BRAVO NEWS • 1
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BRAVO MEDICAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL | LOS ANGELES, CA | VOL. XXIX, ISSUE XV | WWW.BRAVOWEB.LAUSD.NET| October 2019
SAT Day By Azucena Hilario
On Wednesday October 16, the classrooms of Bravo were filled with testing students. In late September, the Bravo administration announced via Schoology that all grade levels would be taking either the SAT or PSAT. Students were expected to test in their first period classroom unless they received a summons to report to another class. Unlike previous years where freshmen and seniors spend the day in the park while sophomores and juniors take the PSAT, this year, schoolwide, everyone took some form of the test. Freshmen took the PSAT 9, sophomores and juniors, the PSAT and seniors, the SAT. This is the second time the class of 2020 has been given the opportunity to take the SAT at school without using their fee waivers provided by the College Board. This was an opportunity for seniors to take the SAT for Cal Sates, if they have a GPA less than 3.0, it was important for them to have tried their best and achieve the highest score possible. This SAT score can also be used for superscoring fro privates and scholarships.
By Laura Gueta
By: Samantha Soto and Amy Morales
For the first time at Bravo, Ms.Espinoza and her theater class have decided to bring the Halloween spirit to the hallways of Bravo. This October 30th, students from the theater class have organized a free event for all students, staff, and parents to enjoy. From 5 to 6 pm, all students will showcase their work on the third-floor hallways, but wait there’s even more! The students have decided to bring even more excitement to this event by dressing up as monsters according to the theme of their door. When asked about the benefit of this event, Marisol Diaz, a theater student participating in this event, commented, “ This event will benefit Bravo Knights by allowing them to de-stress from all the workload and will additionally give them the opportunity to have fun a day before Halloween.” Ms. Espinoza, teacher of the theater class and coordinator of this event, explained how the students are putting up posters on every teacher’s door across the 3rd floor hallway. To add on, when describing the event she commented how these doors are supposed to represent portals into different worlds of spooky. Some of the themes being showcased are based on movies like The Mist, literary works such as Inferno by Dante Alighieri, or themes the students came up with themselves. As Ms.Espinoza said, “This event will really help create some school spirit because sometimes we lack that due to the reason that we don’t get together or just celebrate for the sake of it, so this is a great opportunity for students to express their creativity and have some fun.” Hopefully this continues and becomes a tradition here at Bravo.
Bravo’s Honoring Tree By Noemi Pedraza & Jazmin Anguiano
Nearly a year ago, the original tree that honored the deceased members of the Bravo community, did not survive the summer of 2018, due to the construction work being done in the Senior Patio. The tree, along with a plaque, originally honored the memory of Cesar Chavez, a beloved and esteemed English teacher, who passed away too early in his life. As time passed, however, the tree became a token of remembrance, honoring the lives of Bravo Knights who passed before fulfilling their dreams. A couple of months ago, Bravo’s senior patio was under construction, and the tree was unable to survive . Unfortunately, the tree did not survive because of broken pipes, and as a result some plants were not watered. Luckily, Mr.Gomez, one of the assistant principals, took the initiative to continue honoring the fallen members by dedicating a new tree to these knights. “The tree is reflective of Bravo culture in respect and honor of the students and staff,’’ said Mr. Gomez.
Bravo’s Parent Conferences
Hall of Horrors at Bravo
He wanted to honor the teachers with a new living plant in the senior patio so he purchased a new memorial tree online. When the tree finally arrived by school mail, he recruited three dedicated students to help him plant it after school.These three students are Melissa Santos, Lindsay Mondido, and Elvira Rabadon. The three students who helped maintain the tree are also part of Bravo’s cheerleading team.
They recall Mr. Gomez recruiting them for a “special” project, unknowing of the endeavor they were going to participate in. Planting the tree took approximately a day to do so, but the students continued to help by maintaining the tree. The girls believed the tree had an impact on their lives, as it allowed them to see how fast one’s life can change. “It really put my life in perspective” The tree honors the memory of Thuy Tran, Mr.Chavez, Daisy Armas, and Dr.Pace as well as several other knights who did not live long enough to fulfill their dreams.
Democracy in its finest form at Bravo By: Mia Crespo & Silvia Lopez
During the early morning of October 24th, Mr. Fritch’s 1st, 2nd, and 6th period government classes got a taste of true American Democracy. For the past week, students have been campaigning for the chance at winning the “Presidency”.
On October 16 and 17, 2019, Bravo opened its doors to all the students’ families. Each day provided two distinct time selections where Parents were welcomed. On October 16, encouraged Parents to arrive late in the evening, while October 17 was an opportunity for students to have early dismal in order for parents to come during the early afternoon. Without a doubt, Parent Conferences grant students, parents, and teachers to interact one-on-one about the fall semester. As well, since every teacher tends to be present for both conference dates, Guardians contain the chance to receive up to least six different perspectives from their child’s progress. Naturally, parents are particularly interested in their son’s or daughter’s academics or their classroom behavior. As well, instructors generally suggest solutions in areas where students need the most improvement. Along with Parent Conferences taking place, each class level took advantage to raise money for their peers. Students had a diverse menu that involved foods and beverages such as pizza, conchas, boba, coffee and much more which helped the event run lively. Bavo will host Parents Conferences once again till Spring Semester, see you then! Most participants were from the following parties: Republican, Democratic, Green, Independent, etc. Because elections are next Monday, these parties now had to host a debate in order to spread their messages in hopes of winning the election. Within the debate there were many questions and discussions around topics such as abortion, immigration policies, gun control, equal rights, and many more. For example, the Constitution party was questioned about their stance of banning abortions. Their response claimed that the constitution states all lives should be taken into consideration regardless if it’s a fetus or an older person. This then sparked a longer conversation which spread among the other parties, such as The Libertarian Party that stated “Women should have the right to choose what they would like to do with their body when they would like to.” From this experience Bravo students were able to see how our government functions as well as how the presidential election really works.
2 WORLD
VOL. XXIX, ISSUE XV
IMPEACHMENT
October 2019
WORLD
By Jazmin Anguiano
Recently during this week, the United States of America witnessed an issue relating to an impeachment inquiry due to the “Trump-Ukraine scandal” which commenced with a whistleblower’s report about Trump’s Ukraine call. However, it was not just the report of this whistle blower that helped reveal the scandal to the public. A new Associated Press Story reveals Trump’s intention to ally with Ukraine in exchange for natural gas deals. While New York Times reveals a second whistleblower, a CIA male officer, who reported a first-hand experience about Trump’s Ukraine dealings. As a result, Trump reacted immediately by posting his opinions about the whistleblower on his Twitter account. Subsequently, his criticism was unconvincing since investigators discovered that the second whistleblower’s reports were accurate. Correspondingly, throughout the scandal the Associated Press continued to explore if Trump’s allies were trying to receive profit. Indeed the story from the Associated Press’s Desmond Butler, Michael Biesecker, and Richard Lardner presents,“[A] circle of businessmen and Republican donors touted connections to Giuliani and Trump while trying to install new management at the top of Ukraine’s massive state gas company [Naftogaz]. Their plan was to then steer lucrative contracts to companies controlled by Trump allies, according to two people with knowledge of their plans.” To this end , the scandal of impeachment shows Trump’s abuse of office where money is made in Ukraine; also, it demonstrates the intentions of Trump and his allies to recieve part of the profit.
Primary Elections By Noemi Pedraza
Primary Elections are elections where voters can indicate their preference for a specific presidential candidate, and they’re already being held nationwide in preparation for the presidential election of 2020. Each state usually hold their primaries on different dates before the presidential election. Iowa and New Hampshire usually are the first ones hosting primary elections, winning one of these states gives the prospective candidates momentum. Currently, despite there being several democratic candidates, 3 democratic candidates are leading the way: Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders. Elizabeth Warren is doing steadily well among the polls while Biden and Sanders face problems of their own. Biden is engulfed in the scandal regarding Ukraine and Sanders is recovering from a heart procedure. On the other hand, unlike the Democrats, the Republicans only have a handful of candidates, and the party is leaning support towards the President. In fact, many states have eliminated GOP primary elections in order to illustrate support towards the President.
Dia de Los Muertos and Ofrenda By Hermes Agustin Jr.
As for most of us who watched the Disney and Pixar film, COCO, we are familiar that it’s based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The celebration is from October 31st to November 2nd. Each of these days is meant to celebrate those who died at a certain age with November 1st being in honor of children and infants, and November 2, adults and the elderly. The evening of October 31st is quite interesting with some families because this is when it is believed that the souls of children arise at midnight. The Ofrenda (Offering in Spanish) is a huge part of the holiday because of its important role for most families. Its mainly used by families who lived outside of Mexico since most cemeteries are closed in the evening or loved ones are laid to rest far away. Its origins are traced back when the Aztecs’ culture mixed with the Christian faith as a result of the Spanish conquest. There are three tiers to the ofrenda. The bottom is reserved for candles and soap, a bowl of water, and a mirror for the dead to wash up once they arrive at their Ofrenda. The middle is usually there for the departed’s favorite items (alcohol for the adults and toys for young kids) and food (mole, candy, pan dulce, Pan de Muerto), and the top includes a photo of the dead, a Virgin Mary figure and crucifixes.
Human Organ Harvesting in China By Izcalli Hernandez
On October 1, 2019 the UN Human Rights Council was told China has been harvesting human organs from ethnic and religious minorities. While China is on trial, it has been stated that the country had been gathering human organs from prison camps filled with 1.5 million people from different ethnic and religious minorities such as Uighur Muslims. According to the China Tribunal, a group backed by an Australian human rights charity that is investigating the issue, these horrific harvestings have increased China’s transplant trade which is worth approximately $1 billion a year. Survivors from the prison camps have come forward to concur with the China Tribunal; they have spoken of physical examinations, x-rays, and blood tests being performed on prisoners to ensure they would be healthy and good enough to have their organs. However, this is not the first time China has been accused of human organ harvesting. In the 1990s, China was accused of harvesting organs from Falun Gong, a religious minority who are prosecuted greatly in China. This was brought up again in 2001; China was brought under the spotlight when a rapid increase of organs came about to be transplanted. Now that a high amount of China harvesting human organs has been proven, the China Tribunal is finding a way to stop the prison camps and save prisoners from their grotesque death.
Playlist of the Month
It’s finally October! Also known as hoodie season and the season to vibe out with some mellow music. In this playlist, you’ll be able to find a myriad of genres, from mellow, to pop, oldies, and many more. I hope you enjoy-Silvia Lopez.
Check Your Halloween Candy By Luz Sandoval
Who- the trick or treaters When-HALLOWEEN Why- Kids have been poisoned Where- worldwide What- Parents should check their child’s candy Halloween always comes once a year on October 31st and most children and their families like to go trick or treating. It’s important to always have cautions of the candy that strangers give to you and let your parents check your candy before unwrapping. There have been years back where children died from eating candy from Halloween for,In 1970 Kevin was a five year old that got heroin overdose by eating Halloween candy. Some tips for health safety for this Halloween make sure they are wrapped goodies with no holes in them because people can easily poisoned them with needles. Always make sure you’re looking out for your kid not to eat the candy that night until a guardian checks the candy before eating.Have spooky Halloween and be safe.
3 ENTERTAINMENT VOL. XXIX, ISSUE XV
ENTERTAINMENT
October 2019
Weekly Horoscopes #1
The Origin of Halloween
By: Samantha Soto Gonzalez
By Briana Soto
This week Aries be confident in your abilities, chances are high that you will succeed in impressing your teachers and/or peers. This week Taurus if you have a creative side work on new and old projects with confidence, the moon is aligned in your favor. This week Gemini be ready to show off your skills chances are high that you will be asked to demonstrate the ability of your skills. This week for the Cancer’s in love, you will be facing a strong emotional or educational situation with your partner which will connect you further with them. This week Leo, if you work, be sure to explore new opportunities in your field of work. This week Virgo, if you’re in a relationship, take initiative and take them out on a date but don’t lose focus of your studies. This week Libra, familial bonds will be restored but only if you open up your heart to mending the broken bonds, you will experience a challenging event with them that will bring your closer together. This week Scorpio, if you have children or people you consider your responsibility be prepared to help them with their problems and offer advice, this will bring you closer together. This week Sagittarius, if you find yourself in a leadership position make sure to dedicate extra time and energy into your project. This week Capricorn, be sure to stop procrastinating and finish your work because you should take this weekend to relax and practice forms of self care. This week Aquarius, if you find yourself worried about your financial situation takes the time to fully evaluate your situation, chances are very high that there is a solution in sight. This week Pieces, you have previously faced many stressful situations that will force you to make a decision this week, the choice is whether to continue with unhealthy coping mechanisms and change to healthier ones; if you choose the former be sure to have the support of a trustworthy friend.
The origins of the annual holiday, Halloween, can be traced back to the ancient times with the Celtic festival of Samhain. The festival of Samhain was a Pagan religious festival, typically celebrated from October 31st to November 1st. The Celtic people believed that during this time, the veil separating our world from other worlds, specifically the world of the dead, would come down, allowing more connection between humans and any other denizens. Halloween day, formally known as Hallows Eve, was the day in which the interconnectedness between our worlds was the strongest, thus the Celtics turned to different celebrations as a form of safety from any harm. For example, the Celts began to sacrifice animals and crops in fires, in order to protect themselves from what they believed were evil spirits. During this period of time, in the later middle ages, people turned to carving turnips and lighting them, as a means of protecting themselves from any unwanted spirits, fairies or witches. That tradition soon changed and pumpkins began to be carved as they were much bigger than turnips, thus they believed they’d scare away more spirits. Through the brief changes in lighting fires and carving crops, one characteristic did not change: people still wore costumes. The Celtics started by dancing around the fires in costumes and to this day, people still wear costumes while trick or treating. Trick or treating was a tradition that came later, when the Romans conquered the Celtic people and combined the holiday of Feralia in which apples would be exchanged in honor of the goddess of fruit and trees, Pomona, with Samhain.
Frank Ocean’s Exclusive Interview with W magazine By Laura Gueta
Singer-songwriter Frank Ocean has kept a reputation for not giving public announcements or interviews, W Magazine recently released an exclusive interview with the artist. Ocean has occasionally dropped singles like “Chanel” and “Provider” and attended popular celebrity events such as the Met Gala or the Paris Fashion Week. But when asking the artist a glimpse on any release dates for any major projects, he had nothing to offer - he simply responded, “No.” Nevertheless, Ocean talked about his recent interests, political activism, artist expression, and new excitements. Being born and raised in New Orleans, Frank Ocean revealed how he has been long-time intrigued by the different New Orlean nightlife scene trends along with other major city trends like Chicago or Detroit. From that, Ocean explained how the bounce from “the many different interactions of nightlife…” has served as inspiration for his creative process. Next, the singer spoke about his excitement for having the opportunity to continue his political activism after giving individuals fresh t-shirts from swing states for proving they voted in the 2018 midterm election. Frank then confessed that he before was focused on showing strength in vulnerability in his music, but he now disagrees with that artistic expression. Currently, Ocean instead is “more interested in lies..give me a full motion-picture fantasy. ” Furthermore, the sixtime Grammy nominated artist who is known for working alone has done efforts of surrounding himself with more musicians or how he puts fit, “...be in spaces where I’m not the expert.’’ As well, he commented that he receives inner satisfaction in the process of working with other creative personnel. Altogether, Frank Ocean remains experimenting and participating in producing art.
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Anabella Ruiz Jazmin Anguiano Valentina Guevarra Izcalli Hernandez Samantha Soto Andy Garcia Briana Soto Laura Gueta Hermes Agustin Luz Sandoval Daniel Mendoza Amy Morales Azucena Hilario Noemi Pedraza Silvia Lopez Kheiry Venegas Esmeralda Lemus Mia Crespo
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