March 2019

Click here to download a printable version of The Gear

THE GEAR MONTHLY PARENT NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 85 MARCH 2019

ck & Bla Gala d Gol ril 6

Ap

2019 BOSCO TECH ENGINEERING DAY (SEE PAGE 9)

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Dear Tech Family— While we await the final rounds of college acceptances and financial packages offered, our seniors continue to bear down on their ongoing studies and extracurricular pursuits. The demanding efforts of completing applications and writing essay upon essay is greatly paying off so far; our hard-working young men are earning spots at fine schools across the country and being offered substantial scholarships that will greatly ease the burden of university tuition. In the coming weeks, as many prestigious schools make their announcements, we will pass along to you the good news that we’re certain to hear.

During our recent College Week celebration, Ms. Whitney Enwemeka, president of “I’m Possible” Admission Counseling and former USC admissions officer, gave an empowering keynote address to the entire student body in which she offered the students sound advice for preparing for the future. "There is no off-set for hard work,” she said. Hard work will increase a student's chances of realizing their own dreams, she explained.

Sound advice for every age and stage! By thinking ahead and working hard now, our students are best preparing themselves for opportunities that lay down the road. I appreciate your continued reinforcement of that directive at home, while we consistently encourage the same here on campus, working to draw out the great potential in each student.

Here’s to the continued success of our young people, Mr. Memo Gutierrez (AU ‘83)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Tech Family— This coming month, March 6 to be specific, Catholic Christians enter into the holy season of Lent. Lent, the forty days preceding Easter Sunday (April 21) is marked with Ash Wednesday, March 6. Over the centuries, cultures have marked off a series of days or weeks so as to physically and spiritually “clean house” in order to be at an optimal state of orderliness, organization, ordered affairs, or at least at a mental state of preparedness and anticipation which the liturgy of Ash Wednesday directs us. And that is a realization of our limitedness and vulnerability as human beings. The ritual of Imposition of Ashes on foreheads calls us to remember that we are dust and to that state of existence we shall return.

I hope that this doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, but the holy season of Lent calls us to “memento mori,” a time-honored tradition in the Catholic Church to remember one’s mortality, one’s death. Memento mori (Latin for remember you will die) is the ancient Christian practice of contemplating death. Rather than to give into the hopelessness of decay, we know that flesh and bone will rise in the Resurrection on the last day. However, to get to the joy of Easter Sunday, we must also endure the pains of Good Friday in our lives.

It’s mind boggling, but what if we spent the upcoming forty days of Lent treating each day spent as if it were to be our last day alive? What priorities or day-to-day tasks on our punch list would we triage and put in the front of our personal queue? For me, aside from my usual giving up coffee, I will make my memento mori in the anticipation that as a baptized Christian, I am an heir to Christ’s promise and will rise at my resurrection upon my death.

I invite you this Lent to make your “spring cleaning” personal and spiritual. As a tool used in spiritual direction and counseling, bringing our limitations to the front of our minds helps us not take the small things in our daily life for granted. St. Therese of Lisieux sums it up with these words, “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.”

May you and your family have a significant and blest Lent, Xavier E. Jimenez

2

MR. TOM ARMES SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT —BELOVED TEACHER & MENTOR COMMEMORATED When the family of late Bosco Tech Instructor and Construction Department Chair Tom Armes (3/8/43-5/26/94) recently established an endowment in his name, it was their desire to continue a legacy of caring for students that Mr. Armes himself firmly built during his years of teaching.

Known for his big heartedness and genuine concern for students, Mr. Armes was a favorite instructor across the Tech campus in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1988, after only a short time at the Tech, his giving nature was immediately recognized and he was awarded the school’s Francis De Sales Award, named after the saint who inspired St. John Bosco. Aptly, the award honors inspirational instructors who are known for offering assistance and guidance to students and peers. Mr. Armes was adored for his unique approach to educating kids, even outside the classroom, like his popular Shirt and Tie Fridays, complete with an Ugly Tie Contest, where students dressed formally for school. His underlying goal was that every student know how to tie his own tie on future job interviews; if they could not manage the skill, he would teach them. When he suddenly passed away toward the end of the 1993-1994 school year, the outpouring of grief on campus was palpable. Students set up a memorial spot outside Construction Technology (now ACE) where they could gather to comfort one another, and an emotional, crowded service was held in the school’s gym.

“Following the funeral,” recalled Mr. Armes’ sister, Bonnie Armes Nolan-Blackledge, “Tommy’s widow, Suzanne, was approached by more than one young man who handed her an envelope and said something along the lines of ‘Mr. Armes loaned me money for my car insurance, and I want to pay it back.’” To this day, Suzanne treasures a plethora of letters and notes from former students with heartfelt appreciation of what Mr. Armes did for each of them.

The Thomas Eugene Armes Endowed Scholarship Fund will continue that generosity of heart, helping future students under financial strain to continue their Tech education. The endowment will provide tuition assistance to deserving students based on financial need, personal motivation, academic achievement and citizenship—the very qualities he inspired in his students each day.

Mr. Armes came to the Tech after serving as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve, and working in the construction industry for many years. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education. There was nothing Mr. Armes loved more than helping young people achieve their own educational and life pursuits, except his beloved family. He and Suzanne, had four children of whom Tom was very proud.

“To think that he could pass on his skill set to young men, was a real gift,” said Tom’s son, Pete Armes. “He gave them some of the basic skills to fix it, measure it, weigh it, trouble shoot it or simply served as someone to be there, for someone who might say ‘I don’t get it.’ He was a great teacher, but more so, a great person. It is hard to teach if you don’t feel what others may need.”

“Although his approach was unrefined at times, my dad made sure (continued on next page)

3

MR. TOM ARMES (CONTINUED) that a need was addressed with attention, and with hope that he was helping a student with whatever struggle or need he might have had,” Pete continued.

“I’m the same age now as when we all lost my dad, but I can only hope that the people I encounter can feel a fraction of what my dad did for his students.”

“My dad was never happier professionally than when he taught at Don Bosco Tech, and I say that completely sincerely,” Tom’s daughter Mary Armes Patrick said. “He had found the place where he belonged. He genuinely loved his students, and he talked about them to the point that we felt we knew them.

It made him so proud to be a teacher, and especially a teacher of the boys at Don Bosco Tech.”

“I'm so grateful that he experienced so much joy from working during those last several years of his life,” she continued. “That work fulfilled him in a way no job ever had before.” One of his finest traits was his ability and willingness to love so openly and generously. That's a gift I carry with me every day, and I have no doubt that the men he taught and loved as boys at Bosco Tech still feel his love too.” Mary has followed in her father’s footsteps as a teacher.

Mr. Armes was especially moved to help at-risk students—and young people in general--with whom he could especially relate. “I’m not exaggerating when I tell you, Tom saved the lives of students during the years he was with us,” said friend and colleague Mr. Rudy Herrera, Bosco Tech’s Campus Ministry Director.

“Imagine how many futures he saved! I know that today’s students would have loved him.”

Alumni and friends interested in contributing to the Thomas Armes Endowed Scholarship Fund can do so by visiting the school’s website at www.boscotech.edu/giving.

Contribute to The Thomas Eugene Armes Endowed Scholarship Fund Today The Bosco Tech community is very grateful to the many generous benefactors who have created legacies by establishing endowments like the Thomas Eugene Armes Endowed Scholarship Fund. If you would like to contribute to Mr. Armes’ endowment or to another endowment, please click here or visit the giving page of the school’s website for a complete list of endowments. (www.boscotech.edu/giving/endowments).

JAPANESE CLASSES HOST SPECIAL GUESTS Domo arigatou to our friends from Oki Gakuen High School in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan! A large student group toured our campus on February 12, spending the day with new friends from the Tech's Japanese Language classes. The enthusiastic delegation presented our school with a gift and a check for $500 for the language classes.

Our students are planning to return the visit when they travel to Japan next year!

4

BOSCO TECH’S 47TH ANNUAL MATH COMPETITION

Bosco Tech’s 47th Annual Math Competition drew crowds from elementary and middle school students across the San Gabriel Valley. Nearly 300 eager mathematicians from 25 schools completed the challenging exam on Saturday, Feb 2.

Awards were given for both small and large schools and individual results at the 5-6 and 7-8 grade levels. Congratulations to all the competitors and especially to the top finishers.

Level 1 (grades 5-6) Small schools Large schools Level 2 (grades 7-8) Small schools Large school

Clairbourn School St. Phillip the Apostle School Clairbourn School St. John the Baptist School

CONGRATULATIONS, DR. CAROLINA SCHMEISSER The Bosco Tech family is very pleased to congratulate our own Ms. Carolina Schmeisser, Spanish Language Instructor, on successfully defending her doctoral dissertation this past weekend.

Dr. Schmeisser earned her Ph.D. in Education through Campeche, Mexico’s Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana.

5

COLLEGE WEEK AT BOSCO TECH Bosco Tech’s Counseling Department hosted an informative College Week in mid -February. During the five-day event, admissions experts met with students to offer guidance and insights on the oftencomplex process.

After a keynote address to the entire student body by consultant and former USC Admissions Officer Whitney Enwemeka on Monday, students met by class years for topics related specifically to their place in the admissions process.

Guests from UCLA, Woodbury University, CSULA and the University of New Mexico were on hand.

Thanks to the special guests and the Counseling Department!

Be sure to ask your son what he learned!

UCLA’s Issy Shah Mirza advised the freshman class to plan ahead in their college selection process.

CLASS OF 2019 UPCOMING GRADUATION EVENTS As the end of high school approaches for your senior son, it is time to mark the accomplishment of such a goal; there are many activities planned:  Caps and gowns are already paid through your fees. Fr. Steven Way will be asking for cap and gown measurements around the beginning of March.  Prom will take place on Saturday, May 4, at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Seaview Ballroom. The cost of this formal event is $180 per couple. Installment payments are accepted and all the money is due by Wednesday, April. 17. Payments are non-refundable.  Senior Awards and Farewell is Tuesday, May 21, at 10:40 a.m. This event gives the student body an opportunity to say goodbye to the seniors and recognizes the accomplishments of the senior class. Following the farewell is a luncheon for seniors and their families, at which time club awards are given.

RSVP for the luncheon by Friday, May 17, in the Activities Office.  GradNite will once again take place at the Disneyland Resort on Tuesday, May 28, Partygoers will leave campus at noon and return about 3-4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29. The cost of this event is $160 per person and is non-refundable. The fee includes a Park Hopper ticket and bus transportation. Annual passes and private cards do not work for this event.

These are some events planned for you and your son. If you have questions regarding academic issues, please contact Mr. Ray Chavez in the Counseling Offices at (616) 940-2084. Please contact Fr. Steven Way at (626) 940-2090 or sway@boscotech.edu with questions regarding graduation activities. Once again, congratulations on reaching this milestone in your son’s life.

6

FTC ROBOTICS TEAM SCORES —TWO TEAM MEMBERS EARN SPECIAL RECOGNITION On February 10, Bosco Tech’s FTC Robotics team finished their final competition--the interleague matches--placing 8th among 26 teams from two strong So Cal leagues!

Juniors Lorenzo Pedroza (second photo, far left) and Aaron De Castro's (not pictured) outstanding contributions to the team were recognized with nominations for the title of FTC Tech Challenge Dean's List Semifinalist, an award of the competition for outstanding leadership and dedication.

AMBASSADORS LEAD STEM WORKSHOPS Bosco Tech’s Ambassadors represented our school at Arcadia’s Holy Angels Elementary School on Jan. 28 when the student leaders led STEM workshops for the young student body.

Experimenting with everything from teaching kindergarteners rudimentary chemistry through ice cream making to helping seventh graders design and build spaghetti structures, the young ones enjoyed hands-on projects that were developed and taught by the Ambassadors to explain the entire STEM Design Process in basic terms.

Twenty Tech leaders plus the Admissions Team involved Holy Angels’ entire student body of 300 in the fun! Both groups of students had a memorable time.

“It was amazing to see their eyes light up as they worked to solve the activities we gave them,” said Diego Espinosa, a senior in MAT. “It was a great day to be an Ambassador!”

7

JUNIOR UNITY CEREMONY At the recent Class of 2020 Unity Ceremony, our juniors were presented with their class pins and rings.

Thank you to family and friends who cheered on the class in this important milestone. Special thanks to alumnus Joe Macias (GC '13) who addressed the class, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while remembering the sense of brotherhood and the friendships they are currently creating. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION—2019 GRADUATION VIDEO A DVD of the Class of 2019’s graduation ceremony, including scenes taken before and after the ceremony, will soon be available. The DVD will include highlights of the senior awards ceremony and luncheon, the senior class barbeque, and the baccalaureate Mass, as well as the complete conferral of diplomas.

This is an opportunity to have a record of your son at this important milestone and for him to have a visual reminder of the many friends that have played an important part in his life over the last four years.

At graduation on June 1, as a special bonus to those who purchase the video prior to the day, parents are invited to videotape a brief message to their son to be included in the video. Before the Baccalaureate Mass, there will be two cameramen with microphones in front of the 600 classroom building. See them if you wish to tape your congratulations to your son and the entire Class of 2019.

The cost of each video is $35 (tax included). Send your order form and check to the Finance Office, making checks are payable to Bosco Tech. For information about ordering, call the Finance Office at 626-9402018; for information about the DVD, contact Mr. Brad Stolz at bstolz@boscotech.edu or 626-940-2091.

(Please detach bottom portion and return to the Finance Office with your check.)

Your Name_______________________________ Your Son’s Name________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ City____________________________ Zip ___________________________ Phone Number (______) ___________________________________ Number of videos you’d like to purchase:

1

2

8

3

4

ENGINEERING DAY—BOSCO TECH STYLE ALUMNI & SPECIAL GUESTS INSPIRE STUDENTS In a unique joint event, Bosco Tech and students from our sister school San Gabriel Mission High School celebrated National Engineers Week together on Thursday, February 21.

Our special guests joined their high school hosts for presentations given by respected scientists and engineers, the vast majority of whom are Tech alumni. The speakers, who represented companies like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and The Boeing Company, covered topics like brain implants, roadwork design and effective city planning.

“Engineers Week is a natural fit for a STEMbased school like Bosco Tech,” said Principal Xavier Jimenez. “Hearing from our own alumni who are engineering professionals is an invaluable opportunity for current students, and we are happy to have been able to share that with students from Mission High School as well.”

“Bosco Tech regularly engages industry scientists and engineers to visit the campus and speak about the path to university and their careers beyond. That connection to the ‘real world’ helps to better prepare Bosco Tech graduates for the many opportunities they will have after high school.”

9

EAGLE SCOUT SENIOR CONSTRUCTS CAMPUS SIGN Many thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Christopher Valdivia (CSEE) for making Bosco Tech look so good from all sides. A member of Montebello’s Troop 476, Christopher built his Scout project around the recent design and construction of a Bosco Tech sign at the south side of campus, off Arroyo Drive.

During his freshman year, Chris first noticed that there was not adequate signage on that end of campus and set to work. After getting design approval, he was helped by Tech alumnus and troop parent Mr. Michael Steigmann (EL ‘89) who had a connection with a local signage company. During the sign posting work, Chris was helped by fellow scouts, troop parents and other Tech students including Chris’ brother Jeremy Valdivia (MSET), and Diego Alvarez (MSET) and Aaron Montero (ACE).

“I believe the project benefits the Bosco Tech community to have nice signage in the back of the school, especially since everyone who parks in the back can see the sign and find their way onto campus,” said Chris, who hopes to earn his Eagle Scout rank in March. “I’m glad that the sign came out well and that the project was a success. It makes me happy to know that I could make a difference and leave my mark on the school before I graduate in June.”

DONATIONS FOR GALA EARN DOUBLE SERVICE HOURS! Bosco Tech’s annual Black and Gold Gala – “Evening Under The Stars” will be taking place on Saturday, April 6. The Development team and our wonderful volunteers have been working extremely hard to make this the most successful fundraiser to date. Proceeds will be benefitting students receiving financial assistance.

Will you please consider donating goods or services? We need printed materials, floral centerpieces, decorations, etc. We also need items for the silent and live auctions. Donated items may include: - Gift cards - Theme park passes - Gift baskets - Sporting tickets/equipment - Store certificates - Travel certificates/time shares As you may know, donations qualify as part of the required parent service hours (excluding bingo hours). Donations will earn service hour credit at the rate of two hours for each minimum $35 value gift. So double your service hours, by supporting our students.

Please contact Mrs. Viki Battaglia, Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events at (626) 940-2070 or vbattaglia@boscotech.edu for details. Thank you in advance for helping our students and making this a successful event.

10

BOSCO TECH MUSIC NEWS —BY BAND BOOSTER ADRIANA WALL

Annual Heritage Festival The award winning DBTI Symphonic Band is hard at work rehearsing for the upcoming competition in the 2019 Heritage Festival in Nashville, TN March 28, 2019 through March 31, 2019. Last year, the band brought home the Silver Award for their excellent performance. Join us in wishing our boys the best of luck on their upcoming trip!

Jazz Night Out The DBTI Jazz Band is working extra hours at rehearsal to present Bosco Tech with Jazz Night Out: A Tribute to Motown on Friday April 26, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in Tech Hall. This will be a fun filled night filled with amazing music and exciting sounds. Save the Date!

Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Symphonies for Schools The DBTI Music Program was invited to attend the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Symphonies for Schools program on February 22. Through a generous grant, the group enjoyed “Music of the Movies with Michael Giacchino” at the Disney Concert Hall. Giacchino is an Oscar-winning composer known for his work on “Jurassic World,” “Star Trek” and “The Incredibles.”

Music expresses that which cannot remain silent and that which cannot be put into words.

- Victor Hugo 11

12

/Deadline Extended— Reserve Your Spot Today!

13

14

15

16

17

Golf Classic flyrer

KUDOS TO THE TECH COMMUNITY The students of Bosco Tech have been recognized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for their generosity. Recently, a portion of donations made by our students, coupled with funds raised through recycling, was sent to St. Jude's at the students’ behest.

“The impetus reflects our students' generosity and attempts to beautify campus by recycling,” said Principal Xavier Jimenez. “Bosco Tech students, are by nature, very generous with their monies; the boys are always mindful of the generosity which has been shown them. They give because others have provided so much for so many of them.”

Thank you to our students for their kindness!

18

MARCH 2019 Please note that dates and events are subject to change. Check the school’s full calendar at www.boscotech.edu (see the Upcoming Events box on the lower right side of the homepage) for the latest updates and for events scheduled for later dates.

Mon.-Tues.

Tuesday Wednesday Thurs.-Fri. Friday Sat.-Sun.

3/4-3/5 3/5 3/6 3/7-3/8 3/8 3/9-3/17

Wednesday 3/13 Monday 3/18 Wednesday 3/20 Thursday 3/21 Fri.-Sun. Friday Tues.-Wed. Thurs.-Sun. Tues.-Fri. Tuesday Saturday

3/22-3/24 3/22 3/26-3/27 3/28-3/31 4/2-4/5 4/2 4/6

Third Quarter Exams (Per. A2/B2 & A4/B4) Parent Council meeting at 6 p.m.

Ash Wednesday liturgy (formal dress for all students) Third Quarter Exams (Per. A1/B1 & A3/B3) Locker cleanout for all students Spring Break (no school for students) Office closed Mon. and Fri., open Tues-Thur., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m.

Bingo Wednesday begins at 6:30 p.m.

School resumes International Day assembly at 2:15 p.m.

Parent-Teacher conferences (session 1 at 1:30 p.m., session 2 at 5:30 p.m.)

Youth Day 2019 L.A. Religious Education Congress WCEA in-service day for faculty; no school for students Lenten Reconciliation by theology class Symphonic Band Competition at Heritage Music Festival, Nashville Kairos 89 Parent Council meeting at 6 p.m.

Black & Gold Gala

Cheer On Our Teams!

3/1 3/2 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/8 3/9 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14 3/15 3/16

Baseball v. Verbum Dei 3 p.m.

Lacrosse v. La Cañada 12 noon Golf v. Salesian Baseball v. St. Bernard 3 p.m.

Golf v. Mary Star Track at St. Paul 3 p.m.

Baseball v. St. Monica 3 p.m.

Lacrosse v. Camarillo 12 noon Golf v. Bishop Montgomery Tennis v. Bishop Montgomery Baseball v. St. Genevieve 3 p.m.

Tennis v. St. Monica Golf v. St. Bernard Tennis v. St. Monica Baseball v. Sts. Pius-Matthias Lacrosse v. SLO 12:30 p.m.

3/19

3/20 3/21 3/22 3/24 3/26 3/27 3/28 3/29 3/30 3/31

Baseball v. Verbum Dei Tennis v. Cathedral Volleyball v. St. Paul Track v. Cantwell Tennis v. Bishop Amat Volleyball v. St. Monica Baseball v. Verbum Dei Lacrosse v. Tribe 12 noon Baseball v. St. Bernard Tennis v. La Salle Track v. Salesian Tennis v. Bishop Montgomery Volleyball v. St. Genevieve Baseball v. St. Bernard Lacrosse v. Bkrsfld Rams 10 a.m.

Lacrosse v. Bkrsfld Mustangs 1 p.m.

Lacrosse v. La Cañada 9 a.m.