Ray Borane Middle School seventh grader Pedro Sabori was recognized as the Denny’s Biggest Fan on January 18 at Denny’s Restaurant thanks to an essay he wrote on November 14, 2011 as part of one of Mr. Brad Linsday’s classes.

People who attended to the Denny’s Biggest Fan recognition ceremony included, from left, Jose Hernandez, Denny’s General Manager; Angelica Rivera, Chief of Operations; David Burckett, Franchise Business Leader; Ana Samaniego, RBMS Assistant Principal; Brad Linsday, RBMS 7th grade teacher; Laura Sabori, Pedro’s mom; Pedro Sabori, Denny’s Biggest Fan; Windy Gomez, Douglas Mayor’s wife; Mary Good, RBMS Principal; Douglas Mayor, Dr. Michael Gomez and Diana Sabori, Pedro’s sister. Francisco Barrios/Douglas Dispatch

Franchise Business Leader David Burckett joined Eddie Rivera, President of ECA Enterprises; Jose Hernandez, Denny’s General Manager; Angelica Rivera, Denny’s Chief of Operations; Mary Good, Ray Borane Middle School Principal; Ana Samaniego, Ray Borane’s Assistant Principal, Brad Linsday, 7th grade teacher; Douglas Mayor, Dr. Michael Gomez and his wife, Windy Gomez to honor Sabori, who was with mother Laura and sister Diana Sabori.

Rivera said that Mr. Linsday showed him a letter from one of his students (Sabori) and explained to him that he asked his students to write about three experiences, including their favorite vacation during school year, their favorite sport and their place to eat in Douglas.

“When I first read the letter I was very impressed that this young kid with 12 years old wrote better than I did when I graduated from College,” Rivera said with a smile. “And I was surprised he said so many nice things about our establishment.”

He also said that after reading the letter he knew he had to share it with corporate and to the franchise leader.

“They both reacted very quickly, and they decided to publish Sabori’s letter in our nation-wide newsletter monthly magazine,” said Rivera. “Then, they told me why do not you recognize him and call him Denny’s Biggest Fan? Based on that we began to organize this event and we are very appreciative to this young man for giving our restaurant this recognition.”

Franchise Leader Burckett, who flew all the way from South Carolina to recognize Sabori in person said that it was a placer to be in Douglas to honor Sabori.

“When Eddie told me what was going on and he wanted to make sure that we did something special for Pedro (Sabori) I could not wait to be down here,” Burckett said. “Denny’s has a history of creating good memories for families, and individuals alike; and I hope this is something that you will always take with you, that you can share it with people that Denny’s will always be part of your life somehow.”

Ray Borane’s Principal thanked everybody for doing all this recognition for Sabori. She also thanked them for recognizing Ray Borane Middle School because good things are happening at the school.

Mayor Gomez said that to recognize a student for his/her achievements is something good because it shows that everyone in Douglas is concerned about the youth.

“They are the ones that are going to be the entrepreneurs and the people that will be leading at city positions in the future and will have the goal of making Douglas a better place,” Gomez said.

After listening to all the positive comments made by special guests, Sabori thanked everyone, but also recognized that this recognition was not only to him, but to all good students that are concerned about learning every day and become better persons.

“This is not only in my honor, but the people who learn honor,” Sabori said. “I represent everybody who does well in school.”

After the recognition, Sabori received several presents from Denny’s staff and Mayor Gomez; at the end, all those who attended enjoyed the great menu that is offered at Denny’s.