The Brave News

by Christian Angel, Managing Editor

St. John Bosco High School welcomes back alumnus and new English Teacher, Mr. Ramon Casas, Jr.

Q. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

A. I was born in Bellflower, CA and grew up in Downey, Lakewood and Bellflower.

Q. Where did you go to college and what did you study?

A. I have a B.S. in Policy, Management, and Planning from the University of Southern California. Currently, I’m pursuing a M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Q. What was your dream job growing up as a kid?

A. Teacher, Deacon of the Catholic Church, Architect or Real Estate Developer, Doctor, Professional Athlete, Musician or even the President of the United States of America.

Q. What made you want to become a teacher?

A. As an elementary school student, I found careers in education incredibly fascinating. My parents, sisters, and Grandma Medina inspired me to become a teacher. In addition, my dad was a Catholic school teacher and my sisters are currently Catholic school teachers.

Q. What is your favorite part of being a teacher?

A. Teaching is my career and ministry. As a teacher, God has allowed me to educate and help his children. I’m grateful for this rewarding opportunity. Truthfully, I enjoy everything about teaching.

Q. What made you choose to come to St. John Bosco and what excites you the most
about it?

A. I’m an alumnus of St. John Bosco High School and many of my best experiences derive from this great institution. My parents worked diligently to send me here and my sisters to St. Joseph’s High School. I truly understand and appreciate the immense efforts that they exhibited for us. Therefore, I want to provide the same Salesian education to the current and future students. Alongside the faculty and staff of SJB, I know that I’m making a positive impact on the lives of these boys.

Q. How has Bosco changed since you last were a student and now that you are a teacher?

A. I find it comforting that the great values that were exhibited during my time at St. John Bosco High School still exist today. There are more programs and advancements in all facets of the school. It’s great to see the positive growth and development.

Q. What do you love about teaching English and do you have any favorite authors?

A. English is my first language, and I enjoy it immensely. I’m able to articulate myself well and incorporate the elements of the language proficiently. English has been my strength and passion. My favorite authors are St. Paul, King David, the four writers of the Gospels, Ernest Hemmingway, Plato, Emmanuel Kant, Albert Camus, Edgar Allan Poe, John Steinbeck, Sandra Cisneros, Francisco Jimenez, William Shakespeare and many more.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. We have a dog named Sammy. He’s a cute little white dog with a little black nose.

Q. What are your favorite hobbies?

A. I love to play at the park with my daughter, read and write, play and watch sports, and playing and listening to music.

Q. What do you do in your free time?

A. I spend quality time with my daughter, Olivia, and my family. During my free time, I like to take my daughter to the park and beach so that she may interact with other people.

Q. What is your favorite food?

A. Grilled steak (carne asada), Mexican or white rice, beans and a quesadilla.

Q. What is your favorite fast food and what is your typical order?

A. Wing Stop is my favorite fast food restaurant. I typically order the 10 wings combo with original hot and mango habanero sauces. French fries are served on the side along with a Coca-Cola on light ice.

Q. What is your favorite restaurant?

A. Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu

Q. What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A. For Greater Glory.

Q. Did you play any sports during your time at Bosco, and if so, what did you play?

A. I played sports on campus, such as Varsity Wrestling, Varsity Football, Freshman and JV Soccer and Freshman Track and Field.

Q. Do you have a favorite athlete?

A. Julio Cesar Chavez, the boxer, is my favorite athlete. He holds the record for the most world title victories with 31. I find it particularly intriguing when a person is extremely dedicated to their career or craft. Great results are destined to transpire from their efforts.

Q. What type of music do you enjoy?

A. Christian and Gospel music, Modern and Classic Rock, Mariachi, Salsa, Cumbia, Soul, R&B, Country and some Hip Hop

Q. What came first, the chicken or the egg?

A. The chicken because I think God allowed the chicken to join the other animals immediatly upon their creation.

Q. What is one place you would like to travel around the world?

A. I would like to meet Pope Francis in the Vatican, Italy.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in your time at Bosco?

A. Along with our St. John Bosco community, I’m excited to share in our Catholic faith, academic persuits, athletics and life experiences.