by Augustus Rodriguez, Lampoon Editor

As the school year starts, St. John Bosco High School is offering new quality lunch choices for their hungry students.

The lunch menu now offers students a variety of options with certain changes every week. The choices students regularly have week-to-week are pepperoni and cheese pizza, a chicken bake, teriyaki chicken and rice, a hot dog with a drink and Boba.

“The pizza is the highlight of the menu,” said senior Elijah Sanchez. “There has never been a day where I felt the change of quality in the food.”

There are also changing food items for each week, giving a unique twist to the lunch menu.

With a good amount of options, there are some students who enjoy having more to choose from at lunch. The variety makes the menu an upgrade from last year. The changes also have more choices for students with food allergies.

“I had a soy allergy when I was younger and having a wide variety of options, even though it’s not that bad as it was back then, I still appreciate that they give you choices like that,” said freshman Sebastian Barba.

The new prices are also well-received. Students believe they offer an enjoyable service at a good price.

The lunch service also gives students something to rely on if they either lose their lunch, forget their lunch or just prefer to buy a hot, fresh meal.

Loads of students have a lot of positive comments about the current food menu, with many preferring the new lunch menu rather than food brought from home. Some students don’t mind paying a little more for the quality of the food and drinks.

There are certain students who love the idea of changing menu items, but they would prefer it if certain items stayed on the menu for a bit longer.

“I heard that they would have Chicken Karaage and how its good, but I didn’t have the money for it,” said junior Andrew Lopes. “When I [went later], it was no longer there.”

Though the lunch service has received generally positive reviews, there are some Braves who still question prices in an economy that has seen food prices subject to inflation.

“When I first saw the price of a chicken bake, I thought it would have at least included a drink, but when I got it, I felt like it was missing something,” said senior Evan Urbina. 

“The vendor that we have has the most control on the price of the food and what food we get,” said Vice Principal of Student Affairs Ms. Jen Schnorr. “We don’t have a hand in how food is chosen, but we are glad that students are appreciating the choices and selections.”

“We are doing our utmost to achieve perfect student satisfaction, and we are happy with all the support we have been getting.”

by Josue Sanchez, co-Editor-in-Chief, and Andy Ortiz, Managing Editor

St. John Bosco High School held the 2024 Club Carnival last Wednesday, showcasing clubs focusing on everything from community service to fishing and providing opportunities of all kinds to Bosco students.

This event, held every year in the Bosco Quad, has been a staple of student life at Bosco. This year, several dozens of clubs set up tables to promote themselves to all types of Braves.

Per usual, there is a combination of existing clubs—well-known in the Bosco community—and brand-new clubs, presenting unique experiences or activities to students.

One of the recognizable returning clubs is the St. John Bosco chapter of the Key Club, a well-known service organization sponsored by the Kiwanis International nonprofit organization. The nonprofit focuses on developing community service programs across the nation. The club provides an opportunity for students to fulfill their duties as Salesian students.

“It’s a service opportunity for students,” said Bosco senior Andrew Rios, the leader of the club. He helps plan beach cleanups, food drives and other special events. He also looks for people who want to make an impact by helping others.

Many of the returning clubs are focused on cultural diffusion of different types. This includes the Kababayan Club, led by senior Joshua Samonte. The club focuses on the spreading of Filipino culture and food, and it hosts a variety of special events throughout the school year.

“We teach people about my Filipino culture,” said Joshua. “We sell traditional food, and we do events at [St. Joseph High School].”

There are also a variety of clubs focused on specific interests/hobbies—a good example of which is the Braves’ Creative Guild, formerly known as the Illustration Club. It is moderated by current animation teacher Mr. Isaac Sánchez.

“We just want to cultivate creativity. You don’t have to be a visual artist,” said Sánchez. “[The Braves’ Creative Guild] blends those things together with an end goal, and that is to create art for everyone to enjoy.”

The guild welcomes students with varying types of interests and enhances those interests even further to create a unique space for those passionate about the arts.

Another example of these types of clubs is the Compas Club, a club which focuses on helping the people of Mexico via donations and many kinds of events.

“We want people who want to help out the community,” said junior Mario Nakajima, a member of the club. “We want nice people that are willing to take their time to help the community.”

They plan to continue this goal by selling food during lunch—a plan shared by many other clubs and groups at the Carnival.

The Club Carnival was not just made up of existing clubs, however. A variety of new organizations hit the scene, bringing new, fun opportunities to all Braves.

This can best be seen with the introduction of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, led by senior Connor Gallagher.

The club has the goal of becoming an official winter sport and competing against other schools in Southern California. Aside from this, Connor also wishes to bring a positive environment to all who join.

“You can have zero experience throwing a frisbee,” said Gallagher. “We’re here to teach you. We’re here for you to learn how to do it and just to have fun.”

Another new club at the Club Carnival is the Speech and Debate Club, founded by junior Adrian Irannejad and sophomore Matthew Mawad. They aim to form a competitive debate team, which can prove itself against other schools from the area.

They also want to expand this opportunity to all students who are passionate about debating.

“We want any and everyone who is willing to join,” said Adrian.

All these clubs present new, powerful opportunities for Bosco students who wish to get more involved with their school, their community and beyond.

by Andy Ortiz, Managing Editor

St. John Bosco High School welcomes two new academic counselors and one new international counselor, who all plan to help students be their best in their education and get on the road to college.

The purpose of the Counseling Department is to help students excel in their academics, help ace their classes, get them into college and help manage their mental health. Bosco’s Lead Counselor, Mr. Basil Totah, explains that the counselors’ main goal overall is to give the Braves the greatest high school experience.

“Our job is really to make sure that students have a great high school experience and to help students any way we can,” said Mr. Totah.

Bosco’s new International Student Counselor is Ms. Zhangli “Maggie” Zheng. Her job revolves around helping international students and communicating with those student’s families while interpreting students’ international transcripts.

“I used to be an international student. I know their situation, their language barrier and maybe some emotional problems like homesickness,” said Ms. Zheng.

She herself was born and raised in China, and came to the U.S after high school to study at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Ms. Zheng started as a teacher with a math degree, but she soon got into counseling from there. 

Ms. Zheng used to work part-time in the dorms housing Bosco’s international students. Once she noticed that there was a new position open for a new International Student Counselor, she jumped at the opportunity. 

“I worked as a part-time in the dorms last semester, and this semester there was one position open for International Student Counselor, then I said, ‘Oh it’s my turn,’” said Ms. Zheng.

She recounts how she had a bad experience with an international counselor when she was younger, and how she wants to make sure no other international student at Bosco faces the same problems.

“I did not have a good experience with my counseling agent, because I don’t think they helped a lot or gave me a perfect plan,” said Ms. Zheng. “That’s why I was determined to become a counselor and work for international students, because I want to help them prepare for their education.”

Ms. Zheng is hoping that she will help international students as much as possible and give them the best Bosco experience one could ask for.

This year Bosco has also brought in Ms. Sharon Wilke Otrembiak as a new counselor. She grew up on a farm in Illinois and was the first one in her family to graduate from high school and college.

“I see education as a way for a person to move forward in life,” said Ms. Otrembiak.

She has been in education for 25 years as an elementary school teacher. She got into counseling because she was interested in hearing the stories of her students. Having been in counseling for a number of years, Ms. Otrembiak wants to be able to talk with students and guide them through their problems.

“When I taught second grade, the kids would come to my desk and tell me stories, like little ones do,” she said. “I was really more interested in hearing the problems they were having that they needed help with.”

She puts a heavy emphasis on helping students whenever they are feeling rough. Ms. Otrembiak works with students on checking their grades, working on time management and planning for college life and their careers. 

School and colleges can be tough, so Ms. Otrembiak wants the Braves to know that she is there for them to provide them support in their academics, emotions and college.

Ms. Bridget Nagarajan also joined the Counseling Department this school year. She has been teaching for 20 years, and she had only been counseling for one year prior to coming to Bosco.

“I’ve always kind of wanted to do counseling, but I was teaching and raising a family and didn’t really have the time to go back to school,” said Ms. Nagarajan. “But once [COVID-19] hit I had the opportunity to go back to school, so I just decided to go for it.”

Way before Ms. Nagarajan was a counselor or a teacher, she served in the U.S. military. She joined boot camp in 2000. Six months after she got out of boot camp, the 9/11 attacks happened, and she was deployed from the reserve troops to Afghanistan and served one year as a military police officer.

“It was very eye-opening,” she said. “I was quite young at the time so it really expanded my world view, and just really made me appreciate the luxuries we have in America.”

During her time deployed in Afghanistan, she learned important values that she wishes to take into her new role here at Bosco.

“Don’t waste your time in life,” she said. “I think every person takes advantage of the fact that we’re living and breathing, but you’ll realize how precious every moment is [from military service].”

As a counselor now, Ms. Nagarajan wants to be able to connect with her students and push them to pursue their dreams. She will make sure that she regularly checks in on her students and encourages them to complete the goals that they have. She wants the Braves to know that she accepts walk-ins to her office if anyone ever needs to vent or talk.

All of the new counselors can be found in the counseling office on the first floor of the 200 building across from the student store.

by Rafael Escobedo

On Saturday, May 27th, seniors from both St. John Bosco and St. Joseph’s High Schools celebrated and attended their final high school dance: Prom.

This year’s Prom took place at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles in Long Beach. The dance began at 7:00pm, where students were greeted with decorations and games upon arrival, such as pool tables and air hockey. In addition two photo booths were available for guests to use to create keepsakes for the high school memories they’ve forged.

Shortly after check-in, dinner was served around 7:30pm. The menu consisted of many different dishes and refreshments such as chicken alfredo, mac and cheese, Caesar salad, lemonade and more. 

“The food and beverages were really good. It wasn’t nothing too fancy; it was just plain and simple, which is what I liked about it,” said senior Joshua Lopez

Shortly after dinner, the dance floor began to fill up with students dancing and singing to all sorts of songs that were played throughout the night. And it seemed like the guests were pleased with the music choices, as everyone danced non-stop.

This is all thanks to the contribution of senior Anthony Martinez who is Events Moderator for the senior class and was responsible for choosing which genres of music were to be played and also helped announce this year’s Prom King Candidates.

“I really wanted to make Prom as memorable as possible, not only for me and my friends but for whole class of 2024, and I’m glad I was able to be a part of that,” Anthony said.

Toward the end of the night both Prom King and Prom Queen were revealed. The candidates for prom king were Gerritt Goodman, Andrew Perez, Michael Rodriguez, Onyedikachukwu Omoko and Nicodemus Bezuayeho. For Prom Queen, the nominees were Kylie Anderson, Maria Murillo, Corryn Thrash, Mollyann Donnelly and Amanda Rodriguez.

Prior to Prom, both senior classes voted on who they believe should be crowned Prom King and Queen, and it was revealed at the dance that Gerrit and Mollyann were elected as the 2024 Prom King and Queen. Shortly after, everyone circled around them as they shared a traditional slow dance. 

“Being Prom King is the biggest honor and being selected for something like that really makes you wonder about all the people you are representing with your titles,” Gerritt said. “I am living proof that the job is never over until you say it’s over and right now the job is over.”

Gerrit is involved in theater, ASB, Onori Society and a leader of the St. John Bosco Tribe. After high school, he plans to attend California Baptist University. Not only was Gerritt surprised to win, but Mollyann was shocked, too, while feeling excited and honored.

“To be honest, I was really surprised when I found out I was Prom Queen. It was so special to me because it was my first time winning anything big. I’ve run for ASB and [Homecoming] Court but never won, and [winning Prom Queen] was such an amazing experience,” said Mollyann.

Mollyann is involved in marching band, choir and President of the Anime Club. After high school, she plans to attend California State University, Long Beach and wants to major in Psychology. 

Both students, teachers and, especially, seniors are all counting the days until summer break and graduation. Seniors have one final class event left before Baccalaureate and Graduation, Disneyland’s Grad Nite, which takes place on May 17th.

by Andy Ortiz

The Theater Company of St. John Bosco High School concluded performances of their Spring play, the silly and fun Attack! Of The Killer Man From The Sun!

This crazy comedy show was chosen and directed by the Director of Theater Production, Mr. Martin Lang. Attack! Of The Killer Man From The Sun! is a satire based on typical 1950’s sci-fi B-movies, like “The Thing” or “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.” It’s an unserious and hilarious story that takes pride in overexplaining its chaotic story and characters, while making fun of traditional clichés in the genre of science fiction.

“[I chose this play] because it was a comedy. It’s silly. We all need to laugh, and because of the way the world is, we need some lightness,” said Mr. Lang.

The premise of Attack! is simple. It’s up to Lou Ion, played by Bosco senior Grant Hidalgo-Villanueva, his wife Anne Ion, played by St. Joseph’s sophomore Kaylee Freesmeier, their forgetful sister, some aliens, a few military privates and plenty of others to save the world from deadly solar flares. 

The marketing and promotion for this show might give people the idea that this was a “serious” and “dramatic” play with twists and turns. Well, one might not necessarily be wrong in those assumptions, but Attack! is better characterized as a fourth wall breaking hell of a time, a show that can’t even take itself seriously and doesn’t care to. Bosco’s rendition of this show especially makes use of its cast to include the audience and the community in the joke. 

“To perform comedy is difficult. If you try to act funny, you’re not,” said Mr. Lang. 

The actors did a spectacular job at performing the comedy the show demanded, making the audience laugh hard at their jokes. One actor that especially did a splendid job in their role was Bosco sophomore William Pearce. He played the role of The Announcer, a narrator that describes the scenes from the side. He is more than just a narrator, he’s an actual character that breaks the fourth wall and calls out the Master Electrician controlling the lights on what to do next. William nailed those sorts of meta, ironic jokes and had great interaction with the audience. 

Another great character audiences loved was Susan Smiths, played by St. Joseph’s junior Daniela Campos. Susan is meant to be the “forgetful” archetype, a sort of airheaded individual. Daniela aced this role, as she excellently portrayed an absent-minded character that fit the comical nature of the play.

One more great performer that had a shining moment near the end of the performance was Bosco senior Zion Perez-Tobar. He played as a tertiary scientist, whose main quirk was that he said absolutely nothing in the entirety of the time he was on stage, except when the characters are about to be annihilated by the Killer Man from the Sun. At that point, he makes this huge emotional speech, and it’s comic timing is perfect. Zion pulls off this kind of personality really well, and while he is well-suited for more loud and boisterous roles, he does an excellent job in a quieter one.

The stage design was relatively simple: painted on the walls was a really cool image of a flaming sun, made by Bosco art teacher Mr. Tommy Johnson and his Visual Arts students. Props were brought in and out between scenes.

But what brought the stage to life wasn’t the stationary objects on it, but the liveliness of the performers and their candid humor, making for a fun good time and a theater full of laughter.

by Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

Last school year, St. John Bosco High School introduced a new online learning service called SJB Global, which allows students to take multiple online classes while still having the option to be on campus.

This was only possible due to school President, Dr. Brian Wickstrom, who has had the idea for many years, but it finally came into fruition during Summer school in 2022. Dr. Wickstrom hoped that online education could be utilized along with traditional classes to improve options and flexibility for students. 

The program was relatively small in the beginning, but with the help of the Director of SJB Global, Mrs. Diane Gihring, the program has seen growth in every aspect.

“We have grown our online offerings, the number of teachers we have and refined our practices and policies to fit the culture here at Bosco,” said Mrs. Gihring

There are now over 500 students involved in one or more online courses. Bosco offers 71 different online courses, including honors and AP courses in all major subject areas. The program also employs an astounding 60 teachers from all over the country ready to support their students remotely. 

The Brave’s new access to all these teachers means they can take courses that are not offered on campus. There are a handful of AP courses that are only available online, and many students find themselves attracted to those opportunities.

“I was very interested in a college-level economics course, but there was none here at Bosco. Once I heard that SJB Global had two, it was an easy choice and such a relief,” said Senior Daniel Martinez

Students love getting ahead by taking classes in the Summer; the issue is that many only take one or two. Transportation becomes a hassle for parents and scheduling is difficult for teachers. That is a thing of the past, as students could learn from home and teachers can grade from home.

Mrs. Sandra Diaz has been involved in the Bosco community for many years now. Her husband, Mr. Paul Diaz, is the Defensive Line Coach for the varsity football team and our Director of Facilities. She works as a social worker, but she has always been interested in teaching the youth. She now has that opportunity due to SJB Global.

“I have attended many Bosco events over the years and have grown to feel part of the Bosco community. When the opportunity to teach came my way, I was excited and took the opportunity,” Mrs. Diaz said. “ I am able to do what I love with flexibility, which allows me time to still fulfill my obligations to my family and career.”

The classes are completely asynchronous and require the students to have accountability. Students are responsible for submitting assignments and reaching out for assistance if needed.

This approach to teaching not only benefits students academically but teaches them the importance of scheduling and prioritizing objectives that need to be completed. Ms. Gina Sterling, the Academic Advisor for SJB Global, believes that the addition of online classes is a big leap forward in educating students.

“While nothing can replace the social aspects of in-person schooling, I think a hybrid of online and in-person classes offers great learning potential while retaining a sense of community,” she said.

The ability to be able to complete your assignments while not present on campus has allowed students who have hectic schedules to not have to sacrifice their grades to do what they love. 

A perfect example of this is student-athlete Grigor Cholakyan, who is committed to wrestle at Stanford University. Grigor lives far from campus and is constantly competing in tournaments around the country. So without his accessibility to online courses, he would have to choose between school or wrestling. He believes that SJB Global makes his life easier due to the flexibility and the ability to work at his own pace.

“SJB Global has helped me by making my schedule more convenient, especially since I have to commute an hour a day to Bosco,” Grigor said.

Grigor is not the only student who lives far from Bosco though.

Haoran Han, a foreign exchange student from China, came to the United States and was looking for a school to further his education. He instantly fell in love with Bosco and the fact that he can take online courses and work according to his schedule. He appreciates that in his classes he has the opportunity to listen to others and hear their opinions.

“I suddenly fell in love with [online courses] and doing written and video discussion boards as every student has the opportunity to share their voices,” Haoran said.

SJB Global is here to stay and teachers and staff are going to constantly try to improve the program to ensure all students have the best chance to receive a great education, even if they are not on campus.