December 2011 Award Winners

This holiday season Do the Right Thing Awards ceremony was held in the St. Louis County Council Chambers in Clayton. We honored nine outstanding students from schools throughout the Do the Right Thing of Greater St. Louis service area who acted with maturity or compassion beyond their years when confronted with a difficult situation or the need of another. Here is what each of them did to receive this recognition.

Eleanor Chapman-Baker
Alton Middle School
Alton School District

Eleanor enjoys doing kind things for other people. For her recent birthday, she asked that her family and friends make donations to a charity instead of giving her gifts. The charity she chose is Shop With A Cop that one of her teachers coordinated. Eleanor not only gave what she received for her birthday, but found other ways to raise money and donated those funds also. Shop with a Cop is a yearly event where local police officers donate money and spend time holiday shopping with children whose families are in need. The money Eleanor raised will go towards local police officers and needy children shopping at a Target store in Alton.

So today we honor Eleanor Chapman-Baker for doing the right thing. Thanks to her generosity and acts of kindness, many children in the Alton area and their families will have happier holidays. Dustin Christner who nominated her stated, "Eleanor's teacher Brian Zurek worked with several students to help raise money for the event, and brought Eleanor's efforts to my attention." You've done a wonderful thing Eleanor—we're so proud of you!

Jennifer Devlin
Seckman High School
Fox School District

A normal day of shopping took a sudden turn for Jennifer. An elderly man who was using an electric shopping cart suddenly began choking right in front of her and her mother. As several people tried to help with no success, Jennifer announced she was trained in CPR and then came to the rescue. Jennifer immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver and a piece of candy that was lodged in the man's throat came shooting out, and he began breathing again. Paramedics arrived a short time later, and we're happy report that thanks to Jennifer, the man is doing well.

So today we honor Jennifer Devlin for doing the right thing. Thanks to her brave and courageous actions, a man's life was saved. Donald Grimshaw who nominated her stated, "Jennifer was certified in CPR this past September in Health Class. They were also taught the Heimlich technique…I told her she made that family's Thanksgiving extra special this year." What a great job Jennifer—we're very proud of you.

Caitlyn Epps
Union Elementary School
Belleville District 118

Caitlyn enjoys volunteering at a local horse establishment. On a regular basis Caitlyn helps care for the horses, grooms them, and helps the employees out with small tasks. Caitlyn also raises money all on her own for the establishment so the horses can continue to be properly fed, cleaned and live in a healthy environment. Without even being asked, Caitlyn gives of her time and resources so these horses have a good quality of life.

So today we honor Caitlyn Epps for doing the right thing. Thanks to her generosity and acts of kindness, she's made a huge difference in the lives of many animals and the people who care for them. Kristen Turner who nominated Caitlyn stated, "She does great things daily. She is an outstanding young girl who would never think about being rewarded for this act of kindness. She deserves it." We agree—we're happy to honor you!

Lizzy Ludwig
Smithton School
Smithton School District

Lizzy enjoys being a good friend at school. So when she realized a special needs student in her class needed assistance and companionship, she immediately stepped into the role of caregiver. On a daily basis, Lizzy helps her friend and makes his day at school full of positive results. All on her own, Lizzy makes the day in the life of a student better and better.

So today we honor Lizzy Ludwig for doing the right thing. Thanks to her compassion and acts of kindness, a fellow student is having success at school each and every day. Her teacher Mrs. LePere stated, "Lizzy's level of compassion, empathy and her amazing ability to see situations through her friend's eyes help him to be successful and make me awestruck. I am proud of Lizzy." We're so very proud of you too!

Leah Schneider
Central Junior High School
Belleville District 118

Leah wants students at school to have good experiences and not experience bullying. So when Central had Bully Free Week activities, she took it upon herself to create headbands for the "Band together to take a stand … wear a headband" activity. With her own money, Leah purchased headbands for students who didn't have one. Thanks to her efforts, many students wore the headbands in unity to work against bullying at Central Junior High School!

So today we honor Leah Schneider for doing the right thing. Thanks to her generosity and acts of leadership, many students at Central Junior have joined together to work against acts of bullying. Amy Book-Lindasy who nominated her stated, "She did this on her own time! She is a joy to have in class, always going the extra mile to participate and wear a smile to class each and every day. I am proud, extremely proud of Leah." We're proud of you too!

Shane Stawar
YMCA Pre-School
Edwardsville, Illinois

One day when Shane was visiting his great-grandmother, things took a turn. All of a sudden she tripped over a gate in the kitchen and fell. Immediately she told Shane to get the phone. He did just that and 911 was called. Then Shane found stuffed toys and put them under her head to try and comfort her. Shane stayed right with his great-grandmother while waiting for emergency medical helped to arrive. After being taken to the hospital, it was determined she had broken her hip. We're happy to report that thanks to Shane, she is doing quite well!

So today we honor Shane Stawar for doing the right thing. Thanks to his brave and mature actions, his great-grandmother received immediate medical attention. Dorothy Ziegler, who is his great-grandmother stated, "I know without my little Shane there, I would have passed out and probably would have laid there for hours. He's my little lifesaver and hero, always!" You're our hero too, Shane!

Alex Tame
Delores Moye Elementary School
O'Fallon School District

Alex enjoys being helpful at school. So when one of his fellow kindergarteners came back to school after surgery, he immediately helped her out. Since she was in a wheelchair, Alex helped her navigate around the classroom. Whenever she needed help with any activities, Alex came to the rescue. Each and every day, Alex has been very helpful. He has made his friend's days at school better and has been a great help to his teacher.

So today we honor Alex Tame for doing the right thing. Thanks to his compassion and acts of kindness, a fellow student has a much better time at school each and every day. His teacher Michelle Snedeker who nominated him stated, "Alex is a caring, respectful child who would be willing to help anyone who needed him, and for that he is most deserving of the Do Right Thing award." We agree Alex—you're doing a great job.

Kate Trowbridge
Community School

Kate enjoys doing for others. So when it was time to celebrate her 11th birthday recently, she decided she wanted to do something for a charity in place of receiving presents. So, Kate asked for donations for the Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis charity. Every monetary gift that Kate received was donated to the charity. Yes, instead of receiving gifts for herself, Kate gave to others, and never gave it a second thought.

So today we honor Kate Trowbridge for doing the right thing. Thanks to her kindness and acts of generosity, many underprivileged girls and boys will be helped. Jan Wacker, Development Director of Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis who nominated Kate stated, "She did this on her own…she learned through example that everyone can do something to help others, and she hopes her example of sharing will inspire others to do the same." What a great job Kate—we're very proud of you!

Brianna Wolf
Henry Raab Elementary School
Belleville District 118

Brianna likes being a good friend a school. So when she found a wallet that had been dropped in a trash can at school, she retrieved it to make sure it got back to its owner. Without hesitation, Brianna realized it was important that the student get her property back with all of it's contents safely inside. Brianna obviously made a huge difference in the life of her friend that day!

So today we honor Brianna Wolf for doing the right thing. Thanks to her integrity and act of honesty, a fellow student was able to retrieve money and personal items that may have been stolen if they had fallen into the wrong hands. Ms. Susan Altadonna who nominated her stated, "A fellow student wrote a note about Briana and placed it on my desk as a surprise. It read 'Brianna Wolf needs a good thanks or high five because I dropped my wallet in the trash, and she picked it up out of the trash.' We are proud of Brianna for being honest enough to return it—we love her character." We appreciate your character too, Brianna!