Graduation 2013

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com

Malden High School Volume 98 Edition 8

Our 98th Year Graduation 2013

Congratulations Class of 2013

Play Production’s 10 by 10 pages 26 and 27

Scan this to watch our video of Red Carpet!

Livia Chan S

Profile of Chan continued on page 9 PHOTOS OF CHAN AND FENG FROM LINCOLN STUDIOS

enior Livia Chan has succeeded in achieving one of her goals -- ranking as Malden High School’s class of 2013 valedictorian. Known to her friends, classmates, and some of the staff members of MHS as intelligent, quiet, and level-headed, Livia has spent her years at MHS working hard towards this difficultto-attain goal.

Chan was born in Manhattan, New York, and moved to Arkansas when she was two years old where she remained until sixth grade when she moved to Malden and attended the Salemwood School.

Senior Michael Hoang, who has known her since sixth grade stated, “ Livia is easily the quietest person I know, but beneath that hides a very diligent worker. I met her in 6th grade when she moved in

Iris Feng

Profile of Feng continued on page 9

N

umber two in our class, Li Ting Feng often goes by nicknames “Iris,”“Irisy” and “Iris-theVirus.” Her friends describe her as hard-working and unique, which are both true clauses, since she will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

Occupying a spot in the top 10 is not an easy task, but despite adversity Iris has maintained a position in the top 10 since the beginning of her high school career. Just because Iris is held at such a high honor does not mean she did not struggle daily with typical high school troubles. She would describe herself as “a huge procrastinator,”confessing that she struggles with time management skills. But, despite the desire to defer school assignments, Iris will

in this issue:

Softball article on page 28

Harlem Wizards Game page 25

Senior Internship page 22

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Editorials

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

maldenblueandgold.com

Malden High School: One in a Million

Malden High School

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

Editors-in-Chief: Print: LAUREN BENOIT ‘13 Online: JOSHUA KUMMINS ‘13 Print: SHARON LEE ‘13 Online: CATHERINE POIRIER ‘13 Managing Editors: Online: KAYLA BRAMANTE ‘13 Print: NATALIE FALLANO ‘13 Social Media: MEGAN KELLY ‘13 Head Copy Editor: AMALIA QUESADA NYLEN ‘13 Head of Local: VICKI NGAN ‘14 AMANDA ROSATONE ‘14 Head of Sports: KRISTEN LEONARD ‘14 Head of World: MEGAN KELLY ‘13 Head of Entertainment, Style, and Lifestyle: HALEY DOWDIE ‘13 Head of Business: JOHANNA LAI ‘13 _____________ Reporters: NICHOLAS BRAMANTE ‘16 EMMA CEPLINSKAS ‘16 CARMELLITE J CHAMBLIN ‘14 ANDREW COGLIANO ‘16 AMANDA DE MORAES ‘15 JONATHAN DECICCO ‘15 JESSICA LYNN DEPAULA ‘15 CHAIMAE EL ADLOUNI ‘16 JULIE LAM ‘15 ASHLEY LEUNG ‘16 PATRICIA LUONG ‘16 CASEY LYONS ‘15 JAMES MAZARAKIS ‘15 AREFIN MOHIUDDIN ‘13 SUMYA MOHIUDDIN ‘15 PHILLIP MONTEZUMA ‘15 MYLE NGUYEN ‘15 LUCIA QUESADA NYLEN ‘16 GRACE STATHOS ‘15 MANALE ZOUHIR ‘16 Advisor: Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition:

maldenblueandgold.com

At first I thought it was just my school pride that was causing my heart to ache, a feeling of angst and worry overwhelmed me each time the topic of graduation arose in conversation. I soon came to realize the cause was not simply the pride that each MHS student embodies, but the uniqueness of Malden High School. Literally, one can find another Malden High School just by traveling to Malden, Missouri, but it is impossible to find another home like Malden High School.

No matter how hard you look, the truth is that there is nowhere else like Malden High.

Culture: Malden High is known across the state as a melting pot of many cultures, but together our student body creates a culture where passion, strength and determination are cultivated. The culture we have allows all students to simply be themselves, encouraging others to thrive and grow individually. It reassures us that it is okay to take risks and make mistakes, which in turn helps us continue to learn valuable life skills.

Acceptance: At MHS, there is no doubt you will meet all types of people from all races, to all sexual orientations, to all types of learners. Not only does our student body represent a mix of all types of people but we all accept one another and help each other grow. Our student body understands the importance of accepting others for who they are and encourages others to be themselves. It is the norm at MHS to be accepting of others and embrace our differences. Clubs and programs such as the Multicultural Committee (which celebrates and educates students about the different cultures at MHS), Gay Straight Alliance (which promotes a supportive environment of all students regardless of sexual orientation), and Unified Sports (where students engage in physical education with PACE students) symbolize and continue this welcoming atmosphere.

Pride: Whether it is at sporting events, performing arts events, leadership council meetings, or at the Pep Rally during each Spirit Week, MHS students are always sporting their Malden pride. We engage in friendly competition while representing our own classes during Spirit Week competitions but come together to show off our Malden spirit. We attend concerts and plays and games in support of our friends, but inevitably we end up cheering for the entire team or cast because they are Golden Tornadoes, just like us.

Staff: The staff at MHS helps shape all of us, students, intellectually, personally and socially. All of the members of the staff make up a collective group that shows nothing but endless support for students and continue to help their students achieve beyond their potential. The staff at MHS fits the student body because they embody the same character and Malden pride as the students. Many go out of their way to coach a team or advise an extracurricular group or club, which may demand time outside of a regular six-hour school day. Even those who have multiple commitments beyond their responsibility of being a teacher still give up their personal time to assist us and help us grow into mature young adults.

Opportunities: The opportunities at MHS are endless. From the 60+ clubs to the 20+ sports that we have to choose from, there is no way a student cannot find something that interests her. In addition, the electives offered enhance the opportunity for students to engage beyond academic based classes. The extracurricular activities are only a portion of the opportunities offered at MHS. Through the work of all MHS staff members, students are given access to discounted SAT prep, Summer Search, Bottom Line, the Posse Scholarship, and much more. The list goes on and on but each year MHS students benefit more and more from these opportunities.

Unity: It is true that not all 1800 students are best friends with one another, in fact some may be adversaries, but all 1800 of us will put our differences aside and come together in support of a good cause or in times of need. In the past few years, MHS has lived an emotional roller coaster, but despite the severity of such tragic events, we always come together and help each other through these times.

To the Class of 2013, congratulations on completing 12 years of education and we are now ready to begin our next great adventure. It has been an amazing experience to share with each and every one of you and I wish you all the best as we all move forward. To MHS staff, and the junior, sophomore, and freshmen class, thank you for creating this amazing place that we can call our home away from home, a place where we can take risks, discover our passions, reach our potential and be ourselves. It is bittersweet knowing we will never find another Malden High School, but as we all move forward, we will forever carry our Malden pride with us.

Editorial Policy

Sharon Lee

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor-in-Chief

Congratulations to the Class of 2013.

“When you get there, remember where you came from.”

-Dana Brown

opinion

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Top 13 Things To Do Before Graduating A guide to making the most of your four years at Malden High School, because, believe it or not, you will miss this place when you leave (in no particular order).

Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online

Lauren Benoit Editor-In-Chief Print

GET BREAKFAST AT THE TORNADO CAFE Just do it. This breakfast will change your life. Say “hi” to INVEST IN GOOGLE CONCENTRATE Bonnie and order a medium French Vanilla Iced Coffee and a This will save your life, if you are a procrastinator and easily Coffee Cake muffin, that’s my regular. MHS Breakfast is one distracted. Google Concentrate is an app on Google Chrome thing I am definitely going to miss when I go off to college. that allows you to block a website for a certain amount of time on your computer. So, despite your lack of willpower to stay SUPPORT A SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT (JV’S, away from your Twitter feed, you may actually be able to finish PLAY PRODUCTION, BAND, CHORUS, ETC) that four page paper you waited until the last minute to do!

This is a no brainer. Our school events are some of my fondest memories, whether it was volunteering at one, ACTUALLY TRY IN SCHOOL organizing an event, or just going to one. Go to Junior Varieties, Some people think that their freshmen year does not count, the Thanksgiving Day Game (the Malden vs Medford rivalry is or that colleges will simply turn their heads to freshmen year. one of the longest in history), a Play Production performance, a But just because it was four years prior does not mean it is band or chorus concert, the list goes on! irrelevant! I cannot tell you how many people I hear say “Man, I wish I tried harder in school” because they did not get accepted JOIN A SPORT/CLUB into schools that they were supposed to get in to. Education is a There is nearly a sport or club for every interest at Malden serious business. You can’t stay a teenager forever. But while in High School. The amount of opportunity there is to get involved high school you must find that balance of your academic life and at is immense. Join a sport, club, or group because being busy your social life, in order to stay sane. Also, don’t “hit the books” is not always a bad thing -- in fact, it can be really rewarding. all the time. If you spend all your time studying, you will miss You may find your true passion through one of these outlets, the majority of your high school experience, and you will not whether that may be playing lacrosse, creative writing, leading make strong relationships. Yes, your education is serious, but so a group of people, or being a student representative. is your sanity.

COMPETE IN MODEL UN This may or not be mandatory already in most history classes in the high school, but do not take it for granted! The two of us participated in Model United Nations our junior year in AP World History. We represented Saudi Arabia at MUN Northeastern, and actually won a prize for best public speaking, much to our surprise. It was extremely fun and interesting to get an in-depth look at a nation, and embody their ideals and positions.

APPLY FOR SUMMER SEARCH I will stand by this statement forever, Summer Search is the best thing that has ever happened to me! When a few of the representatives come in the fall, go to the meeting and get to know what it is. Summer Search may not be for you, but thats why you should join! Summer Search teaches you to be comfortable outside your comfort zone, and teaches you valuable leadership skills. Do not let the showering situation scare you away, you will stay clean, don’t worry. It is an opportunity of a lifetime. When will you ever get the chance to hike for 4 weeks JOIN THE SPIRIT TEAM in Wyoming, or go sailing in Maine? Or go to Mexico and teach I joined the Spirit Team my freshman year, and it was sooooo English, or even Guatemala doing community service? This is much fun! If you don’t like being the center of attention, or doing an opportunity too good to pass up. any physical activities, maybe this isn’t for you... But for those who this does apply to, it was a fun experience. I mean, when VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS will you ever have your whole class cheering your name when If you have not attended a Special Olympics in your last you are climbing to the top of the human pyramid. four years at Malden High School, boy you are missing out.

This year was my first year, and even though I am a senior it TAKE AN AP CLASS definitely will NOT be my last. On the day of the Games there By the time I graduate, I will have taken seven Advanced is an atmosphere like no other, it is nice to see MHS student Placement classes. While that many may not be for everyone, athletes helping out other athletes with impairments. It was one I totally recommend challenging yourself to take at least one. of the best events at MHS that I have ever been to. It is a good AP classes are some of the most interesting courses the school way to get volunteer hours, but even more than that it will open offers, if you’re up to the challenge -- they are completely worth your eyes to a whole other world of athletics. it. And what’s better than receiving college credit for a high school class?

GO TO RED CARPET/AND OR PROM If you don’t go to your senior prom, then your whole high FORM CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS school career is a waste. What is the point of staying here for Plain and simple. The teachers at MHS are amazing, four years if you don’t reward yourself with one of the most dedicated, and are actually interesting people. Get to know them fabulous nights of the past four years! No, I’m totally kidding. It personally beyond the classroom, it’s an awesome opportunity. is obviously your decision, but prom is a huge part of your high And for a little more motivation, when the time comes, they school experience and you do not want to miss out on literally can write you a recommendation letter that could make the your only chance to go to your senior prom. difference.

READ THE BLUE AND GOLD FROM FRONT TO BACK Whether this is a shameless self plug or not, we think it should be true for any MHS student. The Blue and Gold captures the essence of your entire high school experience, from last week’s football game to today’s current news and trends, to tomorrow’s spring concert. At graduation, grab the yearly bundle so you will be able to look back on your time here, and who knows, maybe you will find your name!!

Opinion

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

maldenblueandgold.com

The High School Transformation Kayla Bramante Managing Editor

B

EEP BEEP! Your alarm clock rings and your eyes open wide with excitement. It is time for your first day of high school! With the next blink of your eyes, you are planning for prom, buying your cap and gown and becoming excited to step into yet another new journey of life.

Four years ago we had no idea what we would be doing after high school, and it was not of our concern.

Our concerns were the newest relationships (as if they were going to last for more than 3 seconds) and what the cafeteria was serving for lunch (chicken). We were young and reckless and we made unintelligent

decisions, due to our undeveloped prefrontal cortexes.

We were learning the ins and outs of developing a social life, making new friends and having fun (not saying we still don’t have fun). Naturally, with the new social life came the fights and the he said she said drama. However, from the arguments you learned something new (hopefully not to waste your time on highschool drama) and you grew as a person.

Sophomore year comes around and the challenge begins. Perhaps you took an advanced class or you pushed yourself harder than normally. Struggles through your learning process were inevitable, but someone was there to push you through it. Despite your opinion of school at that moment, academically you were growing.

Now the worst year sneaks up behind you and pushes you into it, junior year (let’s be thankful it is over). You are taking all kinds of classes that are giving you a ton of work, you are faced with the stress of your first research paper and sleep soon becomes your worst enemy.

On top of your school work, you are getting as involved as you can and building up that resume for senior year when you have to apply to college. You find yourself

All the best to my wonderful Holland House students!

- Ms. Slattery

at events, playing sports, going out with friends on the weekends and cramming all your work last minute. Sound familiar? You maybe are taking the SATs, visiting colleges and getting excited for the future however, you still have a whole other year to get through!

Junior year you grew, both mentally and physically (unless you are me who stopped growing in eighth grade).

Senior year is finally here! You are at the top of the food chain and it feels great! But wait, now you have to apply to college (yikes). You do not even know where to start and you are freaking out, it happens. But no worries, guidance saves the day and you crawl out of it alive! You now know how to write the college essay, construct a resume`, and guess what? You grew, yet again.

So in case you have not caught on yet, highschool is a crazy four years and each year is a little different. You experience different things each and every day and you develop into a new person. A person that will serve in the army for our country. A person that will get a higher education. A person that will make a difference in the world we live in.

Freshman year we can say we had no idea the type of person

we were going to mature into. But today, we can say who we are and where we are going. We can say we have made lifelong friendships with the people that were around us and supported us everyday. We can say we have changed and grown into adults. We can now say all the things we wish we could have said as children.

So now we are walking down the way, ready to receive our diploma and write the next chapter of life and the next time someone tells you the next four years is going to fly by, maybe you will listen.

Health and happiness to my Boyle House graduates -Mr. Mastrangelo

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Opinion maldenblueandgold.com

time truly does fly

Joshua Kummins Editor-In-Chief Online

W

hen I graduated eighth grade at the Ferryway School in June 2009, I was given a lot of advice and well wishes from many different people - family, friends, teachers, etc.

But there was always one message that stood out to me the whole time, and even though I may not have believed it at first, it certainly ended up being true. Again, again, and again, I heard that “the next four years will go by before you know it.”

As I entered Malden High School that fall, I felt - as many typically do - mixed emotions of excitement and nerves at the same time.

After all, I was leaving the place in which I had spent every school day since kindergarten and where I was most comfortable.

During our first get-together as the Class of 2013 inside a warm Finn Gym, that same message was again repeated times over, and again, I had trouble believing it.

Flash forward four years later and I certainly can not believe I had trouble facing that fact as a freshman. The last four years sure did go

by before I knew what happened.

Over that time, I met many new people and spent time with some of the familiar faces of my middle school days, allowing me to feel a greater sense of comfort in the new surroundings.

The school was transformed throughout this time as well. Future classes of MHS students will have full access to a wide array of resources throughout their careers (and will not have to experience the dark, spooky hallways of Boyle and Brunelli Houses that were present a couple years ago) after the massive renovations that were completed last year.

When I sat down to write this, I truly could not believe this piece would be the culmination of my four years with The Blue and Gold. Even from my freshman year, it always felt that the days rolled along faster when I knew we were pressed against a deadline, even if it were weeks away. There was always so much to be done and I enjoyed every second of it - memories I will have for the rest of my life.

It just goes to show how right

Intersection of Main, Salem, and Ferry Streets looking towards Malden High School in Malden, Massachusetts, April 2010 Photo from Wikipedia everyone was in saying it would fly by. As much as I never wanted to believe it, the end has come...and it is a surreal feeling, but I truly believe it all now.

As the end came, I felt that same feeling of mixed emotions of sadness to leave those I grew to know well and excitement for what the college years and future hold.

For future MHS students and those who will still remain in the

hallways next year, just savor every moment with your classmates, friends, and teachers. Do everything you want with all your heart and make sure it comes without regret.

The remainder of your years at Malden High School will go by like you would never believe. But time truly does fly. Best of luck!

Goodbye, MHS! It is not really the end, but the start to an exciting future that lies ahead.

THE “REALITY” OF THE COLLEGE PROCCESS Natalie Fallano Managing Editor

I

can envision my first college list like it was just yesterday - 30 schools and utterly unrealistic. As months past, the list slowly but surely dwindled down to a final 10 schools. GPA, exam scores, and those dreaded SAT scores were the contributing factors to the changing list. On the other side of the equation came extracurriculars, teacher recommendations and the college essay which reignited the naive belief of unattainable dreams and college acceptance.

But even after pressing submit on common app, the reality of the college process still had not hit me or my classmates around me.

After months of anticipation and years of hard work. Everything comes down to a letter or email, which

in that moment I believed was life changing or heartbreaking. The ending result was that I like so many other of my friends, classmates, and other high school students nationally -- was disappointed. I was rejected by my “dream school” and was sure a meteor would crash into earth any second.

But, although I am still extremely bitter and probably won’t get over it until the first day of college next fall, I have come to terms with reality. I am going to the one college on my list that I absolutely hated and didn’t want to attend.

But the ironic part of this story, is that now I am in love with this school.

But I would never have loved it if I hadn’t given it a chance. I would have never loved it if I hadn’t come

to terms with reality. Juniors, as much I and so many around you warn you about the college admissions process, I know that you will not believe me until you experience it. The downside of it all is you will most likely not get into Harvard, but the flipside is you will love your college by May. I am in no way trying to crush your dreams, but rather do the complete opposite.

I want to challenge everyone around us from family to teachers to friends who indirectly lead us into the mindset I once had when applying to college. What really makes a top school and why do we dedicate our lives and minds to getting into to them? The answer? Because we convince that getting accepted into

Brown and Stanford will make us happy - that it’s the only acceptable compensation for the all-nighters, research papers, and physics tests. But after we “fail” and give other schools a chance, we realize that we worked hard not only to get into college, but for ourselves.

In the end, you need to make the best of your future, but that can only happen if you give yourself the chance to love it. Because as cliche as it sounds, we end up where we are supposed to be.

S o when you’re making that college list, have ambitions and apply to your “dream school,” because you’re 17 and you only apply to college once. Fear rejection, but do not let it hold you back or determine your future.

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Congratulations to MHS Seniors Best of luck in everything you do!

Congratulations

Mrs. Klibansky House Principal Ann O’Connor Guidance Counselor Jenkins House

Mr. Lamar House Principal Ms. Lessard Guidance Counselor Brunelli House

Class of 2013!

From Brunelli House

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

maldenblueandgold.com

High School: The four year mile Haley Dowdie Head of Entertainment

“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” -Oprah Winfrey

A

wise woman once told me that “high school is like running the mile.” It was not until the end of my senior year, after running the mile numerous times that I truly understood what this meant.

High School, much like the mile on an outdoor track, comes in a set of four: four years and four laps respectively. You spend your life preparing for high school and beyond, much like a runner trains for track, the marathon, or the Olympics. Each year your curriculum becomes tougher, and much like a runner stretches his or her legs, you stretch your mind.

On the first day of school, you throw on your backpack, pick out your lucky outfit, and lace up your “fresh new kicks,” the same way runners put on their uniform, strap their lucky headband on, and lace up their flashy racing shoes. From the first day of freshman year you are on the starting line for your mile.

Freshman year is exciting!

For those who have just finished up their freshman year you probably still remember the butterflies in your stomach the first day. You remember all the worries you had about maintaining your grades and social life. You remember worrying about how the next four years will turn out and where that places you in the future. Well, much like the first year of high school, the first lap of the mile is exciting and scary.

Adrenaline is pumping through your veins, as well the apprehension of the end. Freshman, just like milers, asks themselves “can I do this?” or “how is this going to turn out;”they tell themselves that “four years/laps are a long way to go.”

Yet, they complete the first lap and as they approach their sophomore year and their second lap, they reflect on how quickly the first one went.

By your sophomore year as is true of your second lap, you have

Amalia Quesada Nylen Head Copy Editor Amanda De Moraes Reporter Ashley Leung Reporter Arefin Mohiuddin Reporter Casey Lyons Reporter Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter Emma Ceplinskas Reporter Grace Stathos Reporter Haley Dowdie Head of Entertainment Jessica Lynn DePaula Reporter Julie Lam Reporter Jonathan DeCicco Reporter Joshua Kummins Editor-In-Chief Online

Andrew Cogliano Reporter

Carmellite J Chamblin Reporter

Amanda Rosatone Head of Local

James Mazarakis Reporter Johanna Lai Head of Business Kristen Leonard Head of Sports Lauren Benoit Editor-In-Chief Print

Kayla Bramante Managing Editor

Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter

Manale Zouhir Reporter Myle Nguyen Reporter

Megan Kelly Head of World

Sharon Lee Editor-In-Chief Print

Nicholas Bramante Reporter

Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter

Natalie Fallano Managing Editor

Vicki Ngan Head of Local

Patricia Luong Reporter Phillip Montezuma Reporter

Malden vs. Cambridge outdoor track dual meet. Photoshoped by Haley Dowdie. settled into high school or the race.

You have comfortably positioned yourself for the next two laps and have started to get hang of being a high school student or running the mile.

Junior year for many, myself included, similarly to the third lap of the mile is the hardest. Junior year you take the harder courses and you start to grow weary; the workload is challenging, keeping up with clubs, sports, or a job become overwhelming, and overall you just want to just give up. Nevertheless, there is this little cheerleader or coach inside your head that tells you “you can do this!” and “one more lap/year to go!” As your junior year comes to an end you prepare for your fourth year, your last lap, you do one of three things: 1. take off, giving it everything you got 2. Push through, slowly but surely or 3. Fall off.

Somewhere within you a tiny dose of adrenaline kicks in and you realize you are almost done, possibly the only thing motivating you through your last lap. You push

To: Jessalynne Brown Congratulations on your graduation from Malden High School! I’m so proud of you.

Love and Kisses Auntie Marilyn Traveis

through that last lap with everything you got and you know it’s too late to give up now. Getting past the last curve of college applications, SATs, and midterms and finally you see the finish line. By this time in high school and in the mile you know where you stand and now it’s just a matter of getting to the finish line, trusting that all the work you put in the past three years or laps will provide you with the award you deserve. You’ve worked for it, and you’re ready! When you finally cross the finish line, you complete your senior year, an unsettling mix of emotions comes over you: anxiety and excitement. You ask yourself “did I try my hardest?” or “what could I have done differently.” You wonder what your next goal will be and how you’ll accomplish that goal.

Seniors, if by the time you finish your last year of high school and find you’re not content with the results, change it; your future lies in your hands and your hands alone.

As an adult, a high school graduate,

you are now prepared to move forward and be the change you want to see in your life.

Juniors, if you find that you’re slowing down, think about your future. Think about what you want for yourself, and make that the motivation to finish strong.

Sophomores, if you find that you’re not content in your position, push yourself to get where you want to be, and realize you’re efforts now will help you later on.

Freshmen, enjoy yourself but understand that how you start your race, drastically impacts the end.

But also know that it is never too late to make-up the ground.

My years as a Malden High School student athlete have been the most meaningful years of my life.

They have taught me what it means to work hard and what it means to be a part of a team. High School isn’t easy, but it is what you make of it.

Choose who you want to be and run with it. Best of luck to graduating class of 2013 and to all of my fellow students at MHS!

Congratulations and Good Luck class of 2013!

- From your Guidance Counselors

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Chinese Culture Connection Relocation Open House Party

Date: June 8, 2013 from 11 AM- 1:00 PM Location: Malden YMCA Mountain Ave. Entrance Entertainment, and food and drinks will be served

The Chinese Immersion Summer Camp

An array of fun learning activities for kids grades k-6. Camp will run between June 24- August 23 from 8:30 -5:30 PM. Students DON’T need to speak Chinese to enjoy this program.

Register Now!

Little Dragon After school program

Located at the Beebe School for kids, grades K -5. It offers a Chinese immersion experience, with daily Chinese language instruction, homework and math support, as well as other rich cultural activities. Students DON’T need to speak Chinese to enjoy this program.

Registration Starting Now! For more details, please call CCC at 781-321-6316 or email meihchinesecultureconnection.org or visit our office at the Malden YMCA: 99 Dartmouth St.

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Top Ten Profiles

9

maldenblueandgold.com

1. Livia Chan Johanna Lai Head of Business Continued from page 1

from Arkansas, and we quickly realized we had a hidden genius in the class.”

She is planning to study at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University (MCPHSU), for the next six years.

Chan’s favorite subject in high school was psychology, because “she loves learning about how the mind works and the relationship between mental functions and behavior.”

The most difficult class that she took during her four years of her high school career was AP World History. Chan explains that there was a lot of information to study and she has “never really been a huge fan of history.” For teachers, she does not have a favorite as she described her teachers as “cool in their own way.”

Chan was involved in two clubs during her high school career: the Interact Club, which she joined in her sophomore year with MHS English teacher Shannon Alexis, and the Recycled Arts Club with former MHS art teacher, Alicia Fine, her junior year.

During her free time, Chan likes to watch Asian dramas. Chan stated that this “allows [her] to feel more connected to [her] Asian background.” Chan also stated that “Cantonese dramas especially help her improve on her speaking and reading abilities.”

Chan was accepted to MCPHSU, St. John’s University, Daemen College, Wagner College, Hofstra University, and UMASS Amherst.

Chan is planning to become a physician assistant, which will require her to study at MCPHSU for the next six years. She will be studying the first four years as a Premedical and Health Studies major for her bachelor degree in Science. The other two years will be for her master degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Chan stated that “becoming a physician assistant will allow [her] to enter a field that is intellectually stimulating, fulfilling, and interesting. Many people have never even heard the term ‘physician assistant,’ but in the healthcare field, physician assistants are becoming more necessary as facilities are trying to lower

2. Iris Feng

of her biggest accomplishments of her high school career, due to the fact that it was her first year singing in a public space. However, her sophomore year she decided that in order to be challenged academically, she needed to drop her passion for singing, due to scheduling conflicts, and instead took on two AP classes: United States History and Statistics.

Four years later, Iris looks back on her decision, claiming it as her “worst sacrifice ever.” At the time, she was intrigued by the challenge offered by the Advanced Placement program, and decided to embark on the journey.

During her time at MHS, Iris, like every other student, had her share of difficulties, both academically and personally. One of Iris’s major obstacles was the language barrier. She moved to the United States from China when she was

Lauren Benoit Editor-In-Chief Print Continued from page 1

never leave her work half done with half of the effort. She “ensures that [she has her] work done with the quality [that she is] content with ... even if that means an all nighter.”

Challenging herself with 10 Advanced Placement classes, Iris had to make some very tough decisions throughout her high school career to ensure that her grades would not suffer. At the end of her freshman year, she was chosen by her Mixed Chorus teacher, Mr. Cole, to join the Madrigals the following year. She considers this one

From left to right: Blue and Gold members Lauren Benoit and Haley Dowdie, senior Iris Feng, and former MHS student Haley DeFillipis at a girls’ track meet. Photo submitted by Iris Feng.

Livia Chan working on one of her many assignments in the library.

Photo by Johanna Lai. costs but maintain valuable healthcare, which also means [she] will be able to have a stable job.”

Her decision to attend MCPHSU was not an easy one. Chan spent a long time deciding between MCPHSU and St. John’s University.

She stated that “the decision was difficult because [she] didn’t know

if [she] wanted to stay in Boston or enter an entirely new environment in Queens, New York.” In the end, she decided to commit herself to MCPHSU, mainly because she loves Boston and the Longwood Medical area around MCPHSU would provide her with great opportunities in the future.

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

- Benjamin Franklin only 10 years old, living first in California, then to Massachusetts to finish up middle school. She did not know English very well, so she took English as a Second Language classes; Iris feels that “the language barrier definitely restricted [her] learning abilities.” Though the language barrier was not as much of a problem in high school as it was back then, Iris feels that one of her biggest personal challenges came during her senior year. This was the time that Iris learned that her parents had gone through a divorce. Although her parents had been separated for years, Iris never knew of the finalization of the divorce until months after it happened. She explains that “[her mom] hid the news from [her] so [she] could finish [her] most crucial year of high school without worries.” This event definitely had a huge impact on her performances, academically and athletically. She was not performing her best while running cross country, or in her AP Physics class. But under the pressure of college applications, beginning her last year of high school, and serving as President of the National Honor Society, Iris stood strong and made it through the rough patch.

The highlight of her whole high school career was competing on the cross country, indoor, and outdoor track teams, the three sports where she “had devoted most of [her] time and effort other than school.” The most memorable moment was when she qualified for the state meet with her three best friends. This was Iris’s

first time qualifying for the state meet, “I remember we all cried, and ran to [Coach] Londino and hugged him. It was our accomplishment, it was also a result of his dedication.”

As mentioned earlier, Iris will be attending Harvard University in the fall, one of the most prestigious schools in the world. “When I was in China, Harvard was the only school I knew in America. It was my dream.” When deciding which schools to apply to, Iris applied to Harvard, not confident enough in herself to think she would get in, but she did hope for miracles. The day of notifications, Iris continuously checked her email for the letter from Harvard. Iris recalls, “the decision came in the email almost two hours late, so I thought it must be a rejection.” When the decision finally came, Iris could not control her emotions. She remembers that she was crying hysterically while telling her mom, grandmother and friends.

Next year, Iris is very excited to attend Harvard, but will dearly miss the diverse and supportive community at MHS. Iris is a well-rounded student, but the areas where she shines brightest is in her math and science classes. Her goal in the future is to develop underprivileged communities using math and science.

To those aspiring for high academic achievement, Iris can give this final piece of advice: “There’s no magic. I firmly believe in 99% of sweat, 1% of luck. Opportunities are for ones who are ready.”

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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3. Natalie Melo Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online

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s Orator of the Class of 2013, senior Natalie Melo will be leaving the halls of Malden High School for the labs of the University of Pennsylvania. Melo has emerged from MHS as a creative, thoughtful, intelligent, and genuinely caring individual. If you see someone walking across the bridge with long, brown, curly hair, accompanied with a huge smile on her face -- it’s Melo.

Senior Abdelhak Belatreche, agreed with this statement, saying, “The coolest part about [Melo] is that she has a great personality. She is always cheery and positive, and knows how to bring life to a room.”

This is a true testament to Melo’s effect on the lives of her peers, teachers and friends at MHS. She has never failed to be there to share a smile, a laugh, and to give support. Similar sentiments are also echoed by senior Caitlin Cala, who added that Melo “sees the good in everyone, even if they [do not] see it in themselves. She always makes me feel better because her smile

and laugh just lighten up any room or anyone’s mood.” Cala and Melo have been close friends since seventh grade, when Melo transferred from Salemwood to Linden School.

Their close bond can be perfectly described by Cala: Melo “means more to [her] than a friend, [she is] the sister [she has] always wanted and [Cala cannot] wait to see what [Melo] does in the future.”

As many seniors can attest to, this daunting idea of the “future” begins next year, as many of us head off to college, the workforce, or the service. Melo’s own experience with deciding where the next chapter of her life would take place is a unique story, beginning with Questbridge, a non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for talented young people, just like Melo.

Melo applied to the scholarship program in September, not knowing where it would take her or that, a few months later, she would receive a full scholarship to UPenn for Engineering.

Immediately following the news, she celebrated with her family. Melo says that she owes her family, among others, thanks for shaping her into the person she is today.

Melo said “words [cannot] explain how much they have helped me become the person I am today. They are so important to me...” She also

noted that there are “also people outside of home that [she knows she] can always rely on, and those would have to be [her] friends, [her] Summer Search mentor Christina, and [her] teacher [Bernice] Diaz.”

Melo finished by praising their “love and support, through not just [her] high moments, but [her] lowest moments... [it] meant the world to [her], and [she is] so thankful to have such wonderful people in [her] life.”

However, like most teenagers, she has not lived a life devoid of regret. Melo stated that, she “would also have loved to be a part of more clubs and just meet more people in general. This year alone [she met] so many unique and wonderful people.” She added that she wished “[she had] more time to get to know

people like Adeja [Tavares] and Roberto [De Oliveira] from the crew team, and Kamisha [Heriveaux] and Chris from the PACE program, way before my junior and senior year of high school.”

Throughout her four successful years at MHS, Melo has developed her true passions in and out of the classroom. Cancer is something Melo has already begun a personal mission to find a cure for by being extremely involved in the American Cancer Society through outlets such as the Relay for Life and MHS’s own carnival to support cancer research.

She said she is “looking forward to exploring [her] academic interests and hopefully graduating as an engineer and [involving herself] in the process of finding cures to all kinds of cancers.”

migrated from Vietnam: his dad to Texas, his mom to California. Bui also has one younger brother, Brian Bui. Bui joked that, “We say we hate each other, but we love each other dearly.” Originally attending Blue Hills Regional High School in Canton, Mass, for 9th grade, Bui finally landed in Malden the summer before his sophomore year. One of the first things he joined at MHS was the crew team, and that was something that Bui would hold on to like glue for the rest of his high school career.

Kevin Bui would have never pictured himself being a part of something like the crew team earlier in his life. When asked to describe himself as a child, he thought back

and reveals he was “kind of antisocial” and “had very few close friends, if any at all.” It didn’t help that his freshmen year at Blue Hills offered little to no opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom. Blue Hill was just a place where Bui was learning engineering, but MHS offered so much beyond that. Bui was actually somewhat apprehensive at the idea of joining the team at first, but his friend Chris Lee, also a senior at MHS, had urged him to consider it. “He kept nagging me to join, and it took like a month and a half,” shared Bui. Crew gave Bui a chance to come out of his shell, and create some strong, powerful friendships. “I lived under a rock,” is how Bui described himself before his tenure at Malden High School.

“They really ripped me out of my shell.”

Crew is one of the biggest things that Bui will miss about MHS. This school has offered many things that his previous school did not, ranging from numerous after school opportunities such as clubs and sports, as well as more rigorous classes, but the crew team is the most memorable. When asked about the things he will miss about high school, Bui exclaimed, “all of the crew team.” The crew team allowed him to make relationships that he thought he could not make earlier in his life, and it allowed him to peel off his shell for good, and be able to interact with others as himself. Bui even fantasized that if “[I] could go back, I would have

transferred to Malden during my freshman year, and joined the crew team right away.”

Aside from crew, Bui had been a part of the Indoor and Outdoor track team, in junior and freshman year respectively. He has participated in the Walks for Hunger, in 2011 and 2012. Bui was also a volunteer at the Museum of Science in Boston during his junior year. Bui is an avid reader outside of school, enjoying fantasy and mystery novels. Some of his favorite authors are Terry Pratchett with his Disc World series and Dan Brown with his Robert Langdon series. Bui is going to continue his education at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, where he will study Biomedical engineering. One of the reasons Bui chose this area is because this particular major “offers a lot of pathways.” When asked what else he planned to do at college, Bui joked that he planned to “avoid the freshmen 15 and stay in shape.”

While Bui is not entirely sure what the future holds, his new found confidence and personality will be sure to get him much further in life than he may have thought previously.

4. Kevin Bui

Photo by Amanda Rosatone.

Arefin Mohiuddin Reporter

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evin Bui is not just part of the senior class’ prestigious top ten, but he is also an excellent student, an integral cog in the crew team, an amazing friend, and most importantly, a great example of how Malden High School can bring out the best in someone.

Kevin Bui has not always lived in Malden, although he shared that he loves living in Malden more “than in any other place” he has lived so far in his life. Bui was actually born 3,000 miles away in San Jose, California. Bui lives with his two parents, both of whom im-

Senior Natalie Melo at her crew regatta on May 19, 2013, the Moose on the Malden River Regatta. Photo by Catherine Poirier.

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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5. Erika Hanson Kayla Bramante Managing Editor

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rika Hanson, who rounds out the top five graduates in Malden High School’s class of 2013, expresses that “Growing up and being young should be fun.” As her years of high school dwindled down to her senior year, Hanson had transferred from Suffield Academy, a private boarding school, to our very own Malden High School.

“The transition was natural and easy, I love the environment and loved my first day of school,” she explained. However, MHS’ known diversity was a big change for Hanson as her previous school was not fortunate enough to have such diversity. Despite the change, Hanson adjusted with ease and “discovered who [she] is and what [she] is interested in [along] with what she wants to do with her life. [She also] opened up to trying new things.”

Since her freshman year, Hanson’s main goal was to work on her self-confidence, something she says was her biggest struggle throughout high school. High school has taught Hanson not to let people get

the best of her, but at the same time it was a good learning experience that helped her grow as a person.

She has been trying to “take care of [herself] and spend time with [her] friends and family.” Taking time for herself and opening up to her parents about stress and necessities is sometimes still difficult for Hanson to overcome, but she likes to step back and look at the larger picture.

Hanson has now realized as a newfound person that she is passionate about letting herself experience new things in life, such as studying abroad and finding her inner self. The one thing she wants to take from high school and move onto college with is that “growing up and being young is about having fun, because at the end of the day that is what matters” to her the most.

While Hanson puts in tons of effort to find herself, she also encourages other students to form good relationships with teachers in the school because they have been such a good support system for her. Whenever she was in trouble or needed help there was always a teacher in the building whom Hanson could depend on to show her some “really good insight.” Hand in hand with this knowledge from

6. Mona Cheng Sharon Lee Editor-In-Chief Print

Photo by Sharon Lee.

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our years ago, Mona Cheng joined the Malden High School Class of 2013 as a shy, young girl from Chelsea. Now, a self-confidant Cheng is ready to graduate as sixth in her class, as well as a Posse Scholar.

Unlike most freshmen entering MHS, Cheng did not know many MHS freshmen at the time because she did not have the opportunity to go to middle school with them. The move from Chelsea made the transition difficult for Cheng. Cheng expresses her hesitance “to join clubs because she did not know the people in them.” Cheng started out, as she describes, “painfully shy and scared

to approach anyone because of what they would think of [her].” Cheng soon came to realize that everyone at MHS was genuinely nice and not quick to judge, allowing her to feel comfortable and be more outgoing.

Cheng believes “the friendships you make and the experiences you have in high school are also very important,” which she has found to be true in the past few years. From 10th grade on, Cheng was a student in Rick Tivnan’s homeroom. She recalls not speaking a word to him for her entire sophomore year, but by senior year she had grown comfortable joking around and talking to him about practically anything.

Although Cheng started out shy at first, students who walk through the halls of MHS are greeted daily with Cheng’s bright and friendly personality.

Throughout Cheng’s high school career, she has become involved in many groups, from serving as Historian of the Interact Club to National Honor Society, where she led Packs for Pals, a service project that raised money and collected donations of learning supplies that were organized into backpacks and donated to children in need through the Department of Children Families (DCF). Cheng and her peers were able to successfully donate 30

Photo submitted by Erika Hanson. her teachers has been advice passed down from her mother. “She has a lot of common sense and I would not think of myself as [academic, but] she taught me to look at different point of view helping me to get good grades,” Hanson said of her mother.

Opportunity in Hanson’s future is what she is most nervous about. There are “different things to do, but also, the options are overwhelming and

[she] is nervous to get in [her] own head and needs to believe in [herself].” However, it is clear she has a great support system in the friends she has made in her short time at MHS. As senior Jessalynne Brown states, she is “excited for Erika to study to become a nutritionist [at Simmons] because I know it is something she has always talked about being and she is really passionate about it.”

Hanson has always been a woman to strive for success; it is clear she is on a great path for the rest of her life.

“It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

-J.K. Rowling backpacks full of supplies and are working towards collecting more. In addition, Cheng has contributed to the Class of 2013 Leadership Council, an where she recalls having some of her favorite high school memories when her whole class came together for Junior Varieties. She loves that Junior Varieties brought together a variety of people with different talents.

At the beginning of her senior year, Cheng had thought she would someday end up at a business school in state like Bentley University or Babson College. With that in mind, she was hesitant to accept her Posse nomination, but Boyle House Guidance Counselor Erin Craven noticed Cheng’s potential and encouraged her to try it. Cheng was soon passing the rounds of Posse. Before she knew it, Cheng became a Posse

finalist. On the night of her last interview, Cheng was too anxious to go home that night, knowing that, despite they told her it would be a two week waiting period, many other scholars were notified earlier that evening.

In the fall, Cheng will be attending Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, as a Posse scholar and a Global Management major on a pre-law track. She is part of the first generation of her family to attend college, following in the footsteps of her two older sisters.

Cheng is especially thankful for Craven and Principal Dana Brown who believed in her and gave her the extra push to give Posse a chance.

Cheng has achieved academically and grown personally during her years at MHS and she will in her future at Bucknell University.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Top Ten Profiles maldenblueandgold.com

7. Catherine Poirier Natalie Fallano Managing Editor

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hen friends and teachers were asked to describe Catherine Poirier, responses ranged from “academic prodigy” to “slight work rapper extraordinaire,” mainly due to Poirier’s quirky, all-around personality. What sets her apart is what her longtime best friend, fellow senior Amalia Quesada Nylen, describes as her “ability to balance everything, yet never settle for less.”

Above: Catherine Poirier poses in the center with Amalia Quesada Nylen (left) and Lauren Benoit (right) at a National Honor Society event. Photo submitted by Poirier.

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Poirier recalls entering high school as “that kid who hyperventilated in middle school when [she] took a test,” and “hated the idea of high school in general.” This mindset has changed immeasurably over the years, considering Poirier is not only one of the top-ranking students at Malden High School, but also one of the most involved. Some of her many extracurriculars include being a three-sport athlete, vice president of National Honor Society, Class of 2013 historian, School Committee student representative of the school committee, Online Editor-In-Chief of the Blue and Gold, and intern at Mayor Gary Christensen’s office.

“I live, eat and breathe MHS swimming,” explained Poirier. She is a four-year member of the varsity team as well as two-year captain.

In her senior year she “was a part of record-breaking relay teams, and even broke a school record in an individual event”: breaststroke.

Swimming has meant the most to her because she discovered many of

her closest friends, including coaches and teammates who taught her “the importance of discipline, tenacity, perseverance and hard work.”

Another highlight of Poirier’s high school experience is a 75-year tradition which she encourages all underclassmen to participate in: Junior Varieties. Poirier was one of the hosts of the class of 2013 show, representing the personality of Facebook. She found all the long nights spent in the auditorium worthwhile because she was able to step out of her comfort zone.

Poirier describes the college process as “definitely a struggle” for her, but the end result was worth it. A Posse Scholarship finalist for Bucknell College, Poirier applied to a grand total of 12 schools.

She will be attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, which has become “a dream come true” for her. She has gotten a head start on college life, having been invited to a leadership conference for freshman women this summer,

been recruited for Trinity’s Varsity Swim Team and has a research job lined up for next summer. Poirier plans to enter the Interdisciplinary Science Program at Trinity, hoping to pursue biomedical engineering, researching prosthetics or medicine in the future.

Over her years at MHS, as well as before, Poirier has always managed to make an impact on the people around her, serving as a sort of a role model. “She finds humor and joy in almost any lesson, and even though she may be the person in the room running on the least hours of sleep, she has the loudest, most distinctive laugh,” explained Quesada Nylen.

Best friend, senior Caitlin Cala, explained Poirier in a nutshell: “On the outside, Catherine looks like your typical white girl. Then you take a look at her iPod and you realize you ain’t seen nothing yet! She is the perfect example of Malden, a melting pot of different cultures all blended into one.”

“Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?”

- Nelson Mendela

8. Vladimir Savlidis Joshua Kummins Editor-In-Chief Online

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arning a spot in the coveted “Top Ten” list of Malden High School’s Class of 2013 is no small feat, but for senior Vladimir Savlidis, it is all but an individual accomplishment.

“To me, it means excellence,” said Savlidis of the feat. “But [it is] also a reflection of the teachers because [they have] helped me learn and put me in the position [I am] in.

Obviously, at the beginning of high school, I was not as knowledgeable in the subjects as I am now, and because of them I was able to succeed.”

When his successful high school career comes to an end on June 9, Savlidis will be attending Boston College - a place he considered very “beautiful” as well as “prestigious” - as a biology major, considering the subject one of his favorites over his four years at MHS.

Although the sciences are some of his favorite interests, he considers Computer Programming teacher Paul Marques, English teacher Pasquale DiBenedetto, and mathematics teacher Brad Gelling as three of the most influential people in helping achieve his final standing in the top ten.

“I really enjoyed [DiBenedetto’s] class because it was very thought-provoking and a very good atmosphere for students to learn,” he said. “[Gelling’s] laid-back attitude made it a lot easier to learn and his stories were just excellent.”

In addition to having DiBenedetto as an English 10 teacher, Sav-

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo by Jessica Lynn DePaula. lidis took a school-to-career period with him this year, while he also knew Gelling as the advisor to the MHS Chess Club. According to Savlidis, Chess Club was his most prominent extracurricular activity at during his successful high school career, serving as president since he was a sophomore. Chess has always been one of his favorite games and he still enjoys “introducing the game to new people and changing the way they think about [it].” He was also involved with Marques’ classes for the duration of his four years, attending various field trips and activities relating to those studies.

Savlidis’ schedule has allowed him the opportunity to take dual enrollment classes with Bunker Hill Community College that are offered at MHS, as well as some in the University of Massachusetts system. The “college atmosphere” was

something Savlidis felt suited his learning style from the start, so he is excited to attend BC to continue that this coming fall.

Outside of school, he enjoys supporting Boston’s sports teams, especially the New England Patriots and, more recently, he has joined the growing fandom for the Boston Bruins. Since he comes from a family that originated in Greece, he is also a big soccer fan as it has always been in his life and remains a “very personal game.” Athletic activity, along with the stellar academic programs, was a major criteria in his final college verdict; he is already looking forward to experiencing the upcoming football and hockey seasons at BC as both student and spectator.

Savlidis has learned to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself - the two major pieces of advice he brings forth to future MHS students.

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Top Ten Profiles maldenblueandgold.com

9. Christina LaFauci Megan Kelly Head of World

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he first thing you notice about Christina LaFauci is her smile.

No matter where she is or what she is doing, she never fails to have an ear-to-ear grin plastered on her face.

The second thing you notice is that she either has her backpack on or a stack of heavy, often complicated textbooks in her arms. She pauses in the hallway with them in hand to catch up with you quickly in between classes before she’s off again, heading off to another part of Malden High School.

But rushing from class to class doesn’t means she has little time for a social life, as you can find her with one of her many friends from the MHS band, such as fellow senior Janice Yiu, in the band room, where “she’d always be willing to help me with anything.” And as her time at MHS draws to a close, LaFuaci’s dedication to not only her studies, but also her friends, has earned her the rank as one of the top ten students of the class of 2013, as well as of an “amazing friend” by many.

LaFauci admits that her journey to senior year was never an academic joyride. “Not every subject has come easy to me, but I always worked hard to understand

Photo by Amanda De Moraes.

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avender Yu is a prime example of what it means to be dedicated and committed, not only to school work, but also to the outside activities of which she is a part. She is ready for the next step in her life and the new and different experiences in America that she only dreamt of when she lived in China.

Yu moved from China a mere three years ago. Since then she has made amazing friends and met great teachers. Ann Pember, Shannon Votaw and Brian Morrison in particular have helped her to strive at Malden High School and achieve

“I said to myself: ‘What if I woke up, and every single day I did everything within my ability during that day to change my life? What could happen in just a month? A year?’”

- Liz Murrary

Photo by Meg Kelly. the concepts.” A key proponent to LaFauci’s success at MHS was her willingness to seek assistance from both her teachers and friends. This, combined with her relentless effort at getting the best results possible from her work, has managed to earn her the spot of number 8 in the rankings of the Class of 2013’s graduating class. As a member of the top ten, LaFauci comments that while her grades were a major part of school “it was the little things that were important,” sharing that it was the times with her friends that made more of an impact on her rather than stressing over grades and test scores.

One of her best “little moments” that have happened at MHS

10. Lavender Yu Amanda De Moraes Reporter

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Emma Ceplinskas Reporter her goal of attending UMASS Amherst in the fall. Pember wrote her a recommendation and Morrison has always admired her personality.

Throughout her time at Malden High School, Yu has been an avid participant of the community. She is president of the Math Team, Chemistry Club, and Psychology Club.

Outside of MHS, she also interned at Science Club For Girls where she helped mentor and plan activities to encourage girls in the Boston area to become more involved in the science field. She also participated in several summer leadership programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, and also tutored Chinese children in English.

Yu will be attending University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she will be majoring in Biology, thanks to her AP Biology teacher, Votaw, who made her love the subject. She states that Votaw never got tired of her continuous questions, and would always answer them patiently and until Yu understood completely.

The fields she is looking into all center around biotechnology and DNA cancer research. She is thinking of possibly going to medical school after graduating from UMass Amherst, or perhaps becoming a Biology or Chemistry teacher. She is also excited to “experience new

LaFauci shares is the infamous lunch with ‘Brenda,’ otherwise known as 2013 classmate Jessica Breen. During sophomore year Breen and LaFauci were together in English 10 honors class, where Breen had been known as ‘Brenda’ by her teacher. One day during long block Breen and LaFauci were talking when LaFauci saw her classmate ‘Brenda’ be referred to as Jessica, “I looked around confused as a girl named Brenda waved at the girl calling for Jessica. I looked at her and said, ‘Isn’t your name Brenda?’

“We died laughing,” explains Breen.

Three years later, Breen describes LaFauci “as still the same happy, goofy girl I knew back then,” and as she has advanced in her studies she “has opened up a lot more to

more people and seems to be happier and enjoy [her] life more.”

As LaFauci moves on to attend University of Massachusetts at Amherst this fall, she advises that to get the best “little moments” out of high school that you need “get involved in order to make the four years [of high school] memorable. They fly by.”

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”

-Samuel Beckett things,” in college, such as different types of classes that she did not take while at MHS. Yu plans to try several history, business and psychology classes before graduating from UMass Amherst.

While attending school in China, Yu dormed with 8 other people, so rooming with one next year will be a change that she gladly welcomes. Yu also anticipates the “different resources and opportunities,” that will be available at her fingertips. She is not only concerned with academics, however. Yu, a passionate ice skater, is also excited to be able to frequently ice skate in the winter, as there are several ponds near UMass Amherst which she plans on taking advantage of come winter.

The largest obstacle Yu has had to overcome is the difference in culture between China and America. Communication struggles and diversity adaptations have been a

huge challenge. Developing friendships were also a struggle for Yu, but her hard work and determination have allowed her to come this far. She does not plan on moving back to China anytime soon due to her love of America.

Her advice to MHS students is to “try different things” and to not hesitate because it will only “hold you back.” “Don’t be afraid to mess up” either because failure is one of the best teachers and high school is a place where it is okay to be wrong.

Most importantly, “enjoy high school because it will be over before you know it.”

“It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun.” - Barack Obama

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Manale Zouhir Reporter

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Laps for Leslie

n Thursday, May 9, 2013 Laps For Leslie took place-- an event created in the honor of Leslie Ann Razzino. “Leslie embodied what we would want in every resident here in Malden and that’s why I came down to make sure she is honored and remembered,” stated Mayor Gary Christenson.

Razzino passed away due to cancer in 2004 after graduating Malden High School. “The entire family was courageous during the battle [against cancer]. It wasn’t just Leslie fighting the disease, it was her entire family,” expressed MHS principal Dana Brown.

The Razzino family remained strong after her passing and displayed ample courage and determination by creating this event.

Because of Laps for Leslie, scholarships are given out each year to honor Leslie at Senior Awards Night. The scholarships are given to

girls who enjoy track and to those who have a passion for poetry, like Leslie. Karen Razzino, Leslie’s mother and a Business teacher at MHS states that “[she] wanted to do something in memory of [her] daughter that could connect to the school [Leslie] went to.” The Razzino family brought the community together to honor Leslie’s love of track and poetry to earn money to fund a scholarship for a student.

The event was held at MacDonald Stadium and although rain was predicted, the day ended up being clear and sunny outside, perfect weather for the event. According to business teacher Beth Horwitz, “It [was] beautiful how the sun [was] shining. It’s Leslie; she’s making sure this is a beautiful day.”

Since 2004, the event has been a success due to the fact that people from the community enjoy coming together for this cause. Facilitator

All photos by Manale Zouhir and Chaimae El Adlouni.

Joe Levine states that “this is a great event [because] the school really comes together. You get to see different sports working together and I’m so proud to be a part of this event.”

Each year, many MHS sports teams go to the event to walk in Leslie’s honor and because all the sports teams are involved, athletic director Dan Keefe, “[tries] to avoid scheduling games on this day so that we can get all the teams here,” to celebrate her memory because “the athletic department has always been involved in [this event].” Track member junior Jacqueline Bouley also says that she “enjoys doing it because it’s for a good cause...it’s a major motivation and [she] thinks it’s a great way to honor Leslie.”

Everyone gathered and there was an atmosphere of hope and pride among the entire group of people. “It’s a community thing, it’s

15 Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter

a feel good thing. It’s for one day and then it’s over and that’s great because a lot of times people have a lot of things to do and it’s easy to commit to this,” added Karen Razzino.

All who were a part of this event felt honored and proud to be celebrating someone with such great integrity. It was successful, with many people uniting and several sponsors supporting the cause. “Our whole staff admires Mrs. Razzino [and] it fills us with great pride to see students coming out and that Leslie’s legacy is still alive,” concluded Marguerite Gonsalves, president of Malden Teacher’s Union.

Through this event, the true spirit and sense of community in Malden is shown; Leslie’s spirit is carried on throughout MHS and on the track and although she is gone, she will forever be remembered.

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Choral Arts Society Holds A Memorable Spring Concert

Ashley Leung Reporter

Patricia Luong Reporter

Scan this to watch our video on the Choral Arts Concert.

From top to bottom: Malden High School’s Concert Choir.

The male members of the Concert Choir performing “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” The female members of the Concert Choir performing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a-My-Hair.” Malden High School’s Mixed Chorus.

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alden High School’s Choral Arts Society held their annual Spring Concert on May 8, 2013. A tremendous amount of hard work has been done with the help of Todd Cole, the director of the Choral Arts Society, to pull off the event. In every class, the musicians worked on technique, pitch, rhythm, and learning/memorizing their selections.

The concert started off with a performance of “Hallelujah”, Cole’s favorite piece performed that night, for not only was it a wonderful piece, but the choir enjoyed singing that song. Other selections performed by the concert choir included “You Made Me Love You,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” and “If I Fell.”

Before the audience welcomed the Mixed Chorus, the males of the Concert Choir gave an outstanding performance of “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” with solos from nearly all the singers.

Although the Mixed Chorus has many first year musicians, they pulled off a spectacular performance, wowing the crowd with “One Short Day,” “Bring Him Home,” “How Long,” “I Can’t Smile Without You,” and “With One Dream.” Freshman Vanise Loc states that, “there was a bit of work to be done on some pieces with little time to get it done, but

in the end [they] pulled it together and gave it [their] best at the night of the concert.”

The Madrigal Singers took the stage after the Mixed Chorus and delighted the audience with songs in different languages. Selections sung by the Madrigal Singers included “I Delight In All Your Beauty,” “La, La, La (Je ne ‘lo),” “O occhi, manza mia,” “Leave, alas, this tormenting,” “Since Robin Hood,” and “You Stole My Love.”

The concert ended with final performances from the Concert Choir. The females of the Concert Choir opened up with a song called “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.” Altogether, the songs created a fun atmosphere for the audience. The Concert Choir proceeded to sing “Festival Sanctus,” “Summertime,” “Cantate Domino,” and closed the concert with a strong performance of “That’s Life.”

This year’s concert did not disappoint and left the audience wanting an encore. Cole has advised the musicians of the Choral Arts Society to “keep practicing because there is always room to grow as a musician.

But most importantly, never lose [their] love for singing [because] it should always be one of the most enjoyable things [they] do.”

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MHS BAND: TAKES THE STAGE Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter

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n May 30, 2013 the Malden High School concert band held their annual Spring Concert in order to display another year of hard work and achievement. The first section of the show included the percussion ensemble, pop ensemble, jazz band.

After the intermission, the concert band and winter color guard team took the stage. This was the first year that the band was able to assemble a jazz band, which proved to be the highlight of the night.

The concert opened with a drum solo performed by juniors Jorge Allende and Jason Barsadi, who creatively incorporated a studio mix. Following this was a snare solo done by junior Sal Cherone, followed by junior Anthony Torres and his tenor solo to “Butterfingers”.

Lastly was “Joy” performed by the percussion ensemble, consisting of marimbas, vibraphones, and xylo-

MHS Band teacher, Matthew Tavares in the band room. phones.

Following the percussion ensemble was the Pop Ensemble which consisted of the beginners that first started in the band this year. Their performance included pieces from “Proud Mary” by Creedance Clearwater Revival, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, and “Smooth Criminal”

by Michael Jackson. The beginner band included several guitarists,

four pianists, and various marimbists.

As for the jazz band, they performed three pieces, including “Jam Session”, “Los Suertes de Los Tontos” by Stan Kenton, and “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman.

Solos were performed by senior Jason Aviles, junior Jared Adelman, Gabriel Micheli, senior Vinny Cardoso, sophomore Blue and Gold

member James Mazarakis, and junior Joshua Nattal.

After the intermission, the crowd was ready for the second part of the show, which featured the Concert Band. It began with a composition that had a mix of different Disney songs, including “Under The Sea” from the Little Mermaid, “Beauty and the Beast” from the namesake film Beauty and the Beast, and “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin, but the Concert Band started to perform whole songs that the crowd devoured.

The seniors took a moment out of the performance to thank Tavares for his utmost dedication and resilience. The crowd, as well as the performers, were feeling anxious to see what the present contained, and to everyone’s surprise, it was a toaster oven. Another smaller gift contained a Keurig K-cup pack of coffee.

After a few more songs, Tavares took time to recognize the seniors in Concert Band, as well as the alumni who were once a part of the love and unity that was shown in those few minutes. The seniors will be missed, but future officers will take great care of the Concert Band.

Clockwise from top left: Juniors Jorge Allenda and Jason Barsotti, performing the opening act. Junior Jason Aviles, playing with the jazz band. Junior Anthony Torres. Junior Sal Cherone playing his tenor solo.

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National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Johanna Lai Head of Business

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he night of May 14, 2013 was not just another one of those normal nights at Malden High School.

Instead, it was the night when the Jenkins Auditorium held the John W. Hutchins Chapter 86th Annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. In this ceremony, family, friends, retirees, and teachers gathered around to see their family, friends, and students be inducted in NHS. Senior Ashly Brun, a new inductee to NHS, stated that she wanted to join NHS because of her “service project bracelets for Quinchos. [She] believed that with NHS’s commitment of encouraging students to make an impact on their community, she would bring more awareness to the Los Quinchos organization in Nicaragua.”

Sophomore Sebastian Patino, who is also a new inductee, expressed that “it is an honor to be in NHS. It is an experience that [he] believes all high school students should have; a chance to truly show your capabilities and to prove that you have that leadership quality inside you. It is a true blessing.”

The ceremony began with the members of NHS walking onto the stage with flowers and sitting at their proper seats. NHS advisor Paul Marques began the night with opening comments, and then senior President Iris Feng followed with the opening welcome. Mayor Gary Christenson, MHS Principal Dana Brown and Malden Public Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. David DeRousi, were also present during the NHS Induction Ceremony.

Once Feng opened with the official welcoming, the Candle Lighting Service took place. The service started with senior and Blue and Gold editor-in-chief, Sharon Lee, delivering a speech on the topic of leadership. Senior Natalie Melo

Senior Natalie Melo lighting the candle of Scholarship once she made her speech to the audience at the NHS Induction Ceremony. Photo by Johanna Lai. then addressed scholarships. Senior Erika Hanson followed by speaking about service and last, but not least, senior Simon Rogers delivered a speech on character.

After the Candle Lighting Service ended, senior Vice President and Blue and Gold online editor-in-chief, Catherine Poirier, read the NHS pledge to the 35 new inductees. In return, they repeated the pledge to her. The inductees received their NHS pins, certificates, and cards from Marques and Brown with senior Secretary, Lisa DeLacey, giving a description about the new inductees.

Once the NHS pins, cards, and certificates were given out, Marques came to the podium and asked the new officers and retired officers to walk towards the table of the stage.

The new officers for next year are juniors Winnie Chen, John Dovan, Christine Le, and sophomore Blue and Gold member, Julie Lam. The Candle Lighting service to the new officers began with DeLacey, who lit the candle to the new secretary, Le, and handing her the journal. Then, senior Treasurer and Blue and Gold

Senior Erika Hanson making her speech about Service at the NHS Induction Ceremony. Photo by Johanna Lai.

editor-in-chief, Lauren Benoit, lit the candle for the next treasurer, Dovan, and handed him the record book.

Next, Poirier lit the candle to the next Vice President, Lam, and handed her the plaque. Finally, Feng lit the candle to new President, Chen, and hands her the gavel. In return, the new officers gave them gifts for their service as officers.

Marques recited a speech to the new and retiring officers, and then, the old officers blew out their candles. Benoit called out the names of the senior members as soon as they received their NHS sashes and the book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss.

The seniors made a tribute to their family members, friends, and staff members of MHS. Once finished, the Teacher of the Year award was given out by junior Florantine “Monica” Joseph to science teacher, Shannon Votaw. Then, DeLacey gave out the Mentor of the Year award to Principal Brown. The NHS Induction Ceremony came to a close with Benoit giving the End of the Year Report and Marques and Principal Brown giving their closing

comments.

NHS has created an impact on all of the members, the community, and use all of their time when they get a chance.

The new officers and reitiring offcers stand at the podium as the retiring officers light the candles to the new officers. Photo by Johanna Lai.

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MHS Sophomore Composer Len Tetta Andrew Cogliano Reporter

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n May 5th, 2013, Malden High School sophomore Len Tetta worked with the Boston Composers Coalition (BCC) and many other composers to present a “solofest”, where the composers would each present a piece they had composed themselves. The BCC works with many composers within the Boston area and hosts many non-profit concerts for the artists to showcase their pieces. They also work with live streaming music on the web for worldwide access to the music.

Above: Len Tetta on the day of his composition. Below: The church where Tetta began working with mu- Tetta’s piece was played, 2 Elm Street. Photos by Andrew Cogliano. sic at age nine, when he learned to play the guitar. He has been composing music since 2007, with help where his Quartet for Clarinet and a young mind. Tetta also expressed that he would definitely like to make from AP music theory teacher, Todd Strings was played.

May 5th marked the perfor- a career out of his music.

Cole. Tetta was originally spotted by Although he was the youngest Mayor Christenson (then a Coun- mance of his first classical piece, entitled “New York”, at the First Parish composer at the solofest, Len Tetta cilman) in his first public performance on MATV, and was invited Universalist church on 2 Elm Street. has a bright future in the world of to perform at an annual concert in When asked where the inspiration music composition and perforBellrock Park, and has returned an- for the piece came from, he says that mance. This summer at the Boston nually. Last summer, he was also a Claude Debussy, Gustav Mahler, University Tanglewood Institute featured performer during the first and Antonin Dvorak were big influ- also promises great things for Tetta Malden Street Performers Program. ences, in addition to the previously and his talents. At such a young age, Tetta has also performed at other mentioned Yo-Yo Ma. He says he he is in the perfect position to make venues, from The Tavern in Hyde was glad to have his composition, decisions that will affect his entire Park to Smoken’ Joes. Tetta has also and the compositions of the other future. From humble beginnings, been accepted to study with the attendees, “played by wonderful Tetta has shown that with a little skill and the right help, that hard Boston University Tanglewood In- musicians.”

Tetta is also thankful for the work most certainly pays off. stitute over the summer of 2013.

Tetta began composing clas- generous support he has received sical music when Cole took him and from his friends, family, instructors, the rest of the Music Theory class to and fellow composers. They are see a rehearsal at the Boston Sym- “very supportive” stated Tetta as he phony Orchestra with the famous also remarks that it’s “great to have cellist Yo-Yo Ma. To date, he has all the encouragement.” The turnout composed four symphonies, along for the concert was proof enough with multiple shorter pieces. In the that Tetta’s family and friends were summer of 2012, he attended the not the only ones who saw the New York Summer Music Festival, great potential and energy in such

National Latin Exam Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter Casey Lyons Reporter

Sophomore Jenny Nguyen proudly holds her silver medal and certificate.

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he National Latin Exam holds a proud tradition of testing students rigorously, based on their Latin abilities and knowledge. Every Malden High School student who took a Latin class had the option to participate in the exam, which took place earlier this year, and teachers were very impressed to see that many students did take the opportunity seriously. Students had 45 minutes to answer 40 questions, in which they proved that a little practice can go a long way.

With the pressure of 150,000 students competing, MHS alone was up against some tough competition, such as Boston Latin Academy and Boston Latin School. However, MHS finished strong, and it was proven, when seven students received certificates, and one student received a silver medal.

Christine Arcidiacono, a firstyear Latin teacher, knew that her students were “very capable” of doing well on the exam, which proved to be correct. Sophomore Jenny Nguyen won a silver medal and certificate, and “[she] was thoroughly shocked”. However, when the shock subdued, “[she] felt very proud of [herself, and] very accomplished.”

Arcidiacono had mutual feelings, as she was “extremely proud” of the participants. Although this was her first year teaching, she knew what steps to take to benefit her students, and great results erupted after the test.

Nguyen took this exam expecting nothing, but she ended victorious. Because she is in Latin II, she took the Level 2 test, but she is preparing herself mentally to take next year’s test with more goals and satisfying endings.

To “understand [what is] going on in class, [as well as getting] help” is some important advice Nguyen gives to herself, as well as future test-takers.

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Photos by Patricia Luong, Manale Zouhir, and Carmellite J. Chamblin.

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Photo collage by Kristen Leonard and Casey Lyons.

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Real World Experience for MHS Seniors Myle Nguyen Reporter

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n Wednesday, May 30, 2013, Malden High School held their annual senior internship exhibition in the Finn Gym. Seniors were able to share their learning experiences to MHS students, staff, and other members of the Malden community, including Mayor Gary Christenson.

Senior internship is a program that allows seniors to gain real life experience by working in fields that interest them. First, seniors must submit proposals that detail their internship, which must be approved by the Senior Internship Committee.

Before they start interning, seniors also have to find a guide who will assist them on their worksite and a mentor, who is a MHS staff member, responsible for monitoring their performance throughout the program. After completing the internship, seniors have to write a paper about their experiences and create a presentation for the exhibition.

For their project, seniors are able to choose internships at various work sites that interests them. “Find something outside of your comfort zone, something that [you have] never done before,” advised senior Mona Cheng, who interned at Senator Katherine Clark’s office. This year, internship sites had a great range of varieties, from the high school itself to hospitals, salons, and restaurants.

Internships are beneficial to students in many ways. It “gives students an idea of what the real world will be like,” explained Valentine Banor, a senior who interned to the main office at MHS to create

“It’s a chance to experience the world before you actually get there.”

“It helps you figure out what you want to do and helps solidify who you want to be.”

-Karen Razzino, Head of Senior Internship Committee

-Prayush Pokharel

Clockwise: Seniors Ashly Brun, Blue and Gold member Amalia Quesada Nylen, Chenoa Capasso, Valerie Cogliano, Kelsey Conti, Noah Nguyen, Kevin Ortiz and Gabriela Andrade. Photos by Myle Nguyen and Sumya Mohiuddin. an application for mobile devices called the Tornado Hub For students looking to do internship later on, MHS history teacher and Senior Internship Committee member, Kevin Kilbride advises to “get your proposals in early and make sure [they are] done well.” Senior Natalie Melo, who interned with Tina Dinh and Sharon Lee to coordinate Family Science Night, said to “be aware

because [it is] more work than you think it is.” Interns have to work a minimum of thirty hours per week for five weeks. Chenoa Capasso, who worked with fifth and sixth graders for her internship, also advised future interns to “go somewhere they will enjoy because five weeks is a long time.”

Overall, senior internship is great way for students to experience

adult-life and is truly beneficial to all interns. Brown stressed that “[he] would love to see one day at MHS for every senior to do internship, [it is] that important. [It is] good for you to learn to find out what you like to do, what you [do not] like to do.” Senior Prayush Pokharel’s view concurs with Mr. Brown, having the experience states “it helps you figure out what you want to do and helps solidify who you want to be”.

Patricia Lopez presenting her project. Photo by Myle Nguyen and Sumya Mohiuddin.

Seniors Prayush Pokharel, Matthew Nunes, and Valentine Banor posing with the app they created, the Tornado Hub, which includes information about the daily schedule of the high school during their internship. Photo by Myle Nguyen and Sumya Mohiuddin.

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Profile:

(Heba Abolaban)

Known for being attacked after the Boston Marathon bombing, Heba Abolaban tells her story as an important part of the Malden community and Malden’s diversity James Mazarakis Reporter

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n a community with so many unique cultures and ethnic groups, it is pretty hard to believe that such a spirited woman as Heba Abolaban would become the victim of a crime amidst the chaos following the Boston Marathon bombings.

But after countless interviews and stories about the event, it should not be forgotten that Abolaban is a valuable newcomer to the Malden community.

“There is ignorance everywhere you go,” Abolaban says, “[but in the end] I remembered that Malden is a place I can walk through the streets and be respected.”

Abolaban has origins in Pakistan, but she was born in Saudi Arabia, where she lived for nine years.

She then moved to Damascus, Syria, where she got an education and remained for 16 years. Abolaban was presented with several locations to move into, but after some investigations by her husband, Ahmad Abmoujahed, she learned of Malden’s

dren (WIC) office, where she gets along with the staff and meets new people. She also spends much of her time exploring the city’s nicest parks and venues.

Abolaban keeps in touch with her family, who remain in the Middle East, and she has managed to make an independent life of her own in Malden. “[Taking care of my] baby is a 24-hour-a-day job”, she laughs, but along with her involvement in WIC office, she has also proved her experience in the medical field. She graduated from Damascus Medical School with her husband before she moved to Boston, and her talents allowed her to enroll in the Master of Public Health program of Northeastern University next fall.

Perhaps one of Abolaban’s clearest qualities is her commitment to her religion, Islam. Raised a Muslim, she was made familiar to the Qur’an -- the holy book of Islam -- and its many principles of “love” and “respect”. She wears a hijab with pride when she takes walks and lunches with her husband and daughter in various parks through-

“There is ignorance everywhere you go... [but in the end] I remembered that Malden is a place I can walk through the streets and be respected.” diversity and multiculturalism. This appealed to the couple, and they moved to Malden in late 2010.

Now the mother of an elevenmonth-old daughter, Shaam (the name representing both “unique” and the region where both Abolaban and her husband were born), Abolaban has made herself an active member of her community.

Abolaban brings her daughter to the Malden Women, Infants and Chil-

out Malden. “It’s a religion of kindness and giving and tolerance,” she says, “many people make fables about what is in the holy book, but if you read the original source, it teaches you many lessons that are valuable.”

Her faith was tested the terrible day she was assaulted by a crazed man who blamed “her kind” for the Boston Marathon bombings. This traumatizing event made Abola-

From left to right: 11-month-year-old Shaam Almujahed, Heba Abolaban, and her husband Ahmad Abmoujahed. Photo by Nicholas Bramante. ban and her daughter Shaam, who was in her arms at the time, see the human race in a whole new light.

“I really did think that if I went outside, there would be someone who would try and hit me again,” Abolaban said. “But after about four days, we remembered that we were in a loving community.” It was also her husband who pushed her to talk to the media following the incident; they decided it was beneficial for the American society to sacrifice a large portion of their privacy to make their story heard.

Following this tragedy, Abolaban has made it a point to spread the “true” meaning of Islam and the principals of most of its 1.57 billion followers. At the Boston Marathon Bombing vigil held by the City of Malden last April, she told a number of Malden residents about the beauty in Islam’s ideologies and referenced the NuDay Syria Organization of which she is an active participant. The organization’s goal

is to “alleviate the humanitarian situation inside Syria” and gather supporters to have their voices heard.

Her speech was one of the event’s highlights, as her energy filled the crowd with spirit on an otherwisedark time.

After an eventful two years of her life, Heba Abolaban thanks her community for supporting her and being such an accepting, tolerant community. “I would love to invite all people to read more about Islam and enjoy the beauty of it,” Abolaban says, “If anyone has any questions about Islam, they can easily go to [the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center] or any Islamic Center.”

If you see Abolaban on the streets of Malden with her husband and daughter, be sure to say Salam wa aleikum -- an Arabic greeting meaning peace be upon you. And peace, as we have learned after countless tragedies this year, is something that we should all aspire to.

How to Learn More about Muslim Religion & Culture American Muslim Center @ 6 Victoria Street, Everett, MA

Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center @ 100 Malcolm X Boulevard, Roxbury Crossing, MA

Abolaban speaking to residents of Malden during the peace vigil for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings on Apr. 22, 2013. After several religious speakers, the spectators of the vigil walked outside to light candles and listen to resident speakers, including Abolaban. Photo by Nicholas Bramante. Layout by Jessica DePaula and James Mazarakis.

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NHS Relay For Life: let the good times roll Nicholas Bramante Reporter

Special Olympics Ashley Leung Reporter

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n May 3rd, laughter and music filled the air near the Malden High School courtyard. A National Honors Society-run project, Relay For Life, was more exciting than the title may suggest. Much less of a relay, and more of a carnival, the Relay For Life was an idea proposed by the NHS, and supported by the crew team. A simple ticket was all someone needed for admission, and purple bracelets indicated who were the participants. At the beginning of the event, the courtyard was the main attraction. With a variety of games and activities, there was bound to be something there for everyone.

Attractions varied from an all-skill toss of a football through a tire, to a game of lucky frog fishing.

The most popular attraction of them all, must have been the pie-in-theface stand. While there were only make-shift pies (paper plates with whipped-cream), it was still just as fun and sugary as the more common variant of the game. Multiple people stepped up to plate for pies, including junior David Kibazo and science teacher Shauna Cambell.

Not too long after each person had prepared themselves, the pies starting flying.

Eventually, a crowd of students and teachers alike showed up to not only watch, but take part in the chaos, even Principle Brown. As a vibrant playlist filled the event with loud music, people seemed to really enjoy themselves. For each event, small medals were given out to the many participants. who attended.

Smaller games like mini-bowling (which took an artistic advantage of the courtyard’s black pavement strip) and balloon darts had a place as well, giving all the contestants quick but fulfilling periods of victory and joy. For everyone who honed their skills long enough to be able to successfully complete the activities, there were small medals given out.

While these medals may have been modest, there were certainly many hanging from the necks of the victors.

About an hour into the event, the High School’s gymnasium had opened its doors, and about half of the people attending the event flooded in. As nets were set up and the court began to fill, various games ranging from volleyball to soccer were played. For over a good hour, the gym filled with the sounds of contact and team tactics. As the night came close to an end, raffle prizes that earlier that day were bet for, were given out. That, along with waves of free items, such as bottles and shirts, were thrown about into the crowd which proved to be quite the pleaser.

Right up until closing time, most of the original attending stu-

The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Patricia Luong Reporter

A A ‘Balloon Dart” game amongst many others proved to be a bit tricky for some contestants. Photo by Nicholas Bramante.

Sophomores Samantha Dorazio, Sebastian Patino, & Alana Burdime. Photo by Nicholas Bramante.

Another game “Fishin For Froggies” takes a new spin on a traditional game. Photo by Nicholas Bramante.

Science teacher Shauna Campbell smiling after getting a pie in the face. Photo by Nicholas Bramente. dents had stuck around, along with many new-comers. As far as being a project, it was definitely a successful one. It seemed many people there enjoyed the project as a whole, and although they may have been skeptical at first, many seemed like they

would be more than willing to go to another event similar to this one.

All in all, the event was a fun and inexpensive way for many of MHS students to have a good time, and a future event like this may prove to be just as successful as this one.

spring day filled with cheer, May 2, 2013 was a memorable to the Malden community, especially the special education population at Malden High School; Special Olympics. Dana Brown, the principal of MHS as well as the one of the coordinators for the Special Olympics, created this event because he as well as others, felt the need to “offer [the] special education population an opportunity to participate in these international games.”

This year Special Olympics took place at the newly renovated MacDonald Stadium. The 50 meter walk, tennis ball/softball throw, and 200 meter race were just some of the fun events the kids participated in.

The special needs community and parents are not the only ones that look forward to this event; students at MHS are also involved and excited. This year, many students volunteered and helped out at the Special Olympics, something that was not only was it beneficial to the event, but also to the students themselves. Senior Valentine Banor volunteered at the Special Olympics for the first time this year and stated that the Special Olympics is probably the “greatest outdoor event” coordinated.

He felt that the event helped bind the community together by integrating “the special need students and athletes,” “[and it] makes us both strong.” It was rewarding for Banor as “there is nothing better than seeing these kids smile.”

Devon Moran, a senior who has volunteered at the Special Olympics all four years of her high school career, knows how important this event is to the MHS community. “It really brings the athletes and volunteers closer together,” says Moran. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience for Moran as there is “nothing more amazing than seeing the joy and pride the athletes take when participating in the games.”

Each and every year, more people look forward to the Special Olympics. The event gets bigger and better, and this year was no exception. Principal Brown already has high aspirations for next year’s Special Olympics. According to Principal Brown, the main significance of the event to the city is that “MHS is a special place where all sorts of people work, study, etc.

It is a true community. Special Olympics is just one symbol of that unity.”

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Malden vs. the Harlem Wizards James Mazarakis Reporter

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he Class of 2015 struck gold in organizing one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, bringing the famous New York basketball team, the Harlem Wizards, to Malden High School’s own Finn Gym. On May 7, 2013, students, teachers, and residents of Malden joined the audience to watch the team of seven play, or, more accurately, perform, basketball.

“It was a great night,” Class of 2015 advisor Paula Valente said following the event, stating that it was also “very successful.”

Rather than playing a serious game of basketball, the Harlem Wizards make a show of cheating the other players, stopping to have personal arguments, and taking time out of the game to involve the audience in their foolish endeavors.

Players as tall as 6’8” took the hands of nearby adults and children to dance; numerous comedic breaks dotted each quarter of the game, which long surpassed a basketball game’s typical length.

Members of the “Tojo Team”, as the Harlem Wizards registered themselves in the game, consisted of only six players, their heights ranging from 5’9” to 6’8”. Tojo Henderson, a basketball player from New Jersey, was the oldest player on the team; he has been part of the Harlem Wizards since 1967.

“Mighty Mike” Simmel, the shortest of the lot, struggled with epilepsy as a child. Overcoming this affliction, he became a professional basketball player and founded the Epilepsy Foundation, earning the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award (TOYA), a prize that has been given to United States Presidents John F.

Chris McDonald as Nedlam battling with one of the Harlem Wizards.

Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton.

On the other side of the gymnasium were the twenty-one players that made the Malden team.

With students and teachers from Malden High School, Forestdale, Linden, and MHS alumni, it was a well-rounded team. Representing MHS were teachers Hava Daniels, Dorothy Levine, Evan Mauser, Greg Cocca, and students Rodney Morton, Tommy Steele, Bryan Mitchell, Jean Sylvain, Levar Simpson, Jessica D’Esposito, Lisa DeLacey, and Norma Bourque-Pimente. Principal Dana Brown acted as the game’s referee.

The match, more an act than a game, had the Wizards both proving their mettle and playing a fair game. While many Malden players made goals, the towering Wizards could shoot a hoop from halfway across the gym; they often tricked unexpecting opponents by doing near-impossible tricks with the ball.

The Wizards, clearly in for the fun rather than for the win, found themselves shooting hoops on both sides

of the stadium.

There was doubt among the officers of the Class of 2015 prior to the event, as they feared that there were not enough people purchasing tickets. After investing a large sum of money in the event, it was not at first clear that they could raise enough money to make a decent profit. The turnout, however, turned out to be much greater than expected; dozens of new guests bought tickets at the door and made themselves comfortable in the stadium. The sophomore class raised about a thousand dollars, according to Class of 2015 officer Alyssa Figuerido. “We’re going to try to do it again senior year, and try to get more people to come next time,” Figuerido comments.

Several active children appeared at the scene, forming a cluster in the corner playing basketball, and from time to time they would get tangled with the basketball players, who were always ready to mess with their mind and play around.

“It was a great turnout,” Class of 2015 President Ashmael Brun declared, exhauted after the event, “[it feels great] to bond with my class... with Junior Varieties coming up next year, [and] I can’t wait to [do it] again.”

Side Photos, from top to bottom: Harlem Wizard #00 Tojo Henderson talking to youth audience members; Harlem Wizard #11 “Mighty Mike” Simmel doing basketball tricks; Harlem Wizard #31 John “Big J” Smith rallying a dance group; Harlem Wizard #27 dunking the ball into the net; Sebastian Patino as Nedlam leading the YMCA dance; Henderson blocking Malden players from the ball. Photos

by James Mazarakis.

Clockwise: Principal Dana Brown, referee of the playoff, arguing with Harlem Wizard #00 Tojo Henderson; the Harlem Wizards team posing with Alex Gentile; Harlem Wizard #31 John “Big J” Smith walking with a young audience member. Photos by James Mazarakis.

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Hamlet: Three Ways and Carmellite J Chamblin Reporter

Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter

“To be, or not to be.”

From top left: sophomore Katie Harbeck, juniors Anthony Pineiro and Tammy Tan, juniors Jason Drapinski and Stivia Demiri, sophomore Kaysa Jensen and junior Robyn Farrell, junior Sarah Zeiberg, sophomores Elizabeth Cordero and Harbeck. All photos by Carmellite Chamblin and Sumya Mohiuddin.

show the childish state that these characters were in. Additionally, there were sword fights, action robot figures, and artsy costumes to emphasize the childish behaviors.

Although the plot follows the original stroyline, the play itself had a unique twist.

Scan this to watch our video on Play Production’s newest play.

Playground Hamlet In this witty plot, the audience was introduced to the characters of Hamlet with a twist; they were childish, while staying true to the story. The story of Hamlet was visible through the characters’ motions and dialogue as well as props, such as tricycles, which were used to

Cobwebs In this play, the audience was introduced to two couples in a very tense atmosphere. The boyfriend was jobless, and was doing very little to change. The girlfriend claimed to be supportive as she tried to talk to him about the next steps to take to change things. But as the conversation continued, the two decide to part ways. As the newly single boyfriend contemplated on what next to do, a spider, played by junior Jason Drapinski, crawls in a comedic way into the room.

The boyfriend, upon seeing the

spider, fails to kill him, and exits the stage. The spider proceeds to speak to the audience about the woes of his life. As he rattled on about his experiences, another spider, Estelle, played by junior Stivia Demiri, made a remarkable entrance.

The two share tales of their life as young spiders and how “things were so simple back then,” according to Estelle. After she refuses to be with him, Drapinski’s character loses control of his actions.

The League of Semi-Superheroes Justice is waiting to be served with a team of qualified semi-superheroes. Carol, played by sophomore Michelle Foley, exasperatedly tells the group that no one has called in a long time, and there is no point in continuing the business of heroism. Junior Noah Milan’s character was pessimistic, and agreed wholeheartedly with Carol, but all the other semi-superheroes argued that

somebody might be in trouble, and they have to be there to save the day.

Sophomore Angelica Carberry’s character explains how “a group of dreamers who have lost their way,” may be in need of help.

In the end, the phone rings, and perhaps it is those who have lost their way. All hope was not lost.

Playtime with Alfred Everything junior Michael Howe’s character was experiencing brought him to the mental asylum.

It began with his constant hallucinations, where he sees his friend, Alfred, played by sophomore Jonathan Chipman, who is not very welcome.

After talking to Alfred, whom no one can see but Howe’s character, his teacher yells at him to stop talking, not seeing who he was talking to. After yelling back and biting his teacher, Mrs. Numan, played by junior Karen Ramirez, he runs away, and the next scene began with him in his spot at the mental asylum.

There, he again sees his friend from the past, Alfred. After a heated argument, which included the questioning of Alfred’s purpose of being there, Alfred screams “Because I am you.” The scene ends with Howe’s character having a mental breakdown, showing that bad memories always have a way of coming back.

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other ten-minute plays Congratulations to the Class of 2013:

Jonathan Drapinski, Simon Rogers, Will Lombard, Christy Ringdahl, Crystal Araiza, Rebecca Broomstein, Fernanda Muhlbeier, Danielle Aguinaldo, Anthony Pinero, and Gaby Rocha

From top left: sophomores Meghan Brown, Kaitlyn Weng, Elijah Jean-Baptiste, Angelica Carberry. juniors Noah Milan, Michael Howe and Karen Ramirez, sophomore Samantha French, seniors Rebecca Broomstein and Fernanda Muhlbeier, juniors Jason Drapinski and Anthony Pineiro, sophomore Samantha French, seniors Rebecca Broomstein and Fernanda Muhlbeier, and Malden High School principal Dana Brown. All photos by Carmellite Chamblin and Sumya Mohiuddin.

Words, Words, Words Monkeys should never be used to test a new scientific theory. Monkeys, who were played by seniors Rebecca Broomstein and Fernanda Muhlbeier, and sophomore Samantha French, were kept in a secluded area to produce a piece of writing that reflected the writings of classic writers, and one brave monkey decided to rebel. The two others wanted to stick with their owner’s plan, and that was to stay and continue typing. Why do scientists think three secluded monkeys trapped with three typewriters will create a notable work of art, such as Hamlet?

“Good luck, I hope that you can keep theater a part of your life.” -Allen Phelps

“Stay out of trouble, be good people, and listen to Motown!” -Sean Walsh

“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.”

-William Shakespeare

“I want to have thousands of babies with you. I want to eat flies with you, Estelle.”

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

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Girls Softball: Makes states with a Solid Season

Collage of the 2013 girls softball season. Photos by Andrew Cogliano, collage by Catherine Poirier.

Emma Ceplinskas Reporter Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online

M

alden High School’s softball team finished the season with a decent record of 12-10. The team clinched the amount of wins needed to qualify for the state tournament and the team continued striving for victory.

New varsity player, freshman Alexis Brown, took on the vital role as pitcher because last year’s star pitcher, Kiara Amos, graduated. However, Brown does not feel too much pressure because “[she] know[s] [she] has [her] team behind [her].” Senior captain Melissa Light mentioned that Brown “is doing a great job for her first year.” Senior captain Jessalynne Brown added, “getting to play with my little sister has been awesome!”

The team was confident that their efforts would qualify them for the tournament, which, in the end,

it did. The new goal was to possibly come out as the champs. “Most of the team is returning from last season so they have had just as much drive to work hard and get as far as they did last year,” expressed Jessalynne Brown. The team planned to take “one game at a time,” explains Light.

All the captains concur that the highlight of the season was shutting out Everett with a score of 7-0. “[The team] played them once this season and took a tough loss of 6-3, so it was great to work together as a team and come back and get the win,” stated Jessalynne Brown. The team continued to help each other and work as a unit to always keep improving.

On May 8, 2013, the team came out with a win against Sommerville with an impressive score of 18-0.

Later that week they challenged Lynn Classical in a heated battle for the win, but in the end, Malden lost with a final score of 8-4. However, the team had a huge victory on Thursday, May 16, 2013 against

Beverly. The final score was 13-1, allowing the team to make another step towards the state tournament.

The MHS girls softball team lost a tough battle to Medford High School’s team on May 20, 2013, 2 - 1.

This loss clinched MHS third overall in the Greater Boston League with Medford in first. However, on May 30, 2013, the team came back strong against Medford with a score of 162.

Light advises the younger players to “never get down on themselves and always give their all no matter what the circumstances are” because the game can change directions in an instant. Senior captain Hannah Calderone mentioned to have “good attitude coming into any sport” and to “pick each other up and always work together.” Senior captain Jessalynne Brown concluded to “Always have a positive mindset, try your best, be a team player, work hard but have fun, and enjoy your teammates because as the season goes on everyone gets close like a family!” The softball

girls have a strong bond on and off the field that will bring their goals to fruition.

Although this season turned out to be different than last year’s, the girls did not give up. In fact, they were more motivated than ever to play to the strengths of this year’s team, not dwelling on the past. Light adds “There was definitely some pressure on us because of how well we did last year.”

However, she adds, “[they have] handled it as best [they] could.” The team has developed together, learning where their new weaknesses lie. Light said that this was in fielding this year, “because teams are putting the bat on the ball a little more than last year.” This has forced them to focus on that aspect more so.

Captains Calderone, Light, and Brown led their team to the state tournament. The team’s run, however, was stopped when they lost to Concord-Carlisle, 10-1, on June 1, 2013 in the first round of the state tournament.

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baseball: clinching spot in state tournament

Joshua Kummins Editor-In-Chief Online Nicholas Bramante Reporter

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s the season ended, Malden High School’s baseball team worked hard and played harder. As stated by coach Kevin Carpentino, “We’ve actually [had a] pretty good [season].” As the team continued to power its way through the “grind”, the members were always ready for more, and were able to keep spirits high. With the captains pushing the players to give it all, Carpentino admitted that “[their team was very] motivated [and] they [liked] to play baseball.”

It was that exact motivation that had kept the team so determined, even through some of the hardships that the season had brought. As one of the captains, senior Nick Powers, explained that “[the captains had] to talk it up and get the other guys off the bench, so it’s really a big po-

sition.” The position had no doubt been left in capable hands, as this approach to the team proved successful. An over-all eagerness filled the team both in the field and in the dugouts, as the team was always quick to encourage their members with either familiar gestures, encouraging words, or even an occasional wise-crack.

While every team has its key players and important positions, it seems that every player and every position on MHS’s team was just as important as any other. Some players may have a more colorful record than others, but it was obvious that the carefully constructed architecture of teamwork found throughout the team was the key power that the team held. Without one player, the others could not proficiently perform to their full potential, and so, it seems the well oiled-machine, the MHS’s baseball team, really was the sum of all its parts.

Along with the team’s returning veterans, it would seem that

the new blood mixed in quite well, and were able to prove themselves as capable members of the team.

Receiving new players from not only MHS, but Malden Catholic as well, proved a valuable asset to the team. New members from MHS are always welcome, but the integration of Malden Catholic members as well was welcomed within the team. Carpentino explained, “next year’s crew will be mixed in with both the freshman team and junior varsity team.”

With these expectations set in, next year’s team holds as much promise as it did this year.

The fruits of the team’s labor were shown, as the team was able to obtain its place in the State Tournament. The team may have had its rough spots during the season, but they performed proficiently enough to make it to the State Tournament.

Some of the games in particular that shined in the team’s record this year, were the games against Melrose on April 13th, and East Boston, on April 24th. The team was able to

rack up impressive scores in these games along with a few others, the scores being 9-1 (April 13th) and 12-3 (April 24.) From most of games won, however, it seems that the team delivered crushing if not near-crushing scores, with only one game being particularly close with a single-point difference.

Carpentino talked about some of the team’s veterans, mentioning “we’ve got the three senior [captains] - Chuckie Gibson, Nick Powers, and Johnny Willcox - that have been a big part of the last few teams.

[Gibson] started as a freshman, so he will be missed. He’s played about 80 games on varsity, so he’s been around.” As old friends leave, new ones are made.

The team consisted of a handful of seniors who had led their team to the state tournament, but fell short to St. John’s Prep in the second round of the tournament. Regardless of not passing the second round, the baseball team ended the season with great memories.

Top row, from left to right: Senior captain Chuckie Gibson throws a pitch, junior Frailin Medrano leading off third base, junior Matt Delaney awaits a pitch from the catcher position, junior Philip Glynn stands in at home plate, senior captain Nick Powers in his wind-up. Bottom row, left to right: Senior captain Johnny Willcox high-fives senior Kevin Ortiz and junior Philip Glynn on his way back to the dugout after scoring a run. Bottom right: Junior Nick Ward throws a knuckleball against the Northeast Voke. All photos by Joshua Kummins.

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BOYS LACROSSE TEAM ENDS ON A GOOD NOTE Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter

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he Malden High School boys lacrosse season started off rough, going 0-8 before breaking through with their first win of the season against Winthrop. The team followed up this breakthrough with an exciting overtime win against Revere about a week later. The team’s final record is 3-11, and although they might have slipped from last year’s record of six wins, they have a lot to build on for next year, for the team is stocked with talented underclassmen.

Many athletes joined the lacrosse team this season, and with this income of new players, the upperclassmen were able to show their leadership skills. “We have two returning attackman, one middle, one [defenseman], and our goalie.

The rest are new and at first it [was] hard but [has got] better as the year [went] on,” explains senior captain Cruz Desrochers.

The team’s first win against Winthrop was on Apr. 26, 2013, with a score of 11-8. Senior captain Paul Kiernan scored multiple times along with Desrochers. In addition junior

Above: The MHS boys lacrosse team pose for a picture at the Laps for Leslie event. Below: The team in a huddle before a game. Bottom left: Senior Darrian DaSilva defending a player. Bottom middle: Senior captain Cruz Desrochers preparing to shoot a goal. Bottom right: Senior Alen Delva catching the lacrosse ball. Photos by Andrew Cogliano.

Devin Fitzpatrick scored the game tying and winning goals. Senior T.J. Ruddock led the team’s stellar defense, which only allowed only one goal in the second half. The lacrosse team put their game faces on by the second half; holding a strong defense.

Above: Senior Darrian Dasilva and sophomore Isaac Bethea playing defense during a game. Right: The MHS boys lacrosse team preparing to warm up before a game. Photos by Andrew Cogliano.

Their next win of the season occurred on May 7, 2013 against Revere in an exciting 8-7 overtime game. Desrochers was the one who scored the game winning goal bringing MHS the victory. Kiernan also contributed to the scoring, along with juniors Dirir Mohamed and Devin Fitzpatrick. Sadly, facing Revere once again on May 11, 2013 the team was defeated that time.

Desrochers and Kiernan did very well in the season and scored almost every game, becoming two major contributing factors to the team’s offense.

Many seniors hope next year’s team can have a better season. De-

spite the losses, the team showed great teamwork. Coach Brenden Maney has great expectations for next year and hopes for the team to grow. He hopes “that next year, the returning players work in the offseason to improve their catching and throwing .” Maney’s philosophy is to give the MHS students “the same chance [he] was given many years ago.” During the last game of the season on May 22, 2013, the boys lacrosse team gave it their all and won against Methuen with a score of 12-5. The team ended the season strong and sent the seniors off on a good note.

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GIRLS LACROSSE: United through teamwork

Manale Zouhir Reporter Arefin Mohiuddin Reporter

T

he school year is almost over, but the girls lacrosse team continued to persevere through the last stretch of their season. The team preserved all throughout their season and ended with a record of 3-11 but also with a bond that created many new friendships.

The team had shown tremendous improvement since the first game as varsity coach Jessica Prickitt stated that “[she has] definitely seen the team improve throughout this season. We are communicating more and working much better as a cohesive unit and we’re playing smarter.” The team had always been a team of great communication, according to the team members of both varsity and JV as senior Danielle Aguinaldo stated that “[the team] communicates on the field much better during games.”

Along with communication, the lacrosse team had several great qualities that one would not find in every team. Prickitt produly expressed that “[the team] displays sportsmanship and class and [she considers] this a non-negotiable quality for the team, but they already do this on their own.” Even when a team was not playing fairly and it may have been challenging, they stuck to these standards as senior goalie Tina Ascolillo expressed that “[the team has] a lot of girls with amazing potential.”

Surprisingly, lacrosse is a fairly new sport to Malden High School.

Despite being new, it doesn’t matter “how young the sport is because it’s attracted a lot of girls” stated

Aguinaldo. Lacrosse is sticking to its reputation for dedicated players, both on and off the field.

The theme of leadership was recurring in both the JV and varsity teams. From a coach’s perspective, Prickitt expressed that “the overall leadership qualities that the girls have and their commitment is such an asset to the team and [she sees] this in the younger girls as well and she is] excited to see them mature as they become leaders.” JV player and sophomore Ajla Talic stated that “major strengths this year are teamwork and the skills players have helped the team develop.” Along with their skill sets, Ascolillo also expressed that the team has a strong “bond as a team, as friends, and as a family.”

There have been several games this season and whether the team won or lost, they saw the games as a way to learn and improve. On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, the varsity team played against Revere winning the game with scores from senior Blue and Gold member Catherine Poirier, and seniors Stevie Klein, Amanda Ramsey, Joyce Ly, and junior Winnie Chen. On Monday, May 13, 2013, both the JV and varsity teams played against Melrose at Pine Banks, which was their last home game of the season.

Though the spring season is over, it didn’t make a difference to the morale of the team. They were truly dedicated, and continued to put forth all the effort possible. With a team like this, they had finished the year off strong. According to Aguinaldo, “Everyone is such a unique character and they make every practice [and] game so interesting.”

From center top: the girls team playing a fierce game at Pine Banks, junior Marlynda Menzles, running for as the team warms up, the girls huddling with their sticks raised before the start of the game, the girls running at the conclusion of their game. All photos by Manale Zouhir

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Girls Tennis Throwing Deuces Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter

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ow that the season has ended , the Malden High School’s girls tennis team has definitely made an impact with a record of 10 wins to 3 losses. With help from coach and statistics teacher Marie Diaz and assistant coach and guidance counselor Susan Lessard, and seniors captains Lisa DeLacey and Blue and Gold member Natalie Fallano, both the varsity and junior varsity teams have definitely improved since the beginning of the season. DeLacey commented on the overall season by expressing that “with each practice and match, every player gains more confidence and experience,” which helps the team grow.

After a victory against Boston Latin S c h o o l w h e r e the team played at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Fallano and D e L a c e y, along with j u n i o r Christine Le, all qualified for the Individual State Tournament.

DeLacey was able to win in her first ever tie break.

Fallano and DeLacey competed in the Individual State Tournament, which was held on May 11, 2013 with an outstanding outcome from their matches. DeLacey won in a tie break against a Medfield player.

Reflecting on the game, DeLacey stated that “advancing [during the match] was an indication that [she] can compete with those top in [the] state. [She’s] determined to push [her]self as hard as humanly possible to get the most out of [her] last high school tennis season.” Other team members also reflected on highlights throughout the season,

Kayla Bramante Managing Editor not only from a team perspective, but also on a more personal note, as Le expressed that “[competing in the] Individual State Tournament was [her] most memorable moment of [her] season and it was a great opportunity and lots of fun to see tennis players from all over the state.”

The seniors have had a great impact on the team this past season, and although the team consists of mainly sophomores and juniors, they will still be affected by the loss of two graduating senior players.

DeLacey hopes to end the season by trying to “continue advancing in the Individual State Tournament and to qualify in the Team State Tournament.”

Although the seniors will be greatly missed, the team has “a lot of potential for next year” and can work off of what was taught this season from both coaches and fellow teammates as Le explains that although “it won’t be the same without [the seniors] next season, [the team] has learned a lot from them and wish them good luck in the future.”

Hoping to end the season with yet another Greater Boston League title, the team had various games and plenty of time to bring home some more wins. During the week of May 13, the team won all four matches Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, against Everett and Cambridge Rindge and Latin.

Both captains Fallano and DeLacey, along with Le moved onto states Saturday June 1, 2013, in Marblehead, MA. They lost in the first round against Marblehead.

“With each practice and match, every player gains more confidence and experience.”

- Lisa DeLacey

From top to bottom: Senior captains Lisa DeLacey and Natalie Fallano discussing their previous match. Junior Chrsitine Le serving. Sophmore Michelle Menesis serving. Sophmore Mandy Cheng serving. All photos by Natalie Fallano

From top to bottom: The whole team enjoying ice cream after their Medford match. Senior captain Lisa Delacey returning a serve. Sophmore Mandy Cheng serving. Junior Christine Le serving. All photos by Natalie Fallano

The team posing for a team picture after one of their matches.

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Boys Tennis Rebuilding for Upcoming year Myle Nguyen Reporter

Left: Sophomore Captain Piero Pocobene at Cambridge meet. Photo

by Megan Kelly Below: Clockwise, senior captain Evans Liang getting ready to serve the ball, junior Danny Chen waiting for the ball, Pocobene hitting the ball, and sophomore Eugene Szeto serving. Photos by Myle Nguyen and Megan Kelly

Megan Kelly Head of World

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he Malden High School boys tennis team has faced many obstacles but they’re still managing to keep their spirits up. Junior Danny Chen expresses that “this season was a tough season because we lost many great players last year.” The team has had to adjust to the loss of five seniors. Currently, the team only consists of two seniors, captain Evans Liang and Peng Fei Feng.

Neither Feng or Liang plan on joining the team for their college, but they will continue on playing as a hobby. Liang says that now, he is just focusing on “giving them everything [he] has to prepare them for upcoming seasons.” Although it’s only Feng’s first season, he’s built a strong bond with the team and states that he will “miss them greatly.” Chen describes that “losing [Liang] will be hard for him because he’s taught him so much about the game.” Junior Allan La expresses the thing he’ll miss most about the seniors is “the teasing the most and leadership. The seniors this year have been fun to play with

and been welcoming. They interact with everyone on the team and creates this friendly aura.”

With a record of 2-14, the team is hoping to use this season as a building season. La describes that “even though [their] record isn’t positive or amazing, the point of the season is to get better.” Coach and MHS teacher Jayson Payeur states that he is “confident [for next season] in the sense that the team is still young and next year they will be older and more mature.”

The team is eager to for next year to achieve a successful sea-

son. They will continue to work hard throughout the summer and sophomore captain Piero Pocobene said that “if everyone puts in their work, [they will] have a solid team and a better season.” Pocobene also explained that because “[they’ve] only lost one varsity senior” will hopefully benefit the team greatly next season.

At a home game versus Somerville, the tennis team lost with a score of 0-5. On May 13, 2013, the team went up against North Reading at Ameridge with a losing score of 0-5. Against Cambridge, the team

had a close game with a loss if 2-3.

On May 20, 2013, the team had their last home game against Medford, losing 1-4. The team closed their season with a game against Salem that also concluded with a loss of 1-4.

Despite their losses, the team is still high in spirit. Payeur stated that he is “happy and satisfied with the season because they never quit on me and they worked their best.”

The team is planning on practicing all throughout the summer and practicing one day a week until next season starts. They will work hard to improve some fundamentals and mechanics such as better communication, having proper backhands, and overall being more consistent on the court” says Payeur. La expresses “the season isn’t a total lost, it’s just a stepping stone into the real season next year where Malden becomes a threat.”

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Girls Track: A season to Remember Andrew Cogliano Reporter Carmellite J Chamblin Reporter

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he Malden High School’s girls track season was very eventful this spring. The team saw new members come, old members go, and left an impressive record of 3-1 in their wake. Coach David Londino agrees that “the season was highly successful, [and they] only had one loss to Cambridge.”

The girls have definitely come a long way thanks to the arrival of some new underclassmen, such as freshmen Alex Lombardi and Kiley Ruelle, that have helped propel the team forward. Londino says that “this is [his] eighth year coaching and the girls team has never had this much depth. [The team has] a lot of freshmen and sophomores that are contributing in the scoring already, so this year is very different in that way.” With a team that will be losing some of its star seniors next year, the high-scoring underclassmen will be great applicants to fill the future void.

According to senior Kelsey Conti, one of their treasured moments was when the team defeated Somerville, their long time rival.

Conti recalls that “it came down to the 4x400 relay; that was the event that would decide the whole meet,” also reflecting that “when [the team] won, all the girls ran onto the field.”

Londino also says that it was a big win, calling it an “exciting moment.”

At the “Last Chance to Qualify” meet at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA, the girls 4x800 team displayed their talents by running a 9:44.8 which was significant for the

From left to right: Seniors Kristina Thorne, Blue and Gold members Lauren Benoit and Haley Dowdie at Malden High School’s Athletic Awards Night. Picture by Carmellite J. Chamblin team as they broke the previous National qualifying time of 9:48.0, and therefore qualified for Nationals themselves. This team included senior Blue and Gold members Haley Dowdie and Lauren Benoit, as well as Lombardi and Junior Jacqueline Bouley. Londino says that “for the first time in school history our girls team qualified for states in all three relays,” and that “this achievement indicates an unprecedented talent and depth, and the fact that only three of the twelve relay girls were seniors means the future is bright for the girls.”

Kristina Thorne, one of the three seniors in addition to Benoit

and Dowdie, was also active in helping the team qualify for states. Londino adds that “without them [the team] couldn’t have had the great outdoor victories over Somerville or the relay successes,” and he bids farewell to the girls by saying “their talents will be missed but their impact on younger runners will help the girls team move forward.”

Londino also expresses that “it was an honor to coach such amazing people and athletes.” With the broken record under their belts, the team could add it to the number of victories they achieved this season.

Senior captains Benoit and Dowdie have also left a lasting im-

pression on the track team. They brought with them an energy that allowed the team to become a single cohesive unit, and the dynamic duo will certainly be missed. “They’ve done a really good job; what’s going to be missed most besides their talent is their ability to make everybody else feel welcome on the team,” adds Londino.

Even with the seniors leaving, MHS girls track shows no sign of halting their progress. With a slew of new freshman this year and eager juniors and sophomores, the team will have a new flair and style next year, but will stay true to its values of hard work with clear results.

The girls track at their meet against Melrose at Pines Banks in their events. Pictures by Andrew Cogliano. Photo Collage created by Carmellite J. Chamblin

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Boys Track: Racing to Victory Patricia Luong Reporter

Boys track wins first place in Greater Boston League Championship and the 4x100 meter relay team heads to the New England meet.

Lauren Benoit Editor-In-Chief Print

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he boys outdoor track team had an amazing season, gaining a win over one of their biggest rivals, Somerville, on May 1, 2013 . Although the season has neared an end, the team has proved themselves in the many meets and invitationals that they have competed in throughout the season. The team has improved tremendously as the season progressed, with many runners qualifying for the state meet.

“You play the way you practice,” stated Coach Stephen Rubin, emphasizing the importance of practice on the team’s success.

On May 11, 2013 the State Freshman / Sophomore meet was held at Newton South High School, hosting the qualified runners. Many runners ran their best time, also known as Personal Records. On the same day the Weston Twilight meet was held in Weston for the upperclassman. Only being the second

year the team has participated in the invitational, the athletes were very excited to race. There were many personal bests and everyone who worked hard to meet the standard exhibited their ability. Both Rubin and coach David Londino were proud of the team’s performances.

The boys team had an incredible win in the Greater Boston League Championships meet on May 16, 2013. The final scores of the teams that competed were Everett with a score of 43, Medford with a score of 45, Cambridge with a score of 123, Somerville with a score of 129, and Malden placing first with a score of 152. Freshman Rory Milan was proud of the team’s performance stating that “team came together to do really well.”

Not only did the runners perform the best they could, they also made history in the GBL Championship meet. Junior Richard Mulo placed first in the 100 meter race with a time of 10.95 seconds. Mulo’s time is the third fastest time Division 1 Massachusetts. Senior Kelly

All photos by Patricia Luong. Photo collage by Kristen Leonard.

Desane finished the 100 meter race with a time of 11.22 seconds, which is the tenth fastest time in Division 1.

There were outstanding individual performances in this meet and other meets alike as the relay teams also had great success. The 4x100 meter relay team consisted of junior Mulo and seniors Tyler Williams, Desane, and Franklin Huynh, and they placed first in the event. With their time of 43.13 seconds, Malden set the record for the fastest 4x100 relay time in the state at the time.

At the Division 1 meet, the 4x100 finished first with a time of 43.23 to qualify for the All-State meet. Londino was proud because the win “represents that [their] team has talent and depth.” Mulo ran a time of 10.90 seconds during the preliminary 100 meter race. On the final 100 meter race, he ran an impressive time of 11.09 seconds beating his personal record.

The 4x100 relay team of junior Mulo, and seniors Huynh, Desane, and Williams did a great job in representing the MHS track team

at the all state meet on June 2, 2013.

The boys finished second by just two one hundredths of a second in a time of 42.77 seconds and beat their personal records by .36 seconds which, Londino stated, is a “big chunk of time in sprinting terms.”

Not only that, their time of 42.77 seconds is a school record by almost two full seconds. The relay team will be heading to New Englands as one of the top seeded teams.

Londino has sentimental words for the seniors on the team as the season comes to an end stating that although this is their last season running, they are still committed to the sport and have “done a good job of setting an example for younger athletes.” As for the state qualifying individuals and relays teams, Londino is extremely proud of what they have accomplished. As this year’s outdoor track season has come to a close, the coaches aspire to develop talented individuals and relay teams to compete at state level in next year’s outdoor season.

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Rowing Down To the Finish Line Johanna Lai Head of Business Ashley Leung Reporter

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he Malden High School crew team ended their season with success and happiness. The team has had several races in the past few weeks that have been quite successful, for they won two second place medals and two first place medals, along with placing in many other events as well.

On May 5, 2013, the crew team had its Cape Cod Invitational race in Mashpee, MA against 10 other teams. This was the first time the team had ever participated in this race, so they were excited and were able to do incredibly well. The Boys Varsity 4 and Boys Novice 8 were able to place second in their events, earning silver medals, while the Girls Varsity 4 rowed a personal best time of 6:26, earning them third place in their event.

A few weeks later on May 19, 2013, the team participated in their biggest home regatta, “The Moose on the Malden.” This year, there were 12 high school crew teams from all over New England who participated. MHS did an incredible job in their races, for they were able to place in their events, winning several medals. Girls Novice 8 placed first in their race, with a finishing time of 5:22.0, and Boys Varsity 8 placing second with 4:45.4.

The team rowed a total of 14 boats in 11 events, and also won 6 medals. Boys Varsity 8, Girls Novice 8, and Boys Novice 4 were able to get gold medals in their events. Silver medals went to Boys Novice 8 and Boys Third Varsity 4 in their events, and bronze medals went to the Boys Second Varsity 8.

Not only has the team done well in their own races, but they feel that they have also done exceptionally well in being able to get along with each other, forming relationships that they never would have experienced if they had not joined the team. A very unforgettable memory

The Boys Novice 4 rowing down to the Malden River at the Moose Regatta. Photo by Ashley Leung. was their race in Cape Cod, which was one of the new races they participated in this season. However, the most unforgettable memories made were not the ones made at the races, but the ones that were made during their normal practices. Senior captain Daniel McClenthen says that “the people on this team are what makes this [sport] so amazing to be a part of.”

For many of the crew team members, they are not only teammates, but a family as well. For freshman Madeline Lam, she feels that they are all very tightly knit together and are always there for each other. With so many seniors leaving once the season is over, all of the members feel sad with the loss of these beloved rowers. As coach Shauna Campbell had stated before, this season was a “bittersweet” one, with the return, and soon-to-be-leaving seniors on the team. As promised, the seniors do believe that it was truly an amazing season for all of them, and it will be one that they won’t forget when remembering their high school experience.

This year, the team had improved all together and even individually. All of the rowers pushed themselves and the other members to move up in their rank. Campbell

The Boys Varsity 8 rowing down to the Malden River at the Moose Regatta.

Photo by Ashley Leung.

pointed out junior Ivan Williams as a prime example of this, as he had the top erg time all season and improved every week, “putting him in great position in becoming a GBL all-star this year.” William’s current 2k score was 07:09.1, while Novice junior Glen Richardson was a close second with 7:09.2. Senior Kevin Bui has also improved on the erg, dropping his time by 17 seconds, earning him the 3rd top score; 7:10.0.

Along with the improvements in times, there was also an increase in coxswains. Before this season, there were only 2-3 on the team, but since the team had grown exponen-

tially this season, there were 14 total. This had allowed the coxswains to get to know the rowers in their boat better and help improve their skills. Campbell feels that without the leadership of all the coxswains, this season would not have been as successful.

In the future, this season is one that will not be forgotten for different reasons. Campbell expresses specifically that the season will be remembered for its growth, in not only the number of members, but also in races, scores, parent involvement, and spectators at the Malden races.

The MHS crew team packing up their boat and piclking up their oars once they finish their race. Photo by Johanna Lai.

The Boys Novice 4 rowing down to the Malden River at the Moose Regatta .

Photo by Ashley Leung.

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Corey French: Boys Lacrosse

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Amanda Ramsey: Girls Lacrosse “Go into lacrosse with a really open mind.”

Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter Casey Lyons Reporter

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n and off the field, Corey French has made many goals that will forever impact his life.

French has been playing lacrosse for Malden High School since freshman year ever since his friend, Asef Haider, introduced him to the sport.

Haider considered French a beneficial piece to the lacrosse family because “[French] had the potential to be a great lacrosse player.”

Throughout their four years, Haider’s theory has been proven correct due to the long strides French has taken, as well as “[the team, who] improves every game and practice,” and is only getting better.

Jonathan Copithorne, one of the coaches for lacrosse, admires French’s attitude towards the game.

“He [does not] need to be told to do anything, and he never complains,” explains Copithorne. His advice for him is to “keep working hard.”

French has become an important asset to the team after four years.

Haider’s feelings are mutual, as he stated, “[Corey is] always motivating [them] to do [their] best no matter what.” French’s resilient personality has helped him on the feild. He has moved to the first line of varsity, which mimics his hard work ethic. Haider advises French to persevere during his time in the military, and to “pursue [his] education while [he is] at it.” With support from his friends and coaches, French has the ability to accomplish anything.

French then goes on to explain that “if any player is dedicated to the sport, they will become a valuable asset to the team.” Aside from playing lacrosse, French is planning to go into the military and hold off on college until afterward, where he plans to major in criminal justice to become a local or state trooper. With plans to major in criminal justice, French interned at the Everett police station and loved the experience.

He leaves his team on a high note and advises them that “no matter how much we are winning or losing by, put forth your best effort.”

Ashley Leung Reporter

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dedicated student of Malden High School, Amanda Ramsey was one of the many well-rounded graduates of the class of 2013.

Ramsey is one of the many senior varsity girl’s lacrosse players, as she has been playing the sport since the 6th grade, and has been a varsity player at MHS since her freshman year. She first thought of lacrosse as “something new and fun to try,” but did not really have much knowledge about the sport. However, in time, Ramsey grew to love lacrosse.

She enjoys how fast-paced the sport is, while also the sense of belonging

when being with her team.

Since Ramsey joined lacrosse back in her freshman year, the sport has definitely changed. When she first joined, it was still a fairly new program at MHS. However, in the past four years, things have gotten smoother, allowing the team to improve much more. In her years of playing lacrosse, one of the best pieces of advice that she has heard from her coach, Jessica Prickett, was “that you should always continue to push yourself, no matter what.”

Not only does this apply to being on the field for every sport out there, but it also to all aspects of life, “even though that’s corny,” she stated lightheartedly.

Along with playing lacrosse, Ramsey was the captain of the field hockey team during the fall. She was also a part of the mock trial team, along with captain’s council, Helping Hands Club, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Ramsey enjoys spending her time hanging out casually with friends

and family members, along with staying active.

With Ramsey’s senior year and experience at MHS soon coming to close, she’s sad like many other seniors but, she “couldn’t be more excited to start a new chapter of [her] life.” She will definitely miss all of the close relationships that she has made in the past four years with peers, teammates, faculty members, and coaches at MHS. However, she’s still excited to see what the future has in store for everyone outside of MHS. In college, she has no plans for playing lacrosse or any sport on the official college team, but hopes to play in club and intramural teams instead to stay fit while still having fun.

For the younger and future girl’s lacrosse player, Ramsey says to just “go into lacrosse with a really open mind and not worry about the level their playing is at, because its still a fairly new sport to everyone. I think they should try hard and have fun!”

Abdelhak Belatreche: Boys Track

“Everyone is...family to me.”

Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter

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bdelhak Belatreche is an outstanding student with many hopes and dreams. His two main sports throughout his high school career were soccer and track, and he has done exceptionally well in both. Abdelhak began playing soccer during the fall of his freshman year, and it seemed the only reason he did track was, “to get faster for soccer.” It was a different experience from soccer.

The first day of track Beltreche expresses that, “Coach Londino had them do 200 meter repeats at the Salemwood indoor track” during Abdelhak’s sophomore year. Once Abdelhak joined, he began to enjoy the sport because he started to make personal goals for himself.

Abdelhak felt accomplished once he reached them, “because everyone is nice and became another family to me” as the team supported him.

The most memorable moment that Abdelhak has remembered not so fondly was during indoor track

he had went to an invitational at Reggie Lewis in Roxbury. He needed to use bathroom and wasn’t paying attention to which bathroom he was suppose to go in. Without looking at the sign, Beltreche went into the women’s bathroom. Too preoccupied with his own matters, he didn’t stop and wonder what a girl was doing in the boy’s bathroom. As soon as he was about to leave the bathroom, he saw more girls coming in.

Then, there was a group that also Abdelhak Belatreche during outdoor consisted of my teammate and “[he] track. Photo by Chaimae Eladlouni became extremely embarrassed.”

Abdelhak is both academically and athletically proficient, as a Posse scholar he will be attending and the brand new experiences. [He Bucknell University majoring in the will] remember Malden though, as field of engineering, and hoping to it will always be [his] home; [his] be a “doctor in the long run.” Ab- roots.” His hopes and dreams in the delhak talks fondly of the people of future is to become a positive impact MHS and that is why he will miss in the world, and be the best person them and the environment the most. that he can be. “[Abdelhak wants] He is mostly, “nervous about grow- to be successful to provide for [his] ing up and becoming an adult” and family and others. [He also dreams] also moving on with his life. “[He is] about one day being part of a posiready for the challenges before [him] tive change in the world.”

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Lisa Delacey: girls Tennis

Daniel Doza: Crew

“Tennis is a sport that lasts a lifetime.”

Jessica Lynn DePaula Reporter

A Senior Daniel Doza posing. photo by Phillip Montezuma.

Phillip Montezuma Reporter Jonathan DeCicco Reporter

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etting ready to row his last crew race, senior Daniel Doza has nothing but great memories of his four years of crew. Doza had first picked up crew as a freshman when Ms. Sarah Jones was his math teacher; he hopped on the idea of doing a sport and to try something new. Crew had helped him come out of his shell and conquer his shyness, teaching him to be more outgoing and to not care what others think. Jones and science teacher Shauna Campbell had given him helpful words of advice throughout the last four years, such as “[taking] life one step at a time. If you have a bad day, there is always tomorrow.

And of course, be yourself,” Doza stated. Some of his achievements include participating in the Head of the Charles, which is the largest race in North America, and also winning the Greater Boston League All Star last spring.

Outside the river Doza is a normal teenager who enjoys sleeping and hanging out with friends during his free time. The only thing setting him aside from normal teenagers is his blisters, because “they will follow you for the rest of your life.”

Doza’s lifestyle is “Eat. Sleep.Row.” School work and grades are as important to him as his crew career.

Doza continues to challenge himself with classes such as AP Physics and BC Calculus, constantly striving for the best grades he can get.

Doza will be attending University of UMass Amherst in the fall but does not have an intention to row crew in college. He has a goal of graduating college with a degree in biochemistry and hopes by then he will decide if he wants to attend medical school or pursue a graduate degree. Doza’s advice to the underclassman is his definition of success; “when one is happy with [his] life because of the things that [he] has accomplished,” life is more enjoyable.

s a senior co-captain of the Malden High School girls’ tennis team, Lisa DeLacey has made lasting memories of her team and the game they all love, both good and bad.

DeLacey, who will be atteing the prestigious West Point Academy for Basic Cadet Training immediately following the close of the school year, on July 1, has been on the team since she was a freshman. She says that being a member of the girls’ tennis team has been a significant part of her high school career, and will miss it dearly when she departs MHS this June.

DeLacey states that while there were often “blowouts” between teammates, she thanks her teammates and coaches for being there for her through experiences she will treasure for the rest of her life; she says that she will even miss the fighting, as she values the good times and the bad she has experienced with her teammates throughout high school: “The close

Senior co-captain Lisa DeLacey practicing at Ameridge Park. Photo by Natalie Fallano. matches...and the physical [toll taken on herself]” were all worth it in the end. They have “all made me a stronger, more confident player and individual,” she shares.

DeLacey plans on continuing her athletic career throughout her college years, which is mandatory for students attending West Point.

DeLacey hopes to take part in volleyball, basketball, or tennis.

“I will most definitely continue to play tennis at West Point and throughout my life.” DeLacey expresses, “Tennis is a sport that lasts a lifetime....I am excited to begin a new journey, but will greatly miss life as a high schooler.”

Evans Liang: Boys Tennis Julie Lam Reporter

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“We stay together, we have each other’s back, and our team never gives up.”

s the year winds down and everyone is anticipating summer, senior Evans Liang is preparing himself for college. As his final year of Malden High School is here, Liang has finished his high school career by playing tennis for two years. Entering college, Liang plans to major in computer science. Liang is planning to attend the University of Umass Amherst this upcoming fall. When asked what he believed college would be like, Evans stated that “college will be similar to high school except that [he] will have greater opportunity to meet new people.”

During his tennis career, Liang’s favorite thing about was the fact that he was able to play matches by himself. Liang likes the fact that he does not have to blame anyone but himself on the court if there was a mistake. Throughout his high school career, Liang was also a basketball player inside and outside of school. Liang wants to continue his tennis career throughout his college, but the sport is so competitive in college that he is unsure. Liang admits that he is going to miss his friends, who he believes truly make Malden High such a fantastic place.

Although Liang believes this past tennis season was tough he expressed that, “[they] learned a lot from [their] losses this year. We stay together, we have each other’s back, and our team never gives up.

[Liang is] sure everyone on the team learned something from this season.”

Liang’s goal until the season ends is to prepare his team for the upcoming season next year without him. One of the most influential people that built Liang’s high school career is Mr. Marques. After taking classes with Mr. Marques, Liang expresses how much Mr. Marques has influenced him to major into computer programming.

Liang has not only been excellent in sports, but also in his academics. Liang has juggled AP classes, sports, and also clubs all at once. Throughout his high school career he has learned how to manage his time, which is essential to life. School has always been his top priority and will continue to be as he continues his education as a UMass Amherst student.

As the final countdown for the seniors rapidly comes to an end, Liang will spend his final days as

Evans Liang posing. Photo by Julie Lam.

a senior with his boys’ tennis team.

His teammates will miss his dearly and wish him the best of luck.

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The Blue and Gold Graduation 2013

Kelsey Conti: Girls Track

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Kevin Ortiz: Baseball Nicholas Bramante Reporter

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Senior Kelsey Conti posing. Photo by Carmellite J. Chamblin

Carmellite J Chamblin Reporter

“If you’re doing what you want to do, [and it] makes you happy, then you’re the most successful person that you can be.”

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ince her freshman year, Kelsey Conti has shown through her athletic career that dedication and tenacity are key in being a part of the track and field team at Malden High School. Conti enjoys spending time with her teammates, and expressed that, “when [she] first came on the team, [Conti] tried the shot put first and just jumped into other things...[She likes] the people who did it [and] it is a lot of fun.”

Excelling in other areas of her life, Conti is a part of concert choir and plays guitar. Conti expresses that she will miss being apart of Junior Varieties with Patricia Seun; “[it] was one of the best days ever.”

At home, Conti enjoys songwriting, cooking, and baking.

Conti’s definition of success is doing something you love. “[She feels] like if you’re doing what you want to do, [and it] makes you happy, then you’re the most successful person that you can be,” Conti expressed. Conti plans to attending Smith College this fall and hopes to be successful in whatever she plans to major in.

As senior internship season approached, Conti decided to intern with the PACE Program, located in second floor A-House with Ms. Brody, who joined the MHS community this year. Being part of the program has helped Conti understand what she wants to do for the rest of her life. After experimenting with teaching, Conti hopes to pursue a career that includes education.

During the internship, she expressed, “[being in the] same room with [her students] brightens [her] day.” Throughout her time with the program, Conti knows that even if she has a hard day, showing up and helping others is what truly motivates her to get through the day . Conti expresses, “if people were willing to get to know these students, they’d see how great [they] are.”

or some, baseball is a sport. For others, it is a lifestyle.

One of the people who experience this passion is Senior Kevin Ortiz. Inspired by his parents who played baseball and softball, Ortiz has been on the Malden High School baseball team for quite some time, being on the JVs since he was a freshman. After “falling into it,” Ortiz has loved every second of playing baseball for Malden High. His experience as a whole for baseball has been a positive one, and with his good record, he even has a few achievements he can be quite proud of, including two no-hitters.

Outside of baseball, Ortiz has also had quite the positive experience. With, “a lot of teacher support and a lot of friends,” Ortiz has always been able to look towards school with an optimistic attitude.

One of the teachers that has made an impact in Ortiz’s life, is Ms. Giberson. According to Ortiz, “she’s always asking how my day was, she’s a great teacher.” Along with friends and family, Ortiz has been able to survive his four years at Malden High, and has been able to thrive in them even.

However, out of the four years,

Kevin Ortiz (left) on first base. Photo by Joshua Kummins.

Ortiz recalls sophomore year as his favorite. After recovering from a knee surgery, he was able to come back strong for his team and pitch a no-hitter against Everett. This was the “highlight of [his] year” and he looks back on it with a great sense of achievement. Along with this achievement, Ortiz’s family and friends were also a part of what made that year so particularly special.

As far as plans go for college, Ortiz plans to attend UMass Boston College through the Transitions program, and hopes to be able to play on the team there as well, as his

passion for baseball won’t be satisfied with just high school. Even after hitting a “first pitch curveball bomb [in] left center,” Ortiz still yearns for yet more baseball.

The only real regret Ortiz claims to have from his experience at Malden High was not working hard enough to start off in Varsity right off the bat in freshman year, although he still takes pride that “[he’s] here now.” His one piece of advice for upcoming Varsity and JV baseball players alike, would be to “play the game hard, and learn to keep your mouth shut at certain times.”

Marissa lally: softball Amanda De Moraes Reporter

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ike most high school seniors, Marissa Lally feels as though graduating is “bittersweet.” High school, an experience which she calls the best of her life, has flown by and Lally finds it difficult to believe that “[she will] be on [her] own soon and going to school in a different state.”

An active participant in the Malden High School community, Lally has played softball since her freshman year of high school, and states that she has made “long lasting friendships” because she was a part of the team. She is also grateful for what her 13 years playing softball has taught her: be a “responsible, hardworking, and loyal individual.”

In the fall, Lally will be attending the University of New Hampshire, where she will be majoring in Athletic Training. She states that she has always wanted to major in something heavily involved in science, and she wanted to help people in the future. After graduating from UNH, she would like to continue her education and eventually become a Physician Assistant. While excited for this new experience that is so rapidly approaching, Lally “[can not] believe it’s already here.” She

Senior softball player Marissa Lally posing. Photo by Carmellite J Chamblin. will miss seeing her friends every day, and a couple of teachers who she developed close friendships with as well. Lally leaves content however, knowing that she was able to keep up with her grades, which “meant a lot to [her],” and that she was involved in sports.

Although she does not plan on continuing her softball career playing in college, Lally will take the lessons she has learned and will keep them with her forever. She

states that she will miss the team the most because she has “never been a part of such a bonded team.”

According to Lally, everyone on the team is supportive and always picks one another up. For Lally, the true proof of their love for the game was that although their record this year was not as good as last season’s, that “did not take away the fun of the game...[They] all just love being there together.”

“[I have] never been a part of such a bonded team.”

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in this issue:

MHS varsity Crew team racing in one of thier meets. Article on page 36.

Boys baseball article on page 29.

NHS Relay For Life page 24