Daniela Varela, Photographer
With her creativity and artistic personality, Daniela Varela, 12, enters her first year in The Downey Legend Newspaper as a photographer. Varela is a hardworking and determined student who plans to graduate high school with honors then expand her education at a Trade or Art School. She loves to spend time alone doing hobbies like drawing and painting. However, she also loves spending time with her family, dogs, and friends. She uses music and mediation as a way to relieve stress and keep a positive mindset. Varela is excited to be a part of this community and gain more photography skills throughout the year.
“Photography is important to me because it allows me to capture memories I admire,” Varela said.“I’m really passionate about taking photos because it makes me appreciate special moments in life.”
![Passionate about her performance on stage at the Downey High School Little Theatre, Sofia Hammond-Mota, 11, showcases her talent by playing as an elderly woman in the school's play, “Clue”, on November 18, 2021. “Usually as I’m waiting behind stage for my first entrance, I try to remember who exactly it is that I'm playing. [Since] I’m playing a neurotic older lady, I try to get into that mindset,” Hammond-Mota states. “I think about my first couple lines and how I say them and that sets the tone for the rest of the show.”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/image5-1-900x600.jpg)
