Downey vs. Warren Rivalry Week

Angelica Fregoso, Staff Writer

Downey students flash their Viking spirit around campus on Oct. 23 because it was the renowned Viking Pride Day, the final day of Downey versus Warren rivalry week.

 

Students express their school spirit this week by dressing as the theme of each day of the week, which commenced with “Tacky Tourist Day.” Ever since the day Warren High opened its doors in 1955, it has been the rival school of Downey High School.

 

ASB leads the student body in Downey’s competition against Warren.

 

Downey High’s ASB anticipate the rivalry the week before the school year starts. In charge of Downey High’s campus and community events, Kristina Cruz, has been preparing for rivalry week days in advance.

 

“I look forward to seeing all the students participating in school events,” Cruz said.

 

Senior, Dyana Jocol, looked forward to rooting on Downey High during the Downey versus Warren football game.

 

“I’m looking forward to seeing our school win,” Jocol said, “to remember Downey High School as the greatest school ever.”

 

English teacher, Ms. Kasner, has instructed at Downey High for over 20 years. Every year she looks forward to celebrating rivalry week with her students.

 

“There has definitely been more school spirit the past two years,” Kasner said. “The overall attitude has changed about school spirit.”

 

Besides Downey High’s student body, the traditions executed in order to celebrate rivalry week have also revolutionized throughout the years.

 

“Old traditions involved the mutilation of the bear,” Kasner said, “and about ten years ago that was frowned upon, so the beating of the car was introduced.”

 

Downey High School is not merely an institution, it is a place where students are taught by staff members, and occasionally each other five days a week to become erudite and excel in subjects such as math and English, as well as share a sense of unity through the pride of where they come from or belong.

 

“You have a connection with the place, like your home,” Kasner said, “and our second home is Downey, where we carry these traditions.”

 

Despite the fact that Downey lost the game, the student body has been exposed to something more influential than any game could ever define – unity.