Student: David Perez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: David has aspirations of attending UCLA, UCSB, or UC Davis to major in biology to either become a high school science teacher or attend medical school to become a physician.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes David #BulldogSTRONG: A key behavior expectation for the Golden Valley High School student on their journey towards being #BulldogSTRONG is the ability to demonstrate PRIDE on campus by promoting a positive self image. For Bulldog Senior David Perez, he promotes a positive self image through maintaining safe spaces on campus for students to freely express themselves as demonstrated in Folklorico and in the Crochet Club. Entering into his second year as part of the GVHS Folklorico program, David has taken immense PRIDE in belonging to a performing art that represents his Mexican heritage. “The thing that I enjoy the most about baile folklorico is that it brings back the nostalgia of a dance that I performed in Mexico at a school when I was kid,” David passionately states. The ultimate reward of performing folklorico is that David and his fellow performers are able to show the student body at GVHS the beauty of Mexican folklorico with their first performance in the outdoor amphitheater on September 16 as one of the celebratory events to start Hispanic Heritage Month. David sees the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at GVHS because a lot of students come from Hispanic families and he wants them to feel proud of their roots and culture. “For me Hispanic Heritage Month means that you show that you are proud of being Hispanic,” humbly comments David, “It’s also a way to show the beauty of our culture to others, especially in the United States where there is a lot of Hispanic influence.”
Another way that David has maintained a safe space on campus is through involvement as president of the Crochet Club. As a service oriented club that prides itself in being a non judgment zone filled with people from diverse backgrounds, the Crochet Club allows for students to create various items that will eventually be donated to people in need. Last year the club created scarves, beanies, and stuffed animals that were then donated to cancer patients at local hospitals throughout Kern County. For his part, David, made one white scarf and two beanies, one white and one green, but the real joy was being able to see the fruits of his labor SERVE someone in need. “There is no greater feeling than finishing a project and knowing that there is going to be a lovely, wonderful person in need using what I made,” comments David, “This year our club is committed to making more projects and then donating those items to more people in need.” The Crochet Club at GVHS meets on Thursdays after school in their club’s advisor’s room, Mrs. Darcy Blagg, in 605. They have also had an official name change to the Needle Arts Club to expand their talents beyond croche. “Anyone is welcome to attend and we hope that more do because that means that more people will be served in our community.” For the immense PRIDE he has in his Hispanic heritage as a performer in the GVHS Folklorico program and in the SERVICE he displays as President of the Crochet Club that donates student created projects to those in need, David Perez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to David: "For me #BulldogStrong is doing the right things, being respectful to others, and generally being a good student to make your school proud, representing them in a positive manner. ”
What Teachers and Staff Think of David:
“David, is one of the most courteous, intelligent and helpful students I have had the privilege to have in our Folklorico group. David has so many talents, but what makes him extra special is his big and kind heart. David has the ability to make a group of new dancers become friends in one day just by socializing with them and making them feel comfortable as a group. I know David will accomplish the many goals he has set in life.” Gaby Ruvalcaba, Library Technician and Folklorico Coach, Golden Valley High School
“David is amazing! He is positive and a natural leader! As the president of the Needle Arts club both last year and this year, David has been responsible for teaching around 40 students to crochet. Under his leadership the club is now teaching embroidery and cross stitch. I think I really missed out by not having David in my English class but I am grateful to see his talents in the club. I know from other teachers that he is brilliant and most of all #bulldogstrong.” Darcy Blagg, English Teacher and Crochet Club Advisor, Golden Valley High School
“David Perez is #bulldogstrong because he is not only a dedicated student but also an active student. He participates in the Ballet Folklorico Valle Dorado, Crochet Club, and We the People. David is a student who demonstrates self-efficacy and growth mindset; he will accomplish every goal he sets for himself despite any adversities. Last year, he was a model library student who exhibited service by helping maintain the library organized. David was a valuable addition to the library family.” Manuel Sanchez, Librarian and Graphic Designer, Golden Valley High School
"David is such an incredible young man and student: Intelligent, kind and friendly. He is the type of student that every teacher loves having in class and secretly wishes he never leaves. I know he will achieve great things in life because of his strive and resilience. ¡Mis respetos para ti David!” Yaneli Bravo-Ceja, Spanish Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“David Perez is a gem of a person! He radiates enthusiasm and positivity and always has a smile on his face. David values his education, takes pride in his work, pays attention to detail, and gives his best effort no matter how small the assignment is. As a student in AP Language and Composition last year, he enthusiastically participated in class, offering his thoughts and insights during discussions. David set goals for his growth as a writer and worked hard to develop his writing skill throughout the year. Truly, he is a true role model for others and exhibits what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG always!” Karen Bastain, AP English Language Composition Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"David is an amazing young man who is devoted, not only to his academics, but to family members who live in Mexico. In one of our past conversations regarding his family David shared, ‘My goal is to go to UCLA, become a doctor, and bring my family to the US.’ Academically he is well on his way! I always look forward to our conversations when David enters my office. Such a positive, hardworking, and supportive example to his peers." Janine Lynch, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
“David Perez is easily one of my absolute favorite students that I've had in over 35 years of teaching! His attitude is infectious as he says, "Good Morning!" every day. He not only loves mathematics but is not afraid to admit when he needs help or clarification. He is kind, generous and inquisitive. He seems to be not only an awesome student, but also a person who embodies the term #BulldogStrong! Golden Valley is blessed to have him here!” Sheryl Cleveland, Math Department Chair, Golden Valley High School