Seminole High Seniors Celebrate Cinco de Pollo
We know Knights are generous and actively support their local communities and UCF, so in support of #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day to celebrate the creative ways humankind has been helping each other during the pandemic, we asked the Knights community to share positive stories of themselves or other Knights and how they’re exemplifying community service during the global pandemic. And Knight Nation delivered!
Here is the story of alumnus Jordan Rodriguez ’03 ’06M.Ed. ’13Ed.D.:
“I am privileged to serve as the principal of Seminole High School in Sanford, FL. We are the fourth largest high school in the state. Our senior class has missed out on many, many of the traditional events that high school seniors look forward to (prom, Senior Nights, Senior Breakfast, graduation at the Addition Arena, etc.).
A parent reached out to me and pitched the idea of hosting a Senior Breakfast Drive Thru so that we would be in compliance with social distancing expectations. I was intrigued by the idea, so I called her up and said, ‘Let’s find a local restaurant that has been suffering due to the pandemic and make their week.’
A few quick phone calls and we had approval from the Sanford Police, the SCPS district office and owner of the Seminole Town Center Chick-fil-A. This store is an independently owned operation and was at a strategic disadvantage because they have no drive thru and the mall is closed. The owner told me they were losing 90% of their weekly revenue.
When I told him what the plan was, he was elated. An order of lunch for 850 seniors sent just under $8,000 his way. This allowed him to continue to operate and pay his employees. The event is slated for May 5th. We are calling it Cinco de Pollo. SHS seniors will drive through the parking lot of the Seminole Town Center Mall Food Court and grab their lunch. Staff members from SHS will be there to wave at them as they pass through.“
While we are inspired by these generous acts of kindness shared with us, we hope it inspires you make a positive change in the lives of others. You can show your generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow, whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to causes. Every act of compassions counts.
If you feel compelled to support the UCF community during this time, there are various ways to get involved:
- Make a gift to support student scholarships or faculty research
- Write a note of appreciation to a Knight Nurse
- Attend a virtual event
- Sign up to be a volunteer with UCF Alumni
- Donate non-perishables to the Knights Helping Knights Pantry (Pantries located on the main campus, Rosen campus and Medical City).
