By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
Special Education Counselor Stacey Risko was walking through the Athens High School Annex Friday morning when a well-dressed young man approached her. He wanted her to have this, he said, and handed her a long-stemmed rose. The scene was repeated over and over at the annex and main campus as Jose Rodriguez offered stunned female staff members and teachers the touching act of kindness.
“The idea came to me last night after I got off work,” said Rodriguez, a senior. “I wanted to show appreciation to teachers and make someone’s day.”
Acting on the inspiration, Rodriguez immediately went to purchase four dozen roses. The next morning, with no fanfare, he went about finding a recipient for each one. Judging by the smiling faces he left behind, his campaign of kindness was a success.
“He just wanted to make us happy,” said Secretary Lindsey Nash.
“I told him I need to now pay his kindness forward,” said Risko.
Rodriguez recently placed third in the UIL Regionals Diving Competition and is a three-time state qualifier in powerlifting, with every indication he will make a fourth trip to Austin this year.
“He’s one of the hardest-working kids you’ll find in your life,” said Powerlifting Coach Craig Brown.
Thank you, Jose, and happy Valentine’s Day.
Jose did my yard work last year and he was always hard working and very polite. A wonderful example to all his friends and fellow students. That’s just like him to use his hard earned money to bless others. Way to go, Jose!