Student: Paige Walsh
Year In School: Senior
Plans After High School: Paige hopes to become an anesthesiologist, trauma plastic surgeon, or something in the medical field. Paige plans to study Biomedical Sciences or any Biology major, preferably at Stanford University or UC Berkeley. For graduate/medical school, she really wants to attend UC San Francisco.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Personal Responsibility, Determination, Empathy
What Paige Does to Show Toad PRIDE: One of the most difficult jobs that a high school student can have on campus is that of drum major for the band. Being a drum major requires a balance of musical skill, personal integrity, and a deep commitment to the ensemble. Beyond just conducting, effective drum majors embody a few specific core leadership qualities: lead by example, humility, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, self-awareness, patience, EMPATHY, resilience under pressure, DETERMINATION, and an inspirational presence. For Coalinga High School Senior Paige Walsh, not only is she able to demonstrate these qualities as Drum Major for the CHS Band, but she possessed those very same qualities on the courts for the Lady Horned Toads Tennis program as well.
As Drum Major for the CHS Band, Paige Walsh directs her band mates with focus and direction, even while she was selected to the 2026 Homecoming Court.
As a lifelong musician that focused on playing piano for much of her life, Paige started playing band instruments as an 8th Grader at Coalinga Middle School and has continued to be an active part of the band at Coalinga High School, playing a wide array of instruments including clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute, tenor drum, and snare. Paige’s favorite instrument is the clarinet because it was the first band instrument she picked up and she logged in many hours to become the best that she could be. “From the very start, she embraced the challenge (of playing clarinet) wholeheartedly,” comments Band Director Kevin Brumana, “She was practicing daily and quickly advancing to a level that matched and soon surpassed that of students with years more experience.” Perhaps more impressive than her ability to play the clarinet, is Paige’s selfless leadership in the band when needs arise. Brumana indicates that last year, she took on a new challenge by transitioning to bass clarinet, which there was a need for in the band, and has been a move that has made a significant impact on the overall sound of the ensemble. As a result of her natural leadership abilities, this year Paige was selected as Drum Major to lead the CHS Band at football games, parades, and other events in which the band is playing. For the CHS Band, they rely on Paige, as drum major, to keep order, know what songs to play, answer pressing questions, and make sure that performances are executed effectively. Paige is grateful for her bandmates and the trust they have in her as Drum Major. “The trust the band has in me and my ability to lead makes being Drum Major for CHS special,” humbly comments Paige.
For four years, Paige Walsh was an instrumental part of the Lady Horned Toads Tennis program and finished her career with a 6-0, 6-0 win at #3 Singles in the CIF Central Section DIII Semifinals against Paso Robles.
In addition to the leadership she displays while leading the CHS Band, Paige also shows similar qualities for the Lady Horned Toads Tennis program. Paige started playing tennis as a freshman at CHS and like her commitment to her music, she logged in a lot of hours on the courts with her racket, improving her game. As a Junior last year, she led the Lady Horned Toads in wins and earned the title of team MVP. As a Senior this year, Paige spent time on either the #1 or #2 doubles team and as the #2 or #3 singles player for the Lady Horned Toads earning a 12-4 doubles record and 11-5 singles record respectively. Moreover, Paige played a crucial role in CHS’s postseason run in the CIF Central Section DIII Girls Tennis Playoffs, helping to lead the Lady Horned Toads to a Semifinal appearance. Although the Lady Horned Toads fell short against Paso Robles High School, Paige finished her high school career with an impressive 6-0, 6-0 win from the #3 singles position. Beyond the success the Lady Horned Toads experienced, Paige is quick to credit the culture of love and support that her teammates have towards each other. “There is so much love and care surrounding everyone on the team. Everyone cares for everyone and everyone looks out for one another no matter what,” graciously states Paige, “We all trust each other to do the best we can and we all know that if worst comes to worst we have each other in the end.” For the PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, DETERMINATION, and EMPATHY that she leads with as Drum Major for the Coalinga High School Band and as a key player of the Lady Horned Toads Tennis program, Paige Walsh has Toad PRIDE.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Paige: “Toad PRIDE means to be authentically yourself but also remembering to follow the core values of being a good person.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Paige:
“Paige Walsh is one of a kind. I've known Paige ever since she was in my SMART class in 6th grade, and it's been amazing to watch her grow as a student and as an athlete. On the tennis court, Paige has been integral to our success the last two seasons. She was the MVP in 2025, having earned the most wins for the team, and in 2026, she has been a force to be reckoned with in both singles and doubles. Paige is a talented young woman with an incredible future ahead of her. I can't wait to see where it leads her.” Josh Walker, Head Coach for Girls and Boys Tennis, Coalinga High School
“What truly sets Paige apart is her ability to balance the many commitments in her life while continuing to give so much to the band. She is a natural leader who recognizes the needs of the ensemble and takes initiative to address them. Whether leading sectionals, organizing events, or simply stepping in wherever she is needed, Paige is always looking for ways to make the band better. She doesn't just participate in the Horned Toad Band; she helps move it forward. Paige is a true change agent, and her leadership, dedication, musical curiosity, and willingness to step up have made her an invaluable part of our band family.” Kevin Brumana, Band Director, Coalinga High School
“Paige is an incredibly hard working student and athlete who has many talents across campus. From band to tennis, Paige is always getting involved and making everyone on campus feel included wherever she goes. She leads by example through her positive attitude, dedication, and willingness to step up wherever she is needed. Her involvement and enthusiasm make her such a valuable part of our school community, and she has a way of making those around her feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged. Paige truly represents what it means to be a well-rounded student and an outstanding Horned Toad!” Kelley Rodela, Athletics Director and Agriculture Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Paige shows determination to succeed everyday at school. Paige’s motivation to succeed is evident through the work submitted and through elite attentiveness in class.” Alexandra Moreno, Math Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Paige is an incredible example of TOAD Pride. She shows exceptional determination both in the classroom and on the tennis courts and wrestling mats. Paige's understanding of personal responsibility has let her achieve such great success in sports and academics. She knows what she needs and wants to do, she knows how to do it, and then she follows through and gets the job done. Paige does not make excuses, she makes things happen.” Jennifer Lucero, Biology Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Paige Walsh is an exceptional student who is an absolute pleasure to have in class. She excelled in my Dual Enrollment U.S. History course, earning an A in both semesters, and continues to demonstrate that same level of dedication and academic excellence in Dual Enrollment Political Science this semester. Paige consistently demonstrates Toad Pride through her enthusiastic participation in school activities, including spirit and dress-up days. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and school spirit make her a wonderful representative of our school community!” Miguel Rizo, Dual Enrollment US History and Political Science Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Paige is such a fun energy and great to have in class. Everytime she walks through the door I know she is going to not only complete her work, but it's intentional and very well done. It's no surprise to me that she is involved in multiple activities on campus and is always able to excel which is why she is a great representation of TOAD PRIDE.” Raeann Granados, Public Service and ROP Criminal Investigations Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Paige is proof that you can be at the top of your class without ever looking down on anyone else. Her DETERMINATION, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, and EMPATHY are seen through her academics, her leadership roles on campus, and her involvement in so many areas, but what really sets her apart is how comfortable she is in her own skin. Plus, she can easily help others feel comfortable in theirs. She's outgoing, confident, and doesn't waste time judging others for being different. Paige has figured out something important: success is impressive, but the way you treat people along the way says even more about you.” Tom Lucero, AP English Literature and Language and Multimedia Teacher, Coalinga High School