GTHS Athlete of the Week Kenneth Jaquez

Kenneth Jaquez is a Senior at Grand Terrace High School who exemplifies excellence both academically and athletically. Maintaining an outstanding 4.6 GPA, Kenneth has successfully balanced a rigorous academic workload with a demanding Varsity soccer schedule.   Kenneth has been playing soccer since the age of six, beginning in the Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club and later competing with multiple club teams throughout the Inland Empire. Inspired by his older brother, Erick, Kenneth developed a deep appreciation for the sport and the sense of community it fosters. Through soccer, he has built lifelong friendships and learned the value of teamwork and leadership.   A versatile and composed player, Kenneth primarily plays Center Back and Center Midfielder, but has contributed in every position for the Varsity team. Known for his calm decision-making and defensive instincts, his favorite aspect of the game is winning possession and setting the tempo. A standout moment this season came against Summit High School, when Kenneth executed a perfectly timed tackle to stop a scoring opportunity and regain possession for the Titans which demonstrated both skill and sportsmanship.   Outside of athletics, Kenneth enjoys reading, refereeing soccer matches, and running. He is particularly drawn to coming-of-age literature, with The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton ranking as his all-time favorite. Through refereeing, Kenneth gives back to his community by supporting and mentoring the next generation of soccer players, finding fulfillment in watching young athletes work together, communicating, and developing a genuine passion for the sport. He also enjoys long-distance runs with friends from cross country and track.   Kenneth’s academic honors include the AP Scholar with Honor Award, Principal’s Honor Roll, ACES recognition, and the California State Seal of Biliteracy. Athletically, he has earned All-League honors in 2025 and served as captain of the Varsity boys soccer team.   When asked what motivates him, Kenneth shared, “My parents have been the biggest influence in my life as they are excellent role models. They have taught me the value of hard work and the importance of family. My parents have always been supportive of my dreams and great at communicating with me. They not only push me to do my personal best, but to look out for others as well. Now that I am a young adult, they have given me the space to grow and encouraged me to build my own path.”   Kenneth also wanted to express how proud he is of his younger sister, Janelle, sharing a heartfelt message of appreciation. “She inspires me to care for and set a positive example for others,” he said.   Kenneth has been accepted to Cal Poly Pomona’s Construction Engineering and Management program and plans to pursue a career as an engineer and licensed construction contractor. He hopes to contribute to major public works projects and give back to the communities of Colton and Grand Terrace.   A quote Kenneth would like to share with readers is, “Don’t forget to pray, don’t be ashamed to pray, and don’t ever be too proud to pray. Prayer changes things,” by Steve Harvey. Kenneth admires Harvey’s perseverance, noting how he overcame homelessness and years of hardship by remaining faithful and committed to his goals who eventually became one of the most successful figures in entertainment.   With his leadership, discipline, and strong support system, Kenneth Jaquez continues to set the standard for what it means to be a Titan. His future both on and off the field is exceptionally bright and we wish him all the best.