McKinley Raises Funds to Honor Student’s Life

She was everything you wanted in a student, said McKinley School Assistant Principal Jennifer Knopf.

“She was amazing,” Knopf said of eighth grader Jenny Aguilar. “Bright, sweet, smart, a nice friend and the neatest kid.”

Even when she was bed-ridden in the hospital, Aguilar summoned up the strength to complete her homework. Two teachers would alternate bringing her assignments, and she completed them on time.

But on Jan. 17, Aguilar's liver failed her, the result of pneumonia.

Rather than let her death consume the campus, students, teachers and administrators rallied to preserve her memory and provide emotional and financial support to Aguilar’s family.

A few days after her death, the school hosted a fundraiser selling snacks like Cheetos and popcorn after school. Though most items were priced at $3, generous buyers would give a $20 bill and refuse change.

“The kids really took it on and organized it,” Knopf said. “Then it took on a life of its own.”

The fundraiser wasn’t exclusive to McKinley students. students also walked over to donate to the cause.

“I love when schools work together to help each other!” said Sarah Blatner, a mother of a North Star student.

The fundraiser raised $1,600, and donations keep coming in.

This money will help Aguilar’s family pay for the medical bills, as well as all the time that Aguilar’s parents had to take off to be with their daughter in the hospital.

Aguilar’s presence will last beyond individual fundraisers. The school plans to plant a tree surrounded by pink - her favorite color - flowers along with a plaque to honor her life.  

Donations can be mailed to McKinley School, 400 Duane St., Redwood City, CA 94062  Re: “We love Jenny foundation.”

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