Student: Ivan Vazquez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Ivan wants to follow his childhood dream of exploring the ocean. He wants to attend a college/university near the ocean to study marine biology and plunge deep to see what is really out there.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Ivan #BulldogSTRONG: Sometimes life takes unexpected turns in the right direction. At the time of the turn, we may not always understand the reasoning, but if we are courageous enough to follow the path, it might lead to something far greater than we could have ever imagined. Such is the case for Golden Valley High School Senior and Drum Major for the Bulldog Brigade, Ivan Vazquez. As a 6th grade student at McKee Middle School, Ivan wanted to perform in the school’s choir, but was accidentally placed in the school’s band instead. This mishap ultimately steered Ivan towards a journey in which the outcomes of that accident have far exceeded his expectations. After joining the band at McKee and in the years following at GVHS, Ivan took to practicing often - sometimes all day and over the course of the next few years, he learned a few instruments along the way: trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, marimba, French horn, oboe, and currently, he is learning to play the percussion drums. “The French horn slowly became my favorite instrument over the past few years,” comments Ivan, “There is something about the instrument’s complexity and the beautiful sound that it produces that has drawn me to take on the challenge of learning how to play it.” Beyond the mere intrigue of learning how to play a wide array of instruments, Ivan has grown to enjoy the moments and experiences as a member of the Bulldog Brigade.
For Ivan, the Bulldog Brigade is “super awesome” because it brings together a bunch of unique individuals to produce something incredible. “When we stop to think about it, music is something that brings the world together,” states Ivan, “Everyone enjoys music and I think the idea of creating those amazing sounds with a group of people is an amazing experience and opportunity for people to take part in.” The sounds can be heard on Friday Nights at football games or in fall competitions against other schools. As a Senior this year, Ivan has taken to a leadership role with Bulldog Brigade as he was selected to the prestigious Drum Major position which is responsible for leading the band whether in competition or on to the field for a football game. “Becoming Drum Major is something that I am proud of,” Ivan humbly comments, “I was selected in junior high, but it’s more meaningful to me to represent the Bulldog Brigade.” Beyond the experience of producing a beautiful sound with his band mates and in rising to a prominent leadership position, Ivan has had tremendous personal GROWTH while participating in the band. “Band has helped me become a better person today,” Ivan graciously indicates, “I have seen myself grow from a shy awkward person into someone who is so proud of myself and am amazed at the person that I have become.” For the PRIDE he has in being a Drum Major for the Bulldog Brigade and in the GROWTH he has seen individually in his years at GVHS, Ivan Vazquez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Ivan: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means that you are striving to be the best version of yourself you can be! Help out each other, take care of the campus, even encourage yourself to tell others of how you all can bring this community closer together.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Ivan:
"Ivan is an amazing student, Drum Major, and human being. I have had the pleasure of being his Band Director and he has shown an unbelievable amount of GROWTH during his time in the Bulldog Brigade. As Drum Major, Ivan has several responsibilities and he always does them with a BulldogSTRONG attitude! He has a tremendous amount of PRIDE in everything he does, and his peers have a great amount of respect for him. I am beyond proud of him and he has shown me that he is not only a gifted musician, but a fantastic leader, and person. ” Kristen Torres, Bulldog Brigade Band Director, Golden Valley High School
“Ivan leads the Bulldog Brigade with kindness and understanding. He takes everyone into consideration when making important decisions and I can honestly say everyone works much better with him around. He understands the importance of everyone on the field and does his best to share his knowledge with those -literally- looking up to him. He is wise beyond his years and I know this young man is going places! We are all very proud of how far he has come.” Nancy Cisneros, Color Guard Director and English/ELD Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Ivan has grown to be one of most responsible, positive, and fueled leaders in our band. Seeing how much he has developed as a natural leader amongst his peers has been wonderful. The amount of work he puts into leading and guiding the band definitely produces amazing work from everyone around him. These are the qualities that make Ivan #BulldogSTRONG!” Christopher Hernandez, Drum Coach, Golden Valley High School
"Ivan is a calm, focused, and truly delightful student to have in the classroom. I am very proud to hear that he is being recognized. Ivan is #BulldogSTRONG!" Aaron Wright, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Ivan is one of my hardest workers in my math and physics classes. He always has a positive attitude and goes above and beyond helping his peers. Ivan is an active, outgoing presence in class with a wonderful sense of humor. He is kind, engaging, and curious – that makes for a great classroom.” Judiah Hopkins, Physics and Engineering Teacher, Golden Valley High School