ROCHESTER — An eighth-grade student at the School of the Arts recently received a "Do the Right Thing" award from city officials for a charity event he organized to benefit the House of Mercy.
Taylor Vázquez Simmons received the award in June for cohosting a party for 200 guests who were asked to bring canned goods or donations, explained his mother, Mercedes Vázquez Simmons. They collected more than 300 cans and $250 that they personally delivered to the House of Mercy, she added.
The award recognizes students who make a positive impact on their community and serve as role models for their peers, according to information on the city’s website.
Taylor is an honors student in the SOTA/Eastman School of Music-Pathways program. He also volunteers at St. Michael Church and the Flower City Soccer League as a coach assistant.
