Borrallo brings Arizona Centennial sign to Centennial
Centennial Middle School is now the proud home of an authentic Arizona Centennial road sign that was originally installed on the state highway system in 2012 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Arizona gaining statehood. And it’s all thanks to 8th grader Amelia Borrallo, whose winning essay was deemed the best in the county.
“We were invited to compete by the Arizona Department of Transportation against all areas and counties here,” said Fritz Randolph, a U.S. History and Social Studies teacher at Centennial. “And the idea was to promote the five Cs of Arizona – citrus, cotton, copper, cattle and climate – and what makes us great here in Arizona.”
Randolph explained that Borrallo was Centennial’s best; she was systematic in her approach, having researched and broken down all the categories required for the essay.
“Amelia happened to be our best that we had so we sent ‘em on out,” he said. “Reason we covered it is because it’s important to review Arizona history, to work on understanding the way the world works and how our place in it is unique and special. And to kids, to really understand that they should be proud of where they’re from. This is a really great place to be. We’re the copper kings. We know what we’re doing!”
Borrallo shared that the process was pretty straightforward.
“I knew a little bit about it so I searched up the words and put it on there but like in my own words,” she said.
Like many essay writers, she added that, “I just need help on the introduction.”
A look at Borrallo’s essay reveals that she was able to quickly jump to the heart of the matter, beginning with Arizona copper and its many uses. The student’s favorite C, however, is climate. The sunny weather is her favorite thing about Arizona. Assistant Principal
Josh Topp noted that the Arizona Centennial road sign will most likely hang in the school’s cafeteria for students to see. For Borrallo specifically, the sign will be a lasting reminder of a job well done and her time at Centennial – one that she’ll fondly remember with awesome teammates and plenty of basketball.
As she anticipates heading into high school, Borrallo has quite the journey ahead of her. Right now, she’s thinking of going to Northern Arizona University and would like to be in the Women’s National Basketball Association. With her friends and the Centennial community telling her “good job” on writing the essay and bringing the sign home, Borrallo aspires to more jobs well done in her future.