Student: Thomas Keen
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Attending UC San Diego in the fall, majoring in Computer Science with aspirations at becoming a Software Engineer.
GPS Focus: PRIDE and SERVICE
What Makes Thomas #BulldogSTRONG: One of the tenets of being #BulldogSTRONG at Golden Valley High School is demonstrating SERVICE on campus through treating everyone with kindness. Perhaps no one epitomizes the spirit of kindness like that of senior, Thomas Keen. In his interactions with his peers, Thomas seeks opportunities to help others through tutoring or simply by being a good friend with a listening ear. Furthermore, staff members that interact with Thomas recognize right away that they are dealing with a student that is #BulldogSTRONG. German Robledo, his AP Statistics teacher, speaks of the kindness of Thomas, "Thomas is a kind and conscientious student." Humbly, Thomas attributes some of his kind ways to the positive culture that has been established at Golden Valley. "There are so many interesting and wonderful students and staff," states Thomas, "It seems that everyone here is willing to help and serve each other. A lot of Bulldogs are like minded in that they want to support and encourage others."
One of the values at Golden Valley is to treat everyone with kindness. Through his acts of kindness, Thomas Keen is #BulldogSTRONG.Beyond his commitment to treating others with kindness, Thomas has established himself as one of the top students at Golden Valley. Currently, Thomas carries a 4.378 GPA with a majority of his classes being GATE, Honors, or AP. For his credit, Thomas has passed the following AP exams: European History, United States History, and English Language Composition with superior scores. Thomas was also part of the Golden Valley We The People team that finished in 2nd place in the 21st District this past December. In addition to his excellent grades, Thomas has participated in a number of academic competitions and clubs at Golden Valley: Mock Trial, Science Bowl, Mega Math Challenge, Honor's Society, and the Video Game Club. For all of his commitments, competitive gaming has become one of Thomas's top passions as he is very active on the Golden Valley eSports team. Under the summoner name "Quiqly", Thomas serves as team captain, leading the Bulldogs to a 7-1 record as they head into the end of the year tournament at North High School to determine the top high school team in town. As always, Thomas leads his team with kindness, always encouraging his teammates with positive and helpful sentiments. In the fall, Thomas will be attending UC San Diego and looks to major in Computer Science with aspirations of becoming a software engineer For his commitment to treating others with kindness and giving 100% in all that he participates in, Thomas Keen is #BulldogSTRONG.
As team captain with the summoner name "Quiqly," Thomas Keen has led the Bulldogs to a 7-1 record in the Kern High School District eSports league.What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Thomas: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means that we should always seek opportunities to help others. We are here to learn and develop skills to be productive members of society, but #BulldogSTRONG should challenge us to think of ways to help make others the best that they can possibly be as well."
What Teachers Think of Thomas:
"Thomas is always going above and beyond in my class. I love the fact that he makes me think beyond the textbook and challenges me with collegiate inquiry. It has been fun helping him plan for college next year. UC San Diego is blessed to have him join their incoming class!" - Sheryl Cleveland, AP Statistics Teacher and Math Department Head, Golden Valley High School
"I have known Thomas since he was a freshman where he argued our pre-trial motion for our Mock Trial team. Additionally, he has been the backbone of our Science Bowl, Mega Math Challenge, eSports, and We the People teams. On April 6th, Thomas and his team beat out over 140 other students to win KHSD ‘s first ever eSports Scramble. Currently, Thomas is Team Captain for our Varsity eSports team, where we have gone 7-1 this season. Thomas exemplifies pride be representing our school in a positive way and excelling in class and afterschool activities. Thomas is one of the finest young men our school has ever produced" - Judiah Hopkins, Physics Teacher and Head Coach for eSports, Golden Valley High School
"Thomas is a kind person and conscientious student. His calm and methodical approach to problem solving is a model for younger students. I appreciate having him in my class." - German Robledo, Social Studies Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, Golden Valley High School
"Thomas Keen is an outstanding young man and has tremendous potential as a learner. Since his freshmen year he has been involved in numerous clubs, activities, and has excelled in all academic content areas. As a student and a young man he is intellectually inquisitive, exhibits positive and mature interactions with staff and his peers, and he is excellent at problem solving, and independent learning as well. Without a doubt Thomas Keen is #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, in the community, and around campus." - John Hansen, We The People Coach and Government Teacher, Golden Valley High School