Carlos Rodriguez says he cherished the days of growing up in Weehawken and attending schools there.
“I loved going to Weehawken High,” said Rodriguez, who is the president of the Integrity Exxon Service Station on Boulevard East in the town. “I have a lot of great memories growing up and going to school there.”
It was part of the reason why Rodriguez sought to come back to his hometown when he purchased the business five years ago.
“Although I might have left for a while,” Rodriguez said, “my loyalty stayed in Weehawken.”
When Rodriguez was a student in the system, he said he always wondered how the students were given books and materials from the community that donated them to the schools.
“I just thought it was so cool when we got a book or something from someone in the town,” Rodriguez said. “It showed that they cared about us.”
Recently, Rodriguez was able to repay the kindness that he received as a youngster. He applied for a grant from the Exxon Foundation to be able to make a monetary contribution to the Board of Education for the purchase of computers and assorted programs and equipment.
The foundation donates money to respective school districts, provided that the independent dealers take the time to fill out the necessary paperwork.
“You have to fill out an application, then get letters from the Board of Education and the principal about what the grant will go for,” Rodriguez said. “There is a process involved. It’s mostly legwork, but you have to take the time to get it done.”
Once the application is completed, the independent dealer is presented a check that he is asked to turn over to the respective school district. More than $4 million nationwide is reserved to help the schools purchase computer technology.
Last week, Rodriguez presented a $500 check to Board of Education President Richard Barsa.
“I think it’s a great program,” Barsa said. “They come to us every year and present a check to help our technology program. Exxon proves that they care about our community and they care about children. I give Carlos a lot of credit for taking the time to make sure that we get the grant. It’s a worthwhile program and they’re making a good investment in our kids.”
Added Barsa, “Considering that Exxon has to allocate money all over the country, I think it’s impressive that they take the time to donate to us in Weehawken every year.”
Rodriguez believes Exxon should expand its support beyond educational programs. “I want to see if I can push Exxon to help in other areas of the community, like senior citizens or Little League baseball,” Rodriguez said. “It shouldn’t be just for the schools. However, it’s a good feeling to be able to give back to the community. I’m happy to be a part of it.”