March 2012

Junior Crystal Azaria wins a Golden Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

See article on page 10.

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

Malden High School Volume 97 Edition 6

Our 97th Year March 2012

History teacher Benjamin Max and the teachers eke out a victory against the students in the annual Student-Faculty Basketball game.

The proceeds from the game will help MHS students finance their trip to Costa Rica. See article on page 13.

#Polytax Reaches Semis

Augmented Reality:

The Malden High School Play Production reaches the semifinals of the statewide Drama Fest Competition with “Polyamorous Taxidermy,” a witty student-written play about a relationship between three “animal stuffers.” See article on page 11.

Install “Layar” app on your GPS and web enabled phone.

Then search for the layer “March 2012.”

Launch the layer & hold your phone over the photo to the left.

MHS Makes Waves at States

Malden High School students along with other participants dive in freezing water to help raise money for Special Olympics.

(Pictured: A participant dressed up as bunch of grapes on the day of the Polar Plunge.)See page 12.

Opinion 2-4 World News 5-7 Local News 8-14 Entertainment 15 Sports 16-20

The Malden High School swim team recently sent two relay teams to the state tournament at Harvard University.

In addition, both Bestine Cong and The Blue and Gold staff member Catherine Poirier qualified for individual events. See article on page 20.

T

hroughout the season, the Malden High School swim team worked diligently to achieve victories as a team and to qualify individually for sectionals and states. This season, the team ended with a record of 6-3 and a total five swimmers qualified for both, sectionals and states.

By focusing on technique and not missing practices, many swimmers were able to decrease their times to qualify for sectionals and states. Coach Jessica Bisson states “the faster you get, the harder it is to drop that time,” however the swim team uses tapering as a strategy to help them train. Tapering is a gradual decrease in yardage but an increase in intensity and rest time that swimmers have done during the week prior to an important meet.

The 200 yard Free Relay team and the 200 yard Medley Relay team consists of sophomore Bestine Cong, junior co-captain Caitlin Cala, junior co-captains and staff members of The Blue and Gold Catherine Poirier and Amalia Quesada Nylen, and junior Elyse Valente as an alternate.

Both relay teams qualified for sectionals and states, however the continued on page 20

2

Editorials

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

#Assad2012 #MakeAssadFamous Malden High School

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

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Print: Dan Holmqvist Print: Cristina Peters Online: Omar Khoshafa MANAGING EDITORS Paige Yurek Brittany McFeeley HEAD COPY EDITOR Joel Stevenson HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Print: Lauren Benoit Online: Catherine Poirier HEAD WORLD NEWS WRITER Megan Kelly HEAD ENTERTAINMENT WRITER Rebecca Broomstein HEAD SPORTS WRITER Print: Sharon Lee Online: Joshua Kummins HEAD OF BUSINESS Lesley Ta HEADS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kayla Bramante Natalie Fallano HEAD OF SURVEYS Johanna Lai VIDEO EDITOR Timothee Pierre COPY EDITORS Amalia Quesada Nylen Jacob Martino Amanda Rosatone Kristen Leonard Vicki Ngan REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Haley Dowdie Jason Drapinski Amanda Moraes Sumya Mohiuddin Casey Lyons Grace Stathos Jessica Lynn DePaula P.J. Montezuma Alan Shooteech Kerry Ngan Ariana Langston ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

T

he explosion of interest in an obscure Ugandan warlord, Joseph Kony, in the past two weeks has been dramatic. One 30-minute documentary has inspired millions of young adults and celebrities, from Rihanna to Oprah to Angelina Jolie, to pledge their support to the Invisible Children organization, who has made it their mission to find and capture Kony within the year. Through the power of social media, an entire generation has seemingly brought the reign of a heinous war criminal to an end.

But wait a minute. What has millions of Youtube views, Facebook likes, and Twitter retweets actually accomplished? And why have people been so taken by the message of a nearly defunct African tyrant?

The non-profit group Invisible Children has come under fire over its finances because only about a third of its donations are actually allocated towards programs in Central Africa. This is not a problem; many non-profit groups (like the Red Cross and Amnesty International) have a hard time effectively and efficiently utilizing their donations. To make a difference in the region, it may be a smarter approach for the Invisible Children group to harness the power of social media to petition the American government.

In fact, the US government, partly in response to the work of Invisible Children, has sent 100 non-combat military advisers to help the Ugandan government fight the Kony’s LRA resistance group.

The real problem lies in the relevance of Joseph Kony himself. There have been conflicting reports over how long it has been since Kony has been seen by anyone outside of the LRA ranging from two to six years; many have hypothesized that he is already dead. Even if Kony were still alive, it is clear that the worst of his crimes have already been committed. He and the LRA now only constitute a marginal rebel force of 250 deep within the jungles of Uganda and its neighboring countries.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said of Syria’s president, Bashar Assad, who has responded to his country’s Arab Spring protests by methodically massacring his own civilians in the city of Homs.

Estimates by the United Nations have already put the death toll at over 8,000, and there is no end of the crisis in sight. While the international community has quarrelled over meetings about whether or not to “condemn” the violence, Assad’s forces have been

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 J387 or to his mailbox in the main office.

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

allowed to kill, rape, and torture civilians.

As a society, we as Americans have to ask ourselves why we have been inspired to action by a 30-minute documentary about an African warlord, while simultaneously tuning out the reports of Marie Colvin, an American journalist who died in a shelling attack by pro-government Syrian forces.

Ideally, global awareness in the United States should be an open dialogue about some of the most pressing issues the global community faces.

Americans, especially young adults, should be aware of the crisis in Syria, but should also understand that there are no straightforward political solutions like direct military intervention by the US or the UN. We should understand why the Russians and the Chinese, both of whom have veto power in the Security Council, have decided to strike down a resolution condemning the violence in Syria. We should understand and accept the fact that we live in a complex and continually evolving political world.

There is no problem with supporting the cause of the Invisible Children. Those that do, however, should also be aware of the extent of civil strife in Syria in addition to the latest developments in Afghanistan, where a “rogue” soldier who shot 16 civilians might have jeopardized the NATO led mission there.

Our fascination with Joseph Kony has proven to us that we do have the capacity to care about developments outside of our proverbial backyard.

Let us use this opportunity to become more active, engaged, and politically aware citizens.

Dan Holmqvist Editor-in-Chief

Corrections: A Nation Caught in War should say continues on pg 4 and 5 Page 6: Vicki Ngan’s last name is spelled incorrectly Page 6: Date in MegaUpload Founder Arrest article should read Jan. 20, 2012 Malden Celebrates Chinese New Year should say continues on pg 15 Page 15: Hanh Pham’s name is spelled incorrectly Page 18: Metropolitan Regional Vocational School is spelled incorrectly Pg 18: School name should read Metropolitan Regional Vocational School

The Blue and Gold March 2012

Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

In This Issue: Comics Page 4 IPad 3 Page 5 Joey Voices Page 8 Matthew Tavares Page 9 Polar Plunge Page 12 Chris Herren Page 13 Lacrosse Page 16 Boys Basketball Pages 17 Baseball Page 19 Softball Page 19

3

Does Race-Based Discrimate?

P

aying for college is one of a senior’s, and her parent’s, hardest dilemmas towards the end of her high school career.

Scholarships take away a bit of that pain for every student seeking all kinds of careers and types of higher education. Unique scholarships can hone in on unique students, such as how involved a student is and what she is interested in. Different scholarship programs can derive from what a student is interested in for the future, what sports she plays, or what extra curricular activities she takes part in outside of school.

And most importantly, scholarships can be offered based on school work as well, how hard a student works, and what kind of grades she gets.

However, during my hunt for financial help, I discovered that some scholarships are race-based for minority students.

Like the Bill Gates Millennium scholarships for example, in which four different ethnic groups are represented, each one pretty general. On the surface, the intents are wholesome: minority students are recognized emphatically and diversity is promoted by both school and scholarship programs.

But beneath the surface, is it possible that by trying to promote a variation in

demographics in higher education, other races including those of mixed race and those classified as “white,” are being discriminated?

I feel that that these types of scholarships and college quotas are unnecessary, as race should not be a factor at all. In an opinion article from Statesman Journal regarding a supreme court hearing about taking race out of these equations in Chicago, reporter Esther Cepeda wrote, “Income level, not race, is the main barrier to a good education in this country.

It [is] America’s responsibility to ensure that all low-income students have the opportunity to get an uncompromisingly meaningful K-12 education that will propel them into college based on their brains, not their skin color.”

In the same article, Cepeda discussed how she was also considered a Hispanic minority, and admitted that she felt this was why she may have gotten a fullride scholarship to Northwestern University, stating, “I was not academically equal to my peers and woefully unprepared for the mathheavy statistical analysis needed to complete the basic courses in data mining. My low first-quarter grades put me on academic probation and I later ended up leaving school, never having gotten that graduate degree-another statistic showing that minority access to college does not guarantee completion.”

Although Cepeda’s situation may not be that of all racial minorities and she is just one case, she is right in that even if a college (or scholarship) applicant is of a rare race, so to speak, it should not be an exceeding factor over that of academic priority, and filling a racial quota should not exist.

In “The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College,” by Jacques Steinberg, much about what happens after applying to a college was revealed, including the need to search for students of varying races.

Admissions officer Ralph Figueroa of Wesleyan University, in the story sought out students of different cultures to bring diversity to the school, however, according to the book, “he hardly saw his job in terms of being a talent scout for minorities...he viewed his

responsibility to be to recruit kids with a range of life experiences and assorted strengths.”

One of the students Figueroa sought after was Native American student Migizi Pensoneau, who had been known as a film buff and an aspiring film director and writer, and figured that he would always go to college. However, according to the novel, Pensoneau had a C average throughout freshman through junior years, including multiple D’s and two F’s. Combined with a troubled social life, it would not have looked good on a typical application. However, in his last year of high school he thrived for a chance, his last chance to be considered for a higher educational, pulling his average up to a B plus, and getting involved in and out of school. Because of this, I feel, Pensoneau deserved a chance as much as anyone else. However, if it had anything to do with him being the only Native American at the school, it is not necessarily fair, considering he sailed through most of his school career, because there may be other students out there who have tried hard from the beginning of high school to get the spot that was being given to him.

Others may argue that there still exists a “White Privilege.”

There is even a famous essay about it from 1988, called “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” by an American feminist and antiracist activist, Peggy McIntosh. In it, McIntosh describes a list of what she believes are things that white people take for granted, such as, being able to choose “blemish cover or bandages in “flesh” color and have them more or less match [her] skin,” and never having “to speak for all people of her race.” In some ways, she is right and in some places, there is some racial discrimination to a point where minorities may be considered nearly invisible.

Coming from one of the most diverse schools around, however, Malden High School, I myself appreciate being surrounded by a multi-cultured group. When it comes down to it though, colleges should not have to choose race over other priorities in order to fill a quota; race has nothing to do with how well a person can perform.

4

Comics

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Submit Your Comics to The Blue and Gold

Robyn Santo

Marianne Darosa

At The Blue and Gold Newspaper , we are always looking for readers to submit their original work. If you would like to submit any comics, artwork, letter to the editors, or any suggestions, email us at theblueandgold@gmail.com.

Here are some comics drawn by members Alicia Fine’s art classes.

Comic by Olivia Ryan

Comic by Emily Mo

The Blue and Gold March 2012

5

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

“By the year 2016, researchers have estimated that at least 1/3 of the U.S. population will own a tablet.”

FARC RELEASES CAPTIVES

A

Apple Senior vice president Phil Schiller during the introduction of the iPad 3 during a special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Apple releases its thirdgeneration iPad just 25 months after starting the tablet-computing revolution. (Gary Reyes/San Jose Mercury News/MCT)

B

y the year 2016, there are rumors that researchers have Google is teaming up estimated that at least ⅓ with Asus to make of the U.S. population their first tablet, a will own a tablet. That seven inch screen means 112.5 million and run on Ice Cream adults. If this prediction Sandwich from turns out to be correct, Android. It would the tablet industry run about 200 dollars would have sold 293 and could be made as million tablets in six soon as April 2012. years.

So what good are The U.S. is not these tablets besides the only region feeling entertainment? the swing of things Many schools in the tablets. By 2016 and businesses Europeans will have are beginning to reached 105.7 million incorporate them tablet users. So why is into their everyday Apple’s I-Pad featured with other brand name tablet brands such this? classrooms and as Android, Amazon’s Kindle, Google. Graphic credit goes to Could it be Apples cubicles.

Usually, Megan Kelly.

3 editions of the iPad? schools are the last Or maybe the Kindle places to be updated Fire? What about all the phone computers has lowered ever since in technology, but for once they companies and their tablets? There the tablets were introduced and are are in the loop. Some schools is an obvious answer as to why the continuing to lower. It is expected are eliminating textbooks and tablet industry is booming and the that the year of 2012 will lower the distributing tablets to all their PC industry is losing; efficiency. shipments another five percent. students.

What does the “New iPad” (yes, However, will the introduction of Even though teachers are that is what its name is) have that the Windows eight and the ultrabook loving the new technology this first and second do not? A 9.7 inch change up the spectrum for PCs in could also lead to many lay-offs screen, a 5 mega-pixel camera, voice 2013? due to the expense. Leaving out that dictation on the on-screen keyboard, According to the technology factor, newer technology in school and a Quad-Core A5X processor. research of Gartner, shipments systems leads to more efficient ways Not only will the “New iPad” have are expected to rise to 400 million of teaching and gives the students bigger and better features but it will the following year, making a 8.5 more opportunities. Clearly, tablets also lower the price of the iPad 2 of percent increase since 2012. With would be better for the students and 100 dollars, going from $499 to $399. PC companies having other devices the faculty.

All is good and great for available it should gradually Just in Malden High School the tablet industry, but the PC increase the PC affinity. Tablets are there are several teachers who companies are hitting a big sinkhole not the only competition of PCs,are already own iPads and are using to the bottom of the ocean due to the also affecting the market. them everyday in classrooms. tablets. The shipments of personal Aside from the newest iPad,

fter 12 years in hostage, the ten members of Colombian security forces that have been held by the Colombia FARC (the revolutionary armed forces of Columbia) have been released. It was confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross that the rebels handed over the hostages on Feb. 22, 2012.

Today, FARC has only 8,000 fighters and has been forced to move away from the cities that they used to occupy and up into the Andes Mountains. Three secretariats of the organization out of the original seven have been killed in the last three years.

However, FARC did not specify about releasing civilians that remain hostage to them.

Considering the group makes all of its profits through the trafficking of drugs and kidnapping of civilians, it would be difficult to make any profits, if all of their captives were to be released.

The Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, has declared there will be no such peace with the rebels until all captives are set free and their participation and drug trafficking has stopped. As told

by US government reports, FARC produces a 90 percent of all cocaine found on the streets of the United States. If drug production halted in Colombia, FARC could possibly loose some if not all of their income.

Other demands from the president are for FARC forces to stop the recruitment of underage individuals as well as their terrorist activities.

Recently, all family members of the captured citizens gathered in a 110-hour radio-thon, demanding that their loved ones be released.

In December of 2011 nearly 10,000 people rallied across the country demanding that FARC stop their kidnapping; later protesters were informed that FARC ended up killing three approaching policemen and a trooper during rallies.

The exact number of civilians still held under captivity is unclear.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have reported that there were less than 100 hostages while other organizations believe this number is higher.

To help Colombia, the U.S and Colombia signed a deal in October 2009 to allow the U.S to use several airbases in Colombian territory. US influence in the area was mainly to counteract the drug trafficking and terrorism.

FARC has also announced that they are ready to talk and negotiate their position with the government.

However, the only way that there would be any peace between FARC and the Colombian government, all hostages must be set free and ended as well as the end of drug trafficking.

6

WORLD NEWS

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

French President Sarkozy fights for immigration limitations and restrictions

F

rance, a country of love and lights, but also a country of “too many foreigners” according to President Nicolas Sarkozy. What he means by “foreigners” are the hundreds of thousands of people who immigrate to France yearly.

It is estimated that 180,000 people move to France each year.

This number does not include the number of illegal immigrants in France. As there are not enough jobs and resources for all of these immigrants, Sarkozy plans to put a restriction on the number of individuals who are allowed to immigrate into France each year.

The plan so far is to lower the amount to 100,000 people.

However, there is one more key component to Sarkozy’s proposal. When immigrants apply to live in France, Sarkozy will pick the immigrants who are intelligent and have skills for the professions needed most and are available. This means that if there are accountants needed, a man who has a degree in accounting will be allowed to enter the country over a man who has no college degree. This idea has stirred

up a lot of controversy among the nation.

Some may call Sarkozy racist due to this proposal of selection, and also because of the laws passed in prior years pertaining to Muslims and Gypsies. According to the CIA World Factbook, five to 10 percent of the French population is Muslim.

Due to the large amount of Muslims, it was common to see women wearing head veils called hijabs, but in 2010 these head veils were no longer legal to wear in public.

The apparent reason behind the law was for security reasons, claiming the veils masked the identity and appearance of individuals. Others believed it was due to the hatred towards Muslims in France. The hijab represents privacy and modesty in this culture and is a part of their religion and everyday life. Forced to take them off in school, many girls rebelled and wore them anyway resulting in suspension and even expulsion. The girls have a tough choice to make: education or religion. Most recently in March 2012 Sarkozy banned halal food (which is Islamic) and Kosher

(which is Jewish) from public schools, claiming that it was unnecessary due to low demand.

Another minority that seems to be targeted are the Roma Gypsies. In 2009 and 2010 combined over 18,000 gypsies were deported from the country of France even though most were citizens of the European Union. Those who wished to stay in France had to apply for a work permit. If they refused, they were deported. Individuals who voluntarily left France were rewarded 300 dollars plus 100 dollars per child (if they had children.)

On April 22, 2012, Sarkozy will run for re- Picture of French President Nicolas Sarelection against Francois kozy coutesy of Wikimedia.

Hollande. The race is close between these two candidates and Sarkozy hopes that his new proposals will help him claim victory. There could be another chance for those many hopeful immigrants trying to get into France, the Muslim women

forced to give up a part of their religion, and the Roma Gypsies who are forced out of the country if Hollande wins the race. If not, hope that your profession is needed in France.

Yemen’s New President A

fter standing alongside former President Ali Abdullah Saleh for almost 18 years, vice president Abdurabu Mansur Hadi finally gets the chance to lead Yemen after he was sworn into office on Feb. 25, 2012.

In an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Hadi was to take over Saleh’s position as president, since rebels in Yemen demanded Saleh step down from his 33-year reign.

For the first time in history, Yemeni citizens were able to vote for their president and finally get to experience democracy.

Rebellion could finally come to an end as the Yemeni citizens achieved their goal just like Egypt, Libya, and other Middle Eastern countries did. The polls revealed that Hani received 99.8 percent or 6.6 million votes, making his win almost unanimous.

Now Hadi is faced with a monumental challenge: fixing the Yemeni economy. One of the reasons many rebelled in Yemen was due to of poverty. With almost half the population in poverty, Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East. Many citizens live on only two dollars a day.

According to CNN, Hani plans to “[revive] the middle class.” He hopes that this will lower poverty

Yemen’s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh (right) attends the inauguration ceremony of the new President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi (left) in the presidential palace in Sanaa, capital of Yemen, February 27, 2012. Yemen’s Ali Abdullah Saleh on Monday formally handed over power to new President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi, marking the end of his 33-year rule in the Arab country. (Mohammed Mohammed/ Xinhua/Zuma Press/ MCT) throughout the nation. Other problems in Yemen that members of the lower class face include high food and fuel prices, drought, and violence. The lack of rainfall is causing crop production to decrease dramatically, which hurts not only farmers, but also citizens since there is a food shortage. The food that is available costs more than most can afford. Between starvation and violence, many Yemeni citizens suffer or even die everyday.

Though a new president has been elected, terrorists still continue to use weapons and brutality. While

Hani was being sworn into office a car bomb was set off near the presidential palace in the port city of Mukalla. This just brings yet another challenge for Hani to deal with in order to get Yemen back on track.

Being the country with the most numerous Al-Qaeda cells which pose a threat towards the US, Yemen is allowing US Special Operation troops, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and US military drones to operate in their area. These forces will hopefully increase both the safety of US and Yemeni citizens. In addition to

US organizations, Yemeni security forces will also be trained by Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern allies to prevent Al-Qaeda from continuing their attacks on civilians.

The U.S. seems to have pulled through for their allies. This year alone America has spent 53.8 million dollars to aid Yemeni security; last year’s aid spending was up to 30.1 million dollars. There has also been talk that American military forces could be sent to Yemen, but no final decision has been made yet.

The Blue and Gold March 2012

7

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

Nuclear Talks with North Korea

Chris Ware color caricature of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. MCT 2011. The Blue and Gold regrets to reuse this visual of Kim Jongun, Un has only been formally photographed several times and these have not been shared with the Blue and Gold.

F

or the first time since the death of Kim Jong-il, North Korea’s former ruler, North Korea has reached out to the rest of the world, offering a chance to restart talks about its nuclear weapons program.

Negotiations with Western nations such as the US and Russia were setback since 2002, when the nuclear reactor in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, was reactivated and international nuclear inspectors were expelled from the country.

In the summer of 2006 North Korea launched a long range missile, though during its flight a malfunction occurred and the missile fell into the Sea of Japan. The country claimed to have been creating nuclear weapons since 2005.

After years of on-and-off talks, a deal was proposed out in Feb. 2007, under which the government agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor in return for aid and diplomatic concessions. But negotiations were stalled as North Korea accused its negotiating partners - the US, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia - of failing to meet agreed responsibilities.

Since then diplomatic talks have since resumed between North Korea and the US after a several year hiatus. The talks, which took place in Beijing last week, debated about the entrance of nuclear inspectors from the International

Atomic Energy Agency to observe the nuclear reactors in the country.

In addition, North Korea has also agreed to suspend nuclear weapons tests and uranium enrichment, in return that the US will give aid of food shipments to the civilian population as they have suffered greatly due to famines that took place in the 1990’s.

The return of nuclear inspectors to North Korea for the first time in three years would be a “very positive development,” states Senator John Kerry to Yahoo news, Kerry is a chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations panel. He added that “resuming nutritional assistance to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the right thing to do if we can ensure our aid will reach those in need.”

The US and its allies continue to negotiate with North Korean officials to “denuclearize” the nation as well as increase well being of North Korean citizens.

President Barack Obama’s administration released late this February a Consumer Bill of Rights which allows the American public to have the right to their privacy as well as control over where the information that they share over the internet goes. For the full article visit maldenblueandgold.com. Rights listed on the Official White House website. Graphic made by Megan Kelly.

8

Local News

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

What’s happening?

The 72nd Junior Varieties March 16th & 17th, Doors at 6:30, Show at 7 $7 before & $10 at the door MCAS Schedule March 20th, MCAS ELA Long Composition - Periods 1,2,3 March 21st, MCAS ELA Periods 4,5,6 March 22nd, MCAS ELA Periods 7,1,2,3

Joey’s Voice Reaches Malden Vicki Ngan Copy Editor

C

ome one, come all. Amazement, laughter, relaxation--just some components of what one will feel upon witnessing a public live performance by a comedy singer impressionist. Not just an everyday occurrence, Joey Voices, a former Malden resident and a successful comedy singer impressionist, will be coming back to Malden on Mar. 31, 2012 to perform in the Jenkins Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. for a fundraiser hosted by the Malden High School Alumni Association.

For only 25 dollars each, tickets can be bought by emailing maldenhighschoolalumni@yahoo. com, calling 781-397-6051, or at the door. An 1991 alumnus himself, this event is designed to bring other alumni together, with the ultimate goal of using the proceeds to support MHS students.

This fundraiser event will not be the first time Voices has performed in the Jenkins Auditorium. In fact, Voices performed his very first live performance in the 1989 Junior Varieties as a sophomore, encouraged by senior Tracey McKenna at that time. She heard Voices impressing Neil Diamond, and was astounded by how

similar his voice sounded. For Junior Varieties, Voices impressed Diamond’s Coming to America, and felt that it was “a better high than any drug can ever give.” His friends are not the only ones who have impacted and encouraged his decision to become an impressionist however. Before becoming an impressionist, Voices was working in his father’s insurance agency.

“My father always encouraged my talent,” Voices commented, and in reverse, he had always wanted to impress his father. Voices’ father was amazed, and “never met anyone like [his son].”

With the natural skill to become an impressionist, Voices was mimicking the radio constantly as a child. His mother, who sang to him country music as a baby, instilled in him his love for country music.

“Creative music was one thing I took to,” explained Voices. He enjoys “any type of music that is moving to the soul,” and thanks God for giving him the gift of his voice to progress as an impressionist.

Growing up in Malden, Voices was a mischievous and hyperactive child. As the youngest kid in the neighborhood, he often committed childish and unintelligent pranks, for instance, breaking the windows, or jumping on hoods of cars. In his 16th year of sobriety, Voices’ life

changing past and the consequences he has faced has shaped him into what he is now. Voices believes that it is the “journey that teaches you the most, not the ultimate success,” and before he got into this profession, “knew who [he was],” which led him to make good decisions.

Voices’ profession as a comedy singer impressionist began after being inspired by an act in Las Vegas.

He started putting together his show, his progression and passion in the profession encouraged through country music television, CMT, from 1996-the songs he knew he could impress. Although the cultures in times are changing and Voices’ target audience is from ages 40 and up, Voices tries to cover every generation, his appeal being his descriptive lyrics and simpler melody of country music.

Not only is Voices mimicking music of singers, but he is producing his own music as well. From the age of 37, after his gradual breakup with his girlfriend, Voices was motivated from his emotions to write his own music. Remaining friends today, Voices is thankful of her for her inspiration.

In his future, Voices aspires to “make it in country music.” For those who want to join the entertainment industry, he advises that there will be people who will try to be

discouraging, but they should keep following their dreams. “I’m gonna make it successful so that I can be a living example for everybody that dares to follow my example in the entertainment business,” exclaimed Voices. Currently working to get his bachelors in biblical theology, Voices is a born again Christian, heading towards the right path. He believes that “if you do what you love for a living, then you’ll never work any day in your life.”

Comedy impressionist Joey Voices performing at the 1989 Junior Varieties. Photo in courtesy of David Haskell

The Blue and Gold March 2012

9

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

Teacher Profile: Matthew Tavares From middle school band, to Berklee, to having a class of his own, Matthew Tavares is proud of his numerous accomplishments. He is glad to see his many students succeed in their goals. After 25 years of being invested in music, he finally found his calling: teaching.

Dedicated musicians from all grades at Malden High School rehearse during period three for several upcoming events. All photos by Sumya Mohiuddin

D

ifficult not to notice are the brave and talented souls that walk through the halls of Malden High School everyday. Thanks to the dedicated and patient band instructor Matthew Tavares, the hopes of all these musicians can be fulfilled.

For 25 years, Tavares has been involved with music, loving every second of it. Starting his career when he was a seventh grade drummer, he maneuvered his way through Berklee and Boston Conservatory, where he realized he wanted to become a teacher.

To engage in the now lifechanging job that enabled him to widen his horizon, Tavares received his bachelor degree at Berklee. He continued his education at Boston

Matthew Tavares after the band’s daily practice.

Conservatory, where it is required to learn how to play all instruments, such as the well- known piano, guitar, and saxophone. Due to this obtained skill, Tavares was soon equipped with the knowledge that many musicians must attain to be successful.

Tavares was inspired and influenced by his own teachers, parents, and upper-classmen.

Tavares, glad for his support, stated how they all “stuck by [him]” and

“I enjoy being different; I embrace it.” “wanted to see [him] succeed.” If it were not for them, Tavares would have not amounted to what he is.

Many could agree when Tavares easily mentions how the band adds, “another dimension to the school.” Although he does miss teaching younger students, he would not go back due to the “strong relationship” that has been formed.

Tavares was able to witness the drastic changes in the style of music throughout the years. In 2000, the style of music mimicked the level of difficulty. In other words, the band mostly revolved around classical music, keeping them in the safe zone. However, as many MHS students and teachers know now, that is not the case anymore.

Lady Gaga and Eminem have always been crowd favorites, but rather than planning for every event, Tavares prefers to “[go] where the wind takes [him].” His next show depends solely on what feels good, instead of what the audience would expect. He is willing to take his student’s talents, along with his own, anywhere and everywhere.

“It attracts attention a wide range of people,” stated junior Arefin Mohiuddin. Tavares’s idea of a good society reflects how everyone is different and can make a unique contribution.

“I enjoy being different; I embrace it,” he answered confidently.

Great thing, too, because the band has been acknowledged countless times. With the many

championships they have secured, the musicians never let it get to their head, but rather, they “focus on what [they] accomplish.”

With the undeniable talent, Tavares is proud to say that this year, the band is, “by far the most diverse, [as well as] brave group of people” that ever played at MHS. It is easy to see how the band transforms into a more equalized group. It is no longer a student and teacher relationship, but more of a musician and musician talking.

The band members run their own sections, and “guide their way.” They become independent, and Tavares only has great things to say.

Along with many other MHS groups, the loss of the seniors are always accounted for.

For exclusive pictures and a video of the band during a closed rehearsal, please visit our website www.maldenblueandgold.com.

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LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Malden Artist Wins Gold Amanda Moraes Reporter

M

alden High School glows with pride whenever one of its own students wins a prestigious award.

This year, MHS is proud to say that not one, but two students have been recognized by the Boston Globe in their Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Juniors Crystal Araiza and Annabelle Ramos were both awarded; Araiza won both a Gold Key and Silver Key and Ramos won two honorable mentions.

The Boston Globe Scholastic Art and Writing is a contest held throughout the country for students interested in one or more of the 28 categories. This includes architecture, comic art, fashion, jewelery, sculpture, video games for the art awards, along with journalism, humor, poetry, dramatic script, and persuasive writing for the writing awards, just to name a few. Massachusetts has participated in the Art Awards for 62 years and three years in the Writing Awards. Artwork may be submitted by all Massachusetts teachers, teaching at least one of the art or writing categories, as long as the work was created by a student in grades seven through 12. Those who were awarded Gold Keys will have their work sent to New York City in April to be considered for nationallevel recognition.

Araiza’s former art teacher, Alicia Fine, said that she submitted Araiza’s work because she thought it had a “strong concept.” According to her, contest judges are interested in seeing “how students think,” as opposed to only paying attention to their skill.

She believes that although Araiza has always had “good technical skill,” she began to think about the message that her artwork transmitted to others.

For the contest, Fine claims that most students took a “linear path,” but Araiza really “thought outside the box.” Fine explained that a lot of

AAll images courtesy of junior Crystal Araiza.l

thought went into creating Araiza’s artwork and in her opinion it is “really insightful.”

Araiza is a well known artist throughout the school and had her two pieces of her artwork submitted

by Fine. One piece was titled “Food for Thought,” which Araiza won a Gold Key for, and the other piece was titled “Self Portrait”, which won a Silver Key. Araiza is “thankful [Fine] took time out of her schedule to put [her] pieces in.” Araiza stated Fine “taught [her] a lot... not only did she teach [Araiza] proper execution but she reiterated...the importance of having a good concept behind [one’s] art.” Araiza said that although she is “clueless about [her] future,” she is “considering something with art and advertising.” As someone who has loved art since she was young, being awarded for her art made Araiza extremely proud.

Former Golden Key winner and sophomore Tracy Tran was entered in the contest by MHS Art teacher Julie Mullane as a freshman. Tran said that she was “super proud” and at the same time surprised. She also commented that she was nervous and did not think she would win because there were a lot of artists who were “much more experienced.” Tran shyly stated she learned that she was a “better artist than she thought” after winning.

She said that she likes art for many reasons, but admits with a laugh, that it is mostly because she “[does] not have to think” and that it comes naturally to her. In the future, Tran hopes to continue creating art, but as a hobby, not a profession.

The Massachusetts State Transportation Building will display artwork that received either a Gold and Silver Key until April 20, 2012.

Art is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Layout and design by Amanda Moraes.

The Blue and Gold March 2012

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

polyamorous taxidermists Malden High School’s Play Production Class makes it to semi-finals of Drama Fest

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he Malden High School Play Production class has for the second year in a row moved on to semi-finals of the Massachusetts Drama Festival competition.

Despite Polyamorous Taxidermists’ controversial content, MHS was one of the three schools to move on and will be competing in the next round of Drama Fest.

“We head[ed] to the competition... focused on just putting on an original show,” stated director Sean Walsh. The play, written entirely by the students, features three polyamorous taxidermists Chip, Gary and Ted, played by junior Will Lombard, and seniors Daniel Rendon and Eddie Fisher, who are chosen to star in their own reality show, “Stiff Love.” The show quickly becomes a hit, but the producers, (sophomore Fernanda Muhlbeier and senior Julia Biederman), begin making changes to the show, bringing Chip (Fisher) into the spotlight, and sending Ted (Lombard) and Gary (Rendon) “back, and back a little more.” To engage more viewers, the producers begin to cause controversy by asking Chip to stuff a baby panda, an endangered species.

While the reality show is going on, “Poly Tax” also follows a family watching “Stiff Love,” and how the show affects their lives. After seeing how happy Chip, Gary and Ted are, the parents (sophomore

Above: Senior Eddie Fisher, junior Will Lombard, and senior Dan Rendon. Below: (Clockwise starting at top left) seniors Sarah Rose, Jaclyn Scales, Mary Stathos, juniors Jonathan Drapinski, Christy Ringdhal, sophomore Ramy Riviere, entertainment newscasters, seniors Sarah Fraas and Samuel Zeiberg, sophomores Stivia Demiri and Cory Malone, sophomore Justine Rose as Sarah Palin. All photos by Grace Stathos Ramy Riviere and junior Christy Ringdahl) decide to begin dating their daughters’ (seniors Jaclyn Scales and Sarah Rose) English teacher, Ms. Zuckerman (senior Mary Stathos), in an attempt to save their marriage. Their idea quickly backfires when their daughters begin viewing Ms. Zuckerman as their mother, and shunning their actual mom, and eventually even their father loves her more than his own wife. Another member of the family is their dog, Rex

(junior Jonathan Drapinski), who is constantly letting out remarks such as “I smell a divorce,” which is comprehended by the family as just barking.

“Poly Tax” is split into segments, one being an entertainment newscast. The newscasters are played by seniors Sarah Fraas and Samuel Zeiberg. Fraas and Zeiberg report on entertainment news throughout the play, advertising spoof reality shows such as “Dance Uncles” and “Keeping Up With the

Romney’s.” When asked if she can relate to her character, Fraas replied that her character “is very stiff and cold, and [Fraas is] not like that.”

Also, the show pokes fun at social networking, featuring made up posts by Sarah Palin (sophomore Justine Rose), and MHS students.

To view video interviews with the cast, go online to maldenblueandgold.com

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

Plungers from all around Massachusetts came to Revere Beach for the annual Polar Plunge event to plunge and support the fundraiser.

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n March 3rd, despite the rain and freezing cold weather many people prepared for this year’s fourteenth Polar Plunge, which was formerly Passion Plunge, at Revere Beach. The rain did not stop many people from wearing bikinis, shorts, and flip flops. Others were dressed in costumes for the costume contest. Everyone seemed excited and full of anticipation as they waited to line up for the icy plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Music blared while plungers and supporters enjoyed the event.

Every year over 10,000 people participate in Polar Plunge which is a fundraiser to not only raise money, but to also awareness for the Special Olympics.

Polar Plunge takes place at other locations, such as different states, not just at Revere Beach which means that they are many people involved everywhere. Special Olympics is a program that consists of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunge is one of the many fundraisers that help raise the money to pay the cost of new uniforms, equipment, and bus rides to the actual competitions. Because of the statewide volunteer network and support of partners

in Virginia, athletes do not have to pay to participate in Special Olympics. All of the donations and volunteer work truly paid off because it was all for a good cause and the athletes are thankful.

Along with Polar Plunge there is another fundraiser called Pee Wee Plunge for younger kids under 10. It allows more people to be involved in the event by having another plunging event for younger kids. Not only does it get more kids involved but it also raises awareness to them too. They also get to form groups and raise money for the fundraiser.

Malden High School’s Helping Hands club has their own plunging team also which has been participating for the past three years. Along the way more students from MHS has joined even the Captains Council. “Overall everyone is very supportive which makes the experience that much better.” says senior Alana Casey, about the plunging team.

Casey is also very happy that “[she] was able to bring this fundraiser to MHS.” At Revere Beach MHS’ mascot was there and all students who were plunging. The rain did not effect anyone because the plunging team was excited the entire time.

From top to bottom: Plungers from Malden High take a group photo together; Mike and a friend watching the event; two plungers dressed up for the costume contest; and people running into the ocean and from the feezing cold ocean. All photos by Casey Lyons.

The Blue and Gold March 2012

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Chris Herren Inspires Malden D

rugs and alcohol—marijuana, cocaine, heroin, pills, they all count—effecting everyday lives of all people, whether one is directly dealing with it, or if one is related to a person who does. A family member, a friend, a random stranger one might walk by, an ancestor, or even oneself—the possibility of knowing one who does drugs or drinks alcohol is practically inevitable. Addiction to these substances can be difficult to break away from, and former Boston Celtic, Boston College, Fresno State, and Denver Nuggets basketball player Chris Herren understands this very well.

Having gone through extreme conditions to become the recuperating drug addict he is today, he has released his memoir, “Basketball Junkie” written by Bill Reynolds and a film documentary called Unguarded, shown on Entertainment Sports Programming Network (ESPN).

In his third year of sobriety, Herren openly and honestly conveys his stories to high school students, whether they are athletes or not. He has traveled around the world, reaching out to students who are too afraid to take the right step, or need that extra impetus to push to towards the right path. His inspirational story not only moves many who deal with drugs directly, but also moves those who might have a relation to the issue, or have no relation at all. On Feb. 14, 2012, Herren came to Malden High School, his story seeking out more students involved with drugs and his advice hopefully pushing them towards the right path. “I thought it was very good because [his speech] was very open. When you are talking about a serious issue, honesty is best,” indoor track and English teacher David Londino explained.

Herren’s story revolves around his repeated abuse of drugs, his resilient family, and the many opportunities he has been given, but could not handle. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he grew up in a decent community playing for his high school basketball team. It was when Herren attended college where he first started getting involved in drugs. From there, his life turned from riches to rags, as he eventually joins the Boston Celtics, but loses that opportunity, wasting his life over his strong addiction to drugs. Herren finally refocused his life on Aug. 1, 2008, becoming drug and alcohol free, his family never abandoning him.

Open to all MHS athletes, eighth graders in Malden, and anyone in general, the entire crowd in the Finn Gym that day listening to Herren were quiet, respectful, and captivated. Herren was invited to MHS through the MHS Althetics, with ties of former Special Ed teacher Tracey Jackson, who knew Herren and was able to connect him

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local news

MBTA Riders Strike Back

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Former Boston Celtics basketball player Chris Herren making inspirational speech at Malden High School.

Photo by Vicki Ngan with MHS athletic director Dan Keefe and assistant girls basketball coach John Furlong. They planned and conversed with Herren, and were able to invite him on that Tuesday. “I thought it was very powerful and moving,” Principal Dana Brown expressed. For those students who abuse alcohol and drugs, Brown is grateful if Herren’s story was able to move them. “His story was so real and he spoke so well. If he reached out to even one student, it was worth it,” Secretary to the Athletic Director Barbara Scibelli said, many of the coaches and teachers with almost the same thoughts.

For many of the students who attended the Herren speech, and even to those who heard of it from friends or family, Herren’s speech was inspiring and motivational. To stand up in front of so many students around the world and to truthfully talk about his past and inform them of the consequences was touching, and for that one student, or even more, who are moved by his words, for him it matters.

MHS Student Reactions:

“I give props to his wife for being so tolerant…But basically it’s the same thing I’ve heard…I know from multiple accounts that drugs are a bad thing.

It’s the same story. I know it’s hard to overcome drugs, but I heard it many times.”

- Anonymous

“It tells you to listen to people who are “Inspirational. I think it trying to tell you something because lots takes a lot of courage for of people will try to brush it off and it him to reveal his past and use his mistakes to educate will probably come back to haunt them [like it did for Herren].” the kids. I think his love - Sophomore Ashley Louis and hate relationship with basketball has impact him “I was agitated with Mr. Herren that he the most.”

“I thought it was really good that he came gave up such a grand opportunity mak- Junior Iris Feng and talked for us and I hope he got to the ing 50K a month, a house and cars, over his desire for drugs. So it just shows how people who do drugs.”

“I thought it was really strong his addiction was and how hard it - Freshman Brianna Duffy inspiring. It was an eye was to get over.” opener for those who - Anonymous “It was great to see an actual person experiment with illegal who’s been through it compared to being substances at such a young “I love it. I absolutely love it. In many lectured by any other ordinary adult age.” ways, high school students can relate.” instead of Chris.”

- Sophomore Janet Wangoe - Freshman Michaela Ilebade - Junior Cristina Ascolillo

he Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) made the decision to host a public hearing in several towns and cities such as Malden, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Revere. The hearing was hosted on Feb. 16, 2012, and allowed a diversity of speakers to attend and speak their minds on how they feel about the new proposals that were recently released by the MBTA. Additions to the transportation system included higher fare costs for users and cuts to bus routes 106, 108, 411, and 430.

Many different people came, whether it was to negotiate, to speak freely, or to simply list their own personal problems involved with the proposal. Some were elders, youth, disabled, and newcomers to the MBTA services. Astoundingly, a few people had others to translate for what they had to express to the MBTA. An MBTA announcer even suggested from the start of the assembly that, “[They] have over 120 people that wish to speak.” A Malden High School student even decided to step up and speak her mind and was surprised that, “no other MHS students came to speak.”

A few other speakers had the same idea in mind and declared, “Why should we pay for the debts of the MBTA?” The debt originally came from all the services they provided and the renovations and changes they always made to the stations. They were able to handle this debt by restructuring debt liquidating cash reserves, selling land, and other one-time actions. This question sparked the idea that the MBTA should consider other alternative choices to paying off their debt rather than making a decision without consultation of the people it affects.

Voices of Discontent From MBTA Hearing “It [was] obvious that the proposal was assigned without a say from the people.”

“Why should we pay for the debts of the MBTA?” “The cuts should be made to management first.”

To read the rest of this article and view a map of the bus routes proposed for elimination, go to www.blueandgold.com

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Local News

The Blue and Gold March 2012

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Teachers Win Faculty Game on Buzzer Beater

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n March 8 2012, energy levels were high in the Malden High School Finn Gym as students and faculty were anxiously awaiting the start of the student vs. teacher basketball game. This event, along with many other interesting fundraisers at MHS, was a successful effort made by the the Costa Rica club in trying to raise funds for their Costa Rica trip in February of 2013, planned by its advisor, science teacher Shauna Campbell.

The event started off flawlessly.

The first period of the game was the girls team pitted against the female faculty members. Although the girls basketball game started off with a bang when senior captain Rebecca Krigmen scored a three point shot, the female faculty members soon caught up and ended up winning the first quarter. Quickly following this victorious win for the female faculty members, the MHS boys basketball went up against the male faculty members.

Finishing up the first half with a faculty lead, the teams, as well as all students and faculty members in attendance at this event, got to enjoy the exciting half time show which included a dance from the MHS

Freshman Ghadee Lamdry break-dancing. Photo by Amanda Rosatone. break dance team. This event excited the crowd as the break dance team performed to upbeat songs as each team members got to show of his/ her break dancing skills. Sophomore Henry Tan stated that, “performing at the game was fun and exciting,” and even though the team did not use this opportunity to practice their Junior Variety’s act, Tan found this half time performance to be a, “good way to practice [the team’s] dancing skills.”

After the half, the third quarter started off with the girls team vs. female faculty game. Tensions were high for both teams, as the student

team tried to win this period and the game got very intense. Although both teams showed strong efforts, the faculty members ended up wining the third quarter. After been through three quarters, everyone in attendance awaited the start of the fourth between the male students and the male faculty members however, there was the planned events of the three point shooting contest between two students and faculty members, history teacher Benjamin Max, and science teacher Christine Grillon. With both Max and Grillon leaving the contest victoriously, the audience enjoyed

the obstacle course race that people with raffle tickets could participate in if their raffle ticket was called. The course included a series of components. First the participants had to twirl around a bat a set amount of times then, run to half court. Once there, they were required to put on an outfit while dribbling a ball the rest of the way.

Whoever could make it back to the other end of the court and make a layup won the course.

After the different types of contests were finished, the fourth and final quarter began, which would be the deciding game as to whom would leave the gym that day victorious. The tensions between the boys basketball team and the male faculty members were high as each member on both teams got their chance to participate and try their best to score for the team. With strategized plays and impressive actions, the male faculty members ended the game, winning by one point.

The final score over all was 55 faculty-54 students. Regardless of the score, everyone in attendance found this to be a very exciting experience and all proceeds go to helping students enjoy a new and memorable experience in Costa Rica.

ONE CITY, ONE BOOK: MALDEN READS 2012

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or the second year running, Malden’s citywide reading program, Malden Reads, is bringing students of all ages and reading levels together. The main goals of the program, as stated on its official website, are “to encourage reading, promote the library, but most of all, build community.”

Malden Reads Week was celebrated February 1-7 this year.

Students of all ages participated in activities, like the first grade class taught by Meaghann McCarthy at the Beebe school. With the help of the school librarian, Barbara Kennedy, her class read and worked with the books “Yoko,” by Rosemary Wells, and “The Name Jar,” by Yangsook Choi, two of the books targeted towards children in preschool through second grade by the program.

The students reacted with enthusiasm to both books, and seem to connect with the idea of cultural acceptance presented in “The Name Jar”. “It’s about a girl who was Korean, and she goes to America, and she wants an American name because everybody has American names except for her,” explains one of McCarthy’s students, seven-yearold Savannah Harr. “And the other kids couldn’t say her name right.”

In the book, the main character, Unhei, decides that she wants to

Beebe first graders Emily Curley and Savannah Harr reading “The Name Jar,” by Yangsook Choi, a children’s book selection for Malden Reads 2012. Photo by Jessica Lynn DePaula. change her name, and her new classmates help by putting their own suggestions into a name jar.

One of her classmates, however, finds out her Korean name, and the names special meaning, and when she sees the support from her new friends, Unhei decides to keep using her real name. “I think it’s bad that she wanted to change her

name, because when I heard her real name meant grace I thought it was pretty!” stated Harr.

Both books read by the class”Yoko” and “The Name Jar”- deal with themes of bullying, racial diversity, and the importance of self-acceptance, ideas that Malden Reads specifically wishes to address with this years’ selections.

“Reading, to me, is so important, because it’s like your own superpower you can harness,” stated Jodie Zalk, a co-facilitator off the Malden Reads program. “The more you read, the better you get at it...and the more you read, the more doors you unlock to new worlds, new people, and new experiences.”

The Blue and Gold March 2012

Entertainment http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

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‘Till Death do us Part T

here is nothing like an undying love that a woman has for a man. Or in this case, a man has for a woman. When two people are married, they make a commitment to each other to love one another no matter what, no matter how; whatever comes upon them, they will fight to the end, together. Leo had that commitment set in stone in his heart. His wife was his life and soul and nothing could ever change that.

“The Vow” starring Rachel McAdams, as Paige, and Channing Tatum, as Leo, brings us together with the story of two people in love, separated by the trauma of an incredibly horrifying accident. While on their way home from a movie, Paige and Leo were hit by a plow truck. With Paige taking her seat belt off only seconds before, the truck’s impact sent her flying through the front windshield, taking, “Click it or Ticket” into a whole other perspective. After being in a coma, Paige wakes up to a nurse, and her husband, Leo. Only, her memory of

Leo was entirely erased.

Where they met, their marriage, even his name, details that meant the world to her, were all gone. Before meeting Leo, Paige was the daughter of a wealthy suburban family, attending law school, and engaged to a man named, Jeremy. That life was the only thing she now remembered.

So what do you do when your other half no longer remembers who you are? Leo would never give up on the woman who held his heart. He would love her, no matter what, no matter how.

Now, it was time for him to step up and make his wife fall in love with him, all over again. As frustrating as it was, throughout the movie he did what he could to win her over. Leo would take her on the same “first date” they had four years before. He believed she would remember him and she would recall all the details of their love.

But even after all he had done

to make her love him again; he was living in years of marriage. While she, was living in only a few weeks of marriage, to a stranger. After all the fighting for her, Leo comes to a breaking point. You can only fight for something, or someone who is pushing you away, for so long.

Valentine’s weekend of 2012, The Vow managed to make 41.7

million dollars in United States and Canadian theaters. Globally, The Vow consumed 51.4 million dollars.

So what was it that brought so much money to this movie? Could it be Tatum’s charm, or McAdams beauty?

Maybe it was timing; premiering just in time for Valentines Day couples. Whatever it was, it worked.

2012 Academy Awards: Dressed to Impress Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer in Elie Saab, a simple high necked sheath with draping in a pale cream color and sans handmade beading embellishments.

Gwyneth Paltrow in a white Tom Ford, floor-length, oneshoulder, body-hugging gown with sparkly accents on the shoulder, and a cape.

Gwenyth Paltrow

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards show in a gold Lanvin gown, made from eco fabric. She accessorized with Fred Leighton’s antique gold pendant earrings.

Mila fashioned a pearly white Elie Saab gown. She accessorized with a glittery box clutch, designed by Edie Parker, also fashioning Jacob & Co jewels (including a glittery diamond ring).

Mila Jovovich

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Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

MHS Lacrosse Teams Pick Up Their Sticks Girls Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse starts with A Clean Slate

First Ten Games Home vs Bedford - Mar 29

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s the winter season comes to an end, the spring weather slowly creeps in. The girls lacrosse Away vs Cambridge - Apr 2 team dusts off their lacrosse sticks, and prepare themselves for a new Home vs Medford - Apr 11 season. With tryouts scheduled to begin on March 19, 2012, many Away vs Bedford - Apr 17 new members, in hopes of making the team this spring, practice with returning members at practices Away vs Wakefield - Apr 19 held by senior captains Commie Ayuk and Stacey Sousa. The girls Home vs Melrose - Apr 21 have been practicing since February vacation, focusing on “conditioning Home vs Burlington - Apr 23 to build up endurance, speed, and strength,” claimed Sousa. With only Home vs No. Reading - Apr 25 20 available varsity positions, and many returning upperclassmen on the roster, “tryouts will be very Home vs Cambridge - Apr 27 competitive and the ones that show the most commitment, effort, and Away vs Medford - Apr 30 skill will receive [positions] on the team that they deserve,” stated Sousa.

Last years girls lacrosse coach All home games are played at Julie Briggs will not be returning Pine Banks Park this season. The girls are becoming well acquainted with their new coach Caitlyn Germain. Germain, a

Junior Anita Caceda takes a shot against Lynnfield during a game at Pine Banks last year. Photo by Catherine Porrier gym teacher at Northeast Vocational School, and graduate from University of Delaware, “knows what [she is] talking about when it comes to playing lacrosse.” said Sousa. Germain’s strict coaching is “exactly what we need as a lacrosse team,” claims Junior Christina Ascolillo.

Optimism is the key to success.

Captains Ayuk and Sousa hope to see the mindset of the team “to change the attitude on the field into

a positive one,” which they said from last season.

Though the season has yet to begin, the captains anticipate hard work and effort to accomplish their goal to “win more games, work harder, [and] have more fun,” claimed Sousa states enthusiastically.

With a new coach, new season, and new players, the lacrosse girls have a clean slate to begin their season with high morale.

boys lacrosse begins the season aiming for success

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he spring season has arrived and the boys lacrosse team, much like the girls lacrosse team, has already begun to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. This season, the boys have two rival teams to compete against; Cambridge and Medford. For the past two years, Medford reached the Division one

“Our goals will never be that we need a certain number of wins to have success.”

tournament. With a team of such ability, the boys will have to put forth great effort this season. “Our goals will never be that we need a certain number of wins to have success”. Nevertheless, “[seeing] the boys win a few more games than last year” would certainly benefit the season. With this in mind, Coach Maney anticipates the increased skills for all the players on the team and for new players, “I would like to try to teach them the fundamentals and introduce to them what I believe to be an amazing sport”.

P r a c t i c e makes perfect or at least pretty close to it. Senior captains Daniel Glynn and Dimas Bardales have been organizing practices for returning and interested players to The boys lacrosse team huddles up before a game prepare. Although last year. Photo by Cristina Peters there is no exact

limit of players on the team, this year Coach Maney expects ideally 25 to 30 players. With tryouts on March 19, 2012, “athletes and those willing to make a commitment to the team and be good citizens on and off the field” are the players who will be scouted. The team already has many returning seniors; however underclassmen on the team make

“I would like to try to teach them the fundamentals and introduce to them what I believe to be an amazing sport.” for a strong team in the future.

This lacrosse season, Coach Maney wants the team to “enjoy their time, learn the game, and stay healthy”. Support from Malden High School students, athletes, and faculty will encourage the team to perform better. As a school, support and spirit enhances the experience for all the student athletes.

Boys Lacrosse First Ten Games Home vs Salem - Mar 30 Home vs Cambridge - Apr 2 Home vs Bedford - Apr 4 Away vs No. Reading - Apr 7 Away vs Medford - Apr 11 Away vs Saugus - Apr 16 Home vs Methuen - Apr 18 Home vs Melrose - Apr 21 Away vs Lynn - Apr 24 Away vs Cambridge - Apr 27 All home games are played at Pine Banks Park

After the spring sports season begins, be sure to check out www.maldenblueandgold.com for information about MHS teams including scores, game reports, and season recaps.

The Blue and Gold March 2012

Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

17

Seniors’ Last Shot Falls Short

Junior Tommy Steele shooting against the Lexington Minuteman.

Photo by PJ Montezuma

As the season winded down to the final stretch, the Malden High School boys basketball team won three of their last four games to gain a spot in the state tournament.

Winning ten games this past season qualified them for the state tournament “definitely [showing] an improvement from last year,” stated Head Coach Don Nally.

Within the past eight years, this year was the fifth time qualifying.

Last year the boys team was only

three wins away from qualifying in the state tournament and this year they continued to improve as the season went on, but fell short of their goal to win the Greater Boston League championship.

The farthest MHS has made it in the tournament was to the quarterfinals which was three seasons ago. “A lot of kids were very, very nervous especially in the first five minutes. You could just tell the nerves really set in,” said Nally.

However, Malden fell short and lost in the first round, losing 67-48 against Methuen.

The team lost five seniors when the season concluded, including senior captains Wicthie Exilhomme and Hiago Desena as well as Alfonso Hidalgo, Dante Steene, and Marcus Pierre. Exilhomme is a “very tough kid,” stated Nally. Desena improved a lot coming into this season and the three seniors coming off the bench were a huge support this season -Steene, Hidalgo, and Pierre.

Despite having a very young team this year with only two returning players who also played on the Varsity basketball team the previous season, they were able to overcome hard competition. Nine of the team’s ten victories were over opponents that also qualified for the state tournament, proving that

the team put out some impressive performances.

After Nally’s coaching career of eight years as Varsity Coach and four years as the Junior Varsity Coah prior to that, he was caught off guard as junior Terrance Masionneuve scored 43 points, including 12 threepointers, in the season-opening game against Westfield. Nally said “It was amazing, he put on a shooting clinic.”

Four players really stood out to coach Nally this season, Masionneuve, junior captain

Rodney Morton, junior Jason Surpris, and freshman Anthony Gilardi. Masionneuve and Morton were the leading scorers this season and Nally hopes they lead the team next season along with input

by Gilardi, and juniors Tommy Steele and Willy Metellus. Nally has high expectations for the team including a goal of winning the GBL championship next season, and to go far into the state tournament.

Nally is looking forward to seeing what this season’s experiences bring for next year.

Junior Jason Supris shooting a free throw after being fouled by the Lexington Minutemen. All photos by PJ Montezuma

Crew: Overcoming Funding, Preparing for Competitions

Congratulations State Qualifing MHS Wrestlers:

M

Arrah placed 5th at the state tournament.

alden High School’s crew team has gone through many struggles over the past few years due to lack of school-provided funding.

But, so far that has not stopped the team from recruiting members for both their fall and spring seasons.

The team has proved to be self-dependent and able to fend for themselves through a variety of fundraisers from candy to Christmas wreath sales that will take place this winter. Other upcoming fundraisers include selling flowers and an upcoming “Ergathon” on rowing machines.

Head coach and math teacher Sarah Jones and assistant coach and science teacher Shauna Campbell are always coming up with creative ideas to pay for expenses like buses and equipment.

Junior Devon Moran believes so many freshman join crew without any past experience because it is so “different than any other sport at the high school” while junior captain James Hickey believes the curiosity is due to the fact that crew is such an “unconventional sport.” This year’s team has done a lot of recruiting, wanting to build up their team due to their lack of seniors. “The team

is mostly made up of “second year and third year rowers,” according to Moran.

Crew is very different when it comes to preseason preparations because newcomers must not only get it shape, but also learn the fundamentals of rowing.

Contradicting to common beliefs, the legs are the most important part in rowing, not the arms because “you use your legs to push yourself in the boat along with your core section and your back muscles,” explains Moran.

This year’s captains are junior James Hickey and senior Manny Martinez. Hickey believes that there are technically no “key rowers” on the team because crew is a team sport with multiple rowers in a boat, working and rowing together.

Moran wants to improve on “technique” but is very pleased with the team’s dedication and closeness.

She expressed, “we are united and we get along quite well.”

Hickey looks forward to facing off against “Community Rowing Inc.” who is not part of the Greater Boston League, but a tough team who always puts up a good fight.

Moran, on the other hand, is excited

about the local rivalries including Medford because “ [the team] always [has] good and intense races against them.” Because not every school has a rowing team, the few races the team participates in are “always an exciting way to show what you have been working since the beginning of the season,” concluded Moran.

No matter the lack of funding or small amount of races, the crew team always manages to perform well and be seen as a respectable, determined team at MHS.

-Sophmore Jean Gedeon 160 lbs -Senior Robert Stocker 152 lbs -Junior Rufus Arrah 182 lbs.

Do you regularly attend MHS sports games? Send us your pictures, reports, and multimedia to theblueandgold@gmail. com, and we will upload it to our website, www. maldenblueandgold.com.

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http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

MHS Track Team Dominates States

MHS sends nine athletes to state tournament; Sophomore Jacqueline Bouley achieves National Silver Standard

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he Malden High School track team managed to make it to the State Tournament yet again behind the lead of head coach David Londino. Athletes from both the boys and girls teams qualified to compete at the Reggie Lewis Center for the Massachuset­ts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament.

Last year, the boys team went undefeated and became the Greater Boston League champions.

This year, they were only one race away from winning the title for a second straight year, falling short to Cambridge Rindge and Latin. “It was a really good season,” Londino stated. “I thought it was going to be a rebuilding year, but they came only four seconds from being GBL champions.”

The runners representing MHS for the boys teams were seniors O’Shane McCreath, senior Eddie Fisher, junior Franklin Huynh, and

freshman Ralph Duperville, who competed together as the 4x200 relay team with a time of 1:36.47 minutes. Huynh and McCreath both ran the 55-meter dash placing after each other with a time of 6.67 and 6.79, respectively. In the high jump, Fisher jumped a height of 5’10.

In the 1000-meter run, junior Blue and Gold member Haley Dowdie and senior Haley DeFilippis ran times of 3:15 and 3:19, respectively.

Sophomore Jacqueline Bouley competed in the 600-meter with a time of 1:42.77, beating the qualification time of 1:43.77 minutes to meet the national silver standard which is extremely From left to right: junior Iris Feng, sophomore Jacqueline Bouley, junior Blue impressive for any runner. The and Gold staff member Haley Dowdie, and senior Haley DeFilippis ready for 4x800 relay team consisted of senior their workout. Photo by Lauren Benoit.

DeFilippis, Dowdie, junior Blue and At the end the meet, the MHS a good developmental year,” Gold members Lauren Benoit, and runners walked out with their heads Londino commented when asked Bouley with a time of 10:20.88. The 4x400 relay team consisted of senior held high confident that they will about the team’s success this year.

DeFilippis, Dowdie, sophomore be back again next year. The girls As the winter season comes to an Bouley, and junior Iris Feng with a team will be losing three seniors end, both teams will be working time of 4:26.24. “The performance next year, and the expectations toward getting a GBL championship for both teams went really well,” will be even higher for them to and having another opportunity of succeed. “I thought the girls had winning the state title for MHS.­­ Londino commented.

striving for another GBL Title

working towards Making states

MHS boys tennis team is looking to recapture the GBL Title

MHS girls tennis team hopes to make their way to states

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nother season has arrived for the Malden High School boys tennis team as they return to the tennis courts in Amerige Park along with their new coach and MHS gym teacher, Jayson Payeur. The former coach of the tennis team and MHS math teacher, Berenice Diaz, was not able to coach this year due to taking a graduate college course, therefore the new season was welcomed

by Payeur with new goals and high expectations. This year is the rebuilding year as the team lost six seniors who contributed greatly to successes of last year.

These six graduated members include Andrew DeLacey and Jackie Tran, who were both captains of the team, and former members Tuan Phan and Jeff Duong, who were all key players. The past year, the team managed to take home the Greater Boston League championship. Since the members are no longer on the team after having graduated, this year’s boys and coach are looking to come up with new strategies that will allow them to win the GBL championships and hopefully qualify for the state tournament.

This year, the new captains of the team are seniors Christopher Li and Matteo Pocobene. Li, who has been on the team since his freshman year, has high expectations for the team. As Li stated, “I expect new and returning members to work as hard as possible to work on their mental

game and as well physical game,” commented Li. As apart of their role of being captains, Li and Pocobene look to encourage the team to work hard to prepare themselves for the new season.

Some of the returning members from last year include the Blue and Gold Online Editor-in Chief, senior Omar Khoshafa and seniors John Zhang and David Lam, as well as sophomore Danny Yu. Senior Daniel Rendon who has played for the team for both freshman and sophomore year will also be making his comeback to the team as well.

Rendon was not able to play for the tennis team last year due to family issues. He stated that his decision “was a sacrifice, but definitely one that had to be made and one that [he] would do again if [he] had to.”

Li believes that the team will be able to win another GBL title.

Li stated, “since we lost valuable players last year, we don’t have the same depth as we used to. To achieve our goal of becoming GBL Champions we are going to have to work a lot harder than the previous years. People are going to have to step up and learn to live and breath tennis. Meaning members of the team have to be motivated to be better.”

With the expectations that they have among themselves, hard work and sportsmanship, the boys tennis are anticipating on another wellplayed and better season.

Joel Stevenson Head Copy Editor

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he Malden High School girls tennis team is looking forward to another season. The team has high expectations due to its loss before the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association State Tournament last year.

Senior Wendy Tse is one of the three captains along with senior Vivian Le and junior Lisa DeLacey.

In addition, English teacher Maggie Pettit will return as the head coach of the team, her sixth year of coaching.

She exclaimed, “I am excited. I think that because we are a small team this year we have a better shot.” Tse is confident for the upcoming year as well. She has been on the the team since her freshman year and is hoping that this year will be the year that they win the state tournament.

As Tse stated, “I really do think that we have a chance of going to States this year. We have a really strong team and I know this is the year for us to shine.”

The last time that the team went to the state tournament was in 2008.

The team is hoping to breakthrough their weaknesses and qualify this year. The fate of qualifying for states will be determined by their long-driven motivation, spending countless hours on the tennis court, and also their improvement on their agility training. As stated by coach Pettit, “ It has been a few years since

we won the tournament, [however] if the girls work hard we have a really good chance.” Working hard is exactly what the girls plan on doing. As of right now the girls are practicing around the clock.

Not only are they working their hardest to make it to states, but just like any other sport they want to dominate over one other school, that school being their long fought rival, Medford High. Fortune did not come to them last year as they were not able to defeat Medford, but this year the team will not work their hardest to match them as stated by Pettit, “We really want to beat them this year.”

The season officially starts on Mar. 19, 2012, and the first match is on April 2, 2012 against North Reading as stated by coach Pettit, “I feel very excited, the beginning of a new season is always exciting.”

With four varsity spots already filled by captains, seniors Wendy Tse, Vivian Le, junior Lisa Delacey, and junior as well as Blue and Gold member Natalie Fallano.

Visit our website at www.maldenblueandgold.com for previews on all spring sports as the season unfolds.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Baseball works hard for states

MHS boys determined to reach their goals states again, and have at least 10 plus wins this season.”

With determination comes hard work. Last year, captain Kevin Valley and other seniors have been key assets to the team. With the disadvantage of missing these members, the team will have to work their hardest if they want to make it “leadership on and off the field, and [makes] sure they have their work done in school,” said coach Chabre with a nod.

Junior Chuckie Gibson sets up to hit a ball thrown by assiantant coach Matt Chabre during batting practice at the Salemwood gym. Photo by Timothee Pierre

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he Malden High School baseball team had a rough start to their season last year, but due to hard work they were able to pull it around to qualify for states. Their entry into states was a short lived one due to their loss in the first

round against Westford Academy with a score of 4-2. This year, the team is coming together once again with returning faces including senior Eliezer Hernendez. Some new members to the team include sophomores Matt Delaney and Alex Carstensen This year, the team has high hopes of making it back to states as stated by assistant coach Matt Chabre “[To] make it back to

“[Our goal is to] make it back to states again, and have at least 10 plus wins this season.”

Coach Chabre explained that they will have a repetitive training which is “Ground balls, Fly balls,” which would be for the catchers of the team and for the players at the bases, and then the pitcher has to “... throw in their pens,” with a set plan for practice including “...fielding and batting exercises, [and]... pitching exercises,” stated Eliezer

Hernedez when asked what do you do at the practices the plan would be that they will be ready for the games and the season starting March 19, 2012. With Everett being their main rival when the season starts, “to beat Everett” will be their current main goal.

In addition, the team has to have “determination” if they want to get a win from Everett.

The MHS baseball team has a long way to go if they want to make it to states, but with determination and doing hard work on and off the field then anything can be possible for them.

First Five Games Home vs Bedford - April 5 Home vs Lawrence - April 6 Away vs Bedford - April 9 Home vs Lynnfield - April 14 Home vs Somerville - April 17

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things The girls look to start over after a tough exit from the tournament last year.

Softball First Ten Games Home vs Beverly - Apr 9 Away vs Bedford - Apr 12 Home vs Burlington - Apr 13 Home vs Medford - Apr 17 Home vs Somerville - Apr 19 Away vs Melrose - Apr 21 Away vs Cambridge - Apr 24 Away vs Everett - Apr 26 Away vs Lynn - Apr 29 Home vs Marblehead - May 1 All home games are played at Cahallan Park.

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or the past 3 years in a row the Malden High softball team has cliched the GBL title and they hope to keep their winning streak alive.

At the captains practices led byt sniors Kiara Amos, Rebecca Krigma, and Emily Hoffman, they focus on repetitive training. “[What the girls would do] is a lot of muscle memory, like techniques in hitting, [and] different drills,” stated head coach John Furlong.

Now the softball team has made it all the way to states and beat a couple of teams, but unfortunately they lost in the third round last

“[What the girls would do] is a lot of muscle memory, like techniques in hitting, [and] different drills..”

season. With that said they would want to get pass that mental part not even the physical, because they already got to states before, but to win it they need a lot of mental strength.

The team’s overall record

The softball team open their is 14-3 for last year’s season, but their only losses came from to season against Beverly and Bedford Burlington and Lynn Classical High on April 9 and on April 12, 2012.

Schools, including one game against Burlington in extra innings. Since those losses came against league opponents, it did not affect their aspirations to win another GBL championship.

Now in order to be able to make it to states they will have to work together to get their goal, also with the help of the captains.

Coach Furlong hopes for each player to “make [themselves] better if [they] can make the team better.. all these girls set themselves to high standards.”

The team has clearly set themselves up for a successful season, their teamwork, and their hard Senior Captain Kiara Amos at bat during softball work will send practice last year. Photo by Kristen Leonard them a long way.

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The Blue and Gold March 2012

Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Dedicated Swimmers Qualify For States

Outdoor Track: Springing into action

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Blue and Gold staff member Catherine Poirier diving into the Blodgett Pool as she begins the 100 yard breaststroke.

Photo by Sharon Lee. Visit www.maldenblueandgold.com for videos of state qualifiers competing at states. continued from page 1 200 yard Free Relay team did not qualify for states until they dropped their time at the sectionals meet on Feb. 11th, a week prior to states.

Among these two relay teams, two swimmers qualified for individual events as well. Cong qualified for the 100 yard Butterfly and the 100 yard Backstroke for sectionals as well as in the 100 yard Backstroke for states. Poirier qualified for the 100 yard Breaststroke for sectionals and states.

At states, the 200 yard Medley Relay team had swam a time of

2:05.04 and the 200 yard Free Relay had swam a time of 1:52.63. In individual events, Cong swam a time of 1:05.08 in the 100 yard Backstroke and Poirier swam a time of 1:16.76 in the 100 yard Backstroke. Head Coach Paul DeVincentis commended to all the state qualifiers that “[they] did a wonderful job,” and he was “so proud of [them]” for making it all the way to states and to all their teammates who came to support them as they competed in states at Harvard University’s Blodgett Pool on Feb 19th.

Amongst all of the their

achievements, these swimmers not only commit several hours a day during the winter season to swim thousands of yards, but also to give back to the community. From September to May, the swim team holds a successful swim clinic every Saturday for the whole community at no charge. In addition, they raise money through their swim-a-thon held at the end of every season where they raise money for their team and for charity. Bisson describes “the swimmers on this team [as] very dedicated to their sport and their community.”

Two of Major League Baseball (MLB)’s longest-tenured players ended storied careers as the Boston Red Sox commenced Spring Training at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida this month. Pitcher Tim Wakefield and longtime catcher Jason Varitek called it quits during press conferences just weeks apart inside Boston’s beautiful new spring home in Southwest Florida.

For baseball fans of the recent generation, these two players have been the faces of the team since their birth and remained two of the only remaining contributors to the World Series-winning teams of 2004 and 2007.

The retirement announcements that occurred in the weeks gone by were very sad for many fans across Red Sox Nation and surely caused a tear or two to be shed.

Wakefield announced his retirement after 19 professional seasons on Feb. 17, 2012, including 17 with the Red Sox. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent his first two professional campaigns in their organization.

“I’m still a competitor, but ulti-

mately I think this is what’s best for the Red Sox,” Wakefield told Sports Illustrated. “I think this is what’s best for my family. And to be honest with you, seven wins isn’t going to make me a different person or a better man.”

Before his retirement, he was the oldest player in professional baseball and one of just two pitchers in MLB to throw the knuckleball as their primary pitch.

Wakefield was nominated eight times for the Roberto Clemente Award because of his extensive involvement in the Boston-area community. He was able to capture the award two seasons ago in 2010.

He leaves the Red Sox having pitched the most innings of any pitcher (3,006) and made the most starts (430) in team history. The Florida native finishes his career with 186 career victories over 590 games, third behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens.

During his press conference, it was evident that emotions were running high as his voice had cracked several times and his two children fought tears throughout the event.

On Mar. 1, Varitek ended his career at the podium right behind home plate – fittingly, the place he spent his 14-year career as the backbone for the Red Sox team. He

was also struck by emotion as he walked up to his traditional at-bat music with his family in attendance as well.

“This has probably been the most difficult decision that I’ve had to make in my career,” he said. “But the opportunity to be able to start and finish my Major League career in one place is why I’m standing here today.”

Red Sox front-office chairman Tom Werner, a close friend of Varitek since taking over as part of the team’s ownership a decade ago, had some kind words for the captain.

“You have not only been our captain, you have been our rock,” Werner said. “You have personified the rugged, aggressive, fiercely competitive style of play that has characterized our club during your tenure.”

Both were part of the Sox through thick and thin. The images and audio from the celebration following Boston’s first title in 86 years are staples are still vivid in fan’s minds as Varitek jumped into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke following the final out.

“Wake” and “Tek,” as they were simply known, will last forever in the minds of Red Sox fans and will sure grace the history books as long as the Red Sox do.

farewell to the legends

s indoor track came to an end, the runners continue running to prepare for this spring’s Outdoor track season. Believe it or not, there is a difference from Indoor track and Outdoor track. Outdoor track consists of more sprinting events, jumping events, and throwing events. Due to larger size of an outdoor track and the larger turns, runners tend to have faster times in outdoor track than in indoor track.

However running outdoor track has its obstacles as well such as the wind hitting runners and making it harder to breathe.

Head Coach David Londino has coached track for all three seasons for the past seven years, making this upcoming season his 21st season. The track team is looking for a lot of Malden High student athletes to join outdoor track. Londino said his goal is “to have every individual he or she can possibly do.

If the runners do that, the team will win.” Captains are not yet decided, however during the first couple practices and meets Londino looks for runners who show great leadership traits.

In the past, home meets take place at MacDonald Stadium but the football field and track are currently being under construction.

Cambridge has generously allowed Malden High to use their track as a home track therefore many of their meets will take place in Cambridge.

Last Spring they had a great season and a number of athletes compete at the all state meet. Some even qualified for nationals.

Outdoor Track Season Schedule Away vs Cambridge - Apr 4 Away vs Everett - Apr 12 Away vs FR/SOPH Meet Apr 19 Away vs Somerville - Apr 25

Away vs Medford - May 10 Away vs GBL LEAGUE MEET - May 17 Note: The outdoor track team will not have any meets at home this season because of the ongoing renovations at MacDonald Stadium.