Michael Botos
Class of 1998
Attended Gulf Stream School for 11 years and a teacher for 3 years.
Current Career
I am currently a private tutor.
My parents, Mike and Fran Botos, were both very involved with the school. My father served on the Board of Trustees in the 2000s, and my mother served as the President of the Auxiliary for a time in the 90s.
My cousin, Tom Stanley, is currently on the Board of Trustees.
I also taught English at Gulf Stream from ’06-’09. During that time, I saw first-hand the level of effort, preparation, and care the teachers put into their work. The teachers also coach sports, organize events, plan trips, run extracurricular clubs, etc. They are truly dedicated to their jobs. My fellow English teachers, Mr. Winans and Mrs. Bianco, were especially helpful mentors to me. They, along with the other teachers, were always happy to provide guidance and show me the ropes.
Gulf Stream alumni often talk about the life-long friendships they made at the school. And I’m no exception. To this day, I’m close friends with many of my fellow GSSers. Some of them live in different states, but when we see each other again, it’s like we’ve never been apart. And when Heat games are on, we have to get our group text chain going so we can collectively praise Jimmy Butler or decry the nefarious ways of the Boston Celtics.
Mr. Winans also taught us to love writing and creativity. He brought an infectious enthusiasm to the classroom each and every day.
I also enjoyed math class and sports with Mr. Handler and Mr. Cook. One of the highlights of the day was getting to play sports every afternoon. We had some really competitive battles on the flag football and lacrosse fields. I am still proud of winning the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition in 1997. It is perhaps my life’s greatest accomplishment. I still have the award certificate, signed by Mr. Cook himself!
And I can’t forget Mr. Wilson’s history class, and how we’d start each day by reading the New York Times and discussing current events. He also introduced us to the writings of renowned humorist and Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry, whose books I still love.
Mr. Wilson had a piece of paper signed by Dave Barry hanging from his wall. The note read: “To Ned Wilson, my utmost closest personal friend. Love, Dave Barry.” I thought it was funny that Mr. Wilson never mentioned his close friendship with Dave Barry. Maybe Mr. Wilson was just being humble? After staring at the note and contemplating the matter every day for about a year, it dawned on me that Dave Barry, as a humor columnist, was perhaps being sarcastic.
Back
Education after Gulf Stream School
Saint Andrew's School ‘02
Saint Andrew's School ‘02
Washington and Lee University ‘06
University of Florida ‘13
Current Career
I am currently a private tutor.
Family
My sister, Allison, graduated from Gulf Stream School in 1995, and she is now a lawyer. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Greg, and their two children, William and Millie.
My sister, Allison, graduated from Gulf Stream School in 1995, and she is now a lawyer. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Greg, and their two children, William and Millie.
My parents, Mike and Fran Botos, were both very involved with the school. My father served on the Board of Trustees in the 2000s, and my mother served as the President of the Auxiliary for a time in the 90s.
My cousin, Tom Stanley, is currently on the Board of Trustees.
How did your years at GSS benefit you in all of your post-graduate experiences and help make you who you are today?
I remember Gulf Stream’s rigorous academics. At the time, I probably considered them a bit too rigorous, as the homework load sometimes interfered with more important things, like playing Playstation 1 or fishing in the drainage canal next to my house. But when I entered high school, it became clear just how well Gulf Stream had prepared me for my future academic endeavors. As a tutor, I get to teach many different subjects, and I know Gulf Stream laid the foundation for a broad range of academic skills.
I remember Gulf Stream’s rigorous academics. At the time, I probably considered them a bit too rigorous, as the homework load sometimes interfered with more important things, like playing Playstation 1 or fishing in the drainage canal next to my house. But when I entered high school, it became clear just how well Gulf Stream had prepared me for my future academic endeavors. As a tutor, I get to teach many different subjects, and I know Gulf Stream laid the foundation for a broad range of academic skills.
I also taught English at Gulf Stream from ’06-’09. During that time, I saw first-hand the level of effort, preparation, and care the teachers put into their work. The teachers also coach sports, organize events, plan trips, run extracurricular clubs, etc. They are truly dedicated to their jobs. My fellow English teachers, Mr. Winans and Mrs. Bianco, were especially helpful mentors to me. They, along with the other teachers, were always happy to provide guidance and show me the ropes.
Gulf Stream alumni often talk about the life-long friendships they made at the school. And I’m no exception. To this day, I’m close friends with many of my fellow GSSers. Some of them live in different states, but when we see each other again, it’s like we’ve never been apart. And when Heat games are on, we have to get our group text chain going so we can collectively praise Jimmy Butler or decry the nefarious ways of the Boston Celtics.
Who was your favorite teacher(s) and/or what was your favorite subject(s)?
Mr. Winans’s class was a true experience. Everyone remembers his lessons on Bob Dylan and the history of baseball. I actually went with Mr. Winans to a Bob Dylan concert a few years ago — that was the ultimate Dylan experience!
Mr. Winans’s class was a true experience. Everyone remembers his lessons on Bob Dylan and the history of baseball. I actually went with Mr. Winans to a Bob Dylan concert a few years ago — that was the ultimate Dylan experience!
Mr. Winans also taught us to love writing and creativity. He brought an infectious enthusiasm to the classroom each and every day.
I also enjoyed math class and sports with Mr. Handler and Mr. Cook. One of the highlights of the day was getting to play sports every afternoon. We had some really competitive battles on the flag football and lacrosse fields. I am still proud of winning the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition in 1997. It is perhaps my life’s greatest accomplishment. I still have the award certificate, signed by Mr. Cook himself!
And I can’t forget Mr. Wilson’s history class, and how we’d start each day by reading the New York Times and discussing current events. He also introduced us to the writings of renowned humorist and Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry, whose books I still love.
Mr. Wilson had a piece of paper signed by Dave Barry hanging from his wall. The note read: “To Ned Wilson, my utmost closest personal friend. Love, Dave Barry.” I thought it was funny that Mr. Wilson never mentioned his close friendship with Dave Barry. Maybe Mr. Wilson was just being humble? After staring at the note and contemplating the matter every day for about a year, it dawned on me that Dave Barry, as a humor columnist, was perhaps being sarcastic.
Any special experiences, memories or quotes?
There are too many experiences and memories to count or list, but here are some memorable quotes!
There are too many experiences and memories to count or list, but here are some memorable quotes!
Miss Gibb: “When in doubt, get your Warriner’s out.” (Warriner’s was our grammar book)
Student: “Mr. Winans, how long does my essay have to be?”
Mr. Winans: “As long as it interests me.”
Mr. Wilson: “You’re darn-tootin’ it’s Rasputin!”
Main Campus: PK4 - Gr. 8
Gulf Stream Campus
3600 Gulf Stream Road
Gulf Stream, FL 33483
Phone: 561.276.5225 Fax: 561.276.7115
Gulf Stream, FL 33483
Phone: 561.276.5225 Fax: 561.276.7115
DBC: PK1, PK2 & PK3
Delray Beach Campus
2515 North Swinton AvenueDelray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: 561.278.7735
