Yahir Lopez, Senior Class President,
Barry Goldwater High School

As a class of 2021 future graduate, I am glad to say I am graduating as a Barry Goldwater Bulldog. Ever since kindergarten, I knew Barry Goldwater was my designated high school and couldn’t wait to grow up and attend high school. My cousins and siblings all went through Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) schools and they taught me to value this district’s education and the opportunities it would provide. Our parents weren’t able to attend school and have these same opportunities.

Barry Goldwater offers some of the best programs in the Valley, and I couldn’t wait to take advantage of all of these opportunities. As a freshman, I was eager to participate in school events. I wanted to be part of student government, which was one of the best decisions I have made. For the past three years, I have held a president position in student government. I have learned how to work more efficiently with a team, how to improve my communication, organization and planning skills, as well as many other real life skills.

Being a part of our student government has truly impacted my life. It has also filled my teenage years with endless memories that involve fellow classmates. Another great program that Barry Goldwater offers is our Early College Program. In my sophomore year, I was encouraged by my cousins to enroll. This was a major accomplishment for me when I was accepted into a program that pays for a whole year of college.

Last year, I was comfortable enough to come out to my friends, teachers, and the school. I have never felt more accepted and free. This school includes students from all races, and is inclusive regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, or religion. I feel well prepared to go out into the world, because this district and this school gave me an opportunity to develop my skills. I am so glad I made the decision to get involved on campus.

Rylee Hamm, Student Body President,
Barry Goldwater High School

Barry Goldwater High School has completely shaped my life and is very helpful when it comes to preparing me for the real world.

All of my teachers want what’s best for my classmates and me. They truly care about every single student that walks through their door. Since the first day of my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to be very involved in activities that happened at school. Because of this, I made the decision to join the student government. This was the best decision I have ever made. It truly has prepared me for anything life throws at me. I have made so many great friends and have learned what it actually means to be a leader.

I have worked hard to make sure all of my classmates have memorable experiences here at BGHS. In student government we get to plan events like prom, homecoming, and assemblies. We are such a diverse campus and have so many different clubs for students to join. We also have our very own restaurant, Avenue 27, which prepares students for management jobs. We have many great CTE and fine arts classes that help students find different careers that interest them.

We also have different early college programs that truly make an impact on students’ futures. I am a part of the Puma Program, which is an early college program that allows students to take high school and college classes at the same time. This program helps students graduate early from college and allow them to get a feel for what college will really be like. Barry Goldwater High School truly is an amazing school and has given me so many opportunities for greatness.