Dragons Newsletter


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Alumni Association Newsletter

HELLO ALUMNI!

What's going on at Balboa Academy?

New Director

Ray Durbin - Director

My name is Ray Durbin, and I am both honored and proud to be named the new Director of Balboa Academy.

I have been an educator for over thirty-three years, and I have had the pleasure of working with Balboa Academy students, teachers, and parents for the past twenty-two. Yes, I have been with Balboa since we began in September 1999.

I am originally from the US, but I have called Panama my home since I moved here with my wife and children in 1996. Both of my children graduated from Balboa Academy and my wife taught 20 years in the elementary school.

Professionally, my undergraduate degree is in Education with an emphasis in science, and my master 's is in Educational Leadership. I have spent most of my years in the classroom, and the last 10 years in administration.

I have a passion for learning and working with children which makes education a fulfilling career for me.

The New High School

After 20 years, our beloved high school has moved buildings. It is now located in Building #104, inside the City of Knowledge and has amazing views to the Miraflores Locks. This new building is now shared with the pre-school, which is on the first floor, and high school on the second floor.

Did you know?

Balboa Academy was founded in 1999. This year Balboa Academy turns 22 years old on September 9th.
In 2006, our high school started the Dragon Houses with Ice, Wind, Earth and Fire. To this day, House of Light and House of Iron have been added, making them a total of six Dragon Houses. Which House did you belong to?
Balboa Academy is accredited by COGNIA. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools, throughout the US and internationally. COGNIA represents more than 35,000 institutions with a total of 25 millions students and 5 million educators in about 80 countries.

ALUMNI FACULTY

Class of 2001

ALEJANDRA ALEMAN DE QUINTERO

What's your major?

I have a Master's of Art in Education with a concentration in Literacy.

When did you start working at Balboa Academy?

I started working at Balboa Academy in 2008 as a third grade teacher.

What do you do at Balboa Academy?

I currently teach 20 amazing and energetic fourth graders. I have been teaching fourth grade for eight years now.

Class of 2010

Chelsea Trius

What's your major? I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and a Master's degree in International Education Administration & Leadership.

When did you start working at Balboa Academy? I started working at Balboa Academy in 2014 teaching preschool.

What do you do at Balboa Academy? I am currently the Educational Technology Coordinator. My job consists of researching innovative ways to integrate technology into learning. I absolutely love getting to try out new platforms and gadgets that later our teachers get to implement in the classroom.

SPOTLIGHT: Our Dragons Today!

Carlos Levy - Class of 2008

What have you been up to since you graduated?

Since I graduated from Balboa Academy, I've dedicated myself to growing my business, Barrio Pizza, and enjoying my family to the fullest.

Tell us one thing you would like a fellow dragon to know about you?

I would like a fellow dragon to know that the key to success, in my opinion, is having a great sense of humor.

Tell us a special memory from Balboa Academy?

I will never forget entering the high school building and be greeted by Mrs. Magee and her pet parrot, Mauricio.

Yvonne Behar - Class of 2019

What have you been up to since you graduated?

I am currently a junior at Bentley University. I have been focusing on Yv Cosmetics, my business which I started in 10th grade, and I am also in the process of developing another business.

Tell us one thing you would like a fellow dragon to know about you?

I did not have the best grades and I ALWAYS got in trouble for saying what I wanted to say. You don't have to be a perfect student to be successful.

Tell us a special memory from Balboa Academy?

I have been in Balboa Academy my whole life, but one of the memories that I will always cherish is eating lunch with my friends every single day in the same spot for 2 years. I truly miss that.

ALUMNI REUNITE

Classes of 2003, 2004 & 2005

Ari Shunda, Ana Alpizar, Marlene Garrido, Eric Bodden, Jaime Lopez, Maria Roa, Michelle Fabrega and Mayra Roa

CLASS OF 2007

Andres Fernandez, Amanda Salerno, Claudia Correa, Santiago Alvarez, Roberto D'Agord and Armando Pimentel.

CLASS OF 2012 and 2014

Daniela Diaz, Roberto Medina, Natasha Quijano, Jackie Diaz, William Dooner, Stefano D'Agord, Sofia Ricardo, Joseph Akar, Gustavo Trius, and Carlos Rodriguez.

Class of 2005

ALUMNI BABY DRAGONS

Rafael and Gabriel are sons of our alumni Tomás de la Guardia from class of 2005. Rafa is currently attending PK3 with Mrs. Triana and Gabriel is a future baby Dragon.

ALUMNI IN LOVE

Alejandra and Marco Ferrari

Alejandra and Marco both graduated from Balboa Academy in 2005. They were high school sweethearts, and kept in close contact while in college. Alejandra went to James Madison University obtaining a degree in International Relations, while Marco graduated from Duke University with a degree in Political Science. After returning to Panama, they reconnected and married in 2015. Today Alejandra runs a chain of local radio stations, while Marco works in Logistics in the Colon Free Zone. They're the parents of two beautiful girls, Alessandra who just started PK3, and one year old Beatrice on her way to Balboa Academy.