Arts and awards

On May 24, Daisy Watson displays a copy of her old book art as the first place winner of the 20th Annual Lucille Roybal- Allard Student Art Competition. “I named my art Sailing Through Thoughts because sometimes you recap into the past, ” Watson said. “ It is better to pass them in order to move into future goals.”

Joey Flores, News Editor
June 4, 2013

Artist-in-the-making, Daisy Watson, 12, proved her creative talent after winning several awards for her work in the past few weeks, one of them being the first place prize at the 20^th Annual Lucille Roybal-Allard Student Art Competition on April 20.

Watson declared her love for the subject ever since she started off as a first grader with a box of crayons.

“I’ve been painting since I was a kid, and I’ve been good at it ever since, so winning this award is like seeing an awesome timeline of my artistic career,” Watson said. “I just hope it doesn’t end here.”

By starting off as a creative illustrator, Watson understands what it is like to be honored by awards. In the past, she has won several awards at her schools. At Downey High School, she has won two Merit Awards and has had six of her pieces featured in the Downey High Art and Photo Show 2013 at Open House. However, she is not one to brag about such honor.

On several occasions, the subject of Watson winning awards has come up in conversation, and friend Carrissa Gama, 12, was there to witness Watson’s modesty.

“She [Watson] really is humble about the whole thing,” Gama said. “After she won the Roybal award, she was very sweet about it and she never bragged or anything like that.”

This modesty was brought on by Watson’s respect for the award as well as her craft. The young artist felt it rude to boast about her work after receiving praise. Though the award is of great significance, she refuses to brag because of the negative effect it would set upon the title of the award. This grace over her acceptance of the award is the result of a girl who grew up loving art.

The young talent is in two different art classes: Drawing 1 and Intermediate Art. Her Intermediate Art teacher, Darrelle Nikaj, often commends her for her work.

“She really is a great artist for her age. She never turns in work that is less than astonishing,” Nikaj said. “It’s [Watson’s work] a good reminder of why I love my job.”

Nikaj was one of many who checked out Watson’s piece before she had submitted it to the competition. Watson has developed a good rapport with the teacher since the start of the year. Nikaj loves her student’s work because of how much thought and meaning has been put into the creation of it. The young artist feels that if she is going to create a piece, there is going to be great meaning behind it.

The artist’s talent has brought her this far and even after all of the success, the student shows no signs of stopping.

About the Contributors

Joey Flores, News Editor

Joey Flores is a 14-year-old sophomore at Downey High as well as a writer and News Editor for The Downey Legend. Flores chose to join the 2012-2013 staff because he wants to gain experience in journalism, since he aspires to work for Details or Rolling Stone magazine. He plans to attend the University of Oxford or NYU. “I have a minor obsession with the U.K.,” Flores said when asked why he wanted to attend the University of Oxford. He admitted that he will miss his friends and family when he’s away for college, although he won’t be missing the California weather. The News Editor always preferred English over any other subject. “When I was younger I always preferred English because I felt that I had the freedom when it came to creative writing,” Flores said. Along with being on the newspaper, he is also taking Honors English 10, which will help enhance his writing skills. Flores’ main goals are to fulfill everything that comes his way and to come up with interesting stories that will receive multiple views.

The staff member enjoys listening to indie and alternative rock. He is a big fan of the 80s band, The Smiths. Flores loves doing community service and is a member of the Key Club. The News Editor enjoys helping others and wants to help “beautify the community.” Flores has volunteered at recovery centers, like Rancho Los Amigos. He participated in a carnival for the disabled patients at the RLARC. “It was very eye-opening because you realize that they are incapable of doing much, but they never give up,” he said. Although Flores has a lot on his plate- being The Downey Legend’s News Editor, volunteering at rehabilitation centers, and succeeding in AP European History and Honors English 10- he will manage to stay on top of everything and make his sophomore year a memorable one.

Gissel Enriquez, Photographer

Continuing her passion for photography, senior Gissel Enriquez joins The Downey Legend for her second year with hopes of contributing newsworthy events for the 2013-2014 school year. As a photographer, her interest sparked from the first moment she captured a photo as an eight-year-old child. “It’s amazing how you can take a picture and it brings thousands of memories with just one shot,” Enriquez said. “I just have a passion for photography.” Her enthusiasm for photography is evident as she decides to improve her skills and learn new things from the newspaper staff. Her junior year at The Downey Legend has enabled her to expand her knowledge and alleviate the stress from honors and AP classes. This aspiring photographer joined in order to capture the daily moments of high school and bring awareness to the online newspaper. Since joining the team, she has gained confidence in herself as well as in her art. With her goals set high and hardworking mindset, Enriquez is sure to dedicate her time with the aim of succeeding as a member of the online newspaper and as a Downey High School student.

While photography remains one her favorite hobbies, she also enjoys roller skating around her neighborhood and constantly listening to bands like The Smiths. Enriquez loves spending time with her family, especially her best friends: Yasmin Alvizures and Joy Eskander, and going to Yogurtland on her free time. With her future set, this outgoing photographer plans to travel around the world after graduating from a four year university. Wherever her journey leads her, her passion for photography will remain at heart.