Student: Eduardo Garcia
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Eduardo plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obsispo or UCLA to earn a degree in civil engineering.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Eduardo #BulldogSTRONG: The NFL Man of the Year trophy was created in 1969 by artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz, depicting a nondescript caped lineman standing alone on the sidelines, outside of game action; it symbolizes that the award is intended to recognize any player, including one who may perform in a lower-profile playing position outside of the spotlight, whose humanitarian contributions and efforts are worthy. After the legendary and Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton passed away in 1999, the trophy became the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and honors an outstanding players’ commitment to community impact as well as their excellence on the field. At Golden Valley High School, Bulldog tennis player Eduardo Garcia has embodied the very essence of this prestigious NFL award as he has achieved excellence on the tennis courts while also positively impacting his community in powerful ways as co-president of the Interact Club. As a four year varsity player for the Bulldogs, Eduardo has emerged as the undisputed leader of the team where he has played #1 Singles and on the #1 Doubles team since his junior year. Known for his passion, intensity, and never quit mentality, Eduardo was essential in the Bulldogs CIF Central Section Division 5 Valley Championship match as he scored the deciding point, giving GVHS its first tennis championship in school history. “It is a core memory that I have,” comments Eduardo, “There is nothing like being part of deciding a point for a championship. It was the best feeling.” Individually, Eduardo was a part of a doubles team that finished in 3rd place in a tough South Yosemite League and hopes to carry the momentum of success into this year with goals of being selected to All Area and winning another Valley Championship on his mind. However, more important to Eduardo is that during his Senior Year, he wants to be remembered as a good teammate. “This year I hope to become the best teammate I can for my team,” humbly states Eduardo, “Whether it be by supporting them before a tough match or helping them to become a better tennis player. I just want to serve my teammates and make them better.”
Not only is Eduardo’s commitment to serving others seen on the tennis courts of GVHS, but it is also visible in his role as co-president of the community service oriented Interact Club. With Science Department Chair, Mrs. Jennifer Yamauchi as the club’s advisor, this collective group of students, has adopted the motto “service above self” as they have done numerous projects around Bakersfield to simply make the community better. For his efforts this year, Eduardo has participated in a highway trash cleanup, unloaded pumpkins for the Wesley Methodist Church for Halloween, and has worked closely with autistic children at the most recent LEGO event with the Autism Society. Currently, Eduardo and the Interact Club are leading a sock drive where they are collecting and then donating socks to the Veterans Affair Office so that military veterans in need can have socks during the cold winter months. As co-president, Eduardo hopes that he can inspire other students to focus on service without expecting anything in return and make the community better. “I want the members to know that the Interact Club isn’t only about getting community service hours, but about the rewarding and beneficial experience that comes from helping others,” passionately states Eduardo, “I also want to encourage the club to take action outside of our school by making a positive impact on our community.” The Interact Club meets every Tuesday in Mrs. Yamauchi’s room 1605 at 3:35pm. For his leadership and genuine commitment to the SERVICE of others as leader of the Bulldog Boys Tennis Team and as co-president of the Interact Club, Eduardo Garcia is #BulldogSTRONG.
As co-president of the Interact Club, Eduardo Garcia (3rd Row, 5th Student from Right) helps clean up the community to make it better for all students and families that attend GVHS.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Eduardo: "What #BulldogStrong means to me is someone who shows growth, pride, and service both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether it be participating in community service on campus or setting a positive example for others being #BulldogStrong is an important aspect of being a student here at Golden Valley.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Eduardo:
“Eduardo Garcia is the Interact Club Co-President and has been rocking this year with plenty of service events for our students. He joined the club his Junior year and was inspired to continue to serve in his community. This year alone, he has done a highway cleanup, pumpkin unloading at Wesley Methodist church and worked closely with autistic children at the most recent LEGO event with Autism society. He genuinely enjoys serving and really enjoyed working with the youth. He leads each meeting with his buddy Balpreet, and does an excellent job facilitating ideas and plans for the club. He shared he is excited to go to college and find ways to continue to serve his community. The club's motto is service above self, and it’s very evident Eduardo is accomplishing that. Eduardo represents the Interact club well, a job well done!” Jennifer Yamauchi, Science Department Chair and Interact Club Adviser, Golden Valley High School
“Eduardo Garcia is a four-year varsity starter on the Golden Valley Tennis team. A person can go a lifetime and never meet a person who exhibits integrity, ease of leadership, exemplary behavior, steady kindness, joy at being excellent, scholastic achievement, care and respect for others, as does Eduardo Garcia. Eduardo has taught me, reminded me, of the values of good manners, intelligence under pressure, how to learn, and being a winner. Wow -- an astounding and special individual. #BulldogSTRONG is just a beginning.” Fred Kumpel, Head Tennis Coach, Golden Valley High School
“What a great young man on and off the court. He has grown into one of the top tennis players in this town with his dedication practices in the off season. I see him out at the tennis courts daily, be it with the girls' teams or one of the other boys. I see big things in Eduardo's future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
"I have had the pleasure to have Eduardo in class for the last two years. He is one of those students that combines a positive attitude and an awesome work ethic. That combo is going to take him far in life! I can't wait to see all that he will accomplish and hope that he will remember his time at GV and continue to be #BulldogStrong!” Sheryl Cleveland, Math Teacher and Math Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Eduardo Garcia is a gentleman and a scholar, without a doubt he is the epitome of being #BulldogSTRONG. Eduardo as a learner demonstrates Growth by giving 100% in class, being an engaged learner, and being inquisitive in the classroom. Furthermore, he shows tremendous Bulldog PRIDE by regularly attending campus events, by committing to representing our school in clubs and in Tennis, and he is enthusiastic about being a Bulldog. Moreover, Eduardo is an exemplar of serving our community he has been engaged in the Interact Club as an Officer and helping serve the community through various events. Truly, Eduardo Garcia is a shining example of being #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, on campus, and in our community.” John Hansen, Social Studies Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Eduardo is awesome to have in class. He is always in a good mood, positive in speech and his motivation to succeed in the classroom and willingness to put in the work is infectious.” Mike Larson, AP Psychology Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I am privileged to have Eduardo this year and he is an amazing student. He is quiet and thoughtful, leads by example, and is always there to help his peers. He has an amazing positive energy, great work ethic, and a growth mindset. Undoubtedly, Eduardo will be a success in anything he pursues.” Judiah Hopkins, Project Lead the Way Teacher and eSports Coach, Golden Valley High School