Student: Kurtis Johnson
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Kurtis plans to attend Bakersfield College for two years and earn certifications to become a mechanic or an electrician.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Kurtis #BulldogSTRONG: The innovative, fortuitous, and relentless industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, who led the expansion of the American steel industry, credited the importance of effective teamwork as the catalyst behind his fortune. “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” At Golden Valley High School, Senior Kurtis Johnson exemplifies the ideal teammate for the Bulldog football team and in track and field. Since his freshman year, Kurtis has been deeply committed to the Bulldog football program from his positions as an inside linebacker on defense and tight end on offense. As a Senior this year, Kurtis was selected as Team Captain for the talent he displays on the football field, as well as in the leadership that he provides to his teammates and the next generation of Bulldogs. “This year I committed myself to being a role model for the younger group of players that will be taking over the program,” Kurtis humbly comments. Core to Kurtis’s leadership was showing others what a coachable football player looks like. Whatever position Kurtis was asked to play, he did so without complaint or hesitation and with an enthusiasm that demonstrated his commitment to the team. “One of the most important things a football player needs to hear is to be coachable and listen to those coaches that are trying to put you in the best position to be successful,” states Kurtis. As a result of his team first mentality, Kurtis saw his fair share of individual glory as he earned 54 total tackles (42 solo) 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and was selected to the South Yosemite League 2nd Team for his play and energy on the field. Additionally, Kurtis was selected as the Bulldog “Top Dog” (MVP) for his accolades and the leadership he brought to the football program. “Kurtis is a fantastic young man and a great example of what a student athlete is in our football program,” states Head Football Coach, James Cain.
Beyond the success on the gridiron, Kurtis has seen his fair share of accomplishments in track and field as a sprinter on the 4x100 team and as a thrower of the discus. Kurtis enjoys throwing the discus the most because it was the first event that he tried out for when he started at GVHS and quickly, the movement of throwing the disc came natural to him. Kurtis has immersed himself in learning from the best throwers in the world including watching older videos of the German legend Wolfgang Schmidt. “He (Wolfgang) was once a world record holder and I want to learn from the best,” comments Kurtis, “His technique is top notch, his posture is good, he’s aggressive when throwing, and he gets across the ring in a straight line.” As a result of learning from the best, Kurtis has thrown his own personal records this year with distances of 102.6 and 108.11 respectively, catapulting him to the position as top thrower in the South Yosemite League. Even with his individual success, Kurtis still focuses on the team first when it comes to track and field. “My most memorable moments in track are competing with my friends on a daily basis at practice,” recollects Kurtis, “I genuinely enjoy cheering on my teammates at their individual events because I know the work that they are putting in on a daily basis. My teammates push me and drive me to do better in my events.” For the genuine commitment he has to being the best teammate he can be as a football player and member of the track and field team, and in the leadership he displays that positively influence the next generation of Bulldogs, Kurtis Johnson is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Kurtis: "Being #bulldogSTRONG means to be someone others would look up to. Supporting others when they are striving towards something, being outstanding in the classroom, and being respectful.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Kurtis:
“Kurtis is a fantastic young man and a great example of what a student athlete is in our football program. We often challenge our players to be a part of the change we are making here at GV and leave this program better than how you found it. No matter if we were down and things weren’t going our way this past season, Kurtis always stayed positive and never made excuses to not be the best version of himself on and off the field. As a senior, he was the ultimate example for our younger guys. As a result of Kurtis’s leadership, you can see those good habits with our younger players during our off season work outs. His dedication and hard work led to him being named our ‘Top Dog’ (MVP) this past season. He will be missed, but I am excited for him and his future.” James Cain, Head Football Coach and Campus Security Guard, Golden Valley High School
“Kurtis has been involved with track and field for only two years. In that short period of time, his hard work ethic has launched him to the number one spot in discus in the South Yosemite League. He consistently throws over 100 feet, and we are still in the early stages of our season. He also runs in our 4 x 100 relay, and our 200 meter sprints. Kurtis is #BulldogSTRONG.” Paul Hernandez, Math Teacher and Head Track and Field Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Kurtis Johnson is such a great young man. From being a force on the football field to one of the top throwers in the valley, first year throwing, Kurtis has set himself apart as one of GVHS's top athletes. Along with getting it done on the field Kurtis gets it done in the classroom. I expect great things out of Kurtis in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Kurtis is the embodiment of #BulldogStrong. He is everything you’d want out of a student athlete. Kurtis is a natural-born leader who is also extremely coachable. Kurtis is willing to do anything to better whatever team he is a part of and is excited when asked to take on new challenges. He excels at whatever sport he is engaged in while keeping up an admirable GPA. No matter what Kurtis does in his future I know he will keep up with the same embodiment of #BulldogStrong and he will be successful.” William Cross, Social Studies Teacher and Football/Track Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Kurtis is an amazing example for every other student that he encounters. He represents the best hopes for the future leadership of our community. I have really enjoyed having his positive spirit in my class.” Aaron Wright, Government Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“What I find most admirable about Kurtis is his obvious concern for others. He is always ready to help group members, to offer some humorous story or provide a detailed explanation. This demonstrates his commitment to SERVICE.” Terri Richmond, Social Studies Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, Golden Valley High School