February 2015 (Sports Edition)

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 100 Edition 5

77 salem street February 2015

SNOW DAY

EDITION

Junior Jorge Salgado dribbling the ball away from an Everett player. Photo by Piero Pocobene.

Due to historically inconvenient weather, The Blue & Gold’s 2015 February edition is 12 pages of sports news in order to close out the winter season. Our March 2015 edition will include 36 pages of Local, World, Entertainment, and more!

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t was hard to enjoy the numerous snow days since our plans to provide an earlier February issue were obliterated. Our newer plans were pointless after about ten seconds of making them as more storms came around. Through compromise and schedule conflicts, a February Sports Edition was born. The snow may have ruined our plans, but we were allowed to dwell in our creative process. If the snow days harmed our plans as a single class, it is scary to think about the ripple throughout the city.

The students were starting to think that they would continue the school year without a snow day, until right after midterm week. The possibility of a snow day was introduced, and soon pupils of all ages came together to hope for more time to procrastinate on the thing that could wait another day. A snow day has the power to extinguish a student’s motivation, and with the lack of full weeks and the chance of more snow, who can blame them? Cars were buried by snowstorms Juno, Continued on page 2. Linus, and others. See more pictures of the 2015 slew of snowstorms on page 3!

Congratulations to Heresa Guerrer for moving on to states for Poetry out Loud!

Donate to our IndieGoGo campaign to help raise funds for our magazine! maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 100 Edition 5 February 2015

Editorial

2 Malden High School

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

Established in 1915

maldenblueandgold.com

Snowstorm(s) of the ages Continued from front page.

Celebrating 100 Years of School Reporting Staff Editors-in-Chief Amanda De Moraes ‘15 Casey Lyons ‘15 James Mazarakis ‘15 Sumya Mohiuddin ‘15 Managing Editors Jessica Lynn DePaula ‘15 Julie Lam ‘15 Heads of Op-Eds & World Nicholas Bramante ‘16 Andrew Cogliano ‘16 Heads of Local News Emma Ceplinskas ‘16 Manale Zouhir ‘16 Heads of Entertainment Chaimae El Adlouni ‘16 Ashley Leung ‘16 Heads of Sports Lucia Quesada Nylen ‘16 Cassandra Reyes ‘16 Lead Sports Writer P.J. Montezuma ‘15 Lead Photographers Piero Pocobene ‘15 Meagan Sullivan ‘15

Reporters Jasper Haag ‘16 Tatyanna Cabral ‘17 Maria Da Silva ‘17 Candela Diaz ‘17 Tenzin Dorjee ‘17 Felicia Fallano ‘17 Karina Matos ‘17 Julia Parker ‘17 Ana Kerr ‘18 Megan Downer ‘18 Leila Greige ‘18 Samuel Martinez ‘18 Anna Powers ‘18 Meghan Yip ‘18 Contributing Senior Reporters Julio Da Silva ‘15 Roberto De Oliveira ‘15 Jonathan DeCicco ‘15 Katie Mai ‘15 Amanda Nguyen ‘15 Advisor Ryan Gallagher

The Blue and Gold February 2015

The snow started piling- it was relentless, blinding.

Soon, Mayor Gary Christenson tweeted “No school for the rest of the week! #JanuaryVacation,” which spanned from Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 to the following Monday.

This was only the beginning.

The snow days gave students a chance to breathe after the intense week of exams and the end of quarter two. Were the students going to be productive during the week long break? Probably not. But there was not much that could be done. Teachers had to alter their teaching schedules, and accommodate for the three, (later five), consecutive snow days. However, the problem became more than just rescheduling when the school reached a total of seven snow days.

Safety.

Driving to school is hard with the bumpy roads and worsened traffic. However, walking is abominable.

Sidewalks were left unshoveled, but not due to lack of maintenance, but rather the abundance of such unorthodox snow. Cities in Massachusetts rarely experience such high levels of precipitation, but the efforts to clean were made a priority. Very few accommodations were made, but the students (and teachers) of Malden trudged on.

Currently, the ice froze over after it melted, making the walk to school in a slippery and dangerous mess.

Because life involves more than homeroom and core classes, getting to school was not the only problem regarding transportation. The MBTA is still recovering from the mess that the snow made, and it will take a few more weeks for it to be fully functional, only if there are no more snowstorms. At this point, MBTA goers stopped questioning the state of the entire system, and instead started questioning their insanity.

Budget cuts.

Cleaning the snow after at least two severe snowstorms is costly, and there is uncertainty whether or not the high school will directly suffer. The answer, as of right now, is no - the high school’s finances are not affected by the snow. Cleaning snow off the road and

Editorial Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

areas around the city, such as city hall, the library, the senior city, is the responsibility of the city, and the high school, as well as every other school in Malden, have no part in the snow removal process.

The beginning of January felt like a sweet promise to “every Mayor in Massachusetts” because the idea of snow was nonexistent, and finally, the money for snow removal could have been used for other days, which Superintendent David DeRuosi commented on. However, because this dream ended with feet-high snow banks, the budget for each city changed. Malden, specifically, will not know its official budget until Charlie Baker, the new governor of Massachusetts, releases the contents of Chapter 70, a program that distributes money to K-12 public education equally to attempt quality education for all.

Mayor Gary Christenson was able to give me more of an idea of what the city is going through. He mentions Bob Knox, the Public Works Director, who, in his 21 years, “has never seen back-to-back 20 inch storms before.” The city estimates that the cost of the snow will be approximately one-million dollars, “which includes staff, contractors, salt, snow removal services, etc,” but the city will be “reimbursed roughly 75 percent for the first storm.” The costs will not affect the high school.

Malden’s superintendent believes “[everyone involved in the upheaval of snow needs] to move forward as a district.”

Future weather conditions.

Predicting the weather is never an exact science, but it is clear that the amount of snow that fell during the previous weeks is an abnormal sight. It may be too soon to tell if this is an extreme and harmful weather condition, but according to Environmental teacher Kathleen Maglio, “climate change models have predicted more extreme weather events.” We may not have seen the end of snow.

If the citizens and council leaders lacked the patience they so successfully showed, Malden would still be in ruins. The snow surprised us all, and hopefully it will leave us to recover.

Sumya Mohiuddin Sumya Mohiuddin Editor-in-Chief Class of 2015

Local News

The Blue and Gold February 2015

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maldenblueandgold.com

kuno what happened?

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n Jan. 26, 2015, residents of Malden faced a conflict when they were buried in more than two feet of snow due to Winter Storm Juno. The storm, which formed on the Atlantic ocean, stretched the entire coast of New England on a Monday night. Seemingly neverending, this storm carried on through all of Tuesday, dispensing us with 14 hours of heavy snowfall. Malden was strongly impacted by Juno due to the severe conditions of the storm and the disorder it brought throughout the city.

“One thing I have learned is never to say that I think we might make it through a winter without any snow,” said Mayor of Malden Mayor Gary Christenson.

Malden Public Schools were canceled for that whole week. The city had drivers off the rode and advised people to stay indoors.

The Malden citizens stayed indoors; the city’s staff worked extremely hard plowing the main and side streets of Malden. The snow, being very hard to keep up with, was piled in many empty parking lots, leaving residents of Malden with no place to put their cars - or snow. The Mayor was “relieved we have had no serious injuries along with any reported power outages or trees down.”

To get students back to their regular schedule, schools had to be plowed out as soon as possible. Mayor Christenson worked ceaselessly to keep students updated through social media with what was going on with the storm. The Mayor also answered questions about parking and where snow should and should not go.

Many students enjoyed their snow days, but many had conflicts with the snow as well. Having been trapped indoors for days, the students of Malden began to miss waking up each morning to have somewhere to go. Having been continuously enrolled in academic learning, it was difficult for students, as well as teachers, to finally get back into your daily schedule.

Largely due to the fact that Juno was the 6th largest snowstorm in New England history, this is one impactful snowstorm that just won’t surrender. Right after being hit with the 24.4 inches of snow that cancelled school for the week, the New England region unwillingly welcomed another 12 inches of snow that next Monday, cancelling school for the first two days of that week.

When Malden students thought there could not possibly be more, the next Monday saw 19.6 more inches of snow and again halted school until the following Wednesday.

Mayor Christenson says that “the costs to address these storms is a million dollars... from funds we could think of a million other ways to spend.” The city, broken into chaos, is undergoing with an amount full of shoveling. With people outside every minute, trying to shovel all the snow away, Malden residents were helping others with the uttermost situations in trying to shovel. The Mayor expressed great gratitude towards the Public Works staff “who continue daily to help our community bounce back from one of the worst winters on record.”

Leila Greige Reporter

Malden is buried by the winter storms of 2015

Anna Powers Reporter

All photos by Leila Greige and Anna Powers. Comic by Nicholas Bramante (below).

The Blue and gold tries to print during the snowstorm

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The Blue and Gold February 2015

The Blue and Gold February 2015

Sports

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Senior Profile: Son Nguyen

Reaching Bars of Success Karina Matos Reporter

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s the gymnastics season comes to a close, the athletes continue to work hard and bring their skill and determination to all of their meets. This year, the Malden High School gymastics team is being led by junior co-captains Jessica Munroe and Kiley Ruelle.

Munroe says that the team and the coach have been “working really hard this season to prepare and improve the team.” Munroe states that this season, everyone has “put in so much work” and have “improved themselves no matter their skill level.”

This year the team has performed very well, all due to the hard work and goal setting done by the team and the coach at practices. “At practice,” Munroe says, “[they] have a set list of workouts that they plan for every event to help [them] to improve [their] skills.” Ruelle agrees that setting goals is a “great way to perfect all of [their] skills and make sure [their] routines are constantly improving.”

The team also continues to support and be there for each other during practices and meets. One example of that, according to Munroe, is “whenever a team member accomplishes a goal at practice, the whole team stands to watch and clap and congratulate them.”

Ruelle affirms that the team “supports each other constantly” and that they have “tons of bonding moments at practices and meets,” making the sport itself even more enjoyable.

Gymnastics coach Vanessa James is also an immense supporting figure to the students on the team.

Ruelle expresses that James is “working really hard to make sure everyone is ready for each competition,” and that she is proud of “how far [they’ve] come since the first meet.”

Munroe also agrees that Coach James has been and training, this year the new members have “very supportive of all of [them]” and is “proud of stepped up to fill those positions. Munroe admits [their] achievements so far.” According to Ruelle it is that “[she is] impressed and proud of how well also nice to have a coach who is “fun and that [they] the team has improved” and how they have “come can talk to and feel comfortable around.” together despite their lack of experience.” Ruelle Even against some of their greatest competitors, wholeheartedly agrees that the “new gymnasts on the MHS gymnastics team has been very “success- the team improve [with] each competition,”and that ful this season in improving [their] all around team it is “impressive to watch” those who have “never score every meet.” As always the team continues to done gymnastics before, work so hard and get better excel in competitions. and better throughout the season.”

According to Munroe she and the team feel that The team continues to do better through hard “competitions are fun and exciting,” since the team work and determination during practice and comgets to “show off all of the things [they have] worked petitions.” Ruelle has seen that, “Every meet, [the] hard for all season.” Ruelle also feels it is also impor- team score gets higher and higher,” and she contintant to “watch what other gymnasts do so [they] can ues to be, “really proud of everyone.” She, Munroe, improve [their] routines.”

Coach James, and the rest of the team couldn’t be Although last year there were more gymnasts more excited to see what next year brings. who had a good amount of gymnastics experience

Top left: Junior captain Kiley Ruelle leaping across the mat. Top right: Junior captain Jessica Munroe doing a cartwheel. Middle: Ruelle nailing a flip on her floor routine. Botton left: Junior Sabrina Harrath doing a handstand. All photos by Piero Pocobene.

Karina Matos Reporter

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enior Son Nguyen initially joined the gymnastics team due to being “intrigued by flips and tricks” and “stoked” to find a sport that involved that and would “improve his breakdancing.” As he has become more involved in the team he has found that he loves many aspects of gymnastics. In fact, Nguyen’s favorite part about gymnastics is that he is always “learning something new” whether it is “on the vault, bars,” or just learning to be “a better teammate [and] gymnast.”

Although gymnastics may not be a prominent part of his future it has given Nguyen a “great learning experience,” that has positively affected his life and his dancing. However, he is sad to be leaving and will miss “seeing the teams progress.”

He also will miss his team, which he says is “filled with extraordinary girls.” According to Nguyen the team is “supportive of whatever anyone is working on” and they are always “glad to help one another improve on their skills.” He admits that he “adore[s] each and everyone of them” and is “truly glad to be able to call them [his] teammates.”

Nguyen says Coach James and Coach Whitney are “really fantastic people.”

He says Coach James is someone who “believes anyone can do anything as long as hard work is put into it.” He says that she pushes you “to your limit,” always wanting you to “do your best” and to “try new things,” helping you succeed. Coach Whitney as well is “extremely devoted,” to “helping the entire team improve” and always helps makes sure everything is ready for competitions. Nguyen wants to sincerely thank the coaches for all their hard work and dedication to helping him and the team improve.

For anyone who might be interested in doing gymnastics in the future, Nguyen says that they should be, “confident,” and “have fun with it!” Although the events may “look intimidating,” you just have to “push yourself,” to try new things. If not, then you will “miss out” on some “great experiences.”

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Sports

The Blue and Gold February 2015

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BOYS TRACK: competing to success

Lucia Quesada Nylen Head Of Sports

Lucia Quesada Nylen Head Of Sports

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Above: Malden runner sprints off the starting block of the 55m dash against competitors. Bottom left: Juniors Jonathan Solomon and Angus Mo race alongside one another. Bottom right: Sophomore Hamza Rizancevic sprints ahead Medford competitor in the 300 meter race. All photos taken by Piero Pocobene.

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espite all of the weather complications over the past month and a half , the Malden High School boys indoor track team were able to come out on top with their second consecutive Greater Boston League title this season. The team is lead by coach David Londino and assistant coaches Jason Payeur and Chris Kalbfleisch. The boys have had an undefeated season with a record of 5-0, with strong defeats against Somerville, Everett, and Medford.

Other than the various snow days that resulted in cancellations of multiple meets and practices, the team faced another piece of adversity. Many of the runners became sick in the duration of the season.

Senior shot put thrower Mark Ortiz claimed that “many of [the] best athletes were out for a while, but [the team] managed to hold off and step up to fill [their] positions.”

The majority of the boys agreed that the highlight of the season was

kingdolph julien

their meet against Somerville. The Highlanders gave the Tornadoes tough competition resulting in an extremely close meet that came down to the last event. The 4x400 meter relay was the winning event for MHS. The relay consisted of senior Kingdolph Julien, junior Gutémberg Peixoto Dos Santos, and sophomores Hamza and Haroun Ahmed. Santos stated that “[he] was confident” going into the race, “[he] knew what [he] had to do to win.”

After the initial season was over, the season was not over for six of the boys. The state meet was held Feb.12, 2015 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Ortiz placed 5th in the boys shot put and junior Allen Liang placed 17th. The 4x200 meter relay consisting of Ahmed, Julien, senior Jodens Didie, and junior Mirkens Paul placed 19th. Ortiz moved onto All-States, which “came as a major surprise [to him].”

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2015 Ortiz

performed at the All-State meet, where he broke his personal record by over three feet and qualified for New Englands. When asked on his coach’s advice Ortiz explained how “Coach K has helped me throughout the whole season adjusting my throw, making me stronger, and just being there for me.” The guidance of K has helped Ortiz “tap into [his] full potential.” As Ortiz moves onto New Englands that take place this Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, the entire team is behind him supporting and cheering him on.

As for the team, the season was one that they will never forget, as they continue to be as successful as ever. With high hopes to continue their reign of GBL champs into the outdoor season, the majority of the runners and throwers continue to practice for the upcoming spring season.

s the indoor track season ends so does senior Kingdolph Julien’s indoor career. A well rounded student-athlete, Julien is very involved in the atmosphere at Malden High School.

Julien has lived in Malden for five years. Coming from a family of four other siblings, Julien is fully capable of being a part of a team.

Along with his four years of track, Julien has taken a part of the MHS boys soccer team since sophomore year. Fellow teammate on both the track and soccer team Gutémberg Peixoto Dos Santos describes Julien as “an extremely talented individual.”

While reminiscing his track career Julien explains how “[the] experience was pretty enjoyable.”

Throughout his career he was able “to meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends.” Julien claimed that “[during track he] worked hard to achieve [his] goals.” When asked what his most memorable moment was, Julien explained how this past season he was a part of the boys 4x400 meter relay that faced off against Somerville at one of the teams last duel meets. The relay was the last event and MHS win depended on the victory of the relay. Julien was a key runner on the team, and described by teammate Mark Ortiz by “it just comes naturally [to Julien], but he still works hard because he constantly wants to improve.”

While finishing off his high school career, Julien hopes to attend college this upcoming fall. As he is waiting to hear back from Roxbury college, Boston College, and University of Massachusetts in Lowell, Julien hopes to study psychology.

He stated that “[his] only hope in the future is to be somebody and enjoy [his] life to the fullest.” Julien advises to other high schoolers to “work hard and challenge [himself]” as well as “the harder [one] works the better the outcome.” As Julien ends his high school career he will be deeply missed here a MHS.

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The Blue and Gold February 2015

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Chrislande Joseph

Cassandra Reyes Head Of Sports

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hrislande Joseph decided to try out for the girls indoor track team her sophomore year lacking any idea of the runner she would grow to be three years later. Joseph went on to run for both the indoor and outdoor season, and her senior year, she decided to join the cross country team as well.

Not knowing the speed and determination she had in herself, Joseph’s abilities were a shock to her and everyone else. The 600 meter race is Joseph’s speciality for indoor and the 400 meter race is her main event in outdoor, although she is able to compete in several other events due to a combination of her speed and endurance.

Joseph has gone to states for the 4 by 400 meter relay twice during the indoor seasons, and has also competed in the same relay during the outdoor seasons as well as the 4 by 800 meter relay. Her opportunity to compete at these highly competitive meets, taught Joseph how essential both teamwork and communication are to achieving a common goal.

When asked to name one of her biggest influences throughout her time as a high school student, Joseph expressed that her coach David Londino easily fits that role. As well as “pushing [her] physically and mentally,” Londino has influenced Joseph with “the motivation [she has] always needed,” making her a better runner and person overall.

With only a few months left of her time at MHS, Joseph admits that she will miss “the environment and the positivity” of the school, one of her favorite things being that “there is always something for everyone to do.” Joseph has enjoyed being apart of a school where the faculty is “always willing to help [students] strive.”

As her abilities grew, so did her love for the sport and her teammates. Joseph is now juggling school work, track, and the very tedious and numerous college preparations.

Along with the hopes that she can continue running after high school, Joseph plans on going to college to major in human resources and become a social worker.

Girls racing towards girlsTrack: track: racing past new new goals goals

Cassandra Reyes Head Of Sports Cassandra Reyes Head Of Sports

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eamwork and perseverance have allowed the Malden High School girls track team to continue their undefeated streak. Both this year and last year, the team has been named Greater Boston League champions and have not suffered one loss.

Under the guidance of their head coaches David Londino and Jayson Payeur, teamwork has been drilled into the mindsets of the high school track members, which can easily be identified as one of the main ingredients to their success.

With so many students on the team, it is essential to remember that “every member of the team is extremely important to achieve the goal,” expressed junior Deborah Kibazo. The goal being to continue having undefeated seasons and to clinch onto the GBL championship title.

A recent and very useful addition to the team has been coach Chris Kaulbfleisch, who works mainly with the throwers on both the guys and the girls side. Coach “K” “helped form a second family [no one] saw coming,” expressed ju-

nior candidate and shot put thrower Carly Amos.

Coach “K” has helped make throwing a much more essential and enjoyable part of the track team.

Amos stated that “[Coach ‘K’] is always honest with [the throwers] and someone [they] can trust.”

In order to acquire the GBL title, the girls had to beat Everett, Medford, and Somerville, although the season as a whole consisted of many more team and individual meets.

Senior Chrislande Joseph identifies Somerville as the toughest team in the league to beat due to the fact that they are “a really strong team with lots of talent,” but she had trust that the whole team would perform to their best ability, which is exactly what happened.

On Feb. 11, 2015, several girls from the team represented MHS at the states competition which was held at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Senior Amalika Lucien qualified to compete in the 55 meter dash, along with junior Carine Exume. Exume also qualified to run in the 300 meter race. Freshman Rachel Eaglin qualified to compete in the high jump competition.

A 4 by 200 meter relay, made up of sophomore Taymise Sanders, Lucien, junior Ma-

rie Sylvain, and Exume, ran at the states meet. Along with this relay, a 4 by 400 meter relay qualified to race, which consisted of Joseph, Eaglin, junior Gillian Willcox, and freshman Alexandria Russo.

Among those girls, Exume moved on to the All States competition which was held on Feb. 22, 2015.

Senior Victoria Hannafin’s running abilities and passion for the sport have allowed her to become a leader on the team. With this being Hannafin’s last indoor season with MHS, she describes it as “surreal... but [she would not] have wanted it to end any other way.”

As the girls felt the pressure to perform even better than they did last season, the “strong sense of teamwork,” said Kibazo, is what allowed them to come out on top once again.“Replenishment of talent and continuous hard work” are the two reasons Coach Londino feels for the back-to-back undefeated seasons.

Now that the indoor season has come to a close, a majority of the team will be preparing for the outdoor season. With momentum and motivation to receive the GBL title for the outdoor season as well, the track team will surely deliver impressive outcomes in the season to come.

Above: Senior Helen Chin sprints off the start line alongside team members juniors Deborah Kibazo and Marly Loreus, racing against Somerville and Medford runners. Bottom left: Chin pushes herself to finish the race on a strong note. Bottom right: Senior Victoria Hannafin leads the pact. All photos by Piero Pocobene.

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The Blue and Gold February 2015

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Carol Lam

Overcoming Adversity One Stroke at a Time

Above: The team poses for a group picture at the end of the season. Photo by Piero Pocobene.

Meghan Yip Reporter Meghan Yip Reporter

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fter a season of vigorous training and strenuous efforts, the Malden High School swim team continues to hold the title of Greater Boston League champions from last season. Ending the season with 6-0 score, the team is led by Paul Devincentis and MHS math teacher Jessica Bisson, along with the help of senior captains Tristar To, Kelvin Nguyen, and Sammantha Dorazio.

“This swim season has been one of the craziest, if not, the craziest season [we have] had,” Kelvin Nguyen said. “We had the shortest winter season in history,” he states regarding the subject of the abundance of snow days. “We had to cram in a lot of meets and cancel multiple meets, lowering the chances of qualifying for states and sectionals.”

Apart from that, Nguyen is satisfied with the turnout of this season. “I truly believe that this team did the best we could with the little we had to work with resulting in multiple old high school records broken and the biggest states and sectionals team in a while,” he says.

The newer additions to the team have proven themselves worthy throughout the season, as spotted by several older members. “For the newcomers, [they have] really improved. Being a returning swimmer, it’s fantastic to see the swimmers get faster and bonds growing stronger,” sophomore Vivian Nguyen says, regarding the improvement both the of skill and character of the group, “the diversity of our team and of the school sets us apart from others. You meet people from every background on this swim team.”

“A lot of people come from club teams and YMCA teams [previously],” freshman Dylan Ha says, adding upon the diverse makeup of the team. Ha, who swam on the YMCA swim team during his middle school years, was fortunate to join a team just as vivacious as his last. “Everyone gets along with each other and works to improve each other,” he added.

What separates this team from others is their incomparable bond.

“At the beginning of the season, [it is] not that we were bad, but as a

team, we [were not] really a welloiled machine. Throughout the season, everyone got closer and we did better as a team,” junior Stephen LaFauci says on the group’s alliances. “Everyone is just so friendly and nice and even when [we are] not practicing or at a meet, I can rely on them to hang out with me after school or something. [We are] just one big family.”

“I think we could improve on incorporating newer members into daily activities. I know some freshmen [are not] really outgoing and open to making new friends. I feel like if we could have the whole team do team bonding with some of the new members,” LaFauci added. “Try your best, [do not] give up and keep going. Even though some practices might get hard, if you could push and give a hundred percent, [you will] definitely get better.”

Their last meet was against Medford was on February 5th at Medford High, where the team claimed their title as GBL Champs.

“I feel like we have gotten, well, faster, of course, and a lot more cooperative,” freshman Nathan Wong states regarding the improvement of the team. “Our coaches and captains really helped us become better physically and mentally. They teach and encourage us to be better swimmers and also better people.”

“What lasts longer? The pain or the regret?” Captain Nguyen says. “What I mean by this is the pain that you endure at practice is only a temporary pain that we all go through but the end result and the pride in potentially winning sticks with you for a longer time. But, if [you are] not willing to put in the pain and you fall short of your goal, the regret that stays with you lasts the longest.”

“You have to learn how to push yourself beyond your capabilities because half the time, [you are] fighting for your breath,” Vivian Nguyen advises to newer athletes.

At sectionals, the girls team got seventh place, with juniors Samantha Forestier, Alexandra Lombardi, Vivian Nguyen, and sophomore Felicia Lombardi. The boys team finished in third place with Captain Nguyen, freshman Pete Jinapin, junior Ryan Luu, and To.

At States, the girls swim team came in at eighth place, with Forestier, Alexandra Lombardi, Vivian Nguyen, and Felicia Lombardi. At the 200 yard Individual Medley, Alexandra Lombardi placed fourteenth. In the 50 yard freestyle, Vivian Nguyen and Felicia Lombardi came in at fourth and ninth place respectively. In the 100 yard butterfly, Vivian Nguyen got fourth place, while Felicia Lombardi got seventh place at the 100 yard freestyle. In the 200 yard freestyle relay, Malden came in with a triumphant third place, consisting of Vivian Nguyen, Forestier, Alexandra Lombardi, and Felicia Lombardi. In the 100 yard breaststroke event, Alexandra Lombardi finished in thirteenth place and sophomore Cleverina Cong in thirty-fourth place.

As for the boys team, the group came in at fourth place, with Captain Nguyen, Jinapin, Ryan Luu, and To. At the 200 yard event, Captain Nguyen got twenty-fifth place.

In 50 yard freestyle, Luu placed seventh and To got eighteenth place.

In the 100 yard butterfly, Luu got placed fifth, sophomore Kevin Luu got twenty-ninth place and Jinapin got thirty-fourth place. In the 100 yard freestyle, To got nineteenth place. In the 200 yard freestyle relay, the team came in at seventh place, with Captain Nguyen, Kevin Luu, To, and Ryan Luu. In the 100 yard backstroke event, Captain Nguyen got sixteenth place. In the 100 yard breaststroke event, Jinapin placed fourteenth and Dylan Ha got twenty-fifth place.

As the season comes to a triumphant conclusion, the team hopes to be as successful next season as they were this year.

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enior Carol Lam has been a part of the Malden High School swim team since freshman year, as her love for swimming competitively began in the local YMCA Club Swim Team, where she swam during middle school. She carried her passion on when she reached high school.

“Being on this team for all four winter seasons in high school was a personal goal I achieved in itself,” Lam remarks. Other than swimming, Lam is a part of the National Honor Society at MHS. She takes part in crew during the spring season.

Like a majority of the swim team, Lam appreciates the familylike closeness of the group. “My favorite thing about [being on the Malden High swim team] is being able to work toward a common goal with people you love to be around,” Lam states. “[The team] can all laugh together and share [a] rewarding feeling at the end of a season.”

Though the MHS swim team remain undefeated Greater Boston League champions, several issues rose during their most important time of the season. “There were a lot of challenges with the pool being broken and having to use the YMCA’s pool. Nearly fifty people had to share three lanes towards the end of the season,” Lam says. “But besides that, we still managed to be undefeated.”

As for advice, Lam expresses, “enjoy it while you can, it [does not] last forever! Always make goals for yourself in and out of the pool.” A prominent and valuable member of the MHS swim team, Lam is bittersweet to be leaving behind her love for swimming as she graduates this spring.

The Blue and Gold February 2015

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Sports

The Blue and Gold February 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Locking Down the Competition

Woosbed Pierre-Rene

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Tenzin Dorjee Reporter

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s the season has come to a close, the wrestlers of Malden High School bid farewell to their singlets and the mats. The team is coached

by Jeremiah Smith, who is also the head coach of the MHS Varsity Boys Soccer team. When asked which sport he prefers, Smith responded, saying that “they don’t really compare because soccer is such a team sport [while] wrestling is completely the opposite [as] it’s all about the individual.”

Seniors Johnny Pierre-Rene & Shaun Ahern are the captains of the team who, according to Smith, “provide good strong leadership” and without them “we wouldn’t be here where we are.” Smith admits the team has always “struggled with numbers,” but Pierre-Rene “feel[s] this season has had more guys participate” than in years past. PierreRene has felt good about the season as everyone “listened to the coach” and “respected the captains,” as “they are the biggest,” Pierre-Rene jokingly added.

While the team struggled in the team competitions, Smith felt MHS has wrestlers “that are really successful in their own weight classes” in the individual part of the season.

The team is full of “hard working guys that [are] dedicated to the sport and to themselves,” says Smith as he explains that “wrestling is of those unique sports where it’s really about the individual rather than the team aspect.

With this being captain PierreRene’s final year as a MHS wrestler, which he’s been for all 4 years of high school, he feels grateful for the all the experience and technique he’s gained. As captain, his goal was to “have the whole team improve individually,” and for himself, he wished to win Sectionals, which he proudly did, achieving first place.

As the season is over, the captains and the rest of the seniors

have experienced their final year of left behind by the graduating class. high school wrestling. Pierre-Rene As captains, for the future of the is proud to have led the team this program, Pierre-Rene and Ahern year and glad his co-captain, Ahern, hope for “someone good to take was leading it right with him, say- [their] spot [and for] everyone to ing how Ahern was “very good [as] take wrestling more seriously.” he had a lot of techniques that [he] didn’t even know,” Leaving the team and school is tough on captain Pierre-Rene, as he’s going to miss the memories he’s made with his team. From “beating up the coach” to ”messing around with the lightweights, Pierre-Rene made his mark on the team.

Smith is a very able coach, but is not without his own sentiments as he’s enjoyed mentoring the athletes this season. For coach Smith, the “comefrom-behind victory” against Saugus came to mind instantly when reminiscing his favorite moments this year for the team. On that night, in order to win, the team “needed to win the last three matches” in order to defeat the Saugus Sachems. To Smith, that win was the most impressive of the season.

Smith is very proud to have coached the MHS wrestling team. That pride is well-placed as senior captains PierreRene and Ahern, and junior DJorggenson Exilhomme made it From top to bottom: Junior Djorggenson Exilhomme to the 2015 Wrestling beginning to pin down his competitior. Sophomore Divisional States.

Josue Espada throwing down his opponent. Senior With the captains captain Woosbed Pierre-Rene body-slamming his and seniors leaving competitior. To the left: Senior captain Shaun Ahern this year, the under- is crowned winner of his match. All photos by Piero classman have to step Pocobene. up to fill in the shoes

ith the wrestling season over, Woosbed Pierre-Rene, better known as Johnny, begins his road to valediction from his home of 4 years, Malden High School. As his time at MHS comes to an end, Pierre-Rene admits he will miss the establishment dearly.

Pierre-Rene confesses that school “was a struggle” because he found it difficult, but be that as it may, he “never stopped trying his best.” Though, he couldn’t do it alone, as he greatly praised his teacher Ashley Freeman, due she being “there for [him] throughout the year,” serving as [his] motivation to get his diploma and work so hard in the classroom.

While Pierre-Rene was the captain of the wrestling team, being fundamental to the team, PierreRene was also a core member of the MHS football team, playing right guard, and more notably, nose guard. As Pierre-Rene graduates this year, he expresses his love for the football team, saying how he’ll “miss the team dinners and looking forward to the Thanksgiving game every year.” The memories of “lifting with the boys” and going to practice everyday, whether it was for football or wrestling, will stay dear to Pierre-Rene.

As for future aspirations, Pierre-Rene is “currently unsure of what [he] wants to do” but looks at law enforcement as a possibility.

Playing under head football coach Joseph Pappagallo, truly shaped Pierre-Rene, since, although uncertain as what college he’ll attend, Pierre-Rene genuinely hopes to be able to continue football wherever he ends up, becuase for him, “[football] isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.”

Pierre-Rene expresses his love of being a MHS student-athlete.

While wrestling is not in his plans for the future, Pierre-Rene conveys his gratitude toward the sport as it is the reason he worked out so much that he “got so big.” It also helped his leadership skills, as he has had to lead his team, along with senior co-captain Shaun Ahern, to become better wrestlers.

Pierre-Rene is truly appreciative of the his time at MHS. For Pierre-Rene, this “experience has been a very rewarding one that has honestly shaped [him] to become the man he is now.” Wherever Pierre-Rene goes from here on out, MHS is truly proud of him and his accomplishments.

The Blue and Gold February 2015

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maldenblueandgold.com

Clearing the Court Candela Diaz Reporter

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he Malden High School girls basketball team is pushing through the last game of this winter season proving their impressive work ethic and determination. Led by senior captains Jaime MacDonald and Michaela Ilebode, the players are continuing to give it their all, focusing not only on the numbers on the final scoreboard, but on bettering themselves as teammates.

Having been victorious over Somerville and East Boston, the team is looking forward to ending the season on a positive note. To sum up the girls basketball team in two words, sophomore Caitlyn Leonard feels that her term deserves to be called “hard working.”

Leonard states that he teammates always “pick each other up and push each other to get better”.

The girls do not only share a love for the sport, but also have created a powerful bond. Rather than being friends, they are more like a family.

Ilebode explains how being part of this team is not about how many times you win or you lose, “[it is] about the bonds you make that will last a lifetime”.

The team consists of one freshman, two sophomores, two juniors and five seniors. “Being underclassmen to the team,” states sophomore Medjina Occean “means that there are those who are willing to step

up”. A lot of pressure comes with being a new face not only to the high school, but to the team. But talent is not defined by age, rather than by determination and the amount of effort you are willing to put to reach as high as you can.

Teamwork is a large factor in basketball, and without communication and a good relationship between teammates, the team would not be able to succeed.The players “have to work together,” says Leonard,”and it has to be complete team effort”. Chemistry between teammates allows for a great season.

Occean expresses that “when you give up on yourself, it not only affects you but your teammates also”.

Off the court, the team shares a great bond. On the court, the team wishes to, “talk more on defense and offense, because communication is key in basketball,” as stated

by Leonard. It is a team sport, rather than individual effort. Occean says that, “it takes each and every single individual,” to succeed, considering the fact that it takes “effort and trust to make a team”.

Practicing hard will allow for a successful season, and the team has given their best to achieve all their goals, and learn new skills that can be applied not only to the sport, but to life. The team brings their best to every game and practice, and it always reflects on how everything turns out.

Top to Bottom: Senior captain Michaela Ilebode passes the ball to senior Samantha Drapinski. Senior Captain Jaime MacDonald lays the ball up against East Boston. Photos by Piero Pocobene.

Samantha Drapinski Lucia Quesada Nylen Head of Sports

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amantha Drapinski is one of the few seniors on the Malden High School girls basketball team. As she bids her farewell to her last high school basketball season, Drapinski has made her mark here at MHS. Being on the basketball team for all her four years of high school, Drapinski thoroughly enjoys the sports and the environment. She commented that “even though this [past] season didn’t end in a good outcome, [the team] still stayed positive and worked hard throughout the season.”

In addition to playing basketball, Drapinski is apart of the girls soccer team as well. Being on the team for all four years of her high school career, Drapinski claimed that “[her] teammates were really supportive.” Although at the beginning of her freshman year Drapinski contemplating playing field hockey instead, she realized that she wanted to play soccer after attending captains practices.

Adding on to her athletics, Drapinski is a part of the play production here at MHS. Although not an actress on stage, Drapinski claims “[she] doesn’t like being the center of attention [so she] helps behind the scenes with decorating the sets and props.” Drapinski enjoys art as well. This year Drapinski was awarded with her first silver key at the scholastic art awards which is a reward to talented artists that only a selected few win.

In the upcoming fall Drapinski hopes to study occupational therapy.

She plans to “help people maintain their normal lifestyle after illness or injury.” Drapinski has applied to Bay Path University, Salve Regina College, St. Michaels College, and Nazareth College. With her acceptance and decision to attend Bay Path University in the fall of 2015, Drapinski looks forward to helping people.

As Drapinski bids her farewells to her final basketball season, she looks forward to finishing her high school career here at MHS on a great note.

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The Blue and Gold February 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Boys Basketball: The Next Generation

Fabian PriceHernandez

PJ Montezuma Lead Sports Writer

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s the last buzzer went off, three seniors hang up their Malden High School jerseys for the last time.

Senior captains Rakeem Langston and Isaac Bethea alongside senior Fabian Price-Hernandez left the court against Somerville on Feb. 20 for the last time wearing blue and gold.

The team started the season off like every team wants, winning their first three straight games, turning that to winning four of their first five games. Then the team hit a few bumps along the way and had a rocky season, losing their last seven games of the season. Bringing them to 1-5 in the Greater Boston League, tied with Medford High School for last place.

Although the teams record did not show it, the team had the heart of underdogs shown through their lead scorers Langston and GBL AllStar junior Mark Rogers. Both put on a show every game they played and were great role models on and off the court to their teammates.

MHS fell short by three games to make the state tournament for the third year in a row. This is only the fourth time in the twelve seasons the team did not make the tournament under head coach Don Nally.

Although the season did not go as planned, Bethea learned that “no matter how much potential you have as a team you have to play every game with your all and not to play to your opponents potential” However, this team now has tons of potential for the next few seasons, since the team consists of almost all underclassmen. Including Rogers and rising star sophomore

What was it like playing basketball at MHS?

It was difficult at times because I had to make my way up to varsity and then make my way up to the starting line up, then that’s when all the fun started. I honestly wish we were more disciplined, we could have made it to the playoffs.

How long have you played basketball? What made you play?

Nate Ilebode who both returned to the varsity team this season.

Ilebode stated that “next season [they] have to come out with a bang.

Stronger mentally and physically, and have to play every game like its the last.” His favorite memory from this season was playing at Salem State against Lynn Classical high school, MHS left with the win. “It was a great atmosphere and it was fun” says Ilebode. The biggest obstacle the team needs to overcome

is to work harder when facing adversity whether it is in a game or in preparation for a game.

Above: Junior Jorge Salgado drives into the paint against Everett. Below left to right: Junior Mark Rogers dribbles the ball up the court. Senior Captain Rakeem Langston pulls up below the hoop for a shot. All photos by Piero Pocobene.

I started playing sophomore year on junior varsity then was moved up to the varsity team. To be real [Former MHS student] Anthony Gilardi, he told me to try out, I never balled like that so I thought I’d never make it.

What was your favorite thing about being on the team?

Finally dropping 25 points against Everett High School my senior year, we lost but I did my best.

Also kids I would have never known became my brothers.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m trying to make music. 110% anything music related, after my last game I was in the studio from 10 pm to 5 pm the next day game ended at 9.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen on and off the court?

On the court GET BUCKETS! But always play defense or you’ll never win and keep your cool. Off the court, keep your GPA high. Never fail off, always respect every teacher and student in that school because you represent the school.

Who(at MHS) has had a big impact on your life? Why?

I’m going to have to say Mr. Valente. He showed me that you don’t have to be the same boring teacher everyday just to teach, he showed me creativity in the classroom.

What will you miss the most about MHS? And about the basketball season?

Just the people in the halls, all my friends are too funny. For the season, I’ll miss that crowd and my brothers that wear the jersey with me.