Our 12th Intentional Act of Kindness comes from Michael Rottschalk of O’Fallon Township High School, and it is rooted in deep gratitude shaped by a life-altering experience.

Michael has always carried an entrepreneurial spirit — learning responsibility early, serving others through work and volunteering, and showing a steady commitment to growth. But this act of kindness came from something far more personal than ambition.

Earlier this year, Michael’s family went through a moment no one is ever prepared for. His brother was involved in a serious car accident — the kind of moment that leaves families holding their breath and waiting for answers. Upon impact, his brother’s phone automatically detected the crash and alerted the fire department.

The firefighters responded immediately. Later, Michael learned that these crash alerts happen often — sometimes from phones falling off car roofs or being left on moving vehicles — and many turn out to be false alarms. Even so, every alert is treated as real, because someone’s life might depend on it.

That day, they didn’t hesitate.

They arrived quickly, stabilized Michael’s brother, called for paramedics, and stayed with him until the air medical team arrived. One firefighter also made the call to Michael’s mom — a moment that stays with a family forever.

In the weeks and months that followed, as his brother recovered, Michael came to understand just how much those first moments mattered. What stayed with him was the realization that complete strangers showed up with urgency, professionalism, and care when his family needed it most.

For his act of kindness, Michael brought Wood Bakery doughnuts to the first responders as a way to say thank you to the people who respond day after day, knowing many calls won’t be emergencies — yet never allowing that possibility to slow them down.

This act of kindness was Michael’s way of saying thank you for showing up in uncertainty, for treating every call as if it matters, and for protecting a family in one of its most vulnerable moments.

We are proud of Michael for turning a frightening experience into gratitude, and for reminding us that behind every siren is someone choosing to serve others without hesitation. ❤️