Student: Jacqueline Espinoza
Year in School: Junior
Plans After High School:
GPS Focus: SERVICE
What Makes Jacqueline #BulldogSTRONG: As an 8th grader at McKee Middle School, Jacqueline Espinoza found joy in going to Golden Valley High School to hang out with her sister in Portable 16 after school. For Jacqueline, it was more than just growing her familial bond with her sister that drew her to GVHS late in the afternoon, it was the welcoming environment that was fostered from the students that met in the classroom. Jacqueline’s sister, Bri Espinoza, was part of the GVHS Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club where English teacher Ms. Nadia Wehbe served (and currently still serves) as the club’s advisor. “I loved coming to GVHS and being around the students in the club,” comments Jacqueline, “Everyone was so welcoming and no one was judged for who they were.” When Jacqueline came to GVHS, she knew that she wanted to be an active member of SAGA and as a current junior, she is entering into her second year as the club’s president. Jacqueline works hard to ensure the GVHS has a safe space on campus where students are accepted and not judged as a result of their sexual orientation or gender idendity. Jacqueline and the SAGA Club cover topics such as time management, public speaking on social issues, dealing with emotions, and for LGBTQIA+ students in the club, learning strategies on how to come out to their parents. Jacqueline also wants it to be known that club is accepting for ALL students to join, not just students that identify in LGBTQIA+ community. “All students can be part of the club,” passionately comments Jacqueline, “Peer influence and support is critical in helping students be successful. Any student can be an ally to a student that identifies as LGBTQIA+ and help them be successful and safe on our campus.” As a result of her vision, Jacqueline is now part of the #BulldogSTRONG Tier I Team where she represents the much needed student voice of this important club.
In addition to her efforts at creating a safe space for all students at GVHS, Jacqueline is also involved in the K-Universe Club (Korean Culture) where she serves as the clubs secretary. As part of her role, Jacqueline helps to plan activities and presentations surrounding Korean culture. “The K-Universe Club is a great way to connect with people of different backgrounds, but that also share similar interests.” With a lot of her time committed to the club life, Jacqueline has still maintained a high level of academic excellence, earning a 3.96 GPA to date while being enrolled in GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement classes. Jacqueline works hard academically because she wants to one day attend the University of California, Davis and earn a degree in behavioral psychology so that she can one day become a psychiatrist to help people deal with their emotions in an appropriate way. For her commitment to ensuring that all students on the campus of GVHS have a safe space to be themselves as President of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club, Jacqueline Espinoza is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Jacqueline: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means aspiring to be what you want to be in life. It also means that while we are students at GVHS, we should be involved in clubs or athletics and treat everyone we meet with the utmost kindness, even if they come from a different background.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Jacqueline:
“Jacqueline is a wonderful, helpful, and intelligent person. She cares about the club members, and does her best to make sure everyone feels seen and accepted. I’m so thankful that she is the president of SAGA.” Nadia Wehbe, English Teacher and SAGA Club Advisor, Golden Valley High School
"Jacqueline is a great example of what it looks like to be #BulldogSTRONG at GVHS. Over the past 3 years, she has demonstrated pride in her classwork and in her involvement on campus. Jacqueline takes challenging classes and excels as she puts into practice #BulldogSTRONG values like hard work, resiliency, and a commitment to growth.” Lana King, English Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Jacqueline demonstrates her commitment to being #BulldogSTRONG by serving as Student Representative on our Tier one team and President of SAGA. Her voice has made an impact on our school culture and improvement. She strives to make the school more inclusive and equitable. Her positivity, intelligence, and friendliness has made her a leader on our campus. She adds enthusiasm to my classroom.” Judiah Hopkins, Project Lead the Way, Engineering, and Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Jacqueline is a wonderful representation of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. As the President of SAGA and as a member of the #BulldogSTRONG Tier I Team, Jacqueline makes important decisions and takes action to ensure that all students at GVHS have a happy, comfortable, and safe experience as a student. At her core, Jacqueline simply cares about people and her attitude and actions are inspiring to those that she is around.” Kyle Wylie, Assistant Principal of Administration, Golden Valley High School