Opening doors to future vikes
During Open House, students and parents arrive to the gym for the art show to see all the work done by students. “The art show is one of my favorite parts about Open House,” parent, Stephanie Hernandez said, “because the art is very well done and creative.”
May 31, 2013
Downey High School held its annual open house on Thursday, May 23 and introduced the incoming freshmen to all clubs and classes, let them watch performances to feel the school’s spirit and allowed current students’ parents interact with teachers.
The gymnasium welcomed hundreds of parents and future freshmen at 5:30 p.m. where they were introduced to Downey’s curriculum and the activities it has to offer. Principal Houts spoke briefly to the audience, welcomed them to the school and thanked them for attending. After a thirty minute interval of introduction, the performances began. The band’s drum line put on an impressive show and was followed by the dance team who brought much attention and praise, the cheer team who received an uproar for its routine, and the color guard who put on an outstanding performance.
Junior Anthony Munoz is a member of the color guard presentation and was excited to welcome everyone in the bleachers in a fun and exciting way.
“I think it was really cool to perform in front of all these people,” Munoz said. “It really shows them the spirit our school has.”
A majority of the audience contained eager parents, wanting to fill up on as much information as they could possibly obtain to prepare their future high school student.
Frank Fergoso, one of the parents of a future freshman at Downey High School, wanted to gain some knowledge about the school her daughter would be attending next year.
“We’re excited to learn about the available programs and all the academic activities our daughter could get involved in next year,” Fergoso said.
After the assembly ended, the attendees were free to wander around and students were encouraged to sign up for clubs, sports, and indulge in treats that the booths were selling. The stands set outside included Key Club, KIWIN’S, Teachers of America, Eco Club, girls soccer, and other various organizations in attempt to attract possible members.
Melissa Hernandez, a future Viking and an eighth grader who attends Susman Middle School, wanted to familiarize herself with the campus and was anxious about the upcoming year.
“I wanted to get some information[about the school],” Hernandez said. “I’m nervous about the classes and how hard they’ll be.”
Along with the newcomers, Downey’s teachers and staff held their doors open for parents with questions or concerns about their currently enrolled student and the progress they presented in class throughout the year.
Downey High’s open house proved to be an overall success. Information was given to students and parents, nerves were calmed, and clubs and organizations spiked the interests of students, providing all future students with a taste of Downey.
As her time at Downey High School reaches a conclusion, senior Gabby Sanchez is thrilled to be on The Downey Legend as Co-Editor-In-Chief for the 2013-2014 school year. She originally joined the school newspaper the previous year at the suggestion of her Honors English 10 teacher, Ms. Kasner. Kasner saw Sanchez’s writing potential and was glad she applied. Once Sanchez was accepted, she noticed how being part of a school newspaper only improved her writing. “Its definitely given me the opportunity to constantly practice and better my writing,” Sanchez said. “but mostly it's given me an idea of how a journalist would write as opposed to how I would write an essay for an English class.” Eventually, her passion for journalism, and writing in general, started to grow. She became more and more dedicated to the craft of providing newsworthy stories for the student body to enjoy. Now as she juggles AP courses and a leadership position on the newspaper staff, Sanchez wants to make sure that the hidden stories on campus are published, but that also, all staff members respect each other so that being newspaper is more thrilling than dreadful.
Although Sanchez is a senior and college is on the horizon, she is still not sure exactly what university she wants to attend; however, she does have a general view of what she wants her college life to be life. “I want to go to a college that will fulfill my needs, expand my horizons, and expose me to wonderful, weird, and mind boggling things,” Sanchez said. “Honestly, I just want to be somewhere I wouldn’t mind spending another four years.” Although she isn’t particularly sure what she wants to do after college, Sanchez wants to make sure that she lives on the East Coast, doing something she is extremely passionate about. On her days when she isn’t pondering life and her future, Sanchez enjoys gluing her eyes to her iPad screen, watching Netflix movies (her taste in movies is eclectic, ranging from the deeply emotional foreign films, to the goofy comedies featuring Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, and James Franco). Aside from spending time viewing films, Sanchez also enjoys the company of her dog, Mia, whom she absolutely adores with her whole heart. At the end of the day, Sanchez is confident that whichever path she takes will be because her passions will lead her to the happiness she so craves in life.
Martinez is secretary for KIWIN’S club, and she absolutely loves it. She considers members of her club to be her second family. One of her personal goals as of right now is to get straight A s, while a goal for The Downey Legend is to simply become closer with everyone; she wants the newspaper staff to get as close and comfortable KIWIN’S club. “ I want them to be like my third family,” Martinez said. After high school she would like to travel the world and go on new and exciting adventures. One of the most special moments in her life was when her little sister Isabel was born. Martinez explained that when she was younger she always wanted a little sister or brother, so when Isabel was born, she became one of the most special people in her life. Although Martinez is still undecided about what major she wants to take on, she is very interested in medicine and loves children. With her incredible personality and hard work, she is sure to make any of her goals come through.
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