top of page

December 2024 Top Winners

DTRT_DEC 2024_Group photo_edited.jpg

Our top ten winners were honored at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department  on December 18, 2024, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, St. Louis County Police Department's Captain Anthony Cavaletti, , Glendale Police Department's Chief Jeffrey Beaton, and our host, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Cousins. 

DTRT_DEC 2024_Conners Kendall_Delores Mo

Kendall Conners

Delores Moye Elementary School

O'Fallon School District 90

​

Kendall was nominated by Cheryl Goewert, who shared this with us, “Kendall is a new student at Moye Elementary this year.  Kendall has shown amazing empathy towards several other students.  Kendall goes out of his way to help others in the classroom as well as his teacher.  Kendall stays after school every day just in case other students forgot to do their "end of the school day" responsibilities.

On one day in particular, we had a new student join our classroom for math class.  The student has transferred into a general education classroom.  The student can be frustrated and has outbursts at times.  The student was having a "moment of frustration" and yelled out.  Kendall raised his hand and shared words of encouragement to support and help his friend!  To say that I was proud of Kendall is an understatement.  He made our new student feel welcomed and accepted.  As a 10-year-old, at a new school, Kendall has went above and beyond for a classmate!  When I ask Kendall what he'd like for a reward, he says, "Mrs. G. I don't need anything".

In a time where we hear a lot of negative news about our young students, Kendall has proven otherwise!”

Faith Desloge and Patrick O'Shaughnessy 

Marquette High School
Rockwood School District 

Sgt. Brandon McCrary, who submitted these nominations stated, “I would like to nominate Faith Desloge and Patrick O’Shaughnessy for the “Do the Right Thing” award. I had the pleasure of meeting them through their volunteer work with the nonprofit organization Synapsory, and since then, they have continuously given their time to support St. Louis County Police Intramural Sports. They make signs, cheer us on, and Patrick even served as an honorary coach during the City vs. County basketball games.

Both Faith and Patrick are consistently supportive of first responders and have made a real impact through their efforts. They also assist in selling t-shirts for the Special Olympics, further demonstrating their commitment to the community. I’ve seen tremendous growth in both of them since we first met, and they have made their community, their families, and the first responder community proud.

Thank you for considering Faith and Patrick for this recognition.”  We are proud to recognize them today!

DTRT_DEC 2024_Desloge Faith_OShaughnessy Patrick_Marquette HS-Rockwood.jpg
DTRT_DEC 2024_Dhakal Smarika_Bierbaum Elem-Mehlville.jpg

Smarkia Dhakal

Bierbaum Elementary School

Mehlville School District 

Brynn Buechener, who nominated Smarika stated, “Smarika has been a friend and teacher to a new student who immigrated to the United States and doesn't speak or understand any English. Smarika celebrates with this student when she learns something new, helps them find materials for class, walks them to places within the building, and helps them with schoolwork. We never assigned Smarika to this task; she did it because she felt compelled on her own heart to help. She is friendly to all and always puts forth her best effort. Way to go, Smarika!”

Bari Franklin and Jah'ser Franklin

Bayless Jr. High School and Bayless Elementary School

Bayless School District 

Erin Kramper who nominated them stated, “On Halloween, brothers Jah'ser and Bari, were caught on a neighbor's ring camera doing a good deed. When they walked up to the house to get candy, there was a bowl that had a sign that said, "take one". It was still very early in the night, but the bowl was already empty. Jah'ser and Bari decided to refill the bowl because, in their words, "it was the right thing to do." They used their own candy that they had just gotten from trick-or-treating to fill the empty bowl back up for others. Jah'ser and Bari did not know anyone was watching and displayed great integrity.”

DTRT_DEC 2024_Franklin Bari_Franklin Jah'ser_Bayless Elm-HS-Bayless.jpg
DTRT_DEC 2024_Owens Nyla_Hazelwood Middle-Hazelwood.jpg

Nyla Owens

Hazelwood Central Middle School

Hazelwood School District

This young lady was nominated by St. Louis County Police Officer, Darrin Young who stated, “I am honored to nominate Nyla Owens for the “Do the Right Thing” award, recognizing her exemplary leadership, kindness, and commitment to community service.

 

During the St. Louis County Police Athletic League (PAL) Summer Sports Camp, Nyla actively participated in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and dodgeball. She consistently demonstrated leadership and kindness, fostering a positive environment among her peers. Her actions align with PAL’s mission to provide constructive environments for youth development.

​

On Halloween, Nyla volunteered at the Halloween Boo-Nanza event at the North County Recreation Complex. She distributed popcorn and cotton candy, contributing to a safe and enjoyable experience for children. This event offers family-friendly activities, including hayrides and bonfires, providing a secure environment for community members.

Nyla’s dedication to leadership and community service makes her a deserving candidate for the “Do the Right Thing” award.”

Malcolm Poe

West Junior High School 

Belleville School District 118

Malcolm was nominated for this award by Gustavo Cotto who stated, “Malcolm consistently exemplifies what it means to be a force of good within our school community. Whether it’s stepping in to prevent a student from making a poor decision or de-escalating a potentially negative situation, Malcolm is always there when needed. We can count on him to take action and either stop a conflict from escalating or guide a student away from making a bad choice.

 

This school year, as in the past, Malcolm has played a pivotal role in maintaining a peaceful and supportive atmosphere at WJH. On multiple occasions, he has prevented physical altercations by calmly escorting students away from tense situations and engaging them in constructive conversations about making positive choices. His ability to promote peaceful resolutions, even in challenging circumstances, speaks volumes about his maturity and integrity.

 

Malcolm’s actions and leadership set a powerful example for his peers. He embodies the values of good character, integrity, and leadership, and his influence is a key reason why both last school year and this year have been successful. As a student leader, he is always promoting peace and demonstrating the importance of being respectful, responsible, and peaceful—the very essence of the Western Way.

 

We are incredibly proud of Malcolm and the positive impact he has on our school. His example is one that inspires others, and we are grateful for the difference he makes every day here at WJH.” 

DTRT_DEC 2024_Poe Malcolm_West Jr HS-Belleville.jpg
DTRT_DEC 2024_Ponder Jayden_Jefferson Elm-Belleville.jpg

Jayden Ponder
Jefferson Elementary School
Belleville School District 118

Jayden was nominated by Marla Gibson, who stated, “On Halloween, we were making Jack-o-lanterns.  There was a piece that both Jayden and another student really wanted to use.   The other student had picked the previous part first, so it was Jayden's turn to choose this part first.  When Jayden saw how disappointed (not mad, not having a fit, just visibly sad) his friend was, Jayden handed him the piece they had both really wanted for their project. 

This is just one example of how Jayden is a caring and empathic friend to all in his first-grade class.  He is the first to congratulate others when they succeed, even if he doesn't succeed.  He's the first to offer a hug or a pat on the back when someone is sad or frustrated.  He has had plenty of struggles of his own yet he chooses to live his life in positivity and is a great role model for kids and adults.”

Quincy Posey  

Mann Elementary School 
St. Louis Public Schools 

Quincy’s story came to us from Julie Harwell.  His nomination stated, “Quincy and sisters were with grandpa when grandpa began struggling to breathe. Quincy attempted to help him but when grandpa stopped breathing, he gathered all of his little sisters, including the baby, and ran to a neighbor's house for help. The neighbors called 911 and Quincy continued to take care of his sisters despite being terribly distraught about his grandpa.”  

DTRT_DEC 2024_Posey Quincy_Mann Elem-SLPS.jpg
DTRT_DEC 2024_Smiley Kedrick_Union Elem-Belleville.jpg

Kedrick Smiley

Union Elementary School

Belleville School District 118

Kedrick’s story was shared with us by Kathryn Kaiser, who nominated him, stating, “At the start of 5th grade Kedrick stood out to me as being a student who was always trying to do the right thing. Right away to start our year this friend participated in group activities and made sure to do so with a smile on his face. During group work he is not afraid to ask a teammate for help when he is struggling to understand something. This student also participates in band and when he has to leave the room for his lesson we come back and we make sure to make up what we missed in the lesson.

This friend takes full ownership of his learning. Kedrick is someone who is at the right volume during class, in the hallway, and at specials. He is always participating and learning from his mistakes. When other friends are behind or struggling Kedrick does not hesitate to lend a helping hand. We are respectful to all staff and students with our words and actions. This behavior has continued, and he continues to be a leadership figure in our classroom and this is why I am nominating Kedrick for "Do the Right Thing." Keep up the great work friend, I know you will continue to do great things!”     

DeAnna Watson
Douglas Elementary School
Pattonville School District

DeAnna was nominated by Wendy Lampe, who stated, “I am nominating DeAnna for the Do the Right Thing Award because she does just that...the right thing!  DeAnna has a busy schedule at school and regardless of what is asked of her, she does it with a smile.  She is kind and loving and helpful and a good friend.  She makes it a point to say hello to the adults as well as her peers in the building every day.  She works hard and gives everything her all!  Please consider DeAnna for this award!”

DTRT_DEC 2024_Watson DeAnna_Douglas Elem-Belleville_02.jpg

Watch the ceremony here. 

Do The Right Thing of Greater St. Louis

1915 Olive Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63103

314-444-5328

dtrt@slmpd.org

  • alt.text.label.Facebook

©2023 by Do The Right Thing. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page