Student: Alexander Padilla
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Alexander wanted to attend either CSUB or Cal Poly, San Luis Obsipo and study in the fields of math or science. Alexander is leaning towards biology and considering either microbiology or medicine for his future career.
GPS Focus: PRIDE
What Makes Alexander #BulldogSTRONG: Being proud of one’s self is just another way of saying that they have a strong sense of self-worth. People who are proud of themselves tend to have a great passion for life, feel content and grateful, and are excellent at motivating others. When students at Golden Valley High School demonstrate PRIDE in being a Bulldog, they tend to be happier, are more successful, and motivate others to do the same. For Bulldog Senior Alexander Padilla, PRIDE is the cornerstone of the success he has experienced as a band member of the Bulldog Brigade and as a player in the Boys Tennis program. As a sixth grader at Ollivier Middle School, Alexander decided to join the school band and as a result of his decision, the school band has been part of his life as he has participated all through middle school and is now in his fourth year as part of the Bulldog Brigade at GVHS where he plays the tenor saxophone. Alexander is committed to perfecting the craft of being the best saxophone player he can be as he practices 5 days a week for about 1-2 hours a session. Additionally, Alexander works hard with the other tenor saxophone players in his section of the Brigade ensuring that their octaves are musically sound so that the rest of the band can function appropriately. For Alexander, the PRIDE has in working hard as tenor saxophone player is a result of the PRIDE he has in participating in various performances in which the Bulldog Brigade participates in. The Bulldog Brigade performs often at home football games and various competitions across Kern County such as the Titan Marching Band Invitational, Music in Motion Centennial and the CSBC championships. Last year the Bulldog Brigade received a SUPERIOR rating at the CMEA Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm and for his part, Alexander received a score of a 2 for his solo performance on the tenor saxophone, just one point away from superior. “Being part of the Bulldog Brigade requires you to put in 100 percent effort and be extremely disciplined,” states Alexander, “All the hard work that you put into the band is rewarded once you get those accolades and awards. More important are the lasting friendships and bonds that are developed as well because of the collective commitment to hard work.”
Beyond the thin brass of the saxophone, Alexander also takes immense PRIDE on the courts of GVHS as a player for the Boys Tennis program. As a freshman Alexander decided to join tennis with absolutely no experience, but with the right mindset and his ability to work hard, he quickly started to enjoy the game. During his sophomore year, Alexander was part of the historic Boys Tennis team that won the CIF Central Section Division 5 Valley Championship - the first ever in tennis at GVHSl. Last year, Alexander was integral from his position as the #6 singles player where he had an impressive 16-4 record helping the Bulldogs win the Arvin Tournament and reach the CIF Central Section Division 5 semifinals. For his efforts, Alexander was awarded the Most Improved Award and looks to be the #1 or #2 singles this Spring for the Bulldogs. Alexander takes PRIDE in the GVHS tennis program because of the GROWTH he has experienced as a player. “I think the most rewarding aspect of tennis is seeing how I have progressed and improved each season,” humbly comments Alex, “From my serve being more accurate to being able to hit a forehand, I am definitely better than when I began as a freshman. Tennis has helped me to work hard and have discipline.” For the immense PRIDE he has as a tenor saxophone player for the Bulldog Brigade and on the courts as one of the top tennis players, Alexander Padilla is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Alexander: "To me, #BulldogSTRONG means to always be respectful and courteous to others no matter what in order to positively impact others. I also think that it means to work hard to achieve your goals.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Alexander:
"One hopes that an incoming ninth grade male will mature into a nice young man -- a good person. Alexander Padilla continues to do just that. Alex has a modesty and ease that belies his strong desire to improve, to learn, to make others around him better. Alex leads quietly; sets an example of kindness and grace, these latter qualities among his best assets. He has an easy and reassuring smile. On the tennis court, Alex practices well, competes diligently and intelligently -- and wins a lot of matches. In the classroom, on the tennis court, with his saxophone, and just among his friends, Alex is very much the quality young adult many of us can only aspire to be.” Fred Kumpel, Head Varsity Boys Tennis Coach, Golden Valley High School
“I can’t say enough good things about Alexander. He is confident, friendly, and kind and he always made sure to say after class, ‘Have a good day Ms. Parsons!’ before he walked out. He has this happy, genuine personality that everyone around him appreciates, and he always made my day better. He is hard-working, respectful and has the best manners.” Marianne Parsons Anderson, AP US History Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander Padilla is an incredibly bright student. As we work our way through Economics, I know he is working through each question and topic I give him methodically and rationally. He is always engaged in the lesson and eager to learn. Beyond that he is eager to help his classmates, during group activities he takes the time to explain the answers and work through the problems with his partners. Alex is a great exemplar of #BulldogSTRONG.” Cameron Hertzog, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander Padilla stood out immediately last year in my English 11 class. He is smart, articulate, and hardworking. This year Alexander is taking on new challenges in AP English Literature where he will undoubtedly grow leaps and bounds as a reader and writer. I commend Alexander for his choice to take on a more rigorous schedule during his senior year rather than take the easier route to graduation. When it comes to academics, Alexander's choice truly reflects what it means to be #bulldogstrong.” Karen Bastain, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander Padilla is such a dedicated, kind, and respectful student. Besides having a full schedule with AP courses, band, and tennis, he is always there to support his classmates with a smile. His positive attitude is contagious!” Luis Jauregui, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander is such a polite young man who takes tremendous initiative in his work to be successful. Alexander is not afraid to challenge himself which is evident in his outstanding transcript!!I am truly proud to be his counselor!” Janine Lynch, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander is an amazing student, very respectful and ready to take any challenge that is given to him.” Sonia Romero, Spanish Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alexander Padilla is a hard working, dedicated member of the Bulldog Brigade. He knows when it’s appropriate to have fun and when to be diligent, his professionalism doesn’t go unnoticed, whether from staff or his peers. Alexander has a very bright future ahead of himself and I couldn’t be prouder to be one of his staff members.” Austin Gray, Fine Arts Coach for the Bulldog Brigade, Golden Valley High School
“It has been a pleasure to watch Alex grow on and off of the tennis court these past 4 years. He is a big part of the success that the boys tennis team has accomplished. Whether it be in singles or doubles, Alex is a threat to win every match. I expect big things from Alex in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
Alexander has been a part of the Bulldog Brigade for the last four years. Ever since he was a Freshman, he has been extremely mature and very respectful. He always leads by example for his fellow peers, and has shown tremendous GROWTH in his overall musicianship. Last year, Alexander auditioned and made the Kern County Honor Band group. This is an elite group that has the best musicians in the county. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do great things after high school, he is very motivated, focused, and an intelligent young man. I look forward to seeing his future unfold!" Kristen Torres, Bulldog Brigade and Band Director, Golden Valley High School