By Mary Gainer
Sharks for Heroes was founded by Ponte Vedra High School student, Mason Romero. He has always had a heart for veterans and the military community, so he wanted to earn his Bright Futures community service hours focused in this area. During his sophomore year, he and his friend Jake Simone came up with the idea to share these volunteer opportunities with other students and serve military organizations. According to senior, Mason Romero, “We did a lot of work over summer to get administrative approval and launched at Club Fair Fall 2019. Now in our second year we have about 30 active members, and many more followers.”
Mason’s favorite event that he has done with Sharks for Heroes is serving the “No Dough” free dinner for military families at the USO Mayport. He had participated in this event before, so he was excited to bring Sharks for Heroes there and have a good turn-out. Romero notes, “It was also a good opportunity to actually interact with veterans and the military community.”
We did a lot of work over summer to get administrative approval and launched at Club Fair Fall 2019. Now in our second year we have about 30 active members, and many more followers
Mason Romero is the president of Sharks for Heroes, and Jake Simone is the vice president. Mrs. Meyer is the faculty sponsor. Romero states, “Our President-Elect is Charleston Davidson, junior, who is taking over the club next year after Jake and I graduate.”
Despite COVID restrictions this year, Sharks for Heroes has participated in the Pearl Harbor Breakfast, Marines Toys for Tots Drive, Veterans Tribute Brunch, and a tour at K9s for Warriors. Currently, Sharks for Heroes is planning a car wash fundraiser to benefit K9s for Warriors that will be in April. Romero emphasizes, “We will be promoting this soon and hope to see some awesome Shark support for this very impactful organization.”
How can students get more information about joining Sharks for Heroes? Their Instagram is @sharksforheroes. Sign up for reminds alerts or Email for more information. Sharks for Heroes was featured as Youth Heroes by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation. Romero indicates, “All students are welcome to join anytime. We do not collect dues or have member requirements.”
Sharks for Heroes was voted as Best School Club by the Ponte Vedra Recorder. Sharks for Heroes was recognized as Unsung Heroes by iHeartRadio Jacksonville. Romero remarks, “We want to thank Ms. Meyer for her Sponsorship and all our members for their interest and participation the last two years!”
