Interview with.... Anthony Borradori (PTO VP)

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from California and have been living in the DC area for about 8 years. I moved to Ashburn 4 years ago and quite enjoy the area. I love to go out for long rides on my bicycle and am an avid cook. Recently I’ve been perfecting the art of smoking foods. 

I have one first grade daughter - Natalia. She and I like to spend our time going to movies, shopping for clothes, dressing in our tux and gown for operas and musicals at the Kennedy Center, and playing with Jupy, the most adorable Bedlington Terrier. We also travel quite a bit. Whether it is back to California to see family, jumping on a plane for a day trip to New York, or taking a road trip with my girlfriend and her son, we love to get out and experience new things. 

Most importantly, I love being around family and friends. I’m lucky to have a great group of people around me, especially Natalia, my girlfriend Melanie, and her son Clay. And I am thrilled that I am making new connections all the time through Steuart Weller and the PTO. 
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1. What are your impressions of Weller since you joined the family in the last year?

Steuart Weller Elementary cares about their students, families, and staff. I see so much work going on that is directed towards welcoming everyone and creating a strong community. The school is also dedicated to providing the best education to its students. Such care is given to providing a learning environment that provides many opportunities for the students. 

Each individual I have interacted with at the school has been kind and supportive. They are always willing to work with me on anything that is needed. The extended Weller network is just as great. I’ve connected with so many families which makes me feel part of a bigger community. 

2. How did you get involved with the PTO?

I joined the PTO when my daughter started as a kindergartener last year. I wanted to bring skills I have as a project manager to the table and assist with anything I could. The first event I volunteered for was Spooky Bingo. Seeing how much the students and their families loved this event made me want to take part in all the PTO activities. Being a single dad that works full-time meant I had limited time to offer, but there were always opportunities to get involved that worked around my schedule. 

3. What inspired you to serve as Vice President?

I remember when I was in elementary school and my mom was on the PTO board. It always felt great seeing her around the school and knowing that she took my education and the support of it so seriously. When the opportunity came for me do the same for my daughter I jumped on it. I felt by volunteering to be the Vice President I could work to better the school as an active participant in the process. I wanted to show my daughter how I could support her, the school, and the community by giving some of my time. 

I also knew that if I became the VP I could work to increase parent involvement in the school and in decision making and directing of the PTO as well as build a tighter community. All of these things are what led me to take on this role. 

4. What is your favorite PTO event?
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My favorite PTO event is Spooky Bingo. There is so much excitement in the gym that night. Students and their families come together for a night of food and fun. I see kids in costumes excited to walk around the gym before the game starts and it gets me excited. You can feel the tension in the room increase as people get that much closer to a “Bingo!” Then a few lucky winners can be seen smiling all the way up the stage as they win a round and select a prize. To be a part of that excitement and have an opportunity to spend a night with my family, friends, and the community means a lot to me. ​