In Coppell High School classroom A106, the future of healthcare takes shape one lesson, one student and one moment at a time. At the center of it all is health science teacher Bill Borowski, a mentor whose impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Borowski is not just a teacher; he is a guiding force who does not just teach but changes lives.
For more than two decades, Borowski has been a role model within the CHS healthcare program, shaping the next generation of medically-driven students through his role as a teacher, mentor and HOSA advisor. Working at CHS on and off since 1999, Borowski has built a community that lasts far beyond his classroom.
“He is my day one,” senior HOSA president Dhruv Nalla said. “He’s been there for me since ninth grade and has really done the most for me. Without him, everything would have been so much more different.”
Borowski’s journey to teaching began in the medical field. Working at Baylor University as director of their outreach sports medicine program, Borowski was introduced to the path of sports medicine and continued to become a medical director for national sports and Cirque du Soleil.
“I could bring my family, and then I would be backstage for some of the shows and my daughter and I loved it,” Borowski said. “It was a great time and it gave me a different perspective when I came back to education.”
After his experience in sports medicine, Borowski’s compassion for his students grew, understanding being a teacher extends beyond just teaching.
“I looked at the kids a lot more differently than I had before the job,” Borowski said. “I understand a lot more of where they are coming from, their backgrounds and things they are dealing with, which really helps me understand what is important.”
His dedication and work ethic does not go unnoticed by colleagues either. CHS pathophysiology teacher Ray Pool has worked alongside Borowski for more than 25 years — beginning together as athletic trainers.
“You would be hard pressed to find somebody who is willing to work as hard as Mr. Borowski has,” Pool said. “He’s willing to put in long hours and is diligent about working. He’s always been the come early and stay late type of person.”
His impact stretches past the classroom. As the HOSA advisor handling 371 members, Borowski plays a crucial role in shaping the organization that leads CHS students to state and international conferences.
His commitment to their success is evident in the endless time he invests in the organization, not only in preparing for competitions, but in their personal growth as well.
“Without him, HOSA wouldn’t be a thing,” Nalla said. “He makes so many decisions, provides us with opportunities and handles so much behind the scenes that students don’t even realize.”
Despite his leadership in HOSA, there are aspects of the job that Borowski wishes he did not have to do.
“The entire process, signing students up, double checking everything — it’s a lot of work,” Borowski said. “It is not as user-friendly as you would want, but it is well worth it when you see the kids get up on stage and do well.”
While endless praise can be given for Borowski’s work ethic, to the people close to him he is better known for his lighthearted personality and sense of humor.
“There was a time that he drove off and pulled the gas hose straight out of the gas station, driving to school with it in his car,” Pool said. “Classic Bill Borowski moment. He probably has to have a map to get out of the building.”
Additionally, Borowski’s warmth and playful personality make him a comforting presence to students, including ones he directly teaches or merely knows.
“When I think of Mr. Borowski, I think of a 15-year-old in an older man’s body,” Nalla said. “He has a very youthful and playful vibe that most adults do not have. He brings the energy every day.”
This energy extends beyond the classroom, creating lasting memories for his students.
“My favorite memory with Mr. Borowski was when he let me take and decorate his car for the homecoming parade for two years,” Nalla said. “It is such a good time and it always means a lot to know that he can trust me with something like that.
Students appreciate the impact Borowski has left on them. His influence never fades and he has continued to inspire every day, even keeping memorabilia commemorating it.
“I have a drawer full of notes,” Borowski said. “It really makes me feel like I have made a difference. I still have students from previous years that have graduated who come back to greet me, and those are the important things that keep me going.”
For Borowski, the connection he makes with students is the most important thing he can gain from being a teacher.
“He can probably tell you what former students are doing right now in their life,” Pool said. “The fact that if they get in a play or production and Borowski will know is something that shows how much he really cares.”
Principal Laura Springer appreciates how dedicated he is to his students.
“We enjoy each other, laugh a lot and we both have the same vision for kids,” Springer said. “We care about them and want them to have a bright future and watching him work with kids and bend over backwards to help make sure they do the things they need to do is really special.”
Borowski’s previous jobs working with the Dallas Marathon, Dallas Cup soccer tournament, many national events such as gymnastics, U.S. Soccer, U.S. Swimming and Diving teams and Cirque du Soleil guided him to finding his path to teaching.
Now, Borowski values the work-life balance that being a teacher brings.
“Sometimes I like the time off,” Borowski said. “With all the breaks, it’s a good balance and gives me a chance to be able to be with my family and get some time for myself.”
To his students, Borowski is more than just a teacher – he is a mentor, a motivator, and sometimes their biggest cheerleader.
“You care about kids or it’s just a job,” Pool said. “For Borowski, it never was just a job.”
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