Whiz Kids: Second Graders Spearhead Japan Relief Efforts

• Whiz Kid: Discovery Ridge Elementary second graders Reece Schmelz and Shaina Feinstein.
• Nominated By: 
• Accomplishment: Gave an $800 check to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.
• Key To Awesomeness: The fundraiser was initiated by the second graders following the tragic earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan in March.

Reece and Shaina belong to the DRE Engineering Club and wanted to do something to help those suffering across the globe. After gathering ideas from fellow students, they decided to hold a clothing drive. The donated clothing was exchanged for cash and funds were also raised through a third grade craft sale.

The students made the presentation at an assembly on June 2, the last day of school as special guests, including State Sen. Scott Rupp, looked on.

Reece and Shaina both spoke at the assembly before presenting Deane Adams, Director of Youth Services for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area, with the check.

Reece said the efforts reminded him of a line in the Dr. Suess book Horton Hears a Who: “A person’s a person no matter how small.” 

Reece added, “Even though Discovery Ridge is a small school, we are making a big difference.”

Shaina sang the chorus from the Michael Jackson song “Man in the Mirror” and said, “If you see something wrong, don’t sit around and wait, make a change. Through this project we showed that we are Rock Stars – we demonstrate great citizenship and caring for others.”