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March 2025 Top Winners
Our top ten winners were honored at the Bridgeton Government Center on March 26, 2025, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Cousins, St. Louis County Police Department Captain Jeremy Romo, O'Fallon Illinois Police Captain Mike Mojzis, Bridgeton Police Chief Mark Mossotti, and Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton.
Jax Boyle
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
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Jax was nominated by Ashely Muendlein, who shared this with us, “Jax is a Douglas Tiger that has great responsibility for herself. She is working hard to complete assignments and make sure the people around her feel welcome in their own skin and can express who they want to be! She makes sure every person has a say about their feelings and makes sure they are treated the exact way every human should be treated. Kindness is the key for Jax. She shows kindness to all. She is always giving a smile and wave to anyone around her. She has an extra responsibility of visiting the office daily for keeping her on track. She remembers every day without any reminder. She is doing the right thing because she shows kindness and treats others with equality. No matter how different they are from her, she is all about acceptance and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”
Camden Chartrand
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Ashley Potts, who submitted this nomination stated, “Camden consistently demonstrates a high level of academic excellence, who strives to always do his best, even when it’s hard. In addition, they have shown outstanding leadership within our classroom, where he has not only contributed his skills but have also inspired their peers to strive for excellence. Beyond academics, Camden is a natural leader who fosters a positive, inclusive environment in the classroom. He is always ready to help classmates, offering assistance or encouragement when needed. His dedication, hard work, and resilience makes him a role model for others. Because of his exceptional work ethic, leadership, and positive influence on his classmates, I strongly believe that Camden is an outstanding candidate for a Do the Right Thing Award Acknowledgment.”
Brookstin Filback
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Ashley Muendlein, who nominated her stated, “Brookstin is a first grader in our school. I am the 6th grade teacher. I bring my class down for book buddies every Thursday. Brookstin is buddies with one of my 6th graders named Armond. The smile that Brookstin has to see her buddy every week is beyond excited, and she is always ready for any activity we do. The way she communicates and has "real" conversations with her 6th grade buddy shows the ease and happiness that she portrays to the world. Brookstin is just a kid who is always doing the right thing and goes above to show her buddy how much she cares for him. Watching the interactions with ease makes me realize that Brookstin has a heart full of happiness that is ready to be shared with all. She is following directions while still having fun. Doing the right thing is in her nature and I feel that sometimes it is enough to just be a good person who cares about others. No reward is ever needed for Brookstin to do the right thing but always doing what it right because that is how she was raised shows, to the adults in the school environment. I am very proud of her and how she respects others!”
Jacob Grinston
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Sydnee Jackson who nominated him stated, “It is with great honor that the 5th-grade teachers nominate Jacob Grinston for the Do the Right Thing Award. Jacob is the kind of student who embodies kindness, responsibility, and leadership in ways that often go unnoticed. While others may seek recognition, Jacob simply does the right thing—not for praise, but because it is who he is. Every single day, Jacob demonstrates the values of respect and compassion. He is the first to lend a helping hand, whether it’s assisting a classmate with their books, holding the door open for teachers and students, or ensuring that younger children safely cross the sidewalk. His awareness of others and his instinct to help are truly remarkable for someone his age. One of Jacob’s most admirable qualities is his ability to de-escalate situations. He notices when tensions rise and steps in with a calm, thoughtful approach, diffusing conflicts before they escalate. His patience and level-headedness bring peace to the classroom and playground, making our school a better place for everyone. Jacob does all of this without expecting anything in return. He doesn’t seek attention or rewards; he simply believes in doing what’s right. He is a role model for his peers, proving that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but rather about being the most consistent in kindness, respect, and integrity.”
Jameryca Johnson
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
This young lady was nominated by Cassidy Woods who stated, “I am nominating Jameryca for listening and being respectful. While I needed to converse with another staff member, Jameryca waited patiently. She was quiet and respectful during this time. I did not need to remind her even once to not wander or be disruptive. This is something Jameryca has worked hard at this year and deserves recognition for her efforts!”
Emilie LeChien
West Junior High School
Belleville School District 118
Emilie was nominated for this award by Katie Karr who stated, “Emilie LeChien is a wonderful young lady who puts smiles on people's faces on a daily basis. She has the most kind, caring soul. As her teacher, I get to see first-hand how helpful and encouraging she can be to her peers. She is my queen of "random acts of kindness." Most recently, she asked if I would mind printing a letter off for her that she had emailed me. After opening the email, I found it to be completely in Spanish! After translating this letter, I discovered it to be a welcoming letter to a new student at our school that speaks very little English. In addition to welcoming this peer, she also complimented her hair and sense of style! Later in the week, Emilie decided she wanted to surprise her homeroom class with donuts, just because. These are two of the countless ways Emilie makes people feel like they belong at West Junior High and have people that care about them. Thank you, Emilie, for being an amazing role model to your peers and sprinkling kindness confetti everywhere you go!”
Steven Reinoso
Home Schooled
Steven’s story came to us from University City Fire Chief, Larry Hampton Jr. His nomination stated, “A house fire occurred at 7:47 p.m. on February 13th, 2025. University City Police Officers Davis-Mitchell and Cook arrived on the scene of the fire on Amherst. U. City Police personnel verified that all persons had safely exited the home. University City Fire personnel arrived to combat heavy fire coming from the west side of the house. U City PD learned a 6-year-old boy found the fire in the bedroom caused by a candle and ran to alert his mother and other relatives inside the home. His mom was in the shower at the time. This notification occurred even before the smoke detector was activated. All family members, a total of 7, were able to exit safely while this fire grew uncontrollably. Great job Steven.”
Cole Thompson
Roosevelt School
Belleville School District 118
Cole’s story was shared with us by Melissa Schwalenberg, who nominated him, stating, “Cole is such a great role model for those around him. He has improved so much in 5th grade! Cole is always so conscientious about his work and his surroundings. He will ask to be moved if he can see that he is not seated in a place that will serve his best interests. He avoids conflict, and he always completes his work with effort, and he always gets it in on time. In addition, Cole has two brothers who look up to him, and he is a great role model for them too! I am so proud of how much Cole has grown this year! He is destined to do great things!”
Landon Trotter
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Kelsey Renick who nominated him stated, “Landon is an exemplary student. He does the right thing every single day without second guessing or having to be told. It is just his nature. In class, he shows responsibility by prioritizing his schoolwork always. He will take his time, do his best, and even go out of his way to help others if they are in need. On top of this, he takes on responsibility within the classroom and within the school by acquiring jobs to help adults in the building. He never has to be reminded to do his jobs. He is always on top of it without needed assistance, even if that job takes away from some of his recess and/or free time. He is kind, hard-working, trustworthy, and determined, and I could not be more impressed!”