THE BRAVE A Senior Edition 2016-2017
Vol # 16|Edition 5
13640 S. Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA
May 17, 2017
A Message from our Principal As I enter my last few remaining weeks as principal, I have spent an increasing amount of time reflecting on my tenure here and its impact on me both personally and professionally. While I look forward to my next chapter, I am bittersweet about leaving such a remarkable place. I consider St. John Bosco High School a sacred place. Its sacred nature flows not only from the fact that we are a faith-based Catholic school – that much is self-evident – but also from the profound impact we have on each other’s lives every day. We gather each day to learn, play, grow, and be challenged. We share triumphs and tragedy. We laugh with each other at times, and at other times we share tears. We worship together. Through these activities, a bond is formed with your classmates, which over time grows into what many call a brotherhood. This brotherhood is based on love - a type of love that the Greeks described as “philia” - the loyalty, sacrifice and honesty shown between friends. While I recognize that this bond takes time to develop, and even over time is not necessarily felt as strongly by all – it nonetheless is quite tangible and compelling. Love is what makes Bosco a sacred and special place. There are so many experiences that I will miss, working with teachers to push you in the classroom and then seeing tangible evidence of your academic growth; cheering for you on the playing field/court/pool/track/mat; daily greetings and the short, casual interactions I have with many of you at break and lunch; seeing the amazing shows put together by the Theater Department; the concerts put on by the Bosco band; the artwork; seeing the pathways take shape and gain traction; watching speech and mock trial take shape and begin to garner success; the retreat program – especially Kairos; the laughs with I have shared with so many of you – all of these memories will hold a special place in my heart. While I regret that I haven’t had the chance to get to know all of you well – many of you I have, and am blessed to now consider my friend. You have the privilege of attending a school that is about something greater than the sum of its parts. In a world where fewer and fewer things hold intrinsic value beyond being mere commodities, being a Brave and a member of the Bosco community deeply and profoundly matters. Being able to live our Faith and give glory to the Lord every day through prayer, reflection, and how we treat each other…matters. The lessons you learn here about how to be a good Christian and honest citizen…matter. The fact that Braves believe, as did Don Bosco, that life should be lived with joy and a full heart…matters. The fact that whatever the platform, a Brave always engages in a manner that strives for nothing less than greatness…matters. The fact that while others see a challenge they find may find insurmountable, a Brave leans in with courage and integrity…matters. The fact that you are taught to focus not on your own selfish needs, but to concerns yourself with those in greatest need…matters. The fact that the bonds you forge and the friendships you make over your time here at Bosco are lifelong relationships, and you are a part of a greater, sacred whole…matters. I cannot overstate how blessed I am to have been to be a part of this community - and part of your lives. There will always be a special place in my heart for Bosco. Good luck and Godspeed.
From, Mr. Casey Yeazel - Principal
Jacob Bueno - West Point Bound By: David Black
Stationed on the bank of the meandering Hudson River in Orange County, New York is the prestigious United States Military Academy, commonly referred to as “West Point.” West Point sports the reputation of the most exclusive, elusive military academy in the United States; their admission requires a direct application complete with a nomination (typically) from a member of Congress, and only around 1300 applicants are accepted. Most students graduate into commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army
Journalist ~ Senior ‘17
and are highly coveted in the workplace for their reliable work ethic and dedication to honesty. This year, our very own Jacob Bueno was appointed into the Academy on an athletic scholarship for wrestling. Indeed, this is not credited just to the years of dedication to his sport, but also his dedication to scholarship itself. As a student athlete, Bueno has always placed emphasis on the classroom aspect of his time at SJB. Congratulations to Jacob Bueno for this great accomplishment.
We have no doubt that he will exceed all expectations. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Jacob Bueno.
In This Edition Page 2 ~ Our Senior Class Page 3 ~ Looking Forward Page 4 ~ Brave Voices Page 5 ~ Sports
Page 6 ~ The Life of a Brave Page 7 ~ Arts & Entertainment Page 8 ~ Science Page 9 ~ A Special Thank You
Page 2 | May 17, 2017
The Brave
The Class of 2017 A Farewell Address
In a few weeks, the Seniors’ lives will be changed forever: we are going to graduate. We will be transitioning to college in a new setting: from the mission-styled Mediterranean buildings of Westwood, California - to the dreamy blue waters of San Francisco Bay - to the powdery snow of South Bend, Indiana. Regardless of where we go, we will embark on a new journey - one that will holistically challenge us both academically and socially, and we should always remember the indelible memories and lessons that we made here at Bosco. As we countdown to graduation, we must relish and never forget the special academic setting of Bosco: one of camaraderie and close mentorship. I won’t forget the relationships with all of my teachers here. Along with my classmates, we always enjoyed our share of laughter and banter with the teachers, talking about school, our daily activities, and personal life as well. It wasn’t a distraction. It bolstered our love of learning and family. I will always be nostalgic of entering Mr. Cordero’s classroom while listening to his favorite oldie moldies, cracking at Mr. Linares’ chemistry jokes, looking at Ms. Blakeman’s ‘dank’ calculus memes, creating a literary analysis presentation about Drake’s One Dance for Ms. Yates’ class, constructing a biomedical product for Mr. Wippler’s engineering cohort, and discussing a potent mix of English and philosophy with Mr. Fernando. I felt at home. And I knew everything was going to be alright. Yet it feels strange to finally know that we will not be in an all-boys school anymore. I’m sure that the co-ed environment excites many of us. Nonetheless, there are some aspects of our Bosco brotherhood that will be missed. We were always full of laughs and smiles with our constant barrage of “jokes and roasts”, while our personalities changed from meek freshmen to outspoken and outgoing young men. Even though we mostly had a single-sex experience, we also had many enjoyable social opportunities with St. Joseph and other schools as well. Bosco football games were always captivating. And the team’s long list of accomplishments - including two state championships and a national title within the duration of our four years - always gave us pride. But now, attending these games will never be the same. And last Saturday, we had our last high school dance: prom. Dancing and dinner with your fellow seniors was the perfect addition to an ending chapter. For me and most of the attendees, it was - simply - magical. In the words of Sebastian from “La La Land”, “This is the Dream”. These memories will always be with us and should be kept dearly. Relive, revolve, and relove them. Our Bosco experience is a special, unbreakable part of us. Enjoy these last days of high school. We are running out of time. And wherever we go and whatever paths we may choose, we will always be Braves.
- Vincent Grospe | Senior ‘17
Bye (Seniors) By: David Black Journalist ~ Senior ‘17
Goodbye seniors, other classmates and everyone else It’s been a long ride on a short road, And time flies with your eyes closed. But it’s time now to wake up So we may script our destinies Before uncertainty can debase us. We graduate into a maze Of mirrors, machines, and phases But remember, Mazes facilitate many paths with The exact same destination Good luck
The Brave
May 17, 2017 | Page 3
Looking Forward Page Design ~ Connor Cartledge
Reflection Brings Change By: Connor Cartledge Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 Looking back at my first year at Saint John Bosco, I realized how not so long ago it was, and how much I have progressed. From the small, bowlcut-haired kid that knew nobody, I have progressed, and looking back at it makes me think about all the good and bad times I had as a freshman. Freshman year is probably the most challenging year of high school, for most. It is a rough transition, but a necessary one and is worth it. Looking back at all you have accomplished can be quite inspiring towards the rest of your life. Ask yourself, “How have I changed?” Whether your study habits got better, your athletic ability skyrocketed, or your charm with girls heightened, everybody has something that has positively come from or out of freshman year. During summer, take some time and reflect. Reflect on all that has happened and all you have accomplished, and reflect on your feelings of satisfaction. Reflect on how you have evolved, how you have become a better student, friend, sibling, son, brother. Freshman year is challenging, but it is the best year to realize who you are, where you come from, and how you can shape yourself to be a better person for next year.
Leaving A Legacy By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
For those in the Class of 2017, senior year is just around the time of completion, and there is a lot of excitement to look forward to, especially their Graduation. It could not have been made possible without the guidance of the teachers and counselors, as there were many crucial tasks left for seniors to accomplish, especially in the remaining weeks before their final ceremony. There’s the common belief among the lower classmen who think senior year is a “breeze” or a “chill year”. This is not the case, due to the fact that Seniors have a full plate in their hands and must be able to manage their time even better to accommodate themselves to finish the rigors of college applications, standardized exams, and on top of it all, keeping up with work at school, which can involve Advanced Placement courses and busy extracurriculars for most of us. Although the frightful challenges of senior year will be very demanding and exhausting, there will also be some very rewarding and pleasuring events that seniors will fully enjoy. Taking a break from academics is important, and what better way to do so then to attend the extensive amount of activities that both Bosco and St. Josephs have specifically for the senior class. It is the sincere unity of the brotherhood of Bosco with the sisterhood of Joseph’s that make all of these activities worth while. The bonds formed at these two schools are described as remarkable and students are highly recommended to open themselves up for the goal to make lifelong relationships out of high school and especially in such an exciting year. With that, spread your wings Class of 2018, and prove to everyone, that we have made it.
Joining Journalism By: David Black Journalist ~ Senior ‘17
Journalism is all about the gathering, creation and presentation of information. It’s a fun, creative process by nature, consisting of writing, revision, and collaboration. Journalism is a collective effort by a group of individuals who seek to expose the word of the realm. It stylizes that which seems dull and expands on laconic invitations to events by answering the questions “why?”, “when?”, and “who?” within an objective and (usually) concise passage. Journalism at SJB is both a UC approved course and an exclusive club - and it needs members. Journalism at Saint John Bosco publicizes all of the school’s events and personages. Members receive a wide range of benefits varying from free entry to events they feature to the inside scoop on things like formal/prom locations, with professional writing instruction as an added bonus. Writing an article for The Brave is selfchosen and casual, nothing like writing a humdrum essay for your English class. So if you’re looking to save a few bucks on the new theater production or big game, gain college credit and extracurricular, or want to be involved with the betterment of school events, The Brave Newspaper is a great find. Grades 10, 11, and 12 are not only welcomed, but encouraged! See Mrs. Day or Mr. Quezada for help joining.
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Brave Voices
Decisions: Planning Ahead By: Connor Cartledge Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 High school can be confusing. With the majority of students still unsure and uneasy about what they want to pursue in life, having the knowledge of electives that are available for students to expand their pallet of career choices is essential. While many are aware of the mandatory theater, music, or art elective freshman are required to take, few know about the hidden gems within electives, such as applied engineering or microeconomics. Freshmen and sophomores at Saint John Bosco have a fairly set class path. Underclassmen focus on the core standards before branching out on their own. Now, while counselors and teachers alike will encourage students to go above and beyond the required core classes, and perhaps take an extra year of math or language, there may be other options to consider. Why take an extra year of math if you never want to work with math in your life again? If anyone could relate calculus to score films, I would love to hear it. The issue is most students aren’t aware that when choosing their classes (particularly junior and senior year), they have choices.
Students can ask their counselor at any time to see the possible classes they can take for the upcoming school year. Bosco is considering creating new electives for next year as well. Possible prep classes for college and more diverse history classes might be added to the already extensive list of choices. Beginning the fall of 2017, a semester course of Philosophy will become an option. While many take electives forgranted, trying to find the easiest one to take instead of the most interesting to themselves, some students would be surprised if they saw the list of electives they can take. Entrepreneurs as well as students wishing to major in science have a particular advantage when choosing what electives they wish to take, with a large and diverse collection of different types of science, economic, and political classes. Students, particularly in their junior and senior years, are encouraged to pursue their passions and their curiosity in what they might want to do after high school by exploring these elective courses.
The Brave
Flex Period Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
By: Isaak Gonzalez Our current academic schedule leaves the students of Saint John Bosco with stress that is often left unattended, for them to deal with on their own time. In order to alleviate this stress, the administration has decided to implement a “flex” period, an hour long free period that can be utilized by students to catch up on work, study, or relax. Though we have seen glimpses of this type of schedule from time to time, it is a school-wide curiosity as to why they are not more frequently implemented into our learning timetable. According to our Vice Principal, Mr. Gutierrez, a flex period has yet to be instituted in our schedule due to a academic requirements filling our daily schedule. In order to include a studentoriented period, it would be
necessary to cut back on class time, which would impact valuable instruction. As a result, Mr. Gutierrez believes that “Occasional flex periods are the best for our schedule.” Although a flex period can be used in various ways, Mr. Gutierrez recommends that students take advantage of it depending on their workload, by going to their class of highest priority to complete projects or assignments. By doing this, students can reduce academic pressure, leading to a more positive school experience. These choice periods are an opportunity for students to have additional one-on-one time with teachers and/or peers. This benefits us making our schedule a win-win for both students and teachers who have extra instructional time.
Electives at Bosco include: Anatomy & Physiology Drawing & Painting Philosophy Elementary Statistics Animation 1 Journalism Ceramics Environmental Science Concert Band Media Production Latin 1 Photography/Yearbook Psychology
Cutting Edge
By: Mark McDermott My phone is often ‘praised’ – perhaps sarcastically, perhaps not – as the “iPhone 8,” or the “phone of the future.” Indeed, this futuristic device – the LGC410, as it is creatively named – features 54 buttons, many on an innovative component that slides out from under the screen. With a battery life of nearly four days of regular use and a nearly indestructible build, it has served me faithfully for almost three years now. Tragically, many of my generation do not appreciate this device’s immense utility. It has been called a “dinosaur,” “fossil,” and perhaps most offensively, a “dumb phone.” (It is smart enough to know when it is insulted.) I do lack the ability to access social media or the Internet through it, but I find this to be an
advantage, not a loss. It cannot be hacked by Russia. Its limited brain keeps mine on focus; I rarely find myself held back by its directives. Indeed, never have I stayed up past 10:30 PM doing homework because I am free from distraction. Some might say this results in a loss of social life. But alas…I must agree and disagree. It is somewhat of a sacrifice, but
Editor-in-Chief ~ Junior ‘18 it has not completely alienated me; in fact, I can text and call as well as with any other phone (better in wet environments because of the mechanical keyboard) and my phone’s novelty is unique and intriguing. I instead miss out on the video of screaming frogs at 1:30 in the morning, and gain the ability to leave my phone in the washing
Photos from lg.com
machine for 15 minutes. (I’m not kidding; there isn’t even screen damage. Disclaimer: Do not attempt with regular smartphones.) So I encourage my fellow Braves, endlessly assailed by videos and memes of the modern world, to gain some privacy, novelty, and security. I praise this anachronism because its techniques for dealing with modern problems are so advanced; it offers freedom from the many distractions a ‘smart’ phone has, such as the need to post a new, riveting video, simply because it physically cannot do so. Yet it fulfills all of the practical aspects a phone was intended to be: phone calls and the additional bonus of text messaging. It is not an excuse for isolation; it is an isle of tranquility in a stormy time (thanks, Russia). So yes, I do love my smart, dumb phone.
The Brave
May 17, 2017 | Page 5
A Brave Journey To CIF Baseball
Coach Barbara and his varsity baseball team have been on a mission this year and are currently in first place in the nationally acclaimed Trinity League. After winning two of three games against Mater Dei, the Braves entered into a crucial three game series against Orange Lutheran, who began the week ranked #1 in the country by USA Today with a 12-1 overall record. Bosco’s pitching staff shut down the Lancers with its strong starting rotation of John Beller, Nick Morales and Johnny Kuhn. Pitchers Carlos Lomeli and Isaiah Horton also came in relief to dominate OLU in the three game series winning all three games with 17 total runs to 4 by Orange Lutheran. The Braves are now 5-1 in Trinity League and in first place! Bosco baseball had no time to rest after sweeping Orange Lutheran. One day afterwards, the Braves played in the Newport Rib Company Classic tournament May 13th versus Soquel High School. Bosco pitching combined for a no-hitter and a 12-1 victory. David Hayes and Nick Morales had 2 RBI’s each and Morales, Orduno and Boyd chipped in 2 hits each. The Braves are now 13-3 on the season and will continue tournament play vs Kennedy, Indio and Pacifica this week. Good luck!
Photo Credit - Mr. Ed Torre
Photo Credit - Mr. Ed Torre
Photo Credit - Mr. Ed Torre
Swimming
Photo Credit - Mr. Ed Torre
Congratulations to Coach Jeffery Powers and our varsity swim team. Our 400 Freestyle Relay qualified for the CIF SS Prelims (Jack Pearce, Nathaniel Burch, Mark McDermott, Christian Sotomayor) and our 200 Medley relay was named an alternate. They competed Thursday, May 11th at the Riverside Swim Complex, and set a new Bosco swimming record in the 400 Freestyle Relay.
Track
Coach McIntosh and our varsity track team have also achieved great success this year. The following student-athletes qualified for the CIF track prelims: Terrell Bynum (100 and 200 meters), Re-al Mitchell (200 meters), Ezra Sotelo (1600 meters), Colby Corcoran (1600 and 3200 meters), and Salvatore Spina. They competed this Saturday, May 13th at Estancia High School. Congratulations on a very successful year.
Lacrosse
Congratulations to Coach Jewett and our varsity lacrosse team. In our first season competing in CIF, we made the Division 2 playoffs. Last Thursday at Valencia High School in the first round, we came up short 10-12, but are very proud of our first season and are excited for the years to come! Photo Credit - Jared Trinidad
Photo Credit - Mr. Ed Torre
Page 6 | May 17, 2017
The Brave
The Life of A Brave
Making the Most of Senior Year By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
To the Class of 2017, your senior year is just about to come to a close, and with all that has happened this year, there is a lot of excitement for your graduation, despite the amount of work which was left to fulfill. The crucial tasks of college applications, gathering up standardized test scores, and keeping up with work at school is finally coming to its end. As this class is heading off to their college lives, it is now our turn to shine as the senior class next year. Since it is our time, we must maintain the groove that we’ve made this year and live up to the expectations and responsibilities we earned as seniors. Just as this senior class, we will still be expected to take challenging classes while completing all of their college applications. Although the rigors and challenges of senior year will be very demanding and exhausting, there will also be some very rewarding and pleasurable events that seniors will have the opportunity to enjoy. With Senior Luau, Grad Night, Prom, and, of course, Graduation - senior year is filled with many other activities outside the realm of the classroom. It is thanks to the sincere unity of the Bosco brotherhood coupled with the sisterhood of Joseph’s that make all of these activities worthwhile. When we step into school on that first day, whenever that may be, we will be ready to take on and continue the legacy that began - we will leave our mark on a school that has become a home, church, school, and playground - a family. The bonds formed with our Bosco Brothers and Joseph Sisters are lifelong relationships, the likes of which will thrive in and out of high school and grow even more in the upcoming year. Remember that even though we may be going different directions, we all have left a lifelong imprint on everyone’s life here at Bosco. Let us make the most of next year and soar high as the Class of 2018, and proving to everyone, that we have made it just as the current and past seniors have.
Science Fair By: James Karroum Journalist ~ Senior ‘17
Every year the school sends a handful of students who are passionate about science to the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair, where they showcase their research projects among the scientific community. As the original proposer of the idea of sending students to the county level, my intent was to give anyone an opportunity to put time towards studying science outside the classroom. My expectations were surpassed when last year three students won their respective categories and were able to represent the city of Los Angeles and St. John Bosco at the State Science Fair. This year, sophomore Anthony Castillo and I attended both the county and state fairs, with projects in the fields of plant biology and photochemistry, respectively. We are hopeful that next year even more can attend. Mrs. Dolphin, the current moderator for the science fair program, is considering a proposal for every student enrolled in a science class to create their own project for a school-level fair, the winners of which will represent the school at county fair. While some might balk at the idea of being compelled to undertake a months-long endeavor outside their field of interest, it’s a fine opportunity to hone one’s skills of inquiry and data collection. Indeed, it is in my personal experience in doing these projects which were what guided me to decide on a major for college.
Views From Northern California By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Spring Break for Bosco Braves is filled with a wide array of thrilling events empowered by friends, family, the athletics department, vacations, and so much more. A college tour is a wonderful opportunity for students to visit numerous college campuses and evaluate their college options. This year, the Junior Class visited a wide variety of campuses, including private and public schools in cities in Northern California such as Santa Barbara, Berkley, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Stanford and more. In each of the universities we visited, we were given extensive tours of the captivating scenery brought to our attention, including the forests, private beaches, iconic architecture, and the inspiring student life that all the schools are famous for. One school in particular that was brought to our attention was none other than Stanford University, whose prestigious history and beautiful campus truly left all of us in awe. The beach at UC Santa Barbara was also a favorite scene as well, where we enjoyed playing catch with a football, getting our feet wet, and even taking pictures with a local sea lion. This year, Spring Break was an amazing time well spent with my Bosco Brothers as we expanded our knowledge and curiosity of great schools here in California. We were very privileged to have been given this opportunity and we will continue to work hard in school to strive for our dreams of being college bound. Photos provided by Howard Chen
Drumline
By: Juan Aleman Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18 From the beats of the battery to the impeccable technique of the front ensemble, the Saint John Bosco Drumline has accomplished a great many feats in this sole season. During this 2017 competition year, Drumline competed in the Scholastic B division of the American Drumline Association (ADLA). With the help and support from directors Christian Fuentes and Rodrigo Rodriguez, the Drumline was able to make it to the ADLA finals for the first time since 2014. Comprised of 14 performers, the drumline has made tremendous progress towards improving the program and bringing back its success. It combines various aspects of visual arts into a five minute performance. Through dramatic visual expressions, body movements, and dynamic music, the performance brings to life a telling story from the perspective of the performers. This year, the Bosco Drumline performed an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s well-known novel
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. Through the visual perspective of quad player Caden Milligan as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, the entire show revolved around his character’s emotional, physical, and social change. His inner battle was developed and characterized externally as the entire ensemble battled back to counteract his evil intentions. In the end, Hyde prevails and the Bosco Drumline concludes their performance in a shroud of mystery and eeriness. With every year that passes by, the Bosco Drumline gains enthusiastic newcomers while letting go deeply devoted members who graduate from Bosco. The class of 2017 harbored two such individuals: Gene Caberto and Christian Maniago. With their departure, the junior class of 2018 hopes to continue this year’s success and bring it to its complete fruition in the following year. So long as there is reason to play and reason to celebrate, the Bosco Drumline never ceases to amaze.
The Brave
May 17, 2017 | Page 7
Arts & Entertainment Page Design ~ Spencer Moore
A Bright Future
This year the SJB and SJ theatre department put on four successful shows spanning different genres and eras, giving a wide range of themes and messages. Kicking off the 2016-2017 theatre season was the SJB production of “A Long Bridge Over Deep Waters.” It was a holistic example of the struggle between the inter-faith relationships and very real examples of how religion may unite or divide us. This show included a small cast of actors with a great mix of new actors all the way to seasoned veterans. Only a short two weeks after the first show closed, the Saint Joseph's theatre opened its production of the well known “Hairspray.” Kate Larson and Aidan Flaherty playing the roles of Tracy Turnblad and Link Larken respectively and both did a phenomenal job in the production, eloquently weaving the ideas of the race riots of the 60s and expressing the thought process of progressive teens in that era. After the closing of this show, the Coffee House and Improv comedy Performances began putting a close to the 2016 school year. After a small winter break, the performers were right back in the swing of things with the show “Guys and Dolls” opening in late March. Featuring the awe inspiring vocals from Vanessa Burch playing the role of Sarah and the smooth yet rowdy nature of Izzy Johnson carrying through to her role of Adelaide. The male leads for the two were the schmoozy Nathan Detroit and the well-admired and strong-voiced Sky Masterson, played by Kris Gandhi and Aidan Flaherty respectively. Then after a single week turn around, Spencer Moore, Thomas Hernandez, and Aidan Flaherty headed over to Saint Joseph for the production of “Enchanted April” including a sprinkle of seasoned veterans, but mostly comprised of the relatively new cast members. The cast performed flawlessly, allowing the new cast to gain much experience for future productions. Despite the Theatre Department having close to 10 seniors graduating this year, its future has never looked brighter.
- Kris Gandhi | Senior ‘17
Photo Credit - Lizzy Meehan
Double Double Casting
By: Spencer Moore By: Spencer Moore
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
This year has seen the most rain California has experienced in a long time and although it has many positive benefits, it can also cause some destruction. Earlier this year, during one of the storms, the theater began flooding and caused mold. The result was the necessity to tear up the stage and remove all the carpeting and some of the walls to remove all the moisture of the building. Although this ultimately lead to the renovation of the theater, the cast of Guys and Dolls was stuck without a place to rehearse. What occurred was one of the most difficult challenges a cast can face. There was much doubt within the cast, fearing that they would have no place to perform their show, but Mr. Lang, the director, keep their spirits up and stayed calm. Many challenges came up along with the destruction of the theater, including one of the cast members breaking her foot and some of the actors double cast (actors who are performing in two plays simultaneously) who could not attend all rehearsals because of the other play. Thankfully, all these hardships payed off in the end. The new theater looks amazing and the show was a hit. Students were shown the whimsical world of New York in the 50’s. The music of the time was highlighted and the hijinks of the gangsters were captured in incredible dances. It was a hilariously good time for those who experienced the legendary directing of Mr. Lang. If you missed the musical this year, attend next year’s shows. You will not be disappointed.
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Being in a play is one of the most difficult and incredible experiences one can experience. The burst of adrenaline and the unpredictability of every show causes a feeling of euphoria unmatched by anything else. It is absolutely amazing, but loads of work are needed to get up to that point. Nights are often very late and exhausting. Imagine all of those difficulties and double them; this is double casting, when an actor is casted in two shows simultaneously. Thomas Hernandez, Aidan Flaherty, and I were double casted this semester in what can only be described as one of the most humbling and stressful experiences of my life. It was so much fun, but each show had its own difficulties that we had to endure. With the theater here at Bosco being destroyed, Guys and Dolls was difficult to rehearse and get right, seeing as we could not perform on the stage until the final few weeks. On the other hand the non-musical play, Enchanted April, was difficult, because we could not go to rehearsal very often, only once a week if we were
lucky. This led to lines being learned quite late in the rehearsal process, a mere week before. Another thing that became quite difficult was the accents. Enchanted April takes place in England and Italy during the 1920s, so English accents were used in the show, but Guys and Dolls is located in New York during the 1950s, so New York accents were required. The experience was great and quite fun. It was also a great learning process for me. I was able to observe how the vibe of a show can really change the people within it. Rehearsals were uplifting and joyful while at Bosco working on Guys and Dolls, but different with Enchanted April rehearsals at St. Joseph. The actors participating were affected by the emotions that they needed to convey, as the play had a heavier, more melancholy plot line. It was inspiring to see how invested everyone was in the performance. The experience was quite amazing regardless of the different feelings of each show and I would encourage anyone who is curious about joining theater to reach out and try it. It is lifelong memory that you will never, ever forget.
Page 8 | May 17, 2017
Science
The Brave
Page Design ~ Miles Lacey
Repairing the Ozone By: Justin Perry
In recent years, the theory of global warming and its influence on the environment has become the topic of much heated debate. The recent increase in the polar ice caps melting due to climactic conditions is undoubtedly concerning. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea levels are expected to rise 11 to 38 inches by 2100, which would submerge coastal cities like New York and London. Air pollution is also a major issue on the rise, as carbon concentration emissions reached 400 ppm for the first time in 2016. Despite this, 2016 was the first year in which the Antarctic ozone has definitively begun to heal. An ozone hole forms annually during the Antarctic winter as strong circular winds create a “polar vortex” which surround the continent and temperatures below -100º F, generating
Science Editor ~ Sophomore ‘19
polar stratospheric, or nacreous, clouds. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) pollutants concentrated in the clouds undergo a series of chemical reactions with ozone on the surface of ice particles. These cyclical catalytic reactions produce acid snow and decompose large amounts of ozone into oxygen gas. In fact, one CFC molecule can destroy 100,000 ozone molecules. By 2010, the usage of CFCs were dramatically reduced, thanks in part to The Montreal Protocol, which is an international treaty that went into effect in 1989, virtually banning all CFCs. The first definitive study, lead by MIT atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon, proved that the ozone hole was less deep and covered approximately 4.5 million fewer square kilometers from 2000 to 2015 in the month of September. Given that the ozone hole has reached its peak in September during the Antarctic spring
in recent years, this is a very positive development. An increase in ozone would provide more protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is strongest in the Antarctic spring. Excessive UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye and immune system damage, a decrease in the phytoplankton population of the oceans, and DNA mutation in Antarctic fish. Insufficient ozone also has a profound effect on the Antarctic climate as it caused a 15-20% increase in wind speeds and a decrease in temperature producing more sea ice in some regions. While the Montreal Protocol has decreased CFC use, which led to the healing of the ozone hole, it has also resulted in an increase in hydro-fluorocarbons — potent greenhouse gases.
Space Travel By: Miles Lacey Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Nacreous Clouds
The Future of Space Travel
In today’s age, people have a need to go to space in order for the earth’s population to be able to keep expanding. Sadly, space travel is only for carefully selected experts, most of whom take many risks due to launching failures, poor spacecraft conditions while landing, and other countless factors. Right now, the risks are just too high. However, it is important to remember that airplane and car travel in the past has been historically risky. Car safety standards from the 1950s and airplane safety standards now are incomparable due to the sheer amount of not only everevolving safety features, but also newly added technologies, like a backup camera, crash detection features, and even Tesla’s highway autopilot mode. But the fact that it was risky did not scare anyone. In 1903 almost no one was flying in an airplane. Today, millions of people travel by air. Therefore, the idea of sending people to live in space is not only plausible, but it is likely to happen as overpopulation becomes more and more of a problem. Colonies in space would not only need professionals like the currently trained astronauts, but ordinary people with ordinary jobs. Sadly, the current cost of putting an individual in space for a short amount of time is roughly $30 million dollars. Simply put, space colonization is not going to happen anytime soon - at least in this lifetime.
The Brave
May 17, 2017 | Page 9
A Special Thank You A Brave Team
THE BRAVE is led by energetic and ethical young editors as an extracurricular dedication. The writers in Journalism I and II become the core contributors for the paper. Additionally, the fine rhetoric of the Editors produces stellar editorials, often in response to a plethora of political opportunities. This year we are fortunate to have two seniors on staff: Executive Editor, Vincent Grospe, and Managing Editor, Jacob Bueno. Each in his own way provides publishing expertise, Jacob as an internmentor in the Journalism class and Vincent providing after-school collaboration as the Executive Editor. Assisting Jacob is all-star-writer David Black, the go-to man for that timely, much-needed coverage of an event. What seems effortless for David just happens to produce entertaining, well-written copy for THE BRAVE. Management of the newspaper belongs to Raymond Rojo and Mark McDermott who bring awe-inspiring gifts to the title Editorin-Chief. Their stellar ability to collaborate equals their language and design skills. Dedicated editors peruse pages of submitted copy to begin the process of the final copy. Juniors Christian Sotomayor and Justin Neff, as well as sophomore Justin Perry, worked in an as-needed basis environment, returning next year to join Raymond and Mark. THE BRAVE is currently published six times a year, and is one of the finest, authentically-student managed high school newspapers in circulation. Yes, I am biased and proud of their commitment.
In the fall of this current school year, the idea to pass on the moderator position became my firm decision. I am pleased to announce that the Moderator of THE BRAVE beginning fall 2017 will be our junior level English instructor, Mr. Michael Bartelt. You will hear more about this in the first edition of THE BRAVE next year. Pay attention! You just might want to join this dynamic adventure. I have fond memories and heart-felt gratitude for each and every Editorin-Chief these past years. Danny Antonelli, class of 2016, was the first to hold that position for two years, inviting Raymond Rojo and Mark McDermott to consider and accept a similar commitment. Brave Editors 2016-2017, God Bless you all! It has been tedious, time consuming, and joyful. Thank you for the active political debates and thought-provoking discussions. Even in the mix of elevated stress and deadline disasters surrounding publication, there was the ever-present humor in our “news room.” Oh, I will miss that spontaneous laughter!
Mrs. Judith Day Moderator of THE BRAVE
Until We Meet Again
Throughout most of our time here at Bosco, we have all grown accustomed to many faces that we see on campus, growing in the brotherhood that
began our freshman year. As our seniors get ready to graduate, we also recognize a different type of graduation – a farewell to Mr. Yeazel, our Principal.
His leave is bittersweet as we come to recognize that in life, there is a reason why we meet people. Some will test you, some will love you, and
some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. Mr. Yeazel is one of these people that we have met. Whether it be at mass, in the classroom, out by the benches, watching our games, or during the assemblies, he has been a ‘father figure’ for many of us Braves ~ providing us guidance during our formative high school years.
Although the amount of time we spent with him varies, it is without a doubt that Mr. Yeazel has left his mark on our lives. It is true that we may not remember everything that was said or done, but we will remember how he has made us feel.
Not many principals take the time to talk with their students, much less sit outside and talk with them during breaks and lunchtime as our principal
has. Mr. Yeazel has proven that he wishes to be a mentor and guide in our lives and he has done so in his own way ~ one that resonates down to the teachers and staff. When I had first met him three years ago, I had not truly known how much I would learn from him. It seems like only yesterday that he had taken us on a trip to LMU with Dr. DeLarkin or had introduced to us Sr. Helen Prejean. He is an inspiration, and it is now his calling to be an inspiration to many more young minds.
Kindness knocks on many of our doors here at Bosco, where teachers are willing to talk with us and help us whenever we need it. Too often we
underestimate the power of a kind word, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring that have the potential to turn a life around. What makes this school special is the sense of brotherhood that is fostered throughout the years that the students experience.
So, let us take the time to remember moments that we have shared as a community, and think about what it took for those memories to be made. We thank you for your service to this school, and we all know that it is not necessarily ‘goodbye’ – it is a farewell. I speak on behalf of all of us at Bosco – thank you, Mr. Yeazel. From, Raymond Rojo | Class of 2018 Editor-in-Chief of THE BRAVE
From the Editors in Chief: Mark McDermott and Raymond Rojo
To those who have contributed to THE BRAVE this year, we thank you for being a part of our ‘Dream Team’ – without you we could not produce such amazing content. The paper remains to this day, a service to the people. THE BRAVE is what it is due to the loyalty of its readers, as much as it is due to anything else. It is thanks to you that our work has an audience with our opinions heard, and the things we hold important are recognized. We are honored to exhibit what Bosco has to offer, and the opinions of the American youth as we travel on this journey of growth. It would all be impossible without the dedication, help, and guidance of our moderator, Mrs. Day. This is indeed our privilege to manage a respected publication that showcases the creative intellect and unique personalities of all contributors in a way that can only be described as a journalistic work of art over this past year - for that we thank you and hope to work with you once more this upcoming year.
Vol # 16
2016-2017
St. John Bosco High School Presents
The Brave Newspaper
The Senior Edition: Class of 2017
Celebrating 76 Years of Academic Excellence
From all of us at The Brave We Thank the Class of 2017 We Wish You Luck! Editors-in-Chief
Raymond Rojo ~ Technology & Design Mark McDermott ~ Content
Editors
Justin Neff Christian Sotomayor
Science Editor Justin Perry
Executive Editor Vincent Grospe
Managing Editor
Jacob Bueno Assistant: David Black
Faculty Advisor Mrs. Judith Day
Journalists
Connor Cartledge Isaak Gonzalez Miles Lacey Spencer Moore Thomas Rhodes Calvin Zabala