Student: Simranjeet (Simmi) Kaur
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Simmi wants to attend either the University of California, Irvine or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and get a bachelors and masters degree in software engineering.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Simranjeet #BulldogSTRONG: Generally, when people think of SERVICE, the notion of community service comes to mind where individuals embark on various efforts and projects that may benefit their neighborhood or city. Sometimes these ventures are grandiose and involve many individuals committed to a particular cause to beautify their community. However, at Golden Valley High School, SERVICE on campus can be defined simply by treating others with kindness and no one exemplifies that more than Bulldog Senior Simranjeet “Simmi” Kaur. For Simmi, she chooses to treat her classmates and peers with dignity, respect, and a positive attitude in order to uplift others and help them become the best version of themselves. “I was never aware how much my positivity impacted other people,” humbly comments Simi, “My friends started telling me how I impact their lives with my positivity and since then, I enjoy spreading my cheer because it allows others to do the same. I love making people happy.” As a result of her commitment to treat others with kindness and spread positivity on campus, Golden Valley has become a special place for Simmi as she genuinely takes PRIDE in being a Bulldog. Golden Valley has been a place where she has enjoyed new experiences, but it is the relationships that she has established that will forever be with her. Golden Valley has allowed her to make some of the most memorable friendships with some of her classmates and within the walls of her classes, she has found mentors in her teachers. “Golden Valley will always hold a special place in my heart because of the friendships I have made and the teachers that have made a positive impact on my life.”
In addition to the positivity that Simmi radiates on campus, she is also extremely hardworking in the classroom as she has earned a 4.41 GPA while being enrolled primarily in GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes while also being part of the illustrious Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program at GVHS which prepares students for careers in engineering. Simmi has aspirations of attending the University of California, Irvine or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to major in software engineering in order to one day work at a major technology company such as Google Apple, Microsoft, or Disney, but the motivation behind her drive for success can be found at home with her parents encouragement. Simmi has a mother who encourages, supports, and appreciates her drive to excel while also taking the time to ensure that Simmi is proud of her Indian heritage and roots. Simmi is inspired by her father’s strong work ethic to provide for her and her two sisters, pushing her to work just as hard as him and prove that she can be a positive, empowered person to society that supports her family as well. “What motivates me to succeed more than anything in life are my parents,” expresses Simmi. For the SERVICE she provides to the campus of GVHS by simply treating others with kindness, in the relentless work ethic that she has academically, and in being motivated by her parents to be successful, Simranjeet “Simmi” Kaur is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Simranjeet: "What #BulldogSTRONG means to me is someone who goes beyond the growth, pride, and service skills both inside and outside of school. Someone who takes leadership and presents themselves as a good example to the under-classmen. To spread positivity and treat everyone with respect.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Simranjeet:
“I am proud to have known Simmi for the last 4 years, and lucky enough to have her for 2 classes this year. She has grown to be an amazing young woman. Simmi is extremely positive and considerate. She anchors her friends’ group, creating thoughtful gifts for their birthdays. In class, she has infectious cheerfulness, outgoing, and generally just brightens the day of everyone she meets.” Judiah Hopkins, Engineering and Physics Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Simranjeet Kaur is an example of a student who on a daily basis demonstrates the #BulldogSTRONG characteristics of Growth, Pride, and Service. On a daily basis she brings a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and she makes the classroom a better place for students and teachers alike. In class she shows Growth by always giving 100%, she shows Pride by being respectful and participating in student activities, and she shows Service by making positive contributions and being a good citizen. Truly being her instructor has been an honor and I know Simmi will continue to be #BulldogSTRONG as she continues with life past high school as well.” John Hansen, Government/Economics Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“As a student in AP Language and Composition during distance learning last year, Simmi stood out. Not only is Simmi a hardworking and successful student who sets a positive example for others by staying organized, meeting deadlines, and taking her feedback seriously to grow as a student and person, she is just a pleasant person to be around. Whether it be when talking with her in person or talking with her through a black screen on Zoom, Simmi's cheerfulness and kindness always shine through and brighten the situation.” Karen Bastain, AP Language and Composition and English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Where do I begin to describe all that Simmi Kaur brought to my classroom, GV’s campus, and our community? I had the joy of meeting Simmi on the first day of her freshman year. Although a little quiet at first, Simmi quickly became recognized as a hard-working student and one who championed the success of others in the classroom and beyond. She supported (and often made signs and posters for) her fellow students as they participated in activities outside of the classroom. Simi exemplified GROWTH, PRIDE, and SERVICE daily. If she struggled with a skill we were learning in class, she would attend tutoring or stop by at lunch for help. She was never afraid to ask for help. She attended and participated in numerous events and clubs on campus. She represented the spirit of GPS both on and off campus. I have no doubt that Simmi will continue to walk #BulldogSTRONG well after her time at GV.” Jamie Contois, English Teacher and ELD Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Simmi is a student that constantly displays growth, pride, and service in the classroom. She constantly supports and motivates her peers with great joy. Her attitude is incredible. Simmi also displays grit in her academic endeavors.” Luis Jauregui, Calculus Teacher, Golden Valley High School