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October 2025 Top Winners
Our top ten winners were honored at the Creve Coeur Police Department on October 22, 2025, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, our host, Creve Coeur Police Chief Jeffrey Hartman, O'Fallon Illinois Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Lieutenant Colonel Renee Kriesmann, St. Louis County Police Department Captain Guy Means, Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton, and Rock Hill Police Chief Bryan Eckles.
Maryn was nominated by Mrs. Brittney Odle, who shared this with us, “I have had the privilege of being Maryn's teacher for both first grade and now in second grade. The best way to describe Maryn is sunshine in human form. She exudes positivity and shines her bright light on all of her classmates. Maryn is an amazing helper. She often finishes her work early and instead of using her free time to do something just for herself she uses it to help others. She is patient, supportive and understanding with her classmates. She is the first to give a compliment, the best cheerleader to her friends and is always smiling. Her classmates look up to her and I absolutely could not think of a better role model for them. Maryn is the perfect nominee for this award because she really "Does the right thing" day in and day out. Whether she is in the classroom, cafeteria, playground or hallway she is showing character in all that she does. I'm beyond lucky to be her teacher! Keep Shining Bright sweet girl!”
Maryn Barriger
Roosevelt Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
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St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Detective Danny Schaberg, who submitted this nomination stated, “Betty and her family attended the Great Balloon Glow on Friday, September 19. During the event, Betty and her mother found another little girl who had become separated from her family. The Glow is a huge event with thousands of people, and it was dark. The little girl was crying and scared because she could not find her family. Betty and her mom brought the girl to the police at the Lost Children tent. But Betty did not leave. She set up her blanket near the police so the girl would not be alone. Then she shared her snacks and words of comfort, making sure the girl wasn't scared. The girl was reunited with her family, and her experience was made much less terrifying because of Betty's actions. Betty truly did the right thing for a complete stranger!”
Betty Barwick
Pierremont Elementary School
Parkway School District
Ryan Fortner
Northwest High School
Northwest School District
St. Louis County Police Sergeant Brandon McCrary, who nominated Ryan stated, “I would like to nominate Ryan Fortner for the Do the Right Thing Award because he consistently demonstrates leadership, even when it is uncomfortable. This was Ryan’s second year participating in the Career and Pathway through First Responders Camp, a program where students learn about careers in public safety while enjoying fun camp activities. Ryan stepped into the role of an informal leader, always willing to take on tasks that improved the experience for the other campers. He arrived an hour early each day to help set up the classroom, often beating me there. His reliability and initiative made a noticeable difference in how smoothly camp ran. What truly stood out this year was Ryan’s humility and selflessness. Last year, he gave an incredible speech at camp graduation. This year, he made the intentional choice to step aside and allow other campers—those who had never had the chance before—to speak and share their voices. His willingness to lead by example, lift others up, and put the group’s growth before his own spotlight shows the kind of character that deserves recognition. Ryan’s actions reflect maturity, leadership, and a genuine desire to serve others. He is a role model for his peers, and I proudly nominate him for the Do the Right Thing Award.”
Juliette Goerring
Academy of Innovation at Remington
Pattonville School District
Maryland Heights Officer Erica Stough who nominated her stated, “It is my honor to nominate 5th grader Juliette Goerring for the Do the Right Thing Award. Juliette is a natural leader, a kind friend, and a role model in our school community. She is well-liked by her peers, known for her caring personality, great sense of humor, and willingness to help others. Juliette is also an athlete with many talents and interests. She enjoys dancing, playing kickball, running cross-country, participating in track and field, and is excited to join volleyball this year, potentially (fingers crossed). She balances her athletic involvement with being an excellent student and a dependable classmate. Family is very important to Juliette. She is one of six siblings, and all of them share a strong, supportive bond. I often see her around school caring for her younger brothers, Isaiah, Preston, and Gabe. She also has an older brother, Jack. She and Jack get along so well (eye roll) that I keep them on separate teams when they play any sport together. Love that bond. Her parents certainly deserve recognition as well for raising such a kind, respectful, and grounded daughter. I often see her trying to keep the gaggle of them together, and it looks like, at times, she is herding cats. Juliette demonstrates her character in both small, everyday ways and larger moments of leadership. For example, one afternoon in the lunchroom, when a table was left covered in trash and no one wanted to take responsibility, Juliette left the lunch line to clean it up—without hesitation. When I asked if it was her trash, she replied, “No, but no one else would do it.” She even went on to help the custodian finish cleaning the other tables. In her classroom, Juliette also sets a positive example. During a classmate’s birthday, when some students were making negative remarks about singing “Happy Birthday,” Juliette spoke up, corrected the behavior respectfully, and led the class in making the student feel celebrated. She consistently makes sure others are included and valued. Juliette is not only an outstanding student but also a truly remarkable person. She has never been one to get into trouble; she always helps her teachers and uplifts those around her. Her leadership, kindness, and willingness to “do the right thing” without being asked are precisely what this award represents. For all these reasons and more, I am proud to nominate Juliette Goerring for the Do the Right Thing Award.”
Byron Holton
Franklin Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
This young man was nominated by Kyle Koelker who stated, “Byron noticed a classmate’s shoes were not in the best condition. The next day Byron brought in a pair of his own shoes and gave them to his classmate who was in need. He did this without drawing attention to himself or the other student. Byron made his classmate’s day with this generous gift and you can see the classmate wearing his new shoes proudly each day”
This nomination by Julie Ehret stated, “Truth arrives at school every day with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn. She is a responsible and helpful student who recently showed her true character when she noticed a classmate struggling with a math assignment. Without being asked, Truth moved her chair next to the student and patiently explained the problems. She didn't just give away the answers; instead, she took the time to teach the concepts behind the questions, ensuring her peer could genuinely understand the material. This kind of selfless behavior is something I see from Truth on a regular basis. She may have a quiet demeanor, but she is a true light in the classroom, and her kindness makes our school a better place for everyone.”
Truth Spells
West Junior High School
Belleville School District 118