A trip down memory lane for a dynamic duo at Lakewood Ranch High School raised more than $600 for United Way Suncoast.
A community-wide fundraiser for the organization kicked off at all Manatee County schools in February.
Each year, school administrators offer incentives to students who meet fundraising goals.
We’ve seen principals being taped to a wall, teachers taking a pie to the face and more.
Spirited stunts are the norm for Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio, and business technology teacher, Tommy Cuervo.
The pair once kissed a cow for charity.
This year’s antics included a high-energy karaoke performance in front of a cafeteria filled with teens recording on their cell phone cameras.
A much different time than when they were in school.
In the early 2000’s, Mr. Bellantonio and Mr. Cuervo walked the same halls at Bayshore High in Bradenton.
“We didn’t know each other,” said Mr. Bellantonio, “I would have been reluctant to go on-stage back then, but Tommy would have been that guy.”
Years later, the two would become Brothers-in-Law, when they each married sisters.
They’ve worked together at Buffalo Creek Middle and now, Lakewood Ranch High.
During this year’s fundraiser, Mr. Cuervo belted out lyrics from The Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” while DJ AP (Bellantonio) wore “vintage” Mustangs’ gear from 1999 and played school-appropriate song requests for a donation.
Here’s a video of that special treat for students during “C” lunch.
A total of $15,000 has been raised by district schools, so far this year.
Lakewood Ranch High collected $603 to benefit the “United We Learn Initiative”.
According to United Way Suncoast, the donations help support all youth in the community to ensure they receive access and services needed to succeed in school.
As for Mr. Bellantonio and Mr. Cuervo, their lives have changed in the last 20 years, but their photos remain in the same yearbook.
They're dedicated to inspiring students to work hard, enjoy life and support their community.