As students receive their high school education, a supportive and engaging environment plays a crucial role in motivating them to strive for success amid any adversity they may face. At Coral Gables Senior High, Cavaliers have the privilege of Mr. Anthony Balboa’s guidance, as he instills his proactiveness and enthusiasm onto all he supervises.
Upon the results of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Principal of the Year nomination, Gables students and staff are overwhelmed with pride as Mr. Balboa secures his position as one of the nominees. Being placed in the running of such a prestigious award is a reflection of the impact he makes beyond his occupation, and he is relishing the opportunity as a milestone in his career.
In Miami Dade, Principal of the Year is a recognition that highlights a school leader within the district for their ability to promote an evolutionary and welcoming academic environment with poise. Its recipient is placed in the running for the recognition of the same name at the state level and rewarded with a variety of prizes, including currency. Nominees are recommended for the selection process by peers or district sources, and the final contestants are selected by the Dade Association of School Administrators, which Mr. Balboa has been an avid partaker in previously.
“Mr. Balboa wasn’t just my principal here, he was also [my principal] in Ponce [de Leon Middle]. He was always nice to us in middle school and helped us in any way he physically could, so I was excited to have him again here,” freshman Joseph Fernandez said.
Throughout his life, Mr. Balboa had always had a passion for education, making it his mission to leave a positive impact on each student he guides. During his years as an educator, his former principal instilled a love for leadership in him when he suggested that an administration path would be a perfect fit for his grit and personality. Over the course of his educational career, he has gained experience and grown familiar with the hustle and bustle managing high school entails.
“I have always had [the] philosophy ‘Make it Happen’. There will always be obstacles or setbacks, but finding a way to make it happen is what drives me. I am not one to say no often, if it is for the benefit of our students. If it can be done, I will do what I can to help find a way,” Mr. Balboa said.
Mr. Balboa’s efforts towards the improvement of Coral Gables Senior High extend far beyond his job description, as he always ensured to present those under his guidance with a steady shoulder to lean on. He embraces every task with nothing short of sheer dedication, maintaining his poise and compassion as he eases the concerns of all who surround him. His ability to nurture genuine connections with his staff and students is the aspect that exemplifies him in a personal and professional light.
Every new face he meets on campus is reassured by his patience and respect, demonstrating how his pleasant character leaves a lasting impact on his leadership. As Mr. Balboa proceeds into the nomination process and his career alike, his ability to maintain a collected demeanor and view each problem objectively will remain his most profound strength.
Mr. Balboa’s most prominent mission with this opportunity is to showcase the individuality that lies within Gables, as he considers those who surround him the base of his success. As he prepares to embrace the exposure the prestigious nomination will give him, he is truly humbled to have a stable foundation to support his aspirations in his work and personal life.
“For me, this opportunity is a chance for me to showcase all that our school has to offer and show what makes our school the best high school in Miami. I have always felt that, what makes a great leader are the people around him/her. I am blessed to have many people that have made me the person I am today. Supporting our school and students is my main goal. Making sure that Gables, has all that it needs to make it flourish and continue it’s Legacy of Excellence and Future of Promise,” said Mr. Balboa.
In 2015, he was a finalist for the MDCPS Central Region Assistant Principal of the Year, and he still considers this experience one of the most influential parts of his career. When faced with a similar sense of pressure surrounding the selection a decade ago, the presence of his loved ones and a stable shoulder to lean on allowed him to move forward in the process with a cleared mindset. When he steps onto campus, he is showered with the spirit and ambition that has held up the Cavalier name for the last 75 years. When he goes home and switches from a leader to a family man, he is grateful for the aid of his wife and three children as he takes on his role as a principal.
As Mr. Balboa continues to guide and assist our students, as well as create a welcoming and studious environment, Coral Gables High School will continue to thrive. This nomination is yet another reminder of the perseverance and kindness that radiates through him and positively impacts all he meets.
