Valor Classical Academy’s ribbon cutting marked more than the opening of a new school; it celebrated the beginning of a vision rooted in courage, service, and sacrifice. That vision was inspired by John Borbonus whose legacy and dedication helped inspire the school’s name, mission, and values.
John grew up on his family’s sod farm, the same land where Valor Classical Academy stands today. After graduating from Boise High School in 2005, he joined the U.S. Army.
On April 12, 2007, 19-year-old John served in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. While manning a machine gun at his patrol base, he spotted a suicide truck carrying hundreds of pounds of explosives approaching approximately 20 American soldiers.
Instead of leaving his position, John continued firing and helped divert the truck from its intended path. The explosion took John’s life, but his actions helped prevent an even greater loss of life. The U.S. Army later awarded him the Silver Star for his extraordinary courage.
A statue of John in his dress uniform, displaying the medals he earned but never had the opportunity to wear, will stand at the center of the campus commemorative plaza. Thoughtfully positioned to face the school entrance, John’s salute will welcome students each day, serving as a lasting reminder of the values he embodied and the virtues at the heart of the school’s mission: courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-government, and service.
His bravery and sacrifice is reflected in the name Valor Classical Academy, where valor represents courage, selflessness, and the character the school hopes to inspire in its students. Construction began in April 2024 and was completed in August 2026, just in time to welcome students for the new school year.
This 50,774-square-foot, two-story school includes 24 classrooms, administrative and resource spaces, a flexible cafeteria and multipurpose space, a kitchen, playground, green space, and activity areas. Valor Classical Academy will initially serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade, with plans to grow into a K–12 campus accommodating up to 702 students.
A military memorial was also constructed to provide the community with a dedicated space to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces and recognize their service and sacrifices.
For HC Company, this project means more than constructing a building. It was an honor to be part of the team that brought to life a school rooted in vision, courage, character and community. One that will carry John Borbonus’ legacy forward and inspire generations to come.
