From UCF Media
Four University of Central Florida football players gave Spanish Professor Kacie Tartt the honor of a lifetime prior to its season opener on Aug. 29.
Tartt is originally from Sopchoppy, the daughter of Leonard and Peggy Tartt.
The Academic Success Partner of the Game Award, formerly known as the Campus Partner of the Game, is presented by UCF to recognize and support its faculty members while promoting excellence in research and academic achievements.
“I felt so proud to be chosen, and truly, as I told someone else, there is no other award at UCF that I would have wanted more than this one that I didn’t even know existed,” Tartt said.
Tara Helton, senior associate athletic director for academic services (football lead and offense), said the academic success partner name was utilized for the first time this year to help expand its recognition. She said they aim to have a recognition event for every home football game, and this marked the first of with the Teachers of Taylor County and the county’s hospital, Doctor’s Memorial and feed their staff as a kindness of her heart and the kindness to those who helped Stacy by donating money to cover the cost of her products.
“I lived in the south and there is nothing like southern comfort food, it makes you feel good and makes you happy,” she said. “I wanted to be different and instead of making boxed plates to go, I wanted to share a good ol’ southern buffet.”
Taylor County Bulldog cheerleaders volunteered to help scoop and serve on the buffet line. “We had 300 people by the end of the day and the cheerleaders were whooped from all the help and support they provided.”
“I also chose a buffet line so the people can tell us what they want, they can have choices, and it gives us the chance to talk to them, show them some love and show them we are truly concerned for them.”
But, she adds, “Without donations, I wouldn’t have been able to do such a good meal. As long as I can keep doing and helping, I will.”
“I am feeding the community that is in sweat rags and covered in dust from cleaning up the area, these are the people that need the meal, they are not going to restaurants because they are all pulling together as a team because they are all at a loss and in this together.
“How would you feel if you had your life and your house swept away? The least I can do is make them full and make them happy, the feeling you get from helping is way better than making a dollar.”
