Student: Byron Echeverria
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Byron wants to attend a college and or university and major in Computer Science and then pursue a career that allows him to work with computers.
GPS Focus: GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE
What Makes Byron #BulldogSTRONG: Over the past 8 months, schools across the United States have had to quickly shift to remote learning as they adapt to social distancing measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. Educators and students have had to learn and teach themselves software like Canvas, Zoom, Flipgrid, Quizlet, and a myriad of other computer based programs to create interactive content to help students at home stay engaged, follow along, and keep coming back to their virtual classrooms. While there have been some struggles for students in adapting to this new way of learning, Golden Valley High School senior Byron Echeverria has taken on this new challenge and has thrived. Throughout most of his high school career as a Bulldog, Byron has achieved much academic success as evident with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 while being enrolled in college preparatory classes the past few years. However, Byron has taken his academic prowess to the next level during distance learning. All of his teachers have indicated that Byron not only completes his assignments, tests, projects, and other requirements in a timely fashion, but they are often done with perfection, neatness, and attention to detail. Furthermore, Byron utilizes the GVHS tutoring and intervention time daily from 1:30-3 to meet with his teachers and ensure that his work is done correctly. “I like Golden Valley because of the teachers and staff and I feel like they want all students to learn and succeed,” comments Byron, “I can’t say it enough, Golden Valley has supportive teachers that are kind and ready to help students if they need support.” As a result of his tenacity, hard work, and desire to show GROWTH in the classroom by giving 100% effort academically, Byron earned straight A’s during 1st Quarter in distance learning with the majority of his grades being the top in his class.
Beyond his relentless work ethic, what separates Byron from most students is that he genuinely treats staff and students with the utmost kindness - a key behavior expectation of being #BulldogSTRONG. Most of his teachers comment that when Byron comes into their Zoom sessions, he greets them by saying, “Good Morning, Mr. or Mrs…” and these positive manners are infectious for the rest of the class. “Every morning Byron comes into my Zoom meeting and says, ‘Good morning Coach Rich,’” states PE Department Chair Bill Richardson, “Byron is one of those students that you love to have in your class as a teacher; he simply brightens up everyone's day!” Byron’s positive outlook on life and desire to treat others with dignity is driven by his desire to keep an open mind in school and learn new things. “It is important to stay positive and treat others well because it shows that you're ready to learn new things in school and about people,” humbly states Byron, “A positive mindset will allow you to be more focused and provide you with opportunities to make the right decisions in your life and not the wrong ones.” For his efforts in demonstrating GROWTH, PRIDE, and SERVICE by always giving 100%, practicing good manners, and treating everyone he meets with kindness, Byron Echeverria is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Byron: "#BulldogSTRONG means to me always be strong, motivated, and never showing that you’re about to give up in school and in life.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Byron:
"Byron Echeverria has truly shined as a #BulldogSTRONG Student in my Government class. Byron is eager to interact during distance learning, his work is exemplary, and he is committed to making sure he understands each assignment and does his absolute best on his work. Whenever Byron is unsure of a concept he is literally like a Bulldog he refuses to let go until he grasps the idea and gets the help he needs to learn the concept entirely. Additionally, Byron will attend Afterschool Tutoring sessions to have his work proof-read before submitting and with this passion for learning a concept he has consistently kept a 100% all semester in my class. Byron is a shining exemplar of being a tenacious learner, a diligent worker, and a polite and kind young man.” John Hansen, Government Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Byron is a wonderful example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. Byron gives everything his full effort and pushes himself to be the best. He is an exemplary student and I know he will continue to do amazing things after GV!” Bianca Castillo, Art Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Byron, from day one, has always been ready to work and completed every assignment on time. He is always respectful to me and his classmates. When I admit him to the Zoom meeting he says ‘Good Morning, Mr. Haskell’ and ‘Goodbye and have a great day” when he leaves. I enjoy having the chance to chat with him. He is always a highlight of my day. Byron is a great example of #BulldogSTRONG!!” John Haskell, Woodshop Teacher Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I have had the pleasure of having Byron in my strong body class last year and PE class this year. Byron always earns a 100 % in my class and is clearly one of my best students. Every morning Byron comes into my Zoom meeting and says, ‘Good morning Coach Rich.’ Byron is one of those students that you love to have in your class as a teacher; he simply brightens up everyone's day!” Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Byron has demonstrated what it takes to succeed at school and be a kind and respectful person. I have seen him take the time needed to not just complete assignments, but complete them in a way where he learns and improves his skills. He has asked for help on multiple occasions so he can meet his assignment deadlines – this shows us that he takes his classes seriously and has the mentality to work hard. Plus, he is always kind, respectful, and patient. These traits are possessed by people who are not just successful, but people who are team players and pleasant to be around because of their reliability and positive personality. I look forward to seeing the great things Byron will do in his life and know he has the skills and mindset to succeed and overcome any obstacles that he may face in the future.” Brandon Taylor, Learning Center Teacher, Golden Valley High School