Student: Jonathan Perez
Year In School: Junior
Plans After High School: Jonathan has plans to apply and attend San Jose State University with an interest in computer science or computer engineering.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Resourcefulness, Determination, and Empathy
What Jonathan Does to Show Toad PRIDE: Austin Kleon, who is best known as a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, once made a profound statement, encouraging today’s generation to pursue their creative interests. “Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.” For Junior Jonathan Perez, he is doing exactly what Kleon posits as evident in the creative projects and assignments he has done as a student at Coalinga High School. During his freshman year in his multimedia class, Jonathan created the short film The Other Side which is in the horror genre and features three teenagers journeying through a haunted house. In addition to film creation, Jonathan has taken his creative talent to two career pathways at CHS, Web Development and Culinary Arts. In Web Development, Jonathan has used his creativity to code two types of websites, one being about his life. Through coding and web design, Jonathan has become fascinated with computers and the endless possibilities that they can create. “The reason why I'm so interested in computers is because there is so much you can do with it, there's many possibilities you can do with the computer and what I like to do is the code because to me, it shows the real art of what a computer can do,” says Jonathan. In Culinary Arts, Jonathan has found joy in cooking and creating dishes. One dish that he has created is ratatouille and hopes that he can perfect the art of cooking fried rice. “Cooking allows for me to access a different side of the creative process for me,” states Jonathan.
As a student in the Web Development pathway, Jonathan Perez has excelled in complex coding and website development.
Beyond the creativity that he has displayed across the campus at CHS, Jonathan is known for his positive attitude and kindness. Many teachers are quick to recognize the respect that Jonathan shows not only to them but to his classmates as well. “Jonathan is a great student and an even better person,” comments Social Studies teacher Kolbe Gillette. Web Page Design and Web Application Development Teacher Manuel Chagoyan indicates that Jonathan “brings a genuinely positive attitude to class every day.” So why is Jonathan so kind and so positive to everyone that he is around? His parents. “A lesson that my parents taught me is that you treat everyone with respect and kindness,” comments Jonathan, “It's important to show that you have kindness because if you do, many people will see you as a person that they are comfortable with and can talk to.” For the RESOURCEFULNESS, DETERMINATION, and creativity he has shown in the Web Development and Culinary Arts Pathways and for the kindness and EMPATHY he shows towards students and staff at CHS, Jonathan Perez has Toad PRIDE.
Jonathan Perez is able to show off his creativity in the Culinary Arts program at Coalinga High School.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Jonathan: “What Toad PRIDE means to me is that it's the way to become a successful student in high school. I notice that there are a lot of posters and signs all over campus that give students good advice on how to behave and be successful in the classroom, library, quad, or hallway.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Jonathan:
“Jonathan is always on task and keeps his assignments current, consistently producing quality work. He shows strong personal responsibility, making sure his grades stay up and his work gets done. On top of that, he brings a genuinely positive attitude to class every day. He's a solid student who absolutely deserves this recognition.” Manuel Chagoyan, Web Page Design and Web Application Development Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Jonathan is a great student and an even better person. Last year I had him as a student and he did exceptional work in my class with his classmates. This year I have been lucky enough to have him as a TA and he is doing wonderful work in my class, helping me stay organized! Thanks Jonathan, keep on doing you!” Kolbe Gillette, Social Studies Department Chair and Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Jonathan shows toad pride in the class room by being attentive and respectful. He is always on top of his work. He gets along with his peers. He is not afraid to speak up and ask for help when it is needed.” Alfredo Mendoza, Culinary Art and Hospitality Management Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Jonathan Perez (JP) has been such a joy to work with in my English class. He is just a solid student that brings positive energy every day. He enjoys so many different things in life from the outdoors, his family, coding, editing and making movies, learning new cultures - he genuinely loves learning. I am so thankful for the opportunity to write about and support Jonathan Perez in the Toad PRIDE Student Spotlight.” Steven McDaniel, English Teacher, Coalinga High School