Valerie Mora, Editor-In-Chief
In her third year as a part of The Downey legend staff, Co-editor in chief, Valerie Mora, aims to go to UCLA or UC Irvine. She plans to major in psychology. She has been in CSF for three years now, and is a tutor for the writing center. She enjoys hanging out with friends and going thrift shopping. Being a part of newspaper has been a big and enjoyable part of Mora’s high school career, and they are glad they made the choice to join their sophomore year.
“To be honest a class I really enjoyed was photojournalism and I think that’s what sparked my love for photography; I think that’s what motivated me to join newspaper and to really be a part of this community,” Mora stated. “ I think it definitely took me out of my comfort zone and I’m grateful for the newspaper because I feel that it made me a more outgoing person and has been a huge part of my high school career.”
![At the Downey vs. Warren Girls tennis Varsity game on October 15, 2021 on the Downey High School tennis courts, Malinalxochitl Vo, 12, shared her feelings on her team and on the match.
“It's like a family, we’re so happy and close together, and we love playing tennis together all the time everyday,” Vo stated. “I feel really confident [in my matches].”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tennis_Molly-1-900x600.jpg)
![President of both KIWIN’S and the Thirst Project, Jezabel Perez, 11, gives insight on what being in these clubs is all about. “Being in these clubs has really taught me how to socialize and realize that as high schoolers we can make a difference in our community and even internationally,” Perez stated. “While being in them [clubs] I’ve made close friends and met people who inspire me to continue helping those who need it.”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jezabel-659x900.jpg)
![Many families this year will not be able to reunite with their distant relatives and Emily Orozco, 10, describes her struggles of seeing family members during the winter holidays. “This pandemic has created more obstacles to see more of our [distant] family members,” Orozco stated. “It’s not good to spend time with too many people, so we [my family] will be wishing some of our family members a happy holiday over the phone.”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_4235-900x600.jpg)
![Many students have had extra time on their hands to get healthier and Gloria Falach, 10, tells us about her experience with diet changes she's made. “The biggest change I’ve made since quarantine is I’m trying to eat healthier,” Falach stated, “Since I have a lot of [extra] time.”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/unnamed-12.jpg)
