February 2018 Edition

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 103 Edition 4

77 salem street February 2018

Eagles fir s t Lombar di in F r anchise His t ory Abhishek Rana Head of Sports News

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n what was a complete offensive showdown, The Philadelphia Eagles captured their first Super Bowl in franchise history after knocking off the defending champions, The New England Patriots 41-33 in a thriller.

Forget defense, despite both teams fielding two top five best scoring defenses, The Eagle and The Patriot offense combined for 1,151 total yards, an NFL record in both regular and postseason games. The Patriots, in the last four years have played in three of the most memorable Super Bowls in NFL history, but this time ended up on the wrong side of history, falling heartbreakingly short of winning what would been a record tying sixth Super Bowl in franchise history.

After losing their franchise quarterback and MVP contender, Carson Wentz to an ACL tear in Week 13, most had written off The Eagles for the rest of the season. In fact, they had been heavy

underdogs in their two previous playoff games despite owning the number one seed in the NFC as well as the home field advantage it entails.

Coming into the Super Bowl, they were also underdogs by four and a half points to The Patriots. However, embracing their underdog label as they had done all postseason, The Eagles lead by their backup quarterback, Nick Foles went to-to-toe with Tom Brady and The Patriots in a

shootout, and dethroned the perennial powerhouse of the NFL. The game begin with The Eagles offense asserting

themselves against The Patriots defense, getting out to an early lead in the first quarter. Eagles’ head coach Doug Peterson called a great game on offense, getting his backup quarterback comfortable early and boosting his confidence for the rest of the game.

After early struggles in the

redzone, The Patriots - despite moving the ball at will on the Eagles defense - had only three points to show for after racking up over 200 yards of total offense midway through the second quarter. Meanwhile, The Eagles offense was rolling, a 21 yard rushing touchdown by former Patriot, Legarrette Blount gave Philly a 15-3 lead with 8:55 left in the second quarter.

Despite a double digit lead early on, most knew the game was not over and fully expected Tom Brady to mount a Patriot comeback as he had throughout the season and throughout his illustrious 18 year career. And unsurprisingly, they were not mistaken. After a 43 yard dart

by Brady to wide receiver Chris Hogan deep down the right sideline, running back James White capped off a 90 yard drive by Brady and company with a 26 yard rushing touchdown while breaking a couple of tackles along the way, and cutting the Philly continued on page 24...

maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 103 Edition 4 February 2018

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Staff maldenblueandgold.com

The Blue and Gold February 2018

The Blue and Gold February 2018

Interactive maldenblueandgold.com

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

Editorial maldenblueandgold.com

New Year New Mindset tions and some do need the new year as a push to actually begin working towards their goals.

However, the New Year should not be the only time people work on goals they want to obtain. he new year has begun along Every second is a new opportuwith the promises of fulfill- nity to begin the journey towards ing the highly anticipated “New one’s goals.

Consider the composition Year’s’ Resolutions”. The air is filled with hope and excitement. of a novel; chapters break up the However, the majority of these storyline as it progresses, within resolutions will be dragged on each chapter is the development for maybe 30 days, two months of the story. Each chapter does if you’re lucky. These resolutions not necessarily have a massive are great, so long as they are actu- progression that is earth-shattering,, but it contains bits and ally carried through.

Gyms across the nation have pieces of information and moskyrocketed member registra- ments that contribute to the way tions as the goal to become fit has the story ends. Now applying become a nationwide trend for this to real life, each chapter can the new year. This goal is great be compared to each moment of — for the gyms. This is due to an individual’s life. Each moment the fact that New Year’s resolu- lived is a step towards one’s futions tend to be broken quite fast, ture. The future you want can be leaving people still panting after created now.

I’m not saying you can three flights of stairs and gyms subtracting money from their ac- simply think yourself into being counts without any participation Beyoncé; however you can take steps towards the place you want from them.

Some people are able to to be in. The crucial fact is: you follow through with their resolu- are in charge of your own life. I, myself, tend to forget this and Editorial Policy fall in line with

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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.

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everyone else. Nonetheless, it is so crucial to survival on this earth to remember that you are the only one in charge of yourself. Yes, if you are living under your parents roof you may have to live by their rules; however that does not dictate who you are as a person.

The point of New Year’s resolutions is to begin the new year off on a good foot and attempt to be the better version of yourself that you always want to be. The predictable drop in commitment to New Years resolutions is the reason I do not believe in dictating the new year as a mark of recreating myself. Each day is a new opportunity to become the best version of yourself and I believe everyone should utilize these opportunities.

I have heard too many of my peers already stating that they “started off the new year angry.”

The reasons for this anger more often than not being from brief moments of poor luck or poor judgement that will not matter come five days from now.

There is a rule, so to speak, that I discovered randomly when browsing one of the various social media platforms and it is the “will-it-matter-in-five-years

rule.” Basically, this is a thought to consider in moments of defeat and anger (or other varied forms of negativity) by asking yourself “will it matter in five years from now?” If the answer is no, then you should not stay upset about it for more than five minutes.

I was instantly intrigued and, to be quite honest, frustrated by this rule. It had reminded me of all the time I would never get back from all the negative moments I let simmer before. Not to mention it had also revealed something about myself that I always knew was true, but no one ever likes to admit; that I wasted a ton of my time over futile moments. Of course, I did not know they were futile at the moment as I was blinded by my immediate reactions, which is why I understand this can be impossible in the world we live in. However, it sure is a good goal to try for.

Although I am not a huge fan of new year’s resolutions, I do encourage everyone to try the “will-it-matter-in-five-years” rule. I encourage everyone to follow and create their own paths, and continue to build these paths everyday, even if its placing one brick down a day.

Megan Downer

The History and Social Studies faculty at Malden High School is honored to support the Stolpersteine Project. We hope that this page will endure for years to show a lasting commitment to honor victims of genocide.

The Blue and Gold is dedicating this ad space to support this project.

Damian Aufiero Dana Marie Brown Jon Copithorne Rebecca Corcoran Ellsworth Fersch Michelle Filer Pat Finnegan Marsha Healy Paul Doucette Greg Hurley Michael Lightbody Ann Pember Kurtis Scheer Rick Tivnan Kerry Veritas Kelly Gibson, Tufts Intern Chris Cameron, Tufts Intern Mark Capansky, Tufts Intern

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Obituaries maldenblueandgold.com

Obituaries

Noah Lewin

Submitted by Leila Greige and Taylor Winters

Alexander White

Dora Oltulski

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oah Lewin was born in Vilna, Poland, in 1916. Lewin was an asset to his community, with a wife and a job at the local fur processing plant. When the Germans invaded in 1941, all former stability was swept aside.

He continued to work at the fur factory, “earning him the right to live in worker’s barracks instead of the main ghetto.” In 1942, he took part in Abba Kovner’s Jewish underground, the FPO. When 1943 came along, dramatic changes were made in Noah’s life. Amidst rumors of liquidation, his wife gave birth to a son and a few months later, the unsuccessful Vilna uprising was launched. With the FPO’s defeat in Vilna, Noah was ready to escape into the forests. His wife on the other hand refused to leave her parents. Noah and his wife had to hide their newborn son with a gentile family. He had to leave his wife, and “took to the sewers with the rest of Kovner’s guerrilla force and melted into the woods, setting up a base in Radnicka Puscja.”

As time passed, “the Kovner camp would evolve into a makeshift shtetl.” As a partisan “Noah became versed in the arts of sabotage, cutting down telegraph wires, taking apart railroad tracks, mining roads, and conducting sniper attacks against German forces.”

By the year 1944, the war on the eastern front came to an end and the liberated Kovner group dispersed. When Noah returned to Vilna, he found and reunited with his son. Later he found out that his wife had died in the camps. He remained there for a year and ended up marrying.

He then fled the Soviet Union and crossed into West Germany.

Noah and his family went to Israel, and stayed there for eight years. He immigrated to America and passed away in 2011.

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ora Oltulski was born in Zgorany, Poland. Being the youngest in her family, Dora was in school when the Germans invaded.

She lived in the Luboml ghetto for a year working in a canning factory outside the ghetto. When Dora started hearing rumors that the Germans were planning to liquidate the ghetto, she decided to stay overnight at the factory instead of returning.

For another year, her and her family hid with a Gentile farmer. Soon, she joined her sister and brother-in-law in the forests.

In the partisans, Dora worked as a nurse.

During the time spent in the forest, “some young women paired themselves off with partisan captains for protection and privileges.” Dora, being

“fiercely independent”, resisted the advances of any man who approached her in the camp.

As the war continued, the front lines drew closer and closer to the forests around Luboml.

With threats from the Germans, the unit decided their only hope was to cross the front and meet the advancing Russian army.

During this, Dora’s mother and one of her sisters were killed.

After reaching the Russians and being liberated, Dora and the rest of her family returned to Luboml, where they stayed until the end of the war. She ended up in a displaced persons camp in Germany. There, she got married and a year later gave birth to her first son in the camp. The family immigrated to America in 1949, settling in New Jersey, where they still live today.

Sonia Orbuch I

n 1941, the small Polish town of Luboml fell under German occupation following Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union.

Among the 8,000 Jews in Luboml was 16-year-old Sonia Orbuch, born Sarah Shainwald. Sarah would change her name later to conceal her Jewish identity so she could join a non-Jewish partisan unit.

In 1941, the town that Sonia Orbuch grew up in, Luboml, was occupied by the Germans. People started to become notified about the Germans killing Jews in the ghetto.

Sonia’s brother and friends had the opportunity to escape and join a partisan group. This group only accepted young med so Sonia and her parents had to try and survive in the forest. They

survived in freezing temperatures for months.

Sonia and her family came in contact with a battalion of Russian partisans through the help of a peasant. The Russians accepted the entire family into their group.

With little training, Sonia learned the skills of a field-hospital aide, treating the wounds of injured partisans, using whatever makeshift supplies were available.

In 1944, Sonia and her parents faced the decision of either leaving the partisans or joining the Red Army. They decided to leave the partisans and took refuge in an abandoned house.

After the war, Sonia married Isaac Orbuch. Sonia moved to Northern California and now has two children and one grandchild.

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lexander White was born in 1925 in a small town split between Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Beginning in the 1930s, “unjust laws targeting Jews were instituted in Alexander’s small town, and his father lost his job.”

When he was 15, food supplies started to become scarce, and Alexander left his family and fled to Budapest.

In Budapest, Alexander hid his Jewish identity for a long time. He was then captured in a movie house raided by the SS. He was to a forced labor camp in a mine in Serbia. When he tried to escape to the mountains, he was captured by the Yugoslavian partisans. Alexander had to prove to the partisans that he was not a German spy.

Because he was an excellent marksman and able to speak several languages, Alexander “climbed the ranks of the Yugoslavian partisan unit, quickly becoming a commander.” In charge of 69 men, Alexander and his unit searched local villages for Germans hiding in them.

Alexander and his men received important information that helped them ambush German troops. “The local population often assisted Alexander’s unit, as many disliked the presence of German soldiers in their village. Alexander’s group would also shoot at German scouts sent to test the safety of the mountainous highways of the region.

By intimidating the Germans into thinking there were guards protecting the highway, the unit prevented further German infiltration into the area.”

Alexander remained with the Yugoslavian partisans for a year and returned to Budapest after liberation. When he returned, he found out that his family, including his parents, a brother and four sisters had died in the Holocaust. Alexander moved to the United States and settled in the Los Angeles area.

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Local News

The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

MHS Winter Band Concert 2017 Quyen Le Reporter

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he annual Malden High School’s band winter concert is an event where the Malden High School band orchestra perform music. This year it was held at the Jenkins Auditorium on December 15. This event attracted a big audience that left the auditorium with amusement and satisfactory due to the phenomenal performances.

The winter concert consisted of the Malden High School band playing songs for the holidays, such as “Jingle Bells”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”,“Hallelujah”, and etc.

Freshman Bonnie Kuang stated “[The concert] was very interesting and [she] was very intrigued by each and every performance.” She later on explained

Junior Dijana Masic practicing before the show. Photo by Carolina Cuevas how the songs were “beautifully played and the comedic background made it even more interesting”. Kuang’s personal favorite was when the band performed “Jingle Bells”. She added

“the band played [“Jingle Bells”] splendidly and the songs they performed were perfect for the holiday season”.

Freshman Jimmy Ton expressed how “the band is a

team, [they] work and cooperate as a team, so [they] perform as a team”. Each and everyone of the band members has “worked hard and is determined to pursue [their] goals”. During this concert, “[the band’s] goals were to entertain the audience with [their] performances along with spreading the the holiday’s joys, and [Ton] is pretty sure they have achieved that”.

Matthew Shao Wong “very much enjoyed the concert because loved the percussion line and though it was excellent”.

Wong later on explained how the concert made him feel excited for the upcoming holidays. He added that “[he would] love to go again” He later on expressed how the “Christmas song from Charlie Brown was very nostalgic and reminded [him] of his childhood”.

Overall, both the audience and band alike greatly enjoyed this year’s winter concert.

Freshman Wilson Chau practicing before the show. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

Sophomore Shantae Jacobs and Freshman Emily Cheng before the show.

Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

Senior Jun Kuang practicing before the show. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

Malden High School alumni practicing before the show. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Local News maldenblueandgold.com

Choral Arts Society Winter Concert 2017 Neden Bernadine Lead Reporter

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he Malden High School Choral Art Society had another successful performance with their annual “ Winter Holiday Concert” directed by Choral Arts Director Todd Cole on December 21st. The concert was divided into three sections of performances from the Mixed Chorus, Madrigal Singers and the Concert Choir.

To start off the show, both the Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers sang the popular Christmas carol, “Silent Night” that was in a unique style, in which all the students lined up between the rows in the audience holding a lighted candle while singing in a melodious harmony.

Small soloist performances consisted of sophomore Francesca Seac, who sang a Christmas song, “Mary Did You Know?” receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Seniors Ramon Aguinaldo and Zack Dunphy had solo parts during the Madrigal and Concert Choir sections.

Toward the end of the show, a handful of the past MHS alumni came back to participate in the annual tradition of singing the classic Christmas carol “O Holy Night” along with Principal Lombardi and other teachers.

Senior Rita Ortiz has been apart of the Choral Arts Society since she came to Malden High during her freshman year. Specifically for this show, she was the Alto Section Leader in the Madrigal Singers group. Before the concert approached, she was “most looking forward to the night going smoothly and having a good last winter concert” because not only were the holiday songs added into that section happened to be “[her] favorite pieces”, but [her] older sister, who was a former student of Cole as well before she graduated, was standing right by her side during the “O Holy Night” tradition.

Considering this is Ortiz’s last year, she has been applying to colleges and when she specifically described her Choir experience, she recalled that her favorite part “was the fact that [she comes back] to the same room, the same director, and the same people each year.” For her, having that same atmosphere

Choral Arts collage. Photos by Falyn Kelley.

in the program “gives the class more of a welcoming and familylike feel” in the sense that it was a truly fun program combined with learning, teaching and a fun environment to be apart of.

Through the years participating in the program, Ortiz noticed that her and the other Choir members had a chance “to know each other and grow closer and closer each year” instead of the usual routine of sitting in a classroom with different teachers and classmates.

As for the challenges coming into the concert, an issue that she found difficult along for other students was trying to remain “confident” in her singing. Now looking back at her freshman year, she recalled moments where she “was very timid and nervous to even sing within the group” but as time went along, it was something that she overcame. During this year, she considers herself along with the other choir members as “lucky” that they were able to have overcome their fear of being afraid by letting loose, considering that it was something “hard to do”.

Cole described that “[his] number one criteria when preparing for these concerts is that [there is] quality music” and “something that is [going to] have [the students] become better singers”. Another criteria was that it was important to incorporate “ a wide variety of styles”, especially for this concert in which they included many pieces that covered different faiths and religions along with snow pieces.

Pacing the pieces quickly ahead of the concert was found difficult considering that they started rehearsing at the beginning of the school year and he realizes that students may find it weird that they’re practicing these holiday pieces before the season approached.

This year, he revealed that they had “ integrated the [boys in Choral Arts]” back into the big groups. He explained that the “Concert Cirque was different” and making sure that everyone was ok with that, because “some of the girls [have not] sung with guys in a couple of years”.

Cole also mentioned that he looks forward to having the alumni come back and sing the traditional O Holy Night with them. He finds it nice that they come back to support the chorus.

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

Opinion maldenblueandgold.com

The Last Jedi Spoiler Free Review

Abhishek Rana Head of Sports News

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tar Wars: The Last Jedi is a film directed by Rian Johnson and is the eighth episodic movie of the legendary Star Wars franchise. A sequel to 2015’s The Force Awakens (A movie that has since gone on to gross over $2 billion at the box office and become the third highest grossing movie of all time), The Last Jedi is one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

As a huge fan of Star Wars myself, I was one of the many faithful fans who pre-ordered tickets to the movie the instant that the first trailer dropped.

Since then, I have anxiously been waiting for December 14th to come around so I can once again witness “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” accompanied by another one of the iconic opening text crawl. And because of this, it brings no joy to say that “The Last Jedi” is unfortunately a huge disappointment, a movie that can be perfectly described a beautiful looking mess.

This is not to say that The Last Jedi is a particularly bad movie; that is far from the truth.

It is a perfectly enjoyable watch for the casual audience. However, it pales in comparison to the expectations set out most fans of the original trilogy, and massively underwhelms its lofty expectations.

First, here is what the movie got right: As mentioned, The Last Jedi is a beautiful looking movie.

Known for his unique visuals, Rian Johnson puts his finger-

prints all over the breathtaking shots featured throughout the entire movie. This film features the best looking action sequences in the entirety of Star Wars, whether it’s with lightsabers, X-wings and Tie fighters, the Millennium Falcon or other spaceships.

In addition, The Last Jedi’s all star crew also puts in great performances throughout. Mark Hamill actually has dialogue in this movie, and with his much darker portrayal of Luke Skywalker, puts in his best acting performance in the whole saga. The scenes with Leia are heartbreaking knowing the fate of Carrie Fisher in real life, and the new characters introduced in The Force Awakens are once again all very well portrayed by their respective actors. However, the standout performance in this movie was that of Adam Driver, who with conflicted portrayal of Kylo Ren, makes for one of the most compelling villains in recent sci-fi movies, and unquestionably the best aspect of this whole movie.

One of the biggest complaints of The Force Awakens by critics was that it felt like a complete rehash of A New Hope, while taking minimal risks. This is not something that can be said about The Last Jedi. It is not just a rehash of Empire Strikes Back and takes some major risks, some of which should be applauded and take the franchise in a whole new direction.

However, this is where the movie runs into one of its biggest problems. The risks it takes are radical, which bring significant changes to the Star Wars’ lore, not all of which make sense. For instance, the movie introduces new ways that The Force can be used, and while they all make for

cool sequences, they also raise questions as to why none of these powers have never been used or hinted at before in the entre saga.

In addition, one in particular is downright silly.

An even bigger risk the movie takes is with the darker portrayal of Luke Skywalker, the main protagonist of the original trilogy. While as mentioned, Mark Hamill does a tremendous job with this different portrayal of Luke, it hardly makes sense when you consider how he was characterized throughout the original movies. This is so apparent that even Mark Hamill has publicly admitted that he disagreed with the direction of his character in the movie, and it is clear why.

Without getting into spoilers, during a flashback scene in The Last Jedi, Luke does something that completely goes against how he has been portrayed throughout the Saga, and such an action

by Luke is incredibly hard to buy as an audience who knows his character history.

Another issue in the movie, was that it seemed to completely ignore some of the events of The Force Awakens as well as what was hinted at and built up throughout that movie. For example, somehow at the start of this movie, The First Order has complete control of the Galaxy and has The Resistance on the backfoot, even though it was established in The Force Awakens that they were only a small reminiscent of The Empire, and that movie ended with their StarKiller Base being destroyed.

In addition, the movie also does an underwhelming job at answering questions about characters and their backgrounds, all of which were hinted at heavily

by The Force Awakens. It is as if

Rian Johnson completely scraped the plans made and the subplots set up by the director of The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams and decided to make a completely separate film from the one that was planned.

These are not the only logical fallacies in the movie, it’s full of glaring plot holes that are difficult to talk about without diving into spoilers. But rest assured, these plot holes are not nitpicky; an entire side plot could have been entirely avoided if a character did something that had no consequence to that character’s plan. Any intelligent member of the audience will be able to identify many of these plot holes without even looking for them.

However, the biggest negative of this movie is an entire storyline involving Finn’s character, accompanied by a newly introduced character, Rose, in a Casino Planet. The subplot takes up about 20-25 minutes of the runtime of this movie, and while it is relevant to plot, it disconnects from the rest of the movie entirely. Whenever the movie cuts to this story arc, it screeches to a halt, and the whole sequence seems like an unnecessary detour that takes away from the excitement of the rest of the movie while tanking its pace. The arc itself is awkward, and while it attempts to teach a moral lesson on animal cruelty and war profiteering, it fails on its delivery and sucks out all the excitement that makes it a Star Wars movie.

Overall, despite being an enjoyable watch, The Last Jedi falters under its towering expectations, and makes for a movie that is mostly style over substance and one that will sure be divisive amongst fans of the saga.

Film Rating: Light 7/10

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Opinion maldenblueandgold.com

Self Love is the Best Love

Christina Appignani Managing Editor of Online

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e all desire a form of connection in our lives, whether it be through friendships or relationships. We can focus our energy so much on finding these things that we forget the other good things in life going on right in front of us, only we are blind to them. We can give all of our time and effort to others, whether it’s being a good friend, child, sibling or partner.

I have been one to have fallen victim to this. For most of my high school career, I have been so preoccupied with being a good daughter to my parents, taking care of my younger brother and being a good friend to those I care about. I have used my energy towards others so much that I haven’t been taking the time to focus on myself and my own goals. I haven’t developed who I desire myself to be as a person because I was so concerned with whether or not the people around me were satisfied with what I had to offer them.

While it is without a doubt that the love other people give you and the love you give them can be a vital support system to your life, it should not be put above the care and attention you give to yourself. Now, I’m not saying to be utterly self-absorbed and without a care for anyone else in the world, but it is very

important to love yourself first if you want to also want to give your love to others.

Appreciating yourself can allow you to have a much more positive worldview. When you have a high self esteem as well as goals you set yourself to achieve, your attitude improves and you are more confident not only in how you appear to others, but also to yourself. With this mindset, your mental health with steer away from negative thoughts that could lead you down a dark path. Instead, you will feel motivated to take care yourself, both physically and mentally, in order to improve your well-being.

Not only does loving yourself lead to a better view of the world, it also allows you to view yourself in a caring, loving manner. Just because you see yourself as a great individual as you should be, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop improving. You have a unique set of traits and abilities, and you should continue to pursue and improve these abilities compared to nobody other than your past self. Doing this will allow you to grow as a person to become the best you you could possibly be.

Love can result in extreme happiness, but it is loving yourself that gets you to the point in life before anything. If you love yourself, others will be inspired and drawn to you. Your strengths will prosper, and your weaknesses will continuously improve.

Shear Elegance

Trump Makes Jerusalem the Capital of Israel Sara Zakaria Lead reporter

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his week, President Trump has announced his decision not only to make Jerusalem, a city known for its interfaith connections, the capital of Israel, but he will also move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

While the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Trump for his decision, many world leaders have expressed concerns about the decision, even those who are allies with the United States, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, stating her opposition that “in that context, [she] disagree[s] with the decision yesterday”, according to the Associated Press.

Many have also been concerned with the threat of violent protests, which have already been going on. There has been protests in the West Bank, where the Israeli Army sprayed water cannons, used rubber cannons, and used tear gas against the Palestinian protesters. Reports have said that at least 217 Palestinian protesters have been injured in the protests, and the violence also resulted in one death. There has also been protests in other Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Iran, and Turkey.

Although Trump says that the White House will still support a two state solution between Israel and Palestine, the decision to declare Jerusalem the capital

of Israel was a slap in the face to Palestinians, who are still under Israeli occupation, and especially the ones who are working everyday to try to achieve peace.

This act has been criticized by many on the basis that the tension between Israel and Palestine would only increase due to this decision. Many have expressed that this decision would be a major setback in the process of achieving peace not only between Israel and Palestine, but also in the Middle East as a whole. According to the New York Times, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, said that both leaders, Trump and Netanyahu, “have managed to destroy that hope” of settling the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

When Trump was elected, I was not expecting a miracle, nor did I expect the US to be more sympathetic to Palestine. Numerous presidents have expressed support of Israel regardless of the blatant human rights violations that have occured in that region, Republican and Democrats alike.

However, this move will definitely not end terrorism and destroy ISIS like Trump as promised to do, not in any way. In fact, it will only fuel the anger and the hatred towards the US, and for a man who is supposed to be the ruler of the free world, he is certainly not promising any positives in his foreign policy so far.

Although damage has certainly been done over the last couple of presidencies, only time will tell how much damage will further happen in the next four, maybe eight years.

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

Opinion maldenblueandgold.com

Too Is Mastery Connect the Cool Solution for Everyone? f o r S c h o o l David Lombardi Reporter

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idterms and Finals, as stressful as they are, have proven to be an effective form of testing to help cement what students have learned over that semester. However, ever since we as a city have invested in the new software, Mastery Connect, it has gotten a lot harder. I am not referring to content but the added issues that arise when testing is 100% computerized. Does it truly give an accurate assessment of every student’s capabilities?

Personally, I do not believe they accurately assess every students ability and knowledge for the following reasons.

Learning styles vary for every student. Students use their senses in different ways to retain the information they are given during their classes. Some learn the traditional way by simply listening and others need to re-read or write information down in order to retain it. Some may need pictures or visuals while some may need a hands-on approach.

Overall, the majority learn by combining a few different senses.

Education as a whole has evolved over time as research has taught us that learning is a multidimensional process. Teaching has changed from classrooms set up in perfect rows and the teacher would verbally present most of the information to a variety of methods from small groups, project-based learning and a myriad of visual and tactile materials to help students truly learn. We now have varying levels of class, individual education plans and specialized instructions - all tools available to students to help them achieve their best. Colleges and Universities have downgraded and sometimes eliminated the importance of the SAT test and all accept either the SAT or ACT, which allows students to see what test is best for their style.

On the other hand, paper

and pencil tests can be hard for some as well. However, in using a paper and pencil test, a student has the opportunity to see his work in progress for some subjects or maybe catch a mistake before it is too late. Although most teachers offered students the option to use a paper and pencil to help when taking the test, answers still needed to be inputted into the computer and any possible partial credit was eliminated. Teachers no longer are able to see a students work or process in getting an answer.

Maybe a student used the correct formula but transposed a number at the end or forgot a decimal.

Does that really mean they don’t know the material? On another note, a teacher rarely gets to digest the test results therefore unable to assess whether the class as a whole was having trouble with a particular chapter that probably should be reviewed before moving on. Wouldn’t this be the best use of a midterm exam for both the teacher and the student?

Another issue that arises with this change is mechanical.

Midterms and Finals are timed tests. What happens when a student gets logged off due to unknown errors? What happens when someone’s work is unintentionally lost? What happens when someones chromebook dies mid test? Is it an accurate assessment of the student’s knowledge or the teachers skill in teaching if a student loses valuable time re-logging in or finding an outlet to power their chromebook or worse yet, if their work wasn’t saved? This year the 9th grade class was required to type their essays on Masteryconnect, which led to a variety of other issues.

When I asked a few students how they felt after the exams, some students were frustrated because they felt they did not have enough time to finish their open responses due to their slow typing speed. A few others admitted that they worried about their typing at the beginning, so they guessed at many of the multiple choice questions, so they would have enough time to complete

the open response. Although we are a generation raised on technology, many of us can text faster than any adult we know but, typing using more than our thumbs and a home row is still a skill many of us have yet to perfect as accurately as our handwriting.

So, does this truly reflect our ability to write a cohesive essay?

Lastly, temptation exists all around us whether its at home or in school. There is a reason why teachers say clear your desks, don’t look at others papers and no talking because temptation can challenge even the most honorable students. Why are SAT, ACT and AP exams not conducted on a computer? I am not totally sure myself but I can venture a guess.

In today’s world, we are are surrounded by wifi, apps, personal hotspots and other avenues yet to be discovered that will always lead to temptation to take the easier road. Add that to the fear of final grades, college acceptances and GPA’s, and this becomes even more stressful. Don’t we owe it to all the students to ensure that the test will be taken fairly by all?

On the opposite side, I understand the benefits of using a computerized program. As a large city, it is a great way to track the progress of all the high school students utilizing standardized midterms and finals. I am sure it allows administrators to evaluate students progress by teachers as well. Grading is now completed and posted much faster than years passed not to mention freeing up the teachers to focus on the next lesson.

However, even with the benefits, I still question if this is the best course of action for every student at Malden High. It is easy to get caught up in what is efficient or easy for a district but we must not lose sight that the district is the sum of all its students and teachers. Is MasteryConnect better for students and teachers alike? Personally, I think the negatives are too great to continue requiring students to use MasteryConnect as the sole accurate assessment of our knowledge.

Sydney Stumpf Head Copy Editor

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hen Everett canceled school on January 2nd due to ridiculously cold temperatures, Malden High School students took to Twitter to ask Mayor Gary Christenson to close school as well. School was obviously not canceled, but Malden Public Schools opened early at 6:30 am.

The news of cancelled school in Everett spread quickly, leaving Malden parents and students alike to question whether or not having school was a good idea or not. Students took to Twitter, naturally, while parents typically flocked to Facebook to express their support or lack thereof, for the Mayor’s decision to keep school open.

The temperature in Boston had a high of 19 degrees and a low of -2. For students fortunate enough to drive or be driven to school, the decision made no real difference, but for students taking the bus, or walking, the decision was a bit unnerving.

Parents expressed their concerns for their children who have to walk to school or take public transportation, and that dressing warm only goes so far. Although schools opened at 6:30, little was done to make students’ commutes easier.

For parents of younger students, school may act as a place for their children to go when they are at work, like a day-care. This decision came to benefit these children and parents.

Personally, I was affected little by the decision, as I get a ride to school, though I do take the bus home. My brother, ordinarily who walks to school, had to be driven, because of the too cold temperatures.

Although the decision left me unaffected, parents and students alike were affected, and their attendance may have been affected, whether they were late to school or didn’t go at all.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Entertainment maldenblueandgold.com I’M HERE TO CHECK ON YOUR ARTICLE

IS HE NOT DONE WITH HIS ARTICLE?

WELL IM STILL KIND OF WORKING ON IT

“Sydney Attacks” by Carolina Cuevas.

YEP

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Local News

The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

Sabrina Monteiro Lead Reporter

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alden High School has had both students and teachers reciting for Poetry Out Loud for years, as well as competing around the state. The semi-finalist round took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 8th-9th. The finalists this year are, Freshmen Iloni Taylor and Miranda Cheng, Sophomore Angelina Schoor, Juniors Rebeca Pereira (Head of Local of the Blue and Gold), Paige Pimental, Jenna Vanella, Francesca Reyes, Birukti Tisge, and Felix Li, and Seniors Sydney Addorisio, Gaelle Musasa, Abigail Baptiste, Alexa Murray, and Ramon Aguinaldo.

Robin Doherty, the teacher leader for the English Department helped organize the event by making sure the judges were there, having the score charts and basically setting up the auditorium which is ”not [her] thing at all but people like [Sean Walsh] and all the English teachers were really helpful.” She enjoys poetry out loud and thinks “recitation and presentation skills are really important for kids to learn .”

Doherty likes that “this year [we] have more options because it allows kids to feel a little bit more comfortable for those who might get nervous, like getting in front of the classroom and memorizing, but [they] can definitely still bring their poem to life and show that [they] understand it and the interpretation by allowing [them] to film it or come after school.”

From a teachers point of view, “it is most difficult to get students excited” for poetry out loud because it may not be an enjoyable experience for some students, said Doherty. To help students who felt nervous towards reciting in front of the class, Doherty said she “encourages kids” and gives a lot of “reinforcement.”

Doherty was really excited for the competition mainly because the teachers who have showed most interest, were the ones who weren’t English teachers and Doherty was “really excited about because [she] thinks it’s important for the kids to also see

that it’s not just English teachers who are interested in this.” Some of those teachers who are judging include a math teacher, E.S.L. teacher, and a history teacher.

school [she] has taught that does this.” Dick was a participant one year where she did the teacher poetry out loud and says “it’s an incredibly cool experience.” She

Senior Meghan Yip. Photo by Leila Greige.

Sophomore Moez Bensalem. Photo by Leila Greige.

Junior and Head of Local Rebeca Pereira. Photo by Leila Greige.

Humanities Curriculum Director Abbey Dick, who used to be an English teacher, really enjoys poetry out loud and she mentioned that this is “the first

gets nervous but doesn’t mind presenting because it is her current job where she had to present at conferences. Dick also said that as a teacher “[her] goal was to

make students feel as comfortable as possible when performing [their] poem...and so [she] thinks a lot of students having choices, makes this activity more possible.” “[She] was always concerned if students skipped class, or were shaking, or were crying to avoid doing poetry out loud and [she] doesn’t believe that any student should have to go through that for a school assignment” said Dick and so after talking to administrators and adjustment counselors, they decided on giving students more options.

Sophomore, Julian Munoz unfortunately did not pass the semi-finals but said “it was still a joyful experience.” The name of his poem is Life and Munoz choose this poem initially because “it gave [him] a good feeling overall with an alternative perspective on “life.” Munoz also said that “[he] was a bit nervous at first but [he] learned to ignore that feeling and just do it, which is why [he] volunteered to go first, to get everything over with.”

Munoz recommends that people go first in something compared to last because “it just feels good now having it over with and not having the pressure slowly build up to you.”

Junior Paige Pimental absolutely loves Poetry Out Loud.

Last year, Pimental recited the poem Please Don’t by Tony Hoagland and made it to the school finals and made it to third place.

She said that “a lot of people are afraid of getting up in front of others but once people realize they can do it, but then they do it, it’s an empowering feeling to be able to just get up there and realize everyone else is doing it with you so even if you do mess up, you’re not alone.” It seems like Pimental is extremely confident about reciting in front of a crowd of people but when asked if she gets nervous, she said “[She’s] terrified, every time [she] gets up there. But once [she] gets up there and starts going, [she] begins to lose the fear because [she] really loves it” and mentioned “it’s worth it in the end.”

Overall, everyone did an amazing job and we should all look forward to seeing how far this year’s winner goes.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Local News maldenblueandgold.com

FINALS Sabrina Monteiro Lead Reporter

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he Poetry Out Loud Finals took place in the Malden High School Auditorium on Wednesday, January 24th. The thirteen students who won the semi-finals competed with one another in the Finals and had to perform two poems. The first place winner was from the senior class, Alexa Murray. The second place winner was one our very own head of local News for the Blue & Gold Newspaper, Junior Rebeca Pereira. Sophomore Angelina Schoor received and third place.

The rubric criteria used in the class is the same one used for the POL contest. It comes from the rubric used in the National contest and students are scored by that from the two judges, Abbey Dick, the director of Humanities and Carol Keenan, the assistant superintendent. There is a total of eight points the students receive on accuracy. The host, English teacher lead Robin Doherty, signals to the person tabulating the scores, MHS English teacher Jennifer Clapp, on how many from the eight points the students earned. Since each student had to recite two poems, they received two performance scores from each judge along with an accuracy score. There is only one winner because the school can only send one student from this round of competition to the next round which is the State Semi-Final.

Clapp stated that she “loves Poetry Out Loud” and said “It’s one of [her] favorite things about the school year” and loves it as a “community building exercise because everybody has to participate in some way and that lets everyone understand what the students on stage are experiencing.” When asked why she thinks students aren’t able to judge the student poetry out loud finals, Clapp said it’s partly because “it has a judging system that isn’t just a Malden High School thing, it’s a National thing and so it has its own sort of rules and restrictions” but that she wishes

students could be apart of the judging process and that it could be something to start thinking about for the future.

Second place winner, Rebeca Pereira says she has loved poetry since eighth grade because her eighth grade teacher “really emphasized the power of poetry and [she] thinks that was really beneficial to [her].” She had even more interest at the start of freshman year and she has english teacher, Maggie Giberson to thank for that and for “spiking [her] interest in Poetry Out Loud.” Pereira has never made it to the state semi-finals but has made it to the finals freshman year, as well as this year. The two poems she recited in the Finals this year was “Abecedarian Requiring Further Examination of Anglikan Seraphym Subjugation of a Wild Indian Rezervation” by Natalie Diaz and “Epitaph on the Tombstone of a Child, the Last of Seven that Died Before” by Aphra Behn. Pereira said she has “terrible stage fright” but that “once you’re actually up there reciting the poem itself, if you practiced, it’ll come naturally.”

Freshman, Iloni Taylor made it past the semi-finals and described her experience as “enjoyable.” Taylor said that she felt “nervous because all the attention was on [her], as well as the other contestants on stage” and mentioned that “everytime [she] went up to the mic, [her] heart started racing but as [she] read her poem(s), [she] was able to relax a little and ease into it.”

In the finals, Taylor recited the poem “Sanctuary” by Jean Valentine and “Ode on Solitude” by Alexander Pope. Taylor also mentioned that she was not expecting to move on from the semi-finals “in all seriousness, regardless of [her] being a freshman.”

Taylor said that in her mind she thought “If [she] doesn’t win, it’s whatever. At least [she] tried [her] best,” but to her surprise she heard Ms.Doherty call her name and thought it was an honest mistake. She didn’t know what to think, but hearing her friends in the audience and other students cheer her on made her feel happy inside and out. She also said that even though she didn’t move on to the state finals, “[she] still

First place winner, Alexa Murray. Photo taken by Ana Pirosca. made it that far, and [she’s] proud of herself.”

Not only is there a student Poetry Out Loud competition but there is also a teacher contest judge by student semi-finalists competitors for that round. This year, Damian Aufiero, Evan Mauser, Shamus Brady, and Thomas Snarsky all competed in the teacher POL contest. Snarsky received first place with the recitation of the poem “Someday I will join a band and I will feel pretty much the same by Ben Meyerhoff.

Math teacher, Thomas Snarsky participated in POL for three years beginning with when he was first a student teacher.

He won his first year reciting “A Poem” by Ariana Reines,

performed last year with “Wet Casements” by John Ashbery and won again this year. Snarsky said he really likes that POL is a place for students to have to memorize poetry because “a poem feels a lot different when you memorize it then when you just read it... especially because most of the time with social media and stuff things go by so fast then you forget [them] right away.” He said that being on stage makes him nervous because “it’s not like teaching where you know the stuff because [he] never knows if he really memorized it until [he’s] doing it in front of people.”

Malden High looks forward to hearing news from the SemiFinals Competition that takes place on March 3rd, 2018.

28 Pleasant St, Malden, MA 02148

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Local News

The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

Book Club

Boston Public Schools to Change Start and End Times Gabriel Matnog Reporter Cristopher Correa Reporter

Club founders Delilah Doeleman and Lara Silveira along with advisor Mary Liberge. Photo by Jennica Ruan.

Jennica Ruan Reporter

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alden High has started a new book club that meets every tuesday at the library from 2:20 to 3:00. The new club reads a book and discusses it while also exploring other genres of literature. The club is advised

by Malden High Librarian Mary Liberge.

Junior Delilah Doeleman is co-president of the club along with sophomore Lara Silveira.

As co-president, Doeleman tries her best to attend every meeting and encourages people to join.

Doeleman “ wanted to join book club” but soon realized there was not one so [she] decided to start her own version of the club. One of [her] main goals is to encourage other people to read as well.

The club currently read a Science Fiction novel called Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky.

During meetings everyone pitches in ideas of what to read

and how they can incorporate it into their club. While ideas are being shared, snacks are provided so that everyone feels apart of a group. The club talks about what genres they want to read and find books that interest them. Since there are a few new members, the club decided to start fresh and pick a new book.

Many of the options chosen were Science-Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, and Mystery. Everyone decided to choose a book or two that [the club] found interesting and present it to the group. Some of the suggested books were Murder On The Orient Train, The Taking, and many more. The next book that they will be reading is The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian by Sherman Alexie.

Along with reading and discussing new books, the club plans to have field trips and watch the movie versions of the books and compare how different or similar the storyline is. Joining now would be a great time because the club is starting fresh with a new book.

O

n Wednesday, December 6th, 2017, The Boston Public School Committee unanimously decided to change the start and end times for its elementary and high schools.

This new decision will not be in effect until the 2018-2019 school year. High schools will reportedly start later than 8 a.m while elementary schools will end sometime before 4 p.m. In an interview with WCVB 5 Boston, Boston Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Tommy Chang stated he “will push back the start time for High schools and move up start times for elementary”. The prime motive for this decision is to hopefully allow children and teenagers to get more rest so they pay attention more in classes.

City officials believe that it could actually raise grades and focus levels in the classroom.

Research conducted by the AMA (American Medical Association) stated that, “the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teenagers between 14 and 17 years of age should get 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night to achieve optimal health and learning”. This means that the more sleep that teenagers like those at Malden High School, get, the better performance they have in the classroom. This could ultimately lead to maximum focus in the classroom and a better learning environment.

Boston Public Schools have released a new schedule for schools but it is not official,

Boston Public Schools Headquarters. Photo from Wikimedia. leaving it subject to change. All schools will be projected to start sometime between 7:15 and 9:30 am and end sometime between 12:50 and 4:50 depending on the day of the week.

This puts lots of stress on school officials and families as they have to plan different commute times to and from school accordingly. Students may also have to walk in the dark during winter, due to some schools having a later release time. However, these new start times may prove beneficial to the majority of students.

It is still unclear if this new change will be adopted by surrounding towns and cities such as Malden and it is still too early to determine the effect on students.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Local News maldenblueandgold.com

Ginger bread Cookie Workshop Queyen Le Reporter

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o continue spreading the holiday spirit the MHS Fine Arts Club hosted a gingerbread decoration event on Thursday, September 14. The annual Gingerbread Cookie Workshop has been going on for four to five years now, and this year it was hosted in H309 in Joseph Luongo’s room at the Malden High School.

At the event there were many fun possibilities to decorate the gingerbread cookies.

Many combinations could be put together with options such as icing, fondant, candies, confetti, and premade ties. The icing came in six different colors. The colors includes red, green, pink, white, blue, and purple. The gingerbread cookie was about six inches tall, which is a fun size to decorate on as well. Luongo expressed how the event was a perfect way to create an “inexpensive gift that they could give to a relative, friend, or sometimes just make them for themselves.”

During the event people would decorate a gingerbread man. The problem was that the frosting needed time to set. So it was put in a plastic bag overnight and the officers wrapped them and put a tag on them to pass them out the next morning.

People who attended this event seemed to have enjoyed decorating the gingerbread man.

The outcome was pretty successful. One of the club officer Sammy Lee thought the event was a success. Lee stated that “the decorating process was entertaining and the final product tasted wonderful”.

This event allowed people to create a customized gingerbread cookie that they could give as a small personalized gift to their families and friend, or even keep it for themselves. Also at the same time giving students in the club an opportunity for an art scholarship. The money made from fundraisers from the club, like this one will contribute for scholarship money and end of the year party for members of the Fine Arts Club.

Multicultural Club Hosts Bake Sale Angelina Prum Reporter

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alden High School’s Multicultural Club hosted a bake sale that included sweet and savory treats from different cultures around the world. This event held place in front of the main office from 2:15pm to 3:15 pm on December 13th. This club is advised by English teacher Yahaira Márquez. The Multicultural Club is a diverse club that includes the many cultures thriving at Malden High School.

The bake sale included many different treats from regions throughout the world. One treat included was a Vietnamese eggroll. The eggroll is popular throughout all of Asia and they have all different types, but the ones served at the bake sale were a Vietnamese version sold for $1.

At the bake sale they also had a Peru treat called the Alfajores sold at 2 for $1. They are delicate cookies made with cornstarch.

They were priced at 2 for a dollar.

They also had a Ethiopian treat called a Sambusa, which made with lentils and other herbs, that was sold for $1.

Sophomore Jenny Nguyen stated that the Sambusa’s were “very delicious” and “worth her dollar”. The bake sale also had sweet treats like the cannoli from Italy.

Freshman Jamie Wu stated they were “the perfect treat” after a long school day. Other treats they had were Haitian treat, Pate, Indian snack Murukki, Japanese dessert Mochi, and a Brazilian dessert passion fruit mousse.

Senior Andrea Martinez Merino, who has been member of the Multicultural Club for three years, stated that it was a good way to start off the year with a bake sale which people “would be able to enjoy cuisine from around the world and also be able to share it with students and staff alike”.

The Multicultural Club values students being proud of their heritage and brings people together in a safe and fun environment. Merino described the goal of Multicultural Club is to “celebrate what makes each culture and all of the people in our community unique in a fun and respectful manner”.The Multicultural Club is also preparing for their Annual Multicultural Night celebration in spring.

From Left to Right: Senior Lynn Nguyen, Arsema Paulos, Arthiya Sathiyendra. Photo by Angelina Prum.

Literary Society Poemgrams” Fundraiser Ajithaan Sathiyendra Reporter

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he Literary Society has been selling Poem-grams leading up to the Winter Break.

The Literary Society is a club advised by English teacher Anne Mooney that focuses on literacy based activities and ideas.

Senior Alicia Tan, co-president of the Literary Society, “enjoys the creativity that it allows” and mentions that “even if you hate writing, you are still completely welcome as it is more than just a writing club”.

Poem-grams are poems that can be sent to other students in the school, whether it is a friend, a person you admire, or even yourself. Along with a nicely made winter poem, the Poem-grams come with a candy cane. Poemgrams were sold for $1 each.

The Poem-gram fundraiser is being run by Tan, the Blue and Gold Editor-In-Chief Megan Downer and the Blue and Gold Web and Apps Managing Editor Christina Appignani. Tan mentioned that as they were trying to do something different but related to Literature as “so many things have been done before”, they thought poems would be great, and “if it is done nicely it would make a great gift” for the Holidays.

Tan has noticed that “[there has] been pretty good sales even though it was last minute” and mentioned that the Literary Society is “planning on doing more sales for Valentines Day”.

If you missed out since the sales have ended, look out for Poem-grams during Valentine’s Day as it would make a great gift for someone special. If you are interested in participating in creating activities like this, join the Literary Society, which meets every other Tuesday in Mooney’s room.

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

Local News maldenblueandgold.com

Elizabeth Warren and Katherine Clark visit Malden High School Sidney Rodriguez Lead Reporter

Recently, many people gathered to hear Senator Elizabeth Warren speak here at the Malden High School. People from all across the metropolitan area filled up every seat in the Jenkins Auditorium. Some resorted to the balcony to still be apart of this important event.

Trump getting sworn in as President of the United States and [she’s] back!”.

Warren’s drive sparked by the reality of the United States, also had a positive impact on a vast majority of Americans.

When coming back to Boston during the Women’s March, she questioned “What are we going to do when the Republicans have the House, the Republicans have the Senate...Our only chance is people raising their voices. Our only chance is developing an army”. As she watched

people gather in the Boston Commons; women, men, some with children, who were “very good looking”. She remembered how she saw a little girl holding a sign that read “I fight like a girl” and in that particular moment Elizabeth Warren said “that’s where our army is”.

With much expectation, when Senator Warren finally graced the stage she was greeted with a standing ovation from the

Along with Elizabeth Warren, United States Congresswoman Katherine Clark was also present at the event. Clark when introducing Warren, touched upon Warren’s motives with the people on immigration, taxation, Wall Street, and education.

The phrase “she stands for us” resonated with the large crowd.

With much expectation, when Senator Warren finally graced the stage she was greeted with a standing ovation from the whole audience. In addition, her first topic was President Trump, in particular, her experience in going to his inauguration and why she did so.

She expressed “‘when it’s late in the evening, [she’s] tired...[she’s] in the office and [she’s] aggravated, she [closes] [her] and [she] [leans] back and [sees] Donald

Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congresswoman Katherine Clark meeting Malden High School Alumni Maya Hayes. Photo submitted by Maya Hayes.

whole audience. In addition, her first topic was President Trump, in particular, her experience in going to his inauguration and why she did so. She expressed “‘when it’s late in the evening, [she’s] tired...[she’s] in the office and [she’s] aggravated, she [closes] [her] and [she] [leans] back and [sees] Donald Trump getting sworn in as President of the United States and [she’s] back!”.

Warren’s drive sparked by the reality of the United States, also had a positive impact on a vast majority of Americans.

When coming back to Boston during the Women’s March, she questioned “What are we going to do when the Republicans have the House, the Republicans have the Senate...Our only chance is people raising their voices. Our only chance is developing an army”. As she watched people gather in the Boston Commons; women, men, some with children, who were “very good looking”.

She remembered how she saw a little girl holding a sign that read “I fight like a girl” and in that particular moment Elizabeth Warren said “that’s where our army is”.

Warren emphasizes the importance of Medicaid through an experience she had: “I was in Washington while people showed up to protest on the Capitol steps, while moms who had babies with special needs brought along breathing equipment and special feeding tubes so they could show senators in the United States Congress, this is the face of Medicaid.”

Elizabeth Warren’s views on DACA: “America made a promise to 800,000 young people: you came here, through no fault of your own, you’re here, come out of the shadows, be vetted, and then you have a chance, a chance to go to school, a chance to get a job, a chance to join the military, a chance to be woven fully into the life of America.”

Elizabeth Warren’s views on gop tax bill:

Senator Elizabeth Warren and COngresswoman KAtherine Clark speaking in the Jenkins Auditorium. Photo by Sideny Rodriguez.

“They’re not there for the working poor. This tax bill is all about giveaways to the richest and the most powerful in this country. This is all about subsidizing jobs overseas. This tax bill says that if you want to invest right here in Malden you’ll be taxed at one level, if you want to build that factory somewhere in Europe, somewhere in Asia, you’ll be taxed at a lower level. It’s staggering, it’s staggering, the impact on working people.”

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Sports maldenblueandgold.com

Indoor Indoor Track Track David Lombardi Reporter Anna Silva Reporter

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n Thursday December 7, 2017 Malden High’s indoor track team went up against Beverly in their first meet of the season. Although the girls lost their match, both teams put up a good fight resulting in a victory for the boys team.

Sophomore runner Keri Gilligan felt “[the team] had an overall very successful first opening meet although the girls team did not come out with a win.”

Gilligan added that while track may seem like an individual only sport, “it takes everyone’s efforts together to have a successful meet and leave with a win.” Gilligan also felt that she had a good performance especially since she contributed to the scoring.

Senior Runner Eric Toh said “Overall, [the boys team] did a good job coming into the meet with a game plan and everyone did their part in executing it.”

Luckily, that was enough for

Jett-Le Tran Le Reporter

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All photos by Sandra Rivadeneira. them to win. Toh felt that “[He] managed to pace [himself] well throughout the race and pulled away at the right time.”

Senior Arthur Kossoski, and Senior Ivan Zhang got 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the 600. Gilligan said that “[her] time was not the outcome [she] wanted, at 14:19 in

the 2 mile, but [she] placed 3rd in the girls 2 mile race. Gilligan also said that some highlights “regarding the meet as a whole, [were that the girls team] had one person qualify for states, and one very close to doing so.” Toh also said how a newer member Senior Trent Bazley was able to “get his

get back into the swing of things after being gone for so long.”

Since wrestling is a winter sport, it had been awhile since he had done it. Gray said that a match consists of three periods in which wrestlers have a chance to pin down the other opponent. He said that if they are able to pin the other opponent they will the

match. If they don’t then the one with the most points by the end wins the match. They had arrived there around 7:00 am and it had ended around noon. He said that the “matches on saturday was a really good way for [the team] to “warm up” and prepare [themselves] for the rest of the season.”

Gray continued to say that “[he]

footing in the high jump really quickly” Both Toh and Gilligan felt that they had a really good first meet of the season. Toh said “Personally [he thinks he] had a good first race of the season. [He] was close to [his] personal record and that’s a really good place to be in early in the season.” Gilligan also said “[She] did goal at maintaining a strong mental state while running, as that is something very important in addition to being in good condition physically.”

They both thought there could be some simple improvements to the team as well as themselves.

Gilligan felt she needs to improve her time by working hard on both speed and endurance. She also stated “there was a lot of new talent brought to the team this year and [they] have been putting in so much work in preparation for [their] meets. As a team, [they] have seen overall improvements in actual times even in the early season.” Toh added that “it feels like everyone who is still on the team has improved from last year, and at practice there is a good hard working environment“.

Wrestling Wrestling

he Malden High School wrestling team had a match on Saturday, December 9th in Gloucester. Senior Captain Seth Jones had said it was “a good match, [the team] performed well”. Jones said that a match works by having one person from each team in the same weight class. They would shake hands and begin to wrestle for two to three minutes to try and pin each other down.

The match had took about half an hour for each one. Jones thoughts on the match were that “everyone who wrestled that day performed very well and [they] looked strong, both varsity and JV both had winning records.” It was a really good match to start off the season.

Sophomore Ved Gray had said that “[he] really enjoyed [his] experience on Saturday.” He adds that “It felt really good to

Senior Carlos Parada wrestling during practice. Photo by Jett-Le Tran Le.

felt like [the team] l did pretty good in [their] matches.” He also said that the newcomers got some really good experience in what to expect in their future matches.

Since this match was their first match, he believes that “the first match will be what [the team compares their] future matches so [they] have something to base [their] growth off of.”

Senior Captain Carlos Parada Araujo also said that the match on Wednesday in Salem against Salem/Peabody went pretty well. He said that “[even though the match] ended in a draw, [the team] showed a lot of potential for future matches.”

He added that “[the team has] a couple of new [members] who have great energy and are eager to learn [about wrestling]”.

The early wrestling matches had set a reminder for the wrestling team members on how much better they will be and how far they had will go in future matches.

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

David Cartledge Reporter

Swim

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his year held big changes for the Malden High swim team.

They lost a lot of good swimmers due to them graduating, and have also changed to a new, more difficult league. This has made the year much more difficult for the players.

Even with those changes, the boys performed very well during the conference meet, coming in first place out of 15. The girls came in sixth place, despite only having 12 swimmers on the team whereas the other teams had about 20-30 girls on their team which made it very difficult, yet they performed very well under those circumstances.

Coach Jessica Bisson stated that “This is a very busy season with a lot of meets, but [the team is] holding [their] own and putting in a great deal of effort.” She added that “one of the biggest challenges [the team] had to face is the fact that this league allows diving scores to count even when the opposing team does not have any divers.” This means that because the other teams have divers and Malden does not, the team is already behind in points, so it makes it challenging for the team to catch up and take the lead again. Sophomore Tyler Lu stated that “It was more challenging for [them] to succeed because it was a new league…[they] didn’t really know their talent which made it more challenging for [them].”

Bisson said that “[the team] lost 13 seniors last year so this has definitely been a rebuilding year. This left [the team] with less depth than we used to have but we continue to see growth every day.”

Because the team has gone through so many changes, they have excelled at things while also struggling at others. Ms. Bisson addressed this by stating that “[The team] has done really well with pushing through any adversity that has come [their] way”, but that it has been different because “[The team] hasn’t lost in the last couple of years so it can be a shock when a loss happens.”

The new season and new league has set some new goals for the team, some of which they have already achieved and some that they plan on achieving before the end of States. Coach Bisson stated that one of the goals the team had at the start of the

Junior Joanne Ho perfroming her butterfly stroke. Photo by David Cartledge.

Sophomore Myo Theingi in the midst of her backstroke lap. Photo by David Cartledge.

Sophomore Haoxi Wang in the midst of her backstroke lap. Photo by David Cartledge.

season was “to show improvement and do the best we can to make sectional and states cuts” which they have reached. The team has also had 2 swimmers break school records so far this year, Kevin Ochoa who beat the 200 free and Pete Jinapin in 500 free. A number of the swimmers this year have made it to States and [they] are hoping that many more will too.

This year the team seems to have a very family-like relationship. Coach Bisson stated that “[the teams] upperclassmen are doing a great job of helping the newcomers through the season.” and that “No one is left out and the entire team works together to make sure meets run smoothly and to make sure everyone is prepared and confident.”

The newcomers to the team this year seem to be putting in a lot of effort to make sure that the team does well. Coach Bisson stated that “All of [their] new swimmers continue to show improvement every day.” Tyler Lu also commented on this by saying that “The newcomers are good because [they] are actually putting the work into swimming which is great.”

The boys performed very well during the conference, coming in first place out of (15). The girls came in sixth place, despite only having 12 swimmers whereas the other teams had about 20-30 girls on their team which made it very difficult, yet they performed very well under the circumstances.

This year the Malden High swim team has gone through a lot of changes. Swapping to a new league and having the seniors graduate has left a large impact on the team. Because of this, swimmers have had to improve more than they have in the past.

One of the swimmers that have improved the most is Junior Luis Gilbert. Fellow swimmer Tyler Lu commented on this by saying “Luis Gilbert has stood out this year because he has really improved from last year by cutting his times down.”

This year the swim team has gone through more changes than they ever had to in the past, but they have persevered through the season and succeeded. The team ended the season with a record of nine wins and two losses, which was an impressive accomplishment with more difficult competition.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Sports

GYMNASTICS maldenblueandgold.com

Sara Zakaria Lead Reporter

M

alden High’s Gymnastics team ended 2017 on a good note, as they competed in a trimeet event against Medford and Winthrop on December 29th.

The team placed second, behind Winthrop and beating Medford.

The rest of the season for Malden High’s Gymnastics team seems promising, due to the many highlights in their first meet.

Although the first meet was a success, coach Katie Bowdridge admitted that the first meet of the season “is always the toughest”, since the gymnasts try to learn how to “incorporate the new skills or the new routines”, and making sure to “keep strong form to minimize deductions”. The gymnastics team only had three weeks to get ready and create six routines for three events. Bowdridge said that the team was “nervous” because it was the first meet of the season, and “[they had] six gymnasts competing that had never competed in Gymnastics before”. Although the team certainly had challenges, Bowdridge said that she is “proud of the way [the gymnasts] carried themselves and competed”.

On the highlights of the meet, Senior Captain Kaytlin Kwong recalled that one of the best moments “after [their] last routine happened”. The team was “excited about completing [their] first meet and doing well”. Junior Tyler Risteen said

Junior Jenna Vanella leaping into the air. Photo by Falyn Kelley. that one of the best parts about competing is when “the meet is over” because “all of the nerves are gone”. For Bowdridge, the best moment of the meet is “the amazing encouragement that [MHS competing gymnasts] received from [new team members] that are still getting competition ready”. The Gymnastics team has a total of thirty-five gymnasts, and because there is only six slots available on each event and returning gymnasts competing on multiple events, “many of the first-year gymnasts will not have the chance to compete this year, but that has not stopped them from working hard every day and being there to support their teammates”. Bowdridge said that one of the fun things about working out in a small gym is that “[the team] earns all of the routines because [they] see them so much”, so everyone knows when a “tough skill or a fun dance pass is coming up”, so they can “encourage each other at those points in the routine.” She added

that “to have your teammates cheering you on and encouraging you can be a huge inspiration for those competing.”

For those who had amazing performances, Kwong sited Senior Raymond Jiang as one of them, who only joined the team this year. Jiang competed on two of the four events and did “really well on all of them”, according to Kwong. “[His] bars are amazing, and [he had] so much power on vault”, Kwong said. Bowdridge asserted this, saying that Jiang had a great performance, especially on bars in his first competition with an impressive 7.05.

Both Bowdridge and Risteen stated that Kwong had an amazing performance as well. Risteen says that Kwong excelled on “the floor”, since she got the highest score for the day, which was a 9.1, according to Bowdridge. Bowdridge added that “[the team] modified [Kwong’s] routine a little bit to improve the difficulty level, so [she] now receives full credit on bonuses.”

To Kwong, now that the team has their nerves “taken care of”, she believes that the team will improve since they “[will not] be as nervous”. She added that the team is already working more on cleaning up routines and improving their skills for coming meets.

Bowdridge said that the Gymnastics team are “working new skills everyday”, especially the ones the team hopes to incorporate into competition for future meets.

One of the areas that they need to improve on, according to Bowdridge, is beam. She stated that beam is “always a tough event”, due to how physical and intricate the skill is. She explained that “[she is] asking the gymnasts to jump, turn and go upside down on a 4-inch surface.”

Bowdridge mentioned that “there is also a new rule about having to do a forward/sideways and a backward skill that there has not been in the past”.

With this new rule in place, almost everyone needed to learn a new backward skill to fulfill the requirement, as Bowdridge explains that “since most of [the team] only had cartwheels on the beam”. Not only does the team have to learn new skills, but they have to adjust to a new level of difficulty to their bar routines, for the purpose of having higher start values. Bowdridge stated that “[their] goal as a team and for each individual is to score higher than the last meet.” Nevertheless, Malden High’s gymnastics team remains adamant that they are going to continue working new skills in practice until they are confident in them.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

Girls BASKETBALL Julie Yu Reporter

further to explain that the team “[could have scored] more if [they] persecuted [their] offense sets”. During the game, Zhou kept herself relaxed and had a

positive mindset.

Junior Salma Bezzat believed that the team “did okay”, she said that “[they should not] have allowed [Snowden] to [score

M

alden High Girls Varsity Basketball went up against Snowden International on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. The girls are off to a good start to the season, with a 45 to 18 win against Snowden, during their first home game. Assistant coach and guidance counselor Taryn Belowsky stated that a key play from the game was when “[Junior Camille Nommi] in a corner, double team, cross court pass to [Senior Xue Zhou] wide open, and took a layup”.

Head Coach Scott Marino, thought “[the team] played a good first half, but [they] have to get better and improve from [their] mistakes.” Marino stated that the team always has something to improve on. He listed many skills such as “mental toughness and communication”.

Zhou explained how she thought “[the team] did good during the game, but [there is] still room to improve”. She went

Senior Tiffany Tortora shooting a free throw. Photo by Jesaias Benitez.

as many points in the second half].” Bezzat prepared for the game, by making sure she knew their plays.

Both Bezzat and Zhou shared how the team gets to games early to either practice together or individually. They not only practice drills, but they also practice layups.

Before the game, the team practiced individually by practicing layups and warmed up for the game. After, as a team, they formed two parallel lines, the person on one side would throw the ball to the person on the other side, and once that person caught the ball they would shoot.

As they got through the line, the girls would be more and more prepared for the game.

Malden had an early lead, carrying out throughout the game. Due to their defense, the opposing team did not score until third quarter. That motivated the MHS team to work harder on their defense and hopefully improve more in the future.

This first game definitely hyped the girls up for the new season, especially with a win.

This win will push the girls to strive to get better and better each game, even during a loss.

coach Scott marino H

ead Coach Scott Marino has been coaching the girls varsity basketball team for two years now. 20 years prior to coming to Malden High, he coached boy’s varsity basketball at many different high schools and colleges.

Besides coaching, Marino teaches a seventh grade math class at Linden S.T.E.A.M. Academy. Marino has wanted to coach since the age of 16. He eventually received a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College, which opened up many opportunities for teaching and coaching. Marino originally had a “double major in marketing and finance with a minor in History from Suffolk University”.

Since receiving his master’s degree, Marino has had a tremendous experience with coaching.

He has coached at schools like Pope John XXIII High School, Stoneham High School, Belmont High School, and Suffolk University. He explained how he has always had a strong connection with basketball, and how it has been a passion of his since the age of 10. “[Marino] had some great coaches as a player and [he is] thankful for the opportunities that have been provided to [him].

Like the girls, Marino is aiming to qualify for the states basketball tournament. He hopes to achieve these goals by reminding the girls exactly what they are trying to do. Marino stated that “Pushing players and the team to high expectations is what [he’s] about. Winning [isn’t] everything, but it is important”.

He wants to “improve every day

while maintaining a strong, positive attitude” Marino enjoys coaching girls basketball. He explained that “It is very gratifying to watch the development of all [these] student athletes”. Marino believes that he has learned just as much as the girls have. “[The] girls set goals as individuals and as a team, it is [his] job to help them achieve them. Perseverance is the word that [he] would use to best describe [the] girls”.

Marino is very involved with Malden and the public schools. Outside of coaching and teaching, he is part of multiple Malden committees such as Linden S.T.E.A.M Academy Governing Board, Middle School Girl’s Basketball, Girls Travel Basketball Program, and more.

Marino is all about improving. He and the team are working “to [develop] a winning attitude by being accountable for [their] actions on and off the court.”. Marino also explained how the team could “improve on defensive rebounding, transition defense and [other skills to enhance their performance during games]”.

Junior captain, Salma Bezzat, said that “Marino has a very new style of coaching that [she] is not used to”. She also explained how Marino is always prepared and never wastes time. Bezzat stated that Marino “[brings in a] new way of looking at basketball”, the team and program respect him a lot for that. She mentioned how Marino helped the team “[win] more games than the [previous year]”.

The Blue and Gold February 2018

Sports

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maldenblueandgold.com

boys BASKETball Jemisha Syliant Reporter

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ith a record of 3-2, the MHS boys basketball team is hoping to see successful outcomes for the remainder of the season.

Their first home game against Triton Regional resulted in a win with a score of 84-53 and, despite falling short for their second game against Lynn Classical with a final score of 68-59, the team was able to bounce back and win their game against Revere with a score of 75-52. Maintaining their streak, the MHS boys basketball team won the following game against Peabody Veterans Memorial, 64-61. The team went up against Tewksbury and fell short one point due to a buzzer beater which resulted in a score of 52-51.

Senior Danny Perez Parada explained how he sees progress in every single player on the team, along with their success. Parada stated that he and his team “have came out with a lot of confidence” in spite of the Tewksbury loss at the buzzer and remain hopeful for the rest of the season.

The MHS boys basketball team had a 17 point lead during first quarter with a score of 192. By the end of fourth quarter, Tewksbury beat Malden at the buzzer. Parada said “not taking [their] feet off of the gas pedal” is what needs to be done as a team to prevent this from happening in future games. Sophomore Cameron Lloyd explained that the team should have only lost one game but not two. He continued to describe that chemistry still needs to be improved upon as well as getting better playing as a team.

Lloyd believed that the season is off to a good start and stated, “[they] could go far.” He continues to explain that the team has been doing good, winning their first NEC game which he says is a “good start.” He also thought that a change that needs to be made is for the team to “stop being a one man show” when there are four other people

Senior Tyler Holness dribbling the ball aganist Triton player. Photo by Leila Greige.

Senior Malik Bissett shooting a free throw. Photo by Leila Greige.

Senior Fern Berard looking for a pass. Photo by Leila Greige.

on the court.

Senior Thomas Redwood agreed that the season is going well but believes that the team needs to come together and “block out the outside noise and distractions.” Although the season is going well, Redwood explained that other improvements that still need to be made are the continuous energy and making open shots.

Parada also hopes to improve on becoming more vocal with his leadership as point guard. He continued to explain that from his past experience as an underclassman on the team, he tries to treat them as if they had been his teammate “forever.”

Parada also described that trying to bond with the “young heads” on the team and making sure they are confident as well as “brushing off the nerves” is also a task he is hoping to accomplish.

Junior Robens Garcia is expecting big things from himself as well as his teammates like not losing a game for the rest of the season saying “[he] thinks [they] can do it.” Although he adds that the season hasn’t gone how he expected it to go, he thinks that the team is still in “good shape.”

Although the team is doing well so far in the season admitting that, when it comes to offense, the team is pretty strong, he also admits that the team could improve defensively.

When asked about what he hopes his teammates could continue doing well, Garcia said he hopes “[my] teammates stay focus and locked in throughout the whole season.”

Lloyd has set a goal for himself which is to reach 1,000 saying, “[he’s] only a sophomore but [he] think[s] [he] can do it”.

As for Garcia, he hopes to get his teammates more involved when he steps on the floor. He agrees with others that the season is not going as expected, but he still hopes to bring his confidence up as well as “trying to build up that chemistry” with his team.

The MHS boys basketball team are hoping for a strong finish and an exceptional season.

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

Boys boys Hockey HOCKEY Michelle Yin Reporter

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he Malden boys ice hockey team continued to go through the season, with their best efforts and mindset to win. Winning another game on January 8th, 2018 against the East Boston Hockey team; leading their record to six wins, two losses , and one tie.

Ending the game with a score of eight to one, points were scored by Mike Goroshko, Mike Giordano, and two revere student athletes. Mike Goroshko scored one point, Mike Giordano scored one point, and both the Revere and Malden hockey players shooting at the goalie in a match vs.

Revere players scored two points East Boston. Photo by Cameron Ryan. each.

Marc Giordano explains to

us that this game was “Although the opponent team was a weaker team, but everyone did their part and we won as a team” and that he is excited for the rest of the games that are coming their way.

Corey Rufo also tells us that he thought this game, was well played from both teams. ¨I thought we played well and everyone on the team did their job¨ he explains that throughout the game, everyone played with a equal mindset of winning the game.

Even though the team did win this game, Rufo tells us that the team needs to improve on ¨I think we need to work on communication and bonding more as a team¨ and in the future win more games.

Michael Giordano Michelle Yin Reporter

S

enior Michael Giordano, one of the captains of the Boys Hockey team, has been playing hockey since he was five years old; this is his fourth year on the Malden and Revere Hockey team, playing the center position.

From a young age, Giordano was interested in hockey.

He mentions that his father introduced him to hockey with the many Bruins that he watched. He continued with the sport for ongoing years since ¨ [he] was good and always had fun playing.¨, although he enjoys watching hockey games, he adores playing much more.

Giordano includes that he wants to improve on “being able to shake off a bad play and to show [his] team that [they] can beat anyone.” He wants to motivate his team every game, whether they lose or win. He also knows that his team has the ability to win with all the practice they have.

As one of the members on the team, Giordano enjoys ¨how close the team is, [they] all have

Senior Michael Giordano looking up to the scoreboard after shooting a goal. Photo by Ryan Hames.

a lot of fun together, “in or out of the games they are all ¨like a family.” He also believes that him and the team is ready for the many games that are coming along.

As a player, Giordano wants “to reach 100 career points and lead [his] team as far as [he] can.” As a student he want to be able to complete all his work when needed and not miss any.

Giordano describes his strengths stating that “[he is] a power forward which means that [he uses his] strength to beat players and once [he gets] in close [he] can put the puck wherever [he needs] to.”

For future plans, Giordano wants to “[play] junior hockey next year which is required to play college hockey and [he] will see where [he] can go from there.” Giordano already plans to play Hockey in his college years.

With the remaining season he is ready to see ¨how much more [they] will grow and come together and see how far [they] can go this year.”

To people that are interested in the sport, Giordano says that “[Hockey] is a fun sport to watch and play, [they] are a strong team that will be exciting to watch this year.”

The Blue and Gold February 2018

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Sports maldenblueandgold.com

Girls Hockey

Carolina Cuevas Reporter

Terrell Terrell Pesaturo Pesaturo

Sarah Sarah Whitehouse Whitehouse

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errell Pesaturo is the starting goalie of the Malden-Medford Girls’ Ice Hockey team. And this year will mark Pesaturo’s third year playing. She is a sixteen year-old junior who has been living in Malden all her life and loves to play ice hockey with the girls on her team.

Terrell plays hockey due to a big win from one of the biggest teams in Boston. “February 2013, Bruins won the stanley cup. Tim Thomas was in the net and I turned to my dad and said ‘Dad, I want to be a goalie.’ He seemed surprised. ‘Uh, then you should’ve said so 5 years ago.’ ” Terrell was amazed of Thomas’s performance on the ice. And since then, Terrell began to play hockey grew up with the girls playing on the team together.

As a goalie, Pesaturo stops pucks so that the other team doesn’t score. She also is constantly communicates with the team giving feedback on what to do and what is going on. Pesaturo also has the best view of the plays because of her position on the rink.

What is one of her biggest accomplishments?

“Recently this summer, buzzer beater goal.

This person comes in, rebounds right of my chest. It goes over towards the left hand side. And she gets it, she shoots it and I go and save it. I hit with my blocker and the buzzer rings. If I didn’t hit it, it would’ve went in and we would’ve lost.”

One thing Pesaturo likes to do is play hockey games because of the adrenaline running and the “go, go, go” feeling coursing through her. But she dislikes skating. “I just don’t like sprints”.

What advice would you share to others as an athlete?

“Always keep your head up and look for ways to lead cause there always needs to be a leader.”

Terrell strives to become the next captain of the Malden-Medford Girls’ Ice Hockey as she encourages her teammates and works hard every practice.

S

Medford/ Malden girls hockey team leaning over the boards waiting for their line to get on the ice. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

Medford player taking a faceoff on the offensive end hashmarks. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

Medford player taking a faceoff on the offensive end hashmarks. Photo by Carolina Cuevas.

arah Whitehouse is a freshman of the Malden/Medford Girls’ Ice Hockey team. Whitehouse attends Malden High as one of the seven Malden players on the team. Not many girls from Malden participate in the sport, but for the few that do helps the team become more complete.

Wearing the #6 jersey and playing as the right wing she said “basically it’s a forward. I have a left wing and a center and we pass to one another to help make goals. We’re normally the ones that score goals and we can always pass backwards to the defender to try and help them.”

“The major accomplishments for us are making goals and just doing teamwork. Its hard when you don’t communicate.

If you don’t communicate with your players, it’s hard to complete those accomplishments. A major accomplishment I’ve done is hold the stick. Now I’ve accomplished being able to skate and stay up with the rest of my team.”

Whitehouse likes the sport and said that “the team is nice and they support well.” “I really like the rush you get when you’re on the ice. Even though its fortyfive seconds, it feels like there’s a rush when you can get on the ice and play with your team.”

“I don’t really dislike anything about it but it does get a little tiring so you need to keep taking shifts.”

Advice Whitehouse shared as an athlete is to “Keep on working hard. If you’re struggling with a sport and you’re just starting and you thinks it’s hard, it will get easier. And the whole team will probably be there to support you. Your coaches will always be there to support you and never quit. You can always accomplish whatever you wanna do.”

“The girls are very nice.

Some of the have been playing for a long time and they’re really advanced. They’re good hockey players and it’s fun to work with them overall.”

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The Blue and Gold February 2018

maldenblueandgold.com

Eagles first Lombardi in Franchise History ...continued from page 1

offense. Nick Foles answered Brady’s touchdown pass to lead to just three points with 2:12 Gronkowski, with one of his own. left in the half.

A 22 yard rainbow down the left However, The Eagles were sideline to Corey Clement, once able to march right down the again extended Philadelphia’s field in their two minute offense, lead to ten points, with the score thanks largely to a 55 yard catch being 29-19. and run by Eagles’ running back Brady regardless, continued Corey Clement on a wheel route his stellar performance, engiduring a critical a third and three neering a 75 yard scoring drive, from Philadelphia’s own 37 yard including a 26 yard touchdown line. The drive stalled when the pass to Hogan. On the ensuing Eagles faced and fourth and one Eagles drive, the New England at the Patriot one yard line, where Defense finally prevented Philly convention told The Eagles to from putting up seven on the take the field goal and a six point scoreboard. Regardless, a 42 yard led at halftime. field goal by Jake Elliott gave Nevertheless, Doug Peter- Philadelphia 32-26 lead with son continued his ultra aggres- 14:14 left in the fourth quarter. sive game and made the gutsy This minor win for the Pats call to go for it. A trick play by defense allowed their offense to The Eagles in which tight end attempt to orchestrate a drive to Trey Burton received the ball on take the lead for the first time in a jet sweep to the right sideline the game. And they did just that, fooled The Patriots defense, as he taking a 33-32 lead via a four yard threw a one yard touchdown pass touchdown pass to Gronkowski to Nick Foles and sent the Eagles on a goal line fade against the to the locker room with a 22-12 much smaller Eagles defensive lead after what turned out to be back, Ronald Darby. the defining play of the game.

Getting the ball with 9:26 left The second half began with in the game and just a one point Brady and The Patriots offense deficient, The Eagles mounted a playing catch up, but breathing 75 yard drive, which chewed up down on Philadelphia’s neck. The 7:01 off the clock. The drive infirst drive of the half included a cluded, two third down and one heavy dosage of all-pro tight end fourth down conversion on the Rob Gronkowski who caught all part of the Eagles and was capped four receptions on the drive for off by an 11 yard touchdown 68 yards, including a five yard reception by pro bowl tight end, touchdown reception that once Zach Ertz that gave the Eagles a again cut the Eagle lead to just five point lead after a failed two three points. point conversion.

However, despite Brady However, this meant that pilling on the pressure on the Brady would possess the ball with Eagles offense, Nick Foles contin- 2:25 left and two timeouts, with a ued to answer,, as the Patriots of- chance to engineer a touchdown fense could not contain the Philly drive for his sixth superbowl.

The Hollywood script was yet again present for Brady as it has been so many times in his career.

Regardless, it was not meant to be as the Eagles defense finally made a play, after getting carved up by Brady and company all game. On a second and two at the Philly 32 yard line, Eagles’ star defensive end, Brandon Graham finally applied pressure on Brady and strip-sacked the quarterback, which was recovered by his teammate and fellow defensive maldenblueandgold.com end, Derek Barnett.

Malden High School Volume 103 Edition 3 January 2018

A field goal extended Philadelphia’s lead to eight points and The Patriots had to attempt a Hail Mary, which was not answered.

An exhilarating back and forth affair ended with the better team on the night, The Philadelphia Eagles defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 enroute to capturing their first Super Bowl in franchise history while ending The Patriots’ quest for a repeat as well as a sixth championship overall.

For The Eagles, this game was an execution of a perfect gameplan on offense as Doug Peterson got the most out of his backup quarterback, while the defense stepped up and made the necessary plays at the end of the game needed to win. They accomplished the seemingly impossible task of stopping Brady in a late game situation. For their fans and the city of Philadelphia, it is a long overdue title after having to wait 85 years for this exact moment.

For The Patriots, losing Brandin Cooks for the game in the first half did not help their chances, but the offense was not their problem. Brady threw for 505 yards on 48 pass attempts for three touchdowns and no interceptions, while the Patriots racked up 613 total yards of offense without punting the whole game, AND THEY LOST. The defense was just abysmal and its lack of talent due to injuries was exposed. The secondary was abused by a backup quarterback in Foles and The Eagles offensive line absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage. It was the worst defensive performance by the Patriots under Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach.

The Patriots face an uncertain future and are expected to go through major shake ups, with both offensive coordinator, Josh Mcdaniels and defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia expected to leave the Patriots for head coaching positions elsewhere in the NFL. In addition, cornerback and Super Bowl XLIX hero, Malcolm Butler is also expected to leave the team in free agency. Butler,

who was mysteriously benched in the game and played zero snaps on defense the entire game voiced his frustrations to the media afterwards, stating that “They gave up on [him]” and that “It is what it is.”

All-pro tight end and The Patriots’ best weapon on offense, Rob Gronkowski may also be contemplating an early retirement after racking up so numerous chronic injuries in his career.

When answering questions from the media after the game, Gronkowski mentioned that he is “definitely going to look at [his] future, for sure” and that he will “sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where [he is] at.”

If Gronk does retire, the Patriots will struggle as an offense without the all-pro and it will be a major loss for the team moving forward.

All is not loss however, as despite the rumored tensions between the two of them, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady are expected to return in their respective roles for the 2018-19 season. Regardless, Brady will enter next season as 41 year old starting quarterback and Belichick will attempt to guide the Patriots to another Super Bowl among even more adversities. As for now, only time will tell in The Patriots are truly not done.

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