Student: Ricardo Santiago
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Ricardo will be joining the United States Marine Corps after high school.
GPS Focus: SERVICE
What Makes Ricardo #BulldogSTRONG: The United States Marines Corps (USMC) is one of the most elite military branches in the world. As part of the Department of the Navy, the USMC mission is unique among the other services in that they serve on U.S. Navy ships, protect naval bases, guard U.S. embassies, and provide a quick strike force to protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world. Less than 1% of all high school students that graduate will join the USMC because of the rigorous requirements, both physically and mentally; one of their long standing mottos is, “The few. The proud. The Marines.” At Golden Valley High School, Senior Ricardo Santiago has accepted the call to SERVE in the USMC to become part of this elite group. Ricardo decided early in his high school career that he wanted to do something different after graduation, something that provided him with more purpose than college or the job force. “I decided to join the military because it was a path that spoke to me,” comments Ricardo, “I didn’t want to go to college and sit in a classroom for another four years because it didn’t interest me. Also, getting a simple 9-5 job was also something that didn’t feel right to me. The thought of the military brought excitement and purpose to my life.” In October, Ricardo enlisted to join the USMC after high school and with that, came his commitment to physical fitness as he works out with weights and tries to run every day. On Thursdays, Ricardo works out with other future Marines in Kern County as they train and get ready for boot camp of which he is slated to go to July 24, 2023. “I am doing many things now to prepare myself for the military,” comments Ricardo, “I go to the gym regularly, running to improve my cardio, and preparing myself mentally.” He is excited about the opportunities to travel, learn new experiences, meet new people, and develop as an individual, but ultimately, Ricardo is eager to SERVE his country. “Service to me means helping others in need and the Marines will allow for me to take part in meaningful SERVICE,” humbly states Ricardo, “I want to do my part to make sure that the country stays safe and that I can do a small change to make the world a better place. Even the slightest change can be beneficial for the world.”
With all the training and preparation fresh on his mind, Ricardo is also appreciative of the support he has received at GVHS. Ricardo credits the likes of Mr. Marshall Garcia, Mr. Bill Richardson, Dr. David Gago, Mr. Dan Gyll, and Mrs. Eva Perez as influential teachers that connected with him and showed a caring interest in his future. Ricardo also appreciates the friend group that he had developed at GVHS because of lifelong loyalty that has been established. Ricardo encourages 9th grade students to take advantage of the support and care that GVHS has to offer because to him, four years flies by really fast and one may not realize how special of a place that GVHS truly is. “I would encourage other students to stay disciplined in their studies and don’t fall behind because it’s easy to get lazy,” states Ricardo, “I haven’t been the ideal student, but I have learned the value of hard work and staying on top of my schoolwork.” For his commitment to the SERVICE of his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and in the gratitude he has towards the staff and students at GVHS, Ricardo Santiago is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Ricardo: #BulldogSTRONG to me means being the best person you could be. When it comes to classwork, sports or even hobbies you do on your own, giving it your all is most important.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Ricardo:
“Ricardo Santiago is a very bright and motivated individual who has taken the first steps to earning the title of United States Marine. His decision to join the world’s most elite fighting force makes him part of the 1% of Americans who serve their country. The positive mental attitude he exhibits and determination to be successful will make him an invaluable addition to the Marine Corps and the future of our country’s defense, making him #BulldogSTRONG.” Sergeant Oscar Mayen, United States Marine Corps Recruiter of Bakersfield East, USMC
"I have Ricardo in my Strongbody class and what impresses me about Ricardo is his positive attitude and outstanding work ethic. He is a very polite young man and always gives his best effort.” Bill Richardon, PE Department Chair and Head Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Ricardo is well liked by his peers. He has a desire to graduate high school, and then he will serve his country in the Marines. We are proud of his service at GVHS.” Rebecca Bledsoe - Santaella, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Ricardo has always been an ‘easy to get along with’ student. His academic dedication and athletic abilities reflect his personal commitments and what a GV Bulldog represents.” Eva Perez, Spanish Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Ricardo shows great PRIDE in the classroom by being on time, and always completing the necessary work for the class. He leads his peers by example and is always very respectful and pays attention in class. He is an awesome student and I’m sure he will go far in life.” Kristen Torres, Band Director, Golden Valley High School