Malden Blue and Gold April 2017

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 102 Edition 7

77 salem street April 2017

Baseball8 Sabrina Monteiro Reporter

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search for superintendent john oteri selected Alysha McDevitt Lead Reporter Rebeca Periera Reporter Kayla Sousa Reporter

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he finalists in the search for a new superintendent for Malden were announced on March 16. With a mayor-appointed search committee, the four initial finalists were chosen then a fifth, added on after being excluded. John Oteri, Somerville High School’s principal, Patricia Lally, Holbrook’s superintendent,

Portia Bonner, East Haven’s superintendent, as well as former Malden High School principal, Dana Brown, were all included in the initial four finalists. The current interim superintendent, Charles Grandson, was not initially included in the finalists, who would be presented to the school board. He was, however, later added as a fifth candidate for the permanent superintendent position.

The process began with a search committee, chosen by Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. With fourteen applicants, the committee had to narrow them down into eight semi-finalists. These eight applicants were interviewed by the

committee and then deliberated the final four applicants. Paul Degenkolb, a french teacher at Malden High, who was on the search committee, said that for the most part, the deliberations among the committee had overall consensus, for the most part. The committee made the recommendations to the school board of two men and two women applicants, in which Grandson was soon added.

Among the four finalists is Dana Brown, the former principal of Malden High School, and the most familiar candidate, who ...continued on page 5

ith the start of a new season, the Malden High School baseball team is working their hardest to make it to the State Tournament this year. Varsity team senior captain, Matthew Geer believes that this year’s team has the talent to make it.

Geer has been playing baseball since he was five years old and has continuously been playing up to senior year. Baseball has always been his favorite sport because “there are so many little things everyone can do to contribute to the game itself.”

He enjoys the slow pace of the game because it’s a game of strategy. Geer pitches and plays first base and is excited for this year because even though it is his last as a student at MHS, he is “excited to bond with the team, and enjoy [his] last year with a squad that [he] feels is made up of good people and talented players.”

Personally, Geer wants to work up to be a good “leader this year and [he] hopes to pitch well so that [he] may help the team win.”

Geer mentioned that one of the challenges that they face is the variety in a relatively young team, resulting in older players having to take on more leadership roles and responsibility. Everyone seems to agree that the most memorable game for the boys was last year’s big win over Medford, one of their “division rivals.” He states that they “were able to dominate them going into the game as underdogs.”

Geer mentioned that last year, the team struggled with hitting, and that the team has worked harder in the offseason than any other season since Geer has attended MHS. The team anticipates on improving on this so that it is no longer considered the team’s weakness, but as the team’s strength. ...continued on page 18 maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 102 Edition 7 April 2017

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Editorial maldenblueandgold.com

Malden High School

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

THE STAFF: Editor-in-Chief Tenzin Dorjee ‘17 Web & Mobile Apps Editorin-Chief Tatyanna Cabral ‘17 Print Editor-in-Chief Felicia Fallano ‘17 Managing Editor Megan Downer ‘18 Head of Local News Anna Powers ‘18 Head of Sports News Leila Greige ‘18 Head of Photography Ryan Hames ‘18 Art & Design Editor Tate Skiffington ‘17 Nedlam’s Corner Karina Matos ‘17 Head Copy Editor Gabriella Onessimo ‘17 Lead Reporters Alysha McDevitt ‘18: Local Politics, City Council, & School Committee Christina Appignani ‘18: Local News Ailin Toro ‘19: Local News Neden Bernadin ‘19: Local News Sydney Stumpf ‘19: Local News Abhishek Rana ‘19: Sports News Jesaias Benitez ‘19: Sports News Lead Videographers Nicolle Batista ‘17 Leah Tramondozzi ‘17 Nia Vital ‘17 Lead Photogrpaher Nick Powers ‘18 Manager of Web & Mobile Apps Don Nguyen ‘17 Reporters Subin Bastola ‘17 Rebecca Oliveira ‘17 Tobi Pitan ‘18 Kayla Dos Reis Sousa ‘19 Makesha Mercedat ‘19 Rebeca Pereira ‘19 Emraude Bonnet ‘20 Stefany Foley ‘20 Josandy Jeune ‘20 Falyn Kelley ‘20 Sabrina Monteiro ‘20 Man Nguyen ‘20 Ana Pirosca ‘20 Jemisha Syliant ‘20 Michelle Yin ‘20 Sara Zakaria ‘20 ADVISOR RYAN GALLAGHER

The Blue and Gold April 2017

Days of Future & Past

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hen I look ahead, time seems to stretch so long, but looking back, freshman year seems like yesterday. I even remember vividly in 5th grade, during social studies class at Salemwood Middle School, we watched a video, and while we were supposed to be watching it, I was daydreaming. I was thinking about the future, about how I was so jealous that the class of 2010 was finally done with was getting to go to college, while I was just starting middle school. Forget high school graduation, graduating middle school seemed to be so far off in the distance.

Before I knew it, 8th grade was upon me. I was finally at the top of food chain, at least in middle school.

The concept of high school did not even feel real until the end of 8th grade, when we had to fill out the electives sheet for what we wanted to take at Malden High School. Then came the actual 8th grade graduation, and I still remember the fact that they played the song Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am when they handed us the certificate of curriculum completion for the Salemwood class of 2013. Now, whenever I think about middle school, I’m reminded of that song, and whenever I hear that song, I remember middle school.

The odd thing about freshman year is, after being at the metaphorical, aforementioned “top of the food chain,” freshman year of high school just drops you back to the bottom. Though, it did feel like a fresh start, a chance to reinvent myself from my middle school self.

I was still a kid, but now I was (slightly) more mature.

It was a new environment though, and it took a while to get used to. I’d like to say I got used to it quick, but in reality the truth is probably that senior year is when things finally start to make sense.

Or not.

Right when you feel comfortable in high school, the idea of college starts looming ahead, like that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach, even though you want to scratch it really bad. It begins toward the end of junior year, when the college is starting to be mentioned by guidance counselors and family members. That when you start giving serious thought on what you want to do with your life. This stage starts at the end of junior year, but it really depends on the person on when it really ends.

Before you may even have decided on a path, you

Editorial Policy

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

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

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

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

Any correspondence concerning this publication should be directed to Mr. Ryan Gallagher’s room in J387 or to his mailbox in the main office.

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will have to, especially if you are college-bound, take either the SATs or the ACTs, neither of which are fun.

These will be just like the practice tests that you take freshman and sophomore year, but harder, and actually matters (the practices are important, but the real deal is of course the most important) as these are the ones that you will send to your colleges to judge you by (amongst other submitted materials). Most likely, you will also have to take them more than once, just so you can get the best grades that you possibly can, if only to increase your chances at getting into college by even 0.1%.

Then starts the college visit process, which is meant to help you see what colleges you like and do not like by giving letting you see for yourself the schools that you may or may not apply to. It’s tedious, but important because, this step may really help you see if you should even spend the money to apply there and possibly go there.

Once senior year rolls around, the college application process is now upon you. It is a tedious, confusing, and annoying thing that you either maneuver through along, with parents, or with outside help like the uAspire and guidance counselors. Financial aid is also a part of this time, and the sooner the better, because once this step is done, all that is left is the waiting game. The waiting game is the nerve-wracking part where you wait and see if a college is willing to take a chance on you. Even if rejections come, you got to push on through and acceptances will come. Once you have decided, a deposit has to be sent, which tell the college, “I choose you!”

The things that makes senior year so stressful is not just the college process, it is the fact that it is on top of the idea that this is your final year. There is so many thing to think about and pay for. There’s finding a prom date, outfit, paying for prom tickets, figuring out how you’re going to get there and how much it will cost to get there, and that’s just for prom. Then there’s also paying for the yearbook, cap and gown, paying and studying for AP tests, finals, etc. On top of all that, classes are still happening, so you still should be paying attention and doing your best to do well, lest your grade suffers, and there’s a slight possibly your colleges rescind your acceptances depending on the rest of senior year’s performance.

All of that and yet, we, the Class of 2017, made it.

It’s senior year, and we’ll be done soon. What I said at the start of this whole piece, only came to me recently, when I realized just how far I had come. 18 years went by fast, and while the next 18 may seem so far off in the distance. This time, I know, it is not, so I better make the best of my life that I can, and I hope the rest of you do too.

Tenzin Dorjee Editor-in-Chief

March 2017 Print Corrections *In the JVs article the rehearsals that were said to be till 6AM, were actually till 6PM. *The wrestling profile on Wisly Pericles, Jr. was wrongly attributed. The profile was written by reporter Josandy Jeune.

The Blue and Gold April 2017

Interactive maldenblueandgold.com

Nedlam’s Corner

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Dear Nedlam,

am feeling very nervous for prom and I don’t know if I will be able to go without a date. I am also nervous about the expenses and if it won’t be everything I thought it would.

How can I make prom season less stressful and drama free?

-Nervous

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Dear Nervous,

t is normal to be nervous for prom! Other than graduation, prom is the day that you have waited for for the last four long years. Everyone always hypes up prom night and it is totally normal and okay to feel like it isn’t a huge deal. If prom is a huge deal to you, that is also okay. Prom is special to everyone for different reasons.

It is important to remember that prom is about enjoying yourself, having fun with your friends, and celebrating your accomplishment of making it through high school. The important thing is that whether you are nervous or not, the experience will be less stressful if you plan everything out early and communicate with the group of people you are going to prom with, then everything will be fine.

As for having a date, you really don’t need to stress about it at all. The pressure to have a date is unfair, and you shouldn’t have to have someone else to be complete!

This night should be a night all about you, and it is a plus that you won’t have to worry about another person and keeping track of them. Prom by yourself can be fun too, and most people who bring a date barely spend the whole time with their date. There will be more than a hundred other people at prom, so I promise you will have to try very hard to be lonely!

If you are still feeling uneasy and nervous about not having a “perfect night” then here are a few things to keep with you or to remember on prom night:

Everyone is nervous. Literally everyone. You may think you’re the only one, but you’re not.

Bring a portable charger for you phone or a polaroid! You don’t want to miss the moment, so snap a few photos of your own.

Don’t feel embarrassed if you “can’t dance.” Today’s popular dance trends are ridiculous looking anyways!

And ladies: If you are nervous about your hair, then bring extra hair pins!!

If you are wearing foundation, blend it into your neck and ears or else it will look really weird in photos.

Bring oil blotting sheets in case you get really sweaty or your face tends to get really oily.

If you have any questions or need any advice, come check out our Ask.fm! Our Ask.fm link can be found on our website at maldenblueandgold.com Questions will always remain anonymous unless requested otherwise, so don’t be afraid!

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Local News

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The Blue and Gold April 2017

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World News: London Attack Christina Appignani Lead Reporter

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n March 22, 2017, a terrorist attack occurred in London at Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square and grounds of the Palace of Westminster. According to CNN, 4 people were killed and many were injured when an attacker drove a car through civilians, stabbed a policeman before being shot dead by police on the streets of Parliament..

It was the first major terrorist attack in Britain since 2005, when bomb attacks on the London transportation system killed 52 people, including four attackers.

Seven months prior to the attack, Prime Minister David Cameron held a press conference in order to warn the citizens of Britain that they face the “greatest and deepest” terror threat in the nation’s history and pledged emergency measures to tackle extremists. The threat of terrorism in the U.K was raised to “severe” in light of the growing fear of ISIL returning from Iraq and Syria. At the press conference, Cameron disclosed that ISIL had made specific threats against the U.K and

did not rule out military action in order to deal with this issue. The warning came due to the revelation that a laptop seized from ISIL in Syria contained research on how to create a biological bomb and how to use religious justifications as an excuse to target particular civilians The attacker was 52 year old Adrian Ajao, who went by his Muslim name Khalid Masood. He checked into the Preston Park Hotel in Brighton on Tuesday morning.

The hotel’s manager, Sabeur Toumi, said that Masood “was laughing and joking, telling us stories about where he lived”. He chatted to the staff about his hotel about his family, expressing worry for his father’s cancer. Despite his seemingly polite demeanor, Masood had a history of criminal convictions and had been jailed twice under the name Adrian Ajao.

According to BBC News, the four people who were killed were identified Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran, Leslie Rhodes and PC Keith Palmer. Frade was a British teacher and a mother of two, who is believed to have been walking along the Westminster Bridge to pick up her children from school. Cochran was a tourist from the U.S, who

was visiting London from Utah to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Melissa, who was also injured. Rhodes, aged 75, was thought to have been visiting a nearby hospital when he was hit by a car. Lastly, Palmer was a police officer who was stabbed to death outside of the Houses of Parliament.

Many people have offered their condolences to Britain for the attacks. Members of the U.K public have brought flowers to lay outside New Scotland Yard in tribute to Palmer, while others have left flowers near the scene of the attack in Westminster. People also gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Thursday, March 23 to pay their respects to those who were injured and killed in the attack. This was followed by a candlelit vigil that consisted of speeches, including one by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who described London as “full of amazing people from all backgrounds, and when Londoners face adversity we always pull together”.

Many world leaders across the globe have shown solidarity as a result of the attacks. In Paris, the lights of the Eiffel Tower went out from midnight on Thursday in tribute to the victims. French President

Hollande stated that “terrorism concerns us all and France knows how the British people are suffering today”. German Chancellor Angela Markel, whose country saw an attack in Berlin by IS this past December, said that “I want to say for Germany and its citizens: We stand firmly and resolutely by Great Britain’s side in the fight against all forms of terrorism,”. In a statement issued

by The White House, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that “On behalf of the United States, I express my condolences to the victims and their families, The American people send their thoughts and prayers to the people of the United Kingdom.

We condemn these horrific acts of violence.”

In the wake of the attack, British government officials will meet with representatives of American technology companies in the upcoming week to discuss widening global push against encryption technology that blocks access to the private messages of criminals and innocent people alike. Britain’s home secretary, Amber Rudd, believes that the nation’s intelligence agencies should have access to encrypted messages sent through WhatsApp.

MPL Surplus Book Program Tobi Pitan Reporter

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he Surplus Books Program is a feature of the Library of Congress in which books not in the facility’s usage for are provided for other locations to utilize. The goal of this longstanding project is for the Library of Congress to extend its own services by transferring its extra books to organizations who apply for it. This project is strictly non-profit. Organizations apart of the program must send a representative to the Library of Congress to select the materials they would like in person.

Organizations eligible for this award must fall into distinct categories. One of the qualifications is being a public library. Malden Public Library became a recipient for this program on March 18th, 2017.

The event was a joyous occasion in which Malden was able to celebrate the success of the city’s library. Director of the Malden Public Library Dora St. Martin said that the MPL was “ honored to have Senator Edward Markey and Dr. Carla Hayden visit [their] library and [their] city”. During the visit, Sena-

Mayor Gary Christenson and Dr. Carla Hayden at the Lower Gallery. Photo submitted by Dora St. Martin. tor Markey held a “storytime” for the young children after receiving a tour of the library.

Both Senator Markey and Dr. Carla Hayden held a speaking engagement attended by 200 librarians whose locations range from across the state. St. Martin said that “It was inspiring to hear Senator Markey [and] Dr. Hayden talk about how their own libraries helped them get to the positions they hold today”.

During his talk, Senator Markey explained how the “Malden Public Library [had] always been a special place for [him]”. He adds how he attended “reading hour”

there as a child and went there to study as a college student. He explains that programs like the Surplus Books Program are important it enables libraries to with “computer and internet access, educational programming, and cultural opportunities that connect curious minds with new opportunities and horizons”.

The MPL’s chosen representatives to go Library of Congress and collect the books from the program were Senator Markey and Dr. Susan Blumenthal. There they were able to select “materials they felt were particularly appropriate for [the] community” says St. Martin. In to-

tal, the MPL received a vast amount of books for multiple age groups covering topics including technology, art, history, and storybooks for children.

All of the books and resources that MPL procured from the Library of Congress’ program will undoubtedly be proven beneficial to the library but one of the more prized items they received was a complete set from the series the Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States for Presidents. The library received a full set of the papers written by George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, William Clinton, and Barack Obama. St. Martin explained how each of the Public Papers volumes included “the papers and speeches of the President of the United States that were issued by the Office of the Press Secretary during their term in office”. She adds that these particular documents will be “great resource for students wanting to work with primary materials on research papers.”

By participating in the Surplus Books Program, the library will now be able to extend its services and provide its members with more resources to enhance their library experience.

The Blue and Gold April 2017

Local News

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search for superintendent Alysha McDevitt Lead Reporter Rebeca Periera Reporter Kayla Sousa Reporter ...continued from front page left last year, taking a job at Bunker Hill Community College.

The search for a new superintendent has now come to a close as the School Committee finished publicly interviewing the final candidate for the position which was left vacant by former superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi in May of 2016.

When Superintendent DeRuosi announced that after five years as superintendent for the district of Malden he would be switching over to the district of Saugus, Charles Grandson was chosen as interim superintendent after an intense selection process, and has temporarily assumed the position since.

The search committee in place determined 13 potential candidates and the list was soon narrowed down to five.

During the past week, each candidate was interviewed extensively by the school committee which consists of one member representing each of Malden’s wards and Mayor Gary Christenson as chair.

Each meeting began with the same general proceedings: the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence for veterans and fallen soldiers, and a roll call to make certain that all committee members were present. Interviews began promptly with opening statements followed by a period of questions directed at the candidate by the committee members and ending with closing statements.

The first interview conducted on March 28, 2017, looked at interim superintendent Grandson and stood out as interview directed mostly towards the possible plans he has for his potential future in the position. Grandson has demonstrated his abilities to lead the district during his time as superintendent and believes that with the grants he hopes to acquire, his past experience as an educator, and the positive change he’s been able to bring about during his short tenure in the position, he will be able to excel in the position.

Shortly after Grandson’s interview, Dr. Patricia Lally was inter-

viewed. Her past experiences with successfully raising test scores and introducing virtual classrooms in both Holbrook and Tewksbury as well as her belief in the importance of respect drove her argument.

The next day, on the 29th of March 2017, former MHS principal Dana Brown’s interview took place in the evening, followed by Dr. Portia Bonner’s interview. Brown has contributed 13 years of his career

Later, in 2012, Otori assumed his current position as headmaster of SHS. He described his educational creed as one based on respect, student-centered learning, and realism.

Otori’s realistic outlook was proven during his questioning period which he established that, while SHS still faces learning gaps in special needs education and ELL programs, he’s proud of the accomplishments he has helped the school

Super Indendent John Oteri. Photo from Somerville High School. to the betterment of Malden High, serving as principal before retiring after the 2015-2016 school year. His position has been assumed by current principal Edward Lombardi, but Brown hasn’t left the memories of his students, many of which signed a formal petition to vocalize their support for Brown and attended his interview which ended with a standing ovation. Sophomore Agatha Silva shared that she signed the petition because “[Mr. Brown] not only wants what’s best for the schools, but what’s best for the students.” Silva explained further that “he took the time to get to know each and every student at MHS and make everybody feel like they belong.”

Brown stated that “[he is] honored to be considered for the position of superintendent” and “although the challenges we collectively face are many, the opportunities for growth and success are greater.”

The final interview took place the on March 30, 2017, with the last candidate being Somerville High School’s Headmaster John Oteri who grew up in Malden and has been involved with Somerville education since 1999, when he began teaching as a social studies teacher, before becoming assistant principal.

achieve some of which are the 91.9% graduation rate, the jump from a Level 3 to a Level 1 school, and the lowered 1.45% dropout rate. He hopes to help Malden achieve the same goals to “shatter the perception that this is an underperforming district.”

While each interview was different and was tweaked to fit to the qualifications and the needs of each candidate, overarching concerns expressed by the committee were what each candidate’s goals were, how they planned to achieve as much as possible while staying within the constraints of Malden’s limited educational budget, and how each candidate believed they could address faculty and student needs.

Initially, the committee had planned to hold a referendum in which members would discuss each candidate and vote on which one would be offered the position as superintendent. Due to a loss in her family, a member of the committee was unable to be present for the first two interviews possibly compromising the objectivity of her vote were the committee to vote on Thursday, March 30th, the same day of the final interview. The committee established in a motion that carried

six to three it would postpone the official vote until today, April 3, 2017.

On April 3,2017, John Oteri was chosen as the superintendent finalist by the school committee at the Malden senior center at 6:30 pm.

The assembly began with the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence for those who have served the country and attendance for all the school committee members.

Mayor Gary Christenson then started the meeting by thanking all 13 candidates that ran for the superintendent position, consisting of the 5 finalists including former principal Mr. Dana Brown, headmaster of Somerville High School John Oteri, East Haven superintendent Portia Bonner, interim superintendent Grandson and Holbrook superintendent Patricia Lally.

After a substantial number of interviews, the finalist was chosen among school chair members John Froio, Leonard Lovino, Jerry Leone, Lawrence Silverman, Michael Drummey, Tara Beardsley, Emmanuel Marsh and Catherine Bordonaro and Mayor Gary Christenson.

A discussion was soon brought up amongst Tara Beardsley and Catherine Bordonaro on why former Malden High School principal Mr. Dana Brown was the better candidate. They claimed that due to his experience in Malden, his innovative way of thinking and his connection with Malden families he was the best candidate running, although it was a very close race and all were worthy of their consideration. Mayor Gary Christenson also spoke in support of Brown.

Candidate John Oteri, Headmaster of Somerville High School, was then brought up in conversation by Lawrence Silverman who stated that he didn’t agree with the Mayor.

They then cast a vote of whether each chair member wanted John Oteri as superintendent and the vote passed 6 to 3 with Tara Beardsley, Catherine Bordonaro and Major Christenson against the motion and everyone else in accord. The outcome being that John Oteri would be offered next superintendent if he takes the position.

After this motion the public and school committee members discussed some programs going on throughout the schools in Malden and the assembly came to a close.

If John Oteri accepts the position and signs the contract he will be the next superintendent of Malden.

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Malden Antique Show Tobi Pitan Reporter

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he Malden Historical Antique Society’s 2017 Antique Show provided citizens, antique collectors, and auctioneers with “an opportunity to share knowledge of good, interesting items of yesteryear.”

Held at Anthony’s in Malden on Saturday, March 11th, various dealers, collectors, and everyday individuals from in and around the city of Malden met to display items, and ultimately sell “older, vintage, and eclectic items.” The entire event space was packed with collectors eager to sell and recount the histories of the items they came by.

Auctioneer Tanya Cameron, owner of TAC Estate Auctions Inc., located in Wakefield, described how the Malden Historical Society always holds “great shows [with] lots of good friends and new friends.”

Cameron has been involved in auctioneering ever since she was a kid. It was an activity she began pursuing with her grandmother.

She continued on with the career by working with a high end auction company and eventually started her own company, TAC Estate Auctions Inc. Cameron finds antiques mainly through public auction, flea markets, online, and yard sales. She also explained how people downsizing, moving house, or holding estate sales can help collectors come by rare and valuable items. Additionally, Cameron said how a public auction is one of the most crucial parts of her process of finding items. Public auctions are held in halls where people bid and the last card in the air wins.

Cameron specifically looks for “sterling silver, paintings, books, military items and over down to the 60s and 18th, 19th, and early 20th century.”

One thing Cameron has noticed about the antique industry is that it lacks a lot of involvement of young people. “Life has gotten very fast,” Cameron elaborates. “Antiques involve more time and thought and [the] younger generation is more

particularly women into the antique business by offering them a scholarship especially as the industry tends to be male-dominated. Students who are granted the scholarship would only have to pay for transportation and all they have to do is apply. To get more information on this, Cameron can be contacted via her website https://www.tacauctioneers. com/. Cameron passionately adds

Vinatge monopoly, an atique violin, an antique radio and other items for sale at the antique show. Photo by Tobi Pitan. tech savvy; instantaneous.” She explained that an approach to getting more young people interested in auctioning would be to introducing them to items that hail from eras they grew up in. “It has to be items they can relate to,” she added.

Cameron is apart of an ongoing project in which she currently working with a school in Colorado to bring more people of color and

Antique candle hardware for sale. Photo by Tobi Pitan.

that it is important for young people to give back to their community.

[They] can’t just go through life and take and take and take.” She feels that the antique business itself is a “marvelous industry.”

Another antique collector at the Antique Show was Eric Schwartz who based in Revere. Schwartz specializes in wristwatches and was introduced to the craft by his uncle

whom he inherited many items from. He has been in the industry collectively for about 12 years.

Schwartz enjoys the art of antiques because “everything is different.

Some things have great value, some things not so much.” He said that he tends to gravitate toward wristwatches because “they don’t take up a lot of room.” He usually comes across his items by word-of-mouth, yard sales, trading, eBay, flea markets, as well as some auctions.

“People go crazy about the hunt,” Schwartz explained. He has seen sales in his wristwatches increase a lot over his career.

A large component of what makes antique items so valuable is the history behind them. Collector John King described how some items can be dated by style and others by the type of manufacturer. At least every antique item will have some type of indicator, such as a name, logo, and/or date, revealing what eras and people they belonged to.

He explained how years and years ago items were passed down amidst family members and they ultimately end up in the hands of people today.

King said that “families have so many things they like. Items lose their meaning [and] other people get to enjoy them.” Many of these items tend to come from estate sales in which entire houses are cleaned out despite the fact that the may be filled with items of intrinsic value such as “semi-precious metals.”

Despite it not being apart of the modern day zeitgeist, antique collecting offers a new perspective on art history while helping to bridge together families, education people on historical narratives and help people give back to their communities.

Antique silverwareon display and for sale at the antiwue show. Photo by Tobi Pitan.

Local News

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Blue and Gold Art Gallery Tobi Pitan Reporter

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n a bustling and packed venue, students, faculty, and parents alike met to “[celebrate] all levels of student artwork” of students across the school. The 2017 Blue and Gold Gallery held its opening reception on Thursday, April 6th from 6:008:00 pm at 350 Main Street, Malden MA and was met with a great turnout of people eager to see the work that MHS art students dedicated themselves to from as early as last school year.

Notable appearances at the gallery on Thursday night included Mayor Gary Christenson, former MHS Principal Dana Brown as well as Principal Ted Lombardi. In an opening speech to the reception, Mayor Christenson explained how “one of the most gratifying moments for him…is displaying [the] artwork across city government” and that the students’ artwork “gets better and better every year.” Christensen explained how holding events such as these and celebrating students art is important because art is not often given the recognition it deserves in a school setting. He wants students to know that “life will always be about hard work and dedication” which was evident through the art displayed at the gallery night.

Originally, the show was exclusively dedicated to seniors until it expanded to commemorating art from each grade level at MHS.” From as early as freshman year, students are conditioned for the gallery. Art teacher Maryann Seager explained the significance of the annual event, that it helps students “improve their skills...open their hearts…[and]

develop ideas as citizens”. Seager also added that they were “lucky enough to have a public display which is unusual” as this way Malden’s taxpayers can be reaffirmed that the public education of Malden is at the “highest intellectual, spiritual, creative, and emotional level”.

The artwork displayed came from a myriad of art disciplines within MHS such as “drawing, painting, ce-

self, Seager, and Ceramics teacher Julie Mullane select particularly “outstanding” pieces throughout the entirety of each school year to set aside for the show; these pieces will ultimately be featured on the gallery’s program, complimentary bookmark, or displayed at the show itself.The three teachers then collaborate and “very rarely do [they] disagree” on what to feature.

Student portraits on display. Photo by Tobi Pitan. ramics, editorial illustration, digital art and printing” said art teacher Joe Luongo. Seager added that most difficult aspect of the putting together the gallery is deciding which pieces to hang up as their unfortunately is not enough room to recognize every student.

Luongo explained how it was important that they “include as many students as possible” from “as many disciplines from as possible”.

Each art teacher including him-

Ceramic art on display. Photo by Tobi Pitan.

Luongo describes MHS art classes as “challenging but...very stimulating”; classes offered help students to “improve to the very best of their abilities”.

A notable aspect of this year’s art gallery was the amount of accolades that MHS students received on a statewide level. This year MHS received the most Scholastic Art Awards than “any of the surrounding district” winning 22 collective awards. The Scholastic Art Compe-

tition is a national awards competition that judges submitted works.

Over 17,000 works were submitted statewide. MHS’s work was judged by the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and the winners included gold keys awarded to students Brianna Acker, Sammy Lee, and Naomi Brill and silver keys awarded to students Jade Farrell, Joana Tang, and Kelly Zhou.

Additionally, Luongo adds that the club that he advises, The Fine Arts Club, is continually active. Graduating officers of the club include President Debra Deapherne, Vice President Winnie Li, Secretary Cece Chevry, and Historian Co Chairs Daniel Arzate and Mailsha Zhao. The club hosts events such as Zombie Tag which has been a continuous success over the years.

Luongo also gave a preview to a current project his Studio I class is working called the “Hoodie Self Portrait Project” inspired by a show he saw at Lesley University in which each Studio I student is photographed in a hoodie. Many pieces such as this project contain political commentary. Luongo explains how every other year his classes partake in a “Art and Politics Project” during the presidential and midterm elections. This project includes a formal portrait along with a caricature which can include editorial content.

Luongo adds that “he doesn’t tell his students what to do...they do what they see”.

Overall, this special night succeeded in giving MHS art students the recognition they deserved for the art they create which continues to enrich the school and the local community. The 2014 Blue and Gold Gallery will be free and to the public for viewing until May 16th Monday through Friday 8 am-6pm and Saturday 9am-12pm.

Paintings on display. Photo by Tobi Pitan.

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Hidden Figures Field Trip

Taking Midterms Online: Mastery Connect

Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter

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Christina Appignani Lead Reporter

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n March 20, a group of MHS juniors attended a special screening of the film “Hidden Figures” at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The screening was held in honor of Massachusetts Black History Month and Women’s History Month, which are held in February and March, respectively.

Prior to the screening, students were welcomed by the executive director of the Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum, J. Michael Comeau. He then invited the docent manager of the JFK Library, Katherine Gilliland, up to the podium. Gilliland explained some of the history of the time when “Hidden Figures” takes place. In 1957, The Soviet Union have just launched Sputnik 1 into space, frightening many Americans due to their lack of knowledge of the satellite. America was appalled that the Soviet Union had surpassed their space technology and that they now had the upper hand in the Nuclear Arms race.

As a result, the president at the time, Dwight D. Eisenhower, sped up the U.S satellite program, resulting in the Space Race competition between the Soviet Union and the U.S. Anne Borg, a member of the Women’s Suffrage Celebration Coalition of Massachusetts, introduced the organization “Suffrage 100 MA” to students. The organization began in 2010, when then-Attorney General Martha Coakley wanted to celebrate and commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, guaranteeing women

Hidden Figures poster. Photo from WikiMedia. the right to vote. Aware of attorney Fredie Kay’s strong interest and passion for women’s issues, Coakley asked Fredie if she was interested in creating a commemoration. Kay then began the effort of creating the organization, inspired by her desire of sharing the largely unknown history of the women’s suffrage movement. She was also motivated by her belief that if more people understood the obstacles faced, the sacrifices made, and the physical mistreatment many women suffered in jail to achieve suffrage, the more people would appreciate and exercise their right to vote. As of 2016, more than 30 entities participate in the organization.

Hidden Figures is a biographical film, based on a nonfiction book of the same name, of the lives of three African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Katherine Globale, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan, played by Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer work in the segregated West Area Computers division of Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Globale is a mathematician who works as a “computer”, Jackson is an aspiring engineer and Vaughan is an unofficial supervisor of the West Area Computers.

Due to the increased pressure on sending American astronauts into space, Globale is assigned as the first colored woman to be apart of the Space Task Group, assisting in analytical geometry. Jackson becomes involved in the designing of the Friendship 7 capsule, which was the first American capsule to successfully orbit the earth. She decides

to pursue an engineering degree and ends up attending night classes at an all white school after convincing a judge that she had every right to attend the night classes as the white men did. Vaughan prevents her co-workers from being replaced by electronic computers by teaching them Fortan, a programing language for scientific computing and numeric computation.

Despite the initial racism against them by their white colleagues, the three women make significant contributions to history for mathematics, technology, and rights for African American women. Globale’s successful calculations for the landing coordinates of the Friendship 7 capsule helped it to complete its mission. She later calculates the trajectories for the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions.

Jackson became NASA’s first African American engineer, who worked to make changes and highlight women and other minorities who were accomplished in science, mathematics and engineering fields.

Vaughan became the first AfricanAmerican supervisor of the West Area Computers.

After the film, selected documents and items from the collections of the Massachusetts Archives and the JFK Library were put on display for viewing. Some of the documents displayed were a memorandums for the Vice President on overall surveys of where the U.S stood in Space, conclusions on the evaluation of the space program and a letter from John F. Kennedy to the Soviet Union expressing the satisfaction of the U.S for the safe flight of the first man into space.

lthough midterms have long been over, standardized tests are still relevant as ever, especially at Malden High School, where Mastery Connect is becoming more relevant. The midterms were taken via Mastery Connect, a program which replaces the scantron sheets and physical tests. The switch to Mastery Connect was a decision made by the superintendent over the summer. Abbey Dick, the humanities director, noted that the job of the “directors was to make sure that every teacher had his/her test online.” This, according to Dick, was the work of two months. Although there were some glitches the first day, in which not all computers had the internet blocked, “the rest of the week went pretty smoothly.”

“We anticipated that there were going to be some glitches,” says Dick.

For some of the students this was the first time taking a test like this, online, but for others, this was not new. Mastery Connect will be used for grades 6-12 for both midterms and upcoming finals.

Many students had mixed feelings about the midterms and their new platform.

Sophomore Santiago Portillo thought that the platform “made things harder for most people”, and called the change of platforms “unnecessary”. Seniors,who have taken midterms and finals on paper in the past years, also commented on the change. Stephen Deng, a senior, took six of his midterms online and said that they “went smoothly for the most part”, but “prefers paper and pencil.”

Senior Allyson Kummins took 3 of her midterms online. Kummins believes that the midterms went “better than [she’d] thought it would”. Kummins was excited to find out about the switch, because she says she has “messy handwriting” but that was not addressed, as only the multiple-choice questions were taken online. Kummins “definitely likes paper better though.”

Like expected, there was some positive outcomes as well as some problems, that arose with the switch to an online platform. During finals, students and teachers will both see if there are the same outcomes as during the midterms.

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Feed Author Matthew Anderson Visits MHS

Cover of Feed by Matthew Tobin Anderson. Photo from WikiMedia.

Ana Pirosca Reporter

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ophomores and juniors this year were able to become familiar with the book Feed by Matthew Tobin Anderson.

To those unfamiliar with it, Feed is about a boy called Titus,

who, in a futuristic world, is dating a girl called Violet. What they do, and say, spread the themes of corporate power, consumerism, data mining, and environmental decay.

This book was awarded the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction, and the Golden Duck Awards’ Hal Clement Award for Young Adults.

Anderson also has many other books for people to read such as Thirsty and Whales on Stilts!

Anderson is continuing to spread his knowledge about the world by coming to Malden High School on March 22nd to hold a Q&A about writing for students.

The workshop allowed students to learn how improve their quality of writing from a real life author.

With the addition of the Writer’s Den, large strides are being made to increase the number of students writing creatively. The inschool field trip should help potential authors to bloom and discover themselves as a writer.

Many questions were asked, ranging from “What is the weirdest encounter you had with a fan?” to “Why did you end the book [Feed] the way you did?” and many questions about how to get published and how to deal with different aspects of writing, such as writer’s

block, and tough criticism. Students heard Anderson’s personal experience and the best advice he had to give.

MHS English teacher Sean Walsh, the instigator for the Writers’ Den, stated that “one of the things [they] set up for the Writers’ Den is to really focus on bringing in authors to both present and work with students and [they] wanted to pick an author that students might be familiar with, and interested in.”

So, considering that the book Feed is in the sophomore curriculum and many of his books are geared towards young adults without “dumbing it down,” as Anderson puts it, an aspect he dislikes in most young adult books.

One of the highlights of the Q&A was a discussion about how Feed reflects the modern age, even though Anderson wrote it in 2001, before having a cell phone was a normal everyday thing.

He also stated that he feels like “people now don’t think about the consequences of their actions any more,” inspiring him to end the book the way he did due to this.

This is only the first of many guest speakers that will be coming to the Writers’ Den to talk about writing. Walsh explained that him-

Matthew Tobin Anderson. Photo from WikiMedia.

self and Larry Evans, the supervisor for the Den, plan to have many more events. Currently, the Den is set to publish a book soon called “My Malden, Myself,” which will be their first publication. There are hopes that the Den will publish a book every year, and have smaller events every month.

New Teacher Profile: Cassondra Knudsen Kayla Sousa Reporter

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alden High School has embraced a new Spanish teacher in Cassondra Knudsen. After countless interviews for a new substitute, Knudsen will officially be the standin for Sharon Kalagher, who is on maternity leave.

Knudsen was born and raised in Needham, Massachusetts and was educated by the Needham Public Schools system. She recalled that her high school had a great Spanish program which gave her an amazing opportunity of going on a class trip in her senior year to Costa Rica, in which those attending could only speak Spanish. This experience helped her realize how much she enjoyed the Spanish language.

Knudsen graduated from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut. She double majored in politics and government and modern language and culture “with an emphasis on Spanish.”

Before graduating, she had interned for a tech security company and pursued it when they offered her a full time job. For a while she was a project accountant and sales busi-

Cassondra Knudsen. Photo by Kayla Sousa. ness data analyst. However, she realized how much she missed Spanish when she “practiced it every second [she] could,” and decided to make a career change to pursue teaching Spanish.

When a job opportunity opened up close by as a long term substitute

for Spanish, she decided to apply.

It is her first time teaching and has appreciated the fact that there is an “interesting group of kids” and stated that it is amusing “seeing how kids interact with certain material and getting to know each of the students.”

Knudsen described herself as “outgoing, energetic and positive,” and said that she is always excited to learn new things everyday even though she is a teacher. Her hobbies include playing the guitar and ukulele as she enjoys music, nature, her dogs, which she says she is “obsessed with,” and simply trying new things.

Over the course of her life, Knudsen has been to many different countries. She has traveled to Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Netherlands, Ireland and France.

Mar Marjomaa, a fellow Spanish teacher at MHS, described her liking for Knudsen as she believes Knudsen has “a lot of knowledge in different applications for the benefit of the students,” and “her presence has brought a positive [and] energetic environment to the students and they feel welcome in her class.”

Erick Martha Reynolds, another Spanish teacher at MHS, stated that he hasn’t known her for long but feels “she is very professional and very friendly, committed to [her] job and doing the best [she can].”

Cassondra Knudsen can be found in J268.

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MHS Students Attend Workshop on Race, Culture, and Ethnicity

Alysha McDevitt Lead Reporter

had to then agree on one definition to present to all the other groups.

After we agreed on our group

had to make compromises and sacrifices. This also was presented to all the other groups. After all the groups

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n Saturday, March 18, 2017, a group of Malden High students went to Salem High School with world history teacher Dana Marie Brown to be a part of the Pharnal Longus High School Workshop on Race, Culture and Ethnicity.

In this workshop, we discussed racism, ethnicity, how society views the two, and our individual cultures and traditions. The workshop was created by the late Salem State professor, Pharnal Longus, and is now carried on by his wife, Luz Longus and his son Omar along with a number of trained volunteers.

In the workshop, along with us girls from Malden, there were students from Salem High, Manchester Essex, and Lawrence, which brought together a diverse group in which to discuss and debate. To start out, we all introduced ourselves, giving our name, grade, school we came from, and why we decided to come to the workshop. We were then divided off into small groups of 10 or so people in which we began some group activities. We were given the challenge of defining words such as race, discrimination, prejudice, racism, and a number of other words, to which we

MHS History teacher Dana Marie Brown at workshop with MHS students. Photo submitted by Alysha McDevitt. definition, we were given a new challenge. We were presented with a list of people with varying ages, genders, work experience, and backgrounds; there was an epidemic around the world and only 7 of the people on the list of immune could travel to a new planet to carry on human life.

We had to debate and give reasoning behind who we chose and

had presented, the trainers gave us their definition of all of these terms.

Everyone agreed the race is a social construct, and discussed the differences between race, ethnicity, and all of the other words we defined.

One of the last things we did was that we all sat down in a huge circle and discussed all the varying cultures of everyone there. The director, Luz Longus, a Colombian

native, showed us a number of instruments that are a large piece of Colombian culture, and told us about her holiday traditions. People discussed their names and what they mean, the various holidays celebrated around the world, their flags, family traditions, family struggles and an endless amount of conversation that would otherwise be unimaginable.

After the conference, I began talking to a student from Manchester-Essex, Lorenzo Venegas-Villa about our expectations and how we felt about the day as a whole.

Venegas-Villa stated that he either expected it to be run like a college lecture, with one person talking the whole time, or for it to be a huge group discussion between the students and trainers. “[He] was interested by the sense of community that was so quickly established without our small groups and the large group overall [and] really enjoyed the interactive element presented by Luz and her children.” The trainers ended the day by encouraging us all to continue our friendships with the people we had met, whether we went to the same school, or we simply added each other on social media platforms such as Instagram or Snapchat. Of the Malden High students that went, many of us stated that we would return to the next session in the fall this year.

A Look Into The Hobby Club Ailin Toro Lead Reporter

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obby Club has been a club offered here at Malden High School since around last September. In full disclosure the president and founder of the club is Blue and Gold editor-in-chief Tenzin Dorjee.

The rest of the officers of the clubs are also seniors, specifically co-vice presidents Gus Brookes and Tyler Ashworth, treasurer Joseph Keohane, and secretary Jared Anderson.

The club’s advisor is MHS Latin teacher Julie Snyder. The idea for this club had been thrown around by all four of them, and Dorjee was the one to give the final push and figured out how they could actually make this club a reality.

President Dorjee says he wanted to make hobby club to “allow students from Malden High School to have a place to enjoy various interests such as trading card games, board games, tabletop RPGs, etc.”

At the club, students can gather and spend time with their friends outside of the traditional classroom setting. The club would be “a stressfree environment where people can have a fun time without worrying about any type of judgement for their interests.” Thus, whether one is a casual player or serious competitor, the Hobby Club would be a place where all are accepted.

Brookes, the co-vice president adds on to this saying that they wanted a safe place to “play [their] weird nerdy games together”.Ashworth mentions that he wanted to create the club he “had a similar club and after talking it over with his friends, [they] decided they should have one here in Malden High”.

Treasurer Keohane said that hobby club was created “to give everyone a space to nerd out and be themselves.” Anderson, the secretary, wanted to be a part of the club because he felt that it “would be more accepting of people who play card games,” instead of the usual “basement dweller, and ‘no life nerds’” reputation that card players

normally get. He hoped to get the respect for playing and “give the same level of respect to the members of the club.”

Hobby club has committed members, with around 7-8 people coming to the meetings and gatherings that the club arranges, but it varies on what type of games they are focused on playing that day.

According to Keohane, Snyder was approached because they knew that she had a past experience in playing the type of games that they enjoy, so she was easily their “number one candidate”. Brookes adds to this saying that they “knew she would be supportive of [their] idea and would also offer new ones to help [them] expand”.

Keohane’s goals in creating this club were to “make more friends, to play more games, and to give people the experience to be a full fledged nerd.” Brooke’s goal was to create this safe space where “people could play games without fear of being judged by the rest of [their] classmates” and he feels that the club has achieved this.

Keohane said that although he is the treasurer, he still feels like any other member, because in reality everyone in the club makes decisions on when to have gatherings or suggesting new things to do. He said they “do most things as an entire club” so the titles are not something to really focus on. Ashworth mentions that he enjoys being co-vp because it “gives [him] the chance to take new players under [his] wing”.

To anyone who wants to join hobby club, Ashworth encourages anyone to stop by Snyder’s room because you can “meet some great new people and learn a game or two”. Anderson adds on to that saying that those who are interested in joining should know that “it’s an accepting place, and to not be shy about teaching the club a different game because [they] are always interested in new ones.” Anyone is welcome to join, no matter their skill level at a particular game. If you are interested in joining you can find Snyder’s room in H415 and meetings are every Thursday.

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Sanders and Warren Speak at Orpheum Theatre Alysha McDevitt Lead Reporter

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n Friday, March 31, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders spoke in a rally at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston.

The theatre doors opened at about five in the evening although the event did not formally start until seven. Throughout the passing hours, a few different bands performed original songs as well as commonly known songs, such as This Land is Your Land, albeit with slight lyric changes from the original, such as “this land was made for you and me” being changed to “this land was made for refugees,” to address the current state of affairs in the United States. After a few performances and sing alongs, the rally began.

A number of activist groups spoke at the opening about their cause and the importance of a united Democratic party, and how when everyone stands up for one cause, change happens. Among these groups were Jobs Not Jails and

Neighbor to Neighbor, all of which are advocate groups for voices that are not being heard. Many volunteers passed out flyers inviting attendees to upcoming marches and events around the state.

After these groups spoke, Senator Warren was introduced. As she walked out, the crowd cheered and clapped until she began to speak.

She told the story of how her and Senator Sanders met and became allies at a dinner in Washington D.C. a while back; Warren and Sanders began “going back and forth [in conversation] like there was no one else in the room.”

She then began talking about the Republicans’ loss via the rejection of their long promised health care plan, which was rejected even by their own party and accredited this loss largely to the Democratic party and all the activists who acted against this plan that provided minimal care for anyone who needed it.

She also discussed the Women’s March back in January and how she saw a little girl holding a sign covered in horses and rainbows that read “I fight like a girl”; Warren applauded this little girl and went on

to say that she too fights like a girl, which got a massive uproar from the audience. Warren mentioned a number of things going on in our government at the moment, from healthcare to public schools to student debt. She introduced Senator Sanders at about eight o’clock.

As Senator Sanders walked on to the stage, the crowd cheered, clapped, and chanted his name.

He began to talk about Warren and the same issues she had discussed, however he made a few announcements. He stated that he would be proposing two acts, one of which he made a statement about to NowThis on Monday, April 3, 2017, stating that “if we are to succeed in a highly competitive global economy, public colleges and universities must become tuition-free for working families and we must substantially reduce student debt.”

He highlighted on the importance of a government that works for everyone, “working people, people in the middle class, young people, old people, black and white and latino,” not just the rich. He reiterated that “[they were going to] have trade policies that benefit

workers and not just the wealthy.”

Students should not be struggling to get an education because of financial issues, and there is no reason why public universities should be as expensive as they are, which is why Sanders believes that public institutions should be tuition free.

At a rally like this, it is impossible to not have strong opinions on everything; once inside, you are surrounded by people that are truly passionate about politics and the world and are there because they believe in change. Often times in life, it can feel like nobody’s voice can be heard, but being surrounded by a group of people that are all standing together for one common belief is incredible; one person may not be heard, but a mass of people will move mountains.

This collective support of ideas is one of the things most emphasized by both Senators who claim that movements are the ways of a revolution- fighting will pay off and change will come if people push for it. As said many times by Senator Sanders: “when we stand together, we will always win.”

Debate Tournament in Needham Man Nguyen Reporter

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n Sunday March 18th, the students of Malden High School embarked on a journey to participate in a Debate Tournament in Needham, Massachusetts and compete with other schools from the state. The event consisted of many competitions with each focusing a specific field or skill. “There are various types of speech and debate that students can compete for, [such as] poetry reading, impromptu speech, student congress, group discussion,” says Candra Cho, the parent of freshman Rasmee Ky who was a part of the contest. The event last from late morning until late afternoon.

For freshman Matthew Mijares, joining the tournament is “an important thing to do as a member of the debate club” said Mijares. To him, the competition is a great way to let others know that Malden High has a strong debate team.

On the other hand, some, like freshman Brian Nguyen and junior Carla Rosales-McFarlane participated in the competition partly be-

cause of a friend. From Nguyen’s perspective, the contest is a way to “make a name for yourself and put it out there” and to “do something great for the school and yourself.” “[Her] friend talked [her] into doing it” explained Rosales-McFarlane, “the other reason for joining is [her] passion for poetry in general. [Poetry] helped [her] with speaking to a room full of audience and keep them engaged [in] a topic people would not normally be comfortable to talk about.” Additionally, her reason of being a part of the contest is because it is a chance to get to know the world out there and it is also a way for her to prove that “regardless of [one’s] background or where [one] comes from, there are opportunities out there for people to challenge themselves and those around them.”

Being in a competition also has a perk. “[Joining a tournament like this] will help you, especially during college admission,” explained Mijares. In sophomore Birukti Tsige’s opinion, it is one of a kind social gathering and a great way to meet others. “It is good to get out there and see how other people interact with one another. Being with other people for almost a whole

day would bring us together.” says Tsige.

Additionally, it provided students with “public speaking as well as a way to build confidence and poise as some students don’t get exposure/opportunities for such experiences,” explains Tsige. As she is doing poetry and has to express herself in front of a big audience, Tsige expected it to be a little bit overwhelming soon since she “had not taken in what is going to happen yet.” For Rosales-McFarlane, however, despite having to perform in front of a huge audience just like Tsige, had a different reaction as

she is “excited for what could happen.”

The competition ended with Tsige being able to break through (a term used to describe when someone made it to the final); she came in fourth place for poetry reading.

The others were not able to break through. Though her daughter was not able to make it through the final, Cho said that she is “very happy that [Rasmee] was willing to give it a try as she wasn’t sure if she’d like it. [It] turns out that she enjoyed the tournament very much & would like to attend as many tournaments as she’s able to next school year.”

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Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter Falyn Kelley Reporter

sophomore Michayla Moody, who played Angelica, the flower girl at the wedding.

Describing her character, Moody noted that Angelica was a “symbol of coming of age within the female community,” as her character, a young girl, gets her period for the first time during the wedding recep-

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n March 23rd, Malden High School’s Play Production held their second play of the school year: Hoboken, New Jersey. The play was focused on the individual relationships at the wedding reception of Dwight Guy, a Caucasian male, and Ani, a Brazilian woman who moved to America for college.

At the wedding, Ani’s sister informs her other sister as well as her father about her moving to America. Neither are happy about it, although their mother, Rosa, is pretty positive about the move. Their father is against the idea of his daughters assimilating into American culture, and he sees that at the wedding with the Americanized food, drink, and music.

The caterers are a husband and wife duo. The husband buys tickets to the Philippines, and the wife does not want to leave her children and her catering business. The wife, who is from the Philippines, speaks in her native language throughout the play, creating more depth to the already diverse production.

Two of the couples’ college friends are in a state between having a relationship and not, as she is doing humanitarian work, and he is staying in America.

A self-scripted play, Hoboken, New Jersey, has a lot of romance, drama, comedy; “it’s the total package,” said

Senior Karina Matos as Ani, the bride and junior Harrison Zeiberg as Dwight, the groom. Photo by Leah Tramondozzi. tion.

Sophomore, Dexter Farren Haag played a college friend of the couple,

Bentley. Bentley and Nora, another friend of the couple played by senior Gabriella Onessimo, are the “stereotypical social justice warriors,” and throughout the play, patronize other characters for eating meat, while Nora comforts Angelica as she goes through this coming of age moment.

One of the main characters, Ani, is played by senior Karina Matos, who described her character as “very energetic and happy.” Playing Ani’s mother is sophomore Leticia Sidney. Rosa tries to spend the time with her family at her daughter’s wedding, as she traveled from Brazil, but is also trying to “help her husband come to terms with everything: helping him to let go and accept the reality of what is happening,” as he is not as accepting of the marriage.

As for the process of writing the play, it was “very long,” but “so much fun,” Moody explained. Beginning with a quote from Bob Dylan’s My Back Pages, “Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now,” in December, and improv-ing off of that quote. “Once [they] had [their] characters and setting, it didn’t take long for things to fall together,” Sidney stated.

Since the play was largely based off of improvisation done prior, it was pretty easy to memorize their lines, many of the actors noted. “After establishing that [their] play was going to be at the end of a wedding, we just built characters and stories,” said Sidney. Sophomore Farren Haag said that, as the group scripted, the props, set, and costumes came along. Matos noted how the improvisation aspect of creating the show “meant that [they] were constantly making changes to it up to about a week before [they] performed it.”

From left to right: Senior Gabriella Onessimo as Nora, sophomore Michayla Moody as the flower girl, junior Nathalia Sousa as Luisa, sophomore Leticia Sidney as Rosa, senior Nicholas Acuna as Cesar, junior Ramon Aguinaldo as Enrique, and sophomore Michelle Chan as Sara. All photos by Leah Tramondozzi.

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MHS English teacher Miranda Libkin, who helped with the play, noted the many ideas being thrown around before the idea of wedding was chosen. Libkin said after the wedding was the chosen scene, “there were even more ideas, like who’s there, how are they connected to each other, how are they not connected, and what happens at a wedding.”

The show was part of Drama Festivals, in which Malden High’s theater production department went to Weston and Wellesley to perform their selfscripted play. Haag explained that about eight schools put on their shows at a host school. Hoboken, New Jersey was first performed at Weston. At these performances judges critique the shows and the actors get awards. “A lot of people came up to [them] after and said it really resonated with them and they could relate to the characters and events a lot,” Haag stated about the performances done at Weston and Wellesley.

Before performing the play in Malden, Moody thought the audience was going to “adore it,” as it would “really pull on the heartstrings.” Overall, Moody said that “there’s a lot of amazing moments, whether they are funny or romantic, or intense.”

Sidney was hopeful that the audience was going to enjoy seeing the “variety of people [and cultures] represented.” As Hoboken, New Jersey, Sidney stated, is a very political show, she believed that the audience would form some sort of opinion on the topics and issues addressed.

However, Sidney hoped that “they see the sweeter side of it, with the relationships within the families and the more comedic

parts.”

Haag thought the production’s look at political issues was “more underlying.”

He thought that the play was “representative of current events in a subtle way.” In Weston, where the group first performed Hoboken, New Jersey, Matos noted how

Sophomore Paige Pimental as Hazel the Bartender and sophomore Santiago Callejas Portillo as Axel the Guitar Player. Photo by Leah Tramondozzi. it was performed in front of “a bunch of other actors and two judges,” and how the

group “received a really positive response from that.”

At the performance done at MHS, Matos stated how the “performance was good, but [they] got less feedback about what people thought about the play.” At the final performance in Wellesley, there were new judges who “also really loved the play.”

The first time performing the play “was the most exhilarating,” said Matos, “since not only was it the first performance but it was also in front of other actors and judges.” The performance at Wellesley, the last one, really “impacted [Matos], because [she’s] a senior and it was [her] last Drama Festival and the last time [they] would perform this play.”

Libkin said that creating the play was “a little bit stressful,” as she is not “used to creating.” However, she does believe that the rewards is greater. There is lots of “relief and excitement afterwards.”

Moody added that they “really put so much work into this show” and that she’s “super proud of this production.”

Sidney said that after performing the play “all the hard work [was] definitely worth it.” Haag added how a lot of “blood, sweat, and tears” were put into this production.

As a senior, Karina Matos “will never forget the experience [she has] had with these people, and being part of this play as well as Play Production.” Matos “might never get to be Ani again, but [she] loved being a part of her life for a bit, and [she knows] that the fake family [she] acted with will always be a real family to [her] no matter what.”

From top to bottom, left to right: Sophomore Santiago Callejas Portillo as Axel, sophomore Jenna Vanella as part of the band, senior Paul Araiza as Andy, junior Harrison Zeiberg as Dwight, sophomore Michelle Chan as Sara, junior Camila Paraliticci Castano as Mariana, senior Paul Araiza as Andy, junior Harrison Zeiberg as Dwight, junior Nathalia Sousa as Luisa, junior Harrison Zeiberg as Dwight, and senior Nicholas Acuna as Cesar. All photos by Leah Tramondozzi.

entertainment

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maldenblueandgold.com

Get Out Movie Review

Jemisha Syliant Reporter

T

he newly popular movie Get Out, starring main actresses Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams, launched in the movie theaters on February 24th of 2017 all over the U.S. This movie has also reached a rating of 8.3 on popular entertainment review sites IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Jordan Peele’s mystery thriller movie Get Out is among the year’s biggest breakout hits.

According to the review found on Washingtonpost, Get Out has now earned more than $100 million at the box office, making Peele the first African-American writer/director to pass that threshold with his debut feature film. Peele reached the $100 million milestone in just 16 days, which also makes Get Out the fastest film from production company

Scene starring Kaluuya and Williams from Get Out. Photo from Universal. to hit that mark. Get Out achieved all this on just a $4.5 million budget and a lead cast devoid of big names.

The film stars actors Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Lakeith Stanfield and Catherine Keener, and follows an interracial couple who visits the home of the girlfriend’s parents.

In the opening scene, a young black man Lakeith Stanfield, who plays as the actor Dre, is walking along at night on an empty street.

He then notices that he is being fol-

lowed by a sports car. As he notices that he is being followed, he changes directions. Dre then gets attacked by a white man who carries his body to the car. The scene of the movie then changes and shows Chris and his girlfriend Rose, getting ready for their trip to her parent’s lake house. While getting ready to go on their trip, Chris is worried that Rose’s parents do not know that she is dating a black man. As the movie progresses, it starts to take a different turn.

In a review on the movie from

Rebeca Pereira Reporter

I

t’s no secret Hollywood is plagued with issues. Type-casting, lack of body inclusivity and racial representation, and more are hot topics among critics of modern film and television. The list goes on, but as awareness of these issues spreads, more actors, film directors, producers, and writers have begun to invest in projects that champion socially forward beliefs.

Most famously, the Bechdel test measures fair characterization and portrayal of female characters which is indicated by whether or not a film presents two main female characters who speak to each other at some point in the film about something other than a male character. Other “tests” have emerged like the Frating which was recently adopted

by IMDb, but not all of the films that are awarding the F-rating, “F” for female, or pass the Bechdel test are exclusively feminist or explicitly address any related social issues.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie poster. Photo from WikiMedia.

On March 31st, 2017, the Maldenism Club at Malden High will be hosting a Movie Night. The movie screened will be Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first instalment of the newest Star Wars trilogy.

The club meets weekly to discuss feminism, its place in society, student life, and the media and choosing a film posed the challenge of balancing one that would be on message but also appeal to a larger audience. As a member of the club, striking that balance was difficult, but Star Wars: The Force Awakens appealed to us as the best option.

Kerry Veritas, the club advisor, sums it up in saying that ¨although it is

not overtly a feminist movie, it represents so much of what feminism has tried to accomplish.”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens tells the story of Finn and Rey who are faced with a reincarnation of the Old Empire which exploded with the Death Star thirty years prior.

They face new villains like Ky-Lo Ren with help from the protagonists from previous trilogies like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.

Star Wars is not an explicitly feminist movie series and has never been but through its portrayal of heroism as a quality attributable to female characters, it brings much

Variety Magazine, Peele stated that he “originally intended for the film to end with Chris being arrested by police for the murder of Rose and her family, and intended the scene as a reflection of the realities of racism.

However, by the time production had begun, several high-profile police shootings of black people had, in his words, made the situation surrounding racism ‘more woke, and he decided the film needed a happy ending for its lead.”

Peele said once he began writing and then shooting the film a few years ago that “it was a much more woke time,” mentioning the public discussions around the murders of Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown. “It was very clear that the ending needed to transform into something that gives us a hero, that gives us an escape, gives us a positive feeling when we leave this movie,” he explained. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the audience go crazy when Rod shows up,” Peele said.

needed normalcy to the feminist movement.

Veritas explained that, Rey, the main character, not only defies traditional roles in action movies but “the whole time, the fact that she’s a woman is not relevant to the story.

Ultimately, the goal of feminism is not to need to fight for equality, but for it to be something we can assume as the norm”.

Daisy Ridley, who portrays Rey in the film is also outspoken about women’s issues. While she’s gotten slack for being too thin, Ridley uses social media to encourage embracing all women saying “‘Real women’ are all shapes and sizes, all ethnicities, and all levels of brave.”

Beyond the feminist aspect, Star Wars is of course a well known franchise that appeals to students in various grade levels. Independent of whether you identify with the feminist movement, are looking to slowly immerse yourself, or are simply a Star Wars fan, Maldenism Movie Night will begin at 3 on Friday, March 31st, and we hope to see you there. After all, according to Veritas, “it’s Star Wars, so it’s just awesome.”

The Blue and Gold April 2017

Entertainment

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maldenblueandgold.com

Beauty and the Beast Movie Review

Christina Appignani Lead Reporter

D

isney’s live action remake of the beloved 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast” was released on March 17.

Directed by Bill Condon, this movie serves as Disney’s 5th live action film based on a prior animated film. Much like its animated predecessor, this film showcases a love story between two seemingly opposite people that aren’t as different as they appear. Along with the charming attraction between the two leads, this film also delivers captivating Broadway-like tunes, both new and old, that will have audiences singing along to. “Beauty and the Beast” pays homage to the original 1991 film through its fantastical elements while offering a fresh and modern take on a ‘tale as old as time.’

The film opens with a ball held by a spoiled prince, played by Dan Stevens, who is obsessed with physical appearances. During the ceremony, an elderly and haggard woman offers the prince a rose in exchange for shelter, but he refuses due to her horrid appearance. She then reveals herself to be a beautiful enchantress and curses the castle and everyone who lives there. The prince becomes a beast, his servants become household items, and the curse can only be broken if the beast falls in love and earns one’s love in return before the last petal falls on the rose.

10 years later, we are introduced to Belle, portrayed by Emma Watson, who is a french country girl living in a village that refuses to accept her imaginative and inventive personality. While the other villagers are concerned with image, Belle yearns for adventure away from her small town. She gets this opportunity when her father Maurice, played

by Kevin Kline, is taken as a prisoner of the Beast’s after stumbling across it during a storm. Belle takes her father’s place as the Beast’s prisoner.

Although the relationship between Belle and the Beast starts off rocky due to his horrible temper and initial cold heart, the two eventually warm up to one another after the Beast saves Belle from being eaten by wolves and she tends to his wounds.

They find comfort and relief in one other through their struggles in how

other perceive them; Belle is outcast for her insightful charisma and is only seen as a beautiful but odd girl, while the Beast is frowned upon for his monstrous appearance and is only viewed as a beast. By getting to one another through candlelit dinners, snowball fights and ballroom

as the apple of his eye. Unlike most villains, and although he is foolish and rude, Gaston is the guy that everybody in town loves, making him an entertaining antagonist. Accompanying him is his sidekick Lefou played by Josh Gad, who struggles between his admiration for Gaston

Dan Stevens as the Beast, dancing with Belle, played by Emma Watson. Photo from WikiMedia.

Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. Photo from WikiMedia. dances, the pair quickly go from distrustful strangers to lovebirds.

In addition to enchanting chemistry between Watson and Stevens, the film presents an intriguing antagonist in Gaston, played by Luke Evans, who is the village’s most eligible bachelor with Belle

and his desire to do what he knows is right throughout the film.

Although “Beauty and the Beast” remained faithful to the original film, there were some changes that were added into this re-telling.

One of these updates included having Belle as the crazy, wacky inven-

tor rather than her father, Maurice, as that was his profession in the original film. Other changes included the revelation of the fate of Belle’s mother and the Prince’s tragic childhood, Lefou being homosexual, the Beast’s love for books and a new antique of his that allows one to mentally travel to anyplace they wish to see. Despite initial anxieties of these changes work so well with the story that they just seem natural. They add something fresh and entertaining for old fans to get excited about and to hook in new fans.

The use of CGI in the film contributes fun and colorful moments and characters to the film.

The advancements in technology truly allow the household objects to come to life, including the candle Lumiere played by Ewan McGregor, Cogsworth the clock played by Ian McKellen and teapot Mrs Potts played by Emma Thompson. The animated sequences with these characters, including the rendition of “Be Our Guest” and their interaction with the human actors provide visual spectacles that truly bring the movie to life.

“Beauty and The Beast” is an exciting fairy tale that goes in depth in both its plot and its character development. It’s scenery, whether animated or real life, is visually stunning accompanied by music that goes with it gracefully. Although this movie is a remake, it is different yet just as strong enough to stand on its own. Through modern technology and storytelling, this new spin on the animated classic provides an updated version of the story that fans of the original and newcomers can both enjoy.

Local News

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Class of 2020 Elections Ailin Toro Lead Reporter Man Nguyen Reporter

O

n March 24th, the class of 2020 voted for their class officers.

The winners were Tenzin Shakya as President, Christine Nguyen as Vice President, Brenda Diaz as Social Media Coordinator, Debora De Souza as Historian, Jacky Luong as Treasurer, and Olivia Santangelo as the Secretary. The advisor for their class is Holland House guidance counselor Caitlin Quinn.

Quinn decided to be the advisor because she saw it as an “exciting role, where [she] could work with students until they graduate, watch them grow, and see the change that they will make throughout high school.” Regarding the election results, Quinn said she was “excited for those who won the opportunity to lead the class,” but that she would have been happy with any of the candidates. Quinn’s goal as the advisor for the class is to help them “develop a mission for what they want to achieve and helping them work towards those goals.”

Luong spoke kindly of Quinn saying that he “feel[s] lucky to have her as [his] advisor,” because he thinks that “she’s dedicated in helping [the class] make the best

Class of 2020 officers. Photo by Ailin Toro. decisions that [they] can and will be class and be a contribution to its sucable to assist [them] in many ways.” cess.” Meanwhile, Nguyen decided Nguyen added to this, saying that to run for Vice President because she looks forward to what the stu- going into high school she already dent council will be able to accom- knew she “wanted to be involved plish with Quinn as their advisor, in the student council because [she] describing her as a “very kind and had experience with it in middle intelligent person.” Shakya men- school and had really enjoyed it.” tioned that he is “excited to work Souza thought it was a good idea with Quinn since [they] are both because this way she would know new to these positions, and [he] that the job would be in good hands since she would “work hard to do feel[s] really happy to have her.”

The officers all had various a good job and [she] love[s] to take reasons for deciding to campaign. pictures anyway.” Shakya said that a Luong said that he “decided to run part from just wanting to contribute for treasurer because [he] was inter- to it, he also “wanted to get closer to ested in contributing to [his] class the class.”

All of the candidates were in any way that [he] could,” with Santangelo adding that she “really thrilled to find out that they won. wanted to be an active part of [her] Both Luong and Nguyen described

themselves as being speechless when their names were announced, but were also very joyed. Santangelo was “very excited to hear that [she] won,” and also slightly nervous to see what will come from it. Souza, while running unopposed, was still happy to hear her name being announced, and is “very excited to work with the other class officers, and see what [they] will get done.”

The officers are all pleased about being elected by their classmates and are going in with goals already in mind. Souza is going in hoping to achieve “doing the best that [she] possibly can, working well with the other class officers, and overall having the year go smoothly.”

Santangelo wants to “unite [their] class as a whole and to make sure [they] are all working together not only for the best prom but the best next three years [they] have left here.”

Shakya added that he “hopes to achieve one of the greatest proms in Malden High's history, and to have more students volunteer in the fundraisers [they] hold.”

Coming up, the class is hoping to plan a couple of fundraisers for the upcoming school year. For those who were not able to become officers, Quinn mentioned that the class is considering coming up with a communications or a fundraising team for students who still want to involved with the class, so stay on the lookout for that.

Clockwise: President Tenzin Shakya, historian Debora De Souza, vice president Christine Nguyen, and treasurer Jacky Luong. Photos by Ailin Toro.

Sports

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maldenblueandgold.com

Germano Fidelis Abhishek Rana Lead Reporter

M

alden High’s boys volleyball team faces a challenging season ahead, as they look to make a formidable impression in their first year in the Northeast Conference.

Originally established as a

to win many games their first two years, the team hopes to finally string together a memorable season in which they are competitive and win.

Dan Jurkowski returns for his second year as head coach and hopes for the team to improve from his first year in charge, when they failed to qualify for the state tournament. Also returning are senior captains Germano Fidelis and Anthony Woo, who have

Seniors Mateo Silva and Anthony Woo and freshman Tenzin Shakya looking to return the ball. Photo submitted by Bryan Burgess. team in 2015, the program is in just its third year having played its first two seasons in the Greater Boston League. After struggling

been members of the team since the program’s inception. In fact, in his sophomore year, Fidelis was one of the key members of the group of student athletes that

Junior Arthur Kossoski blocking the ball. Photo submitted by Bryan Burgess.

proposed a boys volleyball team for MHS. However, the captains are two of the only six returning players on the team this season as the rest of the team consists of all newcomers, most of whom are playing organized volleyball for the very first time. One of the many newcomers to the team is sophomore Ryoma Yonetani, who hopes that the newcomers “get accustomed to the game and to playing with each other.” Yonetani continued, saying how doing so “will be challenging,” but that they are getting help from veterans that are “reliable and helpful,” as well as “players that the newcomers can look up to.”

One of the six returning players is junior Brandon Nguyen, who praised this season’s team as a “lot better” team than last season, citing the team’s communication and increased experience as the reason why. When asked about his goal for the season, Nguyen stated that that he hopes the team can “improve on their record from last year.” In order to accomplish this, Nguyen mentioned that the team “needs to stay focused” and “commit to winning and putting in the effort required.”

When asked about what he thinks about the newcomers on the team Nguyen explained that “they are all very inexperienced,” so they need to “learn the game quickly in order to contribute this season.” He further explained that because of their inexperience “the first few games will be difficult” and that “[they] need build their chemistry” during these games.

Yonetani reiterated the same goals as his teammate Nguyen, however, he also mentioned that the team’s long term goal is to “attract more students to play volleyball next season” in order to “create large enough rosters to have a junior varsity team.”

The boys began their campaign with a home opener against the O’Bryant Tornadoes on April 5th. An intense affair, unfortunately did not go the Tornadoes way as they lost to Tigers in three sets. However the team looks to bounce back on April 10th, when they host Pope John XXIII at the MHS Finn Gym.

Senior Germano Fidelis during a game. Photo by former Blue and Gold member Ana Kerr.

Abhishek Rana Lead Reporter

S

enior Germano Fidelis is leading the Malden High boys volleyball team as a captain for the third straight season. As a sophomore, Fidelis was one of the many student athletes that proposed a boys volleyball team to Malden High School. He got his wish that year, and has served as team captain since the program’s inception.

Having never played organized volleyball before the school’s program began his sophomore year, Fidelis cited his growth as a player over the past three years as something he is very proud of. He explained that personally, he has improved his game significantly through “acquiring experience of the game” and now is able to “pass on tips and tricks to [his] teammates.”

When asked what aspect of the sport he enjoyed most, Fidelis replied that “[he enjoys] the teamwork embedded in volleyball” and “how every position has its role in getting a point for the team.”

Last season the team failed to qualify for the postseason, but his year, Fidelis hopes to lead his team to a playoff berth in his final year on the team. However, doing so will be challenging as the team has lost numerous seniors from the season before who were key assets to the team. In order to succeed in this, newcomers and lesser experienced players must step up and perform. In fact, it is “training the game of volleyball to the new underclassmen interested in the program” that Fidelis finds as the most challenging aspect of the season.

When asked about the locker room, Fidelis praised the team’s chemistry. He stated that the chemistry between the returning players is “stellar” and that “[they] have a bond like no other. He elaborated that his teammates “continue improve together” while also maintaining “a friendly and goofy atmosphere during the season.”

He concluded that this season he is most looking forward to “getting together with my teammates and playing some competitive volleyball” while also “having a good time.”

Outside of volleyball, Fidelis is also a dedicated soccer player and plays for the high school in the fall season. Additionally he continues with soccer into the winter where he plays for a club team. Other than sports, Fidelis expressed his love for listening to music and describes it as “one of [his] favorite hobbies.”

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Baseball8

James Pandolfo

Sabrina Monteiro Reporter

...continued from the front page Junior team captain, Jared Martino agrees that this year’s team goal is to make it in the State Tournament.

Martino has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. “It’s something that is a second nature to [him].” Martino is excited for the new coaching staff and says coach Steve Freker and his staff have done a great job working with the team and improving their overall skill.

Freker said he felt that the team’s greatest strength are in pitchers Geer, sophomore Reid Kankel and senior Kyle Twomey. He also adds that the team’s biggest weakness is getting used to the new coaching staff. Martino said that “they’re great coaches,” but the team is having a hard time adapting to the new ways they coach because they’re so used to the old system.

He mentions that learning the “new terminology and new ways of doing things can sometimes be a struggle.”

Martino’s personal goal is to just be “the best teammate and player [he] can be.”

Martino’s biggest influence for playing baseball is his father.

His father has “always been there for [him], whether [he] has a great game or a bad one. Whenever [he] struggles with something on the field, [his] father always knows right away and helps to fix it.”

Sophomore, Reid Kankel has been playing baseball since he was

three years old. His father influenced him to play baseball and was the person to place Kankel on his first baseball team. Kankel also adds that Derek Jeter, a former professional baseball player for the New York Yankees, has also made an influence on Kankel and looks up to him as a baseball role model.

Kankel also agrees that this year’s goal is to make it to the State Tournament. Kankel also mentions that last year they fell short, but that this year they have the “talent and coaching staff to make it happen.”

His personal goal is to make less than ten errors and to play shortstop for the team. Kankel is excited about the new coaching staff that has taken over because they are very dedicated to the team.

The team’s strengths this season include “depth, skill, and defense” said Kankel. “[They] have more than one person that is very good at each position, especially the pitcher. [Their] defense is outstanding and [they] make a small amount of errors.” The team’s weakness is hitting, and they constantly struggle with it. He also mentions that the weather has been a challenge for the baseball team because it restricts the team from getting good practices outside.

The boys are ready to have a successful season this year.

From left to right; Senior Kevin Wilson, Junior Jared Martino, Senior Matthew Geer, Senior James Pandolfo, Senior Nicholas Ansaldi, and Senior Kyle Twomey.

Photo Submitted by Matthew Geer.

Senior James Pandolfo fielding a ground ball. Photo submitted by Pandolfo.

Sabrina Monteiro Reporter

S

enior James Pandolfo has been playing baseball since he was eight years old. Pandolfo first got interested in the sport when watching a Red Sox game in 2006. Pandolfo fell in love with the game and started playing for fun with friends, and from there he told his dad he wanted to play and just started practicing with his dad non-stop, all the time. Since then, Pandolfo has never stopped and has always kept up the effort and love for baseball.

Pandolfo mentioned that one of his motivations for being a better person and a better player is his team. He said his team keeps him motivated because he wishes to do the “best [he] can everyday so that [they] will do the same, which will lead to success.” Pandolfo’s parents also play a huge role in being his motivation because “every time [he] play[s], [he] want[s] to make them proud because [he] wouldn’t have gotten so far without their support.”

In comparison to last season, for the team, he hopes to help improve their record and play hard together. The team has come across some challenging games and tournaments last year and so for that reason, they hope to make improvements so that this year will be their best year yet. A few of those challenges were concluded to the fact that the team had problems last year with staying focused on the game at all times. He also says their new coaching staff has done a good job helping to get “focused and dedicated to being the best [we] can be.”

With these struggles, comes success but to be successful means working hard and actually giving in a huge effort as not only an individual, but as a team.

Pandolfo’s biggest strength in his opinion would be as a fielder, while hitting the ball would be his

weakness. That is why this season, he is working so hard to improve on that. He plays in position shortstop and second base. Last year’s most challenging and most memorable game would be “[their] big win over Medford earlier in the season.” His advice to anyone wanting to play baseball would be “to absolutely go for it. [We] have great coaches who will help anyone willing to work and improve [their] game.”

Coach Steve Freker said James is “a very committed and hardworking player who has continued to improve as he has gained more experience as a varsity player.”

Freker also said that Pandolfo has a “good glove and an accurate arm defensively in the infield and he has improved quite a bit at the plate as a hitter. He is working to main consistent contact, like all good ballplayers, and driving in runners when given the opportunity. Defensively, his is working to improve his arm strength and getting a quicker release with the ball.” Freker is expecting a “strong season” from Pandolfo and is hoping to be able to provide some leadership for a team that is pretty “young overall.”

The team’s goal is to win as much as possible and make the state tournament. Pandolfo’s personal goal is to be a leader for the team and make “[his] senior year [his] best year.” After high school, Pandolfo intends on “attending college next fall and majoring in journalism but [he hasn’t] decided where [he wants] to go yet.”

The MHS baseball coaching staff encourages anyone interested and who would like to try baseball as a spring sport, to “come and join an enthusiastic group of studentathletes who have been working very hard since he preseason began.”

The Blue and Gold April 2017

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maldenblueandgold.com

Softball8 Jemisha Syliant Reporter

A

s the softball season starts off to a good start, junior Mackenzie Furlong, who is one of the two captains on the team, says that, “although the season just started, it is off to a good start and all the girls are motivated.”

Mackenzie has been playing softball since she was around the age of six. Furlong also mentions that she plays the position shortstop.

She states that she was encouraged to start playing softball because her father was a big baseball player and he also played men’s softball.

Furlong was also encouraged by her sister as well. She mentioned that, “[her] sister was a softball player and also played 4 years of varsity softball at the high school.”

Although the season just began, Furlong mentioned that her team goal is to make state tournament. “[She hopes] everyone on the team puts in 100% effort to get there,” she says. As a personal goal for herself, she does not want to let her confidence get low. She also has a goal of staying up through her ups and downs. Furlong says that she wants last season to be different this season by turning all their losses into wins. She states, “Last season [they] had a couple losses that should have been wins. Everyone needs to stay focused the whole entire season and go nowhere but up and work harder and harder each day.”

Furlong explains that she is looking forward to being in a new league with new opponents and new opportunities. She also ex-

plains that she expects the outcome to consist of many learning experiences and “a lot of wins of course.”

Furlong also states that as a softball player, the most important qualities to have is dedication, hustle and determination. She also expresses that her team and her all want the same outcome and want to be the best that they could all be. In her opinion, that is what makes her team a team. The softball team has helped her build relationships with others because she has been playing with the same group of girls for a very long time.

She feels that “[their] bond is very strong [they have] stuck by each other forever and [they] all pick each other up.”

Aside from her team influencing her, Furlong stated that their new coach has been pushing her and the team to the best of their abilities and to do better. She also mentions that her parents are their to push her when she feels like giving up. She expresses how her parents are her best supporters. Furlong also said that “[her] parents, they have never given up on [her]. [Her] dad has been [her] coach most of [her] softball career and he pushes [her] to the best [she] can be, and [her] mom is the best supporter. They both drop everything to [her] to travel for any softball game, at the softball field all day to watch [her]. [She] couldn’t be thankful enough.”

Furlong also explained how softball has helped her to create relationships with others. She expresses how she has been playing with the same group of girls for a very long

Freshamn Olivia Simons-Normil practicing her swing with the tee. Photo by Jemisha Syliant.

time and that their bond is very strong.

Senior Caitlyn Leonard, who is one of the two captains on the team, has been playing softball ever since she was younger and she also plays the position third. Leonard was encouraged to start playing softball because she has always enjoyed playing the sport. She says, “there is so much about the sport that can change in an instant and you never know what is going to happen. [she likes] that anticipation.” She also explains that although the season just started, it is off to a good start and all the girls are motivated to do well.

Leonard also mentions that she expects her team to work as hard as they can and to give everything they can. She also explained that if something goes wrong, they all should not put their heads down and that the team should just fight back. “If the team continues to motivate each other, [she] will be proud of them throughout everything.” Her personal goal is to help her team reach their individual goals and to achieve what they have set their minds to.

Leonard said that she wants this season to be different from last season because she plans on winning the games that the team were so close to winning against. She said that “[she knows] [they] have the skills and the mentality to do so.”

She also mentioned that she is looking forward to making every game and practice count because it is her last time playing for Malden High softball team. “[She wants] it to be special.”

Leonard also mentioned that as long as everyone is proud of what they did this season and gave it their all, she will consider this season as being successful. She feels that “being very uplifting and full of spirits” are the qualities that are needed by softball players. Leonard said that sticking together no matter what is what makes her team a true team.

Leonard explained that her coach has shown her to make the best of every time they have practice and also to work hard throughout everything. She stated that “[the coach] also has shown [her] what it means to be a great teammate.”

Leonard also included that her best friend, MHS alumnus Pardeep Bola, pushes her to keep going when she feels like giving up. She stated that “he is the strongest person [she knows] and [she] just [thinks] about everything he battles and it motivates [her] to try harder. He helps [her] through everything and makes [her] realize the possibilities [she has].”

Leonard explained that being a part of the softball team has shown her what it is like to work with others towards a common goal. She said that “the people [she has] met from this team are amazing and [she values her] relationships with them.”

Caitlyn Leonard and Mackenzie Furlong are both very excited for the beginning of the new season and have high hopes as well. The softball season is off to a great start.

Senior Haylie Scaparotti and Freshman Madison Figuerido playing a game of catch. Photo by Jemisha Syliant.

Sports

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The Blue and Gold April 2017

maldenblueandgold.com

Crew Jesaias Benitez Lead Reporter

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ver the weeks, a lot has been going on with Malden High School’s spring sports. Like the rest, the school’s crew team has been working endlessly to prepare themselves not only for a great season, but also set the bar higher for their first meet. Setting the bar higher will inform their competitors, they might not have a joint team,but the extra hours and sweat put into every practice has made them better.

This years captains are seniors Vivian Nguyen, Jonathan Dong, and Jacob-Bisset Taylor. Several teammates shared the captains significant role while at practice or during meets whether it’s take attendance for their coaches, running drills at practices,or helping returning and new members.

The first week of tryouts, new and returning members got the opportunity to get a feeling of the environment in which the team holds practices whether the weather permits them. Getting to know the coaches and the team members for

new members. As for the returning members they have a couple of days to get back into the swing of things. A typical practice consists of cardio or erging which can be done for two hours with a little break in between. Since the team consists of 45 members, there isn’t enough machines for each person. The team is divided into two separate groups and based on the group there are different sessions for practice. Both sessions are similar, just held at different times. It’s the similar situation when it comes to determining who is in which canoe, it depends on whether the individual is on varsity or novice which is the same as junior varsity. This is so no rower is put into a position where others around them possess different abilities whether it’s faster or slower, and to keep things fair.

Since tryouts, the coaches have been able to establish a team of 45.

Sophomore Sebastian Romani stated the new members have been doing great. “Hopefully get several wins this year” due to their charisma. No matter what’s it looking like outside, the team hopes to get outside

and practice whether it’s at the boathouse or taking a quick warm up jog around the school. Since there are a handful of new members, a new drill they are using is a term called tanking. Tanking is when four individuals row on water inside their canoe while the other half is on the dock holding onto the boat.

This way they are more comfortable when it comes to competing.

Sophomore Santiago Portillo shared, “the triathlon was competitive and challenging [because as an individual] you have to do three things.” These three things are referred to approximately having to row and run five kilometers and five-thousand meters on the erg.

This makes it challenging because each member has to push themselves more than they ever have. Depending on each person’s time, you are placed with others similar to your score. No matter what the scores are, there is always space for opportunity. With their triathlon a success, the team now begins to prepare themselves for their first meet of the season on Saturday, which includes teams like joint-team Somerville and

Everett. Portillo looks to set the bar high on Saturday because “[he has] worked and gave it [his] all every day at practice.” When it comes to captains, Romani and Portillo said they are always leading the team, whether it’s doing warmups before practice or simply leading the team, encouraging the team before an important meet. Romani also added that “[he’s] excited how [his] teammates do since it is the first meet of the season to get a feel of how everything is going” and see how they are able to integrate themselves as a cohesive team, if it’s cheering each other off or beating their times.

Although they are getting ready to compete, the coaches haven’t set anything in stone for arrangements when it comes to placing everyone on canoes with their similar assets and skills. Throughout the season, Romani and Portillo are eager to see not only see what the season is in store for them,but also the team.

Romani stated this includes “more wins...and more memories.” The team is constantly building on their relationships with each other and helping each other.

GIRLS LACROSSE Michelle Yin Reporter

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his season for girls lacrosse has already started with tryouts being hosted on March 20 to 25, in all hopes that this year would be different than last year. Last year, “[the team] had a strong roster, and both individual players as well as the team have been growing over the years, but [they] had injuries and other setbacks that [she] believe robbed [them] of [their] full potential.” explained head coach Jessica Leggett.

This year’s captains are seniors Rene Spadafora, Victoria Moore, and Karen Luo. Spadafora shared how everyone on the team is very helpful and they all makes sure that they stay on track. “The team is so funny, everyday is something new and [they’re] always laughing and

having fun,” Spadafora said.

Although they have lost many good players from last year, they have gained many. With a large amount of newcomers on the team this year, this will be an exciting year for them. There are about over 30 members on the team.

Senior Desiree Delgado, a 4 year veteran of the team, has been the goalie for the team those four years. She said that “[she feels] this season is going to be a good one.”

She also said how they have a lot to work on and improve in. She explained how “last year [they] had a lot of chemistry on the field, but not off the field which threw [them] off sometimes,” but added that this year they are hoping to change that and bring in more of a depth outside and inside the team connection.

One of the team’s captains, Moore, stated that although she was injured last year, the team was really good especially the offensive side. “[She] was out the beginning half with an injury but [she] saw throughout the season, the team as a whole progressed a great deal.”

The girls lacrosse team has set a goal for themselves to stay motivated and focused for the rest of the season so they can improve to the best they can. Coach Leggett also stated that “there [were] many little changes and tweaks, and some bigger changes that [the] team will have this year.”

In the offseason, both [herself] and [her] players have been doing work to contribute more of [themselves] to the team’s success, and [she’s] really excited to see what

comes out of that.” They have made many improvements to the team off and current in season.

Adding on to this, Spadafora included that everyone puts in their best efforts and they always help each other not only to stay on track, but to get better.

They will have many games throughout the season and with the ones that they’ve already played, they have shown great potential for the rest of the season.

With new goals and new players, the coach and the team captains are more than certain the team has many wins coming in there way for the rest of the season. As many of the members on the team has said “this year is going to be [their] year,” they are more than excited to go against other schools and cities and win.

The Blue and Gold April 2017

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A Look Into Ping-Pong Club Rebecca Oliveira Reporter

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riginally established by former Malden High School student, Tri Pham, the ping pong club was founded about two years ago. Now, it is lead by Malden High senior Brandon Li. The club is made up of between ten to fifteen members that are all Malden High School students, who are extremely passionate about ping pong. They meet everyday after school to practice and compete against each other in the Malden High School Cafe B until about 5:30 pm, and they have their meetings on Fridays. Senior Danny Mai, an active member of the ping pong club, explained that a lot of the members who are, “really dedicated come by to play almost everyday,” but if given the chance, “[they would] stay longer.”

Practices for the members of the ping pong club are very informal, where they mostly practice by competing against each other. Members learn how to play by practicing and competing against each other, since they don’t do drills like other sports, “[The members] usually just have regular games,” and depending on a member’s experience, the

Junior Richard Du and Senior Danny Mai. Photo by Rebecca Oliveira. more senior members of the club try to, “give each other pointers,” like on serves and spiking in ping pong, Mai explained. It doesn’t matter whether you’re experienced in the art of ping pong, since the members help teach newcomers the basics in ping pong. You just need to know enough not to break any of the ping pong balls and paddles, because they pay for their own equipment.

Several of the club members enjoy the competitive aspect of ping

pong that comes with scoring a lot of points. Junior Richard Du, another member of the club believes that, “ping pong is like a sport that anyone can pick up,” making it a relatively easy and simple sport to play.

One of the most important aspects of ping pong is that it requires patience and precision. Du explains that he understands how a lot of people “might want to respond and hit the ball really hard,” as it comes

at them, but he says it’s not a good idea since the ball is very sensitive.

Just touching the ball can cause it to go flying through the air, potentially hitting someone in the face or the ball could go out of bounds.

Last year in November, the Ping Pong Club had a tournament in the Malden High School gym that was held by the Asian Culture Club.

Different ping pong clubs from Boston came to compete with skilled players of all ages, young and old, came to play and Mai described the atmosphere of the competition as, “really competitive.”

The vast majority of the clubs won in the big event, with the MHS club competing against the youth portion of the event due to the inexperience of a lot of the club members. Mai said that they played, “against [the] eight-year-olds and seven-year-olds,” and due to the younger clubs’ prowess, the youth ended up beating them.

Even though the club was formed fairly recently, it is doing very well.

There are a lot of dedicated members meeting almost everyday after school to practice, and Du explains that even though, “the ping pong club is like on the come up right now,” he believes that there are “good things coming for the coming future.”

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The Blue and Gold April 2017

maldenblueandgold.com

Thomas Tran

Boys Tennis Subin Bastola Reporter

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his spring, the Malden High School boys tennis team has welcomed a new coach in MHS physical education teacher Mark Gagnon with a new goal and high expectations.

This year’s team is looking forward to getting a reputable record and possibly exceeding their record from last year.

Last season, team finished with an overall record of 7-8, unfortunately missings the playoffs. Returning player, sophomore Thomas Tran stated that “[the team] has lost all of the key senior players from last year,” so the team is “completely new this year with only three returning players.” This year they

are hoping to improve upon last year and continue to grow as tennis players.

This year’s boys tennis team is lead by sophomore Nathaniel Victor. He mentioned that “as there are a lot of new players one of the challenges is to discipline them with cardio and workouts.”

Victor was “scared” last year thinking that MHS was “not going to have tennis season this year since a majority of players graduated last year.”

However, “[he] was very happy that they were able to create a team” and “get back to the court.”

G a gnon’s credits his inspiration for stepping up to be the new tennis coach to his passion for the sport of tennis. He was also a member of the MHS boys tennis team as a part of the class of 1993. When asked about

Sophomore Thomas Tran. Photo by Abhishek Rana.

Junior Nathaniel Victor during practice. Photo by Subin Bastola. the challenges of this season he stated that, “one that [the team] overcame was number of the players because the [team] wanted to make sure they have at least over ten players.” He explained that “it’s challenging to have bunch of new players,” however he has great expectations for the three returning players.

The Golden Tornadoes will facing its first game on April 10th against Lynn English Bulldogs at Lynn English High.

Outdoor Track Josandy Jeune Reporter

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s the outdoor track season comes to an open coaches and athletes alike have common goals for the season, to win a majority of their meets this season, as well as grow as a team. They intend to start the season off strong in the new league.

Coach Londino hopes to go into the North Eastern Conference with a winning streaks. Londino is “excited for the new league” and how it will bring more competitive meets to the team as well as gain even more state qualifiers. Londino will find this league different because there are sixteen teams in the Conference and out of those sixteen teams they compete with eight of them. Each meet will be more competitive and harder. He also thinks that the new runners that they have are really talented and a few will be able to make it to varsity.

Athletes on the team include Taymise Sanders, Rachel Loreus, Lisa Ringdahl, and Adela Dzaferagic. They all have high hopes for the season which is to make it too all states.

They are excited for the new league as well seeing it will bring tougher competition.

Sanders states that they are “very hard-working and even practice in the rain.”

They also believe that the new runners will do great this season because the freshman in indoor were talented runners. Ringdahl states the she “is sad about losing runners from last year but it won’t really hurt [them] because [they] have new freshman [they] can train.”

Dzaferagic states they have many goals this season which include which is going “4-0 for the beginning of this season, and knocking down as many meets as they can.” She also believes that

they will face a lot of challenges this season. The team will be facing a lot of new teams that have strong runners, because of that Dzaferagic believes that the team has t o “work on their depth”. She also mentions that the distance runners will be putting more work in their practices because a lot of the schools they’ve been facing have a lot of feeder programs which basically trains runners in middle school. Since Malden doesn’t have that they will have be conditioned more. Loreus believes that in regards of the boys and girls sprinters they have to build up their stamina and speed.

Since they lost some runners last year they will have to build up their underclassmen.

All in all, as the season comes to an open the outdoor track has very high expectations for this season. Coaches and athletes alike have a strong love for the sport and plan to hit the ground running.

Subin Bastola Reporter

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ophomore Thomas Tran is no stranger to Malden High School boys tennis team. Having played tennis since his childhood, Tran possesses experience that is vital to the team. This is why Tran choose to play tennis is enjoying his first year on varsity team, after playing on the junior varsity team in his freshman year.

The team ended its season last year with an overall record of 7-8 failing to make it to the playoffs. This year they are hoping to improve upon last year and continue to grow as tennis players.

However doing this will be difficult as explained by Tran who mention that, “the team has lost all of the key senior players from last year.” and that the team is “completely new this year with only three returning player.”

When asked about what inspired Tran to play tennis, he credited his “father and watching professional tennis.”

He explained that his favorite professional tennis player is Rafael Nadal who he is fascinated by because of his “stamina and consistent play.”

Sophomore Luis Gilbert had a lot to say about his fellow teammate Tran.

Gilbert mention that, “Tran is very good and skillful player who is always calm.”

He added, “although [they] have been friends for long time, [they] only started playing tennis together their freshmen year.” He described, “the year of playing tennis with him has been fabulous.”

Gilbert did not stop there, he mentioned that, he also “[respects] the supportive and helpful nature” of Tran.

Tran describe himself as “offensive player who is always looking to attack.”

Although, he did mention his hope to “be more consistent” with his play.

When asked about what he want to improve this season, he mentioned that “personally [he] is working to improve [his] serving skills so that [he avoids] fouls more often.” As a team, Tran wants to “help [his] new teammates become accustomed with tennis.” Compared to the last year, Tran stated that his, “serve and forehand slice are [his] most improved shot.”

Outside of the tennis, Tran very much also enjoys playing soccer and ping pong. In fact, he is a member of the MHS soccer team and plays ping pong regularly.

Sports

The Blue and Gold April 2017

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maldenblueandgold.com

Fencing:

Girls Tennis

Robert Hondor

Emraude Bonnet Reporter

T Junior Robert Hondor fencing against an opponent. Photo submitted by Hondor.

Alysha McDevitt Lead Reporter

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alden High School student and international fencer, junior Robert Hondor, started fencing when he was quite young because his father, a former Romanian fencer and currently his fencing coach.

Hondor has travelled to many different states and countries for fencing tournaments, constantly challenging himself and furthering his abilities.

In fencing, there are three types of weapons: épeé, foil, and saber.

Hondor stated that he does épeé, “where you can hit your opponent anywhere on the body and there aren’t any complicated rules about how you can score, unlike the other two.”

His father was the person who initially got Hondor into fencing, but “being able to travel to do something [he loves] with people [he] grew up with” caused fencing to become a huge part of his life. His father did fencing back in Romania before moving to the United States and opening his own shop in which they have both beginners classes as well as advanced, competitive courses and training. Practicing hours upon hours a week may seem tedious, but for Hondor it is something to look forward for, in which he can train and better his abilities.

As far as goals, Hondor has accomplished many, and set many more. He said that his last competition in Kansas City in which he took home gold in the Cadet Mens épeé was his proudest moment thus far, however, “[he wants] to go as far as [he] can.”

He also claimed that “[he wants] to fence in World Championships with the best fencers around the world, and maybe if [he] has it in [him], to qualify for the Olympics.”

With the love and commitment Hondor shows for this sport, it is no wonder he is travelling around the world competing.

he spring weather might not be here just yet, but the spring sports at Malden High most definitely are. Included in these sports is girls tennis. Starting Monday March 20th, tryouts for all sports were in session. By Wednesday, cuts were being made. The girls who got through the team were ecstatic, the ones who got cut; not so much, but there is always a chance for them and newcomers to come and try again next year.

Last season was a great one for the girls tennis team. They won a large majority of their matches and won the GBL title and advanced to states. They all wish to advance as much as they did last season into the new league that they are entering into this season.

Last year, Coach Julie Fox was the new coach for the girls, and now they have another new coach, Cheryl Camassa. This is Camassa’s first year coaching girls tennis. She loves to coach, and previously coached girl’s volleyball for the past two seasons. She is “hoping the girls have a great season and improve on their skills and confidence on the court.

Even though tennis is thought to be an individual sport, it is important the girls work together and support each other as a team. My number one goal for the season is for the girls to have fun no matter if they win or lose.” Camassa doesn’t know the record for last year, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to help the girls improve as much as they can this season and overcome their competitors on the tennis courts.

Tryouts for girls tennis this year was huge. Coach Camassa wanted to pick plenty of girls, but due to player amount restrictions, she couldn’t. “[They] had a big turnout this year for tryouts.With so many returning players from last year, [she] was only able to select a few new players to the team. Selection was based on consistency of their strokes. The girls that did not make the team all have potential and are encouraged to tryout again next year.”

When it comes to the players that remained and got onto the team, she already thinks “they all seem like a great group of kids,” even though she is just getting to know the players. She is looking forward to this season.

Besides coaching, Coach Camassa is a behavior analyst for Malden

Public Schools. She mainly works at the Linden S.T.E.A.M Academy servicing the students in the Pathway and PACE programs. She also works part-time consulting to families that are in need in behavioral strategies for their children.

This year’s captain is Samantha Tso, a senior here at MHS. Tso got on the varsity team her sophomore year, due to always wanting to be the “top player of the team” and wanting to play first singles. Last season was the first season she played first singles, which meant that her goals were accomplished. She “didn’t ex-

they had a new coach, they still adapted quickly “and made the best out of the season.” The season didn’t go the way she thought it would because she didn’t think she was going to get as improved as she did because she cooperated with the team so much better and they had so much more chemistry which made the whole experience of being on a team and sportsmanship so much better. Her goals for last season were to get along with the team better and win the gbl title, which were both achieved. This year, if her shoulder injuries were not persistent, she

Girls tennis during practice. Photo by Emraude Bonnet. pect the pressure of playing singles and especially first singles” last season, but she overcame the pressure and came out victorious for her team.

As a senior, this is her last year at MHS. “This year, [she does] not want to play with the same pressure on [her] back as last year. This year, [she] will play first singles wholeheartedly-- the best that [she] can without worrying about winning or losing. So for [her] last season at Malden High, [she wants] to give it [her] all. [She] would play club tennis in college if [she] could, but the school that [she] am currently deciding on does not have tennis courts.

But that won’t stop [her] from playing with [her] friends when [she comes] home.”

She only plays tennis, after her cousins introduced her to the sport the summer before freshman year which is what prompted her to try out freshman year, which was a huge success for her.

Senior Zanta Ephrem thoroughly enjoyed playing varsity first singles and second singles last season. She enjoyed that on varsity, she got to play all the time, when if you’re on JV you only played conditionally. She thought last season was a great success because of the connection and communication throughout the team. Even though

would’ve wanted to try to be cocaptain, or have a leadership quality so she could help the newcomers and anyone who needed help.

Emily Zou is a senior on the varsity team, and plays second doubles. Last season was good in her opinion, but they had some difficult matches where they lost but it was fun. They won most of the matches that were in the league. She “tries not to have expectations but it went really well.” Her goals for last season were to make it on varsity, which she did. “Since [they are] in a different league, [she thinks] [they’ll] get harder matches and [she hopes] the team does well.” Zou says. Personally, she hopes she makes it to singles. When asked about what she wants this season she said, it doesn’t matter if [they] win or lose, as long as everyone tries their best and has a good time, that’s most important.”

She doesn’t know where she’s going but wants to play tennis in college, and hopes they have a tennis team.

She played tennis in middle school and didn’t really like it and then when she got to high school she tried it out and thought it was really good, and doesn’t play anything else besides tennis.

The girls tennis team has a bright vision for their future and it looks like they’re going to have a successful season once again.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold April 2017

maldenblueandgold.com

From left to right: Senior captain Andy Tham opening up for a pass, sophomore Zachary Rufo passing the ball, senior captain Steven Sexton cradling the ball past a Pope John defender, junior Tenzin Dorjee running down the field with the ball, and Hasnat Moughal prepared for the Pope John offense. Photos by Abhishek Rana.

Sara Zakaria Reporter

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ryouts for boys lacrosse started on March 20th, and will formally end this week, with their roster finalized. There are about forty to forty-five students between the the varsity and jv teams, due to the sport becoming increasingly more popular each year, but there are still a few other students getting their paperwork together so the team may continue to grow in numbers.

The team is moving rapidl y, already planning their first official game on T h u r s d a y, March 30 at Pinebanks against Pope John’s lacrosse team at 4:00 pm.

Since the spring season seems to go by a lot faster than the winter season, Coach Smith believes that by having the JV and varsity teams play a couple of games, that by just “kind of throw[ing] them out there,” the n e w JV team will learn more “by playing.” It helps that in the beginning of the season some of the team members from the varsity team played

with the new members to show them the ropes to lacrosse, so as not to overwhelm them.

Led by longtime coaches Brenden Maney and Jeremiah Smith, the team is making sure each member grows each day and that the team grows as a whole. Coach Smith has been coaching the JV team for five years, and previously coached Mald e n Catholic’s lacrosse t e a m and wrestling team when he taught there.

When asked about the difference between coaching the two high schools, he said that “[Mald e n High] gets a lot of kids here who don’t know how to play the sport” and there’s a lot of teaching involved. At practice, “we have to do a lot of instructions, and really introduce kids to the game and the sport for the first time. He also states that “it’s fun, and I get to watch the kids grow over the years and see how they can go in a few years.”

His favorite part about lacrosse that it’s not only “a great sport”, but it also has elements of different sports in it, stating that lacrosse has the “intensity and hard, physical contact of football, and the skill needed

for soccer and basketball”. According to Coach Maney, he expects the team to “grow as players and as young men.” He adds, “when the last whistle blows and their time is over they will be citizens in this community and others. That is the ultimate goal.” Coach Smith explains that this year, he expects the jv team to “learn the sport, learn the game, and to improve everyday,” and that if each one does his part in lacrosse, then they should do prett y well for the season and that they’ll b e , “...going in the right d i rection.” For the new members on the team, h e expects them to give full effort and be coachable, saying new members should, “take great joy in learning the creator’s game.” Maney states that he’s “always excited about the prospect of being able to give back what was freely given to [him]. [He takes] ownership of teaching new players about this amazing game seriously.”

The advantages for this season is that the team is larger than a usual senior class. “They will offer leadership and maturity,” Maney says. The disadvantages to the Boys LAX team is that each year the Boys LAX team, “plays catch up with the other teams,” who have youth programs that, “feed the public high school directly.”

Malden is different from the other schools, because most of the youth

players attend the charter school, so often access to the youth program prohibits the public school youth players. A way they have an advantage over last year is that the team has more athletes than any year before playing from top to bottom.

According to Coach Smith, he says you need “many different types of athletes” to have a successful team. “Dedication and patience is important for success in lacrosse.”

Smith says. “Most sports have a natural flow to it, while in lacrosse, you need to work hard to get to a level of success, which takes a lot of dedication and patience.” “It will be my challenge to put them in the best place to contribute,” Coach Maney says. It will take a lot of dedication and patience on both the coaches’ and the lacrosse players’ parts to make this year a sucess.

From left to right: Senior Steven Sexton crading the ball past a Pope John defender. Senior Steven Sexton waiting to recieve a pass. Malden boys lacrosse team during half-time. Sophomore Zachary Rufo looking for an open pass. Photos by Abhishek Rana.