Student: Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai Jones
Year in School: Seniors
Plans After High School: Ty’Jon plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in computer science. Ty’Jai plans to attend the University of Oregon or USC and get her degree in nursing to eventually become a registered nurse.
GPS Focus: PRIDE
What Makes Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai #BulldogSTRONG: What lies in the epicenter of family are the people that produce the love that they have for one another. These bonds are important because family helps people get through the most disastrous times and the best of times. Family is important because they can offer support and security coupled with unconditional love; they will always look to see and bring out the best in each other even if the individual cannot see it for themselves. Family is important because they will, for the most part, be the only ones who can really understand and bring back individuals to that place of peace. For Golden Valley High School twin siblings Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai Jones, understanding and unconditional family love have been essential to their success on the football field and volleyball court. As a three year player in the Bulldog Football program, Ty’Jon has always shown glimpses of superstardom, but exploded on to the CIF Central Section football landscape with his stellar play as a running back. In 11 games, Ty’Jon accumulated 1,277 yards on the ground with 13 touchdowns, averaging 116 yards per game including 7 games in which he rushed for over 100 yards. In his last game, in which GVHS fell just short to the Morro Bay Pirates in the opening round of playoffs, Ty’Jon rushed 12 times for 147 yards and 3 TDs including an impressive 84 yard TD run on the Bulldogs first play from offense. As a result of his outstanding play, Ty’Jon and the Bulldogs won the South Yosemite Horizon League with a 3-0 league record, the first title in 12 years for GVHS. “The most rewarding aspect of playing football at GVHS is that we are moving in the right direction,” humbly comments Ty’Jon, “From the high energy in practices to being underdogs in some games, we are starting to accumulate wins and it’s big for our program.” Ty’Jon is poised to earn his fair share of postseason accolades for the success that he had this season on the gridiron.
In a Week 7 victory against Mira Monte, #24 Ty'Jon Jones had 14 rushes for 237 yards and 3 TDs.
On the volleyball courts, Ty’Jon’s twin sister Ty’Jai has seen her share of success as a setter for the Lady Bulldogs. For her efforts, Ty’Jai has been one of the catalysts in the turnaround for the Lady Bulldogs over the past few seasons. As a junior last year, Ty’Jai was essential in producing the Lady Bulldogs first winning season in years as they finished 15-13-2, making it to the CIF Central Section Division V Semifinals in the process. Ty’Jai was recognized with 2nd All South Yosemite League honors for her ability to set her teammates up with perfect passes to allow for them to accumulate a ton of kills as well as do the little things to help her team win. “I really enjoy passing and the feeling of getting a perfect dig,” humbly comments Ty’Jai. As a senior this year, Ty’Jai was elevated to captain of the Lady Bulldogs, leading them to a 23-6-1 overall record, finishing 2nd in the South Yosemite Horizon League and defeating the historic Bakersfield High School 3-0 in the opening round of CIF Central Section DIV playoffs before losing a close match 3-2 to the Hanford Bullpups in the quarterfinals. Like her brother, Ty’Jai is expected to earn postseason accolades for her play on the court. With all of the success that each has accomplished, both are quick to praise the efforts of their sibling . “Seeing my sister having success on the court makes me very proud because she really loves her sport,” comments Ty’Jon, “All those countless practices both for GVHS and outside of school have paid off and it shows.” Ty’Jai shares the sentiments towards her brother, “Seeing my brother have the success he has had on the football field makes me proud because I know how much he’s wanted this moment to shine. He’s a star and this year, he proved it.” For the incredible success that they have experienced on the football field and on the volleyball court at GVHS, and in the unconditional love and support that they have for each other, Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai Jones are #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai:
"What #BulldogSTRONG means to me is to always have pride in everything you do and never give up. ” Ty’Jon Jones
“To me, BulldogSTRONG means to have pride in yourself, respect others around you and to always strive for greatness at this campus and outside of school.” Ty’Jai Jones
What Teachers and Staff Think of Ty’Jon and Ty’Jai:
“I have had the pleasure of having Ty’Jon be a part of our football program for the last 3 years. The growth he has made as a person has been great to watch. Not known for being the most vocal kid, he led by example with his great performance on the field and in the classroom. He stepped up to the challenge to be part of the change and leave the program better than the way he found it. Ty’jon is smart, hardworking, and overall a great young man. I am excited for his future.” James Cain, Head Football Coach and Community Specialist, Golden Valley High School
“It was so much fun watching our football team succeed this year and Ty’Jon was a big part of their success. Ty’Jon was not a big talker but he was a leader by way of his actions. Not only was he a team leader on the football field but he also became a leader in our Leadership program here at GVHS. I expect big things from Ty’Jon in the future whether it be on the football field or academic life.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Ty Jon has been an exceptional student in my class. He is not the most talkative person in class, but he is extremely respectful towards me and his peers. He has a positive attitude in class which is nice to see. His performance on the football and in class make him #bulldogstrong. I am glad that he is in my class.” Fernando Ruiz, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Ty’Jon is a very polite young man. This is his first year in leadership, and he is helpful and kind. It has been nice having him in class.” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“What a wonderful young woman. I still remember her freshman year, I was in charge of driving a van to away games for volleyball. She had such a fire in her that still burns today. Ty’Jai puts 100% into everything she does from Volleyball and Basketball to being a big part of our student leadership program here at GVHS. It will be a sad day when she graduates because GVHS will lose a great Student/Athlete as well as a great person.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Ty’Jai has a fun spirit about her. She is our Senior Class President, and I know will do a great job this year leading the class of 2023.” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“Ty’Jai has been in our volleyball program for four years and has done a wonderful job. She was one of our Team captains the last two years and helped lead our team to a great 23-6 season this year. She is also a very good student and we hope to see her play volleyball at the next level.” Bill Richardson, Head Volleyball Coach and PE Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Ty’Jai Jones is an outstanding young woman who epitomizes what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. In class and around campus she demonstrates Growth by honoring her commitments, always giving her best, and challenging herself as a learner. Also, she shows tremendous Pride as a Bulldog by being on time and ready to learn, by representing our schools in ASB, Volleyball, and Basketball, and by making positive choices. Furthermore, Ty’Jai shows Service by contributing to serving the student body as a leader in ASB and serving as a leader on her teams. She is an outstanding student with a lot of character. Having her in class is truly a joy.” John Hansen, Government Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School