Student: Chantal Chew
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Wants to major in Biology, go to medical school, and then become a pediatrician. Chantal wants to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara or Berkeley.
GPS Focus: GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE
What Makes Chantal #BulldogSTRONG: For senior Chantal Chew, bonding, connecting, and supporting her peers on campus have been essential to her time here as a Bulldog at Golden Valley High School. Individually, Chantal has shined at Golden Valley as she has earned a 4.35 overall GPA and passing grades on 3 AP exams including AP Spanish Language, AP European History, and AP English Language and Composition. However, it is her dedication to others that stands out. For example, as a four year member of the Lady Bulldogs Tennis team, Chantal has demonstrated her commitment to her teammates as evident in being selected as team captain in both her junior and senior year and being a vital part of the Varsity #2 doubles team this year. “Tennis has allowed me to forge strong connections with the other girls on the team,” indicates Chantal, “We spend a lot of time on and off the court and this has allowed our friendships to grow stronger.”
Another instance in which Chantal has demonstrated peer support is through involvement in various academic activities. In her sophomore and junior year, Chantal enjoyed competing for the Golden Valley Mock Trial team as she was able to develop her oratory skills through the presentation of evidence and defending her stance in the courtroom. This year, as a senior, Chantal was able to utilize those skills as part of the We the People team that placed 2nd for the 21st California Congressional District at the competition that was held at Golden Valley High School in December. As a result of her and her teammates' accomplishment, they qualified for the state We The People competition held in Sacramento and Chantal was instrumental in her unit’s (Unit 2) success as they were recognized as Best Unit from Golden Valley as they finished in 4th place out of all Unit 2s in California. “We The People has helped me learn about how governmental systems work,” indicates Chantal, “I feel more engaged as a citizen and I feel ready to go out into society, make a difference to those around me, and to vote so that my voice is heard.”
Chantal’s desire to make a difference to those around her is further demonstrated in her genuine love of SERVICE. This year Chantal joined the Golden Valley Leadership class as she was elected as the Associated Student Body (ASB) Secretary. “I have GROWN a lot this year,” remarks Chantal, “Leadership has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, take PRIDE in being a Bulldog, and truly SERVE other students so that they can feel the same way.” Chantal not only SERVES students and staff at Golden Valley through her participation on ASB, but she SERVES community members in a powerful and meaningful way. Every Saturday, Chantal volunteers her time at Adventist Health Hospital, working with nurses and personnel in the neonatal intensive care unit. As an aspiring pediatrician, Chantal first went to the hospital to get experience in the medical field, but the outings became so much more for her. “At first I just wanted to be around the hospital to see what it was like,” indicates Chantal, “After showing up each Saturday, I started realizing that people in the community appreciated my efforts because they knew I cared about making a difference and improving the lives of the needy. I love my Saturdays because they allow me to GROW and always remember to SERVE others.” For the commitment that she has in forging positive relationships and connecting with others in the classroom, on campus, and in the community, Chantal Chew is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Chantal: “Being #BulldogSTRONG means that you take PRIDE in being a student at Golden Valley High School. It means that you always have a GROWTH mindset and try to improve elements of your life each and every day. #BulldogSTRONG means that when you graduate from Golden Valley, we remember those lessons that were taught to us in order to be better in society.”
What Teachers Think of the Chantal:
"Chantal Chew is a remarkable young woman who demonstrates what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG on a daily basis. In the classroom she is a dedicated worker, an inquisitive learner, and a leader of her peers. On We the People this year she helped leader her Unit, which studied “How the Framer’s Developed the US Constitution”, truly become one of my top groups and she excelled personally excelled in each of her hearings. Chantal is a marvelous young woman with an incredibly bright future ahead of her and her positive contribution in my class and her other many activities help make Golden Valley a better campus for our student body." - John Hansen, We The People Coach and Government Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Chantal completed her senior season as a member of the Lady Bulldogs Varsity Tennis team. Throughout the season, she demonstrated leadership qualities and served as a role model for the younger players. Chantal showed a remarkable dedication for putting the team ahead of her own goals, while mentoring underclassmen along the way. She led by example and demonstrated both Pride and Service in treating others with respect and being a consummate team player."" - Ed Crosby, World History Teacher and Head Girls Tennis Coach, Golden Valley High School
"Chantal is an outstanding young lady. She is intelligent, motivated, and has been a great asset this year to the leadership program. I know that whatever task she is given, it will be completed with 10% efficacy. She is also a self-starter and takes care of things without being directed to do so. I know Chantal has a very bright future!" - Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
"As a student in my AP Language and Composition class last year Chantal was always diligent and dedicated. She is smart, asks insightful questions, is receptive to feedback, and works hard to get the most from her education. When she is given feedback she uses the information to grow as a reader, thinker, and writer. The evidence of that was always visible in her next assignment. Her positive attitude and desire to grow as a student are evidence that she is a great example for others and is #bulldogstrong!” - Karen Bastain, AP English Language & Composition Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Chantal is a true renaissance woman. She is talented in many ways. She is a great writer, has poise and excellent speaking skills, and she demonstrates many qualities of leadership. She is respected by both peers and staff.” - Terri Richmond, Social Studies Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, Golden Valley High School