Student: David Torres Mendez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: David plans to attend Bakersfield College for two year on an engineering pathway and then hopes to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona or UC San Diego to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes David #BulldogSTRONG: At Golden Valley High School, successful student behavior is defined by a myriad of expectations that are rooted in a student being #BulldogSTRONG through GROWTH, PRIDE, and SERVICE in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. Although these expectations are associated with behavior, students can apply many of these core values in their academic pursuits: Always give 100%; Be a lifelong learner; Be on time and ready to learn; Make good choices. For Senior David Torres Mendez, he has genuinely embraced the elements of being #BulldogSTRONG in his academic pursuits on way to becoming one of the top students in the Class of 2022. Enrolled primarily in GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, David has earned a 4.50 GPA which is the highest a student can receive. David has also earned a 4 on the AP English Language and Composition exam and a 5 on the AP Spanish Language and Composition exam, demonstrating incredible intellect and intelligence in two languages. Further adding to his thirst for education, for the past two years David has been part of ¡LISTOS! (Leaders In Stride To Obtain Success) a program geared towards Hispanic males with the mission to build confidence and instill educational value in Latino students. However, his passion for learning is perhaps most evident in the field of engineering as a four year student in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) - an educational pathway at GVHS that focuses specifically on engineering. His favorite class at GVHS has been Engineering Development and Design taught by Judiah Hopkins. “It has been my favorite class because for the majority of the projects that we create, we are in groups, developing and designing something,” expresses David, “In other words, the class focuses on two of my favorite educational elements and combines them into one.” After high school, David plans to take his joy for engineering to Bakersfield College for two years before transferring to either California Polytechnic University, Pomona or University of California, San Diego where he wants to major in mechanical engineering so that he can one day be a successful engineer.
For the attainment that he has experienced academically, David cherishes and shows gratitude for those people that paved the way for his success. First, David humbly recognizes the efforts of his parents, of whom he expresses have worked extremely hard to put him and his brothers in a position for them to be successful. “What they went through so that we could have the opportunities we have today is something that I don’t see myself being able to go through,” humbly comments David, “I feel the need, the motivation, and the determination to be successful and to make the absolute most out of all the opportunities that my parents have bestowed upon me.” Second, David is simply appreciative of Golden Valley High School and the support that has always been provided to him. He takes PRIDE in being a Bulldog because he feels that all the teachers and staff are always looking out for every student. For his part, David credits Mrs. Bastain, Mr. Jauregui, Mrs. Costa, and Ms. Guevara as his most influential teachers because they have either provided rigorous and challenging instruction or have simply provided a positive attitude and kindness to him throughout his educational journey. “They are all amazing teachers that are easy to learn from. I feel as though they have influenced me to develop, not only a passionate mindset but a determined and focused one as well.” For the incredible success that he has experienced on his way to a 4.50 GPA as part of the Project Lead the Way Program and in the gratitude he has towards his parents and of the staff at Golden Valley High School for the support that they have provided, David Torres Mendez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to David: "#BulldogSTRONG, to me, means that you have to do what's right, even when doing what is right is not the popular option. It also means that you always have to have an optimistic attitude, and you always have to spread that attitude along with kindness into the community.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of David:
‘David has been an amazing engineering student over the last two years. During the pandemic, David created numerous programs including a custom cell phone alarm. This year, David has impressed me with his building skills, crafting towers that weighed less than an ounce and holding over 100lbs! He is a quiet, calm, and caring individual that is well respected amongst his peers.” Judiah Hopkins, AP Physics and PLTW Engineering Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"David Torres is a student that is fully committed to excellence! He displays his growth as he continuously embraces challenges with a great positive attitude! David displays his pride and positive self-image as he engages in higher levels of thinking and learning. Mr. Torres Méndez also displays service by helping his peers with respect and kindness! It is for these reasons that David Torres Méndez is #BulldogSTRONG!” Luis Jauregui, AP Calculus Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“David has demonstrated true Growth by being #BulldogStrong in his commitment to graduate and also in his choice to honor his academic commitments by being on time and on task in class. I am proud to have David in class. I know his understanding of Growth will lead him to true success out of high school in his future endeavors.” David Lollar, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"I had the fortune of having David in my GATE English class during his sophomore year. One thing that impressed me about David was his work ethic. He was a hard worker who did not give up. He was also very conscientious and kept high standards for himself. I’ve even continued to use some of his work from 2019 as an example for my current students. His pride in his work continues to set a #BulldogSTRONG example for students at GV." Lana King, GATE English Teacher and English Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“David Torres Mendez is a shining exemplar of being #BulldogSTRONG. As a learner he shows GROWTH by always giving 100% and being committed to be a lifelong long learner. Even when he was out of school David would keep in regular contact and either complete his work or contact me with questions. Also, he shows tremendous PRIDE as a student by practicing good manners, making good choices, and always being on time & ready to learn. Furthermore, as a learner he shows SERVICE as he is constantly supporting his peers by working with them on difficult coursework and helping them when they need it. As David moves forward with his life I know he will be an outstanding citizen and truly contribute to the betterment of our country.” John Hansen, Government/Economics Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“David Torres Mendez is an exceptional student here at GVHS. This student is #BulldogSTRONG because of his involvement over the past 2 years in LISTOS and his dedication to his school work. With a 4.5 GPA and balancing work, David means business when wanting to achieve his goals. He has pride here at GVHS and for his heritage and culture. He is a pleasure to have around and I know he will strive for future greatness.” Marshall Garcia, Social Studies Teacher, Soccer Coach, LISTOS Coordinator, Golden Valley High School
“David is a great student who showcases what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG every day. David is a very dedicated and devoted student who continues to always give 100% and strives to continuously excel as a student with all the difficult classes he takes. I have seen David grow so much as a student just this year as he started off as a very shy student turning into a very outspoken and strong-minded student. I am very proud and glad I had the opportunity to watch him grow and succeed this year and I am excited to see what greatness he will achieve after high school. He is a sweet, caring, and hardworking student who will succeed at anything he does!” Ana Guevara, World History Teacher, Golden Valley High School