Monthly Archives: March 2024

Life of a Brave: 21 Questions With New Faculty Member Mrs. Gina Sterling

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by: Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

This year St. John Bosco High School welcomed a new Academic Advisor for SJB Global, Mrs. Gina Sterling, who wants to support and encourage students in their studies.

Photo by Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Park City, Utah, a little ski town in the Rocky Mountains. 

Q: What high school did you attend?

A: I went to Park City High school, and my graduating class was about 300 people. Everyone knew each other. 

Q: What college did you attend?

A: I went to the University of Utah (Go Utes!), but I also studied literature at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland for a year. 

Q: How did you discover Bosco and why did you choose to work here?

A: When I was visiting Park City for Christmas, I was catching up with my old deacon after Mass. When I told him I had recently moved to Bellflower, he said, “That’s where I went to school! St. John Bosco! You should work there.” 

Q: Did you have any teaching experience before working at Bosco?

A: My first teaching experience was in the jungle in Peru on a humanitarian trip when I was 16. Later, I did student teaching when I received my teaching minor during college. I taught at a boarding school for girls in Oxford, England, and I worked as a supervising coordinator for an after-school program in Pomona. 

Q: What is your role at Bosco?

A: I am an Academic Advisor for SJB Global. 

Q: What is your favorite part of teaching?

A: It’s inspiring to see you boys work hard and gain new knowledge and skills. 

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: I’ve worked as a teacher for a couple years, on and off. But in some ways, I’ve been a teacher since my younger brother was born. 

Q: How have you liked the school and the environment so far?

A: Of all the schools at which I’ve worked, Bosco is by far the best. I really admire the Salesian approach to education; I feel blessed to be here.

Q: Why is SJB Global important to students?

A: Having classes online is beneficial because it offers flexibility to take classes that wouldn’t otherwise be available. It also allows students to travel for sports or other activities and not miss too much work. Students have the option to work at their own pace, which gives them some freedom as they develop self-accountability and time management skills. 

Q: What was your favorite subject growing up?

A: My favorite subject was English, but I also liked art and Spanish.

Q: Who is your favorite author?

A: J.K. Rowling is my favorite author. She inspired a whole generation to start reading. Harry Potter got me through some hard times. It’s a fantastic story with a lot of heart. If you haven’t read the books, you should give them a try.

Q: What would you tell students who want to become a teacher?

A: I would say that being called to teaching is a noble pursuit. Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. 

Q: What is your favorite part of Bosco?

A: I can’t just pick one! My favorite parts of Bosco are the Salesian ethos and watching sports. 

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of Bosco?

A: I like to mountain bike, float on a surfboard while my friends surf, write stories, travel and read. 

Q: Best fast food restaurant?

A: In-N-Out. There is no other right answer to this question.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: I have two dogs. I have a Bernese mountain dog named Henry, who’s like a 100 lb teddy bear. And I have a nervous border collie, Hobbes, who is named after the Calvin and Hobbes comic.

Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?

A: The Utah Utes.

Q: If you could have any car, what would it be?

A: I wouldn’t mind having an AeroMobil. Google it.

Q: What is your dream Vacation?

A: I would like to go on a trip with my whole family to somewhere remote and tropical, maybe the Philippines, Thailand or Samoa. 

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “Every life is in many days, day after day. We walk through ourselves, meeting robbers, ghosts, giants, old men, young men, wives, widows, brothers-in-love, but always meeting ourselves.” -James Joyce, Ulysses

Sports: Bosco Basketball Celebrates School’s Second State Title, First In Ten Years

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by Macade Maxwell

This season was definitely one to remember for the 2023-2024 St. John Bosco High School basketball program. After an emotional rollercoaster of a season, the Braves managed to stay poised and focused, allowing them to achieve their ultimate goal by capping off their season with a CIF Division One State Championship. 

Photo by @CIFState via X, formerly known as Twitter

The team’s journey to a championship would not have been possible without their setbacks. With a long regular season full of trials and tribulations and following a disappointing run in the Open Division Playoffs, the Braves needed to maintain their edge to make a state playoff run, approaching each game with a fearless mindset and knowing that it was win or go home.

Following a first round bye in the state tournament, the Braves matched up against Windward High School. These two schools previously faced each other earlier in the season, where the Braves blew out Windward in the championship game of the Bosco Winter Classic by 35 points with a final score of 88-53.

But this time, Windward came for revenge. The Wildcats made this game a close one, but the Braves managed to come out on top, winning 65-63

“We knew it was going to be a hard one, especially coming out 13 days off and coming off a hard loss,” said Head Coach Matt Dunn. “I was so proud of our guys. We had a bunch of chances to give in to it, but we just kept plugging away, playing hard and making the right play, and we did just enough.”

The regional semi-final game was no easier than the previous one, matching up against the highly ranked Damien Spartans. The Spartans, who were once led by Coach Dunn before he started at Bosco, made sure that they gave the Braves a challenge, especially their seven-foot center. It was a close one all game, but the Braves came away with the victory, winning 63-59. 

“I took a lot. I mean it started [that] week with practice, and we played hard [the night of the game] and got it done. But I’m feeling more confident in my shot. My teammates are going to be there for me and create opportunities for open shots,” said sophomore Dominic Perfetti after his 14-point performance in the win against Damien. 

The Braves needed just one more game to make it to the CIF State Championship game, but standing in their way was league rival, the “Team in Red.” The “Team in Red” is a familiar opponent with a history that runs deep. This year, the “Team in Red” had the Braves number in the regular season, beating them in both matchups, once in Santa Ana and once at Crypto.com Arena. 

“[We] wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Obviously they beat us in the first two matchups, but we didn’t get the chance to play at our house,” said Coach Dunn.

Dropping two league games to the “Team in Read” didn’t faze the Braves because they knew that they would have to come to their house, The Thunderdome, where the Braves are most dominant against the “Team in Red.”

As the final buzzer sounded, the Braves came out on top in a nail-biting overtime win, 71-68. This punched their ticket to the championship game where they would face San Ramon Valley High School in Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. 

“It took every single one of us. We all played a role,” said junior Chris Komin. “Guarding [the “Team in Red”] was tough. They have a very structured defense, but we had to keep our minds in the game and be ready every play.”

In the season finale against San Ramon Valley, the stakes couldn’t possibly have been higher. With a state title on the line, it is safe to say that the Braves put their all into this game, at one point holding a 17-point lead. The Braves never looked back, winning 78-62.

Leading the way to victory for the Braves was senior Loyola Chicago signee Jack Turner, who dropped 20 points in his final high school game. Following Turner was number one nationally ranked sophomore Brandon McCoy, Jr., who scored 18 points. 

As the final buzzer sounded, the Braves secured the program’s second ever CIF State title, the first under Coach Dunn. Their journey to this point may have been a long and tiring one, but it is least to say that it was all worth it in the end. 

Completing their season with a record of 28-7 in addition to a solid 8-2 record in league play, the Braves left their mark as the 26th ranked team in the nation and the third ranked in the state of California, according to MaxPreps. 

The sweat, the tears, the countless hours, the ups and the downs all led to a moment of success where memories will last for a lifetime. The 2023-2024 Braves basketball team is a representation of a group who all came together and worked toward one common goal. 

“This was everything I wanted, and we put everything on the line,” said senior Amiri Meadows. “Obviously, playing with great players, I do what I can to help, contributing in multiple ways like getting our team started and just having that mentality of giving everything I got.”

That caps off a remarkable season for the Braves, as a group of hard-working athletes left their legacy in St. John Bosco High School history. Although the season may be over, it doesn’t just end here. Be prepared for the Braves to come back stronger and better than ever next year, setting a new standard for Bosco Basketball.

Sports: Bosco Football Continued Rich Tradition Of Celebrating National Signing Day

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by Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

The St. John Bosco Braves have had a successful football program for many years, and nothing has changed. Every year, there is a very large group of football players who can commit to college programs and our school acknowledges the hard work and dedication these student-athletes have exhibited by celebrating on Signing Day.

Photo by @boscofootball via X, formerly known as Twitter

The Bosco Football program hosted a large Signing Day event in late December at the Mayne Event Center in Downtown Bellflower, where twelve Braves signed to excellent programs: LB Ashtin Kekahuna-Lopes, Utah; RB Cameron Jones, UCLA; RB Chauncey Sylvester Jr., Weber State; DB Frankie Edwards III, Weber State; DB Tamal Johnson, Weber State; DB Jason Mitchell II, San Diego State; LB Jordan Lockhart, Texas A&M; LB Khmori House, Washington; OL King Large, Southern Methodist University; LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame; DB Marcelles Williams, USC; and DB Peyton Woodyard, Alabama.

This was a bitter-sweet moment for all. For many of the athletes, this would be their last time together as Braves because they would begin the Spring semester at their new schools. 

The most recent Signing Day was held on campus in February, where four players signed to the school of their choice: QB Caleb Sanchez, Columbia University; DB Dillon Rickenbacker, Yale University; WR Stacy Dobbins, University of California at Davis; and WR Tommy Maher, Colorado State University.

Photo by @boscofootball via X, formerly known as Twitter

Signing Day marks an important culmination for all the players, coaches and parents, as it took a lot of sacrifice to make it to that moment. The players were all incredibly thankful to St. John Bosco High School and all the doors it has opened for them. Most of all, though, players wanted to thank their coaches, friends and, most especially, family for believing in them.

All of these players come from different backgrounds and have faced different challenges, but one thing they have in common is that they’ve overcome challenges and circumstances to achieve this great accomplishment.

Quarterback Caleb Sanchez, who led the Trinity League in passing yards this season, had been waiting for Signing Day since he was a child. He signed with the Ivy League’s Columbia University and is grateful that he was able to share the special moment with those who guided his success.

“The day was so special because I was able to share it with those I loved, not only my family but my coaches and teammates. I can’t explain how grateful I am for them,” said Caleb.

Safety Dillion Rickenbacker, who is another signee who is not only excellent on the field but in the classroom, also made the decision to go to the Ivy League with his commitment to Yale University. He felt it was the perfect choice for him as the University will help him succeed after his playing days.

The signing days are emotional for everybody involved as these young men are leaving to pursue their dreams. The Bosco family is sad to see them go but happy they were able to be a part of their journey.

Life of a Brave: Bosco Community Journeys Together During Lenten Season

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by Andy Ortiz

The St. John Bosco community is celebrating this Lenten season by giving up some of their favorite possessions, activities and vices for a 40 day span, while also concentrating on what they can do more to be the best versions of themselves for the benefit of others.

The Christian season of Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday, February 14th, and ends on Saturday March 30th on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter. It is an important holiday, not just for us as Braves, but for all Christian communities the world over.

“Lent to me is one of the sorrowful yet most beautiful times for a Christian. To me, Lent is not sorrowful, more of a beautiful reminder of the glory that’s come and will come,” said Campus Ministry junior Emmanuel Garcia.

For those that may not know, the 40 days of Lent refers to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert all on his own: reflecting, fasting and praying. For us, Lent is meant to be our spiritual preparation for Easter, where we focus on the essentials of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is considered to be a season of rebirth and a time for new opportunities.

“Lent helps us examine our walk with Christ and to look at the times we have turned away from Him and turned toward sin instead,” said sophomore religion teacher Mrs. Mary Machado. “It helps reorient us to Christ.”

Part of Lent is to give something up that you like or enjoy as a small sacrifice so that we can better put our time into God. But other than the sacrifice, there can also be positive applications to improve one’s overall life. One could do more valuable things and spend more time in prayer and reflection.

“This Lent I’m trying to do more spiritual reading and to cut way down on the internet and snacking,” said Chair of the Theology Department Mr. Joseph Griffin. “I’m also making a more intentional effort to attend the daily morning mass here at Bosco at 7:20am as many days a week as I can.”

Our Bosco Braves and teachers alike have been making a tried and true effort to make some small sacrifices that will help them be closer to Christ.

“I am giving up my bed and warm showers for Lent. I think these are simple ways to bring a bit of discomfort and suffering into my life in accordance with where I feel I currently am spiritually,” said Campus Ministry senior Michael Rodriguez.

Jesus’ fortitude during his 40 days in the desert is a sign of fortitude that pushes our Bosco community to do and be their best. Many of our Braves see the importance of the Lenten holiday and want to celebrate it to the fullest.

“This Lenten season I’ve decided to give up bad habits. Many habits in my life can guarantee success, but many can guarantee failure. To be closer with God I need to make sacrifices, and these sacrifices will be the habits I must leave behind,” said Emmanuel.

The truly unique viewpoint that our Bosco Braves share is the motivation for self-improvement. Science teacher Mr. Miller believes that sacrifice shouldn’t be the focal point of Lent, but rather the strength to leave behind bad habits that control us to make ourselves and the world around us better.

“I instead look for ways to give of myself more. Finding ways to serve my community by giving blood, donating to causes, beach clean-ups, giving to food drives, focusing on the gifts [and] abilities I have that may serve others,” said Mr. Miller. “It gives me the opportunity to serve those who may be less fortunate than myself.”

Life of a Brave: Mr. Powers and Mr. Masciel Enforce The Rules To Support Student Growth

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by Rafael Escobedo

The introduction of Mr. Jeff Powers and Mr. Jon-Paul Masciel in their new roles as Deans of Student Conduct gave administration the power to better hold students accountable. 

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lull in student accountability was identifying among the faculty and staff. This includes tardiness, lack of proper uniform and generally inappropriate behavior. However, with the addition of these new roles taken on by these two men, along with the help of Vice Principal of Student Conduct Mr. Linares, those issues have come to be nipped in the bud.

Mr. Powers has been working at St. John Bosco High School for ten years and has taken on other roles previous to Dean of Student Conduct, such as Water Polo and Swim Coach as well as a strength and conditioning and health teacher. However, Mr. Powers believes right now is the best time for him to take on this role.

Mr. Jeff Powers, Photo by Rafael Escobedo

“Mr. Antonelli asked me if I would be interested in doing it.  It is perfect timing because my own kids are getting older and have a lot of things that they do,” said Mr. Powers. “This new role allows me to be able to attend a lot of their events.”

Mr. Powers expressed concerns about the absence of a student conduct team in the past, which allowed an environment more conducive to students being disobedient to school guidelines.

“By having more people in the Office of Student Conduct, we will be able to hold students to a higher standard than has been possible in recent years,” said Mr. Powers.

He strives for students to become better decision-makers and more self-disciplined in order to prepare them for the harsh realities of adulthood. Not only does he do this through his current administrative position, but also through his past teaching and coaching experience, which has influenced students in a positive manner. For this reason, Mr. Powers’ attitude and morals make him the perfect candidate for this position.

“Coach Powers was different from most coaches. He truly cared and believed in us to become the best we could be,” said Senior Adrian Lobos. “As for a dean, he has always told us to follow the rules and he’s always disciplined the people appropriately. That’s why I believe he’s a good fit for Dean of Student Conduct.”

Mr. Masciel began working here at Bosco seven years ago when he took on a role as an American Literature and Composition teacher. Shortly after he took on the role of Dean of Students. Due to him working in a Catholic school environment for so long, he believes he has the right amount of experience to help move students in the right direction.

Mr. Jon-Paul Masciel, Photo by Rafael Escobedo

“I’ve learned that I could really make a difference to help guide and direct young people beyond the classroom,” said Mr. Masciel.

He believes the campus itself is a special place that provides a welcoming atmosphere. It allows students to feel comfortable and provides them with the opportunity to succeed. With the help of faculty and staff, he believes the students’ conduct will improve. 

“What made Mr. Masciel a good teacher was his commitment to students and his compassion,” said senior Ivan Moran. “He’s the right person to be Dean of Student Conduct because he keeps a good balance of enforcing student conduct guidelines but also caring for each individual student and being understanding of their circumstances.”

A major lesson that both Mr. Powers and Mr. Masciel are trying to emphasize amongst the students is the accountability of their actions. This is what Mr. Masciel has been trying to accomplish throughout his time here at Bosco, which is helping prepare for the real world where there are no second chances. 

“I hope my role as Dean of Students for the past 6 years has helped the Bosco community become a stronger family through teaching accountability and leading by example on how to be a good person and practicing loving kindness,” said Mr. Masciel

Not only are they helping students be more cautious with their actions, but they’re assisting Mr. Linares in achieving this new goal.

“Both Mr. Masciel and Mr. Powers are very attentive to details. They work with students, as they hold them accountable,” said Mr. Linares. “They do a great job of getting students to buy in through their firm and caring approach.”

Both Mr. Masciel and Mr. Powers hope to improve and excel in the tradition of the dream of Don Bosco. They strive to help young men have a well-rounded education in a place that provides a nurturing environment, but will still hold students to a high standard of morals and personal growth.