Ghouls and gals

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

November 1, 2012

By dressing up as the couple from the movie Juno, on Oct. 31, juniors Eric Lopez and Bernice Juarez win the Halloween costume contest, held on the rally stage, during A-lunch. At B-lunch junior Jonathan Moreno won the costume contest as a ratchet.

ASB hosted their annual costume contest, during both lunches, on Wed., Oct. 31. Members of the student body invited students from all grades to present their costumes at the rally stage, while spectators voted for the best idea.

While students at A lunch were first reluctant about showing off their Halloween spirit, in the end, the most genuine pair took the prize. Contestants included: Zombie Bride, DJ Lance, from the children show Yo Gabba Gabba, Bob Marley, and Chuckee the doll. The crowd favorites, juniors Bernie Juarez and Eric Lopez beat the rest with their spot on impersonations of Juno MacGuff and Paulie Bleeker from the award-winning indie film Juno.

“The movie inspired us,” Lopez said, “it’s our favorite.”

The two compiled their costume parts from items they had and also searched around for the perfect pieces.

“We made the track shirt and I found these [hamburger headphones] at Hot Topic,” Juarez said.

After all the trick-or-treaters shuffled into their classes, the excited contestants from B-lunch came on stage to show off their outfits. Amongst them were Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and the Joker from Batman, a hamster, Sally from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, a hamster, a zombie doctor, and Snow White. Then final four came down to a camouflaged sniper, the Blues Brothers, Team On, and a ratchet. The former two were the final decision; and after much cheer and support from both sides, the ratchet took the prize gift card.

Junior Jonothan Moreno dressed himself for a night out on the town, in a pink wig, chiffon blouse, super mini-skirt, and leggings. “Her” style outdid Team On–their four-man group consisting of three thugs and a cop in exaggerated short shorts.

“I do it for the ratchet,” Moreno said.

The informal contest amped these high-schoolers for another Halloween, even though it fell in the middle of the school week. Whether big or small, these teens are never too tired to show their alter egos, while also getting a bit of free candy.

About the Contributors

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Lauren Montano, Co-Copy Editor

Senior Lauren Montano is an aspiring photographer for The Downey Legend. As a cheerful photojournalist, she is inspired by her settings when taking images of the everyday life of Downey High’s students. For Montano, anything that captures the vibe of a certain place should be photograph-worthy. Her main source of inspiration comes from National Geographic, since the magazine depicts both professional and amateur photographs. This exuberant student hopes to one day be employed by this magazine. Montano regularly checks Vanity Fair and The New York Times for their visually enticing photographs and in-depth articles. Personally, the vivacious photographer prefers to take black and white photography, since it is more timeless and isn’t set in one period. Montano finds pleasure in listening to music, discovering new artists, and reading. “Books give a unique perspective of the world,” Montano said. Author Zora Neale Hurston has had a huge impact of Montano’s life, allowing her to appreciate the writing style of an American author. In her free time, traveling and discovering the world also satisfies Montano, reaching destinations as far as Spain. As an interested Liberal Arts major, Montano hopes to attend Arizona State University or The University of Denver. Whatever Montano chooses to do in life, all she needs is a little inspiration from her colleagues to make her dreams come true.