Student: Brooke Hollibaugh
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Brooke wants to earn a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in performing theatre arts with aspirations of working towards a master’s degree in the same area of focus. She was accepted to Northern Arizona University to act, but would like to attend CSU Fullerton or a fine arts school like the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Brooke #BulldogSTRONG: One of the essential behavior expectations of being #BulldogSTRONG at Golden Valley High School is by showing PRIDE on campus by promoting a positive self-image. One way in which students can promote a positive self-image on campus is on center stage of the GVHS Performing Arts Center as a performer in the Bulldog Theatre Company and as President of this long standing group, Senior Brooke Hollibaugh epitomizes the very essence of a positive self image. For Brooke, live theatre performances have been a passion of hers since she was four years old as she has performed as part of ensemble casts and lead roles for 32 total productions. At GVHS, Brooke has been deeply committed to the Bulldog Theatre Company, performing in numerous productions in her tenure as a Bulldog. In her first show at GVHS, Brooke was in The Nine Worst Breakups of all Time, where she played Tina and Julie. Brooke was then cast in the production Flor where she was supposed to play Ruth, but with Covid-19 shutting down schools worldwide, the production was also brought to a halt. Last year, hope was brought back to the Bulldog Theatre Company as productions were once again open for show business and as a result, Brooke played Carla in the production of In The Heights, and loved every moment of the show. In her four years as a Bulldog, Brooke has also competed in Shakespeare Festivals playing the parts of Lady Macbeth, Desdemona, and more recently as Brutus and Hamlet who have been her favorite roles. “Both characters have so many layers to them,” passionately states Brooke, “Even though they’re supposed to be hated by the audience, it's hard to not relate to them in some way. Playing them pushed my boundaries and made me more confident in my abilities as an actor.”
This upcoming November, Brooke is excited about the direction of the Bulldog Theatre Company as they will finally be able to perform Flor and will do so on November 3, 4, 9, and10 in the GVHS PAC. Flor highlights the power of two very different groups coming together to create an incredible community and Brooke portrays the character Ruth, a child who migrated from Oklahoma to Arvin during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s; Ruth is a very outspoken, hard headed, and independent child. For Brooke, what makes Flor a special production is the inclusive approach of the Bulldog Theatre Company. “The show is bilingual with Spanish and English languages being presented to the audience,” happily states Brooke, “The translations will be projected allowing for the audience to always know what is going on.” The Bulldog Theatre Company’s inclusive approach reflects their commitment to the notion of family, something that makes this group special on the campus of GVHS. “The Bulldog Theatre Company truly is so much more than just a cast and crew,” humbly comments Brooke, “It’s so cheesy and cliche’ to say but we’re honestly a family. Everyone in it is crazy talented and I’m so proud of them. I’m happy to be the president of such an incredible program.” For the PRIDE she exhibits as President of the Bulldog Theatre Company and for her role as Ruth in the upcoming production of Flor in November, Brooke Hollibaugh is #BulldogSTRONG.
Brooke Hollibaugh will star as Ruth in the Bulldog Theatre Company's production of Flor on November 3,4,9, and 10 in the GVHS PAC.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Brooke: "#BulldogSTRONG means to always be kind and a good leader. As a president I try to always be someone that a classmate can go to and trust. I carry a positive attitude and encourage my cast and crew to do the best they can. In other classes I always try to be kind to others and make their day better.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Brooke:
"Brooke has been the President of the Bulldog Theatre Company for two years now, and is a true leader. She sets the bar for her company members, demonstrating professionalism, a strong work ethic, and pride in her work. She demands the best from herself always, and works with her peers to help them reach their best as well. Not only was she a lead in the 1st place ensemble scene at the Shakespeare Festival, but she was recognized as an All-Star Performer, and went on to also place 2nd in the Duo Scene competition. This girl is just amazing, and she’s absolutely shining her senior year.” Sheila McClure, Bulldog Theatre Company Teacher and Video Production, Golden Valley High School
“Brooke Hollibaugh is an exemplary student and person. Brooke has been part of countless theatrical productions, both in school and in community theatres. She has transferred that dedication and team focus to her studies. Brook regularly demonstrates SERVICE during cast study sessions, motivating her fellow castmates to improve their grades, and often tutors castmates. In addition, Brooke has demonstrated PRIDE by singing the National Anthem during a football game and positively representing Golden Valley as a theatre leader at district events. Brook is truly #BulldogSTRONG.” Mónica Beavers, Bulldog Theatre Company Teacher and ELD Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I had the honor of having Brooke during her Junior year. She was an excellent student, always helpful to others and #BulldogStrong. She's great!” Katrina Barnam, AP Biology and Introduction to Physical Science Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Brooke is a wonderful example of every component of GPS! Freshman year Brooke recognized that she wasn’t being challenged enough and advocated for herself to move into GATE classes rather than taking it easy. Sophomore and Junior year she expanded her commitment to the theatre all while maintaining a highly rigorous academic schedule and flourished. This year she is already on track to be one of the first groups of students to complete her CSU applications! So proud of her and I can’t wait to see where life takes her!" Victoria Hinojosa, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
“Brooke Hollibaugh is an outstanding example of what being a #BulldogSTRONG student embodies. She showed tremendous Growth as a learner in my We the People class as she joined late, missing out on our Summer Program but has not missed a beat and consistently demonstrates thoughtful analysis in her work. Also, Brooke shows Pride as a by being a Bulldog and promoting a positive image for our Drama Program and through We the People. As a learner she shows Service by helping her peers understand their coursework, making positive in class contributions, and respecting her classmates' differences. Truly, Brooke is a blessing to have in class and I know her future will be bright.” John Hansen, Government/Economics Teacher & We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Brooke does an outstanding job in French. She is efficient and responsible, and I appreciate the higher level of thinking she puts into the “cultural perspectives” questions. She works in a discreet manner and shows a high level of kindness and maturity, consistent with her helpful nature. Brooke is naturally #BulldogStrong, and I am glad to have her in my class.” May Feghali, French Teacher, Golden Valley High School