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Friday (12/20/24) Early Release Day
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Rubber rain boots are a luxury for many little girls. Around Central Texas, they don’t get pulled out of the closet very often. Not so for Rubi Eckert. Her boots have been required dress code since she was six years old.
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!
Recognizing the outstanding work done to set a path for college success, Gateway College Preparatory High School has been recognized on the 2024 College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP®) School Honor Roll.
The College Board acknowledges schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
“This award is a testament to our founding mission to prepare students for post-secondary education that best fit their individual needs,” said Nolberto Reyna, Dean of Admissions and College Readiness at Gateway College Prep. “To be a successful school with rigorous academics is a community-wide effort, from teachers and administration to students and parents.”
Honored schools receive Bronze to Platinum recognition based on metrics of college culture, credit and optimization. Gateway College Prep earned Gold distinction. In addition, Gateway earned the AP Access Award, which distinguishes schools who encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses.
“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and to potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools that have earned this distinction are proof that it is possible to expand access to these college-level courses and still drive strong performance – they represent the best of AP.”
AP Exam Registration is now open through November 10th for all AP Courses for the 2024-25 school year!
1. Register and pay for the AP Exam
2. Register for the AP exams with College Board with the Join Codes you will receive at the end of the Total Registration process (step 1).