by Nicholas Cortez

St. John Bosco High School welcomes Mr. Scott Bargisen to the English Department, a dedicated educator who also happens to be a professional bodybuilder. 

Q. Why did you choose to become a teacher?

A. I chose to become a teacher because of the growth I get to see in my students’ communication over the course of a school year, and nothing brings me more joy than hearing back from past students and listening to their successes.

Q. Where did you teach coming to St. John Bosco?

A. I taught at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ. I taught eleventh grade British Literature, coached the powerlifting club and coached the shotput and discus throwers there.

Q. What is the difference between teaching at Don Bosco Preparatory High School and St. John Bosco High School?

A. The major differences between SJB and DBP are the use of technology in classrooms and the amount of time dedicated to student support or fun. DBP did not have Academic Support periods, block scheduling or late starts for school, but the school days moved more quickly with their scheduling. Students also purchase iPads through the school once they enroll, so all students have access to technology.

Q. What subject do you teach now?

A. I currently teach four periods of junior American Literature and Composition and one period of sophomore World Literature and Composition.

Q. What brought you to Bosco?

A. Sometimes, God gives people curveballs we can avoid or lean into. The opportunity to move to California and start a new life for myself arose, and I decided to lean into the curveball. I loved my time at Don Bosco Prep, and I miss my family back home, but living out here and continuing my career as a Salesian Educator at St. John Bosco has been an incredible start to this new chapter.

Q. Before becoming a teacher, what college did you attend?

A. I attended Misericordia University; I majored in English with secondary education certification and played football for one season.

Q. What got you into teaching?

A. I was raised around great educators like my mother and my grandparents.

Q. What other hobbies do you have?

A. I dabble in musical performance. I sing, play a few instruments, cook, solve puzzles, watch anime and do poetry. I professionally participate in prose writing and strength sports.

Q. Is it true that you are a professional bodybuilder?

A. I am; I am a professional classic physique competitor for the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB), the Professional National Bodybuilders Association (PNBA) and Mr. America. All of the organizations I compete with test for Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).

Q. Do you go to the gym or do you have an at home gym?

A. I have a home gym, which I prefer to use, but in-season I go to 24 Hour Fitness because of the variety of machines they have.

Q. What got you into working out?

A. I got into barbell-strength sports when I was 13 and competed in my first strongman competition, and at 22, I entered my first bodybuilding competition.

Q. What are some safe supplements or protein powders you would recommend to gain muscle?

A. “Safe supplements” is a tough question. For most healthy adults 18 or older, creatine monohydrate and multivitamins are the only supplements I would recommend. Eating good food, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep are far more important than any supplement on the market.

Q. How passionate are you about working out?

A. I am passionate about health and fitness, but bodybuilding is more of a practice of discipline than passion. 

Q. How many competitions have you won/attended?

A. I have competed at nine bodybuilding competitions so far, and will be competing in my tenth on October 7th at the Mr. America.

Q. How much do you lift?

A. I lift enough; when I competed in powerlifting last summer, I squatted 491, benched 343 and deadlifted 543 at the same meet. My gym lifts are quite a bit better now.

Q. If someone wanted to gain or lose weight what do you recommend?

A. Food, water and sleep are always the most important aspects of a person’s health and fitness.

Q. What is your favorite sport to watch or participate in?

A. My favorite sport to participate in is strongman, but my favorite sport to watch is mixed martial arts (MMA).

Q. What is your favorite gym clothing brand?

A. My favorite gym clothing brand is Physique Apparel because it fits well and is cheap. Most of the “gym brands” nowadays are just doing what the big companies did in the 90s.

Q. Would you ever like to be a gym influencer if so why?

A. I am on my way to having a better social media platform with which to educate, but I don’t know if I will ever be at the level of “influencer.” Also, the term “influencer” leaves a sour taste for me.

Q. If someone needs motivation to go to the gym what advice would you give them?

A. The best advice I can give is to walk into the gym and do one rep of something. Then the next day, do two reps of something. After a while, that person will be inclined to do more than what is prescribed and do a real workout. The biggest mistake I see is people want to make massive life changes too quickly, and their old habits rebound powerfully. The best way to make life changes and stick with them is to start small and specific.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in bodybuilding?

A. I do not recommend anyone getting into bodybuilding, especially so young. Let your body develop naturally and build some good, clean muscle before deciding on a sport. Also, stay away from steroids and other dangerous PEDs.

by Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

Mr. Deonte Towner, one of St. John Bosco High School’s newest English teachers, wants students to know his class will be challenging, but it will make them a more well-rounded and faith-filled man.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A:I grew up in Salinas, California.

Q: What high school did you attend?

A: I attended North Salinas High School.

Q: What college did you attend?

A: I went to Hartnell and Monterey Peninsula Community College for three years. And then I transferred to Long Beach State University for my Bachelor’s degree in English, and then after, I attended Dominguez Hills for my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Then, I went back to Long Beach State to get my teaching credential. After, I went to UC San Diego to clear my credential. 

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

A: Yes, I taught at Paramount High School, Alan LeRoy Locke High School and King-Drew Medicine and Science Magnet High School.

Q: What is your role at Bosco?

A: 9th and 11th grade English Teacher. 

Q: What is your favorite part of teaching?

A: Being able to see students grow academically and spiritually in their four years. 

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: I have been a teacher for eight years.

Q: What was your favorite subject growing up?

A: My favorite subject was Japanese in high school.

Q: Who is your favorite author?

A: Sandra Cisneros.

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

A: I would tell students that teaching is a ministry. You have to really love people with all your heart. You are an example everywhere you go. It is a huge responsibility but very rewarding. You are going to have fun days and very challenging days, but through it all, God is in control.

Q: What do you want students to know about your class?

A: I want students to know that I will meet them where they are but push them to grow. I want students to know that they will be challenged, but it is out of love. I want students to be open to getting to know other students in the class they may not usually talk to and build a brotherhood. Students will walk out of my class at the end of the year better men who are closer to Jesus Christ. 

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: My favorite book is The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.

Q: What is your favorite part of Bosco?

A: The religious aspect, being able to pray and talk about God in my lessons. 

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: Hiking, playing basketball and going to amusement parks.

Q: What is your favorite season?

A: Summer.

Q: What are your favorite food spots?

A: In N Out and revolving sushi places.

Q: Burgers or Tacos?

A: Tacos anytime! My wife makes the best Mexican food. 

Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?

A: The Raiders, Warriors and Dodgers.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: No, but I had a goldfish growing up.

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

A: Tesla.

Q: Dream Vacation?

A: Bahamas.

by Rafael Escobedo

As Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs, what motivates Mr. Derrick Fernando is improving students’ literacy skills and supporting teachers to help St. John Bosco High School’s academics grow even stronger.

“We are dedicated in developing a curriculum that’s engaging toward our students and is relevant in today’s world” said Mr. Fernando.

The addition of an Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs benefits both students and teachers, as there may be questions that they might have concerning the topic of academics. Mr. Fernando is best suited to answer these questions, as he has many years of experience in the classroom.

“Due to the absence of an Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs, it made it difficult for teachers to have infrastructure in the classroom.” said Mr. Fernando.

Mr. Fernando is viewed as a hard working and passionate individual by both students and his colleagues. English Teacher Michelle Tracy, who has worked with Mr. Fernando for eleven years, believes he is a great fit for the position.

“Mr. Fernando is extremely hard working and dedicated both as a teacher and a father. He has taught at both Bosco and a community college for several years, which requires a lot of time, organization and commitment,” said Mrs. Tracy. “I think he is always trying to be innovative, and he is very passionate about literature.” 

Mr. Fernando has gained many valuable lessons over the years from his peers, as well as from previous leadership roles, and is determined to make Bosco a haven of learning. He strives to help students academically and mentally. 

“He was a great teacher. He always gave extra materials to succeed in the class. Although the work was hard, it really paid off, and I’ve learned a lot from it,” said senior Daniel Martinez.

He wants to help students succeed in their studies in any way he can, mainly through his availability and approachable charisma, which encourages students to speak to him about their concerns.

“My main focus is on supporting and helping students from a behavioral and conduct perspective,” said Mr. Fernando.

Mr. Fernando goes out of his way to support students who are in need of assistance. Nathan Corkhill has witnessed this first hand, working with him for ten years.

“I think his passion to assist students to reach their personal best potential will guide his success in the Assistant Principal role. Mr. Fernando refuses to quit and will go above and beyond for students,” said Mr. Corkhill. “He has consistently done this the past ten years I have worked with him, and I look forward to witnessing his work across the entire campus.” 

Mr. Fernando does not only want to be remembered for his position here at Bosco, but the impact that he had on this school. He hopes that his work will help the future students of Bosco have the finest education that will allow them to go on in life and achieve many great things for their communities.

by Macade Maxwell

Head Baseball Coach Andy Rojo, former scouting director with USA Baseball, weighed in on everything from Yankee legend Don Mattingly to Motown.

Q: Where did you grow up? 

A: Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Q: What High School did you attend?

A: I attended Etiwanda High School.

Q: What college did you attend? 

A: I went to Riverside City College, University of Florida and Cal Poly Pomona. 

Q: What is your favorite candy bar? 

A: Hershey’s with almonds. 

Q: Seeds or Bubble Gum?

A: Seeds. 

Q: What is your favorite baseball team? 

A: The New York Yankees. 

Q: Who is your favorite baseball player?

A: My favorite baseball player is Don Mattingly.

Q: Who is the greatest athlete of all time? 

A: In my opinion, I believe Jim Thorpe is the greatest athlete of all time.

Q: What is your favorite food to eat? 

A: Italian. 

Q: How long did you play baseball for? 

A: I played baseball through college. 

Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?

A: Growing up, I played soccer, basketball and football. 

Q: Besides baseball, what is your favorite sport to watch? 

A: Besides baseball, boxing is my favorite. 

Q: What made you want to start coaching baseball? 

A: I wanted to help create educational and baseball opportunities for players. 

Q: Who do you think is going to win the 2023 World Series?

A: The Atlanta Braves. 

Q: Does Barry Bonds Deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? 

A: Yes, Barry Bonds deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. 

Q: What are you looking forward to most this upcoming season? 

A: Helping create a new standard and culture for Bosco Baseball. 

Q: What is your vision for Bosco Baseball in the future? 

A: To create a dynamic baseball development environment where Bosco players thrive on and off the field. 

Q: How long have you been coaching for? 

A: I have been coaching for 22 years. 

Q: What type of music do you listen to? 

A: I like to listen to Classic Rock and Motown.

Q: Pancakes or waffles? 

A: Waffles. 

Q: If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? 

A: I would tell my younger self to be patient; everything is going to be alright.

by Macade Maxwell

Every Thursday, St. John Bosco High School students and staff are given the opportunity to showcase their selfless acts and represent Don Bosco’s oratory model by serving those who are in need at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker’s Hospitality Kitchen.  

For over 20 years, Bosco representatives have been continuously uniting with the Los Angeles Catholic Worker to help out the homeless community in the Los Angeles’ “skid row” area by helping serve and prepare healthy and hearty meals. During this time, students and staff have been determined to give back to those who are struggling most out of the kindness of their hearts. 

“You see many people there who don’t get paid for this and want to make a difference in these communities,” said Dean of Academics Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt, who helps organized Bosco’s partnership with the Hospitality Kitchen. “They see the needs of the people and try their best to meet their needs.” 

Mrs. Hunt elaborated on how the Hospitality Kitchen helps her get out of her comfort zone and be able to see the impact that she makes on people. She also mentioned the importance of having a healthy homecooked meal to eat. 

Unfortunately, people have stereotypes in their heads about homeless people and the way that they live on a daily basis. Volunteering, however, at the Hospitality Kitchen helps our Bosco family move beyond those stereotypes to see the humanity of those who have the least among us.

“It gets rid of a lot of the misconceptions that we have of the people who are homeless. We think that they only eat junk or digging out of trash cans, and they actually have standards for themselves,” said Mrs. Hunt.

Students and staff who attend are exposed to what life is like outside of their more privileged circumstances. Experiencing the lifestyles of the homeless is an eye-opener and reminds us Braves to be grateful for the things we have. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who work and help out in the kitchen were forced to change their ways of serving meals. But that didn’t stop them from being involved in the community. They are now required to have all food prepared ahead of time. This is where students play a huge role in the kitchen by lending an extra hand and preparing food. 

“There’s only so much that we can do and being able to contribute that little bit makes such a huge difference,” said Mrs. Hunt. 

The Hospitality Kitchen needs as many volunteers as possible who are looking for a humbling and rewarding learning experience. 

As the organizer of this partnership between Bosco and the Catholic Worker, Mrs. Hunt is very passionate about helping out those who are in need in our greater community of Los Angeles. She strongly encourages people to reach out to her via email at ehunt@bosco.org if they are interested in helping spread God’s love through this service opportunity. 

by Luis Hernandez, Managing Editor

After over 30 years of service to the St. John Bosco High School community, Mr. Ernie Antonelli now has the opportunity to be the man in charge as the school’s new Principal. 

Mr. Antonelli has been a part of every aspect of the Bosco experience. From a teacher and coach to Math Department Chair and Summer School Principal, he has loved every second of it. 

“All of my positions have allowed me to meet students in ways other than the classroom, which Bosco is all about.” Mr. Antonelli said.

Mr. Antonelli feels that Bosco has always felt like a second home to him – always open and accepting. The connection that is built between him and stakeholders around campus is strong.

“I’ve never felt like I’ve been a stranger on this campus,” said Mr. Antonelli. “I feel like I can talk to any student here on campus and I’m happy to do that. I feel like we are all a part of the same family.”

Mr. Antonelli believes that the “brotherhood” here at Bosco is tremendous, and anybody who has ever stepped foot on the campus, either as a student or staff member, is a Brave for life.

“At the first football game, I met around twenty students who I taught in the 90s who still feel connected to the campus, and that exemplifies what the Brotherhood is about. Once people are a part of our campus, they feel like that forever,” he said

Mr. Antonelli has spent a good majority of his time here at Bosco in the math department and has built special relationships with the other staff members in the department and accredits a lot of his accomplishments to them. Ms. Kelly Blakeman, who is the new Math Department Chair, has worked with Mr. Antonelli for eight years.

“Mr. Antonelli is a problem solver at his core, and this is one of the reasons why he has such a strong work ethic,” Ms. Blakeman said. “He is never looking for a quick fix to an issue but instead tackles any problem at the root.”

Mr. Antonelli believes that the reason why Bosco is so successful is because of everybody involved. He views the school as a team, and in order for a team to achieve, all the staff and students must be working together.

“Bosco is successful because there are so many people that do so many different jobs, but they do them so well and as long as they are supported this school year will be great,” Mr. Antonelli said,

One of Mr. Antonelli’s major goals for the upcoming year is to get students involved in all aspects of Bosco.  Bosco is a home, school, church and playground, and it is important to him that the students are putting equal effort into each to be well-rounded young men.

“I’d like to see us grow in our Christian service opportunities,” said Mr. Antonelli. “As young people in today’s world, it is necessary to give back to the community.”

Opportunities at Bosco have never been greater. Given the school’s Pathway Programs, AP and honors classes and top level athletics, the Braves are given a chance to succeed in whichever endeavors they choose, and they have not disappointed, as every year new heights are reached.

“The amount of AP coursework students are taking is crazy. There’s a lot of students challenging themselves academically” Mr. Antonelli said.

The students this year are especially happy about Mr. Antonelli becoming the new Principal, as many have had him as a teacher and know how much he loves the time on campus with the students.

“Mr. Antonelli is a great mentor and was a great teacher,” said senior Thor Abro. “[He is] someone within the community to look toward for positivity and happiness, always sporting a smile and a good attitude. He gives students the much needed boost of energy to get through the day.”

Obviously, there has been a lot of Principals here at Bosco, but Mr. Antonelli wants to do things a little differently this year. He knows that this job is very busy and requires a lot of time in the office, but he believes that interacting with the students every day is the key to building a stronger school community.

“He is an amazing Salesian educator and has a gift of connecting with all students whether they were in his classes or not. This will help him in his new role as Principal by staying connected to all Bosco students and continuing to advocate for their needs,” Ms. Blakeman said.

He is looking forward to the rest of the school year and cannot wait to interact with the students and see what the future holds for the Bosco Braves.

“I want students to know that I am here for them and my door is always open,” Mr. Antonelli said

Now at the helm, Mr. Antonelli looks to build on the legacy of his predecessors and help Bosco in continuing the great traditions and standards that have made the school great in the past and will continue to make it great in the future.

by Nicholas Cortez

Dr. Francesca Po has been places. From earning a PhD at Oxford University in England to being a former teacher at the school for the “Team in Red,” Dr. Po is a one of a kind addition to the St. John Bosco High School community.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Norwalk, but I was born in San Francisco. I lived in the Philippines from when I was about one month old to about seven years old.

Q: How many siblings do you have?

A: I have a younger brother, Paul, and a younger sister, Juliet.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I really like Lebanese food, Turkish food and Mexican food. I really like dolmas, which is a Mediterranean dish.

Q: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

A: In-N-Out for me. My local taco place is Holé Molé.

Q: If you were to choose Chick-Fil-A or Raising Canes?

A: Canes because the chicken stays good and tender.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant?

A: In Los Angeles, there is a high end vegan place that I really like called Crossroads Kitchen.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: I publish things in spirituality and social justice and also teach workshops in those subjects. I am also a musician and write and perform poetry, as well. 

Q: What instruments do you play?

A: I play a lot, but my main instrument is accordion. I also play theremin and ukulele. Those are my main three, but I play other instruments too.  

Q: When did you start getting into music?

I enrolled in an official music school when I was nine years old. The school was located in Downey, and it’s called Universal Music Schools.

Q: What type of music do you like?

A: I really do listen to everything. I don’t discriminate. The music I tend to gravitate towards is any kind of rock music, classical music and world music. 

Q: What is your favorite show to watch?

A: I like anything that is fantasy or sci-fi as well as historical and horror.

Q: Where did you work before coming to Bosco?

A: I was working at the school for the “Team in Red” before I came here. It was my first job after my undergrad at UC Berkeley, and when I finished my PhD, I decided to go back.

Q: How did you come to find St. John Bosco?

A: I’ve always known about St. John Bosco because I grew up in Norwalk. Growing up, a lot of boys in my parish at St. John of God went to Saint John Bosco. I live in the city of Long Beach so its so much closer than the school for the “Team in Red,” which is convenient.

Q: How do you like Bosco so far?

A: I like it because people seem nice and down to earth. There’s a lot of trust between people.

Q: What is it like teaching at an all-boys school?

A: I barely notice it because I see everyone as human. I notice there’s a lot of boys, but it doesn’t recur to me that it’s an all-boys school.

Q: What is the difference between a co-ed school and an all-boys school?

A: The boys are more playful, but other than that they’re all good kids.

Q: What subject did you teach at the school for the “Team in Red” and what are you teaching now?

A: I teach in the Theology Department here at Bosco, and I teach all the juniors and senior classes. Same goes for the school for the “Team in Red,” but for them, it’s called the Religious Studies Department.

Q: What advice would you give to students to pass your class?

A: Keep up with the work because it is the majority of their grade, and by them doing that, they should do well.

Q: What college did you go to before teaching?

A: I got my PHD at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. 

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: It was really working at the school for the “Team in Red” because it was my first job, and I ended up loving it. My students really inspired me to keep doing it.

Q: What do you like most about teaching?

A: I like the feeling when students get a ‘light bulb’ moment, because it inspires me knowing that I was the person who gave them that light bulb moment.

by Andy Ortiz

After nearly 50 years in the classroom, just when Mr. Eduardo Diaz thought he was out, St. John Bosco High School pulled him back in.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I was born in Mexico City, but raised in Los Angeles in the Highland Park neighborhood.

Q: What prior teaching experiences did you have before coming to St. John Bosco?

A: Before Bosco, I was a teacher at Cathedral High for two years. I was at Cantwell High School for three years and for five years at Serra High School in Gardena. And I spent the prior 36 years before this job at Loyola High School.

Q: What about St. John Bosco made you interested in working here?

A: I was attracted to the fact that I would be at a Salesian high school. I very much respect the teachings of St. John Bosco.

Q: News about your unique teaching style has circulated the junior class, making your classes very popular. How do you feel about your popularity amongst the juniors?

A: I believe students enjoy a class that is structured around “enjoyable learning.” Students work best when they are pushed to excel, yet the class is “fun.” 

Q: What do you think of this school as a whole so far?

A: I have always heard great things about Bosco, and indeed, they are true!

Q: What do you do in your free time? Any hobbies?

A: I very much enjoy working around the house.  I do my own handyman work, guided of course by YouTube. 

Q: What’s your favorite part of teaching?

A: My favorite part of teaching is watching the students grow, intellectually as well as in their maturity.

Q: What sports do you watch and play?

A: I most enjoy watching football, basketball and baseball.  I myself ran cross country & track in high school.

Q: What are your favorite foods/ restaurants?

A: No question, my favorite food is Mexican Food!  My favorite restaurant is my house. My wife is an awesome cook!

Q: How do you plan to stand out as a teacher?

A: I hope to stand out as a teacher by making my classes enjoyable yet challenging.

Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich?

A: Absolutely. And they rock! Go to Pinks Hot Dogs!

Q: Who is your favorite musician?

A: My favorite musician remains Jimi Hendrix.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: The Godfather.

Q: How different is St. John Bosco compared to previous schools where you’ve taught?

A: Bosco is different in the fact that they offer such a diverse student body. I truly enjoy that!

Q: What’s one piece of advice that you wish to give to all of the students here at SJB?

A:   Please, enjoy every day at Bosco and realize that four years will go by so quickly!

Q: Who’s your favorite sports team?

A: I am a huge Dallas Cowboy fan!  

Q: What previous jobs did you have before teaching?

A: This has been my life …  I am currently in my 47^th year of teaching! I have also coached cross country and track for 46 years.

Q: What’s a piece of life advice you always follow?

A: Respect the people around you … even if they are different.

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? 

A: Well, of course, to get to Bosco!

Q: What do you see the world being like in the distant future?

A: I see a better living community, people of different paths living as one.

Q: What else would you like to share with the Brave community?
A: Thank you, Bosco, for welcoming me into your home!

by Brett Baligad

On Friday, seniors bussed down to Anaheim to celebrate their Grad Nite at Disneyland and California Adventure. The day was filled with excitement, as the class got to roam the parks and make final memories with their friends.

To keep up with class tradition, the class of ‘23’s official ditch day was this past Friday. To celebrate, the senior class left school at 10:00am and went to Disneyland and California Adventure for the day. Upon entering, the class had access to visit both parks and do what they pleased. 

To many, the parks had looked very different from their last time visiting. In 2019, Star Wars Galaxy Edge opened in Disneyland, and in 2021, the Avengers Campus opened in California Adventure.

“Galaxy Edge was one of my favorite parts of the day. As a Star Wars nerd, I took a picture with storm troopers,” said senior Sam Hentges.

Even with new additions to the park, iconic landmarks still stood present with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Hyperspace Mountain and The Haunted Mansion still proved to be favorites amongst the senior class.

By 9:00pm, Grad Nite officially started at California Adventure with a water light show and live music. At this time, only high school seniors would have access to the park. Schools, such as sister school St. Joseph’s, were in attendance for the night. With only high school students in attendance, lines became shorter and the atmosphere became younger. Across all of the schools in attendance, the common theme was apt culmination of the high school experience, as it felt like a private party across the iconic theme park.

“Grad Nite was a lot of fun. I like that they closed the park for all of the seniors. The music, rides and atmosphere made it a really fun night,” said senior Ryan Gutierrez.

A majority of the rides in California Adventure continued to stay open during Grad Nite including the newly renovated Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT and Incredicoaster. Many seniors also got to visit the Avengers Campus for the first time, as it recently opened in 2021.

If rides were not up to speed for the seniors, Pixar Pier and Radiator Springs each hosted a DJ set for seniors to dance. Both DJs played music predominantly from the last five years, or during the class of ‘23’s high school experience. The energy continued to be evident, with the dance floor staying active until the end of the night.

“I had a lot of fun dancing to the music. The Radiator Springs DJ set was really popping, so my friends and I turned up,” said senior Christopher Facio.

Grad Nite stands to be one of the highlights of a Brave’s senior year experience. Being eight days before graduation, this was the last time the senior class was together leading up to the graduation. With finals wrapping up today, the Braves look in anticipation of the much deserved Summer vacation.