Student: Emily Hernandez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Emily wants to attend California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and pursue a degree and career in nursing. Specifically, Emily wants to be a nurse in the military; Emily simply wants to help people and make a positive change in someone's life.
GPS Focus: GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE
What Makes Emily #BulldogSTRONG: High school athletics have proven time and again that obstacles, uncertainty, and failure are an essential part of the process for young athletes on their journey towards success and GROWTH. Going into her fourth year as a member of the Lady Bulldogs soccer program, Senior Emily Hernandez has faced her fair share of challenges, but in her endless optimism and commitment to her teammates, she has stood out as a beacon of hope for Golden Valley High School. As the Lady Bulldogs players have pressed through the lack of a stable coaching staff, Emily has tried to remain optimistic and focused on building meaningful relationships with others on the pitch. “While playing soccer at GVHS I’ve learned that working with your teammates is important and that you have to rely on each other in order to succeed,” comments Emily, “I’ve learned what it means to be a part of a team and I am grateful for that.” Beyond her commitment to others, Emily has established herself as a key contributor to the Lady Bulldogs as she had two goals and numerous assists last year in her positions at right wing, forward, and center midfielder. This year, Emily hopes to help her team go to the playoffs and pursue the goal of winning a CIF Central Section Valley Championship. Emily’s optimism is partially fueled because of the hiring of Head Coach Sandra Tirado, a Golden Valley High School Graduate of 2013. “I believe that Coach Tirado will do a great job on coaching the girls varsity team this year,” states Emily, “She’s passionate about the sport and encourages the girls to push themselves to do better. I really do believe we will improve as a team with Tirado as our coach.”
Emily’s infectious enthusiasm and positive spirit extends beyond the soccer pitch and into her role as Senior Class Vice President for the Class of 2021. In her second year of being involved with student leadership and ASB, Emily has found passion in being involved with the inner workings at Golden Valley High School and in helping to SERVE others. “I joined student leadership at Golden Valley because I wanted to be more involved,” humbly comments Emily, “Not only did I want to get more involved with the school but wanted to learn and grow as a person so I can be a leader for others as well.” Emily’s favorite aspects of student leadership is helping set up for rallies and football games, coming up with ideas to create memories for her fellow students, seeing her ideas come to fruition, and providing positive messages during the difficulties of distance learning. Ultimately, Emily seeks to be a leader on campus that exemplifies kindness. “My goal as a student leader at Golden Valley is to spread positivity and for those to pass on the kindness to others.” In the classroom, Emily maintains close to a 3.5 GPA and even teachers recognize her kindness and optimism; Emily is grateful for the support and encouragement of the staff at GVHS. “Golden Valley is a special place to me because it’s where I grew as a person and is why I am the person I am today,” proudly states Emily, “I’ve learned so much since being at this school and it has been some of the best years of my life.” For her team first approach on the soccer pitch and in her optimism and desire to treat all students with kindness as Senior Class Vice President, Emily Hernandez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Emily: "#BulldogSTRONG to me means to take initiative and lead by example. Leading by example means making good choices, being kind to others, staying committed, and not losing sight of what's important. As a Bulldog, I choose to represent my school in the best way possible whether it be academically, leadership, and sports. We should always show GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Emily:
“Emily is such a hard worker on the field and off, always willing to help anybody who walks around campus with a big smile from ear to ear. Every time I would spot her before I game I would see her working on her school work as a super responsible young lady with a great attitude. She is not only a great example in class but on the field - a perfect student athlete that walks #BulldogSTRONG!” Sandra Tirado, Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach & Bilingual Instructional Aid, Golden Valley High School
“Emily has been an important part in Golden Valley Student Leadership for the last two years. She is hard-working, conscientious, and is always there to help when needed. Her contribution to the program is valued. Also, she is a very sweet and kind young lady.” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“This is great! Emily is such an amazing girl. She talks with everyone, helps anyone who asks. She compliments people because she genuinely wants to make them happy. Emily is a goal setter and simply a friend to everyone.” Lori Ambrose, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Awww I love Emily! Emily is a ray of sunshine in the classroom. She brightens up every day with her smile and her positivity is transferable to the other students. Everyone enjoys being around her and she works hard at everything she does. I know she will be successful in the future.” Marianne Anderson, US History Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Emily is an awesome young woman! Emily is a hard worker, is humble, and it's a great pleasure to have her in my Anatomy class. I know Emily is going to make an excellent addition to the medical field and knowing her she will strive hard to be the best nurse.” George San Miguel, Anatomy and Biology Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Emily Hernandez has done an outstanding job being #BulldogSTRONG in my Government course. She always gives 100% every class session and has done an excellent job with all of her coursework. She has been a really positive student in class, she is helpful to me in class, and demonstrates the mindset needed to be successful as a learner even beyond Golden Valley.” John Hansen, Government Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School