Here to stay

Matthew Palencia

On Oct. 8, in room C-114, Mr. Massey reviews graphing quadratic functions in standard form, with his Algebra II, for the next math lesson. “I’m most excited about officially being apart of the Downey family and continuing to improve as an educator,” Mr. Massey said.

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Cheif
October 29, 2014

Downey High School’s long-term substitute teacher, Anthony Massey, is now a permanent teacher this 2014-15 school year. Massey has taken over Algebra II and Geometry classes of former math teacher, Rodney Bremer.

Upon finding out that his position as a math teacher at Downey High would no longer be temporary, Massey was thrilled. Although he originally aspired to be a middle school level teacher, he agreed to take on the high school level class and soon found that he enjoyed it.

“Before being at Downey, I constantly said I wanted to teach at the middle school level,” Massey said, “but after being here I prayed and hoped I’d be back at Downey High and it all worked out.”

Massey comes from a family of educators and coaches. After refusing to fall in line with his relatives, he finally succumbed to the idea of teaching and shortly found that it was something that interested him.

The math teacher also enjoys basketball and soon became a coach for the boys basketball team as a result. Although he likes the sport, he admits it is not an easy thing to teach.

“It [basketball] is very challenging on so many different levels but I’m glad I’m doing that as well,” Massey said. “Teaching and coaching are different but bring me equal joy.”

Not only is Massey pleased with his new job, but his students that he substituted for were also excited to find out he would staying at Downey High. His students formed a close bond to him during the 2013-14 school year.

Senior Francine Mendoza, who had Massey last year and again this year, formed a bond that is helpful to her as a student.

“He’s a really good teacher,” Mendoza said. “I was excited to have him again this year because it’s easy to ask him questions because he cares and he wants to help.”

Massey’s students are fond of the class because of how he conducts his classroom. The math teacher makes sure that his students are learning the lesson correctly while still creating a comfortable environment for his class.

Senior Carlos Rivas liked the way Massey kept the environment light when he could.

“He jokes around a lot, but he also makes sure we learn what he have to learn,” Rivas said. “It’s cool how he tries to get to know students and he has a really good sense of humor so that helps.”

As the next generation of his family, Massey honorably carries on the title of an educator and a coach. He now carries on that legacy in room C-114 teaching math to Downey High School students.

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About the Contributors

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism 3 years ago as a sophomore. After a great deal of persuasion from her two best friends, who were on staff at the time, Dixon-Slaughter submitted her application at the semester and was welcomed shortly after. “I love writing and always have,” Slaughter said, “but I’ve always stuck strictly to literature so branching out into a different style and type of writing has helped me develop as a writer.” Although writing essays and covering stories can be polar opposites, the writer adjusted without much trouble. During her time at The Downey Legend, she has covered numerous stories, fiddled with the camera, and established the newspaper’s credibility on social media. She is competent enough to know what it takes to have efficient deadlines; all Slaughter has to do now is to guide her staff in that direction.

If the writer is not covering stories happening around school, she is still somehow always somewhere on campus. Juggling AP classes, an ASB position, and her role in newspaper, Slaughter often finds herself with a hectic schedule. This being said, when genuine free time presents itself, she takes full advantage of it. “I love getting lost or ending up in places spontaneously because it feels so great to not have an agenda sometimes,” Dixon-Slaughter said. While the senior is busy getting ready for college and balancing out the rest of her responsibilities, she hopes to provide the staff with an exemplary example of the amount of greatness that can rise from commitment.

Matthew Palencia, Photographer

Matthew Palencia, a Downey Legend photographer who is 18 years old joined Downey’s newspaper to experience a class that’s also an activity, get more into photographing, and to overcome his shyness. Palencia is fascinated how taking a picture captures emotions in that moment. “ Really did I take that? No I didn’t take that? That’s not going to happen again.” Is what he says when he takes an amazing picture. Palenica met a Columbian man who was in love with capturing pictures. The man inspired him and showed him many things about capturing beautiful and meaning pictures.

During his free time, Palencia likes to play soccer with his family and friends. He does not take the game seriously; he just plays for fun and to bond with his family. His favorite foods are chicken and cheeseburgers. Palencia loves dogs; he has a poodle that’s 2 years old. When Matthew graduates this year, his goals are to go to a community college then into a university to major in photography. Palencia hopes to accomplish his goals on being a photographer.