The Brave News

by Jacob Jornadal and Jake Bailey

In any well-functioning community, there are always certain individuals that keep everything running smoothly, like the oil that keeps the engine running in an automobile.

Within the St. John Bosco High School community, there are many stars – academic and athletic – that shine very bright in all aspects of life, but without the unsung heroes doing the blue-collar work that they do, those “stars” at Bosco would struggle to succeed as much as they do.

Bobby Bernardo is Bosco’s “Mr Everything.” From maintenance to organizing sporting events, Bobby does just about anything he is asked to do and more with a smile on his face at all times.

It’s humbling to see the impact one person can have on someone or something when that person consistently does his job the right way.

“I have helped organize many events like flag football tournaments, volleyball events, and I also work the snack bar for such events as well,” said Bobby Bernado.

Bobby’s main responsibility around school is to manage the locker room as well as work the concession stand at sporting events. Even with these main and major responsibilities, Bobby is extremely flexible and does much more that usually goes unheard and unseen.

If Bobby wasn’t already loved by everyone in the Bosco community, his story about how he arrived at our school will surely compel everyone to jump on the Bobby bandwagon. His background and journey to SJB shows that through hard work, dedication, and consistency, anything is possible.

“I was born and raised in the Philippines, and graduated from Don Bosco Tech in the Philippines. When I moved here with my family, my son attended Bosco and while there, I got involved in many activities around the school,” said Bobby.

Bobby continued to speak about how he began by helping with sporting tournaments, as well as Catholic youth organizations, and now is an area representative for local youth programs.

Bobby has what seems to be a deeper love for St. John Bosco than most, as a result of the family ties that he has with the school.

“My son graduated from Bosco and absolutely loved his time spent here. My brother in-law as well as many of my cousins have graduated from here too, so I am very familiar with the environment and culture here,” said Bobby Bernado.

Bobby has not worked at any other school and does not plan to anytime soon. His love for Bosco and the people within is a massive part of who he is. SJB has helped Bobby mold into the person he is and has offered him comfort and structure for which he is forever grateful.

“My favorite part about SJB has to be the brotherhood. It is unlike anything I have ever seen and it truly is special,” said Bobby.

“Outside of the brotherhood, I love attending the sporting events here, especially football and volleyball games. The energy and excitement is a feeling one can only experience in person, at the game itself, and it is really indescribable. Bosco has a special place in my heart forever,” he continued.

Many schools have important and resourceful people at their school but unlike others, Bobby continues to keep a close relationship with the entire community, helping out anyone in need.

Bobby is an essential key factor in keeping Bosco in top-notch condition, making it one of the best overall high schools in California. It really would be impossible for SJB to thrive in the fashion that it does without Bobby.

Everyone around campus adores and appreciates Bobby, but now more than ever, students, faculty, and staff should give an extra thanks to Bobby when they see him, making sure he knows just how much he is appreciated.

Thank you Bobby, on behalf of all the St. John Bosco faculty and students, for everything you do!