EPISD Student Spotlight: Anthony Borrego, Irvin High
(IRVIN HIGH SCHOOL Nov. 16, 2020) — Irvin standout Anthony Rene Borrego isn’t going to let the pandemic spoil his senior year. He’s staying busy with his leadership roles at Irvin and as the Southwest District Key Club Lieutenant Governor organizing virtual and social-distancing service projects with clubs across the city. Borrego sat down with Community Engagement for a virtual interview in the next edition of the EPISD Student Spotlight.
EPISD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How are you staying motivated and involved in school during the pandemic?
ANTONY RENE BORREGO: I always make an effort to stay active in school, whether it was pre-COVID or not. My fellow students and fellow Key Clubbers are the individuals that keep me motivated during this pandemic. We are constantly talking about how we may get involved within our community virtually and coming up with different opportunities for our students to stay involved/active.
CE: What advice can you give to succeeding with remote learning?
ARB: The key to remote learning is making sure you stay organized, keeping an agenda to help make sure you follow your daily schedule, making sure you don't miss a class, assignments, or any club meetings you might need to attend.
CE: What are you doing to make the most of your senior year despite the pandemic?
ARB: Myself, along with some of my fellow classmates are trying to do as much as we can virtually and trying to make the best of our Senior year. We are working on different socials through zoom and other video platforms. I love to make sure that all of my fellow Seniors and I can have the most memorable Senior year despite this pandemic.
CE: What are your honors and achievements in high school?
ARB: I have been Irvin’s High-Q Captain for 2 years, Student Council Spirit Manager for 2 years, Key Club President for 2 years, Junior Leadership of El Paso, GECU Vita Tax Preparer, Key Club Lieutenant Governor, Ambassador for National Honor Society of High School Scholars.
CE: What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
ARB: I would let the freshmen know that they need to be organized, make a schedule for yourself and stick to it! Sticky notes are an effective way to jot down notes and quick reminders. Encourage them to look into different activities and/or organizations, find one that they truly enjoy and continue with it throughout their high school years.
CE: How do you keep up the Irvin spirit as a cheerleader during COVID?
ARB: We are trying to keep the spirit up as much as we can by creating multiple posters and taking pictures to share on social media. We are also sending positive messages through our broadcasting show at Irvin, Rocket Vision. We also try to participate in all events available while practicing social distancing.
CE: Describe your role as Southwest District Key Club Lieutenant Governor and what are you doing to keep Key Club members motivated during the pandemic?
ARB: I have the important role of overlooking all the Key Clubs throughout El Paso, making sure they have the proper tools to continue as a club. We have weekly advisory council meetings and host monthly trainings. I also send out a monthly newsletter that has updates on what our district is doing, attend different virtual community service projects and local community service projects, such as Blood Drives, Dog Food Pantry Drive, Ronald McDonald Golf Tournament, etc.
CE: What are you doing to make sure students have what they need during the pandemic?
ARB: Right now, in the midst of a pandemic, it is difficult for our Key Clubbers to have the proper tools they need to help their communities surrounding El Paso. Therefore, we are in constant contact with several schools telling them what their communities are in need of and asking if we may set up different drives. At the moment, we are focusing on blanket drives for the homeless and school supplies for students in need. We do all of this while practicing social distancing guidelines.
CE: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
ARB: At the moment, I have a few universities I am in contact with, but I am hoping to attend a university close to home. Southern Methodist, UT Austin and UTSA are a few of the schools I am interested in to pursue my college education. I will be studying cyber security along with digital forensics, and will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Criminology.
CE: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
ARB: I would like to travel out of town to visit with my family and friends. My family and I love to travel, we had to cancel a few trips this year due to the pandemic, so I am truly looking forward to traveling.
CE: Anything you’d like to add?
ARB: If there are any students that love to give back to their community, please reach out to me. I would like to help you get involved with your High School Key Club or even establish a club in your school. Key Club is not just limited to high schoolers, we have adult clubs, middle school clubs, and elementary school clubs. If interested, you can contact me at Aborre4675@gmail.com.