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Wednesday, February 12
 9am – 1 pm
Gateway College Preparatory School is having a Blood Drive!
Bloodmobile bus stationed by AUXILIARY GYM

Come lend a helping arm, donate blood to support your community and save local lives. It is easy; just click on the link below to schedule your appointment.

https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/66484
Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Questions?  Contact Blood Drive Coordinator Megan Ferrell at megan.ferrell@orendaeducation.org

*Remember! Eat a full meal before donating and bring your photo ID.

That’s when she took her first trip to Guatemala.

“I really fell in love with the people,” said the Georgetown native and senior at Gateway College Preparatory School.  Even with a language barrier (the indigenous people speak Q’eqchi pronounced “Kek-chee”), Rubi could get by as a Spanish speaker.   “I always liked to disconnect from the world of Wi-Fi and simply play with kids my age.”

 

 

 

 

Her father works with a non-profit organization and has been making the trek to Guatemala since 1988.  With a rainy season of up to six months, Rubi packed up her boots and saw firsthand the impact her father’s projects had on the local community. Projects such as building clean water systems and dormitories.

Earlier this year, she decided it was time to start her own project for the people of Rio Blanco.  Having attended Gateway Prep since Kindergarten, Rubi is no stranger to watching a school grow up around her.  Her chosen mission was a no-brainer: rebuild the local school.

“The village school was basically a hut with a concrete slab,” Rubi said.  “School is hard enough as it is, but when physical conditions are not ideal, it’s even worse.”

So, Rubi set out with guidance from her father to collect donations to provide better shelter for her friends fifteen hundred miles away.  She spoke to family, friends and churches, even developed a mailing list.  As the President of Student Council and Secretary of the National Honor Society, Rubi has more than enough to keep her busy. But she has a heart for her friends so far away.  In a matter of a few short months, she was able to raise $15,000. 

“Rubi goes above and beyond in all of her activities and for her fellow students,” said Coach Clifton Cryer, Gateway’s Student Council sponsor. “She always has ideas about ways to give back to our communities and she is genuine in everything she does.”

The new school should be complete in January and Rubi is excited about her next trip back to see the finished project.  With a family heritage of service, it should surprise no one that her post-high school plans include majoring in International Business with a dream to operate a social enterprise non-profit. 

“Rubi is not only one of the best human beings to play in our program, but one of the best people to come through our school,” said Gator Soccer Coach Jason Schram, Rubi’s coach for many years. “Raising money to build a school is just the tip of the iceberg for what I believe she will accomplish.”

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About Orenda Education

Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter School District, an “open-enrollment charter school district.” Fueled by educators and parents passionate about school choice, Orenda Charter School District operates four Central Texas campuses serving 2,000 students, providing innovative instructional methods to help students reach their academic and human potential. For more information, visit orendaeducation.org.

For the first time in school history, Gateway College Prep is sending a runner to the Class 4A State Cross Country Meet!  Congrats to senior Max Rodriguez of Round Rock! We are proud of your hard work and dedication!