Student: Simratpreet Kaur
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: After high school, Simratpreet intends to pursue a major in biochemistry at Cal Poly SLO, and subsequently, seek additional education to become a pharmacist or a physician assistant.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Simratpreet: "What #BulldogSTRONG means to me is constantly seeking growth through learning experiences and persevering through challenges to achieve goals to be the best version of yourself."
What Makes GVHS a Special Place for Simratpreet:
"Over the past years, the most influential teachers and staff members who left a significant impact on me at Golden Valley are Mrs. Costa, Mrs. Bastain, Mr. Hansen, Mr. Hopkins, and Ms. Hinojosa. Mrs. Costa and Mrs. Bastain taught me the importance of perseverance and self-growth as a student through constant feedback on class assignments and encouragement. Whenever I doubted my writing abilities and struggled to improve them, Mrs. Costa and Mrs. Bastain would provide feedback and reassure me that practice and confidence would help me grow as a writer and student. Another teacher who motivated me to go above and beyond each day is Mr. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins always creates a welcoming environment in his classroom, and his dedication to teaching students and helping them succeed motivates me to do my best every day. No matter what class it is, Mr. Hopkins ensures that students are having fun while learning, and I am grateful to have such a teacher who creates fun learning experiences in the classroom. Alongside Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Hansen created valuable experiences while teaching government and economics. Through We the People, Mr. Hansen taught me the significance of creating an unforgettable learning experience through teamwork and dedication to learning. One of my favorite memories from We the People was when my unit and I were studying in the hotel lobby the night before the competition in Sacramento, and Mr. Hansen told us that no matter what the outcome was, he was proud of us for our hard work and dedication to the competition. Because of Mr. Hansen, I got to compete with a supportive and determined unit and create unforgettable memories with them. Ms. Hinojosa has played a significant role throughout my high school years. As my counselor, she always showed her support and encouragement toward me. Whenever I visited Ms. Hinojosa, I felt welcomed, and if I needed help, Ms. Hinojosa would listen attentively and advise me accordingly with valuable advice."
What motivates Simratpreet to earn the highest grades and take on challenging courses:
"What motivates me the most to take on challenging courses is the experience of learning concepts and understanding them to the point where I can apply them confidently. Even though there are times when I struggle with understanding certain concepts, I find that as long as I put enough time and effort into learning them, I can apply them with confidence. Taking on challenging courses also teaches me the importance of time management, dedication, and self-improvement. Through these courses, I learned how to keep up with frequent deadlines while leaving time for myself and how to strive for self-growth and improvement by reviewing and reflecting on what I need to work on to gain a better understanding."
What Teachers and Staff Think of Simratpreet:
"Simratpreet Kaur is one- of-a-kind! Her upbeat enthusiasm for learning and positive outlook energize the classroom. She is a dedicated student who works hard to apply feedback and grow as a reader, writer, and critical thinker. Simi is driven, goal-oriented, and takes initiative. These wonderful traits have helped her excel at Golden Valley the past four years and will continue to lead to her success in college and beyond." Karen Bastain, AP Language and Composition Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"I thoroughly enjoyed having Simratpreet in AP European History. She has the unique ability of being serious about her studies but can also take things in stride. Even though it has been a few years since she was my student, it is always nice to see Simratpreet around campus. I still use some of Simratpreet’s work to show my AP students examples of good essays. Congratulations to Simratpreet for exemplifying what it means to be #BulldogStrong." Tracy Costa, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Simratpreet is one the hardest working and intelligent students I have taught, with this combination I am excited to see what her future has in store. It has been a pleasure having her in AP psychology and as a TA." Mike Larson, AP Psychology Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Simratpreet Kaur is a remarkable young woman who epitomizes being #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, on campus, and in the community as well. In the classroom by showing Growth and Pride as she shines among her peers with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, leadership, and a keen intellect. On campus, Simratpreet involves herself in being a Bulldog by engaging in positive behaviors, supporting our campus spirit, and by being involved in numerous activities and clubs. Moreover, in the community Simratpreet is actively engaged as a citizen involving herself in service to others and trying to make meaningful impacts beyond the school through numerous activities like SWAT and being a KHSD student leader as well. After graduation, I know she will continue to be a meaningful change agent in our society and continue to shape the world through her civic engagement and her positive leadership." John Hansen, Government/Economics Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
"Simratpreet is an outstanding Bulldog! She is always on time and ready to take the next academic challenge. She is an extremely dedicated young lady! She is very respectful, responsible, and kind. Simratpreet truly embodies the values of GPS!" Luis Jáuregui, Calculus Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Simratpreet is such a deserving student of this award! She encompasses all it means to be #BulldogSTRONG both on and off campus. She is the only senior I have who has put in the work to earn the Civic Seal this year and is graduating valedictorian of her class. She will be missed for sure!" Victoria Hinojosa, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
"It is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on Simi! She is an amazing student who embodies growth, pride, and service. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Simi in math, manufacturing, design, and physics, witnessing her kindness, innovation, devotion, and perseverance. Her involvement with SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) has been exemplary; she collaborates with district and community members to reduce teenage access to tobacco products and even delivered a speech before our city council on the issue. Simi represents the growth, pride, and service that our school strives to cultivate in its students. Wish her luck as she pursues biochemistry this fall at Cal Poly SLO!" Judiah Hopkins, Project Lead the Way/Engineering Teacher and eSports Coach, Golden Valley High School