
7 minute read
Message from the President
from The Gear--May 2023
by Bosco Tech
Dear Bosco Tech Family
Over the past several years, it has been my privilege to update you each Spring on our progress as a school community. It is with a tremendous sense of appreciation and excitement that I report to you that Bosco Tech is strong - and getting even stronger.
There is much to be proud of at Tech too much to include in detail here so I will touch on just a few of the happenings that are made possible through the continued of alumni, parents, and friends of the Tech. If you’d like to read the full update, visit: issuu.com/boscotech/docs/ spring_report_2023
Remembering Our Own. Understanding how much Tech Board member Bishop David O’Connell loved our school, our boys, and wanted nothing more than to see us succeed, his loyal support group, the Unfriendly Sons of St. Patrick, came together with the Tech community, and the O’Connell family to honor his legacy. The gathering was the largest fundraiser in school history, bringing 330 people to our campus and raising over $275,000 for our boys.
Facilities Transformation. We were blessed to undergo a full renovation of our administrative lobby this past summer, transforming the space into a welcoming environment that showcases the innovation of a Tech school and the foundation of our Catholic, Salesian community. We are grateful to the Dan Murphy and Bill Hannon Foundations, whose gifts allowed for this renovation.
Professional Development. As part of our strategic plan, the school made a commitment to invest in a meaningful professional development program for our faculty and staff. To date, we have welcomed four guest speakers and placed special emphasis on the social and emotional impact of the pandemic, screen time and healthy online habits, the college application process, and teaching/parenting during anxious times. Additionally, our campus ministry team constructed two impactful faculty retreats based on Salesian education. This programming has been made possible by the generosity of our donor community, and has had a profound impact on faculty cohesion and the educational program at Tech.
Focusing on the Future. Last November, the consulting firm of Ian Symmonds & Associates conducted an extensive survey regarding co-ed feasibility. Over 900 people were surveyed. In March, Mr. Symmonds presented a comprehensive analysis and review of the findings to our Board and administration. While the findings were favorable to an eventual move to co-education, the Board remains committed to leaving no stone unturned as we continue to explore the possibility. The final vote and decision will occur at the June 13 Board of Trustees meeting. If there is a favorable decision for going co-ed, there will be no changes to the current educational program until the Fall of 2026, at the earliest.
Technology Upgrades. The generosity of our donors allows us to strive to keep our curriculum and equipment relevant and cutting edge. To that end, a major investment of over $100,000 was recently made in our Media Arts and Technology program, providing 30 new, state-of-the-art MSI Aegis tower computers, along with brand new MSI monitors and a full furniture replacement, with customized seating.
Widening Our Reach. In any independent school, enrollment management and the admissions process is the lifeblood of the school’s revenue and ability to grow. Over the past year and a half, major changes have been made to the admissions staff and systems. In 2021-2022, we were fortunate to welcome
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Mr. Tom Hogan as our new Director of Admissions, Mrs. Diana Kelly as Assistant Director of Admissions, and Ms. Samantha Tsai as Admissions Associate. Along with Director of Tuition Assistance, Mr. John Garcia, increased resources have allowed us to transform our admissions process, focusing on a holistic family approach to admissions and enrollment, and widening our reach across the Los Angeles market.
Celebrating Victory. This winter, the community was thrilled by Tech Basketball's historic run to the school’s first CIF Southern Section (Div 5AA) title, defeating Lynwood High School 88-85 in the finals. This team is special, led by Coach Michael Romo (PT ‘10), who has built a trend-setting program from the ground up. We look forward to a bright future for the Tech basketball program - built the right way!
These are just a few of the ways we are growing while keeping our focus on the future of our community. Your generosity provides vital resources that keep Tech in position as a national leader in high school education, and provide our boys with the opportunity to access a nationally-unique program.
This year, I look forward to not only updating you on the progress made in our Strategic Plan, but also to discuss in more detail the next phase in our growth: a new Academic Building that will further accelerate Tech’s reputation not just in Los Angeles - but across the country.
With Golden Dreams and Hopes Abounding, Memo Gutierrez (AU ‘83) President
Graduation Keynote Speaker Alumnus Mario Diaz is Deputy Under Secretary of the Army
The Tech is pleased to announce that the 2023 graduation keynote speaker is alumnus Mario A. Diaz (BT ‘86). Mr. Diaz was appointed as the 21st Deputy Under Secretary of the U.S. Army in October 2021. In that role, he is the principal civilian senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Under Secretary of the Army. He has management oversight of civilian senior leader assignments, the Army Test & Evaluation Executive, and other areas of policy and strategy as identified by Army senior leadership.

Mr. Diaz served as an Infantry officer for 30 years in the US Army, including combat command of both an Infantry Stryker Battalion in Iraq and an Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan. Formative strategic assignments included Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army and Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Mr. Diaz culminated his military career as the Assistant Division CommanderSupport for the 25th Infantry Division and then the Chief of Staff for I Corps.
Post military career, Mr. Diaz served as a Senior Mentor and Highly Qualified Expert with the US Army Mission Command Training Program. He advised commanders and staff at the Army Corps, Division, and Brigade levels during exercises and provided expert knowledge in integrating war fighting capabilities and programs. Additionally, he has served as a Special Assistant for Outreach & Mentorship to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing, leading, and managing plans and programs designed to ensure that the U.S. Army prioritizes talent acquisition commensurate with the American population.
Mr. Diaz is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, the School of Advance Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, and the National War College in Washington D.C. Mr. Diaz also has received a Master of Arts in History. He is married to Shawn Diaz, and they have three adult daughters - Marissa, Shaylin, and Olivia. Please join us in welcoming back to campus Mario Diaz; we’re proud to call you a Techman!
Seniors Nominated for TechnologyAward

Five outstanding seniors have been nominated for Bosco Tech’s Cardinal James McIntyre Award. Given in honor of the founder of Bosco Tech, the award is annually bestowed upon a senior who, in the eyes of the technology faculty, has taken the greatest advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the school. The recipient of this award has demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence in his technological studies, and involvement in the community, while also excelling in their academic studies.
This award encompasses many aspects of a student’s life and reflects the notion that it is through growth and development as a whole person that an individual sets himself apart and pursues a path through life that will lead to spiritual, personal and professional success. The award acknowledges a student’s conviction in all these areas.

Congratulations to the 2022 Cardinal McIntyre Award nominees:
- Architecture & Construction Engineering
- Biological, Medical & Environmental Technology
- Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
- Integrated Design, Engineering & Art
- Media Arts & Technology
- Materials Science, Engineering & Technology
Christian Perez
Aiden Pico
Anthony Battaglia
Dereck Barajas
Noah Pinales
Nicolas Torre
In April, each nominee was interviewed by a panel of technology department chairmen who then selected one recipient. The award winner will be named at graduation and presented with a cash scholarship sponsored by the Bosco Tech Alumni Association. All of the nominees are to be commended for their achievement!
Class of 2023 Valedictorian & Co-Salutatorians Named
This year’s Frank R. Seaver Valedictorian honor has been awarded to senior David Ceballos (CSEE ‘23). Anthony Battaglia (CSEE ’23) and ChristianFigueroa(CSEE ’23) (left to right, below) have earned Co-Salutatorian honors.


“David, Anthony, and Christian epitomize the best of Bosco Tech,” said Tech Principal Jeff Krynen.
“We’re incredibly proud of them. Their hard work, accomplishment, and overall outstanding citizenship make them perfect candidates to represent the class of 2023, a group of gentlemen well prepared for success in life.”
In the fall, David will attend USC, majoring in Biomedical Engineering/Computer Science. Christian is headed to Stanford University where he will major in Public Policy. Anthony is deciding between University of San Diego, UCSB, and Cal Poly, Pomona, and considering an engineering major.
Congratulations to these exemplary young men!
Senior David Ceballos NamedAmazon Future Engineer
Congratulations to Tech senior David Ceballos (CSEE) who has been named a 2023 Amazon Future Engineer. In addition to being awarded a $40,000 scholarship toward an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science, it offers a summer internship at Amazon.com!
In March, David was named a 2023 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship and internship opportunity from Edison International/Southern California Edison.

David is a member of the Tech’s Key Club and National Honor Society. He completed both the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation Summer Fellows Program and a coding internship with SoZango Solutions/Flex Together, an online health community. He is a math and physics tutor both at the Tech and at his local library.
Thank you, Amazon! Thank you,
Senior Nicholas Quezada Earns Eagle Scout Ranking

Congratulations to Tech senior Nicholas Quezada (IDEA) who has earned Eagle Scout ranking. Nicholas, a part of Montebello’s Troop 476, has been working toward the prestigious goal since he was in first grade. For his Eagle project, he created an American flag drop off box so that people in the community are able to place their flags in the hands of people who are able to properly retire them.
“It was a feeling like no other to be able to walk out of my Eagle Scout interview knowing I had completed and earned a rank that only 6% of scouts ever achieve,” said Nicholas. “After graduating from Bosco Tech, I plan to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.”
Nicholas invited Tech community members who are interested in dropping off flags that need to be retired, to please visit the box located at Fire Station 55, 600 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640.
