EPISD Student Spotlight: Anthony Joel Vasquez, Andress High
(ANDRESS HIGH SCHOOL -- Feb. 8, 2021) — Andress Marching Band drum major Anthony Joel Vasquez has kept a positive outlook throughout the pandemic, encouraging his fellow bandmates to keep playing and being quick with a joke to lighten up the mood around the tough practices. On top of his band duties, Anthony keeps busy with school work (he hopes to become a doctor) and other extra-curricular activities. His deep commitment to school earned him the title of homecoming king this year. EPISD Community Engagement sat down with the all-region band recipient recently as part of the EPISD Student Spotlight series.
EPISD: How are you staying motivated and involved in school during the pandemic?
ANTHONY JOEL VASQUEZ: My dream of becoming a doctor is what is motivating me through this pandemic as well as my family.
EPISD: Tell what it’s like to be Student Body Manager during the pandemic.
AJV: Being a Student Body Manager is fun because its different from what I usually do. Although we are in a pandemic, Ms. Rendon the Student Activates Manager does her best to normalize the situation.
EPISD: How has band changed during the pandemic and what are you doing to keep your bandmates motivated?
AJV: With band it has changed drastically, and sadly the season has ended. However, with my passion for music, I try my hardest to keep a positive atmosphere for my bandmates and encourage them to stay in band and practice their instruments.
EPISD: What are your honors and achievements in high school?
AJV: Throughout high school, I have made All-Region for band my freshman and senior year as well as advanced to state for Solo Ensemble my freshman year. I was also in The El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra. Also, I was the drum major for this year and Winter Guard captain my junior year, along with clarinet section leader since my freshman year. Lastly, I was this year’s Homecoming King.
EPISD: What are you doing to bring a sense of normalcy to school during the pandemic?
AJV: To bring a sense of normalcy for this year I try to stick to the routine like doing chores around the house and playing with my brothers. I also like to wake up early and get the day going.
EPISD: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
AJV: I plan to attend Texas Tech University to study biology and enter the medical field.
EPISD: The person who nominated you said you have a great sense of humor, always telling jokes and making people laugh. Tell us a joke and why it's important for you to make people laugh?
AJV: Here’s one … What’s a cat’s favorite color? Purr-ple!
I think it’s important for me to make people laugh because sometimes people forget to laugh and have fun, and everyone deserves to have that warm feeling.
EPISD: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
AJV: The first thing I plan to do once COVID-19 is over is hang out with friends and family.
EPISD: Anything you’d like to add?
AJV: One thing I would like to say is ‘thank you’ to everyone who had helped me on my journey through life and for believing in me.