Teaching beyond the limits

Mizhelle Cortes, Writer/ Business Team

December 13, 2013

On Dec. 10, Mr. Jose De La Torre is pleased to be part of the Downey High School staff and have assisted his students for the past seven years. “It is great to be given the opportunity to help students daily,” De La Torre said. “What if I make a difference in a student’s life?”

The Teacher of the Month award, for the month of December, has been presented to math teacher Mr. De La Torre who has been teaching for seven years.

Mr. De La Torre, who teaches Geometry and Honors Trigonometry/Pre-calculus, shares his joy for receiving the award.

“I’m very happy and humbled that my hard work has been acknowledged from my boss, staff, and students,” De La Torre said. “Everyone’s been really nice about it. [They’re] telling me congratulations. It’s a cool opportunity.”

His decision to become a teacher was influenced by inspiring people close to his life. There were two teachers who inspired him: Mr. English, who works at Warren High School and Mr. Solis, his mentor. For Mr. De La Torre, the subject of math has always captured his attention.

“I was always pretty good at math,” Mr. De La Torre said. “In high school, I would find myself tutoring a lot of my friends during snack or lunch. I actually wouldn’t mind—I wouldn’t mind giving up some of my time just to tutor somebody in math.”

Mr. De La Torre enjoys teaching math and being a part of the Downey community. His duties besides teaching math include him being the new Bible Club Adviser and helping students prepare for the Skills USA competition.

“I love the culture here,” Mr. De La Torre said. “We have great kids here. I like working with high school students because it’s the last stage before they get out there to the real world. “

Mr. De La Torre’s Teacher of the Month appreciation awarded his hard work and dedication to his students. To help out his students, he offers test corrections, make up and late work, and tutoring. Former Pre-calculus student, Veronica Cornejo, 12, shares her appreciation.

“I like how Mr. De La Torre offers his time to help me when tests comes around,” Cornejo said. “Whether it’s in the morning or afternoon, he makes sure to help me understand the topics.”

Mr. De La Torre understands the vital stage of entering high school and teaching math concepts to his students. For junior Richer Laporte, Mr. De La Torre’s teaching style is helpful.

“I like how Mr. De La Torre brings different aspects of life,” Laporte said. “He teaches his lessons very well.”

Regardless of awards, Mr. De La Torre guarantees to give his best effort when teaching students.

About the Contributors

Mizhelle Cortes, Writer/ Business Team

Mizhelle Cortes has been seeking an extra curricular activity her first three years of high school, but as a senior, she feels she has discovered her passion as a writer and business manager for The Downey Legend. “It makes me feel special that other students will read my work,” Cortes said. “I can provide unheard stories from students and staff.” Since Cortes is planning to pursue a business career, she is pleased to be part of the financial support of the online newspaper. Despite her overwhelming schedule with honors courses, Cortes is glad to take a break and write school news. She anticipates improving as a journalist and meeting all those interesting students hidden in the school campus. Cortes finds pleasure in reading realistic fiction novels, particularly those by the author Joyce Oates. Oates has inspired Cortes to have a voice of her own and experiment with her writing by using imagination and unique qualities. In her free time, she enjoys watching scary movies with her friends and tasting the variety of yogurt flavors from YogurtLand. This vehement writer aspires to attend UC Berkeley after her senior year and pursued the careers of business and fashion. Cortes feels UC Berkeley is her dream school since it is far from home, which allows her to gain more independence and dorm in such a beautiful campus. After finding her dream job, she wishes to form a family and settle in The Golden State, in order to stay close to her family. Another of her future goals is to travel the world, specially the Philippines to visit her family. With all her determination, Cortes wishes to accomplish all the goals she sets in live, maintaining her passion for writing through out her adventures.

Gissel Enriquez, Photographer

Continuing her passion for photography, senior Gissel Enriquez joins The Downey Legend for her second year with hopes of contributing newsworthy events for the 2013-2014 school year. As a photographer, her interest sparked from the first moment she captured a photo as an eight-year-old child. “It’s amazing how you can take a picture and it brings thousands of memories with just one shot,” Enriquez said. “I just have a passion for photography.” Her enthusiasm for photography is evident as she decides to improve her skills and learn new things from the newspaper staff. Her junior year at The Downey Legend has enabled her to expand her knowledge and alleviate the stress from honors and AP classes. This aspiring photographer joined in order to capture the daily moments of high school and bring awareness to the online newspaper. Since joining the team, she has gained confidence in herself as well as in her art. With her goals set high and hardworking mindset, Enriquez is sure to dedicate her time with the aim of succeeding as a member of the online newspaper and as a Downey High School student. While photography remains one her favorite hobbies, she also enjoys roller skating around her neighborhood and constantly listening to bands like The Smiths. Enriquez loves spending time with her family, especially her best friends: Yasmin Alvizures and Joy Eskander, and going to Yogurtland on her free time. With her future set, this outgoing photographer plans to travel around the world after graduating from a four year university. Wherever her journey leads her, her passion for photography will remain at heart.