New Staff at Downey

Andre Lucas, Co-Copy Editor
October 16, 2019

This year, the Downey High School staff welcomes its newest members to the Viking family. A few of the new employees come from diverse backgrounds, such as previously working in law enforcement, at other school districts in Southern California, or in personal training.

Campus security guard and former police officer, Gloria Hernandez, initially worked for the Compton Police Department for 36 years though she always had a passion for working with adolescents. Starting off as an explorer at age 16, she eventually became a reserve officer. While working in the reserves, she began working for the Lynwood Unified School District part time as a security guard 20 years ago before arriving at Downey High.

“It’s very different from [Downey], but I always wanted to come and work with kids,” she said. “But we worked for the city, responded to calls, but most importantly, [we] deal[t] with the public.”

Dean of Students, Golden Fowler worked as a Resource specialist for special education students at Cesar Chavez High School in the Compton Unified School District before working at Downey, and he gave his opinion on how he feels about his new job.

“I love it, I love Downey,” Fowler stated. “This is my fifth week and it’s been a great experience, I love Downey.”

Coach Trina Mendez currently spends her time at Downey working as a strength and conditioning coach for the athletes after working as a personal trainer for adults for over a decade, and she explained how she feels about her new job.

“I never thought I would be working with I high schoolers,” Mendez stated. “I’ve been training for 12 years, and I’ve always worked with adults, but I have never loved what I do more than I do now – working with adolescent teenagers.”

These three staff members share the notion in their experience so far that one of the most exciting parts of their job is interacting with the students who attend, respect, and love Downey High school.

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About the Contributors

Andre Lucas, Co-Copy Editor

Co- Copy Editor and Writer of The Downey Legend, Andre Lucas, 12, plans to achieve his goal of going to a UC by making the most of his time in his 2nd year of Newspaper and last year high school. Andre joined in hopes to get out of his comfort zone and to satisfy his need to write. Andre participates in many community service activities such as the Make A Wish Foundation he’s been a part of since freshman year. He is very active in school activities and he is even the president of the club, Junior State of America (JSA). Andre hopes that all his efforts in school and newspaper will amount to his success in his future.

As a Co- Copy Editor and Writer in The Downey Legend, Andre Lucas, 12, has a great fondness for writing. “My mom once handed me a journal and just told me that I should start writing more often,” Lucas said. “That's pretty much how I came to love writing.”

Natalie Ramirez, Photographer

Initially taking photojournalism before joining The Downey Legend staff as a photographer, Natalie Ramirez, 11, devotes her time to Newspaper due to her love and passion for photography. Moreover, she not only enjoys photography, but she is also fond of painting, cooking, and traveling frequently with her family in her spare time. “[I like] to try new things and travel a lot,” she states. “I’m also very adventurous.”

Aspiring to pursue a career in either business or the medical field, Ramirez plans to attend Cal. State Fullerton since the school “Has a good medical program,” Ramirez said, “And I want to stay local.” Furthermore, she intends to study retail nursing, but she still has the idea of possibly becoming a Marketing Manager because she also possesses an interest in selling and leadership.