Student: Alexander Chi
Year In School: Senior
Plans After High School: Alex’s plan after graduation is to go straight to college or four year university, preferably at UC in a big city. The reason why he is so eager to try to go to a big city is because he wants to explore new places and meet new people.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Resourcefulness, Integrity, Determination, Empathy
What Alexander Does to Show Toad PRIDE: Reading and dancing. It’s hard to fathom a correlation between these uniquely different activities, but research indicates that both have a positive impact on one’s mood and the ability to connect with others. Research from BYU references multiple studies that suggest reading activates the "theory of mind” which is the capacity to understand that others hold distinct beliefs and emotions, further enhancing emotional intelligence, interpersonal understanding, and EMPATHY. Moreover, scientific research indicates that there is one form of physical exercise that drastically impacts the quality of one’s mood - dancing. Through dancing, human beings increase levels of serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, which contributes to a better overall mood and more positive interactions with others. The euphoria of moving to favorite songs, feeling one’s spirits lift with every step during their own personal dance practice provides permission for others to do the same. For Senior Horned Toad Alexander Chi, reading and dancing are among his favorite hobbies and it should come with no surprise that his eternal optimism and ability to get along with others allows him to flourish at Coalinga High School.
Known for his intellectual curiosity and optimism, Alexander Chi is known for bring positive energy to everyone he meets at Coalinga High School.
For Alexander, reading allows for him to dive deeper into a world that is unfamiliar to him and explore human nature from a new perspective. Beyond learning new information, reading has been a source of connection for Alexander as he has been part of the Coalinga High School Book Club for the past three years. With no formal roles assigned to students that might be present in other clubs like a president or vice president, the CHS Book Club is open to all students to feel safe, connected, and happy. “The reason I joined and have stayed in the book club is because of the people,” comments Alexander humbly, “Along with the new books and reading goals that I have made, the people have created a low pressure environment and allow me to move and read at my own pace.” Some of Alexander’s favorite books include Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater, Ungifted and Supergifted by Gordon Korman, and Legend by Marie Lu. Alexander challenges other students to be active readers and offers the following advice, “Don’t try to do too much to start. Take breaks when you need to. Join Book Club to get advice and suggestions from others on how to be successful. Listen to music if you need to avoid distractions while reading.”
Alexander Chi has been an active member of the CHS Book Club for 3 years where he has found a safe space, friends, and books to read.
Like reading, music and dance are important for Alexander and have served as a safe space for him to be his authentic self at CHS. Any chance that Alexander has had to express himself through dance at CHS, he has taken the opportunity such as involvement at Sadie Hawkins, Musical Chairs Competition during 2nd Period, and at the 2026 Homecoming Dance. Through each experience, Alexander was not only able to express himself through dance, but also display kindness to others, encouraging them to make the most of their high school experience. “I think greeting people and showing up to school events is a way that we can be kinder to each other and make CHS the best high school.” Alexander’s favorite event has been Homecoming as he was selected by his peers as the 2026 Homecoming King, which was announced during halftime of the football game, and was followed up with the dance after the game. “My favorite part of Homecoming was the dance,” comments Alexander, “I loved it because I just like dancing a lot as it is an expression of who I am. I was also able to dance with many other people at HOCO which is always fun.” For the DETERMINATION he demonstrates in the CHS Book Club by challenging himself to read more often and for the EMPATHY he shows his peers by his kindness and by being his authentic self on the dance floor, Alexander Chi has Toad PRIDE.
Loved by his peers because of positive attitude, Alexander Chi was selected as the 2026 Homecoming King at Coalinga High School.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Alexander: “To me Toad Pride means being responsible, making good choices, being honest, never giving up, and showing kindness to others. It means doing my best every day and treating everyone with kindness and respect.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Alexander:
“It has been a genuine pleasure getting to know Alexander Chi over the last three years through the CHS Book Club and as a Library TA. His positive, can-do attitude and enthusiasm are a beacon to others. He demonstrates Toad PRIDE on a daily basis, showing empathy for others, exhibiting determination in achieving his long-term goals, and refusing to let anything slow him down. In the library, Alexander is always willing to execute even the most mundane task with good cheer, whether it’s taking out the recycling, going on an adventure, or helping me with a special project. He is self-motivated and always asks if we need help with anything – and he genuinely wants to be of assistance. Alexander Chi is definitely one of a kind and an asset to the CHS student body.” April Wheaton, Library Media Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Alexander Chi most definitely brightens our days. He greets you with a positive attitude, with a smile or with a positive comment. Alexander welcomes positive connections with students and staff at CHS. He is a truly joyful TOAD who demonstrates empathy. In the classroom Alexander has demonstrated determination, resourcefulness and personal responsibility. His assignments, in Spanish I and Spanish III were always completed and submitted in a timely manner. Alexander welcomed the challenge to continue developing his speaking, writing and listening skills in Spanish.” Sandra Vega Cantu, Spanish Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Alexander is an accomplished and determined student with a passion for learning. He also has ever-present, infectious optimism that puts a smile on everyone's face. He's always ready to contribute to class discussions and enthusiastically demonstrates school spirit. Alexander is an AP student, a member of our school book club, has competed in Academic Decathlon and is our 2026 Homecoming king! It is a pleasure to be his AP Government teacher and his positive attitude inspirational to staff and students alike! He really is one of a kind and a true ambassador of Toad PRIDE wherever he goes.” Shavon Brown, AP Government Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Alex is a model of Toad pride. He demonstrates the toad pride ethos with his deep curiosity and willingness to contribute for the sake of everyone around him. I would want Alex to be on any team that I am a part of.” Josh Sexton, Chemistry and Biology Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Alexander Chi - Demonstrates Toad Pride as he is charismatic. Has a get work done attitude. Always has a great attitude, is willing to put himself out there for his class and does everything with fidelity. He is overall an excellent student and always shows his TOAD PRIDE.” Jose Piz, Math Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Alexander Chi is an energetic, friendly, and responsible student who consistently demonstrates Toad PRIDE. He is always eager to learn and goes above and beyond to help both his teachers and classmates. Alexander stays on top of his work, takes pride in everything he does, and brings a positive attitude to the classroom every day. His strong work ethic, determination, and willingness to help others truly set him apart. I have no doubt that Alexander will accomplish great things and achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. He has a bright future ahead of him!” Alfredo Mendoza, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Teacher, Coalinga High School