THE BRAVE A Student Led Newspaper
Vol # 16|Edition 3
13640 S. Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA
December 15, 2016
CIF Football Southern Section Champions See Pages 2-3
Santa’s Helper
Jesus is the Reason
By: Jacob Bueno Managing Editor ~ Senior ‘17
Mr. Adan Jaramillo As the Holiday season is upon us, there are many different ways in which we as a world celebrate what truly should be a peaceful time. The Christmas season is one in which family is celebrated and enjoyed, especially as model after the Holy Family as they got together to welcome our Saviors birth. When I was asked to do the Christmas message, the usual anxiety, worry, deliberation, and even procrastination began to set in. I couldn't find words or pearls of wisdom to depart on the SJB community. Not until I truly reflected and examined the whirlwind of my life within the past few months was I able to send forth a message. I thought of the vows that I took as a recently married man, "to love and to hold" until the rest of my life and it all made sense. In order for our family to grow in love and spirit we must give of ourselves in order to receive. Oftentimes it is difficult especially in the world in which we live in, which may be cold and dark at times. However, God finds a way to shine through, and it's from those moments that we are able to enjoy our family and those simple moments. On Dec 17, 1962, one of our greatest presidents, John F Kennedy, gave what would be his last Presidential Christmas message at the Pageant of Peace ceremonies. The world at this time was facing different threats in which peace and many freedoms were being jeopardized. Very similar to the world we currently live in today, in 2016. President Kennedy said, "This has been a year of peril when the peace has been sorely threatened. But it has been a year when peril was faced and when reason ruled. As a result, we may talk, at this Christmas, just a little bit more confidently of peace on earth, good will to men. As a result, the hopes of the American people are perhaps a little higher. We have much yet to do. We still need to ask that God bless everyone." As we prepare and reflect this Christmas season, it's more than gifts and wrapping, it's more so of generating that good will and peace that our community solely needs. With so many factions and war around the world, it seems difficult, but if we start with peace within our home it is a worthwhile endeavor. I ask that we, as a BRAVE community, get together and reflect on ourselves and the family God has given us. Reflect on how we can love more, on how we can give of ourselves more, and more importantly how can we constantly grow. This Christmas, what sacrifices are willing to be made to achieve so much more? As a family, let us grow in spirit, in giving, and more importantly in LOVE. God bless and may the Christmas season on giving and love be upon us!
Mr. Adan Jaramillo
IN THIS EDITION Pages 2 and 3 ~ CIF Football Page 4 ~ Sports Page 5 ~ The Life of a Brave Page 6 ~ Editorials
Page 7 ~ Campus Life Page 8 ~ A&E Page 9 ~ Science
“Wait here,” I told my sister, “I’m going to sneak out.” “Jacob, you’re going to get caught,” she responded. “I don’t care, I need to know the truth.” That was the Christmas I tried to catch Santa Claus before he slipped into the midst of the night. For as long as I could remember, he was real. My sister and I used to sit at the dinner table on the dawn of December and scour through the Toys R Us catalog, circling and underlining the toys we wanted while making record of it in our letter to Santa. That was the inception of the idea, but the real magic came Christmas Eve when my family was sure to prepare for the coming of Santa Claus and his reindeer. Our confidence in Santa’s existence was contingent on the adults following along. The night’s festivities began with the building and design of an all-out gingerbread house competition, my sister and her aunt vs. my aunt and I. When Santa arrived, he would be the judge. There was constant watch of the GPS “Santa Tracker” so that we knew when he was en route to our neighborhood, but it was imperative that we were in bed at least 30 minutes prior. Before we lay rest and dream of sugar plums we set out Santa’s milk and cookies and prepared the reindeer food, a concoction of sugar, oatmeal, carrots, sprinkles, and sparkles. We were finally sound asleep, then it happened, footsteps on the roof, a jolly “HO HO HO”, and before we knew it we were in a race to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus or at least, the evidence of his existence. My family believes in the magic of the season and revives Santa Claus’ being for the kids. More gifts under the tree? Check. Cookie crumbs and an empty glass of milk? Check. Reindeer hoof prints, a devoured bowl of reindeer food, and splashes from their bowl water? CHECK. As my sister and I got older, we transitioned from the spectators to the preparation team. With two younger cousins, the torch has been passed and I have learned that Santa has many helpers, I was now one of them.
Page 2 | December 15, 2016
Football
The Brave
Football Season 2016: The CIF Journey By: Eli DeRoon - Wide-Receiver #20 Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18 The Bosco Brave football team finished the season as one of the best teams in the nation, with eight wins and two regular season losses, carrying that momentum into the playoffs where we were able to beat the Upland Highlanders and the Santa Margarita Eagles in the first two rounds. Following those two key wins to get the team on a roll, we used that momentum to beat the Corona Centennial Huskies who sat at the second ranked spot in the state of California at the time. Due to the history our team has had with the Huskies in the past couple of years, the win was not only significant to advance to the next round, but also to avenge the previous losses in the past two CIF-SS championship games against them. Following the victory against Corona Centennial, we headed to Anaheim Stadium to compete in
the CIF-SS championship game for an unprecedented four straight seasons in a row. Once again, the Brave football team took care of business and avenged the regular season loss to Mater Dei, the Trinity league champions and number one team in the state. Personally, it was one of the most gratifying feelings to beat our rival in the championship and make due for the loss we had earlier in the season. After that tremendous victory, the team will play in the state championship game against none other than the reigning state champion: the De La Salle Spartans.
The game will take place at Sacramento State College in Hornet Stadium on Saturday December 17th. The team encourages all of the student body to travel on the charter buses and come to support as well as witness history. We hope to win our second state title in four years! On behalf of the entire Brave football team we would like to thank you for the continuous support you have shown to the football program this season. Without the encouragement from the faculty, staff, and most importantly, the students, we would not be competing in the championship game. It is a great feeling as a player to know the countless hours of dedicated work do not go unnoticed. We are proud to play and bring home another state championship to the Brave Nation!
Eli DeRoon ~ Wide-Receiver #20
“Words that come to mind when describing our football program are dominating, supremacy, powerful, amazing, staggering and astounding. I am so proud of our football players, Coach Negro and his staff. Our football program is in the national title conversation each year. Currently, we are ranked #2 in the USA and #1 in the state. In the past five years, we have reached five straight division one semi-finals, four straight division one finals and two state finals. During this run are we are 65-6 (against a national schedule), captured four Trinity league championships, two CIF titles, one state title and a national championship. In addition, we have another chance for a state title this coming Saturday. In addition, 50+ kids have received football scholarships. I hope everyone can come up to Sacramento to witness Bosco Football history!�
Mr. Monty McDermott
The Brave
Football
December 15, 2016 | Page 3
And Now State! By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
For Bosco Braves who thought football games at the beginning of the season were incredible, just wait until our team heads into the competitive and extreme atmosphere of Playoffs in the Southern California Division I championship. Being the 3rd consecutive year in which Bosco Football makes the playoffs, the players could not be more ready to get their rings in this tournament. Starting Quarterback Re-al Dupree Mitchell spoke confidently during our conversation, where he remarked that the team is “anxious, yet very excited and ready to re-encounter the powerhouse, Corona Centennial and gain redemption from our rival, Mater Dei.” On Friday, November 25th, there was an explosive atmosphere at
the Cerritos College football field. Bosco went face to face with Corona Centennial for the instant classic game that we’ve all been waiting for this season. Nerves tense for the entire game as both teams scored back and forth. As the Bosco student section was going insane, Senior Berkeley Holman, receiving from the kick return, had an unbelievable 99-yard touchdown straight from the brink. Bosco the took the lead! To finish
the game, the defense of SJB did a spectacular job. And finally it’s over, the Braves took the 49-47 win. As the Braves continue their advancement in the brackets, the student section was in for a treat of victories and celebration on Saturday, December 3rd where the Pac-5 Division I CIF game commenced at Angels Stadium of Anaheim. For the ultimate rematch, it was the battle of Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. Our football team was pumped up
“It’s win or go home. We are staying as focused as we possibly can in order to achieve more this year and bring Bosco back to the top.”
Re-al Mitchell
to get their rings and take their revenge. With an entire game full of outstanding plays from Tyrel Thomas, Wyatt Davis, and many more, the Braves took it to their Mater Dei, winning with the final score of 42-28. The student section was out of this world, and the celebration was memorable. To continue the outstanding playoff run, the Braves will attend the State championships in Sacramento on December 17th, where they will encounter De La Salle. All-in-all, the Bosco football team is very optimistic for the rest of their season. They look forward to making even more huge plays; now that they have their rings, it’s time to go all out for even more titles and represent Bosco in the best way possible.
A Season To Remember By: Isaak Gonzalez Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 The St. John Bosco football team did what many considered unlikely to happen. After suffering two losses in the early portion of the season, the Braves stormed back to the CIF-SS Division I Final, vs. Mater Dei. Being hungry for revenge, the Braves went into Angel Stadium and handed the top-seeded team, Mater Dei, their first loss of the year by a 14-point margin. As a result of the CIF-SS title, the Braves were selected to participate in the CIF-State
Division 1 Championship vs. North Coast Section champion, De La Salle. The will team will travel to Sacramento and try to defeat the Spartans at Sacramento State University. When the season started, many doubted the Braves. The media pinned Bosco as “good,” but not better than Mater Dei. The Braves overcame these struggles and eventually defeated the Monarchs in the CIF-SS Championship. Even with the struggles, the best team prevailed.
“This year, the football team has grown greatly in both maturity and skill. We thank you all for your support and we hope to impress you at Sacramento.”
Sal Spina
Page 4 | December 15, 2016
The Brave
Sports
Volleyball Preseason By: Connor Cartledge Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
With the close of the fall sports coming near, winter and spring sports have already started or are preparing to start their regimes to prepare for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead, and volleyball at Saint John Bosco is no exception. Volleyball will return to Saint John Bosco in March, yet practices for the tough season with tough competitors will begin in January after the winter break. Coach Davidson expects to see a lot of improvement after a sub-par varsity season last year and believes a lot of key returners are projected to help the team. Regardless of a new playoff system, the Braves remain focused and optimistic about the new season. Last year, a key varsity player, Patrick Rowe, moved on to become an outside hitter for Cal Lutheran, and now there is
a crucial spot for someone’s shoes to fill. Coach Davidson has two possible players who can fit the role of a central offensive player, and we will see more on who can fill Patrick’s spot as outside hitter as the season progresses. A new prospect to look out for in the program as a whole is Alex Roter who has developed into an exciting player to watch through his club season. The goal for the volleyball team is to win a league title and to prepare as best as possible for the CIF playoffs, and with their first game being against Valencia High School, the “road to the ring” certainly will prove to be rigorous. One thing that separates the volleyball program at Saint John Bosco from other athletic programs is the high academic standards to uphold, the strong brotherhood uniting the team,
and the respect the program receives from administration, faculty and staff. For anyone who is interested in volleyball and does not know where to start, Coach Davidson recommends to watch high level volleyball in order to see if you truly want to participate in the sport. He advises all to note that it is not a sport that can just be picked-up, it takes hard work and dedication, along with a lot of skill that is involved. League games are expected to partake on Wednesdays and Fridays; however check http://schedules.schedulestar. com/St-John-Bosco-HS-Bellflower-CA/ season/08-15-2016/Boys/Varsity/Volleyball/ for information regarding schedule changes. From Coach Davidson to all, “Come out and check out a match or two, as it will be fun and exciting, and go Braves!”
Basketball Preview By: Isaak Gonzalez Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Basketball season is upon us here at St. John Bosco. The team commenced the 2016-17 season earlier this month at the 2016 Corona Del Mar tournament, in which they went 3-0. The Braves are coming off a 21-10 season, in which they progressed to the CIF-1AA semifinals. All-State Guard JJ Watson led the way, averaging 20.9 points per game. Since the conclusion of last season, the team has vastly matured. Last year’s team featured a number of underclassmen, including Makani Whiteside, Alpha Okoli, and JoJo Bush. Under head coach Matt Dunn, these young players have improved their game. Although the Braves are mainly composed of underclassmen, they do return all five starters, including Watson.
By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 During the fall, there are three outstanding sports at St. John Bosco that are thrilling to watch all season long. Although many here at Bosco have mainly been contemplating about football and cross-country, history was made in the pool as well, where the boy’s water polo team had a fantastic season. This year, the team had their
first Trinity league victory in over 5 years. This is a huge achievement in the Division 1 arena due to the intensity of it all, and not to mention Trinity League’s reputation of being the toughest high school league in the nation. The team was led by senior, Will Roffers, who had an outstanding year of personal records and the privilege of
The Braves will look to represent Bosco at various non-league competitions this season including the MLK Classic, Corona Del Mar Tournament, the Damien Classic, and the Nike Extravaganza. In January, the team will travel to Richmond, CA to face Salesian College Preparatory, a fellow Salesian school. Unlike other coaches, Coach Dunn does not perceive wins and losses as the main goal for a season. He believes that “The program will improve through individual and team progression.” Coach Dunn invites all students become involved with the basketball program by supporting the team at their games.
showing that with great heart and leadership anyone can be victorious. In the cage, senior goalie, Eliott Bergurson, accomplished a new school record for saves and was commemorated with the First Team Trinity League award. Eliott also was awarded Player of the Year for Men’s Water Polo by the Long Beach Press Telegram. With outstanding effort and sportsmanship, the Braves were granted the opportunity to compete in the CIF playoffs for a league title and championship. During the rigors of CIF competition, the water polo team held their ground and had an astonishing 3-game win streak, leading them to the semifinals where their journey would come to an end. These
achievements not only went to the players but to coach Jeffery Powers, who received the ‘Best Coach’ award for the Division 4 section. With that, Bosco had a tremendous season of effort and determination, one that the seniors of this year will cherish and never forget.
The Brave
December 15, 2016 | Page 5
The Life of A Brave By: Spencer Moore Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
For the Sophomores: It has been a year and a half that you have been in high school. In a few months, you will be an upperclassman. Many of you have found your niche, and that group of friends will only continue to expand as many will be able to drive soon. Burnout is the worst possible thing that a student can experience. Total exhaustion from school can often lead to lower grades and learning, often from loss of motivation. Semester Two is when many begin to experience this, after seeing their final grades from finals of Semester One; some can get a feeling of helplessness. Many do not realize that as long as they did their best and continue to do so, it will be all right. When Semester Two begins, it means we are already half way through the year - half way done. Only a few months are left but students have numerous chances to learn more. To the Freshmen: You have been high schoolers for half of a year. The first part of your high school journey has been finished, your first semester is completed, and you have been acclimated with what the high school life is like.
To the Juniors (my classs): The hardest year of our high school career is almost over. You are more than half way done with high school and, in the coming months, will become the top dogs of the school, the pinnacle of the high school hierarchy. Continue working your hardest and discovering the schools that you wish to attend in college. Lastly to our Seniors: It is the home stretch. Work hard and do your best, but you do not have as much time in high school. Although you will be back on the bottom of the totem pole once you are in college, you will have the most freedom you have ever had and will truly be able to explore subjects that you find interesting. It is the end of your childhood but the beginning of your adult life.
The Gift of the New Year By: David Black Journalist ~ Senior ‘17 January brings forth a New Year annually, but oftentimes the date is the only thing that changes. Typically, life goes on in the same way it did for all of the preceding years -- there are still twenty-four hours to a day, seven days to a week, and life is still the unpredictable matrix it’s always been. Still, the date doesn’t need to be the only thing changing; we, as members of the human race, have the ability to control our own will -- to analyze and adjust our own character. It’s because we were gifted the ability to will ourselves to change that one shouldn’t remain a static character in their own life. With the New Year an entirely new self could emerge; a self who practices virtues like kindness patience or humility. For this reason the concept of a New Year’s resolution can truly make the world a better place. This year, as Bosco Braves, our goal should be to model recycling; to be a group that makes a small positive shift but makes all the difference with the snowball effect as an added bonus. This year, our community should strive to make the world a better place by simply implementing a new year’s resolution into each of our own lives.
From the Editors:
A New Year’s Invitation to write for
THE BRAVE Please contact Mrs. Day in Room 244
By: Justin Neff Editor ~ Junior ‘18 As the season of giving is upon us once again, we should all be reminded of the one thing that can make a difference this holiday season: service. This last month, Key Club has organized and helped with a few events helping those in our very own community who do not always see the joy in holidays. Over Thanksgiving Break, the club helped put together over 50 boxes filled with everything necessary for a fantastic Turkey Dinner, ranging from the turkey itself, to cans of vegetables, to stuffing. The club really did make a difference that day by distributing the boxes that same day and experiencing the joy that was brought to each family that received one. A week later, Key Club met again to organize a toy
drive for those less fortunate. All the toys were bought, wrapped, and later distributed by the club at a later event. Another event the club has participated in over the last month includes a beach clean-up at Seal Beach. Currently upcoming is the annual Rose Bowl float decorations up in Pasadena. This yearly event is both an exciting and worth-while experience. Not only do members decorate and put together floats, but also later get to see their craft on TV on New Year’s Day in the parade. If you are interested in joining Key Club, make sure to stop by Mr. Liu’s room at lunch on Wednesday’s for club meetings. It’s never too late to become involved in the community, especially during the holiday seasons.
December 15, 2016 | Page 6
Editorials
The Brave
Christmas - A Time of Welcoming By: Mark McDermott Editor-in-Chief ~ Junior ‘18 Christmastime can be a very touchy subject with some outspoken people nowadays with seeming radicals on both sides, viewing any expression of “Christmas” as the beginning of a state faith or an attempt to convert and any disuse as sacrilege. These are small groups, and thus in and of itself the so-called “War on Christmas” seems to be a pointless charade by bickering hardliners. However, the very existence of this debate shows a fundamental cultural division that transcends political viewpoints and highlights a need to consider the value of sensitivity through this issue. The irony behind oversensitivity lies in the reality that in trying to assert tolerance of specific groups with such forceful labeling of opposition results in increasing hesitation by moderates in that group to share or express their
own beliefs. This fear is directly contrary to the very idea that these activists for a supposed equality and freedom of expression are trying to share. This mentality is furthered through the belief in microaggressions, which are defined as statements or actions that shows unintentional discrimination against a group. While I have read many testimonies of these micro-aggressions (all without the opportunity of redeeming context) and understand the concern of these groups, it is critical to realize the term “unintentional.” Most people have no intention of trying to offend others during the course of their daily lives, and realizing this fact is pivotal to achieving true understanding. America is envisioned as the pinnacle of tolerance, and using blanket labels based on cultural
differences, including on those simply trying to be cordial by wishing a Merry Christmas, perpetuates division. Furthermore, the people we regularly interact with today had nothing to do with America’s past history of subjugation. Most people would much sooner have diverse friends than diverse enemies. While this does not erase the past, we must keep in mind that whites, males, Christians, or other seeming oppressors of today are often ashamed of past inequality and truly seek freedom for all; slight contrary actions are likely unintentional. Rather than becoming so severely offended in so forcefully asserting one’s own beliefs, we should instead accept the beliefs of others more passively according to the ultimate intent. If someone wishes Merry Christmas, he or she
is only trying to be welcoming as they would want someone to be to their own self or their family, and should be accepted as such, not regarded as an oppressor. By keeping this intent in mind, we can progress away from microaggressions as people begin to learn more about them and move away from them on their own, not from the force of others. This is true acceptance – continued acceptance of the norm alongside the rise of the new. And it is in this way that we draw closer to that complete acceptance that America has always striven for. With that in mind, I hope the entire world can enjoy a Merry Christmas and look forward to the dawn of this New Year.
Thank You Mr. President By: Vincent Grospe Managing Editor ~ Senior ‘17
The year was 2008. And I was in the 4th grade. President Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States and the first African American into office. Post-election, I recall the glee and excitement at my middle school. Parents were happily discussing the historic nature of that night with their children. Student council officers quoted slogans from President Obama’s campaign. Others drew murals and versions of his “Hope” poster. With me, I hoped to someday have an accomplishment similar to that of the president. Now eight years and two terms have passed. I will always remember his charismatic speeches of his hopes in building a more unified country, his kind and collected character, and his strong commitment to his family. The Obama family represents an idealized and loving model that set them apart from other presidential families. Depending on whom you ask, he will have a controversial legacy. Love him, hate him -- he will be remembered by his eminent accomplishments
despite the epic political obstructionism that he faced and the bad shape of the economy in which he had inherited. In his first year, President Obama passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which cut taxes and invested in unemployed workers. As a result, it created economic growth in the middle of the greatest recession since the Great Depression, and according to Washington monthly, it produced 3.7 million
jobs in the private-sector for 23 straight months. And to prevent this economic crisis from happening again, he signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010. This brought stronger federal management of America’s financial sector that tightened regulations and accounted institutions for their failures. He also ended the war in Iraq, a conflict costing the U.S. 4.4 trillion dollars, led to the
creation of ISIS, and took the lives of over 4,000 servicemen. By halting it, our country saved time, money, and American lives. His administration was also responsible for bringing justice: he authorized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the man responsible for masterminding the 9/11 attacks. Furthermore, his presidency will be recognized for finally bringing equal opportunities for both women and the LGBT community in the military. Our defense was not watered-down; it became more inclusive. Finally, he truly took care of our veterans at home. He increased funding for the Veterans Administration, launched housing initiatives for the homeless, and brought more employment opportunities to unemployed. As I head into college, I cannot wait to hear my peers’ opinions of this president and read what the history books have written for him. Nonetheless, as a millennial and the son of a military veteran, I thank him for everything he has done.
The Brave
Page 7 | December 15, 2016
Around Bosco
Pillon Legacy By: Miles Lacey Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Mr. Pillon knew he wanted to come to Bosco when he came with his cousin to a football game. He saw the tradition that they had with a man who rode in on horseback and threw a spear. He knew that had found his home away from home. Mr. Pillon came from a Bosco family. With six uncles who have come to Bosco alongside an aunt and an uncle, Mrs. Pantuso
and Mr. Hastert, Mr. Pillon has a long lineage of family who have attended Saint John Bosco. Mr. Pillon applied to work at Bosco after Mr. McMorrow had retired and told him to apply for his job. He told the Brave that he wanted to teach, because he felt like he was not making a big difference in the world. So, he jumped at the opportunity to teach.
Corkhill Returns By: Connor Cartledge Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
Seven years ago Mr. Corkhill was in our seniors’ shoes, getting prepared to enter college, trying to find his calling, and trying to make his name known. Today, more than three hundred Bosco students know him for his profound and intricate way of teaching. Mr. Corkhill attended Bosco for the first time in 2005. As an 8th grader, with a wide variety of high schools in Southern California, he knew he wanted to go to Bosco and was expected to attend the school, because his grandparents both worked there. His grandmother was a guidance counselor, and his grandfather held multiple positions including president, principal, vice principal, and assistant athletic director. Therefore, he had always looked forward to attending Bosco as a legacy since he was a child. As some may know, Mr. Corkhill, after graduating in 2009, attended his dream school, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Well known for the intensity and the hardearned minimal acceptance rate, UCLA made Mr. Corkhill realize that he had to take advantage of the opportunity Saint John Bosco provided. Aside from achieving valedictorian status of his class, he was CIF scholar athlete of the year, in National Honor Society, achieved recognition in California Scholarship Federation, vice president of the Christian Service Club, first team all trinity league, team captain, and a coach for youth flag football and basketball. As it appears, he kept himself very busy and strained his talents across all fields of extracurricular activities. Some of the highlights of his years as a student include making it to
the CIF playoffs in volleyball and taking Mr. Mc Morrow’s (role model as a teacher) math classes. He had the opportunity to learn from some of the faculty who are still here today, such as Mr. Wilsak, Mr. Wippler, Mr. Cordero, and Mr. Vigil. Also, Mr. Linares and Ms. Hunt were deans at the time, and Mr. Antonelli was the admissions director. Brotherhood has always been a quality that Bosco has strived for, and Mr. Corkhill feels it has been a constant, maintained standard at the school since before he attended. Some things have changed since he was in school, however, such as the curriculum becoming more rigorous. However, he notes that the rallies have lost the feeling of school spirit, and, not so long ago, the cheers, highlights of the past events, aren’t used and appreciated as they should be. So why did Mr. Corkhill return to Bosco? The answer is simple: Bosco is home. And just as a home shelters you and gives you an environment to learn and grow, he wanted to give that same aspect back to the high school that had taught him so much. He wanted to “enable the students with Salesian Life Skills to be important and influential in our community.” Mr. Corkhill sees so much potential and value within the people who not only attend but work at Saint John Bosco. He believes, as a legacy teacher, that he can help those individuals excel. His advice to students is to take advantage of in-class time in order to minimize work at home and leave the after-school hours for time with friends and family. Finally, he advises Braves to get involved around the community, take risks, and try new things.
Attention fellow Bosco Braves! The Bosco Wrestling Team and Varsity Club are committed to helping the community, and this year we will be helping those in need through a Blanket Drive for the Homeless. This winter is expected to be one of the coldest in recent history and so many are without a place to keep warm or have inadequate shelter and clothing to stay warm. We will be collecting the new blankets to deliver to the homeless on December 22nd to the LA Soup Kitchen. Anyone who would like to donate a blanket please bring it to Coach Delgado’s office or the wrestling room by December 21st.
“I wanted to ‘enable the students with Salesian Life Skills to be important and influential in our community.”
Nathan Corkhill
Toy Drive By: Calvin Zabala Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18
Christmas is the season of both giving and receiving presents whether the person is a family member or good friend. In this season of giving, Campus Ministry members provide Braves another opportunity to give in this season of Benelovenza. Braves will be able to donate toys for children and teens, ages 5-17, from December 1st to the 16th. Many of us Braves are blessed, because most of us receive gifts and are grateful to have them. However, some children and teens are not as fortunate and do not have these opportunities to unwrap gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. It is a priority for all Braves to join together and give these kids a present to unwrap this December 25th as well as to be filled with the holiday spirit for what this season has to offer. This school-wide opportunity
allows all Braves, regardless of grade level, to participate in this event. The requirements for these gifts are that they must have a minimum value of twenty dollars and be new. Each tribe is responsible for teens and children based on their age and gender. The tribe level arrangements are: Devereux: Girl (5-10) Magone: Girl (5-10) Rua: Boy (5-10) Marvelli: Boy (5-10) Flores: Girl (11-17) Namancura: Girl (11-17) Besucco: Boy (11-17) Garelli: Boy (11-17) Savio: Girl (5-10) For all those who seek out to assist in Campus Ministry’s effort to help spread Christmas spirit, please donate your gift with the requirements of your tribe. Go Braves!
December 15, 2016 | Page 8
The Brave
The Arts and Entertainment O’ Christmas Tree By: Raymond Rojo - Editor-in-Chief ~ Junior ‘18
The minute the Halloween decorations come down, the tinsel comes up! Even during November, we began to hear Christmas songs growing in prevalence amongst radio stations, adding to the growing excitement of the holiday season. Here at SJB there is always something going on that brings joy to people. In December it is the time of Christmas, the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Kicking off the season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, our ASB had put together a wonderful celebration reminding us of family, friends, and the true gift of giving. As the season of giving begins, the entire school comes together and works as a community. We encourage you to participate and take part in this school year’s season of giving.
Fences - A Play By: Andrew Alvarez Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18
By: Spencer Moore Contributing Writer ~ Junior ‘18 Band! Robotics!, Theatre! The school newspaper! Brave Vision! Students are artistic in many different ways: some students can draw, while others can act. But there is something important that St. John Bosco is lacking which would give a particular type of student the chance to learn, thrive and train: choir. It has been seen from time and time again that we have talented singers here at St. John Bosco based on the harmonious students who sing at mass. But why not make the opportunity to sing a more easily accessible thing? Give students who are interested in training their voices and singing songs a chance. Allow them to have access to artistic development resources in order for them to hone their talents and prosper. Not only would it be a new opportunity for students, it would also be a way for the school to fundraise. This choir could have concerts that sell tickets and concessions. And it would also perform at some school events, such as masses. Many other schools have choirs, so it is odd that our school community does not have one. A choir would not necessarily have to be a class, but it could be an extracurricular activity with rehearsals after school. However, if it was a class, then it would allow students in sports and other extra-curricular activities to have the chance to sing and express themselves.
From August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play “Fences”, comes a film adaptation of the original playwright, “Fences”. Produced by Bron Studios and directed by the two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, the film runs very similar to the lines of the play itself. Set in Pittsburgh during the 1950s when racial injustices against African Americans ran rampant, former baseball player star Troy Maxson, played by Washington, is now a garbage collector and a father who has sacrificed his baseball playing skills in order to provide for the greater good of his family. His powerful commitment to provide for his family soon becomes the main source of tension created within the family as his son Cory Maxson, played by Jovan Adepo, struggles in his effort
to make his father proud and feels that fraternal bond between them that seems to have never existed. This tension continues to unravel when Cory Maxson is recruited by a college to play football but is immediately faced with opposition by his father. His college offer only leads to increased stress within the family until it reaches its breaking point. Overall, the film seems very loyal to the script of the original play, which has been read by many students at Bosco, has great historical importance. Supporting roles are also played by Academy Award Nominee Viola Davis as Rose Maxson, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Stephen Henderson. Don’t miss out on the film adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize playwright of Fences this Christmas on December 25, 2016.
Ultra Brave Fest By: Christian Sotomayor Journalist ~ Junior ‘18 In the beginning of the school year, the Associated Student Body here at St. John Bosco hosted one of the biggest game changers of high school dances, Juke Jam on September 10th. This event was record breaking: 900 people came to the dance, and our school’s reputation for dances went through the roof. And now, officially on December 10th, ASB has decided to throw a comeback to Juke Jam, one that SoCal has been craving for a while now, Ultra Brave Fest. Leading up to the day, the @ SJBStudentLife Twitter account had been advertising the dance to get the word out to schools all over the area, and I think we all can agree that the outcome was an absolute success. The
dance, originally beginning at 8:00pm, had people already showing up and anxious to get in as early as 7:20pm to beat the long line that was guaranteed to come. When the grand opening was just minutes from commencing, the line of people spread through the front of the school were ready to get lit and see what the new and improved Bosco dances are all about. Once everyone was all in the gym, the music was pumping, and party mode was on. In the end, the ASB confirmed that we got as many people as last time in another amazing night and successful dance that we’ll never forget.
The Brave
Science
December 15, 2016 | Page 9
Holiday at the South Pole By: Justin Perry Science Editor ~ Sophmore ‘19
Especially around the holidays, the North Pole, covered by about 3.5 million square miles of Arctic sea ice, gets all the attention. Climatologists have been studying the northern ice cap since 1978 and found that the intensification of melting processes has decreased the annual minimum of sea ice area by 11% per decade . While scientists have been focused on the Arctic meltdown, Antarctica, an area of 5.405 million square miles—larger than the continental United States—has undergone similar processes that were largely unnoticed until recent years. The Antarctic coastal ice sheets, some of which are thousands of feet deep, have been melting at an alarming rate. In the past decade, 130 tons of ice have melted each year, an amount “enough…to fill more than 1.3 million Olympic swimming pools.”
Scientists have also observed a growing 70 mile long, 300 feet wide, 1/3 mile deep crack that will dislodge the ice shelf Larsen C, which is roughly the size of Delaware, from the rest of Antarctica. Although the accumulation of surface snow has actually resulted in a net gain of Antarctic ice, this gain has lessened from 2001 to 2008 in a continuing process that will likely result in net loss. While the complete melting of the Antarctic ice due to changing climactic patterns is highly unlikely and would raise sea levels by 208 feet, a new NASA project, BedMap2, has revealed that the Antarctic land mass, if exposed, would boast impressive geologic features. Using the latest satellite, geographic imaging survey (GIS), and GPS technology, researchers have uncovered a mountain range the size of New York, deep valleys and gorges with some points reaching
over 1 mile below sea level, and a wide, lazy river that once flowed across a vast plain. If current trends continue, sea levels could rise by 10 feet in the next century or two due to the Antarctic meltdown, which would affect numerous low elevation coastal cities. In addition to displacing millions of people, such cities “could face up to $1 trillion a year in flood damage within a few decades.” Rather than being confronted with such devastating climate change, society must work to slow down current trends or be faced with the consequences. Generations from now, children could be spending Christmas in the mountains of Antarctica. Works Cited news.nationalgeographic.com; businessinsider.com; www. nasa.gov; antarcticglaciers.org; huffingtonpost.com; livescience.com
James-Webb Telescope By: Miles Lacey Journalist ~ Junior ‘18
The James-Webb Telescope, when launched, will be the most advanced space telescope in history. This telescope has the capacity to view galaxies formed just after the big bang. Other notable features include infrared light sensors that will be able to detect the IR light that has existed since the beginning of time. However, there is still a long window of time before it is actually launched. The telescope itself, though finished, has to undergo testing prior to its scheduled launch in October
2018. The telescope’s mirrors and optics still have to be tested. Afterwards, it will be subjected to multiple acoustic and vibration tests, mimicking the environment of the launch vehicle in order to see if it will rattle itself to death. Lastly, they have to recheck the optics to make sure nothing unusual had happened during the testing. Other steps include being shipped to Cape Canaveral where the device will undergo cryogenic testing. It will then be shipped back to Northrup
Grumman where a special film will be put in place in order to keep the IR sensors cool enough in space to operate. Either way, there is a lot on the way in its long road ahead for the James-Webb Telescope. After it has jumped all of the hurdles above and much more in between, it will be launched in October next year. Congratulations to the development team, and good luck in the upcoming year.* *NASA.gov
Vol # 16
2016-2017
The Brave Newspaper
A Student Led Newspaper
Celebrating 76 Years of Academic Excellence
From all of us at The Brave we wish you Christmas Blessings and Peace on Earth!
Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief
Editors
Justin Neff Christian Sotomayor
Science Editor Justin Perry
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 David Black