Celebrating the teacher of the year

Joey Flores, News Editor

March 15, 2013

On March 4, English teacher, Ms. Kasner, is announced Teacher of the Year for Downey High School. “I feel very proud and honored to represent DHS,”Kasner said.

To reward her for her teaching skills and willingness to educate to the best of her ability, English 9 and Honors English 10 teacher Debra Kasner was announced Teacher of the Year on February 28.

Several of her students met the news with the utmost excitement because they had the chance to be educated by a teacher deserving of such a great honor. One of those students was sophomore Vanessa Garcia, who has Kasner for Honors English 10.

“I’m really not surprised,” Garcia said. “She really is interesting as a teacher, and her class never really goes dull. It’s nice to have a teacher who keeps it fresh when it comes to teaching.”

Garcia is amongst those honors students who commend their teacher because they find her a strong “people person.” Garcia then went on to say that being taught by Kasner feels like she’s with a celebrity. The news spread fast that Monday morning- so fast that first period was keen on congratulating her. They clapped for her and gave their congratulations as soon as she walked in the door.

English department Co-Chair Christina Carlson felt proud of her colleague when she found out.

“We feel no one is more deserving on this campus,” Carlson said. “Ms. Kasner is brilliant, works hard, and is an inspiring leader,” Carlson said. “[She] is infinitely patient, has a great sense of humor, and she will spend as many hours before and after school as it takes to help a student.”

Carlson, along with the rest of the English department, was happy for the English teacher not only because of her hard work, but also because of how humble she is. In her speech, Kasner spoke about how not just her, but the entirety of the English department work hard to get their jobs done.

“Mr. Houts starting giving hints about who the selected teacher was,” Kasner said. “When he said that this teacher had a crush on Colin Firth…well, that gave it away.”

The staff meeting brightened the English teacher’s day by bestowing the honor upon her for the first time at Downey High School. Her willing trips to coffee shops to grade papers and the countless hours spent after school for student assistance paid off after the Masons of California rewarded Kasner with the recognition. This organization’s award is given to those teachers who have made themselves most recognizable to their administration. Even though she has been named Teacher of the Month a few times before, Kasner was still very humbled by the recognition.

“I feel very honored and proud to represent DHS,” Kasner said.

KIWIN’S also awarded Kasner with a $1,000 reward for her achievements. This sum was donated as a thank you from the organization for leading its members towards a beneficial education.

Ironically enough, Kasner had asked to be excused from the meeting to tutor students that were waiting for her. Commitments like these and even verbose homework direction are just a few of the reasons she was commended. The award was not given to Kasner, but earned.

About the Contributors

Joey Flores, News Editor

Joey Flores is a 14-year-old sophomore at Downey High as well as a writer and News Editor for The Downey Legend. Flores chose to join the 2012-2013 staff because he wants to gain experience in journalism, since he aspires to work for Details or Rolling Stone magazine. He plans to attend the University of Oxford or NYU. “I have a minor obsession with the U.K.,” Flores said when asked why he wanted to attend the University of Oxford. He admitted that he will miss his friends and family when he’s away for college, although he won’t be missing the California weather. The News Editor always preferred English over any other subject. “When I was younger I always preferred English because I felt that I had the freedom when it came to creative writing,” Flores said. Along with being on the newspaper, he is also taking Honors English 10, which will help enhance his writing skills. Flores’ main goals are to fulfill everything that comes his way and to come up with interesting stories that will receive multiple views. The staff member enjoys listening to indie and alternative rock. He is a big fan of the 80s band, The Smiths. Flores loves doing community service and is a member of the Key Club. The News Editor enjoys helping others and wants to help “beautify the community.” Flores has volunteered at recovery centers, like Rancho Los Amigos. He participated in a carnival for the disabled patients at the RLARC. “It was very eye-opening because you realize that they are incapable of doing much, but they never give up,” he said. Although Flores has a lot on his plate- being The Downey Legend’s News Editor, volunteering at rehabilitation centers, and succeeding in AP European History and Honors English 10- he will manage to stay on top of everything and make his sophomore year a memorable one.

Cindy Macias, Photographer/Co-Photo Editor

For senior Cindy Macias, The Downey Legend is not just a newspaper; it is a place to show her photographs to the world. This photographer likes to take candid shots because she is able to capture the beauty of the moment and frame it in time. Macias is not only in newspaper, she is also juggling Yearbook along with her regular classes. She hopes to become proactive, less of a procrastinator, get straight As, be more organized, and improve her academic vocabulary throughout the year. She plans to study liberal arts at either UC Irvine or UCLA, but does not plan on dorming on campus because of the filth. Over the summer, Macias gained work experience while interning for Prestige Portraits, a company that specifically takes professional high school senior portraits. Her work involved secretary-like duties, such as calling for reminders and filing papers. When she is not taking photos, she is at the mall shopping for the latest styles at Pac Sun, one of her favorite stores. Macias walks around her neighborhood to ponder over her life. Her friends admire her sense of forwardness, personality, listening skills, and great advice. Macias makes her friends a priority. “The more you don’t see the person, the connection really isn’t there”, she stated. She started photography in the seventh grade, at Davis Middle School, and she has been taking pictures ever since, because photography challenges her to become better. Her personality, work ethic, and perseverance are all aspects that allow Macias to be an extraordinary photographer.