Student: Demi Giffin
Year In School: Senior
Plans After High School: Demi wants to attend Fresno State University and finish out her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management. Demi wants to start working for a wedding planning company or venue to gain experience to become a professional wedding planner.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Personal Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Determination, Empathy
What Demi Does to Show Toad PRIDE: For many high schools across the nation, legacy and traditions are among the most important reasons why students attend certain schools as each word evokes a sense of pride and connection to those that have walked the hallways before them. Legacy and tradition matter because they connect people to their roots, give them stability, and shape their core identity. For Senior Demi Giffin, the long lasting legacy and traditions of Coalinga High School are what have made her experience as a Horned Toad special. “CHS is special to me because most of my family and friends have attended and or graduated from Coalinga High School,” humbly comments Demi, “There is something special about being a Horned Toad.” Moreover, Demi hopes to nurture her own legacy at CHS as Captain of the Lady Horned Toads Volleyball program and in her involvement as Secretary with the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board.
As a four year middle blocker for the Lady Horned Toads, Demi has been critical to the success of the volleyball program as a whole, largely due to her natural leadership abilities as she has served as Captain of the JV Team and this year, on Varsity as well. As Captain, Demi has experienced a lot of success throughout her playing days as a Lady Horned Toad including multiple league championships, Team MVP as a Sophomore, and multiple Player of the Game honors. Beyond the success that she has earned on the courts, it has been the lasting friendships and memories that she has created with her teammates that has made CHS Volleyball so special to her. “What makes this team special to me is that I have grown up with these girls,” comments Demi, “We have been through so many seasons, games, wins, losses, and memories together…This team feels like more than just a volleyball team because we have grown up together and built such strong friendships. Being able to play our last season together makes this team really special to me, and I’m grateful for all the memories we have made and the ones we still get to make.” As Captain, Demi hopes that the program leaves a mark, bringing a sense of PRIDE to the CHS community, “I want us to work hard, support each other, and stay focused throughout the season,” Demi states with passion, “As a program, I want all of our teams to continue improving and build a strong and positive volleyball program that we can be proud of.”
Known for leadership and positive energy, Senior Demi Giffin has helped the Lady Toads Volleyball program excel as Captain.
In addition to her leadership and passion to leave a legacy on the court, Demi has taken those same qualities to her position as Secretary with the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board. Part of Demi’s responsibilities on the advisory board was to identify issues and problems on campus, research common trends regarding those issues in high schools, communicate with a wide array of staff, students, and stakeholders that hold different perspective about those issues, action plan to find solutions and remedies, and present to the rest of the advisory board and staff about that action plan. Demi and her friend Avery Herren, who was also the advisory board, decided to focus in on and bring attention to the problems happening in school restrooms and find ways to make them safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for everyone. For Demi, she wanted students to feel like they could use the restrooms without worrying about safety, vandalism, or other problems. “We shared the information we gathered, talked about the different perspectives we heard from students and staff, and presented our ideas for making the restrooms a safer and better environment,” proudly states Demi, “This project gave me the opportunity to work with other students and school staff and taught me how to take a problem at school, research it, work with others, and come up with possible solutions.” So far this school year, restroom issues are drastically down compared to last year because of efforts from Demi and other students voicing their concerns. Through her leadership, Demi hopes to leave a legacy and tradition for students at CHS to have courage to voice their opinions when issues arise on campus. “My advice to other students would be to speak up and get involved. If you see something on campus that you think could be better, don’t be afraid to share your ideas or bring the problem to someone who can help.” For demonstrating each tenant of PRIDE (Personal Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Determination, Empathy) to the finest degree as Captain of the Lady Horned Toads Volleyball Team and in her role as Secretary to the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board, Demi Giffin exemplifies Toad PRIDE.
As Secretary of the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board, Demi Giffin (middle row, third from right) works hard to identify problems on campus and find solutions.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Demi: “To me, Toad Pride means more than just being proud of Coalinga High School. It means being a good person, showing kindness, and treating everyone with respect. Toad Pride is about having humanity and remembering that everyone is going through something that we may not know about. It means helping others, including people who may feel left out, and being someone others can count on. To me, being a Horned Toad means supporting your teammates, classmates, teachers, and community. It means representing our school with a positive attitude and showing kindness both on and off the court. Toad Pride is about coming together, lifting each other up, and making Coalinga High School a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Demi:
“Demi is a wonderful example of what it means to be a captain, bringing energy, encouragement, and heart to everything she does. She leads by example, celebrates her teammates, and proudly represents our school with so much spirit and enthusiasm. We are so proud to have her as a leader on and off the court!” Katie Garcia, Head Coach Lady Horned Toads Volleyball, Coalinga High School
“Demi is a hard working student who works even harder on the volleyball court. She is a natural leader who steps up when needed and is constantly giving her teammates and coaches whatever support they may need. CHS is lucky to have her as part of their student body!” Kelley Rodela, Athletic Director, Coalinga High School
“Demi Giffin is an outstanding student and a wonderful person who is truly a joy to have in class. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to academic excellence, earning an A throughout the entire year in Dual Enrollment U.S. History. This year, Demi continues to thrive in Dual Enrollment Political Science, where she has once again proven herself to be a dedicated and motivated student. Beyond her academic success, Demi is always helpful, kind, and respectful toward both her classmates and teachers. She is an excellent example of the character, dedication, and positive attitude we hope to see in all of our students.” Miguel Rizo, Social Studies Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Demi is a great student and mentor to others here at CHS. She is thoughtful, kind, and truly embodies what it means to show Toad PRIDE. As a dedicated student-athlete, Demi is responsible, determined, and always on top of things. She consistently shows integrity and empathy through the way she supports and encourages those around her, making a positive impact on our school community.” Jessica “Poppy” Leal Gomez, Physical Education Teacher, Coalinga High School
Demi is a model student who tries to complete all of her assignments. She seems to get along with everyone. She is also a competitor who wants to be the best at whatever she tries to do.” Aaron Arias, English Teacher, Coalinga High School