Robin Anderson, Mehlville School District

As spoken by St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Draft at the District’s recent Community Kindness Awards banquet, we do not have the choice of whether or not to be a role model. Instead, we must choose between being a positive or a negative role model for those who look up to us.
Draft served as the guest speaker for the ninth annual banquet sponsored by the District’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools Advisory Committee, which was held on Thursday, March 26. The banquet, which was emceed by 106.5 The Arch radio personality Rick Wallace, honored the 17 student essay contest winners and their role models who exemplify the definition of kindness.

Congratulations to this year’s winning essay writers and their role models:
 Danny Bitter, Beasley Elementary, and role model Jennifer Corp
 Molly Duffey, Bernard Middle, and role model Betty Jo Benson
 Ryan Kriska, Blades Elementary, and role model Chad Dickemper
 Tori Rulo, Margaret Buerkle Middle, and role model Jane Gahr
 Joel Domzalski, Forder Elementary, and role model Ryan Johnson
 Mitchell Walden, Hagemann Elementary, and role model Vince Kline
 Zak Anderson, Mehlville High School, and role model Greg Wade
 Kirsten Ehlers, Oakville Elementary, and role model Angela Belleville
 Lindy Schoenberger, Oakville Middle, and role model Susan Gould
 Ellen Chopin, Oakville High School, and role model Ron Youngclaus
 Tim Furrer, Point Elementary, and role model Bill Sedlack
 Kathryn Bauman, Queen of All Saints, and role model Gus Koebbe
 Shannon McFarland, Rogers Elementary, and role model Jeff Bresler
 Briley Mastis, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and role model Joe Brandt
 Madison Walters, Trautwein Elementary, and role model Debbie Lever
 Hannah Cordes, Washington Middle, and role model Mary Ellen Roungon
 Jake Roach, Wohlwend Elementary, and role model Tyler Jackson