A 2023 Seymour High School graduate is being recognized for his part in raising money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
During the Seymour Community School Corp. board of education meeting June 13, Brandon Rodriguez was presented to the school board by Kelly Reasoner, math teacher and sponsor of Seymour High School student government and Riley Dance Marathon.
She said Dance Marathon is a yearlong fundraising campaign that culminates in a large event each fall.
“Every dollar raised goes to Riley Children’s Hospital, and this last year, the Seymour High School Dance Marathon raised $30,002.55,” Reasoner said. “We have raised $139,554.74 over the past nine years, including the COVID year.”
She explained how that was no small feat, and Seymour High School has been recognized several times by Riley Hospital for its efforts as a school district.
“This year, we received word that Brandon Rodriguez was selected as the Riley Children’s Foundation Next Generation Philanthropist Award winner,” Reasoner said. “He is one of 11 outstanding graduating seniors being recognized in the sixth annual class of Next Generation Philanthropists across the state.”
This is the third time an individual from Seymour High School has been recognized by Riley for their contributions, she said.
“Out of the thousands of students participating in Riley fundraising efforts across the state, Brandon was chosen because of his significant contributions to our Dance Marathon,” Reasoner said. “With Brandon’s help, we were able to raise over $30,000 — our highest amount yet.”
She said Rodriguez demonstrated great commitment to serving the children and families at Riley Hospital.
“I am so proud of him and the whole committee on all they did this past year to surpass their goal,” Reasoner said. “Thank you, Brandon, for all that you have done and will continue to do as a Riley Next Generation Philanthropist.”
Riley Dance Marathon was held last November, and Rodriguez was marketing director for the committee.
He said being involved with Dance Marathon and being able to help such an amazing organization made him feel proud.
“Especially when I realized we had beat the record of $23,000 and were able to raise $30,000,” he said. “To be able to raise that much money is amazing, and knowing that you’re helping families and being able to ease their hardships makes me feel good about myself. I will definitely continue helping kids when I go to college.”
When he found out he was an award winner, he was really happy, jumping up and down, he said.
“I plan on attending Indiana University and being involved with the IU Dance Marathon there,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully, I’ll get to come back here to help with the Seymour High School Dance Marathon in the future.”