Walking through the halls of Antioch Community High School there are many familiar faces, but also some unfamiliar ones. A common face people see everyday is the one that shines with a kind smile and a friendly tone in his voice. Anton Borchert brightens up the halls wherever he may go. Not only does his personality shine through his teaching, but it also shines through his students whenever they are inspired by his words of wisdom.

Aside from being an ACHS psychology teacher, Borchert is also the adviser to Psychology Club, which is a great way for students to bond with others who share their love for psychology. Borchert is also a part of the TED Ed Club, the faculty council for the National Honor Society and the PBIS committee, which is in charge of morale and making sure that the students feel good about themselves.

Outside of school, Borchert likes to be physically active. He spends his time lifting weights, playing hockey and golfing.

“I love being outside,” said Borchert.

Helping his students out is one of Borchert’s main priorities. Many students go to him for advice, support and guidance about things going on in their lives. He appreciates it when students take the time to confide in him.

“My way of helping out in the community is helping my students outside of class time. I will spend time with them and help them with their personal issues or questions about life. The majority of my community work is still in the school. I go beyond what my teaching duties are to help my students,” said Borchert.

He also benefits the Antioch community in a unique way.

“I always thank people that talk to me because it takes an element of trust to open up to someone else. I always thank people, not because it’s about me or that I like being asked for advice, but I appreciate how much effort and how much guts it takes to ask someone for advice. I always help without judging or without asking more questions,” said Borchert.

Borchert appreciates people who look up to him for advice, but sometimes he needs his own advice-givers.

“My dad, first and foremost, is the person I usually go to, but I was also blessed that I have two professional mentors that I met in my graduate work that I can call, email or text anytime I need to talk,” said Borchert.

Many students appreciate the things Borchert does for them; he does not realize how much of an impact he makes in his students’ lives.

“I look up to Mr. Borchert because he is a really warm-hearted and strong man who has been through a lot. I didn’t know that until I had to go to him when I had problems in my life. He was my psychology teacher for two years, and I attended Psych Club last year. I was going to become a psych major because of him. I’m still not sure as to what I’m doing for my major, but he is definitely my hero because I can go to him about anything, and I always feel great when I am done talking to him,” said senior Jenny Wright. “He has helped me realize how I can be a strong person, and he helped me get my priorities straight. He is truly an amazing man.”

Being selfless and giving up his own time for others really gives him the label of “hero,” even if he doesn’t believe it.

“Mr. Borchert is a hugely positive influence in my life. Whenever I’m having a bad day or going through something rough I always know he is available to help. No matter how hard the situation is, after talking to Mr. B I feel so much better, like everything in my life will be just fine, and it will be. He’s such an optimistic and kind person and I, as well as others, are very lucky to have him in our lives,” said senior Zoe Zeien.

Being a hero doesn’t have to be like what you see in the movies; a hero can just be an extraordinary person who does things for others without expecting anything in return. Borchert is that everyday definition of a hero.

Borchert has his own heroes that he looks up to: his parents.

“My parents are my heroes. My mom was a big hero for me because she always taught me to look out for my own first and foremost, and then she stressed so much that you need to care about other people. To me that’s what is so valuable to society—that we have people that look out for others,” said Borchert.

Borchert fits the criteria of the dictionary definition of a hero perfectly, and, even though he may not see himself as a hero, many others do. People think of him as a hero for setting aside his own problems to help others with theirs. So next time you see Borchert in the hallway, hopefully your view of him has changed from just an ordinary teacher to an extraordinary human.