ST. LOUIS — Two South City Academy students are being recognized for their bravery after helping stop a burglary at their favorite neighborhood ice cream shop.
In October 2025, fourth-grader Adonis Pickens and fifth-grader Jayceon Cooper witnessed someone breaking into Aunt Jamie’s Ice Cream Shop on South Broadway. The boys acted quickly, calling police and helping ensure the suspect was caught safely.
Their actions earned widespread attention, and on Saturday, November 1, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer presented the boys with Good Samaritan Awards to honor their bravery.
“These are just two of the most exemplary residents and people within our community — the kind of folks you want to have as neighbors and friends to a business like Jamie’s,” Mayor Spencer told KSDK-TV.
Shop owner Aaron Roesch said he’s grateful for the boys’ courage and hopes their actions inspire others.
“Maybe this will inspire other kids to replicate their actions,” Roesch told KSDK. “It got way bigger than I anticipated, but the kids really deserve it. Their bravery should be celebrated.”
Both boys share a close bond with Roesch and often spend time at Aunt Jamie’s after school.
“If you don’t know who Aaron is, that’s the owner of the ice cream shop,” Jayceon told KSDK. “All the stuff he does for me — I just had to help.”
Their families say the ice cream shop has had a positive influence on the boys.
“(Adonis) has always been brave, and it makes me nervous, but it’s a good thing,” said Tierra Randle, Adonis’ mom. “He’s becoming his own little man.”
The boys’ recognition was featured on KSDK News and Fox 2 News.
Original Story (Posted October 2025):
ST. LOUIS — Two elementary students from South City Academy are being celebrated as local heroes after their quick thinking helped stop a burglary at a neighborhood ice cream shop.
Fourth-grader Adonis Pickens and fifth-grader Jayceon Cooper witnessed a burglary in progress at Aunt Jamie's Ice Cream Shop in south St. Louis. The boys remained calm and immediately contacted police, ensuring the situation was handled safely.
The shop owner expressed deep gratitude for the students' quick response, noting that Adonis and Jayceon are regular customers at his new business. Their friendship and loyalty to the local shop made their actions even more meaningful to the owner.
Principal Lacqweda Taylor recognized both students for their courage, awareness, and commitment to doing the right thing, sharing their actions are a great example for us all.
The boys' bravery caught the attention of local news outlets, with Fox 2 News and KSDK Channel 5 featuring their story.