Madison Reporter

Reyes Murillo's high school journey is marked by a remarkable array of achievements. Starting at East High School without prior involvement in sports, clubs, or advanced courses, Murillo leaves with significant accomplishments, including a firefighter license, Emergency Medical Responder certification, leadership roles, and admission to UW–Madison. His experience underscores his willingness to embrace opportunities.

Murillo began his high school years by stepping out of his comfort zone. He enrolled in honors classes, joined Raza United, and tried wrestling, his first organized sport. This led him to his first job in maintenance at Oak Park Place senior living during his freshman year.

By sophomore year, Murillo expanded his activities to include football, tennis, the Green Club, and the Engineering Club, along with scooping ice cream at Chocolate Shoppe. Choosing the Fire Academy over the STEM Academy at MATC became a pivotal decision, deeply influencing his high school experience.

“I think that was my favorite part of high school,” Murillo reflected on his Fire Academy semester. There, he engaged in hands-on training with real equipment and prepared for certification exams. Now a licensed firefighter, he works part-time at the Oregon Fire Department.

Murillo's junior year saw increased involvement in sports and leadership roles in student groups. He became Vice President of the Green Club and took on a leading role in Raza United. He completed the Fire Academy while maintaining multiple jobs.

As a senior, Murillo obtained Emergency Medical Responder certification, captained the swim team, and juggled cross country, tennis, and three jobs. “I honestly feel like any student could do it. They just have to want to, it shouldn’t feel forced,” he said, noting the importance of embracing challenges for success.

Next year, Murillo plans to major in Agricultural Business Management and Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW–Madison, continuing his firefighting pursuit. He aims to join another fire department near campus as a first-generation college student.

Murillo attributes his success to parental motivation and support from East High School staff, including Emma Watermolen, Kathleen Brien, Silvia Gomez de Soriano, Karen Paschke, and Christopher Malloy. "If you want to be successful, you have to be successful with the people around you," he said. "You can't do anything on your own."