5 questions with Mr. Armendariz

Vivian Buenrostro, Co-Editor-in-Cheif
January 26, 2015

Social Studies teacher, Mr. Armendariz, proposed to his girlfriend of six years on an active volcano in Nicaragua, over the holiday break.

Q1: Where did you get the idea of proposing on a volcano?

A1: She has been working in the Peace Corps for two years helping Nicaraguan’s develop their small businesses, flourish in the community, and be self-sustaining. I realized she’s coming back soon and I know she’s the one I’m going to marry so I thought, ‘cool idea.’

Q2: How did you plan it?

A2: We went up with a tour guide and the other 10-15 tourists. When she went away, I told them and that’s how it happened. Our signal was asking the tour guide where a good place to take a picture would be and if he said, “yeah, this spot is good,” then that was where I would ask.

Q3: Was her reaction what you’d hoped it would be?

A3: [laughs] It was funny because she wasn’t expecting it so she was a little mad, she kind of smacked me a little bit, but she teared up a little bit and she said yes. It was just funny because it was just one of those things that caught her off guard.

Q4: Did you tell anybody prior to proposing?

A4: Yeah. Her family lives up in Washington, so I went up there before and told them and they were excited about it. Obviously I told my close friends which includes teachers as well. I just got advice from them and stuff.

Q5: Were you more nervous about asking or about walking up an active volcano?

A5: The little bit of nervousness was about thinking where would be the best spot because, if you have ever been on a live volcano, it smells really terrible. It’s just one of those things where you think, “that’s not where you want to propose” because she’s going to be crying, not because she’s excited, but because of the gasses. So we went to the side of the volcano where there’s a cliff and that’s where it happened.

About the Contributors

Vivian Buenrostro, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

Senior Vivian Buenrostro is not only a writer for The Downey Legend online newspaper, but has also taken on the responsibility of Co-Editor-In-Chief. Having been a part of the newspaper staff since her sophomore year, she has experience with the different positions and has even held the positions of Arts and Entertainment Section Editor and Song of the Week Editor. “Newspaper has been one awesome ride these past three years,” Buenrostro said. “I’ve learned skills that are applicable to everything and anything.” Although Co-Editor-In-Chief is a tough and tedious job, Buenrostro is ready to take on the challenge. Throughout this year on staff she hopes to build a close bond with all of the staff members and have productive deadlines.

When she is not running the staff or writing stories, Buenrostro enjoys jogs around her neighborhood, making healthy shakes and other concoctions, or swimming in the waves at Huntington Beach. “Time doesn’t really exist when I’m in the ocean,” Buenrostro said. Buenrostro also loves live music; she has been to various concerts including Young the Giant, Arctic Monkeys, and Walk the Moon. Buenrostro plans to graduate and attend an out of state school far from California. “As much as I love Downey High,” Buenrostro said, “I can’t wait to go to college in a new environment.” While away at college she hopes to major in biology and medicine to start her path towards her career goal of being a doctor. Buenrostro aims to make her final year at Downey High School rewarding in both her academics and her position on The Downey Legend staff.

Dayna Sanchez, Photographer

A part of The Downey Legend staff, sophomore Dayna Sanchez is a photographer. She enjoys taking photos and wants to capture the sports events around school. Sanchez enjoys taking photos to show off her skills. Being a photographer requires a creative eye and patience, which Sanchez has.

In her leisure time, Sanchez enjoys watching Netflix and taking photos of her three-shitzu mix digs named Esme, Darcy, and Charlie. “I need my daily dose of Netflix right before bed!” Sanchez stated. In five years, Sanchez sees herself in college becoming a pastry chef. Her goals for this school year are to participate more in the school events around campus. “This year I plan to be more involved in school”, Sanchez said. “I would possibly join the volleyball team, because my dad got me involved in the sport”. Sanchez still has years of high school ahead of her, but she hopes to become more positive and to stop looking at the negative side of situations that come her way.