THE BRAVE A Student Led Newspaper
Vol # 16|Edition 2
13640 S. Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA
Football See Page 3
Around Bosco See Page 6
A Time of Thanksgiving By: Mr. Robert Linares Faculty ~ Science Department
Thanksgiving by definition is a time to give thanks. In practice, how we celebrate the day is a reflection of the extent of gratitude in our hearts. I pray that this Thanksgiving holiday, as we take time to rest and feast, may we also measure the many blessings that our good Lord bestows upon us. During the time of giving thanks, we can count the ways our lives are impacted on a daily basis by His goodness and gifts. By doing so, may our hearts collectively become flooded with thanksgiving and joy. This Thanksgiving carries for me some significance over others passed. It’s been since late September of this year that my son Jacob (Class of 2016) has been away from what has been his home since birth. Being as proud as a dad could ever be, I was filled with joy to share with others the successes he has achieved. That stated, it is also difficult as a dad to not see his son every day, as was obviously the case before college. To make the best of a situation that I would preferentially desire as otherwise, I enjoy every minute of time he is able to spend with his family during his stays from college.
Mind you, Westwood isn’t so far from us that I engage in pretending to have the market cornered on most distance of separation. That stated, I would quickly add that I DO have the market cornered on who gets the turkey drumsticks on every last Thursday in November J. This Thanksgiving will be the first opportunity for me to thank our Lord for my son, for reasons before not offered…. for Jake’s ongoing success in college, and for, first and foremost, Him caring for my son as he is away from home. Every chapter in life brings something new, something else to look forward to, even though our hearts may long for slightly different circumstances or outcomes. During this season of Thanksgiving, may each and every one of our students, faculty, and staff, enjoy the day with your family and loved ones. Please make every effort to do more than just spend time with family. Look to embrace the company and love from all who surround you… God Bless,
- Mr. Linares
A Chance to Give Back From our Editorial Staff In life, we have a capacity to take things for granted, but we should indeed be grateful for what we have. Gratitude might be the most simple and obvious practice, but it is completely underutilized in our day-to-day lives, as we become distracted by our own needs and desires for success. To combat this mentality, we should to strive to help others achieve their own fulfillment first, then see how circumstances start to show up differently. Remind yourself, “Ask for what you want, but be grateful for what is received.” When we practice gratitude, we are given an opportunity to view the world differently
– to be governed by love rather than fear and uncertainty. We must change the lens in which we view the world, choosing servitude and thankfulness that can result in true action that is beneficial to ourselves and to the world. This year, let us show our thanks for all that we have by participating in the Blood Drive and upcoming Toy Drive. These are opportunities that can directly affect the lives of others for the better, and thus are clear ways for us to give back in sincere gratefulness. It is through this kind of true service and generosity that affords us the perspective to achieve a mentality of peace and love.
November 17, 2016
The Final Stretch See Page 8
Let’s Remember By: Raymond Rojo Editor-in-Chief ~ Junior ‘18 It’s that time of year again, where we take a moment with family and friends in the spirit of giving thanks, to reflect on the many gifts we have been given. With the election this year, the media has put its focus on negativity. We must remember, every so often, to take a step back and really look - is it truly hopeless? Instead of saying to someone, “Hey, what can you do for me?” we should try to ask, “What can I do for you?” It is all too easy in getting caught up in life, seeing things we don’t have, and forgetting the good in our lives. Something to remember this Thanksgiving holiday: look around and see what we are blessed with. Many times, we take for granted the little things, like clean water to drink, safe homes or good health (and yes, even the ability to vote). Complaining solves nothing. With anything that can be criticized, there is also something to be grateful for. Try to live every day with the excitement of knowing you can make life into anything you choose. Don’t lose sight of what is truly important.
IN THIS EDITION Page 2 ~ Political Page 3 ~ Football Page 4 ~ Student Life Page 5 ~ Beyond the Classroom Page 6 ~ Around Bosco Page 7 ~ Arts and Entertainment Page 8 ~ The Final Stretch Page 9 ~ Science
Page 2 | November 17, 2016
Political
The Brave
Abolishing the Death Penalty By: Mark McDermott I am a firm conservative. The election in California this year posed the issue of the death penalty in earnest, and I found the need to evaluate the issue from a position that I found in morality and reason. With this consideration, I realized the need to back away from the majority of my fellow conservatives and take the stance I felt was right – that of opposition to the death penalty. My Catholic faith is, of course, strongly opposed to the death penalty. Many have heard not only the preaching from the pulpit, but also teachings of Pope Francis and the famous story from the Gospel of John, where Jesus boldly dares the Pharisees and, by extension,
Editor-in-Chief ~ Junior ‘18
us: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” The death penalty is solely an act of vengeance, wrought out of hate, appealing to a baser nature rather than the higher moral potential we have as humans. In overcoming our own hatred through forgiveness, not vengeance, we can come closer to the fundamental morality of Christ we are called to share. An intellectual perspective, present throughout the conservative movement, strengthens this view. Criminal laws exist to protect the rights of the people from the actions of others that infringe on those rights. Killing is therefore
only justified in self-defense in the face of imminent danger to life. This killing for self-defense applies not only to individual situations but also in areas such as foreign policy where peaceful means have not been possible or completely failed, and the very life of the nation is in immediate jeopardy. A prisoner secure in a United States prison does not pose imminent danger. It is therefore wrong to execute them, which is degrading towards our own morality, in that we are killing when it is not justified to do so. To this end, killing a defenseless prisoner serves nothing beneficial towards the people. Instead, there is continual development of new, convoluted methodologies to
disguise what ultimately remains the same problem. We have tried to “advance” execution methods to provide a façade of dignity, but still we face the same issue, because it is intrinsically wrong to kill an unarmed person who no longer poses any immediate danger as a secure prisoner. Even though the death penalty was upheld in this election, I hope that the nation, including my fellow conservatives, can realize the ethical issue that is faced here, and act to the utmost extent to resolve this fundamental challenge to our morality so that we may uphold the underlying principles that define our nature.
Healing America: A Public Option By: Vincent C. Grospe
Universal healthcare is far from unprecedented: it is the norm in other first world countries. Conservative critics criticize this notion as a step towards socialism; however, many allies of the United States employ a public option that is highly-ranked and praised for its equality and efficiency. If implemented in the United States, a universal and tax-funded healthcare system can address the problems of this country’s healthcare. The American people deserve to be medically treated without worrying about the financial consequences. Even after the passing of Obamacare, more than 30 million Americans do not have health insurance, and in a study by the American Journal of Public Health in 2013, approximately 33,000 people die each year due to the lack of it. Unlike medical care in America, a universal healthcare system enables every citizen to
Executive Editor ~ Senior ‘17
receive medical coverage in a costeffective manner. The United States spends more per person on healthcare than countries that utilize the public option. For instance, France is a good example of a country that has a robust universal healthcare system: the World Health Organization ranks its medical system #1 overall in the world. According to the World Bank, the United States spends $9,146 per capita on health care spending, while France spends $4,864 in 2013. Apparently, this European country pays a fraction of what the United States spends, and it also has better indicators of health. America has worse health statistics than those of France. According to the World Health Organization, the life expectancy age and infant mortality rate of a nation are measurable indicators of the health and well-being in a country. America’s current life
expectancy age is 79, while that of France is 82. In addition, infant mortality (deaths per 1,000 live births) of America in 2015 was 6, while that of France was 4. This correlates to the idea that an inclusive health care system can improve the well-being and longevity of their citizens, since all citizens have access to medical care. Private businesses in America can financially and efficiently benefit with a universal healthcare system. According to the White House’s website, 99% of large businesses (that have more than 200 employees) and 78% of smaller businesses (that have 10 - 24 employees) offered health insurance to their employees in 2008. Therefore, companies can save thousands, if not millions, of dollars if a public healthcare system is put into effect. Businesses can then increase the salaries of their employees or
invest money in different profitable areas. Furthermore, all employees have access to proper medical care, which can boost their health, decrease absenteeism, and increase engagement with their work. America needs a quintessential system that enables all Americans to receive medical assurance, because healthcare is too expensive and exclusive today. This country spends the most money in healthcare per person in the world, and thousands of people die each year due to the lack of health insurance. However, a universal health system can boost the economy and enable all citizens to receive coverage and to save money. My hope, regardless of the ratification of an American public health care system, is for people to realize the potency of the universal and tax-funded healthcare model and to become a future political advocate of this system.
The Brave
Football
November 17, 2016 | Page 3
Football Season 2016 By: Eli DeRoon - Wide-Receiver #20 Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18
Seniors Kristian Gilbert, Terrell Bynum, and Berkeley Holman celebrate the Braves win against JSerra.
The Road To Victory
The Braves finished the season as one of the nation’s top contenders, heading into the playoffs with a final record of eight wins and two losses. Despite losing to the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the country, the Braves sit at #4 in the nation according to Max Preps. Our goal is to finish off the season strong and win the CIF-SS Pac-5 championship, as well as bring another State Championship home to Bosco. Our team put in endless work to be in the position we are in now, and look forward
to representing Bosco on the field during the upcoming weeks. Last week on November 11, the Braves battled against the Upland Highlanders/Scots at Cerritos College at 7 PM. The coaches and players were glad to see The Tribe represented in gold and blue up on the stands at the kick-off. Our team is engaged and excited for what the rest of the season holds. We appreciate all the support from the students which keep us pushing forward.
By: Isaak Gonzalez Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
The Braves of St. John Bosco are once again putting together an impressive football season. Although there have been various obstacles along the way, the team is looking to hit their stride, and progress through the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, in order to accomplish a championship season. The team has outscored its Trinity League opponents by a total of 232-89, leading to a 4-1 record, including victories over Servite, Santa Margarita, JSerra, and Orange Lutheran. In order to achieve this success, several players such as Junior quarterback, Re-al Mitchell, have risen to the occasion. He has shown versatility by throwing for nearly
1800 yards, and totaling more than 700 yards on the ground. While a league title would have been a great achievement, it has very little impact on the teams’ CIF aspirations. Through all the adversity faced this season, the Braves are ranked #4 in the CIF-SS Division 1 poll, and remain primed for postseason success. The Braves opened a postseason run with a dominating 47-20 win against Upland, last Friday at Cerritos College. They look to continue this success on Friday as they travel to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo for a quarterfinal match up against Trinity League rival, Santa Margarita.
All-American All-star By: Jacob Bueno Managing Editor ~ Senior ‘17
Five-star Senior Wyatt Davis has been given the honor to compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl among 90 other high caliber athletes. Such a privilege has also been experienced by past Bosco Braves including, Nico Falah ‘13, Damien Mama ’14, Jaleel Wadood ’14, and Naijiel Hale ’14. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl has built and upheld a reputable stature for the past 17 years in high school football. Displaying the most elite skill sets, players of the bowl have gone on to prove themselves at the next level. The Bowl prides itself on having a
total of 330 alumni to be selected in the NFL Draft, including Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, and Adrian Peterson. It is without question that Wyatt’s name belongs among these greats. On Monday, November 21, SJB Senior, Wyatt Davis will officially be recognized as a member of the prestigious 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Team. The Army All-American game is scheduled to be played in San Antonio, Texas, on January 7, 2017, broadcasted live on NBC.
Senior Captains: Cross Poyer, Wyatt Davis, Terrell Bynum, and Kyle McCombs take the field.
Ring Season By: Justin Neff Editor ~ Junior ‘18
After a long, eventful season, the football team now looks to continue its winning ways in the CIF Southern Section playoff. With many highs and lows, the season has been a big rollercoaster ride. From traveling to Ohio, playing some of the most elite teams in the nation, to just coming short of a Trinity League title, the Braves fought well and truly impressed quite a supportive crowd. This season has been one to remember. The Braves had hard fought battles with top teams such as Bishop Gorman, Mater Dei, St. Xavier, along with the rest of the Trinity League, which ranks among the top in the nation.
Despite a two loss season, Bosco looks to redeem itself by winning CIF and the State Championship. To do so would most likely require an exciting rematch with Mater Dei. With a home game at Cerritos College to start it off, the Braves look for the support of their fans, their community, and fellow students to join them in the fight through the toughest state to play football, in the hopes to return to state and take home that trophy. So come out and support your fellow Braves this week as they begin their journey into ring season, the best time of the year.
Page 4 | November 17, 2016
Student Life
The Brave
Alma Mater
By: Christian Sotomayor Every year, St John Bosco High School proudly hosts the most memorable homecoming celebrations with long-lasting traditions which will never be forgotten, especially by the Class of 2017. Homecoming is an intimate event for all those involved. To alumni and people who were affiliated with Bosco, the event “Homecoming” means coming home to their Alma Mater and enjoying the festivities. Bosco’s Homecoming has continued and reintroduced traditions such as Spirit week, where students participate in exciting themes and games that prepare everyone for the Homecoming Rally. This rally introduces the beautiful ladies of the Homecoming Court of St. Josephs, and the gentlemen of Bosco who become their escort for the event. The Football game, which announces the year’s Homecoming queen, ended with a huge Bosco victory,
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 and got students ready for an exciting weekend. Finally, the event most anticipated, the dance had arrived. Bosco’s Homecoming dance has a reputation for its elegant venues and clever themes that bring the night together. With flashing lights, and music that draws everyone to the dance floor, along with the beauty of an aquatic setting, it was set for a memorable night that will surely be cherished in the hearts of students for years to come. A “Nautical Night”, hosted at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, allowed students to enjoy and partake in the celebration. Starting from the entrance, the tone was automatically set to party mode, and the dance was beyond awesome. From people jumping up and down to their favorite music, to enjoying the exhibits of the aquarium open for all to see, the function was, as Mr. Cordero said, “Tremendous”.
A “Nautical Night” at The Long Beach Aquarium Photo Credit: Raymond Rojo
Men of Service
Campus Ministry
By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
By: Calvin Zabala Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Every year the St. John Bosco Braves are summoned to fulfill opportunities of enlightenment in the Men of Service Project. Each student must complete a minimum of 20 hours each year not only as a graduation requirement, but also to gain the ultimate experience of being a good Samaritan to our community. This year, the moderator for the service is our very own Mr. William Liu who considers himself extremely privileged to be given this distinction. “I am excited for this new role and opportunity here on campus, and I am looking forward to working with the student body as a whole this year” Mr. Liu believes that “service is in our background and foundation as a Salesian school, so I hope to bring that culture of service to the forefront this year.” During the process of fulfilling the hours, some students find it difficult to find places in need of services. Mr. Liu assures that he will try his best to make sure every student at Bosco is able to find a service opportunity stating, “My goal is that I can assist students in finding projects and opportunities in a city near them so that everyone can fulfill what it means to be a man of service”. If you need assistance in finding help for service hours, talk to Mr. Liu as he is more than willing to help you complete your projects.
Campus Ministry invites all Braves who are interested in Christian service to join the team in the many on campus ministry-focused events. The intent of Campus Ministry is to enrich its members and the Bosco community in a spiritual sense. The Campus Ministry Team is for those who seek to support Bosco within a more pious environment, such as serving in Mass, and being on hand for events such as the Toy Drive, Food Drive, and other events. However, efforts are not based on the individual but rather a diverse group effort, open to all Braves from freshmen to seniors. Consider supporting Bosco’s Campus Ministry, for it offers Braves the opportunity to perform acts of service here on the Bosco campus. Its involvement at Bosco is inclusive because it directs the good mornings, religious themed events, and most importantly, school-wide mass at Dominic Savio. For those who are interested in joining the members of Campus Ministry, speak to Mr. Jaramillo for details and sign up information. Go Braves!
The Brave
November 17, 2016 | Page 5
Beyond the Classroom Dr. Christian DeLarkin By: Connor Cartledge
Success derives from hard work, time, and a bit of luck. Becoming successful has a lot to do with patience and a passion for the area. One person who knows this well is Dr. De Larkin and his passion for music. Dr. De Larkin, the Vice Principal of Academic Affairs at St. John Bosco High School was not always an educator. His passion came to him at a very young age. When he was six, Dr. De Larkin began to play piano, which he enjoyed for a couple of years. His parents supported him in any way they could and encouraged him to progress in his passion for music when they bought him a saxophone after he became proficient with the piano. Middle school was a time for transition and exploration, as it is for most. The young Dr. De Larkin began to stray away from his love for music and focus on other things, but when he got to high school, his appreciation for music strengthened. He became really good at making beats with pens and pencils. Soon, he wanted to build on his skills in beat-making, taking those beats from pens
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
and pencils and duplicating them onto a computer with software similar to Garage Band. He would spend his first years of high school perfecting this. Dr. De Larkin started to share his beats at high school with others and found that people enjoyed them enough to rap over them, and thus ‘Freestyle Fridays’ was born. Every Friday, he and a group of friends would bring their musical talents together. From there he went to LMU, where he took a West African Drum class, introducing Dr. De Larkin to the djembe and congas. These would soon become his favorite instruments. Connecting with people through drumming and being in a class where everyone shared the same passion for music as he did, brought a great amount of joy and guided him towards musical and spiritual fulfillment. Along with a few of his classmates, Dr. De Larkin formed a group called West Los Africa, primarily focusing on combining the musical cultures of West Africa and Los Angeles together. The group, whose primary
goal was to share love for the same genre music, had no intention of later opening a Coachella stage with Pure Filth Sound (2012) and performing at the 2009 Academy Awards. While those two events are considered achievements, they are not the reason why he dedicated so much of his time towards music. Beyond monetary value and making appearances, Dr. De Larkin valued what he did. For anyone who is looking to find success, Dr. De Larkin’s words of advice are, “Bring it home and tap home into it,” meaning that if you are committed to something, not only should it be a full time job and close to the heart of home, but you might as well enjoy it. Today, Dr. De Larkin continues to perform and teach students interested in learning how to play hand percussion.
Renga Poetry: Samples of Student Work
AP English Language
Mr. Bartelt: A Poet Among Us By: Spencer Moore Mr. Bartelt, English teacher at St. John Bosco, can also be described as a poet, although he did not always have this burning passion for poetry. While in high school, Mr. Bartelt found poetry to be interesting but simply felt it was not socially acceptable, so he chose to not be involved in poetry out of fear that he might be labeled as weird. In Mr. Bartelt’s high school AP English class, a seed was planted in his mind when they studied The Obscenity Trial of “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg and read some poems. He was curious, just as many high schoolers would be, by the grotesque parts of the poetry and sought to discover those parts, but he really ended up digging into the poetry. Mr. Bartelt realized it was ‘cooler’ than what he had thought, and one day he just sat down and began to write. He took delight in it and began to submit his work which was published in a few different places during his college career. The first time his writing was published was in an undergrad journal, and it was a
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 really unique experience for him. But that was not as comparable to the time a poetry collection by The Four Chambers published Mr. Bartelt’s compositions. This was an exciting experience, as he was in the 1% of thousands of submissions that were actually published. Since few of his professors’ writings did not get published in this publication, he described it as a very humbling experience for him. Poetry is used as a tool for learning within his classroom. He said, “I love the idea that perception is expression.” He uses a poetic style called a Renga within the class where students each write a line of poetry to create one large poem. The class loved it, for it was enjoyable and allowed them to get in touch with the creative part of their brain. “If you are born a human being you are innately creative,” said Mr. Bartelt. This is why he likes to have students write poetry: to allow them to expand their minds so they are ready to be filled with new knowledge.
The thoughts are definitions of void The thought of ignorance at the world around The sweet bliss it was when we were ignorant as children And all we did was play We were awake but at the same time asleep It is an exploitive manifestation of my own ignorance That grew on my lack of compromise Which led me to become dissatisfied With those above me I want to say to them He knew that complete freedom, sweet bliss could come from this But he didn’t know how to achieve it Nor did he know if he had what it takes He thought he lost it But he didn’t You are tied upon no bounds; you’re infinite But your limits are great in their number So make that number higher and be great
Page 6 | November 17, 2016
Around Bosco
Father Nick Reina By: Spencer Moore
The Brave
I Was Wrong By: David Black
A relationship with one’s sister is usually guaranteed, but not here at Bosco. Since my first day as a Brave, kindling a relationship with the Jesters has been a subject of discussion but never been acted on completely until my fourth and final year during the senior seminar. To me, girls from Saint Joseph High were beings surrounded by stereotype, so close in proximity yet never quite close enough to develop a friendship. But this year, during the senior seminar, I was introduced to girls who were nothing like the “typical” Jester one hears about from retold stories. No, the girls I met were down to earth, honest, and just as surprised as I that there were likewise students at their brother-school. For years, my judgment was clouded by uncertainty about the character of my sister-school. All it took to clear the air was half a day of guided conversation, and I can’t help but wonder what my high school experience would have been like had something like the senior seminar gone on when I first came to Bosco.
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Continuing the legacy of St. John Bosco, Father Nick is the new Director of our school. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he and his family moved out to Los Angeles where he attended St. Benedict’s elementary school when he was 11 years old. In high school, Father got into trouble, and it was during his punishment he realized he wanted to do something important. He wanted to make a major difference in peoples’ lives – he desired to teach. Deciding to take a different path in life, he attended the prestigious college UC Berkley and studied Theology, despite being accepted into UCLA for Engineering. When he finished, he made the decision to join the Salesians. Due to his familiarity with the order and his desire to serve the young, he chose this path. It was the perfect fit for him. Father Nick met Father Jim Nieblas during a retreat. At the time, Father Nick was a freshman and Father Jim was living at St. Josephs during the time. They have been friends ever since. This year, Father Nick plans to work with the school President, Mr. Mulhaupt, and Principal, Mr. Yeazel, on continuing the focus
of the Salesian charism. He looks forward to meeting all the students and for them to meet him, building friendships within our high school community. “Having introduced Kairos to Bosco Tech in 1984, I am happy to see that the Kairos tradition continues not only at the Tech and Salesian but also here at Bosco. It’s a truly unique opportunity to know oneself, others and God in a very real way,” said Father Nick while expressing his devotion to the Kairos tradition. He looks forward to continuing and participating in the Kairos experience with the current and future seniors here at St. John Bosco High School.
Journalist ~ Senior ‘17
Filipino Culture Club: Mabuhay! By: Calvin Zabala
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
The Filipino Culture Club invites all Braves to join; its membership is not exclusive to those who have Asian heritage. Rather, the club is open to everyone who is interested in learning about the Filipino culture. This club provides monthly all-you-can-eat Filipino potlucks. New members who join the club will receive free food for the first potluck as a welcoming treat. However, the following potluck will cost two dollars. Filipino Culture club also presents talks from leaders regarding their personal experiences with the Philippines. This allows members to see a glimpse of Filipino culture through a more personal and emotional level. Lastly, this club will potentially offer several service hour events. For those who are interested in joining the club, drop by Mr. Torre’s classroom on December 2nd to receive sign-up information. Go Braves!
A Conversation With ASB By: Luke Park
“I anticipate a growing presence of the ASB within the years to come. We aim to work with everyone to develop the vision we see for Bosco.” - Bryan Martinez President
“The ASB is beginning to gain momentum for this school year and we don’t plan to stop.” - Erik Venegas Vice President
What is ASB and what is the difference between the Class Boards and Executive Board? ASB stands for the Associated Student Body, made up of 4 Senators from each grade level in the Executive Board. The Executive Board oversees the student aspect of operations in the school. The Class Board’s intent is to work closely with their grade level, and promote the ideas that their class has. What are your goals and plans for this year? Our goal is to make the student life experience more enjoyable for the student body, asking them for input on what they would like to see or maybe improve on. This year’s goal is to increase the student spirit around Bosco.
Contributing Writer ~ Freshman ‘20
What changes, if any, will be made this year? We would like to make dances more engaging and entertaining for those that attend. We hope that we can continue the momentum that we have had with our first dance, and that will help set the tone for this year. How can students get involved with the Senate? Is there a way students can come forward and present ideas to ASB? Anybody can ask to be a part of the ASB, and we encourage students who are interested to inquire. Students can also come forward and pitch their own ideas. At the end of the school year, there will be elections for the current frosh, sophomores, juniors to run for the Executive Board or the
Class Boards the following school year. Where do you envision the ASB in a few years from now? We see the ASB growing in size, as we find students becoming more active in school functions. An increased presence of student leadership can also garner interest among the student body. How would you encourage reluctant students to participate in school events? We hope to foster an environment where the communication is open. We hope that students will be able to communicate what they would like to see and we will do what we can to make those ideas known. Our goal is to cater toward what the students would like to see in the student life here at Bosco.
The Brave
November 17, 2016 | Page 7
The Arts and Entertainment Hairspray: A Reflection By: Spencer Moore
Ready for a change of pace, I decided to take on one of the biggest decisions in my life: I took a plunge into the unknown, stopping water polo to pursue high school theatre. The decision was a difficult one because of the uncertainty of getting into a show and leaving behind my incredible friends. I had been performing for 5 years prior, but had never done any performances at Bosco. I wanted to have a genuine theatre experience, not like a middle school theatre which involved working with people many years older than me. I had always wanted to do a
musical, and was very optimistic to get into Hairspray. When the time came for auditions, I had a mix of emotions. I was scared but also excited for the new adventure that awaited me. I came to auditions with the intention of only trying out for one character but left that night having tried out for four. The next week, call backs were posted, and I was called back for not one, not two, but three roles. I remember this feeling of incredible excitement that cannot be compared. Callbacks were much more intense than auditions but the excitement and fun remained. It was a neat experience to collaborate with people whom
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
I had never met, helping me prepare for my audition out of the goodness of their hearts and passion for performing. The next week, I finally saw the cast list and was pleasantly surprised to see I had made it. Although my singing voice was untrained and my dancing skills were non-existent, I was ready and excited for the new opportunities that I was about to have. The first day at theatre was awkward; I knew a few people but did not know the majority of the cast. This changed quickly and within the first few weeks, and I had made incredible friends and strengthened old friendships.
The rehearsals had their highs and lows, and we had many obstacles to overcome, such as rehearsing with less than half the cast for the majority of rehearsals. We were able to overcome these roadblocks, and finally at towards the end of our rehearsals, the show came together. It was an amazing experience that led me making some of my best friends while also learning about putting on a musical. I look forward to my next year and a half at Bosco and to the many more productions that I hope to partake in.
A Cultural Experience: Día de Los Muertos By: Noah Fisher
Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18
Without a doubt, this year’s Day of the Dead festival was the most opulent and attended yet. The event, run by Spanish Department Chair Ms. Aguilera, was held on November 2nd, the date of the popular Mexican tradition. The night was characterized by hundreds of candles commemorated to loved ones passed, lively mariachi band music, authentic Mexican food, and all the noise of a consistently packed courtyard. The event was a great way for students to experience some of the primary aspects of a culture they may not be particularly accustomed to. Ms. Aguilera and other supporting faculty and volunteers presented Mexican culture beautifully with this Day of the Dead festival, with something for everyone. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is an important staple of culture as a way of enjoying
traditional foods, beverages, and celebrations all while championing beliefs surrounding death. Popular Mexican ideology advocates that the living should celebrate the memory of their departed. These festivities carry over to the U.S. to a certain degree, but usually not to the same extent as their Mexican counterparts. These traditions are not to be confused with Halloween, which is completely separate from the Day of the Dead; the close proximity of their dates is merely a coincidence. At the end of it all, the Day of the Dead celebration was perfected by the dancing and the conversations of those in attendance. In fact, the celebration for Dia de los Muertos this year is the best of everything, and to talk about all the people who attend this event, it was a lovely celebration.
By: Ethan Chivi Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18 Este año, la preparatoria San Juan Bosco tuvo el honor de celebrar el cuarto año del “Día de Los Muertos” el 2 de noviembre. La organizadora Norma Aguilera acompañada de la participación de varios grupos de la comunidad escolar, festejaron con el corazón el atardecer con todos aquellos que estuvieron presentes. La respuesta de la comunidad fue favorable y se contó con la participacion de más personas de la que se esperaba a la celebración. Nosotros, los estudiantes de San Juan Bosco, agradecemos a todos aquellos que contribuyeron al evento con su tiempo, compromiso, talento artístico y alegría.
Para la festividad, el patio central fue ambientado con grandes esqueletos, bellas luces coloridas, flores atractivas apropiadas para la fecha y sin duda alguna lo central de dicha festividad fueron los altares mostrando a traves de estos honor y respeto hacia nuestros seres queridos fallecidos. Los que estuvimos presentes logramos percibir a traves de nuestros sentidos obtener una bonita vista del ambiente que se estaba viviendo, sonidos, y olores agradables. Una noche deleitada por Mariachis y sabrosa comida típica de la época. Definitivamente nos sentimos sumergidos en la cultura hispánica.
Page 8 | November 17, 2016
The Brave
The Final stretch Colby Corcoran By: Connor Cartledge
The best athletes know the way they practice is reflected in the way they perform, like Colby Corcoran, a Junior at Bosco. Colby is focused and optimistic to climb the national rankings and to lead the cross country program into the 2016-2017 year. How did his rise to become one of the best in cross country begin? Coach Tim McIntosh asked him to come and try cross country, while he was playing soccer, and Colby figured he could use the extra running to improve his game. He quickly developed a passion for cross country shortly after, and the rest is history. The Corcoran training regime consists of 10 miles of running each day, usually totaling out at 70 miles per week. That means if he took those miles and just ran, he could almost go to Laguna beach from Bosco and back. He has improved multiple personal records by as much as fifty seconds, and this year he will be attempting to break more records whether they were set by himself or not. His goals are to win the state championship as an individual and lead the team to the podium.
Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
As one of the deemed veterans on the team, he feels the importance of remembering the fun in it, and it is more about growing and getting better than facing pressure. The cross country team has never veered away from competition, their biggest opponent this year being the Brea Olinda Wildcats. However, with the motivation of the legacy cross country has put upon Bosco, Colby is determined and ready to compete. He looks up to Galen Rupp, an Olympic runner who competed this year at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Many athletes’ minds are consumed by how great it would be to win during their competitions. Not Colby though, he states that when he runs, he thinks of: “Nothing, that’s the beauty of it.” Cross country takes hard work and dedication, and Corcoran’s advice to newcomers is to not worry about how fast you run but to listen to Coach Mac. Cross country has been practicing hard this season, with a few victorious meets under the team’s belt. Be sure to keep an eye out for Colby as he represents Saint John Bosco with speed, effort, and determination.
Water Polo
Andrew Alvarez By: Miles Lacey Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 The cross-country team is hoping to take back the “streak.” Andrew Alvarez, a junior here at Bosco is looking towards the future as he is hoping to join the varsity team. This year he is on the JV team, but he told The Brave that he is hoping to make varsity. Alvarez is a talented runner, running about seven miles every day. He explained that he has been trying harder and harder in practice and races. Alvarez hopes that doing so would lead to better results in his performance and races. The cross-country team as a whole is dedicated. However, Andrew in particular can articulate that he is ready to achieve more in his cross-country career. When he gets to varsity, everyone will be watching him as he continues to strive for greatness. In doing so, we as a Brave Nation congratulate Andrew as he continues his endeavor to get to varsity, and urge him to get to his goal. Good luck Andrew!
By: Mark McDermott Junior ‘18 ~ Editor-in-Chief Through years of dedication and persistence, the Bosco Water Polo Team achieved great success this year, advancing to the semifinal round in the Division IV playoffs. Under the leadership of senior members, including Eliott Bergerson, Matt DePaula, Kyle Rascoe, and Will Roffers, with the strong direction of Coach Powers, Bosco advanced further into the postseason than any of their predecessors. This past Saturday, the Braves defeated the Notre Dame Knights, with excellent performances especially by Bergerson in goal, with 24 saves, and two goals apiece from Rascoe and DePaula. The bleachers were filled with Bosco students, teachers, and other supporters eager to support the team to this landmark achievement. This victory and the advance through the Division IV playoffs reflects the continued work ethic of the water polo program to continue to
focus to achieve success. Although this charge towards victory was ultimately halted Wednesday by Royal High School in a hard-fought match, the success of this year marks the fruition of all efforts by Coach Powers and especially the upperclassmen, supplemented by dedicated sophomores and freshmen, to finally achieve this breakthrough. Southern California (and, for that matter, California in general) is one of the most competitive regions in the nation for aquatic sports, particularly water polo. Advancing to the semifinal level is indeed a true success that directly resulting from the experience, devotion, and skill gained through the progress of past years. From the entirety of the Bosco community, we congratulate the water polo team on their success this season, and are excited to share this historic moment – which no doubt foreshadows achievements in the years to come.
Zachary Estrada
Goalie Eliott Bergerson
The Brave
Science
November 17, 2016 | Page 9
Quantum Computing By: Miles Lacey Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
example on the D-Wave website is building a house. The builder has a list of everything that they want, but they can not afford it. Thus, they want to find the best combination of items that gives them the best value for their money. This is what a quantum computer does. This is known as optimization. Given a set of constraints, the computer would find what the lowest cost you could pay with the maximum set of items. There are obviously a lot more benefits to the use of the technology. These uses cover many areas from civil planning to medicine to even protein folding. The ability of a computer like this is unprecedented. It operates at 25kW, while other supercomputers operate upwards of 3000kW plus. The world is watching as this new technology takes shape and starts to change the world around us.*
In the dawn of the computer age, there is a constantly evolving need for more computing power. Computers working off of transistors with normal on and off states can not keep up with these needs. This is the reason behind the quantum computer being manufactured by D-Wave Systems. Its computer’s transistors are capable of being on, off, and both on and off at the same time. This ability makes it so that the computer has more possible combinations of transistors. With just 270 regular on and off transistors, there are more possible combinations that they can be arranged in than atoms in the universe. Thus, the quantum computer has just a little more power to be able to perform more tasks than an average computer. This system of being on, off, and both on and off, gives the computer an extreme capability of both speed and accuracy. For instance, an
*DWaveSys.com
Building Bridges By: Juan Aleman Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18
Last month, the Juniors in their third year of the engineering pathway, Applied Engineering, were given the task of building a bridge in groups of four or less. The final bridge that would be presented could not exceed a length of 42 inches, a width of 7 inches, or a height of 12 inches, with the overall weight needing to come under 2 pounds. The bridges were not just built for show and display. They were built to be pitted against one another in a competition of which bridge would be able to hold the most weight and attain a better load to weight ratio. This twist and the thrill of competition drew the engineering students to build various sorts of bridges with the limited supplies
that were allowed: popsicle sticks or tongue depressors, kite string, and white glue. One group made their bridge by building it out of variously colored popsicle sticks, dubbing it “The Rainbow Bridge.” Another group took a more strategic approach by using various calculative methods to predict the best possible structure that would be able to hold the most weight. The winning bridge held 180 pounds while weighing only 0.75 pounds, attaining the load to weight ratio of 102.8. Overall, the bridge project turned out to be a challenge for many, yet proved to be a successful and exhilarating project for the engineering class.
Vol # 16
2016-2017
St. John Bosco High School Presents
The Brave Newspaper
A Student Led Newspaper
Celebrating 76 Years of Academic Excellence
Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief
Editors
Justin Neff Christian Sotomayor
Science Editor Justin Perry
Youth Ministry Jakob Fierro
Raymond Rojo ~ Technology & Design Mark McDermott ~ Content
Executive Editor Vincent Grospe
Managing Editor Jacob Bueno
Faculty Advisor Mrs. Judith Day
Journalists
Connor Cartledge Isaak Gonzalez Miles Lacey Spencer Moore Calvin Zabala