Student: Verenice Olaves
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Verenice has dreams of attending University of California, Santa Barbara and pursuing a degree in psychology and eventually attend medical school. Verenice hopes to become a psychiatrist for children and teenagers for her career.
GPS Focus: SERVICE
What Makes Verenice #BulldogSTRONG: Over the past decade, there has been much educational research that points to the importance of allowing students to have a voice on their respective campuses. Researchers have encouraged schools to create opportunities for students to participate in the decision making process of their education as means of increasing student engagement. For Golden Valley High School Senior, Verenice Olaves, she has found her voice as a Bulldog through belonging to THRIVE and serving in ASB Student Leadership; a voice has allowed her to serve her peers, with the goal of increasing student engagement and support on campus. As a junior, like many high school students across the nation, Verenice was confined to her house, as distance learning, Zoom, Canvas, and technology consumed her school day along with disconnection from her peers and overall lack of engagement. However, it was during a class Zoom meeting in which Verenice was able to find peer connection and a voice on campus to serve other Bulldogs. THRIVE Leader, Mya Reyes, spoke of the impact and vision of THRIVE to her classmates - a campus group of students committed to helping and supporting students that may be struggling with the ills of distance learning including depression, anxiety, and lack of peer connection. “I searched for more social interactions and connections and THRIVE provided just that,” Verenice reflects, “Distance learning wasn’t easy for many of us, yet as I began joining THRIVE meetings and creating friendships with all of the amazing people, I knew my year in distance learning would go just fine.” Now in her second year and serving as a THRIVE Leader, Verenice has committed her time and energy to ensure that her classmates are supported and find connection at GVHS. “I understand that school is not easy for many students and I understand the anxiety school can create,” humbly states Verenice, “I don’t want any students to feel ignored or pushed aside. High school can be one of the hardest times of your life, and no students should feel alone because of that.” For their efforts, Verenice and some of the other THRIVE Leaders organized a Fun Walk which raised money to help students in need. Verenice wants students to know that THRIVE is a safe space to support students - no matter what they may be dealing with. “Students need to know that we are here for them in every way possible, it is what we want to do.”
Beyond the SERVICE and support that she provides her peers as a THRIVE Leader, Verenice is part of ASB Student Leadership as the Commissioner of Technology. Verenice joined leadership because she wanted to be involved in her last year as a Bulldog and wanted to provide opportunities for other students to create lasting memories as well. Verenice works with other students on the leadership team to engage students so that they can see the benefit of participating in activities on campus. “As student leaders, we understand that the opportunities to have fun on campus could be cut short at any moment - just like Covid-19 showed us.” Verenice and other members of ASB have planned numerous events and activities for students to create lasting memories including Prom and outdoor movie nights. Even though she has only served one year in ASB, Verenice is appreciative of the opportunity to have her voice be heard so that she can make a positive impact at GVHS. “Being a leadership student at GVHS has taught me how much potential I have to make a difference on campus,” Verenice graciously states, “For most of my time at GVHS, I underestimated my ability to help others and create support. Yet, through leadership and THRIVE, I quickly learned how by simply speaking up and seeking opportunities I can make change around me.” For her commitment to the SERVICE of her peers by providing support as a leader in THRIVE and in creating lasting memories for all students as Commissioner of Technology in ASB Student Leadership, Verenice Olaves is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Verenice: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means having the desire to become the best person you can be while helping others do the same; it is being a mindful, kind, and willing person. Whether it is around campus or in the classroom, together we can be #BulldogSTRONG.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Verenice:
“Verenice is an important part of the student leadership program at Golden Valley High School. She can be counted on to do what needs to be done, to take initiative, and to do it all with a good attitude. She is kind, thoughtful, and responsible. I feel very fortunate to have her in the program.” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
"Verenice Olaves is truly an outstanding representative of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, on campus, and in our community. She has demonstrated Growth, Pride, and Service all throughout this school year and especially in her preparations and coursework for We the People. She started in class a positive student who was doing her best to learn debate and the concepts of government. By the time our competition happened in December she had blossomed into one of my top students who studied her unit on Civil Rights tirelessly and she truly mastered the content helping her unit place 2nd in their competition. Having Verenice in class has been a true joy and I know she has an extremely bright future ahead of her.” John Hansen, Government/Economics Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“I have really enjoyed having Verenice as a THRIVE leader this year. She is smart, kind, and welcoming to all students. Verenice is passionate about helping others and proposed the THRIVE Fun Walk as a way to raise money for students in need.” Brittany Brandon, School Social Worker and THRIVE Guide, Golden Valley High School
“I can’t think of a student who has a bigger heart than Verenice Olaves. She truly cares about people and her community. She is a leader for Thrive and also excels in her academics. I had the honor of being her English teacher her Sophomore year and now I get to partner with her through THRIVE. She came up with the idea of raising money for students in need and watching her lead the project and make the first annual Thrive Fun Walk a success made me feel so proud. Without a doubt, Verenice is not only an asset to our campus but I know she will continue to do amazing things after high school!” Melissa Waldrop, English Teacher and THRIVE Guide, Golden Valley High School
“Verenice is a well-rounded student who is well deserved of a Bulldog STRONG spotlight. She is spirited, engaged, committed and involved in all aspects of Growth Pride and Service. I have had the luxury of being her World History teacher and a THRIVE advisor for this amazing person. Verenice is a sweet and caring student; it is why she is so helpful and involved with clubs and activities such as ASB and THRIVE. Verenice is intrinsically motivated and that is what makes her special as a person. She knows that there won't always be a reward, as a result, she does things out of the kindness of her heart. She is #BulldogSTRONG!!!” Marshall Garcia, History Teacher, THRIVE Guide, LISTOS Coordinator, Soccer Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Verenice is an awesome young lady. She has a great personality and is very much liked by her fellow classmates. It's always a great pleasure having a student that is always striving for perfection. I know that she will make an excellent addition to the medical field someday.” George San Miguel, Anatomy and Biology Teacher, Golden Valley High School