THE GEAR
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Bosco Tech family--
Ok, so we successfully launched our new school year, got all our boys into their classes, and welcomed the new group of freshmen, the class of 2029. We’ve even had a fireSo what comes next?
It’s evident that the year is now in full swing as students arrive each day with backpacks, musical instruments and sports equipment in tow. Our campus family just completed the Triduum, a threeday dedication of the year ahead to the Lord. The daily bulletin is already full of upcoming activities and events, and our very engaged Parent Council and booster groups are in full drive to make this a successful year for our students.
The stage is set for a great year ahead. We want your son, and your family, to thrive during these years at the Tech. Please take a look at the pages in this issue of The Gear for all the upcoming opportunities to make the most of the Tech experience and know that you son has a whole team here who have his back and will do our part to see him succeed.
Please share the word with family and friends about our upcoming Co-ed Info Session on Sat., Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. This is the perfect opportunity for families of girls in 6-8th grades to learn about the Tech!
Godblessyouandyourfamily,
JeffKrynen
Principal & Tech Alumnus (BT ‘81)
BAND DIRECTOR BRINGS HOME AWARDS
Mr. Sam Hankins has done it again! Mr. Hankins walked away with several top awards at the 2025 Indie Music Channel Awards on August 31. He earned Best Producer, Best Jazz Video under $5,000, Best Special Demo AND Demo of the Year for this latest single “Here We Go.”
The international award ceremony was held at the Hang on to the Dream Theatre in Hollywood, a venue where Sam’s band performed this past summer.
We’re so proud that such an accomplished musician is teaching and inspiring our students!
Read all about Sam and listen to his amazing music at indiemusicchannel.com/profile/ SamHankins.
“DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU”
2026 SALESIAN STRENNA TO ‘BELIEVERS, FREE TO SERVE’
Taken,inpart,fromtheIstituoFigilediMaria Ausillatrice(IFMA)SalesiiansofDonBosco--
In early August, Fr. Fabio Attard, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, announced the theme of the Strenna (annual theme or message, good wishes) for the year 2026: “Fate quello che vi dira” (Do whatever he tells you, believers, free to serve.)
“The Strenna is an opportunity for the entire Salesian family to come together around a particular theme, so that, through prayer and reflection, listening and sharing, the call of each group can find food for its own spiritual, charismatic, and pastoral journey,” Fr. Fabio said.
The expression, “Do whatever he tells you,” draws on the biblical passage of the wedding at Cana (Jn 2: 1-11): “Mary’s words to the servants of Cana contain a pedagogy of listening as well as of responding, a pedagogy that counteracts every form of passive obedience. Mary does not simply say ‘obey,’ but invites personal, active, and pro-active listening, ‘whatever he tells you.’ It is an invitation to trust in the person of Christ, a trust that becomes a gesture of responsibility which in turn generates authentic freedom.”
While the subtitle, “Believers, free to serve” completes the picture by tracing an existential trajectory: freedom is born from faith; service arises from freedom, that is, a freedom that–lived–makes others free.
In presenting the 2026 theme, the Rector Major recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Salesian Cooperators (lay members of the order who commit to living out St. John Bosco’s spirit and apostolate in their daily lives, serving especially young people, the poor, and the marginalized), an anniversary which “is not just a memory of the past, but a relaunch towards the future.”
“Don Bosco imagined a great movement of people who, together with him and like him, could contribute for the good of youth,” Fr. Fabio said. “Well, this is Don Bosco’s dream that continues today. The 150th celebration of the Salesian Cooperators strengthens in all of us the determination to be servants of young people as they face today’s challenges. This determination testifies to our faithful and generous response to the words that Mary addresses to us today, ‘Do whatever he tells you’.”
FOLLOW THE TECH
FR. DAMIEN HO, SDB, ORDAINED
Congratulations to the newest addition to the Tech family, Fr. Quang Damien Ho, SDB, who was ordained on August 16.
Tech faculty, administrators and students, as well as Salesian priests and brothers, were in attendance when Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga, SDB, led Fr. Damien through the invocation of the Holy Spirit during the ordination Mass, celebrated at St. Dominic Savio Church.
Fr. Damien’s Perpetual Profession marked a defining moment in his spiritual voyage. His vows were a public declaration of his unwavering dedication to his faith and his community.
On the Salesian province level, Fr. Damien is directing vocational efforts that requires travel. In addition to serving on the Tech’s Board of Trustees, he will help with on-campus liturgies, reconciliation services, and Youth Ministry as his province schedule allows.
SENIOR PORTRAITS ARE SEPT. 10
Senior parents, please note that portraits of your sons will be taken on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the campus’ multi-purpose room.
This year’s photography team will be Prestige Portraits; they can be contacted through Mr. Rudy Herrera (rherrera@ boscotech.edu).
JAPANESE STUDENTS VISIT TECH
PRACTICING OUR LANGUAGE SKILLS WHILE LEARNING ABOUT CULTURE
Domo arigato to Sensei Ritsuko Rowe and our Japanese language students who hosted nearly 40 students from Shizuoka Salesio Private School, located on the south coast of Japan. The large group of high school students and their instructors and chaperones were practicing their English skills while touring Southern California in mid-August.
During the campus visit, our students hosted a fun gift exchange. Tech students captured the So Cal ambience, giving much-sought-after Trader Joe’s totes and insulated bags, See’s Candies, and In-n-Out merch--SCORE!
Like true Californians, the guests enjoyed In-n-Out burgers with their new Tech friends whose Japanese skills were as impressive as their hosting abilities! And yes, those cheeseburgers transcend borders and were enjoyed by all!
IN GRATITUDE
The Bosco Tech community is extremely grateful for all recent donations made by generous foundations, organizations and alumni. Among those gifts: Name
Henry L. Guenther Foundation
Daughters of Charity
Timothy Sebastian Smyth
Ralph & Carol Hansen Family Trust
Anonymous
RMNJ Family Foundation
$125,000
$ 40,250
assistance
$ 40,000 IDEA 3D printing lab
$ 15,000
$ 10,000
Fund
Fund
$ 5,000 Tuition assistance
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.
ALUMNI, WE’RE HEADED YOUR WAY
COMING SOON TO A VENUE NEAR YOU!
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 lowkey setting, and visit with your brothers for a while. Visit https://www.boscotech.edu/ alumni/out-of-town-alumni-receptions for details.
SECRET TO CHAMPION TEAM’S SUCCESS
BY ASSISTANT CROSS
COUNTRY
COACH BRAD STOLZ
Over the years, the Bosco Tech Cross Country team has been state champion three times, as well as 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the state. Many times, our team has been league champions, and Southern Section Champions. Our secret is tough conditioning and practice starting a few weeks after the school year ends.
This early conditioning is important to avoid injuries at our Annual Big Bear Summer Camp, which was held Aug. 3-8. Traditionally, it’s held right after summer school ends and before the new school year begins. Ours is not the usual kind of camp people picture in their minds when they think of a kid’s summer camp because ours is high altitude training (6,752 feet altitude). The high altitude builds lung power, and the long runs in various conditions build stamina and increase experience, both important in winning our local area races. Getting to know each other and each other’s abilities, as well as camaraderie, are likewise important aspects of having a winning season.
This year, 20 athletes met the challenges of attending our camp. There were about 10 different runs with 13 miles being the longest; 5 athletes completed the full 13 miles. Most ran a total of 40 miles or more. Freshman Winston Chan ran 54.2 miles; sophomore Noah Villanueva ran 70.5; junior Dylan Vo, 72; and senior Nick Renteria, 53.5.
An event such as this took much organization and planning. Head Coach Blayze Fimbres could not do it all by himself. Its success was due to the hard work of too many parents to name all, but especially the booster President Christina Renteria and Vice President Carlos Posada. Keeping so many fed three hot, nutritious and delicious meals a day was the direct responsibility of Alfonso and Sara Aguilar as well as Juan and Ana Marie Camarillo. Accompanying this article are the personal reactions of Freshman Matthew Posada to his first time experiences at this camp:
XC ATHLETE’S PERSPECTIVE
BY FRESHMAN TEAM MEMBER MATTHEW POSADA
This past summer, Big Bear was a refreshing and fun experience for me. At camp I made many new friends and created lasting memories. My favorite part of the trip was the runs in the evening where I knew I would get to go back to camp afterwards and relax. Each morning, we woke up at around six and went on a run which changed daily throughout the week. After this run, we would have breakfast and relax till lunch. As soon as we finished lunch, we would head to our next trail and run as much as we could without overexerting ourselves. As a reward, dinner would usually be ready after these runs.
TEAM’S SUCCESS
CONTINUED
The hardest run at Big Bear was “Moon Ridge”, where I ran 12 miles with my brother, Marcos, and some friends. The trail was long, winding, and uphill for most of the beginning and stayed flat until a sharp decline towards the end of the run. I can still remember feeling parched for water after I had run out early in the run. I was thankful at the end to finally have a drink. Overall, Big Bear was my favorite experience from my whole summer, and I plan on attending next year’s!
COUNSELING, NOT JUST FOR ACADEMICS
In addition to individualized academic assistance, Bosco Tech’s Tech Support program also provides no-cost, caring counseling for students dealing with a variety of issues. The Tech works with Counseling Partners of Los Angeles on campus to help your student and your family thrive and be and feel their very best!
• Counseling can help with a variety of issues (anxiety, self-esteem, etc.) - having someone to talk to can help!
• Counseling Process
--Parent, faculty, or self-referrals can be expressed verbally to the counselors or you can fill out an online referral form.
--Informed consent forms must be signed either through the digital online link or a hard copy can be given to the school/counselor.
• Counseling services are free, and counseling records are private and kept separate from the school/academic records.
• Parent counseling services are also available (please let a counselor know if you are interested).
• Our Counseling Referral Request link will be accessible to the school admin/staff/teachers, parents and students!
Here are the links to the forms, but remember a verbal request is okay, as this form is not mandatory:
• English - https://forms.gle/JjaJn1FNboUeNHwJ8
• Spanish - https://forms.gle/Djt95npLrr9osBmX8
Marilyn Ramos, AMFT, ATR (FSP) (626) 629-8395
Alexis Bueno Monday (909) 833-1626
Axel Rodriguez Valencia Tuesday/Thursday (323) 421-7995
Molly Jamison Wednesday/Friday (323) 364-7575
ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND IS OCT. 10-11
DON’T MISS THE FUN!
A weekend dedicated to our alumni community--Techmen from all over the world are cordially invited to join us on campus the weekend of October 10-11 for the 2025 edition of Techmen Reunion Weekend.
The festivities begin on Friday, October 10, with the All-Alumni Cocktail mixer.
The fun continues on Saturday, October 11, with the individual class reunions, celebrating the milestone anniversaries of several years.
All events will be held on campus, and spouses and significant others are always welcome! Visit https://www.boscotech.edu/reunion2025
HONORING AN ICON ON OCT. 10
CELEBRATE TECH BASKETBALL LEGEND WITH US
TECH ALUMNI, ARE YOU HEARING FROM US?
An exciting part of the Tech’s annual Alumni Reunion Weekend will be a very special recognition of Tiger Basketball legend and two-time All American Wayne Engelstad (PH ‘85) on Friday, October 10..
A vital part of the Tech’s champion team, Wayne helped the 1984 Division I team shoot to #12 in the nation with his skill, averaging 25.3 points per game. He and his ‘85 classmates are celebrating their 40th year reunion during the weekend--don’t miss the fun!
If you or a Techman friend is not hearing about upcoming alumni events, please make sure we have your current contact information. Visit www.boscotech.edu/alumni/info.
Saturday, October 18th
Set-up: 7am - 8:30am • All guests: 9am - 2pm
Saturday, October 18th • Set-up: 7am - 8:30am • All guests: 9am - 2pm Don Bosco Tech • 1159 San Gabriel Blvd • Rosemead, CA
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD
• ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE STUDENT CAR CLUB •
VEHICLE REGISTRATION:
Open to all cars: Classics, Street Rods, Project Cars, Trucks, Sports Cars, Antiques
$45 - Early Bird Registration through October 10 • $55 Late Registration
Check-in-time: 7am - 8:30am • Cars cannot be moved between 9am - 2pm School event. Please no alcohol
VEHICLE INFORMATION:
Make check payable to: Don Bosco Technical Institute On-line registration and payment, go to: https://gofan.co/event/4100440?schoolId=CA18801 SIGNATURE:
Signature of participant (Entrant must be 18 years old. If under 18, parent or guardian must sign. YEAR: MAKE:
The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Don Bosco Technical Institute and its employees, sponsors, and volunteers and all other contestants and officials from any and all liability arising out of said events. I indemnify and hold harmless Don Bosco Technical Institute their respective officers, director, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, losses, or liabilities arising or which may or might arise directly or indirectly out of or by reason of, the use or occupancy of the property of Don Bosco Technical Institute by myself or my agents. I state that I am the owner of the car(s) which I have entered in this show, that I do carry liability insurance on said car and that said insurance is currently in effect.
SEPTEMBER
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.
MON 9/1
TUES 9/2
WED 9/3
SAT 9/6
MON 9/8
TUES 9/9
WED 9/10
THURS 9/11
FRI-SUN 9/12-9/14
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (SCHOOL CLOSED)
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COLLEGE VISIT SESSION FOR SENIORS
PARENT COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 PM
HERFF JONES JUNIOR RING / JACKET ORDERS 6:30-8 PM
DROP-IN COLLEGE APP HELP 9AM-1PM
36TH ANNUAL TECH GOLF CLASSIC AT HACIENDA GOLF CLUB
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
SENIOR FIELD TRIP TO NACAC COLLEGE FAIR
SENIOR PORTRAITS
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
FRESHMAN PARENT COLLEGE INFO NIGHT AT 5:45 PM
TECHNOLOGY INFO SESSION #1 AT 7 PM (MANDATORY FOR FRESHMAN PARENTS)
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
CATHOLIC SCOUT RETREAT ON TECH CAMPUS
TUES 9/16 L.A. CATHOLIC PRAYER BREAKFAST AT CATHEDRAL AT 8 AM
WED 9/17 END OF TECH ROTATION 1 (GRADE 9)
THURS 9/18
FRI 9/19
SAT 9/20
START OF TECH ROTATION 2 (GRADE 9)
CHARACTER ASSEMBLY
12:15PM DISMISSAL FOR STUDENTS (AFTERNOON FACULTY INSERVICE)
CITADEL SHOPPING EXTRVAGANZA BAND FUNDRAISER
MON-FRI 9/22-9/26 SPIRIT WEEK
TUES 9/23
TUES-THURS 9/23-9/25
THURS 9/25
SAT 9/27
SUN 9/28
TUES 9/30
WED 10/1
THURS 10/2
FRI 10/3
SAT 10/4
LEADERSHIP DONOR DINNER AT 6 PM
NORTHERN CA COLLEGE TOUR
HOMECOMING AND FALL SPORTS RALLY 2:15-3:15PM
CITADEL SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA BY BAND BOOSTERS
MOTHERS’ TEA HOSTED BY PARENT COUNCIL
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID INFO NIGHT AT 6:30PM
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA ON CAMPUS AT LUNCHTIME
WOODBURY UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO REVIEWS & FEEDBACK 1:30 PM
DROP-IN COLLEGE APP HELP 9AM-1PM
COED INFORMATION SESSION 10:00AM-12:30 PM