Belleville West Optimist Club honors student for doing the right thing

I like Optimist Club stories that honor children for doing the right thing.  This time it is a young man from Belleville, Illinois that stood up to 14 other students who were attacking another student on a school bus.  Shocking video footage showed the group ganging up on one student, not once, but twice.  Thanks to Steven Raines, a junior at Belleville West High School, the attack was stopped as he intervened and sat next to the threatened student for the remainder of the ride.

"I appreciate being recognized for what I think is a small thing that I did -- just something that was right," Steven said as he accepted the award from Chief of Police William Clay on behalf of the Belleville West Optimist Club. 

According to Barbara Beuckman, Optimist Club co-president, Steven's actions confirm that young people are willing to stand up for what is right. She believes that is a testament to parents like Steven's who teach their children good morals.

Violence isn't funny.  Congratulations and thank you Steven Raines for making a difference. 

Photo from the Belleville West Optimist Club.