Our very own career and Technical Education Teacher, Jason Borte, is a hall of fame surfer. Last year, He created a non-profit, free surf camp for kids who wanted to learn to surf.

“Surfing is for everybody. It doesn’t matter the background, or your athleticism. You can do it,” said Borte.

This summer, tons of kids from different backgrounds and with different physical abilities came together to learn surfing. 

“One of my surfers, who was the most athletic person, struggled for days to get up on her board,” said Borte. “Towards the end of the camp, she was able to stand up. It was so rewarding to see her learn and react to her accomplishment.¨ 

Salem students volunteered to support Borte and his camp. One of his previous students, 2021 graduate Angelica Aaznar, took more than an experience from helping put together this camp.

“The highest point of the camp was watching it all come together over the summer and seeing those kids have fun,” said Aaznar. “I genuinely wish I got to be physically there, but it made my heart full to see it all happen”

Borte says that his motivation comes back to one of his inspirations.

He credits Duke Kahanamoku as his inspiration.

“Missionaries around the world had killed off surfing,” said Borte. “As Duke traveled as an olympian, he introduced it back to the world.”

Borte also plans to leave his legacy the same way Kahanamoku. 

“Mr. Borte always knew how to make people feel validated. Instead of putting people down for their issues, he validated them while making them feel better about themselves,” said senior Aiden Driggers. “If there was ever a problem, Mr.Borte would slow down and address it with kindness and understanding.”  

Borte truly leaves an impact.