Walking and supporting

Gabriela Sanchez, Arts and Entertainment Editor

March 29, 2013

Participants from the Arc Walk wait in line in front of Acapulco Mexican Restaurant to get their burritos for lunch after finishing the event. The Arc Walk is an annual event that donates its profits to the disabled who work at The Arc located on Washburn Road.

The annual Arc Walk for Independence was held Saturday at 8 in the morning on March 23, at Stonewood Mall where hundreds of people joined together to walk around the city of Downey to honor and show support for the mentally and physically disabled and their opportunities for economic independence.

Crowds moved into the mall’s parking lot and were entertained by loud marching bands and perky dancers to lift their spirits and energy. Balloons surrounded the entire location, and a stage was set up in the center of the event where speakers thanked the audiences and spoke inspirational words.

One of the speakers included ABC Eyewitness News’s Phillip Palmer, who was filled with joy as he gleamed into an excited and supportive audience.

“I love being part of the Arc Walk,” Palmer said. “Today we move forward as one loving community.”

Downey Mayor, Mario Guerra followed Palmer, stepped up on stage, and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor was very excited that the community showed such strong support towards people who face daily struggles with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. He commended the walkers and said he was proud to be the leader of such a great city who was ready to take action for a special cause. As his speech came to an end, Guerra’s closing words revealed strength and support.

“Go Arc, Go Downey!” Guerra said.

After the speeches and a rendition of the national anthem, the walkers geared up for three hours of walking and jogging miles around the city. The group of supporters included small businesses of Downey, families, and various organizations from Downey High School including DHS Amigos, Downey KIWINS’, and Key Club.

The event exuded a joyous atmosphere and, aside from walkers, held volunteers who helped make the walk possible. KIWIN’S adviser Jesus Gayton volunteered himself and his group to help around the walk to perform tasks such as setting up chairs and booths. Gayton held a positive spirit and shared what he loved most about the entire event.

“My favorite part of this event was actually seeing the kids with disabilities and Down Syndrome feeling like they were part of a group and feeling honored,” Gayton said.

The Arc Walk for Independence helped the city of Downey raise awareness and fill the atmosphere with love, care, and honor for the disabled, making them feel they are more than a community, but a family.

About the Contributors

Gabriela Sanchez, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Writer Gabby Sanchez enters The Downey Legend staff with high hopes and a career oriented state of mind. She has been chosen to take on the position as Arts & Entertainment Editor, a position not so easily conquered. Using her skills as a writer she hopes to attract more readers to the arts Downey High School has to offer. Sanchez decided to join the online publication in order to gain insight in journalism. “I wanted to see if this was something I could be able to do as a career,” Sanchez said. For this aspiring journalist, her work has only just begun. The editor had never seen her future predicted this way; moving from Peru at the age of three limited her English, proving difficult for her to adjust to the new language. “During elementary, I was bad at English, but its something I later improved in,” Sanchez said. She not only improved in a foreign language, but she also grew to like the challenge she accustomed to. After overcoming this difficulty proved to be a great strength in Sanchez, using it to her advantage when confronted by deadlines as well as schoolwork. But beyond the classroom is where she enjoys her teen years with friends, listening to music, and enjoying the foods and movies other countries have to offer. “I love Italian food,” the cuisine enthusiast said. “I also like to watch movies in my spare time, especially foreign films.” With having The Downey Legend set as a foundation for her future, Sanchez’ main incentive is to travel the world and live on her own. Although unsure of what college to pursue her journalism career, she knows a UC will suit her in her plan to write for Time Magazine.

Andrea Martinez, Photographer

Andrea Martinez ,11, is a photographer for The Downey Legend. Martinez first took an interest in photography when she signed up for Photojournalism, and now photography is one of her favorite hobbies. The main reason Martinez joined staff was because Miss. Napoli insisted she would be a perfect addition, not to mention she was also encouraged by her friends Brenda Lopez and April Rios. Her other hobbies include: volunteering at Downey Regional Medical Center and spending time with friends and family. Martinez is secretary for KIWIN’S club, and she absolutely loves it. She considers members of her club to be her second family. One of her personal goals as of right now is to get straight A s, while a goal for The Downey Legend is to simply become closer with everyone; she wants the newspaper staff to get as close and comfortable KIWIN’S club. “ I want them to be like my third family,” Martinez said. After high school she would like to travel the world and go on new and exciting adventures. One of the most special moments in her life was when her little sister Isabel was born. Martinez explained that when she was younger she always wanted a little sister or brother, so when Isabel was born, she became one of the most special people in her life. Although Martinez is still undecided about what major she wants to take on, she is very interested in medicine and loves children. With her incredible personality and hard work, she is sure to make any of her goals come through.