Irene Luna: Editor-in-Cheif
Being one of the returning members of The Downey Legend, senior Irene Luna takes pride in her recently acclaimed position as Editor-in-Chief. The ambitious student’s journey all started at the beginning of her sophomore year. Having an available spot for an elective, Luna was placed in the newly created newspaper class. Even though she started as a writer, the 10th grader worked her way up the ladder as Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor. The following year she was appointed Co-Editor-In-Chief, all the while being trained to achieve her current position. She has only the highest hopes for this year’s group of individuals.
“After the long process of picking out the different students, I have complete confidence in saying that the 2011-2012 newspaper group will achieve many goals which could not be achieved in the previous years,” Luna said.
When she’s not doing work for newspaper, you can find the Editor-in-Chief readily preparing herself for the future. Her experiences throughout high school have motivated Luna to study the field of Journalism as a probable career. Taking everything step by step, she hopes to attend the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. If that plan does not follow through, her second option would be attending a California State University.
Though schoolwork may be a big part of her life, Luna proves to be a diligent worker. Contrary to many teens, she values her family, friends, and education above all other things. As the school year brings a fresh start, this motivated individual is ready to take charge of The Downey Legend.
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Roy Mendoza: Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor
Roy Mendoza is quite the multitasker. Not only is he a senior with a full schedule at Downey High, he is also mentoring his freshman sister, and has taken on the double duty of Co-Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor of The Downey Legend. The busy student found his interest in writing during his middle school years and always sought to improve his skills as a reader and writer. He continued with this skill along to high school where, as a sophomore, he was offered a chance to be a part of history in the making by joining Downey High’s first ever Online Newspaper staff. Taken aback by the offer, he accepted, and two years later, he is glad he did because Mendoza holds a position now that has only ever been held once.
“I feel so honored to have a double position,” the ambitious writer said. “I know sometimes the stress might get to me, but I have my Co-Copy Editor behind me at all times, and I need to be behind my E.I.C. one-hundred percent. I have her back completely, and I know she has mine because we’re the team captains, along with the Photo Editor. We have to set an example.”
Mendoza is glad to have met and surpassed his goal to stay on the staff of The Downey Legend for the rest of his high school years, and plans to attend the University of California: Berkley after two years at Cal State Long Beach. He hopes the skills he has learned throughout his time in newspaper stay with him, as he wishes to be a reporter for The New York Times.
Mendoza is proud of his position on staff, but he also makes time for friends and family as well. On the weekends, one can usually catch this teenager at popular local hang out spots with friends. One thing is for sure: there is much in store for this motivated yet humble individual.
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Marilyn Ramirez: Co-Copy Editor
Marilyn Ramirez, a writer for The Downey Legend, aspires to reach her goal of becoming a journalist for Time Magazine. Believing herself to be a typical girl, she enjoys not only writing but also playing the keyboard, running, and has a special interest in Astronomy. “I would have loved to travel to the moon before the space missions were ended,” Ramirez states. The young writer’s wish to travel to the moon extends to also wanting to travel to Europe.
Like most high school students, friends are a valued part of the young journalist’s, as well as her ipod. “My ipod is like my phone to me,” Ramirez stated, “I won’t go out of a wi-fi zone.”
Throughout her short life, Ramirez has learned from influential figures to stay positive and always reach for her goals such as joining Online Newspaper. Her involvement in newspaper has been a great achievement for her in which she takes great pride. Beside staying positive in her own life, Ramirez strongly opposes self-injury and suicide. The young writer tries to stay involved with these issues to make a positive impact in needed lives.
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Miguel Magaña: Photo Editor
Senior Miguel Magana is the new Photo-Editor of The Downey Legend Staff. From a young age, Magana has loved traveling and enjoys visiting new places. Magana’s future plans are to visit many different countries and observe peoples every day life. Even though he might be shy with people he does not know,he enjoys mingle ling with his friends.
Compared to those of others, Magana has unique hobbies. Even though he used to play soccer, recently he prefers to watch professional sports. In his spare time, he likes to keep himself organized and enjoys cleaning around the house. Magana also enjoys taking pictures and is currently enrolled in the advance photography. His main goal is to improve his photography skills. He encourages others to keep a step forward and “Never give up in what you want to do in life,” said Magana.
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Bryan Fernandez: Co-Photo Editor
Junior Bryan Fernandez joined The Downey Legend as Co-Photo Editor during the peak of his high school career, as he thought it would be a good idea to get involved with the school’s newspaper and to meet new friends along the way.
As a staff member of The Downey Legend, Fernandez has an opportunity to work with and improve on one of his greatest passions: photography. He first picked up a camera out of curiosity when he was in middle school. He wanted to a have a hobby that he was truly passionate about. After experimenting with photography, he realized he had found it.
“I like being behind the camera rather than in front of it, because I feel more in control,” the aspiring photographer said.
In addition to photography, Fernandez enjoys traveling, blogging, reading, and watching Angels’ baseball games. Although photography plays a major role in his life, he is undecided about his future career but works hard and strives to gain acceptance into a UC or Cal State University.
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Rosa Ramirez: Webmaster
Returning staff member, senior, Rosa Ramirez started out as a photographer, but is now the very first Web Master for The Downey Legend. Ramirez became interested in design back in the Myspace days, but now she has emerged in many aspects of visual arts, including photography, drawing, and graphic design. For her, these art forms are a form of pure creation and a way to artistically express her self without limits. When she isn’t busy getting creative with her designs, Ramirez enjoys visiting art museums, going to concerts, bumming it at the beach, and exploring the streets of Downtown LA. After high school, she plans to study abroad at the Fashion Institute of Technology in hopes of becoming a creative designer for a fashion magazine. During her time at The Downey Legend, this young and dedicated designer hopes to do her best to enhance the site in order to help the rest of the staff receive recognition for everything that goes into each publication. Whether it be applied to her art or her position on staff, Ramirez believes that above all, it is important to set goals and push yourself until you have accomplished your dreams.
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Brenda Lopez: Business Manager
A senior here at Downey High, Brenda Lopez is the business manager for The Downey Legend. Because this job entrusts her with the financial care of the newspaper, this leader in production is perfect for the job. Baby-sitting her younger siblings has left her with much responsibility, not only useful for the newspaper, but for other school activities as well. Lopez is a Zumba Fitness instructor and is currently Vice President of the KIWINS club. “I do my best to get them out there and noticed so that others can participate in keeping the community clean and presentable,” Lopez says.
Brenda’s pride in her community is reflected by the love for her family, never forgetting where she came from. They have helped develop her own morals, rejecting smoking and bullying; but she does not apply them just for herself but also for students around her. This aspiring business woman inspires everyone to pursue their careers in an honest way. Her strengths in public speaking and financial management have allowed her to join The Downey Legend in hopes of majoring in business and communications.
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Anna Cerojano: Public Relations
Senior Anna Felicia Cerojano, age 17, is currently fulfilling her second year as Public Relations for the 2011-2012 school year at The Downey Legend. In addition to Newspaper, Cerojano has a time consuming schedule which includes classes such as: ERWC, AP Calculus, AP Government, Spanish 3, and an upcoming AP Psychology class. She hopes to attend either the University of California, Santa Barbara or San Francisco State University to major in Public Relations and Marketing. Even though she dedicates most of her time to her studies, she is still able to hang out with some of her close friends. This studious student plans on returning to the Philippines, her home country, and perhaps relearning her native language, Tagalog. “I feel like I need to return to visit my family,” Cerojano said.
Aside from hanging out with friends, this go-getter student enjoys listening to her iPod whenever she has the chance. She never leaves the house without it! She also plans to devote any spare time and effort she has in public service committees to extend a helping hand to the community.
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April Watson: Business/Public Relations Assistant
A fresh face in the staff, junior April Watson is set out to gain some experience at The Downey Legend. As the Business/Public Relations Assistant, she aspires to learn skills that will help her succeed in the world of business. Watson is an avid student at Downey High, holding leadership positions in numerous clubs and activities such as: Business Manager for Yearbook and Secretary to both the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) and the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). This leader is also the secretary of the Eco Club and a former Kiwin. She hopes that all her hard work in school and devotion to her extracurricular activities will pay off towards college as she wishes to attend California State University Long Beach (CSULB).
Besides being proactive in school, Watson enjoys her free time and being the unique teenager that she is. She is a self-proclaimed pro at Phase 10 and dares anyone to challenge her at Uno Attack, but this card-player does not play games when it comes to being vegetarian. Her respect for animals demonstrates her disdain towards animal cruelty. She has been committed to being a vegetarian for a little over a year and is currently practicing “veganism” as well. April Watson is a dedicated student with a passion for working hard for what she loves. She goes through life with a strong mindset; she has a bright future ahead of her.
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Kimberly Dominguez: News Editor
Seventeen-year-old Kimberly Dominguez is an avid writer and the News Editor at The Downey Legend. Although Dominguez has always enjoyed writing, it wasn’t until her teachers recommended her to expand on her writing skills that she decided to join the Online Newspaper. It is her first year on staff but she is enthusiastic about her position and she states, “I want to put my very best effort in my work.” Aside from writing, Dominguez also enjoys playing softball and drawing. Friendly and optimistic, she believes that no dream is too difficult for anyone, and therefore is intolerant of low self-esteem in others. The News Editor values and cherishes family and lives by the advice her parents have given her: “Keep moving on. Clocks keep ticking and time will never stop for you.”
After high school, Dominguez plans on going to a state college in California and then hopes to transfer to a UC college after a couple of years. She aims to work in the Behavioral Analyst Unit for the FBI, where she can question criminals and learn more about their thoughts. She is preparing for this by studying Psychology, and she is also taking Sociology and Philosophy. Another dream of hers is to open a humane animal shelter with plenty of play areas and no metal cages. In the meantime, Dominguez hopes to express her writing skills through The Downey Legend and enjoy her last year at Downey High.
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Julia Ruiz: Sports Editor
Current senior, Julia Ruiz, is The Downey Legend’s new Sports Editor for the 2011-2012 year. She considers herself an art enthusiast but claims she isn’t particularly good at art. In her spare time Ruiz enjoys reading and watching her favorite soccer team, F.C. Barcelona, play. She also likes running and spending time with her family. Ruiz is an AP student who works hard to get a high GPA and excel in her favorite subject: English. For Ruiz, the greatest motivation to join The Downey Legend was to, “gain experience as a journalist and get and idea of the career.” With her experience here, the promising writer hopes to eventually become a successful journalist. She hopes to attend the University of Chicago and double-major in English and Journalism with a possible minor in Art History. It is evident that Ruiz is hardworking and determined to better the sports section of The Downey Legend.
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Norma Flores: Sports Assistant
The Downey Legend is featuring a new writer named Norma Flores. She is sixteen-years-old and participates in Downey High’s water polo and swim teams. The junior is a water lover, a passive reader, and an apt musician. Flores states “if you are going to do something, do it right.” She is a hard-working team member, but also, a caring and loving family member and friend.
Besides these activities, Flores’ other passion is writing. She joined The Downey Legend seeking more experience in what she loves to do. As a staff member, her aspirations are to improve the Online Newspaper by making it more appealing to the reader, and also, by attempting to increase the number of readers. The writer hopes to attend USC after high school and become a recognized author.
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Angelica Co: Student Life Editor
A senior at Downey High School, Angelica Co, a writer and Student Life Editor for The Downey Legend, was born in the Philippines. Now age seventeen, she came to the United States when she was a mere ten-year-old. Although she dedicates many hours of her time towards The Downey Legend, she enjoys spending some time at the movies. Contradictory to most seniors nowadays, she values education, family, and religion above everything else. The movie-goer has plans to attend a nearby UC school in order to accomplish her dream of becoming a pharmacist.
“In everything I do, I always try my best so in the end, whatever the outcome may be, I will be content,” Co said.
She joined The Downey Legend to improve her skills as a journalist and a writer. She would like to travel, but, if anything, she would voyage to Japan before the rest. No matter whether she shows her enthusiasm her at The Downey Legend or at school, she always faces situations with fortitude and perseverance.
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Hanna Suarez: Arts & Entertainment Editor
Junior, Hanna Suarez, once said, “I’ve always had an interest in journalism but I was always too shy to show my work. That was until a friend gave me a little push to join newspaper and here I am.” She is currently The Downey Legend’s Arts & Entertainment Editor. Suarez’s goal in newspaper is to successfully fulfill her duties and complete jobs on time. Her creative approach and easy-going attitude will surely embellish the 2011-2012 Legend crew.
Down-to-earth Suarez has many goals and interests. She enjoys playing the clarinet and does so in the school’s marching band. One of her goals is to do well this year in all of her classes in order to attend her dream school: Otis School of Art and Design. Moreover, after attending her school of choice, she desires to move to New York. In life, she wants to have many experiences such as, setting designs for Broadway musicals, working as a coffee barista, and even opening a restaurant. She states, “I want to take advantage of all the opportunities in life, and I will do so.” Surely, her aspirations will one day be reached.
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Jessica Xilo: Parents & Teachers Editor
The newest Parent and Teacher Editor for The Downey Legend is Jessica Xilo, a 16 year-old senior at Downey High School. Her interest in writing and desire to have a better understanding of what goes on around school influenced her to join Online Newspaper. Now a part of the staff, Xilo wants to improve her writing and get the experience of being part of newspaper. The section editor also wants to make newspaper more enjoyable for others. “Even with the least amount of time it is possible to accomplish something,” Xilo said.
In addition to her interest in writing, Xilo also enjoys cross country and excelling in school. Currently at the top of her class, she plans to maintain this position and graduate with honors. She also plans on going to college and becoming the first in her family to go. With aspirations of going to USC and doing her best in newspaper, Xilo hopes that her perseverance and efficient work ethic will help her reach these goals.
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Gustavo Ramirez: Community Editor
Gustavo Ramirez, 17, is attending his last year at Downey High School. He is currently the Community Editor for the school’s online newspaper, The Downey Legend. Ramirez has taken honors courses in English and is an avid writer in his own free time. One of his hobbies includes writing his own stories and miniature essays. The writer hopes to one day major in English and become a successful author. Writing has naturally become a pastime and a passion for him. His own personal library keeps him entertained for hours on end. Ramirez “loves the books because they are special and a part of [him].” Like any good writer, he finds creative outlets for writing and reading, such as taking on the school’s online newspaper. Ramirez hopes to attend either UC Berkeley or Irvine, and will stop at no cost to fulfill his goal.
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April Rios: Writer/Photographer
17-year-old April Rios, a senior at Downey High, is one of the new staff members for The Downey Legend. Rios moved to the US from Mexico at age 8 when she was just a first grader. At first she struggled to learn the new language but succeeded at the end. Now at 17 she is deeply in love with writing and photography, although her true passion is photography. She hopes that her photography can transmit her feelings towards certain subjects in life, and she aspires to become a photojournalist for National Geographic Magazine.
In addition to this, Rios also enjoys running and volunteering. She loves helping others, which is why she volunteers. Newspaper was a way for this volunteer to experience journalism and gain experience for later goals in life. This journalist, although young, has much to offer to 2011-2012 newspaper staff. Her ambitions will only bring amazing things to the staff. Her goal for this year is to show all students what’s going on from a point of view of someone like himself or herself. “Making a difference” Rios said, “That is all that matters, trying to leave your little grain of sand.” With this mindset surely Rios will be successful not only as a staff member but in her life as well.
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Kathy Ochoa: Writer
Only a sophomore in high school, and a writer for The Downey Legend newspaper, Kathy Ochoa has already planned out her future goals in becoming a fashion editor, and thinks that her experience as a writer will bring her one step closer to achieving this goal of hers. “When I read magazines, I dream of the day that I will get to see my name appear next to an article,” Ochoa said. She loves writing, no matter what topic, but her favorite subject to express herself about are vintage things in general.
Her staff goal as a writer is to cover amazing stories about what goes on in the community and at Downey High. Aside from her passion for writing, the future fashion editor enjoys playing tennis in her spare time, and is currently on the Downey varsity tennis team. She was shocked, but very excited to have made varsity as a sophomore. Ochoa’s cousin introduced her to tennis and taught her how to play. She has been playing for four years now and has loved tennis ever since. Ochoa always works hard to achieve her goals, and always finds a way to accomplish them, no matter what is in her way.
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Dinorah Acuna: Writer
Senior Dinorah Acuña is a first year writer for The Downey Legend, and is also an aspiring student inspired by the fact that she will be the first person in her family to go to college. From the many subjects in school, her interests remain in math, science, and literature. Originally from Arizona, Acuña believes that hard work, responsibility, and respect are essential to a person. She is active in her community with the Normaneers club on campus and likes to do things that involve the outdoors. In addition to her participation in school, the Downey Legend writer has great social skills and does not tolerate violence or selfishness.
Acuña joined The Downey Legend because she wants to continue her involvement at Downey High. With a voice in the newspaper, she hopes to share her writing and to make students feel a connection with their school. “I believe nothing is impossible,” Acuña says. She is confident that her positivity can significantly contribute to The Downey Legend. The amiable writer hopes to become a successful part of a working environment. Her goal is to make the newspaper better and to get people interested in being a part of Downey’s Viking pride.
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Sergio Villegas: Writer
Entering as a new member of Downey High’s Online Newspaper, sophomore Sergio Villegas is one of the fifteen writers chosen for the year 2011-2012 school year. The fifteen-year-old writer dedicates most of his time to reading. He joined The Downey Legend with the intention of learning whether or not journalism is something he would like to pursue; however, with several honors and advanced placement classes, it is no surprise that Villegas wishes to become a lawyer in the future; it has always been his desired career. Despite his rigorous classes, he still finds time to have fun, play video games, and watch movies. Certainly a hard working student, he excels in his academics with English and history being his favorite subjects.
“Always remain vigilant and never let anything stop you from reaching your dreams,” Villegas said.
Besides education, Villegas also values his religion and family. His future plans include traveling when he finishes his education. But most importantly, he plans on having a family of his own in the future and finding a dream job that he will enjoy.
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Kaylem McGary: Photographer
Only a sophomore in high school and already thinking about the future, Kaylem McGary is one step closer to accomplishing her goal. For McGary, taking pictures isn’t just a hobby but a career choice. Since the age of nine, her camera has been her favorite accessory. From snapping a shot, to playing a simple game of soccer, she always tries her best on everything she sets her mind to. McGary is interested in many hobbies including softball and soccer. Playing games with her family of four is always fun for her.
Determined to amaze people with her photographs encourages her to try harder. “I’ve always wanted to become a photographer since I was small,” McGary said. She spends hours taking pictures of things that inspires her. The photographer is in love with taking candid photographs of unique people. She is fascinated with what the camera captures, which makes her a perfect fit as a photographer for The Downey Legend.
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Mj Orozco: Photographer
Senior Marlenn Orozco, also known as MJ, is a three-year veteran at The Downey Legend as a photographer. Her passion for photography has heightened thought the years, and she works hard to have her work recognized. As a freshman, Orozco hoped to join the Yearbook Staff, but at the end of the year, she was put on hold and instead signed up for photojournalism. However, the following year she was given another chance to show her work in a new environment that later became The Downey Legend. At the end of the year she was given an award as Photographer of the year. In her junior year, Orozco was given her first Nikon and decided to take a photography class to understand how to work a camera. Entering her senior year, she enrolled in Advanced Photography at school. “I am so excited to be in the class, I feel like I am walking on the right path to my goal,” Orozco says. Even though she spends a large amount of time taking pictures and researching how to improve her skill, she enjoys drawing, reading, running and riding her bike around Downey in her spare time. Although Orozco was injured during a soccer game in 09’ she now tries to keep active by trying out for school sports.
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