Student: Parris Taylor
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Parris plans to go to college to play basketball and to study psychology so that she can one day become a psychologist.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Parris #BulldogSTRONG: Since Golden Valley High School Senior Parris Taylor was 5 years old, a basketball has been in her hands playing the game that she absolutely loves. From her time playing in the Upward Basketball League at her church to her experiences with Palla Elementary School, Ollivier Middle School, her AAU team Valley Heights, and now in her fourth year as part of the GVHS varsity team, Parris has enjoyed every moment on the courts developing and refining her skills as a basketball player. In a pivotal moment in her sophomore year against a tough Independence High School, Parris hit a clutch three point shot with just seconds left, catapulting her as one of the leaders of the Lady Bulldogs at a young age. During her junior year, Parris demonstrated her versatility as a player averaging 4.7 points per game, 1.8 assists per game, and 3.4 rebounds from her position as combo guard and forward. However, this year Parris has established herself as one of the all time greats as a Lady Bulldog for her stellar play and for her leadership. For her part, Parris has elevated her game in every major statistical category this year: 9.3 points per game, 3.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals. Perhaps what has made Parris shine the most this year is her leadership. As a captain for the Lady Bulldogs, Parris wants to make sure that her teammates are in the right position for success. “My role for the team is to make sure that I lead my team on the right path and pick them up when they are having a bad moment,” comments Parris, “I also try to communicate with my teammates on defense because defense will always win our games.”
Beyond her time as a key member of the basketball team, Parris has come to make some positive memories on the campus of GVHS. On the volleyball courts she was a critical player for the Lady Bulldogs this year as they beat the Bakersfield High School Drillers in the opening round of playoffs. Parris has also come to appreciate staff members that have had a positive influence in her life. She credits one of her history teachers, Mr. William Cross, and Campus Security Guard, Don Turner, because of their care for the students at GVHS. “They are influential because they uplift kids here at GVHS,” humbly states Parris, “They motivate and set better examples for us as well as set high standards for all students.” Parris is also proud of GVHS’s commitment to recognizing diversity on campus, especially when Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Months come each year. For Parris, Black History Month is cause for celebration. “Black history month to me means looking back at the impact of African Americans and celebrating the acknowledgements and achievements they sacrificed to help shape the nation,” comments Parris, “Black history is making sense of the past to understand how things come to be now in life, some things that happened then still happen today.” For the leadership and GROWTH she has demonstrated as captain of the Lady Bulldogs Basketball program and for her commitment to celebrating diversity at GVHS, Parris Taylor is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Parris: "Being #BulldogSTRONG to me means carrying myself to be a better leader in and outside of the classroom. It also means helping others when you see they need help or just by simply being respectful. I encourage everyone to be #BulldogSTRONG as it can impact others in so many ways.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Parris:
“Parris has been a 4 year starter on varsity and from the moment she dawned a Golden Valley jersey she instantly became a leader amongst her peers. Parris is one of the most effective leaders I've ever coached because she generally cares about others and constantly puts the team's success over her personal success. Parris has consistently been whatever our team has needed at that moment and I know we wouldn't have had near the success we've had these past two years without her. Parris is the glue that has kept the varsity team together and has become a role model to all of the girls in the program. I wish I could clone Parris because every successful team needs to have athletes like her! #teamoverme” Curt Wilson, Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“What a great student athlete. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow as an athlete these last four years. She is that type of athlete/teammate that leads by example but when need be she will tell you how it is. I expect big things from Parris in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Parris is a great student in my wood shop. This is her second year taking my class. She is always upbeat and ready to work. She and I have a fantastic teacher/student relationship. There is always a smile on her face when we talk. I have attended her volleyball games and she is very talented. Parris always shows pride in being a Bulldog. She is definitely #BulldogSTRONG!!” John Haskell, Wood Shop Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Parris was on our Varsity Volleyball team this year and was a crucial part of our success. Parris always has a positive attitude and an outstanding work ethic. Two things we loved about Parris was her coachability and her willingness to always help her fellow teammates. There is no doubt she will be very successful in whatever path she chooses in life.” Bill Richardson, Head Volleyball Coach and PE Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Parris at Ollivier Middle School for three years. In those three years we accomplished a lot, with the help of her leadership. Since she was a 6th grader, she had the ability to lead the team with her high basketball IQ. I am glad that I have the opportunity to watch her play here at Golden Valley. I can't wait to see what she does in the future.” Danielle Madrid, Head JV Girls Basketball Coach and PE Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Parris Taylor is an all-around great student. She is heavily involved with sports but ensures that her academics is as important of a priority. In Life Skills class she shows all facets of #BulldogSTRONG. She shows pride by showing up on time and ready to learn in the classroom, she demonstrates growth by wanting to improve in her work, and she shows service by helping others in the community. I know she will be a great leader or employer in the future because of her determination and passion for her goals.” Marshall Garcia, Social Studies Teacher and Soccer Coach, Golden Valley High School