Ditch the car, exercise those muscles

Vivian Buenrostro, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

October 22, 2013

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the dance team gathers on the field to support DUSD in raising awareness to make pedestrian safety a priority. “Personally, I did it because I’m grateful I can walk,” sophomore, Justine Muro said. “It’s something important, and many people ignore it.”

Instead of sitting in the usual morning traffic, students and staff walked to school and around the track in the Allen Layne Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 7- 7:40 a.m., to participate in the international event: Walk to School Day.

The first Walk to School Day took place in 1995, promoting health and fitness throughout the community. Now over 3,000 schools across the U.S. participate every year. Downey Unified School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Garcia, contacted ASB Adviser, Mrs. Sims with high hopes of reassuring the Downey community of the benefits that come from walking to school. Kaiser Permanente sponsored this event with $2000 allowing different schools in Downey to purchase raffle prizes, such as a mini iPad, Starbucks and Chipotle gift cards, and AMC movie tickets for the chosen morning walkers.

Although it is DUSD’s first year taking part in early morning walk, ASB members Katy Ragusa, 11, Jose Flores, 11 and Rachel Rodriguez, 12, jumped on the idea of being responsible for hosting the event.

“It’s important for students to realize they need to take the initiative to exercise more and this event helped promote the fun in working out and being healthy,” Ragusa said.

Junior Marcus Olvea walked a total of 5 laps with his volleyball team. “I took it upon myself to take part in this event because it was international and being part of something like that interested me and my team,” Olvea said.

Cheer, the dance team, ASB, band, cross country/ track, and the soccer, volleyball and basketball teams, along with the regular students filled the track.

“Our school is made up of all these different activities,” Sophomore Maricela Navarro said, “and seeing them unified in this walk with their small cliques reminds me of a 80s movie.”

More importantly, the city’s involvement with the different schools in Downey has set the tone for upcoming events. Their emphasis on Healthy Downey is a main priority at the moment according to ASB publicity director, Senior Rachel Rodriguez.

“After attending several meetings, discussing different ways to promote a healthier city has always come up,” Rodriguez said. “If students chose to walk to school every day their life style would change for the better.”

The small event largely impacted the student body by encouraging people to take their health into consideration when making everyday choices. Whether it be a walk to school or an afternoon snack choice, the Downey community is pro-health.

About the Contributors

Vivian Buenrostro, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

Senior Vivian Buenrostro is not only a writer for The Downey Legend online newspaper, but has also taken on the responsibility of Co-Editor-In-Chief. Having been a part of the newspaper staff since her sophomore year, she has experience with the different positions and has even held the positions of Arts and Entertainment Section Editor and Song of the Week Editor. “Newspaper has been one awesome ride these past three years,” Buenrostro said. “I’ve learned skills that are applicable to everything and anything.” Although Co-Editor-In-Chief is a tough and tedious job, Buenrostro is ready to take on the challenge. Throughout this year on staff she hopes to build a close bond with all of the staff members and have productive deadlines. When she is not running the staff or writing stories, Buenrostro enjoys jogs around her neighborhood, making healthy shakes and other concoctions, or swimming in the waves at Huntington Beach. “Time doesn’t really exist when I’m in the ocean,” Buenrostro said. Buenrostro also loves live music; she has been to various concerts including Young the Giant, Arctic Monkeys, and Walk the Moon. Buenrostro plans to graduate and attend an out of state school far from California. “As much as I love Downey High,” Buenrostro said, “I can’t wait to go to college in a new environment.” While away at college she hopes to major in biology and medicine to start her path towards her career goal of being a doctor. Buenrostro aims to make her final year at Downey High School rewarding in both her academics and her position on The Downey Legend staff.

Heidi Castillo, Photographer

Heidi Castillo, photographer for The Downey Legend joined the staff to get involved during her last year of high school as well as express her love for photography. Castillo did not hesitate to join the staff, feeling she would enjoy the experience despite the sometimes hectic environment. Being a member of the online newspaper will not only help Castillo expand her photographer skills, it will also provide an opportunity to bond with her fellow peers. “I think it is a great way to meet new people and build relationships,” Castillo said. While being familiar with several photography techniques, designing on InDesign, and editing pictures on Photoshop, this photographer plans to apply her skills in her photographs and continue her interest. While managing the senior lifestyle, Castillo enjoys the privileges she receives as being the oldest of three. The photographer enjoys all music genres, however, Pink Martini and Coldplay are her top music choices. Not only does the senior find an interest in listening to music, she has shown her appreciation for the art by singing with a worship team for the past two years. She enjoys watching blood-gore horror films and older black and white films in her spare time. Castillo plans to make the best of her senior year and attend a junior college after graduating.