March 2011

The Blue and Gold http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Malden High School Volume 96 Edition 6

Our 96th Year March 2011

Opinion 2-6 World News 7-9 Local News 10 - 15 Entertainment 16 - 17 Sports 18 - 24

Play Production Reaches Finals W

hen most people at Malden High School think of March, generally they think of the annual Junior Varieties Show. But March is not just a month for JVs -- it is a month for a different stage production as well; March is dedicated to the annual Drama Fest.

While MHS competes every year in Drama Fest, this year is the first in seven that the MHS Play Production has moved on from the preliminaries to the semifinals.

Even more importantly, this is the first year in recent MHS history that PlayProduction has moved on to the finals. But here is the real kicker: they did so with the play American Land, a production created and written by the cast and crew of Play Production -- in other words, it is entirely student-written.

“I am thrilled,” stated Walsh about moving on to finals. “It is wonderful that the students are getting recognized for their hard work, talent, writing, and personal stories. … I want to [congratulate] the kids for writing such an honest show, and

also for their professionalism, their work ethic, and their respect for one

Japan Struggles

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n the morning of Friday March 11, 2011 Japan was struck with a devastating earthquake, followed by an extremely destructive tsunami. Japan endures earthquakes regularly, but none have ever reached this magnitude in recorded history which spans 140 years. The 8.9 earthquake stunned the whole island of Japan, and left the country paralyzed with 50+ aftershocks that are

still occurring, mostly averaging at the magnitude of 6.0. Tsunami warnings were broad-casted in several other countries such as Russia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Chile, and the Philippines.

Once the quake ended, and the Japanese thought nothing else could be made worse, they were flooded with several tsunami

Protests in the Middle East - page 9

continued on page 7

another. Their show is a multi-faceted, intelligent, risky, [and] difficult

piece of theater, and they handle [it] continued on page 12

New Wellness Policy

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any students, faculty, and parents have been discussing the new wellness policy went into effect on March 14, 2011 in all Malden Public Schools as well as other schools around the nation.

Within the policy, there exist some basic rules: discouragement of food being given as rewards in class, prohibition of the sale of food unless it is 30 minutes before or after school, and the banning

Baseball - page 21

of unhealthy foods such as those sold in vending machines. During school, the food has to meet specific requirements, and candy can no longer be sold on the school campus. Although senior privileges will still be available, seniors are not allowed to bring food back to campus from off-campus sites unless the food meets regulations. continued on page 14

Swimming State Tournament - page 18

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Editorials

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Malden High School

The Blue and Gold 77 Salem St. Malden, MA 02148

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF João Nascimento Nidale Zouhir MANAGING EDITORS Brittany Foley Alexandra Mathieu HEAD COPY EDITOR Brittany McFeeley ONLINE EDITOR Omar Khoshafa HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Cristina Peters HEAD WORLD NEWS WRITER Dan Holmqvist HEAD ENTERTAINMENT WRITER Reginah Sanyu HEAD SPORTS WRITER Alfonse Femino HEAD OF BUSINESS Alexander Gennigiorgis HEADS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren Benoit Sharon Lee HEAD OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Kayla Bramante COPY EDITORS Haley DeFilippis Catherine Poirier Megan Kelly Natalie Fallano Paige Yurek Joshua Kummins REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Broomstein Kaela Bryan Freddie DiPhillipo Johanna Lai Kristen Leonard Jacob Martino Vicki Ngan Amalia Quesada Nylen Timothee Pierre Amanda Rosatone Joel Stevenson Lesley Ta ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

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Fleeting Addiction

unisia. Yemen. Egypt. Yemen again. Libya. Wisconsin. Charlie Sheen. Japan. Libya again. A day or two of Rebecca Black. Libya.

As a collective whole, the United States has gone from wholly apathetic to the rest of the world’s problems to captivated by the selfless revolutionaries in the Middle East to utterly addicted to the 24 hour news cycle.

This began, of course, way back in August of 2010 when 33 miners were trapped in a mine in Copiapó, Chile, causing the rest of the world’s collective ear to perk up momentarily, then settle back into place for over two months until the rescue of the miners in October captured the attention span of over 10 million people in the US alone. CNN’s ratings surged for the first time in months, averaging 5 million viewers during the first fifteen minutes of the rescue.

Then, for about three months, everything seemed to return to normal. People got their news from Yahoo or E!; Twitter trending topics remained resolutely Justin-Bieber-related; local news stations covered the premiere of the new Harry Potter movie and celebrity divorces. Though crazed dictators and repeals of unjust laws caused momentary blips in the nation’s otherwise flat news-related heart rate, the focus remained on Miley Cyrus’s use of the (entirely legal) drug Salvia.

But then, on Dec. 18, 2010, a Tunisian protester named Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire and something miraculous happened: people cared.

Though initially, the response was almost nonexistent and reported mostly on international news networks like the BBC and Al-Jazeera, as the protests in the Middle East grew, so, too, did the amount of news time dedicated to covering them. When Egyptian protestors fought to expel President Hosni Mubarak, people all over the internet tuned in to watch and cheer them on. When pro-union protestors in Wisconsin fought to maintain their collective bargaining rights, Americans watched and conveyed their agreement or disagreement with Governor Scott Walker.

As a result, Al-Jazeera English – a channel not readily available in the US – has installed a livestream on its website providing live (and ballsy) footage from North African protests. Meanwhile, BBC News’s livestream showed direct and terrifying footage from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan.

And the US, for once, found itself watching and caring about the outcome.

The problem with this newfound, otherwise helpful addiction to the news is not so much its existence as its fleeting nature. Egypt has already faded from our radar despite new advancements in its political system. Even Japan with its nuclear crises and 10,000 death toll is less of a front-page headline with yet another war at hand and the recent release of explicit photographs taken by American soldiers of dead Afghan civilians.

Yet these stories remain vital to the future of the world, democratically and environmentally speaking.

The fact remains that while stories seem to fade in magnetism as time goes on, they are not over; rather, they tend to become more important when we stop paying attention to them. The voting in Egypt alludes to rising Islamist power in the region, but responses to this voting allude to a lack of stability despite democratic reforms; for example, presidential frontrunner Mohamed El Baradei was attacked when trying to vote in favor of these reforms, tweeting that the attacks by “organized thugs” were “disgusting” and that “holding [a] referendum in absence of law [and] order is an irresponsible act.” Meanwhile, nuclear concern in Japan has led to discussions about clean energy and what it entails, as well as discussions regarding the reliance of several other countries on nuclear energy.

This is not to say that the protests in Libya and the United Nations’ response to them are unimportant; rather, the nature of the news coverage of these attacks reflects a sort of anti-apathy that has taken the US by storm. While people care (or at least care long enough to turn on CNN for a few minutes instead of MTV), they do not care for extended periods of time, and certainly not long enough to allow full stories to develop. This leads to a lack of information regarding political developments in the US and worldwide, contributing to the Information Age’s astoundingly large group of mis- or un-informed Americans. Unfortunately, news stations, news websites, and newspapers do not boast this neglected news on their front pages; as a result, in order to be properly informed about the happenings in the rest of the world, one must read beyond the headlines and past the stories constantly conveyed through cable news stations to the seemingly less important news briefs tucked into the end of newscasts.

Nidale Zouhir Co-Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Policy The Blue and Gold is an open forum for student expression. It is produced by students for the school and the community. The views presented in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor or the school administration. The views presented in the editorials are those of the editors-in-chief or guests. The goal of The Blue and Gold is to inform and entertain students as well as the community regarding issues that we feel are important.

We strongly encourage readers to respond to material printed in the form of signed letters to the editors. No libelous, malicious, defamatory, obscene, or unsigned material will be printed.

The Blue and Gold reserves the right to edit the letters. Names may be withheld upon request. Not all letters will be printed.

Although The Blue and Gold appreciates the support of advertisers, we may refuse any advertisement that violates the above policy or that promotes products questionable to student use.

Any correspondence concerning this publication should be directed to Mr. Ryan Gallagher’s room in C339 or to his mailbox in the main office.

The Blue and Gold c/o Malden High School 77 Salem Street Malden, MA 02148

The Blue and Gold staff holding the first place award for Excellence in News Writing from the Suffolk University Greater Boston High School Newspaper Competition on March 10, 2011. Photo by Ryan Gallagher.

Corrections: Page 1 - The photo of the Malden High School Swimming Team is Sophomore Elyse Valente, not Amalia Quesada Nylen.

Page 15 - Senior Ekaterina Taunova was not mentioned as a Gold Key Winner.

Corrections to the editor can be submitted to theblueandgold@gmail.com

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Letter to the Editors Jeraldine Scibelli Senior

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s an eighteen year-old entering the workforce, I was distraught when I heard that Republican Governor Scott Walker passed the antiunion law in Wisconsin banning unions’ rights to collective bargaining, which goes against American values. It constitutes the stripping of American workers’ rights to be heard and considered by the government.

The AFL-CIO was founded to give working people a voice, a voice that came in the form of collective bargaining; their goal was not purely for a pay increase, it was to improve working conditions and long hours, and, in the case of teachers, allowed them to teach freely in the classroom, giving them the right to teach multiple points of view without fearing the repercussions of teaching a controversial subject such as evolution. They were given this freedom through the enactment of the Wagner Act of 1953, which applied rights of citizens - defined in the Bill of Rights - to workers in the workplace. Workers were, for the first time, allowed to “prosecute employers for unfair labor practice,” which worked to regu-

late and keep big business ethical.

By giving the union members a voice, the Wagner Act improved working conditions for everyone in the US and made our conditions a source of envy to many other countries. By stealing away union workers’ collective bargaining rights, Walker is stealing their rights as Americans. The Republican Party claims to represent the average man, which was the focal point in the 2008 elections when Senator John McCain spoke avidly of Joe the Plumber - who was meant to represent the average worker - yet they act to outlaw the rights of 15.8 million union workers in America.

Pretty ironic. Walker claims this “action will save jobs, protect taxpayers, reform government, and help balance the budget,” but again, his actions are filled with irony. To pass the bill, he cut out the parts that had anything to do with the budget, but he did that only after the Democratic senators (who had fled to Illinois) did not respond to his threat of firing 1,500 public workers. But this madness could all have been avoided if the Union workers would have just taken a pay cut like Walker had wanted. So why did they not just agree to it? Oh wait, they did.

After Walker’s first attempt to cut

Mike Oren of Las Vegas, Nevada, known as the Peacewalker, joins in as protesters flood the streets around the Wisconsin State Capitol on Saturday, March 12, 2011, to protest Governor Scott Walker’s elimination of union bargining rights for state and public employees. (Michael Sears/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MCT) the budget by cutting union pay, he turned to cutting collective bargaining rights, which made the union workers quickly backtrack and agree to a dock in pay so that they would not lose their rights. However, even with the unions’ compliance, Walker worked to take away both. This, somehow, fails to paint a picture of a man who cares about the American public, especially not the working man.

I leave you with a quote from

the AFL-CIO official website explaining the purpose of collective bargaining: “The union movement represents the only collective voice for those who do the work, the only force capable of resisting the relentless forces of the competitive market, the only movement that speaks for all working people—the unionized and the non unionized, the full-time and the part-time, the highly paid and the poorly paid.”

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Examining the Numbers in AP Literature Alexandra Mathieu Managing Editor

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n Malden High School, it is common to see students around midMarch begin to decide what classes to enroll in for next year. Whether a student decides to take another elective or an extra year of a language, one of the biggest decisions a student will have is deciding whether or not to bump up to Advanced Placement course work. AP classes were designed to offer high achieving students a chance to further their learning by challenging them with college-level material. In particular, the AP English and history courses should also offer students a chance to learn more about the world through historical occurrences and multifaceted literature. The AP Literature and Composition exam should then, in theory, test students on literature from writers of different backgrounds and different life experience. However, in reality, the AP exam does not choose writers of diverse backgrounds.

The AP exams have existed since 1952 when the Ford Foundation wanted to create a study about high schools and college level work.

Since 1955, College Board has taken control of running the AP exam and managing the courses. Therefore, it is essentially up to College Board to decide what writers and poets to feature in the prose and poetry essays on the AP exam. Therefore, it becomes a question of the College Board’s ethics on why it does not feature more racially diverse writers on its exam. It is not hard to see that the choice of writers on the exam is surprisingly homogenous. Since 1970 there have been 43 AP Literature exams (including the make-up exams for those who miss the test date) meaning that there has been 43 poets and 43 prose writers featured on the AP literature exam. Of those 86 writers, 89 percent are white, 67 percent are male, 46 percent are American, and 36 percent are English.

It is understandable why College Board chose the writers featured on the exam, since they are all renowned writers. Ignoring writers like Joseph Conrad and poets like Edgar Allen Poe would be turning a blind eye to men who have had a huge impact on the literary world.

However, it has become a little bit unreasonable to continue to ignore the work and impact of female writers and poets. Yes, Emily Dickenson and Jane Austen were rightfully featured on the exam but looking at the numbers, it is clear to see that men dominate the exam. Having the exam feature primarily male writers is not only ignoring the work of incredible female writers but also de-

nying those taking the exam a female perspective. It goes without saying that women lead a different life than men and have to deal with a wholly different set of problems each day.

Reading literature by women offers a new and possibly fresh outlook on overused and perhaps clichéd topics such as love, death, and the human condition.

The same applies to the other classifications of race and country of origin. There are several writers of literary merit that are not white and European. In my AP Literature class, we have gone over both prose and poetry from several different writers. We have read Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake alongside the classics of William Shakespeare and Joseph Conrad. I was even introduced to the fascinating work of feminist poets such as Alice Notley and Hoa Nguyen in my Literature class. All of these writers are able to create work with significant literary and poetic meaning, once again offering that different perspective and take on the world.

The Massachusetts Math + Science Initiative is a program that MHS is a part of that aims at increasing “participation and performance in Advanced Placement courses… to prepare students for college and career success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics” as stated on the program’s website.

In an email interview, the English Content Director for MMSI, Laura Cronin, expressed her beliefs about the AP exam. “It is incredibly important that we continue to read and study literature from a variety of cultures and time periods. I am not sure why most of the literature on the AP examination comes from only a few sources, but it is something that I have noticed and about which I have been concerned.”

Cronin continues in the interview to stress the importance of a syllabus throughout the year that offers the diversity the exam seems to lack. However, to a student who has experienced a year filled with a variety of writers and poets, the exam’s homogeneity feels like a letdown. What is the point of studying work from international and female writers if it is not at all tested or featured on the exam? I understand that the class is supposed to not only prepare me for the exam but for college and life as well. The novels read in class are supposed to enlighten students and give them the material to do some critical thinking. I am all for this and have actually enjoyed my year in AP Literature. However, when College Board only presents European male writers, it does lessen the feeling of importance of the other writers. It is an insult to not only the students who prepared for

Data collected and organized by Alexandra Mathieu, Kayla Bramante, and Catherine Poirier. the exam but to the exceptional writers that the College Board ignores.

Cronin is just as befuddled by the situation as anyone else. “Unfortunately, I cannot give Malden High School an answer as to why the examination is so one-sided,” she wrote. Neither can I since when I attempted to contact the College Board via email, it chose not to

respond. However, as the English Content Director for MMSI, she has a lot more clout in this area than I do and has promised to bring this up with the College Board soon. “I will be attending the College Board Conference this summer,” she wrote, “and I promise to discuss this issue on behalf of you, the students of Malden High School.”

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Historical TV Hit: America vs. The Bad Guys

Modern-Day Slavery

Megan Kelly

Kristen Leonard

Copy Editor

Reporter

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merica is the home of the free and the brave, though the national anthem left out another adjective to describe the United States population: certifiably paranoid. Of course with the 9/11 attacks in 2001, there is a total right to be scared as the attack was not targeted to a military base or to a US government official, the main target was to destroy the civilian population’s confidence in their government. Though it was not like America had never experi- Ward 6 School Committee member Steve Winslow discusses health issues in enced widespread panic before, schools around the nation during a public meeting on March 10, 2011. Photo by much of the population at that Sharon Lee. time had lived through the end of the Cold War era and possibly the Reagan’s plan for a satellite secu- Afghanistan; sometimes these acPearl Harbor attacks of World War rity program nicknamed ‘Starwars’ tions were committed by the Taliban that would protect the nation from and sometimes America did some Two. This paranoia came was in re- nuclear attack by beaming down very nasty things as well. The last sponse to the attack of course, but rays from specific points around the sentence may be shocking to a few as America is the country with the what is more important is that the earth’s orbit.

The most interesting part of the worlds interest at heart, cough, history books have seen this reacplot though is not who our enemies cough; but it is undeniably true that tion from the US before. Historically, are but how we manage to make there may be justifiable reasons for we have grouped ourselves into the them; sometimes we send in our why people do not see us as we do, metaphorical Jedi category of the world, the good guys, the new sher- military to kill their family mem- Saint America the martyr.

As 2011 is underway and as the iff in town who lives for justice but bers to send a message like an old school crime family; other times one country goes through its next set of might not play by the rules. While someone who has offended us, time allies get to fight an American challenges we will get to meet our whether it be a country, organiza- driven war and clean up an Ameri- newest villain in the soap opera of tion or political belief, becomes the can caused mess as in the case of America vs. The Bad Guys. It may be a new age of technology and Sith, the ruthless bank robber, the pre-Taliban Afghanistan.

For those who do not know, there are new forms of violence, but Mexican drug Cartel to our Leroy Afghanistan in the eighties was our there is not going to be a new plot.

Jethro Gibbs. little brother with their Mujahidden America will always have an enemy, With the country’s fear over Islamic Extremists growing to such freedom fighters being a modern whether it be the Taliban, Canada or a degree that a color coded national day version of our Revolutionary the Daleks, and along with it there security system was implemented War; as they were fighting against will always be a paranoia over their

by President George W. Bush’s cabi- the pure personification of aggres- mere existence.

But instead of concentrating on net, it was only a call back to when sion and repression, the Soviet Union.

Oh a rhyme, how lovely to eradicating our enemies world wide “Nuclear Drills” were run in the Cold Era, which advised students introduce the fact that America lead and creating propaganda that makes to cower under their wooden desks by legendary Texas congressman them comparable to a regiment covering their heads and necks to Charlie Wilson supported the Mu- of purely evil, blood thirsty Orcs jahidden by sending rocket launch- from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, prevent injury from the blast.

Michael Moore’s 2002 docu- ers and other weapons so that our maybe we should just take responsimentary Bowling for Columbine, long time objective of defeating the bility for what we did. Because our addresses this specific part of our Soviets would be accomplished in- nation is made up of humans, who culture. Dubbing it the “Culture of directly by the government support- by the way do not always make the most intelligent decisions, we are Fear” it seems that just like after ing a little mountain country.

When the Soviet’s left in embound to screw up and affect other 9/11, America goes into periods of great fear and shock. That after each barrassment as the once strongest nations and peoples. But instead of fear inducing event America’s gone and most feared military in the blaming why people hate us on their through in the past century or so has world had been defeated by rebels just purely evil cultural ways look created reactions comparable to that who only had a few old Winchester to America vs. The Bad Guys. The rifles; the victorious Afghanis were reruns whether interpreted by a Tea of headless chickens.

Though what is more impor- left out in the cold by their biggest Party Presidential Candidate who confuses Concord, New Hampshire tant than the many references to pop supporters, America.

Leaving the new Afghani gov- with Massachusetts’s Concord and culture is the fact that this is a rerun ernment to clean up the nine years Lexington; or by a four year old of American history. Remember the of Soviet violence in their war torn preschool student who is wearing internment camps that were created in reaction in World War 2, by home might not have been the nicest mismatching shoes, the evidence of the US government, to house ‘sus- thing or the smartest move either. As our past screw ups in history will be pected’ spies for the Germans and the devastated state of the country there, recognized by politicians or Japanese? Or the Red Scares that allowed for the al-Queda regime to not.

Maybe next season on America plagued US presidents with the ever gain membership, they found a new enemy to point fingers at for all their vs.

The Bad Guys there might be a possible Russian nuclear ‘threat’? problems. new plot because, hey, sometimes The country let it’s paranoia and fear Of course there are also hun- people get tired of watching the control it and go to extreme lengths dreds of other little things that lead same episode lines with new charto ensure the “safety” of the country, to our frenemy relationship with acters over and over again. an example being President Ronald

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uman trafficking, which is modern day slavery, is a terrible and barbaric thing. It is estimated that there are between 10 and 30 million slaves worldwide.

Even though slavery is illegal in every country it still happens in secrecy. Why does slavery even happen in the first place? Well, if you need someone to work for you instead of hiring someone that you have to pay, you buy a slave and have them work for little or no money. But this is not always the case, sometimes people are slaves to work off their debts.

People known as bound laborers, work until their debts are paid off. This is what is happening in Uttar Pradesh, India. The bound laborers are working as brick makers. They make bricks all day long in the hot sun. Even young children, who should be enjoying their life playing, are forced to work.

This is against India’s child labor laws, but still goes on. Arun Singh, the supervisor of this brick making site tells CNN, “Kids are working here for food. They need food. If they can’t fill their stomachs, they need to work.” Bonded labor is illegal in India, but is not enforced.

Some of the people do not even know how much they owe because they may not be the one that’s really in debt. If someone in your family is in debt you have to work to help pay it off. Lalti, mother of seven, and her children all have to work, to reimburse money borrowed from the landowner to treat her husband’s tuberculosis. She tells CNN, “If I don’t work, they will beat me. They will abuse my daughter. If you don’t give in, they will sell your daughter or son.” So the family continues to work hoping one day, like most, to be free.

Many in the town of Uttar Pradesh have tried to escape. One named Kharban Gagai tells CNN that he has tried to escape, but was always caught and brought back. Gagiai’s father had a loan of , 8000-rupee (equivalent to $175), and after his father died he is the one who has to pay it off.

On Mon. March 6, 2011, Saeeda Khan, a Pakistani woman, was put on trial charged with keeping a woman named Mwanahamisi Mruke, from Tanzania, as a slave. Mruke was expecting to work as Khan’s house keeper in London, England, but instead of being treated like a house keeper, she was treated like a slave. Mruke worked 18 hour days and was not allowed to leave the house unless she was chaperoned by Khan. She continued on page 7

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Childhood Wellness Declines: Government & Society Step In Paige Yurek Copy Editor

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he rise of obesity and other preventable health-related issues has forced the United States government to resort to changing what students eat in schools, in hopes of creating a healthier generation of children, with new laws being implemented starting on March 14, 2011. Some students, parents, and school staff alike have their positive and negative opinions about the change that has, and will continue to be taking place until all candy, sweets, and foods that are high in fat and cholesterol are eliminated.

Having dessert and treats such as cake, candy, and ice cream can be a delicious finisher to a healthy lunch, or a sweet snack to have during the afternoon. However, when children start over eating and abusing this privilege, it affects their health, not only for the time they are children, but for the rest of their lives, thus ruining the privileges for those kids who do not overeat sweets and have their privileges taken away as well. This is similar to how gum is not allowed in class, because one legendary student had to put his gum under his desk, and thus to prevent any future messmaking and germ-covered desk undersides, teachers and principals had to restrict chewing gum in class.

Nevertheless, the change is obviously a positive approach to thinning out American children, and training them to live an overall healthier lifestyle. By starting out interested and craving foods that are beneficial at a young age, the student will look forward to those foods in the future, and eventually,

Childhood Obesity and other health issues are reflected from how they are brought up. (WRIGHT, CHILDHOOD OBESITY MCT Campus) eating them will be natural. As a child, when I went out to eat with my grandparents, I used to actually order broccoli, because I liked it. Quite unusual for a child of five, but the point is, I was introduced to healthy foods at a young age, and adapted to it, and now today, I still enjoy the same beneficial foods, and so I eat healthier than other kids might.

Malden’s new Wellness Policy is an excellent approach to adapting students to a healthier eating lifestyle. However, overeating is not the only factor that affects children’s health that is an issue today. Advances in technology may also add to a decline in youth health. Because handheld video games and iPods are amongst the many common electronics that everyone seems to have in 2011, kids are becoming

less physically active because they are just sitting there twiddling their thumbs on their text messaging phones or on their iPod Touches.

On the other hand, advances in technology may counteract the marked decline in youth health. Video game systems such as the Nintendo Wii and the XBox Kinect promote physical activity, particularly in younger generations, because in order to play, one has to actually get up and move one’s body, rather than twitching one’s thumbs and getting hand cramps.

A favorite game that promotes a lot of physical activity is Just Dance 2, in which the player or players dance along to hit songs from different time periods. The player who is most accurate in his

or her dance moves wins. In this game, there are different modes that players can play, all of which promote physical activity. Game modes include: Free style, which is a mode in which players can dance to whatever song they choose, a multi player mode, and a sweat mode, which is a mode that promotes extreme workout.

Little by little, future generations may be the healthiest they have ever been if these approaches work. From changing the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street to the Veggie Monster, and Nickelodeon turning off their entire channel once a year to persuade kids to get out and play, to actually putting in laws that enforce healthier eating and making Physical Education a necessity to graduate, children are being more influenced into healthier ways of life slowly but surely. Not to forget all the Above the Influence ads being shown on TV, in magazines, and on the Internet, in which smoking, alcohol abuse, and just plain getting wasted is highly discouraged. Change is happening locally, nationally, and internationally, in hopes of making future citizens happier and healthier, and much wiser as well.

Are you Interested in Graphic Design, Market Research, Web Design, Photography, Political Cartoons, and Writing? Joining The Blue and Gold is a great way to experience ‘real world’ application of these skills, build your resume, and be a part of a great team.

The Blue and Gold is looking for some motivated, enthusiastic students to be a part of a diversely talented group.

If you are interested, please submit a formal letter to Mr. Gallagher’s Jenkins House (C) Mailbox by Friday, April 2, 2011. (Ask one of your teachers, staff, or principals for help in crafting a ‘formal letter of interest’ if you do not know how.)

Include the following in the letter: Your full name, homeroom & house, year of graduation, current English teacher, why you would like to join the staff, and what you can offer. All letters must be typed. Letters that do not address all of the above may not be considered.

Come by and talk to Mr. Gallagher in room C339 or your guidance counselor if you have any questions.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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WORLD NEWS http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Natural Disaster Devastates Japan

continued from page 5 was not even allowed to go back home to visit her dying parents or attend their funeral when they died. Mruke was paid a 10 British pound allowance in London and 50 British pounds were put in a bank account in Tanzania. Mruke’s living conditions were bad, like most slaves.

Even though Khan has a three bedroom house, Mruke slept on a mattress in the kitchen.

Even in the United States, which has stringent laws in place meant to deter human trafficking, it is estimated that between 14.5 thousand and 17.5 thousand people, mostly women and children, are directly affected by human trafficking. In the United States, most victims are introduced to forced labor, although there are cases of child labor and sexual exploitation as well.

The most important piece of American legislation relating to human trafficking is the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, which increased the severity of punishments for traffickers, allocated more government funds towards fighting and preventing human trafficking, and allowed victims of trafficking to apply for permanent residency in the United States.

Still, the prevalence of human trafficking in the United States hints at the scope of the problem worldwide. Even in America, a developed country whose government has the capacity to create effective legislation targeting human trafficking, people have to grapple with the illegal trade of humans each day.

Imagine then, the scale of human trafficking occurring in places in the world without a proper, functioning government.

This is why trafficking is such an enormous problem in places like Uttar Pradesh, India. The Indian government does not have the ability to crack down on human traffickers when it has over 1 billion other people to think about.

There are many antimodern day slavery groups out there who are working to end this cruel practice. One group is The CNN Freedom Project. The group is going to “join the fight to end modern-day slavery and shine a spotlight on the horrors of modern-day slavery, amplify the voices of the victims, highlight success stories and help unravel the complicated tangle of criminal enterprises trading in human life.” Though ending modern day slavery for good seems like an unreachable and unattainable goal, anti-slavery laws will hopefully be properly enforced by governments around the world and the number of slaves will decrease significantly over the coming years.

Photo caption: (Left) Map locating epicenter of massive earthquake that struck Japan north of Tokyo. MCT 2011 .

(Right)The debris of the destroyed Natori neighborhood of Sendai, Japan, on Sunday, March 13, 2011, that was hit hard by the tsunami in the aftermath of an 8.9 earthquake. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT). On front page: Yoshikatsu Hiratsuka weeps next to where his mother’s body remains buried under rubble in Onagawacho, Miyagi Prefecture, on Thursday morning, March 17, 2011. (Yomiuri Shimbun/MCT) continued from front page Lauren Beniot Head of Photography waves that reached the height of 27 feet, and wiped out all coastal areas.

Boats on the streets of Japan, and embedding buses into apartment buildings were all common sights.

Resembling a Hollywood disaster movie, the tsunami wiped away everything in its path.

Power lines were down, and telephones could not get any service which caused much distress to the Japanese, and for other family members around the world. Train services were ceased, and the international airport was shutdown.

Hundreds of cars traveled on what was clear to try and get out of the way of more aftershocks.

At midday police found more than 400 bodies in the city of Sendai which was the closest to the earthquakes epicenter. More than 200 persons were reported missing.

A count of 550 were injured. As of March 20, 2011, 8,450 people were confirmed dead, and 12,931 have been confirmed missing. About 360,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and forced to take shelter in evacuation homes.

Tsunami waves reached all the way to the west coast of the United States in California. The waves were not as strong as the ones Japan experienced, but it did cause about $44 million in damage. The death toll in California was obviously lower than Japan. One man living in Crescent City died because he was trying to capture the moment with his camera, and suddenly swept away by the waves.

When the tsunami cleared

away, the surrounding areas of the Fukushima nuclear power plant was evacuated when confirmed that the cooling system had failed. And also there was a leak of deadly radiation.

Workers trying to fix the leak are at risk of getting cancer, or even at risk of immediate death. The crash of the nuclear plants have caused massive fires which seemed almost uncontrollable. Fire fighters struggled to contain the fires in several areas. In efforts to extinguish the fires and try to prevent any more radiation from leaking out, Japanese officials dumped tons of sand and concrete on the site. The problems of radiation did not end there. There was a concern over whether the food and tap water was contaminated or not.

It was found to have some traces of radiation, and caused more deaths.

Elevated levels of iodine were found in samples of water which effect many starving communities. There is not enough food, fuel, or water to sustain Japan for much longer.

The double disaster devastated northeastern Japan. Houses, towns, cities were destroyed. Families were torn apart, a rising death toll and businesses were all destroyed. A train full of commuters was swallowed by the tsunami, and roofs were caved in by the quake. Once the tsunami passed, it left oil leaks which spurred into huge fires whose flames were almost uncontrollable.

The total cost of these two natural distastes in Japan, and many uncontrollable fires came to be a jaw dropping $10 billion. Scientists predict that this massive series of unfortunate events launched an outbreak in the Ring of Fire, setting off much more volcanic activity in the years to come which can create a tremendous amount of natural disasters.

Myths say the Ring of Fire will be

most active in 2012 when all life as we know it is suppose to come to an end. The Ring of Fire extends all the way across the Pacific Ocean to the Americas.If the San Andreas fault were to be devastated by a quake near the Californian coast those millions of people living anywhere near sea level will be greatly affected.

Some news articles report that the double feature actually moved the island of Japan closer towards the United States and of the shifting tectonic plates shifted the planets axis. The areas of Japan closest to the epicenter moved a full thirteen feet closer to the US. The earthquake felt in Japan literally and figuratively changed the whole world. On the day of Mar. 11, even though unnoticed the day was actually shorter than usual days. Because the earths mass was shifted towards the center planer earth spun a bit faster.The Pacific tectonic plate moved under the North American plate which then shifted Eastern Japan towards North America. The earthquake rotated the earths axis approximately 6.5 inches. Once the worst of the quake terminated, in result the island of Japan sunk two feet, which made it more accessible for the tsunami waves to come in and further devastate the island.

With the still rising death tolls Japan is in need of some serious economic help. Celebrities and icons are extending their arms and hearts out to those in Japan suffering. Others who are not celebs or icons can help too. There are many relief funds raising money to help those in desperate need and taking steps to restore Japan. The donation of anything would aid those in Japan greatly. Every penny counts, in times like these nothing can be ignored or forgotten.

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The Blue and Gold March 2011

World News http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Unions Suffer Setback in Wisconsin

Federal Budget Showdown Rebecca Broomstein Reporter

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Protesters rally outside the Wisconsin state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday, February 25, 2011. Later, the state assembly passed Governor Scott Walker’s budget repair bill. (Tom Lynn/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MCT) Natalie Fallano Copy Editor

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n Valentine’s Day this year, the state of Wisconsin was not feeling the love, but quite the opposite: anger. This was due to the widespread public opposition to the new provisions in legislation proposed

by Republican Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker.

This is because of the projected $3.6 billion budget deficit that state has. To lower this, Walker’s plan includes state employees to give 5.8% of their salaries to cover pension costs, give 12.6% towards their health care premiums, and would weaken collective bargaining rights for most public employee union members. Many Democrats and union leaders agreed to accept Walker’s first two terms but refuse to accept the third: eliminating their collective bargaining rights. Walker will not pass the bill without the third term.

Tens of thousands of union workers in Wisconsin have been demonstrating outside of the Capitol Building in Madison, WN as well as a sit-in within it. Many teachers called in sick for the protests and some schools even canceled school so teachers could attend. The “Kill the Bill” story has gone worldwide and even United States President Barack Obama opposes Walker’s bill stating it “seems more like an assault on unions,” according to ABC News.

Along with the president, over half of Americans disagree with

Walker. A USA Today poll asked Americans if they would approve or oppose a bill like the Wisconsin bill in their state and 61% opposed it while 33% for it. Another poll by the New York Times revealed that 60% of Americans opposed restricting collective bargaining rights while 33% were all for it.

Some may ask how such a bill could even move on to the voting stage with such a high percentage of public opposition. The reason it is since recent lections, the majority of the Wisconsin senators are Republican. But that does not mean the Democrats do not stand a chance.

They have been using other tactics as well. Nicknamed the “Wisconsin 14” are 14 democratic members of the Wisconsin Senate who flew to Illinois in order to delay voting on the bill. For a bill to be passed their must be 20 senators present, but there are only 19 republican senators. The senators planned on staying outside of Wisconsin and did not plan to anytime soon. The republican senators even attempted to have them arrested for being “in contempt and disorderly behavior,” according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

Although Wisconsin may be ten thousands of miles away, the protesters have gained support from people all over the country including union members locally, in Massachusetts. On Feb. 22, 2011 protesters crowded Boston street in from of the state house in Boston, MA. Many held up signs reading “Stand Up for Wisconsin Workers” and “We Stand with Wisconsin Teacher.” Current Massachusetts

Governor Deval Patrick even made an appearance showing his support for the protesters in Wisconsin and for unions in General.

He stated “Public sector unions have demonstrated over and over again their and your willingness to work with us to build a stronger commonwealth,” according to The Boston Globe.

In the end the Republicans were able to pass the bill without the 14 missing democrats in Illinois. Walker adjusted the bill so that there was no mention of financial matters so that the vote could be taken and be passed quickly. On Mach 9, 2010 the Wisconsin senate passed the bill which restricts union rights and the next day, March 10, 2010, the Wisconsin Assembly passed the collective bargaining bill with a vote of 53 to 42. The following day Walker signed the bill which is now intact and stated that passing the bill “helped us save 1,500 middle-class jobs by moving forward this week with the budget repair. The state will now be able to realize $30 million in savings to balance the budget and allow 1,500 state employees to keep their jobs” according to CBS News.

The Democrats returned soon after and the protests continue their fight even with the bill already passed. On March 12, 2010 there were 100,000 people outside the Madison capitol, which according to local police, is more than the amount present years ago during the Vietnam War.

he Democratic Party has been battling against the Republicans to save the government from shutting down over the country’s major budget cuts.

In 2009, the United States had experienced its first real recession in years. The recession caused many issues to surface here, in the states.

Not enough money was made to support those who earned it. As a result, unemployment rates increased because companies didn’t make enough money to pay their workers.

On Feb. 1, 2010, President Barack Obama issued the newest budget deficit for 2011, which was to begin on Oct. 1, 2010. In total spending, the federal budget is $3.83 trillion, and the federal deficit has gone down to $1.27 trillion, as opposed to the $1.56 trillion in 2010. The main priorities, Obama has decided, include healthcare, education, jobs, clean energy, and infrastructure. The federal budget includes $898 billion for health care, $104.9 billion for education, $787.6 billion in pensions, $464.6 billion in welfare spending, $928.5 billion in defense spending, $57.3 billion in protective services, $250.7 billion on interest payments, 104.2 billion on transportation services, $29 billion on general government spending, and $151.4 billion in other spending.

The disagreement between the Democrats and the Republicans is how much money the government plans on cutting from this year’s budget. Their views on the situation differ significantly, making a compromise seemingly impossible.

The Democrats believe that the budget cuts are taking away too much federal spending money, while the Republicans want to reduce federal spending as much as possible.

Specifically, they want an entire $61 billion cut from the budget. Many Republicans have allied with the Tea Party Caucus, who want to cut $100 billion from domestic, nondefense discretionary spending for this fiscal year. This action would completely disregard fighting the actual culprits- defense spending and entitlements- and would, instead, annihilate about 200,000-700,000 jobs in the US. Both parties have failed to meet any common ground with each other, thus far. The US government has threatened to shut down completely if they cannot decide on a compromise, but continues to approve more recourse to keep running. In fact, the cuts that both parties are fighting for would make very little, if any, difference in the national budget, which means that these “government shutdown” scares could end easily if the Democrats and Republicans were able to resolve their senseless battle.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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World News http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

The State of Journalism

Qaddafi Represses Libyan Rebels Haley DeFilippis

Lesley Ta

Copy-Editor

Reporter

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ibya, located in North Africa, has always been an oil-rich nation under the unpredictable control of Mummar el-Qaddafi ever since 1969.

In Feb. 2011, protests finally broke out in several Libyan cities due to unsatisfied citizens who demanded change for better lives. The once organized anti-government protests in Benghazi have spread to the capital of Tripoli, and have grown to become violent and fatal. After nearly a month of intolerable and merciless killing, several countries have made the complex decision to launch their country’s forces into Libya to send the killing to a halt.

Beginning on Mar. 18, 2011, forces from America and Europe have been sent into Libya to first destroy air defenses and establish a no-fly zone over Libya, which has proved to be accomplished.

Back on Feb. 22, 2011, Colonel Qaddafi spoke to his residents in Tripoli to address the uprisings. He went on to fault the disorder in the nation on adolescent young atives who are seeking to replicate the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia. Several politics from other nations have spoken out in hope of contributing to the madness, such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who protested the violence in a speech, as well as the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, who urged Colonel Qaddafi to bring to a standstill to the attacks on protesters immediately. Ultimately, an incompatible civil war has broken out, resulting in Colonel Qaddafi sending his own troops onto his own people, who are outnumbered and lack the necessary weaponry to defend them. Somehow, in a time when things looked as their bleakest, the constant battling and violence seemed to grow as the days passed.

Attacks ultimately began when Colonel Qaddafi’s government waged fierce battles on the town of Zawiya on Mar. 4, 2011, attacking the oil-rich town and shooting at peaceful protestors. More than 35 people were reported dead, more than 100 casualties were announced, and 65 went missing after the firing. The next day, Colonel Qaddafi’s forces were commanded to fire defenseless protestors in Tripoli, the nation’s capital, as well as Zawiyah. Militia forces that have remained devoted to Colonel Qaddafi launched another attack day on March 6, where the rebels won control of the oil port in Raz Lanuf. The protestors there even went as far as appointing an executive committee made up of three members who are in charge of leading military and foreign affairs.

The next day, Mar. 7, air attacks were executed by government forces in Ras Lanuf. Rebels were attacked on the coast of Bin Jawwad by tanks, helicopters, and fighter

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From top to bottom: Protestors gathered in New York City outside of the United Nations on Feb. 23, 2011 to get the organization to take action on the Libyan protests. A young supporter of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi demonstrates in Tripoli’s Green Square. (Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times/ MCT). Protestors in New York City hold up the old Libyan flag on Feb. 23, 2011. Protest photos by Omar Khoshafa. On front page: A revolutionary volunteer keeps an AK-47 handy as he prays with other men preparing to take part in a fight against forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi in nearby Port Brega, Libya, Wednesday, March 2, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT) planes sent by Colonel Qaddafi. On Mar. 9, Colonel Qaddafi was restricted from flying over his country with the intention of killing. The Libyan leader agreed to the established nofly zone; however the crises did not stop there. On Mar. 10, rebel fighters fled Ras Lanuf after rocket attacks.

Colonel Qaddafi planned on retaking several eastern oil cities that had strayed from government control due to uprisings.

Loyal government forces to Colonel Qaddafi moved in on the

oil-rich town of Ras Lanuf after driving away the rebels through land, air, and sea, with the intent to extricate oil for their own personal benefit . Chaos retreated as the United States White House announced a five-point program of steps to isolate Colonel Qadaffi and drive him from his 41 year reign.

Despite the efforts of caring countries, Colonel Qadaffi and his forces have yet to be completely stopped.

he United States is famous for its admission of uncensored free speech, and its freedom of the press.

Since many countries have a certain limits on free press, American journalists reporting overseas are often being beaten, jailed, or murdered.

Recently, Libya and Egypt have erupted into a revolutionary chaotic mob, crying out for democracy as a part of government reformation.

In certain outbursts such as these, journalists are putting their lives at risk by speeding to these isolated locations. Interview do not necessarily guarantee camera crews or bodyguards. Female Journalists are more likely to face sexual or racial discrimination outside of the country and are at a higher risk for rape and kidnapping than men.

Nevertheless, countries who have banned press are frequently assumed to be hiding government secrets or keeping their citizens “innocent” from beliefs of democracy and government reformation.

China, for example, restricted the public to freedom of speech in any reality, virtual or real. The lack of Internet access has kept their citizens obscure from the ability to publicly discuss their country’s affairs.

World Day against Cyber Censorship will be held on March 12, 2011. China, Burma, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba are only a few of the countries that have extreme cyber censorship. Popular search engines (such as google) and websites that have open forums are the sites that haven been banned.

Reporters Without Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aware the public of press freedom, has reported that in 2011, seven journalists have been confirmed killed as well as one media assistant.

According to their tool count 153 journalists are imprisoned along with 9 media assistants.

As reported on CNN, American Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. stated that “one reporter” in China was “severely beaten and detain for many hours” while covering an antigovernment protest. He continued “I call on the Chinese government to hold the perpetrators accountable for harassing and assaulting innocent individuals and ask that they respect the rights of foreign journalists to report in China.”

Although Wiki leaks has caused controversy since its inception, it can not be withheld due to the nature of press freedom in exposing government secrets. Citizens of the United States and the world ultimately have to ask themselves one important question: “Do I want to know what the state is of my country or do I want to be isolated from dirty little secrets?”

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Local News

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Monthly Profile: Maggie Pettit Brittany Foley Managing Editor

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kittles, Red Bull, triangles, Chuck Taylors, and all things rhetoric, of course—thus are the components of the very center of Malden High Schools’ 11th grade English teacher, Maggie Pettit’s, personal universe.

Well, those things, and also enlightening the minds of young individuals and introducing them to the power of the English language.

Perhaps it is Pettit’s ability to project her voice through concrete walls that earned her such respect from her students, or maybe it is her belief that there is little more satisfying, more “amazing” than “opening a student’s eyes to reading.” After her time teaching juvenile delinquents about English while she pursued her undergraduate degree, she came to this realization, which then inspired her to become a teacher.

Pettit studied as an undergraduate at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, a school she now suggests to her students when they ask her for college advice. At Pepperdine, she enrolled with the belief that she wanted to become an editor before realizing that “sitting in a room all day correcting people’s grammar is hardly fulfilling.” She eventually pursued her studies of rhetoric and later went to graduate school at Boston College, studying the same thing, which she

now teaches at Malden High School through her junior English classes, including an AP Language and Composition course. Pettit has been teaching at MHS for eight years.

Labeled by more than one of her students as a “hipster” teacher, not only for her sense of fashion but also for her uniqueness, Pettit is unarguably a favorite faculty member of so many MHS students because of her sincere love for the language arts, her nonchalant character, and her ability to stray from the mainstream. Pettit is, after all, one of very few teachers who choose to rock Converse sneakers with their MHS staff lanyards.

It is this down-to-earthedness that, at least in part, causes her students to admire her so. Senior Jimmy Ngo admits he “love[s] her so much even though [he] never had her” as a teacher, as he has gotten to know the vibrant MHS mentor of his friends and classmates through their admiring conversation and, undoubtedly, her own outgoing character. “Her bright and quirky personality add liveliness and energy to the classroom,” senior Alison Nguyen, who has grown particularly close to her over her years at MHS as a member of the girls’ tennis team, which Pettit coaches.

“Just how hyped up she gets about [the content],” claims senior Brian Young, “makes English class more enjoyable. She gets into the text a lot more than most teachers

do. Her English class was the best English class I’ve ever had.” Pettit is widely known around Malden High School for her explosive episodes of excitement towards rhetorical strategies, fallacies, and Capote.

“She makes learning English fun,” elaborates Young. “Everything she does in class— it makes English class a lot more enjoyable, with her being your teacher.” However, according to Nguyen, and surely many others, “even more remarkable is how she acknowledges each student’s individual progress, from the start of school to the end.”

Pettit is also so vastly known— and appreciated—for her forwardness, as it exists not only in her personality, but in her professionalism, in her role as an educator. In fact, many are intimidated by the English teacher known for her especially rigorous workload assignments and anonymously-called, by several individuals, “harsh grading.” “All of her classes are notable for being rigorous, whether they are AP or not,” testifies Nguyen. But for this, students admire her as a teacher. “She isn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she thinks of your writing,” junior Mary Stathos explains.

“She’s a very tough critic, but it forces you to improve and become such a strong writer.”

Pettit is also wellliked by teachers. She

spends her lunch periods with English teacher Ryan Gallagher and French teacher Paul Degenkolb, enjoying Starbucks and similar delicacies.

Nguyen summed Pettit up as the majority of her students undoubtedly would: “a teacher…with a bold personality…who appreciates any student who is willing to put in the effort to do work.”

The Blue and Gold March 2011

LOCAL news http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

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Spread the Word to End the Word Malden High School athletes continue to encourage equality among the student body.

Kayla Bramante Head of Special Projects

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n March 2, 2011, Malden High School’s Captain Council and student athletes camse together for the third annual “Spread the Word to End the Word” assembly to eliminate the hurtful “R” word.

Individuals have been using the “R” word as a slang word for “dumb” and “stupid;” however, the usage of the word can be insulting and degrading to those who live with a mental disability. This is why MHS has pledged for three years to be “R”-word-free. For the past three years the Captains Council and all student athletes have worked together to help these unique individuals feel united with the rest of the school and the rest of the Malden community. MHS principal Dana Brown believes “the Captains Council has the most effect on the school,” which is why many athletes dedicate their time to assisting those in need. “They hosted a great assembly and the best way for them [to help prevent the use of the ‘R’ word] is to model good behavior and never use the word,” Brown stated. Fortunately, MHS sports are unified sports, meaning that anyone

can be a part of a team, regardless of disabilities.

The Captains Council has dedicated a class period to help teach special needs students play a variety of sports. The assembly was not only to make others aware of the hurtful word but also to award the students who are continuously working to combat its usage with a certificate.

The council has also recently helped out with the Pink Out basketball nights and will be volunteering in the Special Olympics.

MHS is not the only institution attempting to remove the “R” word from everyday lexicon; rallies and pledges all around the United States have emerged to support the cause against the hurtful slang term, and ultimately, the dissemination of respect. The country has legislatively made strides on this respect: on Oct. 5, 2010, Barack Obama signed a bill called Rosa’s Law. It was named after nine year-old Rosa Marcellino, and removes the words “mental retardation” from the daily language, replacing them with “intellectual disability.”

There are many options in

school and on the web in which one can put a pledge to stop the end of the “R” word. Spread the Word to End the Word pledge posters can be found in various schools, including MHS, where one can sign his or her name to pledge to stop using the “R” word.

To further benefit the cause, one can also sign up to help with Malden’s Special Olympics later in the Denis Pareja recieves his certificate with great joy at the year.

Spread the Word to End the Word assembly. Photo by Brittany McFeeley.

Dancing for the Future Joel Stevenson Reporter

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n March 18, 2011, the class of 2013 hosted the Just Dance dance party in the library of Malden High School. With students from all classes showing their moves, the night was filled with laughter and excitment as everyone was having a great time.

Tickets began selling on March 13, 2011, when officers as well as students had devoted their lunch time to sell tickets to the event. Voices could be heard down the hallways by enthusiastic sophomores announcing the upcoming events.

Each day a large group of students signed up to go. When that Friday finally rolled around, there were around forty kids who attended the event, an impressive number at MHS. Even more impressive, students from each class showed up, as exemplified by Junior Eddie Fisher who enthusiastically exclaimed, “I’m here to watch Patrick Keough win.”

Set up began on Friday afternoon, as students began mixing Kool-Aid and popping popcorn.

With a few minor technical difficulties when it came to setting up the games, the class of 2011 was off to have a great night, as stated by sophomore Tina Dinh, “Its going to be a great night, everyone loves games.”

As the doors opened teachers and students came together to support the Class of 2013. The night started off at five thirty and, to the dismay of the attendees, ended at eight thirty. These three hours gave students time to participate at a variety of dance games including Just Dance Wii, and Just Dance 2 Wii. These two games gave a large variety of song choices to the players, providing something for every one’s likings, as stated by junior Justin Pham, “The variety of choices provided in the game ‘Just Dance’ brought Breakdancing stars junior Justin Pham and senior Pablo Rocha play Just Dance with chemtogether many different istry teacher Meaghan Galdos. Photo by Joel Stevenson. styles of dance. From hip-hop to even Egyptian dancing. class signed off on it optimistically. hosted by the class, it seems obviIt kept the crowd entertained by At the end of the night, the ous that they are on top of things, bringing something new every next proceeds were counted and the total as stated by sophomore Tina Dinh, song.” came to around one-seventy dollars. “We know that if we are active now, As the night wound down, Students as well as teachers went we do not have to worry as much there were individual battles for home exhausted from dancing, as later on.” any brave soul who wanted to com- well as the feeling of success in the As every class wants, the sophpete. The prize for the winner was back of their heads. The night was a omore class has succeeded, having a twenty five dollar gift card. After huge success. students who are committed to their a series of intense battling, the winIt is an understatement to say class and can pull off events like Just ner ended up being no more than that their night was successful. One Dance. Class treasurer Catlin Cala mother of the whole idea Natalie can only say that the sophomore rightly points out that “[they’re] Melo. The idea came to her one day class is doing something right. With raising a lot of money, while having during a officer’s meeting, and the so many activities and events being fun doing it.”

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LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Kaela Bryan Reporter continued from front page with ease. [American Land is] representative of them as people, of Malden as a community, and of our country as a whole.

I am extremely proud.”

The idea for the play sprang from a quotation that Walsh heard an older gentleman say in passing: “Malden used to be an All-American city. Now it is nothing but a bunch of Chinese restaurants and nail salons.” Immediately, Walsh thought to himself, “Aha -- that’s a good play idea.”

When this chance-quotation was combined with Bruce Springsteen’s song “American Land,” a class reading of The Colored Museum, and journal entries by the students, the play took flight.

“We used Springsteen’s song and the quotation for the initial improvisation,” said Walsh, “and we used the reading for structure. The journal entries were meant to help students explore identity, and I asked them to bring in photos and to comment on other elements. Overall, we just kept playing with stuff until we had tons of voices and scenes.”

Play Production began writing the play in mid-December of 2010, and completed most of the scenes by late-January of 2011. The cast and crew worked for 32 hours during February vacation, which is, according to Walsh, “when the real work [began]; the show was transformed - before that it lacked cohesion. We also worked with the Boston Percussion Group to help with the use of rhythms.”

A factor that perhaps further solidifies and emphasizes how hard the Play Production team has worked on this piece is that there were some major complications and worries that could have put it on hold, and thus could have seriously jeopardized the competition process.

“Snow [was a big issue]!” exclaimed Walsh. “This affected time, but more so in the staging and revising process. The worries from my point of view were obviously

the subject matter and the personal nature of the play. As the director, who has to shape this, I was concerned about creating a unified play with a consistent message.

In some ways, I would have [liked to have] been more exacting in scene choices earlier and in other ways, I was perhaps too controlling regarding certain scenes, and should have let them develop organically.”

American Land is essentially a collection of monologues and scenes that come together to convey one big idea about the purpose of America, as well as what it was in years past and what it has now become.

The play is not what you might call “Rated PG,” as it does contain some mature material. For example, included in the play is a scene in which junior Daniel Rendon angrily yells a stream of obscenities in Spanish.

Furthermore, there exists a scene in which Lady Liberty is on trial for “false advertising.” Three “disgruntled witnesses,” played by sophomore Crystal Araiza and juniors Jaclyn Scales and Sarah Rose, insist that although Lady Liberty claims America is a free country, there is very little that is truly free about it. Rose argues that “everything is ‘Under God’ in this country,” and that she is forced to say the pledge (also “Under God”) despite being an atheist; Araiza claims that she wanted to build a mosque but was not allowed to; and Scales, playing a lesbian, asserts that she should be able to marry whomever she wants. All three then say, in unison, that they “thought this was [their] country, too.” It is clear that although the content is mature, scenes like this contribute to how unique, powerful and moving the piece is – it suggests something new about the core of modern America.

Rendon also performs a monologue that is a “personal account of the idea of America. The first thing that popped into my mind was my parent’s love story, so to speak. It is [about] how they both came to know each other, and their sacrifice in coming to the US and leaving their dreams behind in Colombia, so that, basically, I could

The Blue and Gold March 2011

LOCAL news http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/ Play Production cast puts on a show of American Land for a Malden High School audience. Photos by Catherine Poirier, Rebecca Broomstein, and Sharon Lee. On front page: junior Edmund Fisher in the process of murdering junior Daniel Rendon in a scene in the play.

Photo by Catherine Poirier. Collage by Brittany Foley.

have dreams here in the United States... and then there is a shift in the monologue where I discuss, basically, what American Land really is. It is a personal belief, and some people may disagree with the message. But that’s the beauty of American Land – you can disagree.”

Sarah Fraas, a junior at MHS, performs another personal monologue about her experience growing up in Massachusetts with her two lesbian mothers, and how it affected her. “My monologue encompasses my feelings about not having a dad around and how it all relates to this American ideal that is not reality. When Mr. Walsh came to us and told us to write about our identities, at first I didn’t think I really had one -- I’m just a white girl from Malden...but then I thought of my mothers, and I thought that was really unique. And I realized that I’m the first generation of people who have gay parents who have [kids and have adopted kids], and that really has not happened in this country before because [it was illegal].” Fraas wanted the audience to have an emotional reaction to her words -- she wanted to be able to humanize the issue of gay marriage and gay rights by having the story come from her, a regular girl. “I wanted people to see that if you take away gay rights, gay adoption and gay marriage, you would be taking away a part of me and my family.”

American Land was initially performed for upperclassmen at MHS in the auditorium, as the cast and crew wanted a chance to present the play for an audience to see what can be improved before going on stage before the Drama Fest judges, and Walsh also supported this decision. “For me,” said Walsh, “this was a learning process…there are some moments within scenes and monologues where the writing can be tightened. I’d like us to focus on really sharpening the edge of the play, making the satire more biting, honing in on strengthening our performances, and tightening the transi-

tions.”

When performed for the MHS audience, the play was received as one which achieved a great balance between a humorous comedy and deeper, more serious issues. However, when the production was performed for the audience in Manchester, it was revered with a completely different attitude.

“We had two totally different reactions from Malden -- diverse -- and Manchester -- not diverse,” explained Walsh. “The first was [acknowledged with] … humor, in particular the elements about class and race were received with laughter and thought.

The reaction [in Manchester] was more subdued, but intense -- they were listening as if these were voices [and ideas] that they don’t normally hear.”

That being said, the audience at Semifinals regarded the play with a mixture of the two aforementioned reactions: “There was more of a sense of competition at semifinals,” continued Walsh. “You could sense the tension in the crowd. As far as how the show was received, there were plenty of laughs and the crowd was equally stunned at the honesty of the stories.”

From here, MHS Play Production will continue to work on their play to flatten out any kinks they may see in the hopes of bettering it even more for the festival’s finals.

“I think it’s really impressive that we [have created] this personal play considering we are just high school kids … It is [full of] issues that [are] so complex and relevant to today… I couldn’t be more proud of our school and our play,” said Fraas.

“We have worked so hard for it, and so has Mr. Walsh, and I think we all really deserved moving on [to finals.]

This is a really big deal!”

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LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Wellness Policy Pushes for Healthy Lifestyle Kristen Leonard Reporter Paige Yurek Copy Editor continued from front page.

Students are still allowed to bring lunches from home. Teachers and faculty are no longer allowed to host any in-class parties with food.

One obvious downside to the wellness policy that has generated a lot of buzz among students is its effect on fundraisers. Without the sale popular candy boxes and bags as well as bake sales, many clubs and activities will have to resort to other means of money making, which will become difficult. Sarah Jones, MHS crew coach and math teacher has expressed that “for crew, candy is a steady money-maker through out the year,” referring to the candy bars sold year-round in her classroom.

Senior Key Club President Andrew Chen stated, “Every club relies on candy; lots of clubs will take a big hit.” Chen explained how, like many clubs, a majority of the Key Club’s profits are made through candy fundraising. The club explains that candy boxes can be bought in bulk from stores such as BJ’s and Costco.

Each box, depending on its size, can make between 20 and 60 dollars.

So what can an organization like Key Club do? As Chen pondered, “We will have to do some other fundraisers such as dances, pizza nights at restaurants, carnation sales and t-shirts.” Committee member and food director Cheryl Maguire explained that “the school system understands this issue and will try to help search alternatives for fundraising. Schools such as the Linden are already looking into alternative fundraisers.”

An increase in allergies and obesity has influenced the newly implemented wellness policy. Obesity can lead to heart disease, type two diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and in some cases, social discrimination. Between 1985 and 2009 the obesity rate based on Body Mass Index reached a peak of 30 percent or higher from 15 percent in the United States. Another chilling effect of obesity is the fact that children may live ten years less than their parents.

Food loaded with sugar, i.e. fast food, is another factor playing a major role in this condition. Teens alone can consume on average three point five pounds of sugar weekly.

It is worth noting that the tendency to cling to unhealthy foods starts at a young age. An adolescent or adult brain craves the foods that its possessor adapted to eating as a

Ward 6 School Committee member Steve Winslow discusses health issues in schools around the nation during a public meeting on March 10, 2011. On front page: a shot of the cafeteria right before the lunchtime rush.

Photos by Sharon Lee. child. For example, if a child begins eating vegetables at a young age, he or she adapts to this type of diet and subsequently craves these foods when he or she gets older. On the flip side, if a child eats unhealthy foods on a regular basis at a young age, he or she adapts to this type of diet instead. In addition, as a child, he or she gains extra pounds, which are likely to be life-long consequences.

Ward 6 School Committee member Steve Winslow compared the new wellness policy to how cigarettes are gradually being faded out of society. “The government raised taxes and banned them from restaurants and other public places in hopes to fade them out, similarly to this new wellness policy with unhealthy foods. The wellness policy wants to reset the clock based on this idea.”

In Massachusetts, schools have already started to help make this problem vanish. Schools in MA have to follow regulations made by the National School Lunch Program.

Schools meals need to provide one third of the Recommended Daily Allowances of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. No more than 30 percent of an individual’s calories can come from fat, and less than ten percent can come from saturated fat.

Schools have the option to choose one of four meal plans. The Nutrient Standard Menu Planning and the Assisted Nutrient Standard Menu Planning systems both base their planning on a computerized

nutritional analysis of the week’s menu. The traditional meal pattern and enhanced meal pattern options base their menu planning on minimum component quantities of meat or meat alternate; vegetables and fruits; grains and breads; and milk.

Malden High school follows the traditional meal pattern. The school prepares fresh made and premade food. Costa Foods, Garelick, Thurston Foods, and DeMarco are some of the main distributors that provides food to MHS. The government also contributes to providing food as well. Terri Tusa-Pelosi, Cafeteria Manager at MHS stated, “Malden School Food Service meets the requirements of the Wellness Policy. This has been an ongoing process that we have worked on for a few years now. The vending machines offer items from an approved list of items that follow the guidelines of the wellness policy. The Coffee Shop was opened as a Teacher coffee shop and the students do purchase from us, but there will be changes coming and we are working on this as well.”

Malden Public Schools have already made healthy changes over the years such as offering fresh fruit, fruit salads, salads, sandwiches, low-fat milk, whole grain and whole wheat items and using real chicken.

Even though many changes have been made, there is always room for more.

Soon Malden Public Schools will offer free water, the size of the milk and juice serving will be

changed (will be low-fat and have a sugar limit), and the sodium and fat in all foods will also be limited.

The Malden Public schools are trying to get away from processed foods. The next step in the plan for a healthier generation will be increasing physical activity.

MHS Health Teacher Arlene Ceppetelli voiced her opinion on the policy, stating, “the school has worked hard at trying to make the food as nutritious as possible, while keeping a variety, and trying to meet people’s needs as well as abiding by the law. This law is going to make people stand up, students and adults are upset, but the school needs to abide by the law. Since it is coming to a point where the law needs to come and intervene, there is a problem. This law may be a good first step. As a health teacher, I see a lot of students and young people with health problems they should not have to deal with until they are older. This law is a starting point, as we come through obstacles, work through them while abiding the law.

There is no one size fits all.”

Healthier foods may cost more for the city of Malden, but in the end the future has to be considered, and the future starts with the children.

“I care more about the students’ health than the expense I’d rather pay for healthy food then buy cheap, unhealthy food [for the students.]” stated Maguire.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Sharon Lee

one city, one book

Head of Photography

F

15

LOCAL news

rom students to city officials to business owners, residents from all over Malden are joining to participate in Malden Reads, a new community reading program.

The idea originates from neighboring cities, Medford and Somerville. Medford has conducted the city wide reading program twice, selecting Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo as their first book and Cod: A Biography of Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky as their second book the following year. Last year Somerville read The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien in honor of their veterans. Malden plans to take inspiration they have gotten from neighboring cities to make Malden Reads into a continuous event, whether it is annual or even bi-annual.

The very first book that Malden will read as a community is The Soloist by Steve Lopez. The selection of this year’s book was decided upon by a committee who suggested books fitting the criteria of an easy read as well as pertaining to an urban city like Malden. The book was chosen because it touchesupon so many life lessons.

Considering the different age groups and reading levels throughout Malden’s population, it was decided that there would be more books selected for different groups by age. The Soloist is the main book for adults and high school students; there were several others chosen like

Mole Music by David McPhail for Pre-K to second grade, The Teddy Bear by David McPhail intended for Pre-K to Grade two, How To Steal A Dog by Barbara O’Connor for third through six grades, and Money Hungry by Sandra Flake for grades seven through nine.

Impacting citizens of all ages, especially at Malden High School where several dozen copies of The Soloist are available for students to read. Students are also getting involved in ways like the logo contest that was recently offered to Julie Mullane’s Studio 3 Honors class.

Several months ago, Mullane introduced the reading program to her class, where her students could create a logo that they thought would capture the message and purpose of the program. Logo contest winner junior Vivian Le created a logo portraying how she believes the program will “really get the community involved [through reading].”

Although it is a reading program for the community, many residents throughout the city have gotten involved in ways beyond reading: some act as sponsors, planners, volunteers, and supporters of the program. Many businesses, big and small, help promote the program by allowing several copies of the book to be left in their businesses therefore allowing it to circulate throughout Malden. Many of those behind this program are Malden Public Library Trustees, part of Malden’s Oak Grove Improvement Association, city officials, and several other organizations. Supporters of the program vary between school

Malden Reads commences their new community reading program in the Carr and Ryder Gallery in the Malden Public Library. Photo by Sharon Lee. systems which have been promoting the book by providing several dozen copies available to Malden High School as well as the younger level reading books to the K-8 schools and especially all citizens who have simply referred the book to friends or invited them to join the community at its several events.

Not only has the program helped Malden read the same book, but it has also given residents the opportunity to attend events open to the community. Past events include the Kick-Off event, book discussions, library tours, movie screenings, and several charity fundraisers as well. One of the fundraiser for charity include the Toiletry Collection for Homeless which is an ongoing event until April 9, 2011, where the Malden Public Library is holding a collection box for people to donate toothpaste, toothbrushes,

and other toiletry items to homeless families. Another upcoming service activity is “Stone Soup” at the Immaculate Conception Church where everyone contributes ingredients to make a big pot of soup that will be served at a Bread of Life dinner.

The idea for this event was based off of a classic folk tale, Stone Soup, where villagers claim to be too poor to feed three hungry soldiers, but since nobody would help them they decided to start cooking a large pot of soup. To start they boiled water with three stones and one by one villagers’ run home to get ingredients adding to the huge pot of soup, showing the villagers that they can come together as a community similar to one of the purposes of the Malden Reads community reading program. By coming together as a community Malden is also helping those in need.

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The Blue and Gold March 2011

Style http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

THE

MHS

Reginah Sanyu Head Entertainment Writer Q) How would you describe your style?

A) Formal but at the same time casual.

Q) Where do you get your style?

A) My inspiration consists of Marvin Gaye, Fonzoworth Bentley. I have sampled aspects of their style and made it mine.

Q) How do you manage to dress up to school everyday?

Is that comfortable?

A) Of course it is. I love it.

I would not have it any

JOSHUA JEROME other way, when I was younger, my father used to comb my hair every morning; he told me that it is important to come correct. Dressing up boosts self confidence which makes my day better.

my brothers and father. I just mix and match, like making a tie a bow tie.

Q) Looking back at your freshman year, what would you Q) What is your favorite trend? tell yourself?

A) Bow ties.

A) I would tell myself to Q) Why choose a bow tie over keep on doing a tie? whatever I did.

A) It’s not about choosing, it’s about being versatile. The most stylQ) Why do ish people in my honest opinion are you think it is imthose whom are able to successfully portant for one to pull off various styles and looks. be themselves?

A) Who you Q) What do you mean by that? are says a lot in A) That means being able terms of your goals to wear a white t-shirt, jeans and and aspirations. A sneakers one day while looking lot of people find good wearing a three piece suit the themselves trapped next day. It is all about the versatil- in a stage of finding ity. out who they are.

Q) Do you think that for one to have style one should be addicted to Q) What shopping? would you tell A) No, not at all. Some of the a person who things I wear are passed down by afraid to be

selves?

A) Do you because at the end of the day, all that matters is you. It does not mean insulting others or putting other people’s lives in danger but life is too short to live in fear of what other people think.

Q) Lets talk about your afro? What is the story behind it?

A) (laughter) Well, this could be embarrasing, but when I was younger, I watched the Jackson 5 and I always admired their hair.

I fell in love with it and I wanted to get it. I also hated getting hair cuts, I just trim once in a while.

i s them-

Q) What do you think about “baggy pants”?

A) I hate them. Pants are supposed to be worn in the waist. I just want to know where the whole trend came from?

SAMANTHA SAGGESE Reginah Sanyu Head Entertainment Writer Q) How would you describe your style?

A) I am not high maintenance at all. it depends on my mood although I would rather wear skirts and dresses over pants. I guess that makes my style girly.

Q) Where do you get your style from?

A) its a combination of magazines. I also like Rachel Bilson’s style.

Q)what would you tell someone who is afraid to be themselves?

A) wear what you feel comfortable in because if you try too hard to wear all the trends, you will (kinda) just look and feel stupid.

Q) Looking back at your freshman year, what would you change?

A) my freshman year, I wore every color on the rainbow and a thousand hair pins. It was completely goofy but it was the cool thing back then. I would not change anything because it was fun.

Q) What is your favorite trend?

A)Probably gladiator sandals. I can’t wait to wear them in the summer.

Q) What do you think about Ugg boots?

A) I think that they are ugly but comfortable. I personally would never pay for them.

Q) Do you think that for one to have style one should be addicted to shopping?

A) Definitely not. i hardly ever go shopping. you don’t need to shop a lot to have style. You can make everything work.

Q) When you go shopping, what do you consider?

A) I never pay too much for anything. I do not like spending a lot of money on clothes because I might not even wear it that much.

Q) Why do you think its important for one to be themselves?

A) Individuality is important.

There is no point in looking like the person next to you. There is nothing wrong with expressing yourself especially at our school , people don’t judge that much.

Q) If you would have a “dream closet”, what would it have?

A) A thousand dresses and a million pairs of shoes.

Q) Project Runway verses America’s Next Top Model (ANTM)?

A) ANTM is a show that I watch every week but Project Run-

way is more interesting because it has more dialogue.

Q) What are you looking towards for spring style?

A)Sandles, Flower print stuff.

We a ring dresses.

I am just happy to get rid of my winter coat.

Top of page. Senior Joshua Jerome showing off his classy style. In fashion you are either in or out. But if you are Senior Samantha Saggese, you are always in. Above Saggese shows off her girly sassy style. Photos by Reginah Sanyu.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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Entertainment http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Artist Profile:

Call Me Anything

Brittany Foley Managing Editor

F

rontman Will Tenney claims that his quote to live by is as follows: “We never grew out of this feeling that we won’t give up.” As a proud member of a project that began when Tenney was a mere seventh-grader, this quote could not prove itself more appropriate. After approximately six years, a namechange, new management, several tours, and countless immigrating and emigrating band members, that project, the band now known as Call Me Anything, is ready to release its debut record, set for a release summer 2011.

The band consists of 19-yearold Tenney, 18-year-old Brandyn Dougan, and 18-year-old Matt McNulty. While Tenney is lead vocals and guitarist and pianist/ keyboardist of the group, Dougan covers the percussion, and McNulty is the band’s bassist with talents in drumming as well. According to Tenney, this “wide range of ability helps the songwriting process.”

Their influences—among them artists and bands ranging from the

infamous Blink 182, “to Bright Eyes, to Jack’s Mannequin, to what’s on the radio”—also contribute to this process.

Having recently begun working with New Age Media Management, the band has played several shows and has even gone on tour over the past few months, getting their new name out there to potential fans. They have played all around New England, in places even as local as Cambridge’s The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, where they opened for the up-and-coming poprock band, Stereo Skyline.

Tenney admits that while he supposes their music could be considered “pop/rock,” he would rather avoid the labels that are genres and their “stigmas.” Instead, he claims that, he, Dougan, and McNulty are “just a group of guys that love writing music that [they’re] really feeling.” But where will that take them?

Tenney hopes that, within the next year or two, Call Me Anything will be “touring full time and spreading [their] music to as many people as possible.” This, however, is obviously up to their currently-ever-expanding fanbase. If you’re a fan of the new, alternative pop-rock mu-

sic scene, or are into bands like Rocket to the Moon and This Condition, Call Me Anything might just become your new favorite band, and as both Tenney and McNulty are studying music at Boston’s own Northeastern University, they’re bound to become a local hit. To keep an eye out for upcoming shows, to check out their music, or for more information on Call Me Anything, please visit: facebook.com/ callmeanythingband and callmeanything. com.

From left: Brandyn Dougan, Will Tenney, Matt McNulty. Photo by Brittany Foley.

Lady Gaga and Madonna: Born the Same Way? Catherine Poirier Copy Editor

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riginality: something music artists search for when creating their look. Almost all of the songs on the top charts currently lack just that. One would think there is some hope for this with Lady Gaga, an artist who seems to have found her niche amongst the craziest outfits and stage performances ever created.

In the past, many have compared Gaga to Madonna.

The two support platinum blonde hair, or a wig in Gaga’s case, racy outfits, and an upbeat dance style in their music.

These comparisons were typically vague, but recently some have accused her of plagiarism.

Gaga seems to have surprisingly disappointed her “monsters” with the release of her new single “Born This Way.” The single is an almost exact dupe for Madonna’s 1989 release “Express Yourself,” some say. “Born This Way” and “Express

Yourself” both contain opening word chants, ad-libbed speaking parts, and 80’s style dance music.

Gaga openly admitted Madonna is a muse for her music and fashion sense. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Feb. 14, 2011, Gaga expressed “There is no one that is more of an adoring and loving Madonna fan than me. I am the hugest fan, personally and professionally.”

She then went on to explain “The good news is that I got an email from [Madonna’s] people and her sending me their love and support on behalf of the single.

If the Queen says it shall be, then it shall be,” Gaga added laughing.

In the rest of the interview, Lady Gaga describes the rest of her upcoming album, “Born This Way.” She promised it is an eclectic record, and there will be diversity in every song. “The rest of the songs on the album are quite different from ‘Born This Way,’” she stated. Hopefully this will provide some relief to those who are normally fans of her work, but were surprisingly let down by the new single.

Students at Malden High School weighed in on the topic as well. Their opinions ranged from those in support of her music, to those totally against pop music in general. Senior Andrew Terenzi said “I think that ‘Born This Way’ is actually really brilliant, because it subtly argues for gay rights without being super obvious about it. The melody being similar to express yourself?” He asked rhetorically, “[It is] pop music. All pop music already sounds the same anyways.”

Sophomore Anthony Johnson agrees with Terenzi about the message in the music. “Music is intelligent, pop is not. Although it is a good tool for getting good messages out there.” Senior Hong Chung expressed her views on the music industry by adding “There is no such thing as an original song composition, same thing as there is no such thing as a original creative story. Popular melodic beats and saccharine sounding melodies tend to trickle down the musical generation.” She finished by offering “If we as a majority push for music outside of Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne and such, I’m sure the music industry would be more compelled to breach creative comfort zones and thus instill confidence to their signed artists more creative freedom as well.”

This occurrence does present a question to fans of pop music. If the face of pop music herself can not seem to find a place to be original, according to her fans, then what will the rest of music industry do? Radio is becoming boring quite frankly.

Stations continually play the same ten songs on a loop all day, and most of them sound the same. Junior Kyle Carvalho added in “Everything mainstream or on the radio is just really uncreative. Same [four] chords, generic lyrics, and autotune. But I guess [it is] all preference!” When an artist as outrageous as Gaga comes along, you hope to find something new and fresh on the radio, not a recycled 1980’s song.

Left to right: Lady Gaga’s new single, pop icon Madonna. Wikimedia.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Indoor Track’s States Success Brittany McFeeley Head Copy Editor

D

uring the winter season, the Malden High School indoor track stars competed in a prestigious meet at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. The team sent a handful of athletes to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association indoor track states meet on Feb. 18, 2011, consisting of senior captains Patrick Keough, Andrew Terenzi, David Germain, Cynthia Antenor, the Blue and Gold member Alexandra Mathieu, and Kelvin Tsang.

Senior Vanesha Darla, juniors Yusuf Mohamed and Kevin Chan, and sophomores Abdelhak Belatreche and the Blue and Gold member Lauren Benoit, also qualified for and competed at the state meet.

In order to qualify for the state meet, runners, jumpers, hurdlers, and throwers had to have distances and times that meet the standards set by the MIAA. Keough and Mohamed participated in the 1000 meter race. Keough set his own personal goal to break a time of 2:40, and he succeeded in doing so when he ran a time of 2:39.

In the same event, Mohamed ran

a time of 2:36, which surprisingly was not his personal best, but it was enough to qualify him for the MIAA All-States meet on Feb. 26, 2011.

Terenzi, meanwhile, qualified to run in the one mile event at the states meet. After breaking his personal best time by running a 4:43, he placed 18th overall, but unfortunately was unable to move on to the All-States meet with Mohamed. Germain, however, was able to reach the AllStates meet in the high jump event, jumpi n g a n

astonishing six feet and two inches, placing fourth in that event. Germain also participated in the 55 meter hurdles, finishing in 8.38 seconds and placing 19th.

The fourth captain of the indoor

track team, Tsang, ran 37.64 seconds in the 300 meter dash, ranking 16th overall. The boys 4 x 8 relay team, consisting of Belatreche, Chan, Keough, and Mohamed ranked 14th out of a total of 23.

As for the girls indoor track team, Mathieu and Darla participated in the shotput event and performed well, but they did n o t break their personal

bests.

Mathieu threw 30 feet and nine inches, putting herself in 18th place, while Darla threw 30 feet and three inches, ultimately placing herself at 20th. Antenor participated in the 55 meter hurdles placing her at 24th place with a time of 9.67 seconds.

Benoit, one of the two MHS sophomores who made states, fin- ished in last place in the 600 meter race, running a 1:48 seconds.

Unfortunately for Benoit, she was extremely sick the day of the meet, but still ran extremely well considering her personal best is 1:45 seconds.

Overall, MHS was extremely successful in the last meet at the Reggie-Lewis Center, sending two track stars on to AllStates. Mohamed again participated in the 1000 meter race, running a person best of 2:35.22, while Germain placed at an astonishing 10th place in the high jump, again

jumping six feet and 2 inches.

Hopefully, for the upcoming outdoor season, MHS will be just as successful in sending numerous athletes to the outdoor states track meet.

Senior Patrick Keough passes the baton to junior Kevin Chan in the indoor track 4x800 meter relay. Photo

by Lauren Benoit.

Underclassmen Shine at States Meet Megan Kelly Copy Editor

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his year, some of Malden High School’s best athletes, the swim team, received state- Above: freshman Bestine Cong swims in the state track meet. Right: freshman Bestine wide recogni- Cong prepares to start her race. On front page: Cong swims the butterfly stroke. Photos by tion. Six mem- Catherine Poirier. the aforementioned freestyle. that “[they] conquered [their] bers of the team The varsity squad is led by own personal states” by qualified for the Massachusetts senior Kaela Bryan (who is also a qualifying for the tournament.

Interscholastic Athletic Associareporter for The Blue and Gold), Another accomplishment is tion’s State Swimming and Diving Competition at the Blodgett Pool at and teammate senior Samantha credited to Cong who qualiHarvard University on Feb. 20, 2011. Saggese. The team also featured two fied for three events. Luckily, For the first time in a decade other staff members from The Blue for many of these members, the MHS’s girls swim team quali- and Gold: sophomore copy editor there is still time to qualify for fied for states in two events: the 200 Catherine Poirier and sophomore and potentially place in more yard freestyle relay and the 200 yard reporter Amalia Quesada Nylen. state-wide tournaments, as of medley relay, all with six swimmers. They competed alongside sopho- the qualifiers, only Saggese A freestyle relay uses four different more Caitlin Cala and freshman and Bryan are seniors. Already the team is pursuing swimmers, all swimming for 200 Bestine Cong.

This season’s swimmers have next year’s states; Cong stated, yards in any unregulated swimming style, though most swimmers made an incredible mark on MHS “I really hope I can go back to states choose to use the front crawl, as it is history after a ten year gap of at- next year with more people.” For considered the fastest. Meanwhile, a tendance at the MIAA’s Swimming Cong, it was not that she got to swim the 200 yard medley relay is a com- and Diving Competition despite the at the Harvard pool, which has been bination of four different styles of team’s success in recent years. Even called one of the best in the nation, swimming: the butterfly stroke, the though they did not bring home a but that she got to “compete against backstroke, the breaststroke, and top score, Bryan and Poirier agreed some of the fastest swimmers in the

the state.” For the team it was just qualifying for the state tournament that mattered; even though there was no impressive placing from the MHS team this year, the fact that a possible comeback for the team is in the near future is all that they seem to want.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

19

Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Coach Busted

Waiting for the Weather to Change Amanda Rosatone

Alfonse Femino

Reporter

Head of Sports

W

ith hopes of good weather in the spring, Malden High School’s crew team is very excited about the upcoming season. One main aspect of having a good season this year is having a strong team spirit and that is exactly what senior captains Jeremy Bowser and Harout Khodaverdian expect.

The team has had an influx of joiners this season, and members who have recently joined the team, “are really fitting in which helps [the] team grow,” Bowser explained, which helps uphold the team’s positive spirit. With such a strong team spirit, Bowser expects that, despite the loss of players over the years, “it will be no exception for [the team] to do well, pushing the limits to show what a Malden High crew team can really do.” Khodaverdain also added that he feels very confident about this season and stated that, “with a lot of hard work and practice we will get those medals we all want so badly.”

Considering the new members have adjusted so quickly, Head Coach and MHS math teacher Sarah Jones hopes that there will be more freshmen, as well as underclassmen, and even some upperclassmen, who

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Crew team during training. Photo By Amanda Rosatone. also want to be a part of the team.

Having more freshmen will result in more people having the chance of getting to a higher division such as the varsity level in the future. Jones stated that, “It takes a lot of time to develop skills and starting as a freshman will help get people to the varsity level,” just like any sport, in which skill is acquired through countless hours of training and dedication.

Along with Bowser’s proclaimed strong team spirit come high expectations for the team, and many have already started training to prepare for the season by exercis-

ing and premptively training. Not only does the team have high expectations, but Bowser also has personal goals he would like to accomplish considering that, as a senior, this is his final year on the team. When asked if he had any personal goals he would like to see accomplished, Bowser answered that he would like “to do better than last year and set a good example as team captain so [the team] can follow in those footsteps and do better as a whole.”

Khodaverdian also has hopes of, “meddling each competition while still enjoying the sport.”

HOCKEY EAST CHAMPIONSHIP Joshua Kummins Copy Editor

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he sold-out crowds and actionpacked games make the Hockey East Championship at the TD Garden very special each year and it was no different on Mar. 18-19 as fans were treated to an exciting college hockey atmosphere and a new twist as far as teams on the ice.

On Mar. 17, the conference hosted their annual Awards Banquet at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge to kick off the weekend.

The big winner of the evening was New Hampshire senior Paul Thompson, who was named the league’s scoring champion and Player of the Year as he scored 28 goals and 52 points in 36 games for the Wildcats.

In what was their fifth meeting of the season in the semifinals, BC came through again with a 5-4 win over Northeastern to advance to the finals for the second year in a row and the sixth instance in seven seasons. Freshman Kevin Hayes was the Eagles’ scoring leader in the game as he scored a goal and two assists.

BC junior defenseman Tommy Cross scored a goal and an assist in the game. The event has special meaning to him as he grew up in Connecticut and was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2007.

The Huskies did not go down without a fight as MacLeod and

sophomore Garrett Vermeersch scored a pair of goals in the final five minutes, but it was not enough to come back all the way. BC senior John Muse was outstanding in the goal, making 33 saves.

“I thought the game was fairly secure late in the third pe- BC celebrates their win over Merrimack. Photo by riod, then all of a Joshua Kummins sudden Northeastern came to life,” Eagle head coach tough in a 5-3 win to clinch their Jerry York said. “Northeastern came league-record tenth Hockey East very hard in the third and made championship.

“I thought we did almost evsome outstanding plays.” erything we needed to do except In the second semifinal game, win,” said Merrimack head coach Merrimack defeated UNH, 4-1, to advance to the Championship for Mark Dennehy. “It is a good learning lesson for us, that is the bad the first time ever.

Merrimack had a struggling news. The good news is we continue program for many years, but the on.”

BC junior Cam Atkinson Warriors are finally hitting their scored two goals and was named stride and getting great support tournament MVP. Merrimack’s Ryan from members of the local commuFlanigan also scored two goals and nity and students at the school.

The game set up a match-up was selected to the All-Tournament between BC and Merrimack in the Team, but it was not enough BC, UNH, and Merrimack finals on Saturday, marking the were all selected to participate in the first time in the 27-year history of NCAA National Tournament, which Hockey East that the top seed faced begins on Mar. 25. the fourth seed in the title game.

Merrimack’s magical run fell just short, as the Eagles were too

hen a child signs up for a sport, whether wrestling, horseback riding, and everything in between, there is an expectation from both parents and players that the athletes will be put in the trustworthy hands of a coach. This past month, however, that was not the case on the North Andover High School Wrestling team, as long time wrestling coach Dave Castricone was arrested on Feb. 15, 2011, on the grounds of alleged possession of child pornography.

Castricone, who grew up in North Andover and graduated NAHS, is seen as an all-around legend when it comes to the sport of wrestling. He has been coaching the team for 25 years, and is recognized as one of the best coaches in the entire country, with 600 wins, leading all other New England wrestling teams, and three state titles in the past six years, an accomplishment not many coaches in any sport have come close to.

The investigation started when Police Chief Richard Stanley’s department received information that Casticone was in possession of child pornography, leading it to obtain a search warrant, and begin a full-out investigation of Castricone’s house the next day.

After the search, it was confirmed that Castricone was in possession of child pornography and Castricono was put on “paid leave,” however he sent his letter of resignation to North Andover schools’ superintendent Christopher Hottel, because of “personal reasons.”

Speaking as a Malden High School athlete, I can say with confidence that every coach I have ever played for as a Tornado could be fully trusted. This is a direct result of Malden’s strict policies for coaching, as a majority of the coaches are recruited either from the Malden Public School system.

Nobody in particular (except Castricone of course) can be blamed for this incident; however, the NAHS school system, and any school system across the country for that matter must take evasive action to avoid another horrible incident like this in the future. In this instance, the situation goes far beyond how many wins the coach has, but also brings into question the athlete’s safety around the coach. Stricter policies for teachers and extensive background checks for coaches are just a few actions that can be taken to ensure the safety of student athletes, especially in more hands-on (literally) sports such as wrestling, because if students and parents cannot trust a coach, then the ultimate goal of developing young men and women through athletics can never be reached.

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The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Girls Tennis Ready for battle Joshua Kummins Copy Editor

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he Malden High School girls tennis team is looking to improve upon its disappointing season last year in which they just missed qualification for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament.

Senior Alison Nguyen is one of the three captains and she hopes that the team can come through and advance to states as “[they] have always gotten so close into making it” in the past. If Nguyen has learned one thing over her four years of Greater Boston League tennis, it is that nothing comes easily.

Every team in the league poses a threat to Malden, and with the title constantly up for grabs throughout the entire season, any team having the opportunity to pull ahead at any time with a league win. Because of this fact, Nguyen and the rest of the team are well aware that an incredible amount of work has to be done to even come close to a league championship.

Her senior classmates Danielle Ton and Ivy Bui are the other two captains for the team this year, while

English teacher Maggie Pettit will return as the head coach. Both Bui and Ton have a wealth of experience, as they have been competing at the varsity level for multiple years. The two, along with Nguyen, will be looked upon to serve as role models for the younger players on the team.

Two underclassmen, Lisa Delacey and The Blue and Gold member Natalie Fallano, are also expected to contribute to the team as sophomores that will be playing singles. Both Fallano and Delacey will be important members not only this season, but also in the seasons to come.

Nguyen feels that “they [have] been key players for [the team]” and will help the team achieve its goal of reaching the tournament.

This season, the team thinks that it can reach its goal and will be preparing hard during each and every practice to make that a reality. During practice, the athletes will have to work on their serving, and other skills. Most importantly, however, the members of the team will have to spend countless hours working on their agility training, as agility is the number one aspect that a tennis player needs to achieve any kind of success. The fact that

the GBL is so competitive makes puts it in perspective how hard the student athletes will be expected to work. Nguyen says that the team is “planning on [doing] lots of conditioning, like court suicides and running, in order to improve endurance,” showing that she understands that she, and the rest of the team can not take any short cuts, and must work diligently.

Although the team is in no lack of talented upperclassmen, they still hope, as any high school team, that the incoming freshman will possess numbers in players that will be future of tennis at MHS. However, a majority of returning players have put in an extensive amount of hours of training in the off-season, preparing themselves for their final season as a Golden Tornado.

Malden will be playing their first match against North Reading High School on Apr. 8, 2011.

Sophomore and The Blue and Gold member Natalie Fallano prepares to serve in a home match at Amridge Park during the 2010 season. Photo

by Sharon Lee.

new coach, new directions?

Reginah Sanyu Head Entertainment Writer

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s spring is welcomed, the Malden High School tennis team is welcoming a new coach. Bernice Diaz, a math teacher at MHS will be coaching this season’s tennis team.

The team was previously coached

by Linden Middle School English teacher Joshua Titcomb who is on a leave of absence.

Although the team consists of seniors who had Titcomb as coach for a while, the team warmly welcomes Diaz to their family. “We are excited to see her coaching skills,” stated senior captain Andrew Delacey. The team has made it to the tournaments from the past seasons and that is why their main focus this season is to go all the way. “In the past two years, we have made it to the tournament; this season, we hope to progress further.” Delacey declared.

Progressing further will require the team to work harder than they did in the past season. The team members did not have a female coach in their careers as high school tennis players. However the change in the coaching will not affect them in any bad way. “No, I don’t think that is going to affect the way our team performs at all, many of our players have had her as a teacher

before.” Delacey added. “She has agility workouts as well as rills for the season that will work us harder than we have worked in any of the past years,” Delacey continued to speak of his new coach.

Diaz does not have tennis coaching experience although that s not keeping her from being excited for his new experience. “I know the kids and I love tennis,” she stated.

“Something about the speed and the way you can generate so much power; that is just awesome,” Diaz added. One thing that Diaz loves about this sport is that even if it is a group sport, it is still an individual spot. “It takes talent and skills to be good at it,” Diaz added.

The team is ready to begin playing. “My expectations have grown throughout the years. This is our last year since most of our team is made of seniors; we expect it to be our best year,” stated Co captain senior Jackie Tran. “Hopefully, we can bring home the Greater Boston League this year,” he added.

The team and the new coach have one thing in common; they both hope that this season is better than the previous ones. “I hope to meet their expectations and make it to the GBL” stated Diaz.

With these expectations, a new coach and hard work, the boy’s tennis team could have a good season.

Senior Tuan Phan fires back a shot during a tennis match. Photo by Lynn Tran.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

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MHS Baseball Season On Deck Jacob Martino Reporter

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he Malden High school boys baseball team is looking forward to the upcoming season this year and looks to take its talents deep into the state tournament.

Last year, the team made the tournament but unfortunately lost in the first round. Last season the

team made many key victories, including one that was against the seventh ranked team in the state, Lawrence High School. “The team is excited to start this year, everyone is very confident in what we can do,” said senior Kevin Valley.

Valley is only one of the seniors that will be a huge asset to the team’s success this year, as he has proven to be as reliable at his shortstop position as he is at the plate. Valley has also been on the varsity roster since his sophomore year.

Along with Valley, there are two other seasoned veterans on the team: Marc Woodman and Matt Howe, both of whom have been playing on the varsity team since their sophomore years, Woodman showcasing his brute strength at the plate, and Howe showing off his golden glove abilities at the position of first base.

Valley also commented, “We are confident in our coach and his decisions we know that he is only trying to do what is best for the team at all times.”

The seniors on the team will not just be the only contributions to the team; the team has many sophomore and juniors this year who contributed last year. “They are just going to get better as we go on; it is good to know that they will be able to lead the team when all of us seniors are gone,” Valley com-

From top to bottom, left to right junior Austin Teal and senior Marc Woodman practicing catching. Woodman practicing batting in the cage. Photo by Reginah Sanyu. On front page: Cameron Lucey at bat. Photo by Lynn Tran. mented. Valley also said, “I do not want to say anything that will end up hurting us but I think we will have a very good season, and who knows, maybe we will even win the GBL title this year.”

Valley says he would like to continue playing baseball at the college level as well he commented, “My favorite sport is baseball, I can play catch all day long, I would love to be able to play at the next level.”

The boys baseball team games will be held at Keizer field at Pine Banks Park in Malden.

Much like any other high

school team, especially in Malden, the baseball team has run into some adversity before the first inning is even played. Due to some unfortunate events that can not be mentioned, two of the teams very talented starters will be forced by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to sit out the first five games of the season. “It’s going to be tough not having them out there, but the team and I are still confident that the team can still play at the same intense level that they have played with in recent seasons.”

Another Shot at Success Joel Stevenson Reporter

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ottom of the seventh, things are looking fair, both teams, Malden High School and Central Catholic are tied up, it still remains anyone’s game. A whistle. All eyes make a mad pursuit for the umpire, hoping that the foul will be called on the other team. This time, MHS was not so fortunate. Penalty. From that call, the game started to tilt one way. Before everyone knew it, semifinals were over. As the saying goes, “You’re outta here”, as Malden High School’s Softball team hits the showers feeling defeated.

As any good team knows, one’s failures can only be measured by one’s successes. A new season is approaching, and this year they are planning to go all the way, as stated

by Junior Rebecca Krigman. “We want to be undefeated in the GBL again and make it further in the state tournament than last year. We have plenty of skill and talent on the team. We just need to work together as a team and we will have a great season.”

With less than a month before the season starts, the team is taking full advantage of their time. Every week, twice a week, they are working on their previous skills. Batting, pitching, as well as drills help them

do better. After such a close year last year, the team is giving it all they can to so they can be do one thing, be better. “Last year the team did very well, I was the asst coach, but I would think it was the toughest schedule any Malden High Softball team played…Hopefully we can get back to the way we played last year but we have some holes to fill and it won’t be easy. We lost great leadership and players in the 3 Seniors Jen T, Kristina Dyer, and Casey Willcox.

This has been a dream come true for me to be able to Coach at my old High School and I look forward to many successful years,” expressed head coach John Furlong.

With a new softball coach, the team is keeping optimistic about the year, they are looking for nothing but wins, as stated by senior captain Ashley Powers. “This season is going to be the best. We already started working hard for the season so were only bound to get better from here.

We also have a new coach that I think will really be a big contribution to this season.”

This upcoming year the team is being led by seniors Francesca Richardson, Powers, and Renee Santo. These three are determined to end their years of softball at MHS on a high note. Richardson stated, “We have won the GBL title since I was a freshman, along with Powers

and Santo, and as the three senior have made it finals, they have come Captains we are confident that we close every year, this year they want will end our high school career with to win, the team has learned from its another title.” failures, and now they are ready to Another returning member that go all the way. “This year, our hopes has a immense impact on the team is and goals are to make it to those fijunior Kiara Amos. Amos has been nals, and become State Champions. winning athletic awards throughout With the talent on our team, this her years at MHS, including the soft- goal is highly reachable. I would be ball MVP award, and fastest pitch ecstatic to play my last High School awards. When asked her what her softball game as a Malden Tornado secret to success was, she explained in the State Championship,” Richthat her only secret was hard work, ardson. as she modestly stated, “I’ve been playing softball since I was six. I’m good because I work hard and train during the off season.”

Prior to official tryouts, the team practiced at Salemwood Middle School every Tuesday and Thursday from five to seven. There, they worked on improving upon their old skills, plus learning new drills, from batting, to three way pitching. They hope that all of this hard work pays off, as they strive to make states this year.

With power house players like Santo, Powers, and Richardson, they are bound to win a state title.

Year after year, since these Senior Francesca Richardson pitches a ball at three were freshman, they softball practice. Photo by Joel Stevenson.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Starting Early for success Vicki Ngan Reporter

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alden High School girls lacrosse team eagerly prepares for the upcoming season, drill by drill. Starting off with early captain practices, they expect to win more games.

MHS lacrosse varsity coach and physical education teacher Julie Briggs plans on accepting no more than 18 members on her varsity team this year and hoped for “a better commitment to being physically fit and a little more focus on basic skills” from the team. There are more veteran players this year, and Briggs wants “them to learn to love the game, to feel proud to play on the Malden High School team, and to get better within themselves.”

Holding the highest average GPA of all sports at MHS, the lacrosse team is determined to commit three months to this sport. “We live and die by the team,” stated senior co-captain Mandy Liao. New players are expected to work twice as hard to catch up in terms of skill.

Additionally, the rest of the team must improve by working “on mentality, skills, and community,” senior co-captain Patricia Aguinaldo explained.

Repeatedly refining and polishing their basics, the girls lacrosse

Trouncing The Record

Amalia Quesada Nylen Reporter

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he Malden High School boys lacrosse team looks forward to a successful season this year. With an unfortunate record of 2 wins and 14 losses last season, through plenty of hard work and talent, the boys hope to make more wins this year.

The program is still relatively young, so any progress in the numbers playing the sport will be important. “We plan on fielding a junior varsity team with a full schedule,” coach Brendan Maney stated, adding that “this will allow

more student athletes to participate in the sport. We have seem to have more interest this year so that our numbers will be up over last year.”

A junior varsity team would also allow newly joined members to develop their skills before joining the varsity team, thus making for an overall stronger varsity team in the future.

This year, the team expects to avoid the problems posed last year that came with the adjustment to a new coach, and a new system. Instead, the team can now develop on the skills that Coach Maney began installing last season. This adjustment in the structure of the team

team will have a strong foundation once the season begins. In addition, with an issue on attendance last year, they decided on cutting players if they are not committed. “ I hope to accomplish together as a team and win,” junior defensive midfielder Commie Ayuk said.

A returning key player, she tore her ACL last year in a game and was unable to continue for the rest of the season. Getting back on track, she wishes to concentrate on her stamina this year and intends to do a considerable amount of running.

With a head start, the MHS lacrosse team works hard, using their time improving their skills and unifying their sense of teamwork.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Sophomore Anita Caceda, Co-captain Mandy Liao and Patricia Aguinaldo, Senior Samantha Saggese. Photos by Sharon Lee and Vicki Ngan.

will inevitably lead to more fast Regardless of their record this year, pace style of play, and ultimately the boys make sure to focus on not more success on the field. only personal goals, but team goals The team also had many seniors to remain closer and work better. graduating last year that played “I want my teammates to enjoy the significant roles on the roster, such time we have on and off the field as as Tim Riordan, Sam Warton, and a team,” revealed Lam. “Just like Xavier Leo, leaving the team with the previous seasons I want to crehuge footsteps to follow in. How- ate a bond between the players that ever, the team is not showing a sign will remain even when the season is of defeat at this loss. “This year we over.” plan to have more than just a couple people to rely on.

We plan to work better as a team and less as complete individual efforts,” stated junior Dylan Sadowski.

Led by senior captains Andy Lam, Chance DiPietro, and The Blue and Gold member Alfonse Femino, the team plans to take advantage of its talent as a collective whole.

Other than working hard to make this season a success, the boys look forward to creating solid founda- Top to bottom, left to right: Senior tri-captains Andy tions for previous Lam, Chance DiPietro, and Alfonse Femino. Senior years to come. Luis Moreira prepares to catch a pass. Photos by Sharon Lee and Vicki Ngan.

The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Alexander Gennigiorgis

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Sports

Be Kind Rewind

Head of Business

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he Malden High School girls track team is hoping to repeat its success in this outdoor season, following a very successful indoor season. During the winter, the indoor season seemed to be the most successful season the team has had in Coach Mitch Abbatessa’s career as head coach. The only way to follow up such a great season is by repeating it or improving upon it.

The difference between outdoor and indoor track is that outdoor there are 16 events in a meet and indoor there are only 9. Luckily, most of the events consist of field events such as throwing and shotput are the team’s strongpoint.

There was only one setback last season that the team really is hoping to improve on which was the loss to Somerville. The team seemed to make all the others seem like underdogs in each meet, “but not Somerville,” stated Abbatessa. “On paper we looked great, but Somerville looked better.”

Abbatessa’s set goals for the outdoor season are to put that loss behind the team and improve, as well as becoming “Undefeated Greater Boston League Champions.”

In order to achieve Abbatessa’s goals, the team must show a lot of work ethic, as they have every other season, and “focus on [beating] every team, one meet at a time.” One major speed bump on the road to success is the fact that the team needs members. The team will hopefully recruit “at least 16 people” to cover each event, stated Abbatessa. “We have some, but not enough.” Complacency does not appear, as when Abbatessa was asked about whether the team has a better chance at being at the top of the GBL standings, he stated that “there are five teams,” giving the team a “one out of five chance” at achieving glory.

This past winter has caused a big blow to the team’s preparation for the upcoming season due to the fact that there were many feet of snow covering McDonald stadium after the many periods of heavy snowfall. Hopefully the field will fully clear up and be in the right condition for the team to be able to compete. There are many variables in a winning season. These variables go from weather to what the team brings to the table at every meet.

The offseason is the perfect time for an athlete to focus on school, prepare for the next season, or rest.

Abbatessa sees the offfseason as a

time to be productive. “If an athlete plays 3 seasons of a sport and is taking lots of time for sports, they should take a break.” By take a break, he implies that they should maintain a steady, healthy diet, but enjoy the time off. Abbatessa explained that “Lots of athletes do irrelevant sports and then want to sprint.” This affects their fatigue, training, and work ethic. Athletes that join track after having played a different sport may not like track and are more likely to quit. Senior Cera Nolan practices at MacDonald Stadium.

If an athlete com- Photo by Lynn Tran. peted in a different event during the first two seasons, then “they should athleticism. Even with new recruits train. Maybe hit the weight room.” almost every season, what sticks out It is not at all a bad thing to most in the team is its success each have athletes from other sports to season. It is not who makes up the join track, it isactually more of a re- team that matters, it is what they do quirement for athletes expand their that makes a difference.

Goal: Reclaiming GBL Title Johanna Lai Reporter

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fter the Malden High School boys track team completed their indoor track season with a winning record, they are pumped for their outdoor track season. Last season, the boys indoor track team was unable to achieve another Greater Boston League title. However, the team was able to achieve great success last season.

The boys track team has been stronger than ever since their huge success including their Greater Boston League title tied-up with Somerville last year.

With most of the members of the indoor track team, including key members seniors Patrick Keough, Andrew Terenzi, Kelvin Tsang and David Germain, junior Yusuf Mohamed, and head coaches English teacher David Londino and freshman English consulting teacher Mitch Abbatessa, the boys outdoor track team is back in session. The team is prepared to defeat their greatest challenge of all: reclaiming their Greater Boston League title.

Underclassmen who are expected to contribute to this outdoor track season include sophomores Franklin Huynh and Tyler Williams.

Keough also has some expec-

tations for himself this season, and one of the mutual ones is to win the GBL title and go undefeated once again. Keough stated, “I would like to make states in multiple events and have a successful 4x800 team this season.” Keough hopes that the team also defeats Somerville this year, even though they tied with Somerville for the Greater Boston League title during the indoor track season. Keough plans to “go into the same intensity, stay focused, and continue to work hard.”

Mohamed, who has been one of the key members of the track team, has some expectations for the team as well. The personal goals that Mohamed also has are to make All-States again this season and to place high at the states tournament.

As Mohamed expressed, “What I’m planning to do differently is to get more rest than last year...the workouts should be intense and [I should] trust myself a little more during the meets.”

According to Londino, there are 13 events that the team is competing including distance, sprinting, jumping, and throwing, including other types of drills.

A lot of expectations are being put on the team this season. As Londino stated, “The expectations for the boys track team to be undefeated this season. Last season, dur-

ing indoor, they lost to Somerville by 2 points, and we are hoping to reclaim our GBL title.” Even though the team had success last season, the team still has some improvements to make in order to build a stronger team. Londino expressed, “Last year the record was 3-0-1, and in order to be 4-0 this year, we’re going to need our top athletes to score in multiple events. We’re also going to need our unsung heroes as well.”

The captains of the outdoor track team are currently undecided, as up until March 21, 2011,

only the distance runners had begun their practices. Official practices do not begin until March 21, 2011 at MacDonald Stadium. The first track meet of the season is on April 5, 2011 against Cambridge High School.

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The Blue and Gold March 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Photos by Lauren Benoit, Catherine Poirier, Sharon Lee, Reginah Sanyu, Cristina Peters, Dan Holmqvist, and Rebecca Broomstein. Collage by Brittany Foley.