by Andy Ortiz, Managing Editor

The Theater Company of St. John Bosco High School presented their first play of the year, a mysterious and emotional journey of memories captured in photographs, Kodachrome.

Bosco’s production of Kodachrome, originally written by Adam Szymkowicz, was directed by the Director of Theater Production, Mr. Martin Lang. Kodachrome is a comedy about nostalgia and romance, a deep and mature story. 

In the director’s note, Mr. Lang explains how this story was a large departure from what is usually seen by the Bosco Theater Company and the challenges that it presented the team.

“This story is a very mature work and presented a challenge for our young people because many of the emotions and feelings that they are being asked to portray they have not yet experienced in their own lives,” wrote Mr. Lang.

The story follows Suzanne, The Photographer, played by St. Joseph’s senior Daniela Campos, who narrates the lives and romances of the people in the town of Colchester, as she struggles to say her own goodbyes to her husband Charlie, The Hardware Store Owner, played by Bosco senior Noah Wayner.

The general motif and theme around the production was very unique. The play revolved around The Photographer’s hobby of taking photos. As such, the camera was used regularly in the story, both throughout the play itself and even before starts. 

At the beginning of the production, The Photographer took photos of some of the audience members, and even a photo of the entire audience toward the end. This did such a great job of incorporating the audience into the story and making them truly immersed in what’s being told.

The Photographer, however, truly excels in acting in her role. Some may remember Daniela Campos from her previous roles as Susan in Attack! Of The Killer Man From the Sun! or Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof. Things are different this time around, as she was acting now as the main character and narrator, speaking the most amount of lines in the entire show.

“Being the lead role has been more challenging for me than past roles,” said Daniela. “I have so much dialogue in the show and I’m onstage for every scene, not to mention my character endures a lot mentally throughout the show, so at times it can be very tiring.”

Despite the tough hills to climb, Daniela pulled through and gave an awesome performance. She made for a great “tour guide” and did well introducing and explaining everyone and everything in the story. She also nailed the emotional moments, creating a fun character to listen to but also embodying a persona that the audience could resonate with on a deeper level.

“It’s been a real growing experience for me as an actor,” said Daniela.

Daniela wasn’t the only stand out performer. Earl, The Gravedigger, played by Bosco sophomore Jacob Alexander Perez, was another great character. 

This was Jacob’s first acting role with St. Joseph’s and St. John Bosco, and he did not disappoint. He played a very humorous role and certainly didn’t fail to make the audience laugh with his personality. The way he interacted with different characters was fun to watch.

However, when the emotion needed to be put on, he fabulously pulled off a seriousness that greatly complimented his whimsical side.

“Tapping into my emotional side for the first time was a bit challenging, but I was able to pull it off,” said Jacob.

One more wonderful performance was by St. Joseph’s freshman Jamie Valdoria in her role of The Young Woman. She played a young woman who jumps into an engagement with her boyfriend and freaks out throughout the process. 

Jamie successfully portrayed this anxiety ridden personality really well and makes her character a very funny whenever she’s on stage.

“Everyone has been working so hard the past few weeks to put on such a great show. The overall feeling has been very welcoming and supportive,” said Jamie.

The stage design for this production was intriguing. The sides were covered with picture frames with digital screens in them and in the center was a projector. 

Throughout the play, whenever The Photographer took photos of the characters, those images showed up on the stage. Additionally, the images changed to reflect the environment the characters were in, which was a really creative way to add to the motif of the camera.

Overall, Bosco’s production of Kodachrome was very funny, but also very deep beneath the surface. This emotional story couldn’t have been truly brought to life without the work of the performers and everyone else at the Bosco Theater Company.

by Macade Maxwell

As the basketball regular season approaches its end, the St. John Bosco Braves still have all their major goals within reach, as they look to live up to the pre-season hype. Sitting at a comfortable 21-4 overall record, the Braves navigated their way to success against a schedule filled with fierce competitive teams each game. 

“We knew before the season that our schedule was incredibly difficult, both in terms of the national level teams we were going to play and also the travel,” said Head Coach Matt Dunn.

Not only do the Braves have an impressive overall record, but they also have a respectable 6-1 record in league play, currently standing in a tie atop the Trinity League standings with the “Team in Red.” Despite being in possibly the most competitive league in the state, the Braves have handled their business and showed their ability to compete against any team they face. 

The saying “home court advantage” is definitely in effect when the Braves are playing in the Thunderdome with an immaculate record this season of 8-0 when playing in front of a home crowd. In the last three seasons, the Braves have only dropped two games on its home court.

“I feel like there’s an advantage when playing at home because we know this place better than anybody else,” said five–star sophomore Brandon McCoy, Jr. 

The Braves have established themselves as a powerful presence nationwide, ranking 30th in the country according to MaxPreps. This high achievement shows that the Braves are not only highly ranked in the country but also at the top of the rankings as one of the best high school basketball team in California. 

The unique attributes of each player are the recipe for success for the Braves. Everybody on the team plays a unique role and can contribute their talents to secure wins.

Number two nationally ranked sophomore, Brandon McCoy, Jr., has been a standout performer for the team. According to MaxPreps, McCoy leads the team in points scored (440, 18 per game), rebounds (198, eight per game) and steals (67, three per game).

Senior sharpshooter Jack Turner has showcased his ability to hit shots from anywhere on the floor, maintaining the highest three-point percentage on the team. Beyond his ability to get buckets and create offensive opportunities for the Braves, the Loyola-Chicago commit has cemented himself in his senior season as a leader and floor general, showcasing excellent intangibles on both ends of the floor.

Junior Elzie Harrington has been a consistent playmaker for the team, being able to convert his shots at a high percentage and set up opportunities for his teammates to score, as he leads the team in assists averaging six per game to go along with 14 points per game. 

Junior Kade Bonam was also a reliable force in the first half of the season, shooting an efficient 60% field goal percentage and averaging 17 points per game before being sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in the team’s loss to the “Team in Red” at Crypto.com Arena. Nonetheless, the Braves have embraced a “next man up” mentality and have seen major contributions in recent games from their bench.

“I believe if we all play our part and play together as a team, we can definitely win it all this year,” said junior Jaison Joyce, who has had a personal resurgence off the bench in Kade’s absence. 

The season’s has brought the Braves a series of triumphs and obstacles. The Braves made the trip to Honolulu, Hawaii to compete in the Iolani Classic, where they finished 3-1 in the tournament, including a win against nationally ranked DeMatha High School from Maryland. Despite a tough loss against their league rival, the “Team in Red,” the Braves have been able to bounce back and show their ability to move forward and progress as a team. 

“I think we have learned a lot from each of our four losses, and hopefully, we are applying those lessons as we move forward,” said Coach Dunn. “I do feel like we are playing our best basketball at the right time, which is the goal of every season.”

Some additional achievements and challenges followed the team to the 2024 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri, giving them the opportunity to play some of the best teams across the country at the most highly attended high school basketball tournament in the nation. Playing in big venues like the Great Southern Bank Arena in Missouri and the famous Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers and Clippers, has allowed the team the opportunity to play under pressure in front of high-capacity crowds. 

In Missouri, the Braves picked up a big victory against nationally ranked Edmond North High School from Oklahoma before losing in the tournament’s title game to the then number one ranked team in the country, Paul VI High School our of Virginia.

With three Trinity League match-ups remaining, the Braves are preparing to play critical games against Santa Margarita, the “Team in Red,” and Orange Lutheran. With aspirations to win another league title and hopes for high seeding in playoffs, Coach Dunn’s squad has to remain focused and finish the season off on a strong note, as the journey to settle unfinished business remains in sight. 

The Braves take on the Santa Margarita Eagles tonight at 7pm at the Thunderdome with the crowning of St. John Bosco and St. Joseph’s High Schools’ Winter Formal King at halftime.

by Andy Ortiz

New math teacher Mr. Rey Barrasa believes in two things – discipline and faith – and hopes to instill these values in his students at St. John Bosco High School. 

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the City of Rosemead down the street from Don Bosco Tech.

Q: What college did you attend?

For my undergrad, I graduated from California State University, Fullerton. For my master’s, I graduated from Loyola Marymount University, where I am also currently working on my doctorate.

Q: Where did you teach before Bosco?

My first teaching experience was at Pasadena High School from 2008-2012. I began teaching in Catholic schools in 2013. I was at St. Benedict School previously before St. John Bosco.

Q: What are your greatest strengths?

My greatest strengths are my passion and willingness to always improve. I am one to never settle for anything less than what I deserve through my hard work. My mental toughness and desire to not give up have provided me multiple opportunities for growth.

Q: What made you want to become a math teacher?

It was teachers, such as Bosco’s own Sal Perez, who made math fun. He was my high school teacher at Don Bosco Tech, and my college professors continued to help me enjoy math. I became a math teacher to help give back to others who struggle with or hate math.

Q: What was it about Bosco that made you want to work here?

Being part of a Salesian community has always been something my heart has wanted. I can’t deny that I was very surprised that St. John Bosco called me. As I have told my closest family and friends, it was the Holy Spirit who guided me here.

Q: Who do you look up to? Who is your idol?

My dad will always be someone I idolize. He has shown me that in life there are no shortcuts. Everything we have in life is either because we earned it or because God wanted us to have it. You get what you put in and not a penny less.

Q: Marvel or DC?

Marvel! My two sons even have names associated with X-Men characters.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

My favorite part about being a teacher is being able to give back. I was that young teenage boy that drove teachers crazy, so I understand even more how to guide these young men on their journey in life. To be a part of making a difference – to help these young men make this world a better place – is why I enjoy being a teacher.

Q: What is your favorite part of Bosco so far?

The best part of Bosco so far is the support I have received from all the teachers and the relationships I have started to build with my students.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of music?

I love all types of music. I am a huge believer that music is the language of the world. My playlists can go from West Coast Hip Hop to Chente and Ramon Ayala and then to Metallica and Rage Against the Machine.

Q: What’s your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory has to be Kairos and having a close brotherhood with my friends, with whom to this day I am very close. I continue to say that Bosco Tech was not my first choice, but it ended up being the best decision my parents made for me.

Q: What are your favorite movies and TV shows?

All time favorite movies…

1) The Shawshank Redemption, 2) Training Day and 3) Scent of a Woman.

All time favorite TV shows…

1 )The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, 2) Everybody Loves Raymond and 3) Moonshiners

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

My favorite hobbies, besides spending time with my kids, are training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which I’ve done for 14 years, and brewing beer, which I’ve done for 15 years.

Q: How do you want to help your students succeed in your classes?

I want to have open communication with them, show my support in the classroom and outside the classroom during school events and for them to know that together we are one team and I am here to take them to a place they cannot take themselves.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would like to give to students taking your classes?

To always be a good person. This world is cruel and ugly, and life is too short. Be a good person to yourself and to others

Q: What would be a perfect day for you?

A perfect day for me would be taking my kids out into nature, crossing streams of water, enjoying lunch in nature, and then coming home and enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Q: What kind of books do you read? What is your favorite book?

I enjoy reading books that help with self Improvement. I am a huge fan of The 7th Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and They Call me Coach from John Wooden.

Q: What pets do you have? If you don’t have any, what pets would you want to have?
I have two Dogs. I am a huge dog lover. I have Bubba, who is a pit bull, and Bella who is a Rottweiler.

Q: What saying or philosophy do you live by?

My favorite saying is: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is the present.” That is why today is a gift. Live today, forget about yesterday and look forward to tomorrow. My favorite philosophy is to find something you love and you never have to work another day in your life. My other favorite philosophy is from John Wooden’s “Two Sets of Threes:” never lie, never cheat, never steal and don’t chine, don’t complain and don’t make excuses.

Q: Are there any last things you would like to share with us?

Life moves at a very fast pace. It is ok to sit back and slow down – to get to things when you get to them. Do not be so caught up in the pace of life that you forget to live in the moment. Living in the moment is where you always need to be.

by Mark Lutke

With AP exams and finals approaching, St. John Bosco students may feel stressed or unprepared, but by staying calm and using these well-known study tips, anyone can be prepared to ace all of their tests.

10. Study for tests weeks in advance and avoid cramming.

This is the only way to truly feel comfortable when preparing for any exam. Allotting even just ten minutes a night to review study materials and starting a week or two before a test can be extremely beneficial. Longer review sessions can still be helpful in the days leading up to an exam, but don’t overload yourself because it will more than likely harm your final score.

9. Use flash cards.

As cliché as it sounds, using flashcards whether they be paper-made or digital is undeniably beneficial for many students, especially those studying for exams that involve vocabulary, true or false and multiple-choice questions. Flashcards are most useful in shorter study sessions or as a warmup for longer review.

Some teachers may also allow students to write a select amount of notes on a flashcard of a given size before a test. While reminders can be helpful, it is best not to rely on outside information, except necessary formulas for math or science courses, and instead feel comfortable enough in the content to only require sparse hints or none at all.

8. Study during free time, like at break and lunch or in classes where you might have downtime.

Studying alone or with a group of friends is a productive way to use free time in the upcoming weeks at break, lunch or during Academic Support. Although extracurriculars may clog many students’ after school schedules, there are many opportunities throughout the school day to squeeze in a bit of review.

7. Study where it’s comfortable and quiet.

If you find the sounds of everyday life to be noisy and distracting at times, you may want to study in a secluded or quiet place. Removing distractions is a necessary part of this because technology will overstimulate the brain and make focusing more difficult. For those who do not have access to a quiet or secluded area, it is recommended to study in Bosco’s Learning Commons or a teacher’s classroom.

6. Practice breathing techniques to help center and calm yourself.

Breathing techniques can help you clear your mind and deeply focus on whatever it is you need to do, including studying for finals. Inhaling through your nose for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds and exhaling for eight seconds has been shown to be an effective method. By exhaling for longer periods than you inhale, you are telling your body and mind to relax but also stay alert. This calm and collected mindset is one that is perfect for test taking.

5. Teach the material to others.

Teaching others what you have learned proves to be one of the best ways to truly master content. Along with summarizing what you have learned, teaching others can also help foster a positive mindset. This is because sometimes it is easy to forget that what we learn in school isn’t always common knowledge to others. By giving mock-lectures and talking about course material, one may surprise themselves with how much they actually know. This method can also serve as a much needed break from writing and reading during longer study sessions.

4. Maintain healthy lifestyle by focusing on diet and exercise.

Many people forget that it is hard for your brain to function if your body is lagging behind. When we exercise and eat healthy, blood flow increases in the brain, which improves mental capacity and learning ability. This can be especially helpful for one’s test taking ability. By maintaining an exercise schedule or healthy diet, one can ensure that their brain is firing on all cylinders come test day.

3. Join a study group or start one.

Joining or starting a study group can be a great way to review course content while still being social. It is best to not study with people you are good friends with, but instead with new people or acquaintances. While studying with friends can work for some, many may find themselves becoming distracted and getting sidetracked. Study groups can be especially helpful because you can both learn from and teach to others. While you might take a test alone, studying doesn’t have to be the same.

2. Pay more attention in class.

Many teachers will review material and recap old lectures in the coming weeks. Taking advantage of anything that can help you study includes applying yourself while in the classroom. While it might not be what some want to hear, paying attention in class is crucial to success academically all the time, not just during finals.

1. Most importantly, get eight to ten hours of sleep a night.

Many students often find themselves with distorted sleep schedules due to extracurriculars and homework. But toward the end of the school year, both of these tend to cool down significantly. Take advantage of the extra time and fix your sleep schedule. Go to bed earlier and try to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night in order to be at your best for finals week. Many don’t realize that sleep deprivation is actively harming them and making their lives significantly harder. People who do not get sufficient sleep will have impaired decision-making skills, which could be detrimental for students in need of a grade-boost.

By Christian Angel, Managing Editor

After defeating the Central Catholic Rams last week in Eugene, Oregon, the St. John Bosco Braves face another out-of-state opponent, the Kahuku High School Red Raiders, as the Braves continue their national championship quest in their first home game of the season at Panish Family Stadium Saturday night.

Head Coach Jason Negro and Bosco Football secured a big win against the number one team in Oregon, the Central Catholic High School Rams, in a huge 49-0 blowout. They now look ahead to the 2021 Hawaiian Open Division Champion in the Red Raiders, who are ranked 34 in the nation by MaxPreps and are the second strongest football team in Hawaii.

Bosco continues their show-stopping national tour, looking to earn another win against the Aloha State’s best at home.

Kahuku will attempt to knock the Braves from the their throne as the consensus number one high school football team in the nation, as the Braves are currently undefeated in the opening three weeks, defeating Allen 52-14 in week one, defeating Bishop Amat 42-7 in week two and a statement performance defeating Central Catholic 49-0 last Friday.

Some Bosco teachers, Ms. Edna Ramirez and Ms. Patty Martinez, joined the team in Oregon to support the Braves throughout the whole trip leading up the game.  

“It was an absolutely amazing experience watching my boys in their element. Seeing their hard work on display and their hunger for competition allowed me to connect to them on a different level,” Ms. Martinez said.

The Braves now shift focuses offensively and defensively to take on the Red Raiders, who come into this game with an undefeated 4-0 record.

Offensively, in their past game against Central Catholic, the Braves were led by quarterback Pierce Clarkson, who went 9-9 for 183 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He was then replaced by junior quarterback Caleb Sanchez midway through the 2nd quarter after it was made clear the game had completely swung in favor of the Braves.

Bosco’s offense also received some major help from senior wide receiver DeAndre Moore, who had four catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns, senior wide receiver Jahlil McClain, who had three catches for 95 yards, and running back Chauncey Slyvester, who had two carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, they shut down and shut out a Rams offense who could only muster up 64 total yards against the Braves. The Braves pass rush got to the Rams quarterbacks, sacking them eight times, with senior Vaka Hansen recording three sacks and Matayo Uiagalelei recording one.

Tomorrow night’s game will give Brave fans their first glimpse at Panish Family Stadium into the all encompassing might of the number one Braves, as they look to represent their community as well as the entire Trinity League for the third annual Trinity League vs. The USA Showcase. With both teams pride on the line, fans are due for a huge mainland clash. Kickoff starts at 7:00 pm, and for those who cannot make it to the game, it is available to watch via Bally Sports.

by Dominic Ramirez

The season of Lent is an important time to self-reflect and to discover how each person can better prepare their heart for the coming of Jesus, not just by giving something up, but by giving back as well.

5. Adopting from an animal shelter

adoptapet.com is a nonprofit website someone can use to find local animal shelters near them. Their website can be used to find local shelters with the specific breed, age, and species of pet they are looking for. Their site also has resources for those who want to volunteer or donate. 

Adopting an animal from a shelter is more beneficial than buying one from a pet store as a lot of the animals in shelters were picked up from off the streets or left by people who couldn’t take care of them anymore. When someone adopts from a shelter they are giving those animals a second chance at finding a home.

4. Checking up on friends

Something easy one can do is to make sure their friends are alright. A lot of people struggle with their mental health, but having good friends for support makes a world of a difference. It could be as simple as checking in on how their friends are feeling or reminding them that they are there for them, little acts of kindness can go a long way. As it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.”

3. Helping out the church

Getting involved with one’s local church is a great way to serve God during Lent. Someone interested can speak to a priest or church official about becoming a lector, usher or altar server for their local parish. Helping out with mass is a great way to help out one’s community while also growing closer to god.

St Dominic Savio church will be holding confessions this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

2. Volunteering

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on ocean conservation. Volunteer opportunities and events such as beach clean-ups and activism meetings are open to the public. Through their website, one can find out when and where events are being held.

Meals on Wheels America and Feeding America are also two nonprofits that are looking for volunteers. Both organizations specialize in feeding the less fortunate, volunteers are assigned jobs such as delivering meals to people in need and as well as working at food banks. 

1. Donating to charity   

Giving money to a charity is one of the most common ways people give back during lent. Giving money to a charitable organization can provide help on a scale that would be too difficult for just one person. 

Doctors Without Borders and American Red Cross are two large nonprofit organizations that take online donations through their websites. Giving even a little can help make a difference in places around the world. Both Doctors Without Borders and American Red Cross are helping in places such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq, and giving money to organizations like these can help provide aid in places that may feel too far away to help.

by Aydn Morris

The St. John Bosco cross country team heads into playoffs following a magnificent showing at Trinity League finals.

The Braves took second place in the Trinity League behind Santa Margarita, led by seniors Chris Chavez, Ian Sanchez and Ethan Beck. 

Some Braves’ runners set their best run times, as Chavez finished first in the race and ran one of the best ever times on the course at 14:58.9, earning the Trinity League Championship title. He finished about 20 seconds faster than the next best time.

Although this race may have been dedicated to the seniors for their senior day, sophomores Aiden Aldana and Andrew Perez put on a show as well. Aiden, who has been excellent this year, finished fourth with a time of 15:35.4, while Andrew finished ninth at 15:42.2 

Following a long break from competition due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Braves were excited to have a season without much restriction.

“We have enjoyed being able to travel again this year, being able to meet with a lot of runners and going back to invitationals again,” said Ruben Solorza, an assistant coach. 

Last season, the Braves were not able to do their normal meets because of the pandemic, instead competing league dual meets, which is racing against one opposing team at a time. 

Although the Braves were happy to be back on the regular schedule, they had adjustment issues, as many people nationwide have.

“Keep small problems small, fix them right away and continue to overcome other challenges,” said Coach Solorza, regarding overcoming the obstacles that the season presented.

In the Trinity League Championship race, the runners dealt with a slightly slippery course, which made a couple of the runners fall, including junior Harold Munoz, who still pushed through and finished the race. 

Having such a young team be so successful, while also having to fight through adversity, has shown the growth and maturity of the team. The junior and senior runners did an amazing job developing the underclassmen into outstanding team runners.

Although the Braves had many great accomplishments so far throughout the year, they still have one final push towards higher aspirations. They continue their season with CIF preliminaries as their next meet, followed by CIF Finals and then possibly a CIF State Championship appearance. 

The season for the Bosco cross country team looks to continue to shine bright, as the season comes to a close. The full focus for them will be on prelims, as they continue to work hard and perform strong.