Student: Armaan Bains
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Armaan will attend the University of California, San Diego to pursue a biology degree. After completing his bachelor's, he plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Armaan #BulldogSTRONG: Achieving the top rank in your class is a great accomplishment because it demonstrates a high level of academic achievement, excellent time management skills, and dedication to learning. For Armaan achieving first in class is a source of pride and accomplishment for him and his family. Being at the top of his class meant he had to dedicate himself to earning the highest grades and taking on challenging coursework. Armaan is grateful for the Golden Valley teachers who helped him reach his academic goals. Great teachers inspire and motivate their students to reach their potential and help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Armaan credits Mrs. Richmond for leaving a lasting positive impact on him and his classmates. According to Armaan, Mrs. Richmond took time to connect with her students on a personal level and created a sense of trust and support that was invaluable to his growth and development. Armaan comments, "She loved to teach, and her enthusiasm spread to her students. She pushed us to think critically and creatively and created a space where we felt at ease discussing our ideas." Armaan's time at Golden Valley has been meaningful and positive. He made close friends, learned valuable life lessons, and enjoyed both the fun and challenging aspects of his classes. Additionally, he felt supported and part of the school community, which helped him feel a sense of belonging and connection. Armaan comments, "I appreciate the supportive and inclusive community that my high school has fostered, which made me feel like I belonged and had a place to call home. All of these experiences have shaped who I am." Armaan gave back to his community and exhibited SERVICE with his participation in Interact Club and the club's various community services. "I was given the chance to give back to my community and improve the lives of others through the Interact club."
Armaan was recognized at the Honor Roll Assembly for his first-in-class achievement, along with five other GVHS seniors.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Armaan : "Being #BulldogSTRONG is having the fortitude and tenacity to face challenges and obstacles, especially when the going is tough. It entails perseverance and never giving up despite obstacles or defeats. #BulldogSTRONG entails having an optimistic outlook, a can-do attitude, and a constant desire to develop personally and professionally. It's about teamwork, encouraging and supporting others, and collaborating to accomplish shared objectives. #BulldogSTRONG ultimately refers to having the fortitude and resilience to handle every situation that comes your way with dignity and a fighting spirit."
What Teachers and Staff Think of Armaan:
“I have been teaching Armaan for 2 years and I think that I am finally beginning to figure him out! He is quiet most of the time and does a great job in the math classroom, but there are times when he gets extra quiet. Soon after that he is either asking a well designed question or suggesting a new way to look at a problem. I know that the university setting will be a good place for Armaan. He likes to think outside the box and he will meet others there who do the same. I am excited to see all of the good things that he accomplishes in the next few years! He will carry his #BulldogStrong attitude and talent with him where he goes and make us all proud." Sheryl Cleveland, Mathematics Department Chair and Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Armaan is very kind, loyal, and supportive student." Aaron Wright, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Armaan represents BulldogSTRONG by his involvement in service projects. His participation in last year's Interact club's highway clean ups demonstrate the club's motto of "service above self." I hope Armaan continues to be a visible member to our community as a helper of Bakersfield and the Golden Valley area." Jennifer Yamauchi, Science Department Chair and Assistant Dean, Golden Valley High School
"Possibly the thing that I remember best about Armaan is his ability to analyze. He is thoughtful, always observing, and he would rarely comment before looking at all sides of an issue. When a large debate involving several loud participants was taking place, you could always see Armaan just taking it all in. Then he would add one brilliant closing remark that would sum it all up. His analytical skills and his kind, thoughtful approach to both academic and social endeavors will serve him well as he moves on to achieve his goals." Terri Richmond, Retired Social Studies Department Chair and APUSH Teacher, Golden Valley High School