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February 2025 Top Winners
Our top ten winners were honored at the St. Louis County Council Chambers on February 27, 2025, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton, St. Louis County Police Department Captain Anthony Cavaletti, Bridgeton Police Captain Loveall, and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Cousins.
Elexia Allen and Jeremiah Allen
Jennings High School
Jennings School District
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Elexia and Jeremiah were nominated by Sergeant Brandon McCrary, who shared this with us, “Jeremiah and Elexia Allen are outstanding examples of individuals who consistently embody the values of integrity and service, making “doing the right thing” a way of life. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jeremiah and Elexia through St. Louis County PAL and the St. Louis County Police mentorship program, C.A.P.L.E. Their commitment to giving back is evident in everything they do. They have volunteered their time and energy at key events such as the PAL Trivia Night and the C.A.P.L.E. Community Cleanups. I first met them through the Jennings School PAL Open Gym program, where their leadership and enthusiasm stood out.
Today, they continue to give back by refereeing basketball for the Jennings School District, contributing to a sport that had such a positive impact on their own lives. Whenever I need reliable, dedicated volunteers who represent PAL, C.A.P.L.E., and the department with excellence, Jeremiah and Elexia are always my first call. Their passion for community service and their ability to inspire others make them exceptional role models and truly deserving of this recognition.”
Ajia Anderson
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Alicia Augustine, who submitted this nomination stated, “Ajia is a kind and thoughtful young lady. She works hard in class and is always there for her fellow schoolmates. Our class is made up of a diverse variety of abilities and Ajia is understanding and respectful of that always. On two particular occasions recently, she has taken it upon herself to stop her work and help a student that has more difficulty than her. This student was more than grateful. Sometimes, it is difficult to ask for help, and one may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Ajia offered assistance selflessly and ensured her classmate kept all the dignity she deserves. What a way to make an impact - to your classmates, in our community, for the future of this generation and those that get to share time with you Ajia! Keep spreading your positive & kindhearted self!”
Aurora Monet Blais
Roosevelt Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Gail Tatum, who nominated Aurora stated, “I have the pleasure of teaching five hundred children at three schools in Belleville District 118. I am only at Roosevelt School on Monday days and Wednesday mornings. Aurora comes into my classroom and helps me each morning and during her recesses. She is always there to help sharpen pencils, put out supplies, assist with younger kids, or anything and everything I should ask her to do. Aurora is a model student outside and inside of the classroom. I could not think of a better recipient for the Do The Right Thing Award.”
Nova Conners
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
AnnaLee Ekstrand who nominated her stated, “Nova came to our classroom after moving from another school. It took a bit for her to adjust to the new setting, but after settling in, she is found to be very polite, respectful to those around her and willing to help another friend, such as picking up something or sharing materials as needed. She greets everyone with a smile and enjoys being around her classmates. It's great to have her as a Douglas Tiger, showing respect and responsibility. Way to go Nova!”
Rhyanne King
Union Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
This young lady was nominated by Wendy Weiner who stated, “Rhyanne takes the word inclusion and makes it come to life. In our second-grade classroom, we have a boy who is deaf. I will refer to him by his self-appointed pseudonym, Zon. Although Zon has a full-time interpreter, during lunch recess, the interpreter also takes her lunch. At this time, Zon often played by himself...until Rhyanne came along. Though all of the students in our class have learned many words in sign language, and even how to sign the pledge of allegiance, Rhyanne has used her new language skills to make a friend. When we go to the playground for lunch recess, Rhyanne is the first to find Zon. After a lively exchange of signing, they are off on their playground adventures. If we have indoor recess, Zon always chooses to sit at his desk and color. Instead of choosing to play with blocks, Legos, puzzles, or trains with her other classmates, Rhyanne usually chooses to sit next to Zon and color with him. And whether the class is inside or outside for recess, when it is time to line up for lunch, Rhyanne always makes sure Zon knows when it's time to get his lunchbox and where to stand in the lunch line. It is a magical experience to watch Rhyanne and Zon interact. Zon is learning that the language of friendship has no barriers. Rhyanne is learning how to express her friendship in her new found language. Rhyanne is an example of someone doing the right thing by being an example for all of us that you do not need to be fluent in someone's language to include them in the language of friendship.”
Brady Mitchell
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Brady was nominated for this award by Alyssa Mueller who stated, “Brady is in my Douglas School Family group. He is always willing to help the younger students. He is not disruptive and completes the activities and discussions with great effort. He is a good role model for the younger students in our school "family". Mostly, he is just kind, behaves well, and handles himself with maturity. Thanks, Brady, for being a positive role model to the younger kids.”
Zane Perkins
Bernard Middle School
Mehlville R-IX Schools District
Zane was nominated by Lauren Cumming, who stated, “During winter break, Zane was spending one-on-one time with his grandma, when she suddenly became ill after eating lunch. When Zane became aware that his grandma was throwing up, he checked in on her and attended to her needs. She told him not to call his father, thinking it would pass. After trying to comfort her, he realized the situation was not improving but escalating. Her vomiting became more volatile, and it did not show signs of subsiding, regardless of his efforts. Using critical thinking, he was aware that he was not equipped to handle the situation alone. He called his father who was able to leave work, assess the situation in person, and soon after take her to the hospital.
We never would have guessed, but Zane’s grandma had a life-threatening condition called a gastric volvulus, where the stomach twists on itself. She required emergency, life-saving surgery to correct this issue before it could cause potentially fatal harm. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
During this difficult situation, Zane demonstrated awareness where he was the only person capable of providing help in a scary situation, he used critical thinking to get assistance of another adult, and he was persistent by calling and getting help when he knew something wasn’t right (even when specifically asked not to), and he clearly communicated the criticality of the situation when he asked his dad to come home. We want to commend his quick thinking, courage, bravery, and the compassion he showed through such a critical and frightening life event. Zane's grandmother would not be with us today if he didn’t take quick action to get help.”
Aryia Wieland
Central Junior High School
Belleville School District 118
Aryia’s story came to us from Jaime Schneider. Her nomination stated, “Aryia was walking to school today on the narrowly cleaned sidewalks. She noticed another student walking and struggling to pull her backpack. This other student had major back surgery just before winter break and has returned to school with limitations. Aryia paused and approached the other student. Then she helped the student close her backpack and picked it up. Aryia carried the backpack the remaining distance to the building. While making sure the other student made it safely in the building.”
Blake Wright
West Junior High School
Belleville School District 118
Blake’s story was shared with us by Olivia Flerra, who nominated him, stating, “I am honored to nominate Blake Wright for the “Do the Right Thing Award.” He consistently demonstrates integrity, kindness, and responsibility. Blake makes a positive impact on the West Jr. High School community. West Jr. High´s motto is “Be respectful, Be responsible, and Be peaceful,” and Blake embodies these words daily.
Blake is the type of young adult who goes out of his way to make sure every student feels welcome. He consistently helps both his peers and teachers on a daily basis. These daily acts exemplify Blake´s strong moral compass and willingness to do what is right, even when no one is watching. Blake also consistently leads by example. Whether assisting his teachers or peers, fostering an inclusive learning environment, or just helping out fellow students in the hallway, Blake inspires those around him to “Do the Right Thing.” It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Blake Wright for this award, as he truly embodies the principles of integrity, compassion, and leadership.”