Student: Jazlyn Fernandez
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Jazlyn hopes to attend a 4 year university in San Diego with aspirations of studying psychology and being involved in as many activities in college as she has at GVHS.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Jazlyn #BulldogSTRONG: Art is the expression or application of human creativity and imagination. Whether it’s a poem, a doodle, or a musical, art – in all its forms – captures ideas, conveys emotion, and unpacks experiences and reveals perspectives reflective of individual and collective circumstances. Anyone can make something meaningful, there are countless outlets for expression, and it provides a powerful vehicle that unifies us with a shared sense of reality that helps us feel connected and make sense of the world. For Golden Valley High School Senior Jazlyn Fernandez, she has an incredible ability to creatively express herself, unifying students and staff at GVHS towards the common purpose of being #BulldogSTRONG. One way in which Jazlyn expresses her creativity is through her role as Pit Captain for the GVHS Drumline. As a four year member of the Bulldog Brigade and GVHS Drumline, Jazlyn has risen to the important role of Pit Captain through her natural talent, hard work, and her genuine kindness that she conveys towards others. As the Pit Captain, Jazlyn is responsible for making sure that the auxiliary instruments are in one accord, bringing beauty and the rest of the percussion instruments to life. For her part, Jazlyn plays the large marimba, equipped with four mallets, which can be a challenge for many, but through her resilient attitude, she has excelled and plays it exceptionally well. “I can play the trombone, but the marimba is my favorite instrument to play,” comments Jazlyn, “It’s fun to play, learn the music, and you have to really travel the board in order to play the music correctly.” Jazlyn is excited for drumline this season as GVHS has moved up a division and hope to bring home many awards for the school.
Beyond the marimba and her role as Pit Captain, Jazlyn has also been a vital part of the Bulldog Cheer program. Having cheered in 3rd grade at Palla Elementary School, Jazlyn chose to perform in band for her remaining years in elementary school and middle school, but decided to try out her junior year. With an infectious enthusiasm and smile, Jazlyn has been an amazing addition to the Bulldogs cheer program because her focus is always on building student PRIDE in GVHS. “I am glad I came out to cheer because it felt like I gained another family,” graciously states Jazlyn, “Also, I enjoy being part of the school’s PRIDE section where I get to cheer and support other students. I love lifting other people’s spirits up.”
As Jazlyn indicated with her role as a Bulldog cheerleader, serving others is extremely important to her and is the reason she decided to join the newly established Peer Advocacy and Restorative Center (PARC) at GVHS. The purpose of the student led PARC is to create a space where all students and staff feel safe, valued, respected, understood, empowered, and #BulldogSTRONG and Jazlyn has been vital in its development as she hopes to help others. “I decided to join the PARC because I wanted to help our campus and to serve those students that need someone to talk to but does not know how to go about doing so,” Jazlyn states passionately, “I want to be a student on this campus that makes GVHS a better place and I believe that the PARC will allow me to do so.” For the creativity, optimism, and PRIDE that she expresses as Pit Captain for the GVHS Drumline and as a Cheerleader and in her commitment to SERVICE as a leader in the student led PARC, Jazlyn Fernandez is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Jazlyn: "#BulldogSTRONG means to me that we are to be caring, respectful, and united as a community. It means to follow GPS and be kind to those around us.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Jazlyn:
"Jazzy is such a wonderful student. She brightens up the room and always keeps a positive attitude even in the midst of a struggle. She is an incredibly hard worker, she is dedicated to a number of extracurricular activities, and she shows tremendous pride in our campus and values. As her teacher, I am very grateful to have her in my class, and I know she’s going to continue to do amazing things in the years to come.” Melissa Waldrop, Peer Advocacy and Restorative Center (PARC) Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I have had the pleasure of having Jazlyn in my program for the last four years. She has been an active member of the Bulldog Brigade and the Golden Valley Drumline and this year she is also our Pit Captain. Jazlyn is a natural leader and demonstrates SERVICE by always helping her fellow peers. She is extremely intelligent, has a great heart, and is very driven. I have no doubt she will go far in life and I’m very excited to see her future unfold.” Kristen Torres, Band Director, Golden Valley High School
“Jazlyn Fernandez is a hard-working and dedicated member of the GVHS student body. She has proven her leadership abilities by being this year's Pit Captain for the Marching Bulldog Brigade. It has been an honor being able to work with her this year and see her grow into a young adult with potential that she isn’t even aware of, she deserves the spotlight!” Austin Gray, Band Coach, Golden Valley High School
“If I had to describe Jazzy in three words it would be positive, reliable, and tenacious. At practice, when she falls down she gets right back up and never fails to keep trying! She sets the perfect example for the team by showing them to never give up all while having a positive attitude. She truly is one of a kind and I'm happy to have had the privilege to coach her.” Brianna Waters, Instructional Assistant and Head Cheer Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Jazlyn is always a positive part of our class. She is far too modest and humble to admit how much she supports classmates and friends.” Aaron Wright, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School