. So today we honor Davion Green for doing the right thing. Thanks to his brave and mature actions, no one was hurt and a crime was also cleared. Sgt. Robert Sampson of the Pine Lawn Police Department who nominated him stated, I am so happy that Davion is being honored. His actions were incredible, and I am so proud of him."
Destini Howard
Wydown Middle School
Clayton School District
This summer while Destini was participating in what appeared to be a routine kickboxing class, things suddenly took a turn. She noticed one of her fellow students appeared to be choking. Without hesitation, Destini ran to her side and realized the girl was choking on her mouthguard and unable to breathe. Destini immediately gave the girl several sharp hits on her back and the mouthguard was successfully dislodged. We're happy to report that the girl immediately began to breathe again and is doing fine! So today we honor Destini Howard for doing the right thing. Thanks to her brave and courageous actions, the life of a fellow student was saved. Christina Perrino of Clayton School District who nominated her stated, "Destini's quick actions helped save her classmate's life. We are so proud to nominate Destini for the courage she displayed."
Dory Pearlstone
Woerther Elementary School
Rockwood School District
For some time Dory has asked her mother how she and other young people could help her with fundraising for Lydia's House, a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Finally Dory came up with the idea of having a Garden Tea Party. The 3rd annual tea party was held recently with over 500 women and children in attendance. And, the event raised over $20,000 for Lydia's House. So today we honor Dory Pearlstone for doing the right thing. Thanks to her service to others and incredible commitment to aide a charity, many women and children who have suffered abuse will benefit. Gloria Bardol who nominated her stated, "Dory gave an inspirational talk to those in attendance at the Garden Tea Party. She was quite an inspiration."
Steven Oberfeld
SCOPE
Mehlville School District
One evening Steven and some friends were on their way home in the rain when the car they were riding in hit a slick spot in the road and went out of control. The car rolled over two times and ultimately hit a tree. Steven had been riding in the back seat and was able to get out of the car. As the vehicle caught fire, he realized the girls in the front seat were trapped by the deployed air bags. Without hesitation, Steven was able to free the girls from the car and led them to safety. And we're happy to report, everyone involved is successfully recovering from their injuries. So today we honor Steven Oberfeld for doing the right thing. His bravery and courage saved the lives of two girls! Barb Meyer, the mother of the one of the girls who was saved and who nominated him stated, "Steven got our daughter and the other girl out of the car as flames were coming out of the front of it. He saved their lives and we are forever grateful."
Justina-Nicole Roling
Jefferson Elementary School
Belleville District #118
Justina's mother had a serious surgery this summer and was unable to do her job, which is delivering newspapers. Without giving it another thought, Justina volunteered her services and did her mother's work. Instead of playing with her friends during the day, she slept so she could get up in the middle of the night to go on the routes and deliver the papers. All summer long, Justina replaced her mother so that after she recovered the route would still be hers. So today we honor Justina Roling for doing the right thing. Thanks to her selfless acts, her mother is successfully recovering and she will also keep her job. Joy Roling, her mother, stated, "Justina kept our family afloat this summer. I want her to know that what she has done is extraordinary and greatly appreciated."
Cortez Sayers
St. Mary's High School
One night at bedtime, Cortez awakened and smelled what he thought was smoke coming out of his brothers' bedroom. When he investigated he found his younger brother's mattress was on fire. Immediately Cortez told his brothers to get out of the room and yelled to his parents that there was a fire. Without hesitation, Cortez grabbed the mattress and threw it into the back yard. Within a few seconds the mattress was engulfed in flames and his mother called 911. Thanks to Cortez actions, the fire was put out and there were no injuries or damage to the house. So today we honor Cortez Sayers for doing the right thing? Thanks to his bravery and courageous actions, no one was injured and his home was saved. Cortez mother, Robin Sayers stated, "I am so proud of him that he had the presence of mind not to panic. I fully believe that Cortez saved our home as well as the life of his brothers. I consider him so brave."
Maggie Schmidt
Telegraph Intermediate
and
Tyler Schmidt
Danby-Rush Tower Middle School
Jefferson County R-7 School District
This summer Maggie and her brother Tyler were at an outdoor outing at a large complex when they separately witnessed possible drowning situations. First of all, when Maggie was playing on a rope swing, she witnessed a 3-year old fall into the water face first. Maggie immediately jumped into the water and pulled her to safety. The little girl was so young and unable to tell her much, so Maggie took it upon herself to keep the girl safely with her until the parent was found. Amazingly, while this incident was occurring, Tyler was at another end of the park sitting on a bank when he witnessed a 4 year old boy get pulled under the water by a swift current. Tyler immediately dove into the water and pulled the boy to safety. He then stayed with the boy until his parent was found. Interestingly enough, the children who were saved were siblings and their mother had fallen asleep in a tent and didn't know they had wandered off! Yes a brother and sister saved a brother and sister! So today we honor Maggie and Tyler Schmidt for doing the right thing. Their mother Pam Schmidt stated, "Maggie used her girl scout and swimming training to save the little girl. And, Tyler used his boy scout and swimming training to save the little boy. I am very proud of both Maggie and Tyler for their bravery, compassion and abilities to do the right thing."
Colin Self and Matt Simon
Sperreng Middle School
Lindbergh School District
One day as Colin and Matt were walking down a street, they witnessed a school bus hit an unoccupied parked car and leave the scene of the accident. Immediately they went to the house where the car was parked and alerted the person who was there visiting that her car had been hit. The police were called, and thanks to the boys' thorough description, the bus was located and the driver was identified. So today we honor Colin Self and Matt Simon for doing the right thing. Thanks to their immediate and appropriate actions, the bus driver who was responsible was identified and police were able to solve the case. Lyn Sedlak (sed-lock) whose car was hit and who nominated the boys stated, "These boys weren't afraid to tell the truth. I am forever grateful for their confidence in themselves to take a stand and tell what they witnessed. I am very proud of their actions."
