The yearbook staff conclude their masterpiece
Written by Angelica Co · May 11, 2012
After about eight months of taking photographs of school events and interviewing multiple students, the 2011-2012 yearbook staff has arrived at the last chapter of their masterpiece. Taking on the theme Prerogative, this school year’s yearbook will highlight the various preferences of individual... (more...)
Rizk’s run to success
Written by Angelica Co · April 23, 2012
Having been a member of the track and cross-country teams since her freshman year, senior Nisreen Rizk has proven her potential as a star athlete. Once a slow runner in the back group, she has worked her way to becoming one of the top runners. “Some people are just naturally fast,... (more...)
Four cultures unite
Written by Angelica Co · April 6, 2012
With the hopes of uniting the various cultural clubs around the campus, Spanish Club hosted a multicultural picnic held in front of the Bell Tower on Friday, March 30. From 11 am to 1 pm, tables, chairs, and an island of food welcomed French Club, German Club, and Korean Club who were invited... (more...)
42 seniors awarded Sealbearer status
Written by Angelica Co · March 26, 2012
In a class of about 1,000 students, 42 assiduous seniors have accumulated four semesters of membership in the California Scholarship Federation earning them the Sealbearer status. Since their sophomore year, the CSF recipients have maintained outstanding marks that have earned them the title. “The... (more...)
Brilliant meets wise
Written by Angelica Co · March 21, 2012
All throughout the school year, dedication and hard work have emerged from the Vikings who tackle multiple Advanced Placement classes along with various clubs and sports. Despite the tremendous amount of perseverance these rigorous courses and extra curricular activities require, these students... (more...)
Viking’s very own entrepreneurs
Written by Angelica Co · February 29, 2012
Whether it is about starting, operating, or maintaining a business, the Regional Occupational Program, Virtual Enterprise, educates students regarding management skills that will assist them with their future endeavors in business. Taught by Ms. Allison Strain in room T-7, this course covers... (more...)
Vikings support Aéropostale’s Teens for Jeans
Written by Angelica Co · February 11, 2012
For the first time ever on Viking grounds, the student body took part in the Teens for Jeans campaign from Jan. 16 to Feb. 10 to help provide homeless teens nationwide with a pair of jeans. One out of three homeless individuals is under the age of 18. While most teenagers have closets full... (more...)
On her way to Bucknell University
Written by Angelica Co · January 22, 2012
While others await their college acceptance letters, senior Cynthia Moreno rejoices at her set future at Bucknell University after she succeeded in winning a full tuition scholarship from The Posse Foundation last December. “It has been a pleasure to have Cynthia in my A.P. Government... (more...)
Five questions with Imran Chowdhry
Written by Angelica Co · January 11, 2012
Q: Who referred you for the Make A Wish Foundation, and why did you decide to wish to meet Kobe Bryant? A: The doctors informed me about Make A Wish Foundation, and they also had everything set up for me. I chose to meet Kobe Bryant because I’ve been his fan for as long as I can remember,... (more...)
A step towards a new beginning
Written by Angelica Co · December 16, 2011
As the class of 2012 relish their last year around the Viking campus, the graduating students still face one of the most hectic and highly anticipated part of their senior year: college applications. Although a few have decided to take an easier route and are planning on attending a community... (more...)
Green monkeys storm Magic Mountain
Written by Angelica Co · November 21, 2011
Thousands of Key Club members from California, Nevada, and Hawaii swarmed the Golden Bear Stadium at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Nov. 19 to celebrate the annual Fall Rally. Equipped with thundersticks, pom-poms, and whistles, different divisions battled it out during the spirit war and auction... (more...)
Maintaining the six pillars of character
Written by Angelica Co · November 2, 2011
One month after Anti-Bullying Week, the Associated Student Body dedicated another set of days from Oct. 18-21 to remind the students about the significance of having good character. Various posters bearing the six pillars—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship—were... (more...)
Community service at its best
Written by Angelica Co · October 12, 2011
To further demonstrate their spirit, service club Kiwins performed their duty of helping out the community as they volunteered at a Pediatric Carnival and at the Keep Downey Beautiful program during the month of September. From volunteering at carnivals to keeping the community clean, the Kiwanians... (more...)
Homework filled summer
Written by Angelica Co · June 13, 2011
As the school year comes to a close, Advanced Placement and honors students prepare themselves as teachers begin distributing summer homework in the last weeks of June. The departments providing summer assignments include English, History, and Chemistry. AP and honors classes call for devoted... (more...)
Rallying for a spot on the tennis team
Written by Angelica Co · May 27, 2011
In preparation for the 2011 fall sports season, the girls tennis team, led by Coach Diego, held tryouts on May 23 and 24. About 40 aspiring members showed off their skills but only 18 were chosen to be a part of next school year’s team. Similar to the previous years, both graduating and... (more...)
City council reaches out
Written by Angelica Co · May 11, 2011
The Downey city council held its very first Student Government Day in which seven Associated Student Body members attended an informative event on April 26. Along with the Vikings were the leaders of Warren High School and Columbus Continuation School. In hopes of learning more regarding... (more...)
Dress towards success
Written by Angelica Co · April 14, 2011
As a solution to the conflicts contributed by the dress code punishments, the administration developed a new regulation that has been enforced since the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. “I am in favor of dress code; it keeps people from exposing themselves and prevents them from ruining... (more...)
Students show commitment to Speech and Debate
Written by Angelica Co · March 21, 2011
Among the various extracurricular activities that encircle the school campus, Speech and Debate has proven itself to be one that is worthy of being appreciated. Led by Ms. King, the members work to improve their public speaking abilities and to also challenge their way of thinking. In contrast... (more...)
Spare change to fight cancer
Written by Angelica Co · March 7, 2011
In efforts to contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Vikings gathered together their spare change in the course of three weeks and participated in Pennies for Patients which ran from Feb 15 to March 4. This year’s face of the campaign was a seven year old cancer survivor Eva... (more...)
Keep up the school spirit
Written by Angelica Co · February 16, 2011
To get the students pumped up for the Downey vs. Warren basketball game, the associated student body organized another spirit week which ran from February 7 to the 10. The week started out with Jersey day, followed by Indian and Cowboy day, Nerd day, and then white shirt day to go in accordance... (more...)
Trick-or-Treating for Unicef
Written by Angelica Co · November 5, 2010
To raise money for the kids in third world countries, Key Club, Kiwins, and Normaneers participated during the Halloween season in the Trick-or-Treat for Unicef. From October 27 to 29, Key Club collected donations for the Trick-or-Treat for Unicef and raised $135.97 in just three days. In... (more...)
Illuminate that spirit
Written by Angelica Co · October 20, 2010
To welcome the arrival of the Homecoming game and dance, Vikings took part in Spirit Week held on October 12-15. From tank top day, to stoplight day, to college day, to tie day, the students and staff participated and showed their school spirit. “I like participating because it’s... (more...)