Student: Juliana Pizano
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Juliana wants to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) and major in biochemistry. Eventually, she would like to use her degree to become a pediatric physician assistant.
GPS Focus: PRIDE
What Makes Juliana #BulldogSTRONG: One of the major milestones for a high school athlete is when they have finally reached the pinnacle of being selected to play on the Varsity level of their sport. For most high school athletes, achieving this benchmark in their sports career happens during their junior year, however, there are those that started playing Varsity athletics as early as their sophomore year. On the rarest of occasions, there are those athletes who have the ability and mindset to compete as a Varsity level athlete as a freshman - such is the case for Golden Valley High School Senior, Juliana Pizano, a defender for the Lady Bulldogs Soccer program. As a lifelong soccer fanatic and player, Juliana has played the sport since she was 6 years old and has played 9 years on the club scene, playing for the elite Bakersfield Legacy and Albion. Additionally, Juliana looks up to the likes of women’s soccer icon Abby Wambach as a source of inspiration because of the consistent competitive nature that she displayed throughout her career, her crossing ability, and in her desire to be the best teammate she could be. Juliana has taken some of those lessons from Wambach and has tried throughout her career at Golden Valley to infuse them into the Lady Bulldogs Soccer program. “As a senior, I hope that I can continue to gain lifelong memories with my teammates,” humbly comments Juliana, “But rest assured, I hope that we can also bring home lots of wins each week.” For the success she has experienced as a four year starter for the Lady Bulldogs, Juliana is quick to express gratitude for some of the adults that have helped her in her soccer journey including her coach. “Under the coaching of Coach Tirado, I feel as though success is the only thing that will come,” graciously comments Juliana, “She teaches the girls lessons that we can apply in soccer and life outside of the game.” However, Juliana’s most precious and cherished memories about soccer at GVHS are those centered around her mother. “My most memorable moments playing soccer are always those in which I look up in the stands and see my mother supporting me.”
Beyond the grass and the lines of the soccer pitch, Juliana has excelled academically and in numerous other activities on the campus at GVHS. As a student enrolled primarily in GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement classes, Juliana has earned a cumulative GPA of 4.232 in her four years as a Bulldog. This year, Juliana has been instrumental in the GVHS Criminology Club where she is co-founder and president of this new club on campus. “The club was created to be a creative thinking outlet for all students at GVHS,” states Juliana, “Throughout my years at school, I noticed that there were students that did not have a way to express themselves and my hope is that this club can allow them to do that.” In the club, students study and try to solve cold case files and other problem solving activities that center around crime. The Criminology Club meets every Monday after school in Ms. Dixon’s room - 1404. Juliana is also actively involved in other clubs such as the Interact Club, French Club, and Spirit Club. In the Spring, Juliana can be found at the Kern High School District Aquatic Center pool swimming as a member of the Bulldog swim program. Furthermore, Juliana was instrumental in the success of the GVHS We The People Team that finished in 2nd Place for the 21st Congressional District last weekend. Juliana was part of perhaps the most competitive unit at the competition, Unit 5 which explores protections under the Bill of Rights. “The endless amount of activities that I have been part of at Golden Valley have been extremely memorable for me,” Juliana humbly comments. For the PRIDE she has in being a Bulldog through her participation in soccer, Criminology Club, We The People, and numerous other activities on the campus of Golden Valley High School, Juliana Pizano is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Juliana: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means being a leader that wants to ensure the success of other people rather than of themselves.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Juliana:
"I met Juliana as a sophomore, but knew she was one of the few selected to be on varsity as a freshman. Juliana is #BulldogSTRONG as a player and in the classroom she is always willing to help others and on the field, she accepts coaching advice, trying to improve herself. Juliana also takes accountability whenever she makes a mistake on the field and works even harder to redeem herself. She has also given some of the Seniors on the team some useful information on applying to colleges. Juliana is a great teammate and understands teamwork, competition, and can work under pressure.” Sandra Tirado, Head Girls Soccer Coach and Attendance Clerk, Golden Valley High School
“It has been fun to watch Juliana grow on the soccer field and in the classroom these past four years. As a starter on varsity, since her freshman year, she has been a big part of the change in culture that has occurred in this program. She is the one athlete that makes sure things are done and done right. Not only is she a great athlete, she also excels in the classroom and anything she chooses to take part in.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Juliana has been a wonderful President for the Criminology Club. She has a great fun-loving attitude that makes our members want to come back each week. Her leadership skills and acceptance of all students in our club truly makes her #BulldogSTRONG.” Sheena Dixon, Criminology Club Adviser and Math Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Juliana Pizano is a true example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, around campus, and in the community. IN the We the People Government Honors Class she has been one of my most engaging, studious, and thoughtful students. She and her group throughout the process have shown thoughtful analysis, strong speaking skills, and confidence in their performance and this paid off as they got 3rd Place in their competition and had a remarkable performance in the toughest division of the competition. Additionally, Juliana has been involved in numerous activities, takes a full AP course load, and plays on the Varsity Soccer Team. Whatever her college or career goals she pursues in her future I know she will be a positive contributor and she will be an engaged citizen. ” John Hansen, We the People Coach and Government/Economics Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I LOVE working with Juliana! In 2020-2021, she was in my Honors Math Analysis class that I saw on Zoom. She participated there and was an awesome student. This year she has entered my live classroom with even more enthusiasm and attention to her learning. She is an integral part of the AP Stats class and shows her #BULLDOGPRIDE on a daily basis. I am so happy that she is being honored and look forward to what her future holds.” Sheryl Cleveland, Math Department Chair, Golden Valley High School