THE GEAR
Sophomore & Junior Class
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Bosco Tech family--
Please join us on the evening of Saturday, March 8, for the 2025 Bishop Dave’s Blarney & Blessings celebration. Held each year in memory of our beloved trustee and friend, Bishop David O’Connell, this year’s party will change the game--we’re showcasing our talented students and their unique technology programs that set Bosco Tech apart from other high schools.
We’re raising funds before the event and will celebrate all that makes the Tech unique that night! Tickets are available at www.boscotech.edu/stpatricks and we’re offering a very special promotional price for current Tech parents. See page 5 of this issue for details on the parent promo. I look forward to seeing you there!
And speaking of our students’ talents, please take a moment to watch Dylan Casas’ new video at youtube.com/watch?v=Dz30DdDtSm4. A junior in Media Arts & Technology, Dylan has done an amazing job capturing the dedication, collaboration and brotherhood of the FRC Robotics team as they prepare for the upcoming competitions. It also shows how effectively they reach out to younger students in the community who are interested in robotics, programming and code writing. We’re extremely proud of our hardworking students and are very impressed by all they are capable of.
Our seniors are receiving more college acceptances each day. Senior parents, please remind your sons to update their Scoir profile as word comes in. This information is not only vital to our top-notch College Counseling team as they work with underclassmen, but it allows us to celebrate our seniors good news along with you! Please see the senior parent information letter starting on page 7 of this issue of The Gear. There are lots of special activities and events planned for the class of ‘25 and we don’t want you or your son to miss a thing!
I look forward to seeing a lot of you in the coming weeks, starting on March 8, when we celebrate your fine young men!
Memo Gutierrez
President & Tech Alumnus (AU ‘83)
FOLLOW THE TECH
JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Bosco Tech is proud to announce the January Students of the Month. The honor recognizes student success in the classroom, as well as celebrates the outstanding characteristics of our students as citizens of the school community. These students were voted on by their teachers to receive this recognition.
For Grade 9: Nicolas Adalin
This young man is a dedicated student who always does his best in every class. He is one of the most disciplined and proactive freshman in class, always seeking ways to improve and overcome. He greets teachers with a smile and always shows great effort in his classwork.
For Grade 10: Evan Cipriani
This student displays a positive attitude and leadership by contributing to a supportive and productive classroom environment. He is always respectful and helpful to peers, volunteering to assist others, collaborates effectively with group work, and sets a strong example for others to follow. This sophomore’s enthusiasm and leadership have a positive impact on both his peers and the overall classroom dynamic. Super-active in his school’s community events, he balances that with excellence in both academics and athletics.
For Grade 11: Naim Diab
This junior is a great student, who works hard and puts a lot of time into his academics. He is consistently one of the top students in chemistry, responsible in the lab and always conscientious regarding all assignments. He suffered an injury recently, but did not let that be a setback for his continual growth in his classes. He stayed on top of his work despite his many absences due to doctor appointments and kept open a clear line of communication with his teachers. He always lends a helping hand to teachers and peers when needed.
For Grade 12:
What a great senior; very respectful and always kind! He stays on top of his work and makes sure to do the very best that he can. He is always humble and, in terms of his character, lets his actions speak louder than his words. He pushes himself to do more, even when he has already mastered the material, and his questions in and even outside of class reflect continuous curiosity about the world. He is a natural leader, who knows to also allow others to express themselves.
Nicolas Adalin
Seth Guerrero
Naim Diab
Evan Cipriani
INTERNSHIP CANDIDATES PRACTICE
PREPARING FOR JOB INTERVIEWS
Summer is on the horizon and so are summer internships for juniors participating in the Tech’s internship program. To prepare, students are in the midst of finalizing their resumes, drafting compelling cover letters, and practicing for upcoming interviews.
Following a recent intensive presentation on effective communication skills for the interview, students are working on how to best respond to the “Tell me about yourself” question and other tricky inquiries like “Tell me about your weaknesses.” They also learned about elevator speeches, a brief way of introducing yourself and sharing several accomplishments and goals.
At the next Lunch and Learn workshop, juniors will present their elevator speeches in speed interviewing exercises where they will ask each other tough interview questions and critique each other’s responses, body language and overall impression. The group will also work on developing a strong professional presence and demeanor, including lessons in the proper hand shake, making eye contact and utilizing positive body language needed for a successful interview.
In March, Tech administrators will conduct mock interviews with the students and provide constructive suggestions and helpful hints for students to ace professional opportunities in STEM as well as in business, digital media and law.
JUNIOR CLASS UNITY MASS/CEREMONY
HERE’S TO THE CLASS OF 2026!
Congratulations to Tech juniors who celebrated their traditional unity Mass and the blessing of the class rings on Feb. 26. May God bless you, gentlemen!
HELP CHANGE THE GAME FOR STUDENTS
JOIN US ON MARCH 8 WITH A VERY SPECIAL PARENT PROMOTION
We’re celebrating our 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Celebration on Sat., March 8. This event, created by our late board member, Bishop David O’Connell, brings together the Tech community, provides a chance to celebrate, and raises funds for our students.
Although he is no longer with us, we commemorate his legacy through the Bishop David O’Connell Memorial St. Patrick’s Celebration.
We’d be thrilled to have you join us; our goal is to have as many parents as possible attend and participate in the festivities. As a very special incentive this year, we are offering promotional pricing ($95) and a bonus three hours of parent service (per parent) just for you. Looking forward to seeing you on March 8!
Go to www.boscotech.edu/stpatricks for tickets. Once you select your tickets and complete the contact info form, you’ll be taken to a checkout “Summary” page. Select “Click here to enter a Discount Code.” Enter either “PARENTS2025” or “2025TABLE” for special pricing only available to current Tech parents.
SJB FEAST DAY CELEBRATION
The Tech community celebrated the Feast Day of St. John Bosco on Jan. 31. The day featured competitive Spirit Games, the presentation of creative technology floats and all around fun.
Members of the Tech’s Alumni Association and the Parent Council made sure students were well fed throughout the celebration. A hearty breakfast and an on-the-go BBQ lunch made sure the students had energy for the activities. Thank you, all!
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
ROLLING IN
BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS WITH US
USC, Purdue, Temple University--the list of our seniors’ college acceptances is getting very long! Senior parents, as your son receives good news, please remind him to record it in his SCOIR account.
Not only do we want to celebrate with him, but our College Counseling Department carefully tracks this information to help future students.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Christi Gambill at cgambill@boscotech.edu
ON-CAMPUS SAT EXAM IS MARCH 28
CONVENIENT OPPORTUNITY FOR TECH JUNIORS
Following a very successful SAT School Day this past Fall for seniors, the Tech is offering a convenient opportunity for juniors to take the SAT this Spring. They can sign up to take the exam on campus during a school day, Friday, March 28 (https://gofan.co/event/3094253?schoolId=CA18801)
The test is administered online and students can use their own devices; please review the College Board rules regarding what is allowed. Students can indicate on the sign-up form they would like to borrow a laptop from the Tech to test.
Although 80% of colleges and universities (like the UC’s and CSU’s) do not require test scores, many elite colleges have decided to again require them. (Some examples include Caltech, MIT, Purdue, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Dartmouth, Brown, UT Austin, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin.)
Bosco Tech’s counseling department encourages our juniors to take at least one standardized test--either an SAT or ACT--and in providing our students with a Spring SAT School Day, we hope to make the process easier on students and parents. We will also offer an SAT School Day for seniors in October 2025. The exam registration cost is $64 and If you believe you may qualify for a fee waiver, please email Ms. Christi Gambill at cgambill@boscotech. edu.
CLASS OF ‘25 UPCOMING EVENTS
THIS
INFORMATION IS FOR THE FAMILIES OF SENIORS
(Updated 2/27/2025)
March 11-14 – Midterm Exams
Yearbook Sales: buytheyearbook.com School Code: 722051
• Yearbooks will be on sale for $100 until MARCH 14 (Spring Break)
• Deadline to purchase a Senior Dedication is FEB 28
• All Yearbook-related questions: Ms. Bower (LBower@boscotech.edu)
March 17-21 – NO SCHOOL – SPRING BREAK
Tuesday March 25 – Quarter 3 Grades Due
This grade capture is used to calculate senior awards (ex: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Honor Cords & Stoles)
Friday March 28 – Pupil-Free Day – Parent / Teacher Conferences (8-5pm w/breaks)
Monday March 31 - Friday April 4 – College & Career Week – Daily speakers & events
• Tues April 1 – UCLA (What’s Next for Admitted Students) – 1:30-3pm - RSVP on Scoir
• Weds April 2 – Young Alumni Panel – 1:55-3pm – RSVP on Scoir
• Thurs. April 3 – STEM Career Day
• Thurs. April 3 – Pasadena City College Info Session & Application help – 1:30-3pm - RSVP on Scoir
• Friday April 4 – Early Dismissal (faculty-staff inservice)
Tuesday, April 8 - Friday, April 11 – Kairos 98
See Mr. Gaba and Mr. Godinez for details and applications.
Ms. Gambill will also be attending Kairos and will not be on campus on these days.
Friday, April 25 – Spring Salesian Spirit Games
Friday, April 25 – Christian Service Hours Deadline – Mr. Ramirez
Hours turned in after this deadline are not guaranteed to be noted on the Final Transcript, and will not be considered for end-of-year awards. The Class of 2025 is required to complete 75 hours over 4 years to be eligible to graduate.
Thursday, May 1 – Standard Deadline to Accept Admission & Submit Enrollment Deposit to Colleges
Please research & confirm with your schools – some may have later deadlines.
Friday, May 2 – PROM – 7-11pm
Tickets available on GoFan, Michael’s Tuscany Room - 470 W. 7th St. San Pedro 90731
AP TESTING SCHEDULE (senior courses only)
• Tues., May 6 - AP Human Geography (8am) & AP US Government & Politics (12pm)
• Weds., May 7 – AP English Literature (8am)
CLASS OF ‘25 UPCOMING EVENTS
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE FAMILIES OF SENIORS
• Fri,. May 9 – AP Macroeconomics (12pm)
• Mon., May 12 – AP Calc AB & AP Calc BC (8am)
• Tues., May 13 – AP Environmental Science (12pm)
• Weds., May 14 – AP Physics C: Mechanics (12pm)
• Fri., May 16 – AP Spanish Literature (8am)
Thursday, May 15 – Mandatory Grad Nite Information Meeting – Lunch (11:20am - 12:05pm) - Chapel Students going to Grad Nite must attend.
Friday, May 16 – Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22 – Senior Final Exams
Friday, May 17 & Monday, May 19 – Senior Tech Exams (regular class schedule - 8-3:05pm)
Tuesday, May 20, Wednesday May 21 & Thursday May 22 – Senior Academic Exams (no tech classes)
Friday, May 23 – Senior Make-up Exams,
Monday, May 19 – College / Career Shirt Day & Senior Student Life Awards – 2:10-3:05 – Gym
Parents & Family members are welcome to celebrate our seniors who are active in on-campus clubs and service organizations! Students – please wear a shirt with your chosen college / trade school / career on it!
Tuesday, May 20 – Senior Academic Awards Ceremony – 6:00pm-7:15pm – Gym
The Class of 2025 will be honored for academic achievements on the school campus. Formal dress is required for seniors & they may bring up to six guests
Wednesday, May 21 – Cap & Gown Pickup – 11:30-1:30 – Library (after the senior final exams that day)
Thursday, May 22 – Senior Retreat w/ Mr. H in Youth Ministry – 12:30pm - 3:30pm
This is a required event for Seniors who did not attend a Kairos. Lunch will be provided. If you attended Kairos this year, you do not need to come to this retreat.
Friday, May 23 – Senior Make-up Exams
Students who do not need to take make-up exams are excused from attending school on this day. Students who do need to make-up exams must schedule them with their individual instructor(s).
Friday, May 23 – Deadline to submit remediated class transcripts to Mr. Ronan
All credit recovery / make-up courses must be cleared by Friday, May 23 at 4:00pm. Official transcripts must be sent to Mr. Ronan in the Registrar’s Office by this time. Failure to do so will result in the student’s diploma being held until proof of completion is submitted. Be aware that some schools take several weeks to send out a transcript, so please plan ahead.
For those taking classes through Mt. SAC – the deadline to finish their courses is May 22. Failure to finish will result in a grade of F in the class. Work is not rolled over to a new semester.
CLASS OF ‘25 UPCOMING EVENTS
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE FAMILIES OF SENIORS
Monday, May 26 – NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, May 27 – Grad Nite @ Disneyland – 7am – 2:00am
Tickets on GoFan. Turn in a permission slip & copy of your health insurance card to Ms. Gambill. Meet by 7:15am at Youth Min / Student Activities. Bus will transport us to Disneyland, and return to Bosco at approximately 2am.
Tuesday, May 27 – Senior Semester 2 Grades captured at 12:00 noon Counselors will start doing graduation checks as soon as grades are captured.
Friday, May 30 – Graduation Rehearsal, BBQ & Senior Sunset – 4pm - 8pm This is a mandatory event for all seniors. BBQ dinner will be provided. Graduation tickets will be distributed at this time. Each graduate will be given 12 tickets.
Saturday, May 31 – Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony – 5:00pm Students are required to arrive at the gym no later than 4:00pm for a class group photo and to line up. The ceremony begins promptly at 5pm. We conclude at approximately 7:30pm.
Gown return: Graduation gowns must be returned after the ceremony to BMET Lecture Hall, before seniors leave campus. Caps and tassels remain with the graduate. Be sure to remove all pins, cords and awards from the gown. Failure to return the gown Saturday will result in a $125 fee, payable directly to Herff Jones.
Who to contact regarding: Contact Person Phone Email
Yearbooks / Senior Portraits
Graduation Eligibility / Grades
Disciplinary Matters
Kairos
Transcripts
Finances / Tuition
Caps & Gowns / Grad Nite
Service Hours
Ms. Laura Bower
LBower@boscotech.edu
Ms. Christine Gambill 626-940-2038 CGambill@boscotech.edu
Mr. Carlos Plantillas 626-940-2115 CPlantillas@boscotech.edu
Mr. Rob Godinez RGodinez@boscotech.edu
Mr. Richard Ronan 626-940-2020 RRonan@boscotech.edu
Ms. Doris Longoria 626-940-2018 DLongoria@boscotech.edu
Mr. Rudy Herrera 626-940-2087 RHerrera@boscotech.edu
Mr. Miguel Ramirez MRamirez@boscotech.edu
COLLEGE SWEATSHIRT PHOTO DAY
REPRESENT: WEAR YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR CLASS PHOTO
Senior parents, Monday, May 19, is College/Career Shirt Day and Senior Student Life Awards. Please make sure your son has a hoodie, sweatshirt, t-shirt or pennant representing his plans for fall for the now-traditional photo.
The group photo will be taken right before the awards ceremony that begins at 2:10 p.m.. in the gym.
Family members are welcome to celebrate our seniors who are active in on-campus clubs and service organizations!
Please remind your graduate to wear a shirt with his chosen college/trade school /career on it!
36 TH ANNUAL TECH GOLF CLASSIC
Watch social media for details about the 36th Annual Bosco Tech Golf Classic at the Hacienda Golf Club on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.
Called the ‘jewel of the canyon,’ the beautiful and historic private course is located in La Habra Heights. For several years, Tiger Woods held the course record. Line up your foursome--this event will sell out quickly!
BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION--JUNIOR RETREAT
BY
ASSISTANT YOUTH MINISTER BRAD STOLZ
On February 10, the sounds of yelling, laughing, and very excited teen-aged boys could be heard coming from Bosco’s mini mall and football field. They definitely were not the usual classroom-type noises!
The sounds were, in fact, coming from the junior class on their annual retreat (and not the sounds one would expect to come from a typical retreat either). As it turns out, these sounds were coming from the juniors doing two ice-breakers at the start of their retreat.
This retreat started in our chapel with an introduction by Mr. Rudy Herrera (Mr. H), our Director of Youth Ministry, and his team who were all Youth Ministry seniors. Four adult chaperones were also a part of the team. It was followed by the very successful release of energy during the ice-breakers.
The majority of the retreat then took place next door to Bosco at the St. Joseph Retreat Center. The retreat’s aim was to start preparing the juniors for their leadership role at the Tech, which they will inherit in less than four months, and also to begin preparing them for college and adulthood. To this end, they attended the talks of Brother Reegan, SDB (relationship with God), Ms. Gambill (finding yourself), and Mr. H (relationship with life). An outdoor lunch of Magda’s hamburgers and some basketball, football, and volleyball made for an enjoyable break.
The talks were followed back at Bosco’s chapel with a concluding Mass and sermon by our Salesian Director, Fr. Thien Nguyen, SDB. This was a great way to end what was a very fun, but also extremely enlightening day for the Class of 2026.
BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION--SOPH RETREAT
BY ASSISTANT YOUTH MINISTER BRAD STOLZ
February 3 was a very special and exciting day for our sophomore class, as it was the day of their yearly retreat, and there were to be no books or classes. The class retreat was conducted by Mr. Rudy Herrera (Mr. H), Director of Youth Ministry and 20 of the Youth Ministry team, as well as four adult chaperones.
The first half of the day was in Rosemead at Bosco Tech and at St. Joseph Retreat Center, next door. It started in the Tech chapel where sophomores were given an introduction and divided into groups. This was followed by ice breakers on the mini mall and the football field. After having the opportunity to get to know each other better by some fun together, the serious part of the retreat began at St. Joseph’s through a rotation of three talks: two by seniors (Josh Camarillo on family and Evan Cheung on friends) and the third by Mr. H on repentance.
The highlight of the spiritual part of the retreat took place back in the Tech chapel with a Mass and sermon by Fr. Thien Nguyen, SDB, Salesian Director. After a delicious hamburger lunch , two buses took everyone to the second location: Sky Zone in Alhambra. The sophomores bonded with God during the morning, and now in the afternoon, got to bond with each other as individuals and as a class. Their bonding was done by bounding, and that they did with great joy and enthusiasm for about two and a half hours. The end of the day found them tired and sweating, but happy with their new special relationship with God and each other!
ALUMNI VOLLEYBALL GAME
TECHMEN TAKE ON TIGERS IN FRIENDLY FACE-OFF
Alumni had a great time taking on the current Tiger volleyball teams and each other on Feb. 15.
A special treat was watching brothers John Serbin (IDEA ‘22) and Valentino Serbin (IDEA ‘28) face each other on the court.
IN GRATITUDE
The Bosco Tech community is extremely grateful for all recent donations made by generous foundations, organizations and alumni. Among those gifts:
February 2025
Name Amount
Purpose
Bob and Gaye Harris Foundation $ 10,000 Scholarships
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation $ 39,000 Scholarships
Bill Hannon Foundation $ 100,000 Unrestricted
Bosco Tech truly appreciates our benefactors who share our mission to educate young people. Please let us know if you have connections to a charitable foundation, or if your employer has a grant-making program. Contact Manager of Foundation Relations Anne Sigoloff at asigoloff@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2027.
TECHMEN, WE’RE HEADED YOUR WAY
REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Alumni, join us in the coming weeks for networking with your Tech brothers from the area.
Getting together Techmen, no matter where you live--that’s what these free gatherings are all about. No speeches, no fund requests--just an opportunity to catch up with Tech alumni in your neighborhood, enjoy appetizers and a beverage in a low-key setting, and visit with your brothers for a while.
Techmen recently gatheredat Phoenix’ Four Peaks Brewery (left to right): Steve De La Ossa (EL ‘87), John Berilla (ME ‘75), Mark Felix (BT ‘80), Charlie Sullivan (EL ‘95), Leonardo Loo (DR ‘89), Memo Gutierrez (AU ‘83), and Dana Berilla. Next stops--Pasadena, Ontario, Las Vegas, South Bay, Denver and Long Beach. Visit boscotech.edu/alumni/out-of-town-alumni-receptions for details.
MARCH 2025
20th - Pasadena
APRIL 2025
3rd - Inland Empire
10th - Vegas
24th - South Bay
MAY 2025
8th - Denver
22nd - Long Beach
MARCH 2025
Please note that dates, events and locations are subject to change. Check the school’s full calendar at https://www.boscotech.edu/student-life/calendar for the latest updates.
WED 3/5
THUR 3/6
FRI 3/7
SAT 3/8
TUE 3/11
TUE-FRI 3/11-3/14
ASH WEDNESDAY (LITURGY AT 10:35 AM)
EARLY DISMISSAL AT 12:15 PM (FACULTY IN-SERVICE IN PM)
ADMISSION NOTIFICATIONS SENT
S.T.A.R. TUTORING AT 9 AM
ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION AT 5 PM
PARENT COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 PM
THIRD QUARTER EXAMS
WED 3/12 CHIK FIL A VOLLEYBALL FUNDRAISER 3-8 PM (MONTEREY PARK LOCATION)
THUR 3/13 PANDA EXPRESS BAND FUNDRAISER 11 AM-9 PM
THUR-SUN 3/13-3/16
FRC-LA COUNTY REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
SAT-SUN 3/15-3/23 SPRING BREAK (CLASSES RESUME ON MON 3/24)
SAT 3/15
MON 3/17
TUES-THUR 3/18-3/20
TUES 3/18
THUR 3/20
FRI 3/21
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE FOR NEW FAMILIES
SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED (HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY)
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURSE ARE 8 AM TO 3 PM
2025 ADLC CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARDS MASS AT CATHEDRAL
TECH CHEER SIDELINE, COMP TEAM & MASCOT 2025-’26 TRYOUTS 6 PM
SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED
MON 3/24 FOURTH QUARTER BEGINS
WED 3/26
FRI 3/28
SAT 3/29
SPRING SPORTS RALLY AT 2:05 PM
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES 8 AM-5 PM (BREAKS FROM 10:30-11 AM AND 2-3 PM)
PUPIL-FREE DAY
SAT ON CAMPUS FOR SENIORS AT 8 AM DANCE AT 7 PM
S.T.A.R. TUTORING AT 9 AM IN LIBRARY
SUN 3/30 ADMISSIONS EVENT FOR PROSPECTIVE FEMALE STUDENTS 10 AM
MON-FRI 3/31-4/4
MON 3/31
TUES 4/1
SAT 4/5
THUR 4/3
FRI 4/4
SAT 4/5
COLLEGE & CAREER WEEK
MOCK COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CASE STUDIES/MINI COLLEGE FAIR 6-8 PM
PARENT COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 PM
JAZZ NIGHT OUT--BAND FUNDRAISER
STEM CAREERS DAY
EARLY DISMISSAL AT 12:15 PM (FACULTY IN-SERVICE IN PM)
JAZZ NIGHT BAND FUNDRAISER