A Step Above – Julie Borzage
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2013
All the world’s a stage, and Bishop Gorman High School senior Julie Borzage is happy to be one of the players. Whether she’s performing on stage or playing an instrument, this talented young woman’s exceptional and enthusiastic love for the arts shines through, no matter what role she’s taking on. From singing her heart out to helping improve the lives of others, her positive outlook has driven her to find strength within through dedication, faith and a clear moral compass. With resilience on her side and the future in her hands, Julie Borzage rises to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.13
Activities/Community Service
- Gorman Gaels Theatre Guild, 2009-Present; Membership Director, 2012-Present
- Gorman Worship Choir – Singer, 2009-11; Pianist, 2011-12; Flautist, 2012-Present
- Drama Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2009-Present
- Nevada Youth Legislature, 2011-Present
- National Honor Society, 2011-Present
- Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), 2011-Present; VP, 2012-Present
- We the People, 2012-Present
- Volunteer at Summerlin Hospital, 2011-12
- Baptism Coordinator at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2012-Present
Awards
- Placement Exam Scholarship, 2009-Present
- Honor Thespian, 2010
- National Honor Thespian, 2012
- International Honor Thespian, 2012
- Student of the Year: Scholars Geometry & Chemistry, Spanish 3 Honors, 2011
- Mainstage Showcase, International Thespian Festival – Godspell, 2011
- 1st Place, Nevada Thespians Southern Nevada Regional Competition – Skid Row, 2012
- 1st Place, Nevada Thespians State Competition – Skid Row, 2012
- Student of the Year: Honors Physics & AP English Language 2012
- AP Scholar with Honor, 2012
- National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2012
- We the People District Champions, 2012
Goals & Aspirations: “I want to go to a great college (Stanford, Yale, Notre Dame, and UCLA are my top choices) and double major in anthropology and mathematics with a minor in music. While I’m there, I hope to participate in theater and make a ton of new friends. I just want to be happy doing whatever I do and learn as much as I can before I find that dream occupation.”
Julie Looks Up To: “St. Gianna Beretta Molla, because she is the perfect combination of the modern and traditional woman. She was well-educated and became a pediatrician when most women were stay-at-home mothers, but she was still devoted to her family.”
Part of the Solution: “We have been raised where it is accepted for an individual to do whatever he or she wants, no matter how it may affect others or themselves in the long run. Some children grow up not even knowing where to draw the line between doing what makes you feel good and prudently acting with the future in mind. I want to be a part of this solution by setting a good example for my peers and being honest about my commitment to be responsible for my actions.”
Meet The Neighbor – Megan Lane
By Callie Thomas
It’s been said that your character will speak so loudly about you that it overpowers what you may try to convince others in words. Resident Megan Lane has not only shown incredible strength of character through her actions, but has also managed to convince others through her words – not of the validity of her integrity, but to support and raise awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Las Vegas.
While Lane has a knack for putting pen to paper and speaking effectively in front of clients in her job as Director of Client Relations at Imagine Communications, it is her personal experiences with the disease and dedication to supporting efforts to help those afflicted that is making a difference. When Lane was twenty-four, her mother was diagnosed with Huntington’s. Since then, her two older brothers have also tested positive for the gene. The neurological disorder is caused by a genetic mutation which begins showing symptoms between the ages of thirty and fifty. Uncontrollable movement progresses and a person with Huntington’s can eventually no longer talk, walk or think on their own. There is currently no cure, but Lane is making sure that every possible resource to reach that goal and help others in the process is utilized.
She has not only helped to establish the HDSA Las Vegas affiliate and assisted them in working towards receiving chapter status, but she’s also dedicated to raising funds and awareness. In addition, Lane has met with local political leaders to impart legislative change on how Huntington’s is defined by the Social Security Administration to make it easier for those struggling with the disease to receive disability benefits. She tells us of her own experiences and how she is determined to “fill in the gaps” when it comes to Huntington’s Disease.
Local support of Huntington’s Disease has come a long way in the past few years.
“After my mom was diagnosed, I searched for an organization locally that would provide support and help me understand the disease better, but there wasn’t anything established in Las Vegas. In 2010, shortly after the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened, they started a support group for HD, where I met several people dealing with the disease and finally felt I wasn’t alone. Those meetings were essentially the beginning of establishing the HDSA Las Vegas Affiliate. While our group is still relatively small, everyone involved is very dedicated and works hard to raise awareness of this disease and provide a welcoming place for those affected.”
You are working toward gaining chapter status for the group. How will this affect those with HD?
“I have served as the communications chair for the HDSA of Las Vegas for the last two years. Once the organization has chapter status, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will be eligible to apply to become a Center of Excellence. This will provide funding for research and patient care to the facility.”
You’ve also helped by raising funds and sharing your experiences at the National HDSA Convention this year?
“Yes, I have assisted in organizing two fundraising events that have raised over $35,000 for HD research and had a chance to share my personal experiences with nearly 1,000 people from all over the country at the National HDSA Convention here in Las Vegas.”
Your efforts are also changing how HD is viewed by families of those afflicted and others.
“I want people to know that they are not alone. It is a disease that is often not talked about or discussed among families who are affected. There is a stigma associated with it and we are working toward changing that by creating a community of support.”
You give so much of your time to helping others. What do you do when you get a chance to unwind?
“Spend time with my fiancé Adam and his fourteen-year-old daughter Niki. We love to go to the movies and have family dinner. I also love baking. It’s my creative outlet and another way I show my love for my family.”
Meet the Neighbor – Paul Davis
By Callie Thomas
With a lot of determination and a little luck, the smallest of dreams can open up a whole new world of experiences. Take Paul Davis, for example. The 89135 resident once began his career as what he affectionately calls “a bean counter” and eventually ditched his job in finance to nurture his passion for music and reach his dream of running an arena. He worked in a variety of entertainment positions, including general manager for the 7,000 seat Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. While living in the “big T,” Davis began to appreciate all that Vegas has to offer, and so the native son and his family moved back to his hometown, where Davis has also held positions at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Planet Hollywood. He currently serves as the Vice President of Entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Davis oversees bookings for the Hard Rock’s entertainment venues, including the Joint, which has hosted legendary performers such as Paul McCartney and The Who. He’s helped to raise the bar on the music scene by creating first ever residency performances with bands such as Mötley Crüe, Santana and most recently Guns N’ Roses. Working with such world class entertainers might go to anyone’s head, but Davis doesn’t have much of an ego and often exhibits a good sense of humor. Even with all the “glamour” of the industry and his groundbreaking efforts in the field, his most prized accomplishment is being a solid husband to wife Cammy and a good dad to sons Connor and Trevor. He’s also big on giving back to the community through programs such as FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas. We got a glimpse into the world of Vegas entertainment and the man that also pays it forward to help others.
Why did you get into the entertainment business?
“I’ve always loved music and concerts and realized along the way that I could actually make a living in that field.”
Who’s the one performer you thought you’d never book?
“I never thought I’d ever be involved in producing a show where there was a Beatle on stage.”
You’ve broken new ground again at the Hard Rock with Vinyl?
“It is in our smaller venue and has an unpretentious vibe that goes with the Hard Rock brand. It’s like an ‘underground’ experience that offers everything from new and unheard performances to older classics.”
Where are you when you’re not working?
“I get sensory overload in my job, so I love to be home. As a family, we do help out a bit in the community through FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas.”
How did you get involved in those organizations?
“FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) is a nonprofit organization of parents and professionals designed to help families of autistic children. I have a close friend with an autistic son, which drew me to it. I also periodically take my sons to games at the Miracle League of Las Vegas. This is an awesome association where they pair you up as a buddy with kids and adults who are handicapped and you play a mock baseball game with them.”
What is that experience like for you and your sons?
“To be honest, I well up when I think of my ten-year-old son walking to first base with his hand on the back of a mentally disabled child his own age, cheering him along.”
Tell us something you think your friends might not know about you?
“I’ve been a guitarist most of my life and have played tons of gigs in different bands, but I don’t get a lot of time now.”
Do you have any life inspirations or affirmations?
“There are no short cuts. You have to work hard and grind out the details every day in order to do things the right way. The small things add up. Reach for the apple instead of the cookie.”
