Student: Adriana Gutierrez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Adriana plans to attend Bakersfield College for two years and then transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles to study medicine with aspiration of becoming a pediatrician.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Adriana #BulldogSTRONG: In the iconic Christmas classic film Elf, when confronted by the manager of Gimbels Toys Store about his persistent smiling and endless optimism, Buddy the Elf (played by Will Ferrell) responds with the following joyful statement (and of course with a smile), "I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite." For Golden Valley High School Senior Adriana Gutierrez, smiling and endless optimism are among her strengths as a leader in the Bulldog Cheerleading program. For two years at Emerson Middle School and now in her third year at GVHS, cheer has been important for Adriana because of the challenge and joy of performing on the football field or on the gym floor with her fellow teammates, building a supportive and cheerful group of cheerleaders along the way. “My advice for anyone that is interested in being part of the cheer program at Golden Valley,” indicates Adriana, “Is to know the appropriate moves to make and always make sure to have that smile on your face to really show your Bulldog Pride.” With the global pandemic impacting the landscape of athletics around Kern County causing closures and delayed starts to the season, Adriana remains optimistic, focusing on the positive memories she has had cheering at GVHS, especially under the Friday night lights of football games. “I miss the football games and seeing the audience in the stands cheering for our football players,” recollects Adriana, “I miss the small things from away games, going to Denny’s after football games, practicing, rallies, and seeing everyone’s smile and energy as we hyped up the crowd.”
With her ability to lead the crowd with energy, enthusiasm, and her smile, Adriana has taken to involving herself in various student leadership positions at GVHS during her senior year. As a Member at Large in the ASB Student Leadership program, Adriana has been a positive role model for other seniors as well as juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Adriana wanted to be involved in leadership at GVHS in order to offer peer support to others - a key behavior expectation on the journey to being #BulldogSTRONG. “I love helping others by encouraging them to try new things,” comments Adriana, “I also like giving advice and being a listening ear when others are at low points in their life in order to make them feel comfortable at GVHS.” As a result of school closure due to Covid-19, Adriana and other members of ASB are creatively coming up with virtual activities to engage students and further connect them with GVHS such as an online Cooking Club and multiple Spirit Weeks. “I want students to know that we can still make things work even though we’re doing it virtually,” states Adriana. In addition to her role in ASB, Adriana is a student representative on GVHS’s School Site Council, a role that allows her to see the inner workings and operational intricacies on campus. Adriana works with staff members, parents, and administrators to make decisions and vote on items that impact the students, staff, parents, and community members of GVHS. “It’s a unique experience working with the staff, parents, and other students in the School Site Council,” states Adriana, “This experience has allowed me to GROW in my ability to communicate with older people who have different mindsets than students and has shown me a different aspect of GVHS. Despite the differences, we share a commonality and that is bettering GVHS.” For her perpetual smile and optimism as a Cheerleader and in her benevolence and selfless approach to leadership in ASB and School Site Council, Adriana Gutierrez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Adriana: "#BulldogSTRONG to me means having manners, being positive, and well educated. #BulldogSTRONG is something that stands out to me with great importance and I feel like it does the same for other students and staff.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Adriana:
"Adriana has been an important and dedicated member of the GVHS cheer team throughout her time as a Bulldog. She is new to the leadership program this year and has been a positive and effervescent force over the past few months. She also serves on our School Site Council this year and lends her voice to the important decisions that are made within that body. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word for those around her.” Valerie Black, Activities Director and Cheer Advisor, Golden Valley High School
“Adriana is a conscientious student who is willing to help her classmates. She is goal oriented and has post-graduation plans. However, what I like best about Adriana is that she always says "good morning" to me when she enters our Zoom class. These are just a few of the reasons why Adriana exemplifies the qualities of being #BulldogStrong.” Tracy Costa, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Adriana is a superstar both in and out of the classroom. She has grown into a young adult demonstrating her leadership skills in GV Site Council. Her compliments to me are very encouraging and her academic mastery shows how much pride she takes in being the best she can be. Adriana embodies #BulldogStrong and I am blessed to have her in my class." David Lollar, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Adriana makes my job easy. She is a wonderful student with an amazing personality. She is dedicated to both her academics and student council and manages both very well. She is the type of student that I wish I was when I was in high school. Adriana shows up to class every day eager to participate and is thriving during this time of distance learning. Her problem-solving skills make her the student I go to when I need information from the student perspective. I can say so much about this girl, but I will end this with a little note for her-- Adriana, you are so special and you will make a difference in this world. Keep pushing toward success! You are unstoppable. I am so proud of you.” Nancy Cisneros, English Teacher and Color Guard Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Adriana is an incredible student leader. Her presence on the School Site Council adds so much to the group. Being a student in a group of adults, she is not afraid to speak up! She is well-spoken and demonstrates true maturity.” Sheila McClure, Theatre Director, Golden Valley High School
“To say that I am proud of the growth that Adriana has shown is an understatement. I first met Adriana three years ago in an ELD class. At the beginning of the school year, she was quite shy while speaking in front of others. Soon, her confidence grew and she became a leader in the classroom. Today, Adriana is a leader on our campus! Not only is she a fantastic and hard working student, but she is also a member of ASB and our School Site Council. During distance learning, Adriana has made the best of the situation, focusing on her studies while encouraging others to participate in virtual events like dress up days. Adriana, I do not have enough words to describe how incredibly proud I am of all that you’ve accomplished and everything that you will do. You truly are #BulldogSTRONG.” Monica Beavers, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School