By Krysthel Cisneros
Staff Writer

From maintaining its magnet school reputation, to being a nurturing source for successful students, MAST Academy in Key Biscayne has had a list of missions. Like any other, this year MAST committed to the goal of raising a large pool of money in partnership with United Way Miami-Dade.

As the schoolhouse model becomes the norm and mandated quarantines continue to isolate students, the capacity for collecting donations has been threatened. Instead of going from class to class promoting the cause, a collective of Student Government Association students have created an innovative campaign.

“Today I will be going over what United Way is and why it’s so amazing,” senior Kaleia Zambrano said.

These will be the words that students from all grades hear every morning on their student announcements. Pairing up MAST Academy with the United Way campaign allows for its cause to receive exposure through upwards of 1,000 computer screens presenting the informational video campaign. 

In the two minute morning announcements video, students, parents and others who would like to participate via donation are instructed via two simple methods. One leads participants to the United Way website where they will find the option of donating through a link. The other is accessible to many by simply donating to “United Way of Miami-Dade” via the mobile app Venmo. Students will organize their payment by writing their first and last name, school, and respective homeroom teacher.

Instrumental in this process is Nicolas Florez-Ortiz, board member of the senior class Student Government Association, otherwise known as SGA..

“We [SGA] wanted to send a message that can reach everyone; every single penny counts because it’s not for us, it’s for them,” Florez-Ortiz said. “We all have a role to play… donating to a charitable cause for children who are struggling twice as hard as us is super important.”  

In times such as these, the only way to progress further is to come together and work towards a common cause. Delfina Prat-Gray, a junior, underscored that same fact: the importance of standing together in difficult times.

“Make sure you make your donations now. I just made mine and you should too. Any donations, no matter how big or small, help,” Prat-Gray said. “Now more than ever, stand for a stronger Miami. Give now.”