Student: Brandon Gonzales
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Brandon wants to attend Azusa Pacific University and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Brandon #BulldogSTRONG: One of the major behavior expectations of being #BulldogSTRONG is practicing good manners in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. When the world seems to be riddled with chaos, strife, and upheaval, good manners are important to the goodness of humanity. Manners are a good way to show gratitude, display respect, and demonstrate kindness. Good manners demonstrate trustworthiness and are a strong indicator of dependable, reliable, and selfless behavior. The exemplar student of practicing good manners on a daily basis at Golden Valley High School is Senior Brandon Gonzales. Instilled with the value of manners, kindness, and respect from his mother, Brandon is extremely aware of how important it is to treat others the right way. “Practicing good manners helps us to be thoughtful of our conduct,” humbly comments Brandon, “Good manners helps us to be aware of the feelings and rights of others. By eliminating discourteous behavior and prioritizing other people’s feelings, etiquette and good manners promote kindness, consideration, and humility.” From teachers to secretaries alike, many staff members are always impressed with every interaction they have with Brandon because of how kind and good mannered he is. GVHS Staff Secretary Tara Haskell calls Brandon, “one of the most respectful and courteous students I’ve ever known.” GVHS Title I Coordinator Jane Hurttgam further comments on Brandon that he is a “delightful young man filled with integrity.” By practicing good manners and staying positive, Brandon has earned the respect of his peers and staff alike.
Part of Brandon’s upbeat outlook on life is shaped by the positive experience he has had as a Bulldog. Brandon is quick to recognize the teachers in his life that have helped him in his academic journey and provide support to him along the way. He credits Ms. Erin Dougherty for making sure that he completes his assignments and stays on top of his educational obligations. Brandon appreciates Mr. William Cross for always helping him to find solutions in difficult situations and to maintain a positive attitude when things get tough. He also is inspired by Mr. John Alvarez because he encourages Brandon to have big dreams because they could one day become his reality. “Golden Valley is a special place because I can depend on teachers and friends when I need help,” Brandon graciously comments. Brandon has developed long lasting friendships as part of the GVHS Football team and as Vice President of the Project BEST Club. “I am going to miss the cool times with my friends. From rallies to lunchtime to football games under the Friday night lights, I am gonna miss just hanging out with my friends and laughing with them.” For the incredible manners and kindness that he displays in every interaction he has with his classmates and staff members at Golden Valley High School, Brandon Gonzales is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Brandon: "#BulldogSTRONG means to have courage to do good deeds. It takes courage to be kind to others and treat them with care and respect.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Brandon:
“I’ve seen a lot of maturity from Brandon this school year. From participating on the Football team giving great effort and encouragement to his teammates to getting the job done in the classroom. His upbeat positive attitude is infectious. He is poised to accomplish great things in the future.” Dustin Wilkins, Program Specialist, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon is one of the most respectful and courteous students I’ve ever known. He consistently shows respect for his peers, teachers, and office staff. Brandon’s disposition and manners always impress me. He exhibits such a positive outlook and attitude, I have no doubt that he will accomplish anything he puts his mind to.” Tara Haskell, Staff Secretary, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon is a delightful young man filled with integrity. As a messenger for my office, he is continually and consistently helpful, polite, and engaging. He does everything asked of him and more. His respect and courtesy toward others is rarely seen in this day and age, and Brandon credits his mother for instilling this in him. She has done a fine job raising a kind and thoughtful son.” Jane Hurttgam, Title 1 Coordinator, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon is an awesome student. He completed the Fireman training at CTEC his junior year. He is always positive and always willing to help anyone who needs it. We are all lucky to have him on our campus!” Erin Dougherty, Art Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I had Brandon in my Strongbody class this year and he always had a positive attitude and followed the workouts. He was a very nice young man and definitely has a bright future.” Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon is very respectful to staff and his classmates. He always engages in class conversations and encourages others. He shows up everyday with a smile, which is great to have in the classroom.” Nicole Rojas, Instructional Assistant, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon Gonzales is an excellent human being. He is very respectful, polite and always greets you when he arrives at our office. Brandon is always willing to help anywhere that is needed. He is always trying to improve his grades and be a better person every day. Brandon is an asset to the Title I office. He is definitely #BulldogSTRONG.” Silvia Ortega-Duenas, Migrant School Community Specialist
“I met Brandon at the beginning of the last semester. He is a kind, respectful and smart young man. He always greets everybody with a big smile and asks us how he can help us today. He never complains about delivering call slips and asks for more work to do. I am so glad to have him with us at room 804. Brandon is a truly #BulldogSTRONG.” Eutimia Madrid, Bilingual Technician, Golden Valley High School
“Brandon has been such a pleasure to have in class. He is respectful and courteous; I appreciate him checking into class to see if we have anything for him to do. He also shows responsibility by reaching out for help in his classes when needed. Brandon, continue to reach for the stars!! #Bulldogstrong” Wendy Akins, Title 1 Secretary, Golden Valley High School
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Brandon since before the dark days of Covid. Even during the time of online learning, he was a bright spot in my teaching day. As everyone knows, he has always been a super polite and humorous young man. He makes the school day fun, and his good natured attitude can be infectious in the classroom. He has high aspirations as he looks toward life after high school, and I look forward to seeing him exhibit Growth and Pride in all that he does. He is a great young man and I am proud of all that he’s accomplished.” Darren Buckey, Teacher, Golden Valley High School