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April 2025 Top Winners
Our top ten winners were honored at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department on April 23, 2025, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton, Bridgeton Police Chief Mark Mossotti, St. Louis County Police Department Captain Jerry Kelly, Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback, and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Chief Robert Tracy.
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Brayden Bahr
Franklin Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
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Brayden was nominated by Stacie Gutierrez, who shared this with us, “Brayden plays Tenor Saxophone in the Franklin Band. Since 4th grade band Brayden has always been the helper for our band family. When students need help finding their music, a new reed, or anything else, I can always count on Brayden to help me.
Brayden is not just a helper when asked. He has gone above and beyond these past three years in band. Brayden gets to class before school to set up the band room, get out supplies we might need, tidy up and even turn on the heat or AC so the classroom is comfortable! During the day he will remind his classmates when it’s time for their lessons and keeps our whole band program at Franklin running.
When it’s time to clean up and transition our band room back to the art room in our shared space, Brayden is there to put away stands, chairs and reset for the art teacher as well!
The whole band looks up to Brayden as an excellent example of hard work, organization and dedication. Next year Brayden will be moving to a new school. I will miss him and so will our Franklin band.
Brayden is the definition of ‘Do the Right Thing’ everyday with no one looking. He deserves this award.”
Sofia Bilzing
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Sheila Trice, who submitted this nomination stated, “Sofia Bilzing is being nominated because she is a student who always exhibits good character. Sofia is respectful to others and is very kind with her words and her actions. She knows exactly what she should be doing in class, in the cafeteria, in the halls, and on the playground. She is the kind of student who
completes her work, checks it over and then keeps herself busy doing the right things that will keep her occupied until the teacher is ready to move on to the next subject. She makes good choices on a daily basis and is a role model for other students who choose to follow her lead. Even when she thinks that no one is looking, I often see her being polite to others, making others smile, answering questions and lending a helping hand to her peers. For this reason, I feel that Sofia Bilzing should be chosen for the Do the Right Thing Award.”
Brooke Black
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Alanna Lewis, who nominated Brooke stated, “Brooke is an exemplary student who is most deserving of this award recognition. She consistently demonstrates maturity, integrity, and leadership qualities that set her apart from her peers. Brooke holds herself to high standards and always strives to do the right thing, even in the face of peer pressure or challenging circumstances. Her strength of character and moral compass guide her to make ethical, responsible choices. Beyond simply focusing on her own success, Brooke looks out for the wellbeing of those around her. She is an advocate and positive influence, unafraid to respectfully speak up when a situation calls for it. Brooke leads by example, inspiring others through her words and actions. Her recent handling of a difficult group project showcased her conflict resolution skills, assertiveness, and ability to tactfully defuse a tense situation. Thanks to Brooke's calm and mature intervention, she was able to get her group back on track to successfully complete their science experiment. Brooke's upstanding conduct and leadership have a ripple effect, enabling her peers to learn, grow, and work together harmoniously. She is a role model student in every sense and a most commendable candidate for this well-deserved award.”
Ka'Reem Kendrick
Mann Elementary School
St. Louis Public School District
This young man was nominated by Julie Harwell who stated, “Ka'Reem Kendrick is a kindergartener here at Mann. Ka'Reem has been observed on multiple occasions walking around the playground asking everyone if they have someone to play with. If they do not, he will play with them. He will let the other student decide how they will play. He includes students of all age groups and as one parent observed, "It is so incredibly genuine in his interactions with the other children. He truly seems to want to make sure everyone has someone."”
Lucas Overmann
St. Stephen the Protomartyr
St. Louis Archioceses
Lucas was nominated for this award by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Detective, Danny Schaberg who stated, “Lucas is a caring, responsible, and overall amazing young man. Every time I see him; he is polite and respectful. But where he shines is his care for other students, especially younger ones. Lucas participates in his school's aftercare program. During aftercare, I see him taking responsibility for other children: running to get them bandages when they fall, helping to peacefully resolve disagreements, and making lonely or scared children feel safe. He is a friend to everyone he encounters, and a wonderful example to those younger children he helps. Lucas is humble and does not brag or demand attention for his kindness, nor does he do what he does because anyone asks him to. He is just a good person, and he deserves to be recognized for his everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and the examples he sets for others without even realizing it.”
Ava Grace Proffitt
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Ava was nominated by Brandy Dohle, who stated, “Ava Grace spends all day every day working hard with her heart and her mind. She is such a brave learner, always willing to try something new, take on extra tasks and raise her hand to share her thoughts. She is fearless with her growth and recognizes the value of giving it her all every day for the sake of learning and growing. Her courage inspires those around her to do the same. Ava Grace does not hesitate to step up for those around her, as well. She recognizes how teamwork can make the dream work. She is frequently "caught" gathering materials for students who are away from their table at the time or organizing materials that she may not have ever used. Ava Grace brings such a caring, community minded approach to our classroom. She works for the greater good. Seeing Ava Grace's pride in our classroom community, courage in herself and strength despite any adversity makes her more than just a kind kid.... she’s OUR kind of kid! Thank you, Ava Grace, for always "Doing the right thing!"”
Keshon Word
Riverview Gardens High School
Riverview Gardens School District
Keshon’s story came to us from St. Louis County Officer Brandon Sierra. His nomination stated, “Keshon is the epitome of a leader who always chooses to do the right thing. As a member of The St. Louis County Police CAPLE group (Careers and Pathways in Law Enforcement), Keshon is actively pursuing an education in law enforcement and has a bright future as a community leader in the field.
Recently, while on spring break, Keshon volunteered 40 hours of his own time to assist with The St. Louis County Police Athletic League's spring break camp for elementary students in the Riverview Gardens School District. While his peers were enjoying a week away from school and other responsibilities, Keshon was waking up at 6am to help mentor, feed, and entertain 25, 8–12-year-olds as they enjoyed a full day of team sports, movies, and lunch. He arrived every day with the most positive attitude and served as an excellent role model for all of the young campers.
Keshon's future is bright, and any law enforcement agency lucky enough to gain him as an officer is in for an immediate positive impact. Thank you, Keshon for everything you do to make our community a better place.”