Student: Alejandro Hernandez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Alejandro plans to attend California State University, Bakersfield and pursue a degree in finance with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur and opening up local barbershops.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Alejandro #BulldogSTRONG: Student leaders play a pivotal role in affecting the climate, attitude, and reputation of their schools. They are the cornerstone on which learning and student engagement function and grow. With successful school teen leadership, schools become effective incubators of learning and support, places where students are not only educated but challenged, nurtured, and encouraged. At Golden Valley High School, teen leadership has had an incredible impact on what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG and one of those exemplary leaders is Senior Alejandro Hernandez. Leadership and decision making at school have always been part of Alejandro’s academic journey as he served as a Safe School Ambassador (SSA) at Planz Elementary School and at McKee Middle School respectively. “It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time,” states Alejandro, “However, the Safe School Ambassador program allowed for me to develop leadership skills that have helped me at Golden Valley.” After taking an absence from leadership during his 9th grade year, Alejandro became a part of student leadership during sophomore year assuming the role of Treasurer for the Class of 2023, a position he would continue into his junior year. However, this year Alejandro decided to step out of his comfort zone and as a result, he was elected as Vice President for the Class of 2023. For Alejandro, his goal as a student leader is to be the ultimate example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. “As a student leader at Golden Valley, my goal is to set an example of what #BulldogSTRONG means,” passionately states Alejandro, “I want people to be involved and enjoy their experience at school. As ASB students, we try our best to make GV a healthy, effective, and positive learning environment.” Alejandro indicates that ASB has big plans for the 2nd Semester of which include the famous Winter Rally that is held annually in the GVHS Gymnasium. “To me it's crazy how many people have not yet been given the opportunity to experience such a monumental event in our school year due to Covid-19 striking us in March of 2020,” states Alejandro, “My favorite part of this event is the adrenaline rush built in the gym because of the excitement and students genuinely having fun.”
Beyond the leadership that he provides to the students at GVHS on a daily basis, Alejandro is deeply committed to academic excellence. While being enrolled in GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, Alejandro has earned an eye popping 4.2 GPA. “I believe academics is everything, academics will take you places that is why it is best to take school seriously. I like getting good results, therefore I strive to obtain the results I want no matter how hard it may get.” Alejandro has also participated in Soccer, Bruiser’s Block, and enjoys Strong Body as his favorite class. From the various teachers and peers that he has met in his journey as a Bulldog, Alejandro takes PRIDE in his GVHS experience. “To me Golden Valley High school will always have a place in my heart, it's where I grew from a kid to a young adult. I love that I know I will always be able to fall back to GV’s arms when in need of some spark. It's more of a family here than just an educational system. I’m proud to know I was a part of something so great and still will be becoming an alumni soon.” For the leadership and support he provides to all students at GVHS as Vice President for the Class of 2023 and in his pursuit of academic excellence, Alejandro Hernandez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Alejandro: “#BulldogSTRONG means to me personal growth and striving to be a better version of yourself everyday.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Alejandro:
“Alejandro is amazingly kind-spirited and truly has never met a stranger. He always has a smile on his face and takes on challenges with grace and a growth mind-set. While he likes to down-play his accomplishments, he is a very hard worker and takes pride in everything he does. Overall, he is an incredible kid and is so deserving of this spotlight!” Victoria Hinojosa, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
“With Alejandro, there is never a dull moment in Leadership Class. He is funny, inquisitive, and always has a good story to tell. He is also dependable, and committed, and I can count on him to get things done. I have very much enjoyed him in our Leadership Program because of his always upbeat demeanor. He also has the best pizza recommendations! ” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“Alejandro joined my Strongbody weightlifting class this fall, and from the start, I could tell he was a leader and a strong student. He instantly started asking questions and began to workout very hard. I later learned that he was involved with Leadership and when our Varsity girls volleyball team played Arvin at home, he had our crowd pumped up and cheering. He is an outstanding young man that has a very bright future.” Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair and Head Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“The best way to summarize Alejandro is he's a ball of energy. Alejandro is a very talkative person but knows how to take care of business. He's humble, hardworking, and just a fun person to be around. I very much have enjoyed having him in my Anatomy class and I know due to his qualities he will be very successful in the future.” George San Miguel, Anatomy and Biology Teacher, Golden Valley High School