On Friday, October 13, 2023, the Downey Vikings took on the cross-town rivalry Warren Bears at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood. Both schools had the amazing opportunity to compete in one of the biggest stadiums in the world, the SoFi Stadium. Being granted the opportunity of being part of “LA Bowl Friday Night Lights” and being sponsored by the “LA Bowl”, its publicity reaches even further than the city of Downey, allowing the LA Times to write an article about the rivalry game. This war zone-filled stadium seated with over 18,000 students, staff, alumni, and residents of Downey evidently ended in favor of the Warren Bears with a score of 28-21.
Downey vs. Warren at SoFi Stadium
October 23, 2023
About the Contributors
Viviana Alba, Co-Photo Editor
As the Co-Photo editor of The Downey Legend, Viviana Alba, 12, has returned to the staff for her third and last year. Alba’s passion for photography goes beyond the classroom as she plans to continue photography as a side job. However, photography is not her only passion. After high school, Alba hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine to follow her love for animals. As an introvert, Alba describes herself as, determined, intelligent, and compassionate.
Alba has decided to stay with The Downey Legend because she loves the new experiences that the newspaper has brought her such as meeting and interacting with new people. This year, Alba is hoping to make the most of it. “I’m most looking forward to to being able to lead a new talented group of staff members this year.” Alba shared. “I hope to provide them with the opportunities that I was able to experience during my past three years here.”
Mario Sanchez, Photographer
Joining the Downey Legend for the first time, Mario Sanchez, 12, plans to get the most out of his senior year. As a member of Downey High’s track team in addition to being a caretaker at a daycare company, Sanchez shows his commitment to both his school and his community. As a new photographer for the Downey Legend, Sanchez plans to use his previous experience to help him. Sanchez wants to use his time at the Downey Legend to gain connections as well as having as much fun as possible for his senior year.
Sanchez’s ambition and care for both himself and his community can clearly be seen in any interaction with him. “I just want to conquer everything,” Sanchez stated. “I want everything to go smoothly, and have a good year for my peers and I.”
Alisson Naranjo, Co-Photo Editor
The Downey Legend’s Co-Photo Editor Alisson Naranjo, 12, looks most forward to guiding the team of photographers in the right direction to their full potential. She hopes to leave next year’s staff with an outstanding group of photographers who are ready to lead the incoming photographers to success and help maintain a diligent newspaper staff. “Newspaper has definitely strengthened my communication skills,” Naranjo stated. “It has allowed me to experience opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to get without it.” She also stated how it has definitely helped her with time management skills, and she hopes to use what she’s learned to prepare for college. For college, she aims to attend a 4-year, and earn her Psy.D. Naranjo would describe herself as ambitious, intelligent, and intellectual. Outside of the classroom, she likes to read, take photos, and go on walks.