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September 2025 Top Winners
Our top ten winners were honored at the St. Louis County Council Chambers on September 25, 2025, joined by our Mistress of Ceremonies, First Alert 4 Anchor Taylor Holt, Clayton Police Chief Mark Smith, O'Fallon Illinois Police Captain Mike Mojzis, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Cousins, and our host St. Louis County Police Department Captain Guy Means.
Shai Williams and James Hicks
Kids World North
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James, and Shai were nominated by Lachanda Moore, who shared this with us, “Dawson, James, and Shai were in class together when their teacher fell ill. They linked hands and walked to the next classroom to get help and to let the teacher know that their teacher was crying. The teacher followed them back to class and assisted with helping her.
Kira Coppage
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Mackenzie Hildreth, who submitted this nomination stated, “I am pleased to write this letter of nomination for Kira Coppage, who has been a remarkable student in my class for the past year. Throughout this time, I have witnessed her extraordinary commitment to her academics and her unwavering dedication to her peers and community.
Kira consistently achieves straight A's, demonstrating not only her intellectual capabilities but also her determination and work ethic. She approaches her studies with an admirable seriousness and a genuine love for learning. It is evident that she cares deeply about her grades, often going above and beyond to ensure her success. Her diligence is a testament to her character and ambition.
In addition to her academic achievements, Kira actively volunteers for the safety patrol every month and participates in the clean-up crew, showcasing her commitment to service. She is never one to shy away from a challenge, eagerly taking on responsibilities that many would find daunting. Her willingness to assist in our kindergarten classroom, even at the cost of missing her recess, speaks volumes about her character and selflessness.
Furthermore, Kira is always willing to help her fellow students with their academic struggles. She possesses a natural ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is accessible and encouraging. Her kindness and compassion for others make her a go-to person in our school community, and she consistently treats every situation with patience and understanding.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Kira for the Do the Right Thing award. She embodies the qualities of a dedicated student and a compassionate leader. I am confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on those around her.”
Savannah Eskew
Adams Elementary School
St. Louis Public School District
Connie Eskew, who nominated Savannah stated, “During the winter time, Savannah noticed a small child, about 18 months old, running down the street in a diaper and nothing else. She told her granny and together, called 911 and found where the baby lived and was able to get him back to his family. How many children would make sure the child was safe?”
HarleyQuinn McCue
Douglas Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Alicia Augustine who nominated her stated, “I would like to nominate HarleyQuinn McCue. HarleyQuinn is a fun and adventurous girl, always ready to share her true self. She loves hard, she plays hard, and she feels her feelings intensely! On our field day in May, she showed these feelings, with her incredible heart and empathy leading the way. One of her classmates was having a very difficult time with the amount of noise and excitement with 3 grade levels from 8 different schools gathering all together for a day of activity and “controlled” chaos! HarleyQuinn took it upon herself to guide this friend to lie down & rest, looked in her bag & found an object he could use as a fidget, & walked him to the restroom since he felt sick. She got him Sprite, Gatorade, ice chips, a cold wet cloth for his forehead and her calming voice. She also talked him through calming exercises she had learned on her own. When our class was expected at various stations in different directions throughout the morning, Harley asked if she could go check on this friend. Each time we moved, she took a break to go stay with him and make sure he was doing ok. What a difference she made for her classmate, and what an incredible example to others around her. Harley, keep sharing your caring, selfless heart. It has not gone unnoticed, and it will continue to make our community a better place! I am so grateful to be part of your journey! Keep lighting up the world!”
Karter Olson
Jefferson Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Karter was nominated for this award by Sheila Olson who stated, “This young man has learned a ton in kindergarten.
He went from needing help with speech to being at the first grade level in math and reading!”
Truth Spells
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Truth was nominated by Justin Nunn, who stated, “Truth is a strong student academically and socially. Consistently getting her assignments done on time and to a high degree, she has maintained straight A's the entire school year, and providing insight into the material itself makes her a great candidate from an educational perspective.
Truth is also an asset to her classmates. She takes up responsibilities in the classroom by passing out papers, keeping the room tidy, even helping classmates with homework and explaining difficult concepts, and maintains healthy relationships with other students. She managed to do all this while also being involved in the 6th Grade Media Club and Cleanup Crew at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.
This shows an excellent grasp on balancing the different aspects of life, which is a great quality not just for students but for all people. Truth has been the recipient of multiple Abe Lincoln Character of the Month Awards, invited to eat with administrators at the IPA Breakfast this school year, and is loved by all of her teachers. I believe Truth is a student who we can look to and know that she's going to do great things in life. Ms. Spells is the best that I can think of to receive this nomination and I'm proud to nominate her.”
Kenneth Tramble Jr.
Northview Elementary School
Jennings School District
Kenneth’s story came to us from Denise Tramble. His nomination stated, “Kenneth Tramble, Jr., who is 8, saw his dad fall to the ground while having a seizure on Tuesday, July 22nd. After calling for his dad to get up from the ground, KJ grabbed his dad’s phone, unlocked it and immediately called his mom so she could tell him what to do next. At age 8, he was so brave and he stayed calm after his dad’s collapse. He was afraid but he did what he had to do to help him in this dire situation.”
Jase Williams
Hazelwood Central Middle School
Hazelwood School District
Jase’s story was shared with us by Officer Brandon Sierra, who nominated him, stating, “I am honored to nominate Jase Williams for consideration for the "Do The Right Thing" award. As a staff member at the Saint Louis County Police Athletic League summer camp this year, I witnessed firsthand his exemplary conduct and strong sense of responsibility. Despite being only 13 years old, Jase consistently conducted himself with the poise and maturity of a camp leader. Jase's positive demeanor and willingness to help were apparent from day one. He distinguished himself by actively seeking out opportunities to assist staff and support his fellow campers. His decision to volunteer to serve lunch to his peers was a prime example of his selflessness and drive. This action was not requested of him, yet he stepped up to serve others, embodying a spirit of community and helpfulness that was a powerful example to all. Further demonstrating his commitment to serving others, Jase also participated in a first responder camp hosted by The Saint Louis County Police Department. This experience shows that his desire to help his community is a core part of his character that he is actively pursuing through education and training. His interest in careers dedicated to helping people reinforces his deservingness of this honor. Jase's proactive approach and kind spirit made a significant positive impression on the camp environment. He became a role model for the other attendees, showing them what it means to take ownership and contribute to the well-being of a group. His actions perfectly align with the mission of "Do The Right Thing," and he is truly deserving of recognition for his efforts.”
Braylon Wilson
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Belleville School District 118
Braylon was nominated by Rob Winn, who stated, “I am proud to nominate Braylon for the Do the Right Thing Award in recognition of his outstanding character and positive influence in our school community.
Braylon is truly a joy to have as a student. Interacting with him often feels like an endearing conversation with a friend. He is charismatic, engaging, and thoughtful—qualities that make him stand out not only as a student, but as a person.
Braylon is an active and dedicated member of our Media Club, Safety Patrol, and Clean-up Crew, consistently demonstrating a sense of responsibility and commitment. He is kind and caring, often checking in with his teachers throughout the day to genuinely ask how we are doing—something that does not go unnoticed.
Among his classmates, Braylon is both embraced and respected. As a student, he is determined and diligent. He not only strives to understand the material, but also to go above and beyond. He works to meet assignment expectations and goes further by engaging with the deeper implications of the standards. Braylon consistently applies his own unique approach, searching for meaningful connections and leaving his personal mark on every task.
Students like Braylon may sometimes be overlooked simply because they do not demand attention—they quietly excel. But it is precisely this quiet excellence and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing that makes him truly deserving of this award.
Braylon exemplifies what it means to “Do the Right Thing.””