Student: Rocio Ruiz
Year in School: Seniors
Plans After High School: Rocio plans to attend Bakersfield College before transferring to a four year university where she will pursue a degree in criminal justice with aspirations of working in law enforcement.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Rocio #BulldogSTRONG: One of the essential behavior expectations at Golden Valley High School for every student’s journey towards being #BulldogSTRONG is demonstrating PRIDE on campus by promoting a positive self image. The more students develop positive self-esteem and self-image, the more productive they will become. The importance of having a positive self-image helps students recognize their potential as well as gain confidence. In many ways, a positive self-image will help students gain the needed confidence to face whatever comes. For Golden Valley High School Senior Rocio Ruiz, promoting a positive self image has been essential in her success as a veteran leader for the GVHS Color Guard program. Color guard has been a consistent passion of Rocio for the past 7 years of her life as she participated for three years at Ollivier Middle School and is now in her fourth year at GVHS. Known for her enthusiasm, infectious smile, and positive energy that she brings with every performance, Rocio is one of the veteran returners of the team, a position responsible for teaching and leading new team members to perform at high levels during their routines. “What I hope to accomplish as a Senior is that I´ll encourage the new members to become new leaders,” comments Rocio, “I also hope to inspire them to believe that they can accomplish anything if they have a goal or dream that they want to accomplish in life and encourage them to always work for it to get what they want and also make smart choices.” As a result of her enthusiasm and leadership, Rocio has been a vital part of some memorable and award winning performances in competitions including top finishes in the field season during the fall. Rocio believes that during the winter season, the Golden Valley Color Guard team can accomplish even more. “I believe that the color guard team has the potential to be strong and unbeatable during the winter season.”
Beyond the performances and smiles of color guard, Rocio has come to appreciate the support and encouragement she has received as a student at GVHS. She appreciates the support she has received from staff members such as Ms. Cisneros, Ms. Wehbe, and Ms. Ruvalcaba, as they have each helped her in different ways in her journey as a Bulldog. GVHS is a special place to her because it has given her the opportunity to improve herself by speaking up when she needs help as well as become more independent and responsible when it comes to being on time and doing her work as she has improved academically each year as a Bulldog. “This school helped me develop new skills that I thought I could never do,” humbly comments Rocio, “All it takes for me to do at this school is give it my best effort because I know that I have support behind me.” Rocio encourages her classmates to take the same approach as well. “For students at GVHS, to be successful in life you have to always give it your all and to never give up because there are always people that you love who will always support you until the end.” For her infectious smile, endless optimism, and commitment to inspiring others as a leader and veteran returner for the GVHS Color Guard program, Rocio Ruiz is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Rocio: “What #BulldogSTRONG means to me is being responsible, respectful, friendly, and of service towards others, but also being able demonstrate and show others the importance of being an independent person with a positive self image.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Rocio:
“Rocio is an amazing young lady and an integral part of our Colorguard program. She has been involved since her Freshman year and always has a great attitude and is very committed to the program. She is of SERVICE to her fellow peers and always helps them in any way she can. Rocio is #BulldogSTRONG!” Kristen Torres, Band Director of the Bulldog Brigade, Golden Valley High School
“Rocio Ruiz has proven time after time her dedication to not only the Colorguard team for MANY years, but also towards her schoolwork and other club activities. She is an extraordinary role model to the underclassmen and is a wonderful teammate. She follows the guidelines it takes to make a responsible adult and she builds on them to enhance her own personal, creative freedom. She sure makes me #bulldogproud!” Christian Casas, Colorguard Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Rocio is one of the best students in my class. She not only works hard, but is willing to help out others, and ask questions when she or anyone else needs help. Rocio is definitely BulldogSTRONG with the activities she is involved with and how she conducts herself. I am honored to be her teacher this year.” David Gago, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Rocio is a lovely student and an eager learner. Even when she is stumped on an assignment or a question she asks for help and always tries her best. She always gives 100% on any assignment I give her. She is kind and friendly with all her classmates and is always respectful and punctual. Rocio is #BulldogSTRONG.” Cameron Hertzog, Government and Economics Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Rocio has been a great student in the Floral Design program for the last two years. She is always willing to participate in class projects and does well with her floral designs both hands-on and on paper. She takes initiative in class to get things done. Rocio is quiet and always respectful. I’m so happy to have her back in class for Floral 2.” Katy Nieblas, Floral Design Teacher, Golden Valley High School