January 2021

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School

Volume 106 Edition 1

77 Salem Street

January 2021

Malden Can Conquer COVID-19

This article was written and submitted in April of 2020.

Mayor Gary Christenson Guest Submission

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WE ARE NOT ALONE

This article was written in May of 2020.

Sandra Rivadeneira Print Editor-in-Chief

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t was another day at work, one that I complained about going to during (what I didn’t know then) was the last day of school. I was standing at the register, waiting to ring up the upcoming customer’s meal when that customer started to make small talk. Specifically, how Revere Public Schools announced that they would be closing their schools for a couple of weeks due to COVID-19.

Later on that evening, I checked my email to find a letter saying that Malden Public Schools would also be closing their schools for at least two weeks for the same reasons. Like most other students, this was bitter-

2020 Class Valedictorian Jacky Luong Page 8

sweet news. Excited to be taking a small break from junior year, to put off the oncoming AP Language and Composition research project, and maybe even catch up on the work I was behind in. Pretty bummed that the spring sports season would be postponed or that I wouldn’t be able to see and chat with my favorite teachers for a couple of weeks.

Then those couple of weeks turned into a couple of months until April 22nd when Governor Baker made it official that all Massachusetts schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year.

Going into quarantine, I had so many ideas of things-to-do, doing what I thought was surely only going to be two weeks. Going out for runs, painting the pockets of

2020 Class Salutatorian Rasmee Ky Page 8

my jeans, reading some new books, even maybe trying something with my hair.

However, as quarantine progressed I started getting sick of being inside. I started to miss the daily routine of school and the social atmosphere so much more than I expected. How was I missing something that I would complain about almost everyday? It was unexpected for me but my mental health was taking a hard punch.

I started feeling helpless as I would see news everywhere of terrible things due to the pandemic and I felt like I could do nothing. It was to a point where I started to lose sight of the big picture and started feeling small. This directly affected my moContinued on page 3.

2020 Class Orator Thao-Mi Nguyen Page 9

Nor’easter? Salt, plow and we’re typically back up in a few days. Budget shortfalls? Leave vacant positions unfilled and we can usually balance. COVID-19? No playbook for this one.

I can still remember like it was yesterday when I found out that the Coronavirus was spreading. Not having a plan to turn to we went with pure instincts which was to make sure our students were safe. That is why the first decision we made was to call off school until we knew just what we were dealing with and the state later followed suit.

But despite the sadness of the past several weeks there has been much to be thankful for as many from within our community have come together to help those in need.

From students making masks for first responders and deliveries to residents who can’t get out to businesses like Pisa Pizza feeding our frontline workers and Encore Boston Harbor helping the Bread of Life with donations of soap and shampoo to the grassroots organization called Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors who have called many of our senior citizens to check in on them, the spirit and resiliency of our city has never been stronger.

I believe this spirit is what has ultimately helped get us through these unsettling times and without a doubt will carry us forward into the future.

Mayor Gary Christenson speaking at the State of the Malden City Address.

Photo taken from The Blue and Gold Archives.

Staff

2 Special Education Students at MHS return In-Person

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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MEET THE

BLUE AND AND GOLD GOLD BLUE Lead Reporters Reporters Lead

Kayley Glavin Lead Reporter

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ith the COVID-19 pandemic going on since March, online school has been challenging, especially affecting students in special education classes. Life has been hectic, but teachers are trying to do all they can to offer help whenever possible. They want to make sure students who need special education services have someone to talk to and to help them.

Dana Marie Brown is the team chair of special education at Malden High School. Brown works with Elizabeth Smith who is the program manager. Both of their jobs entail overseeing the teachers and students. Smith explained how “neither [her] nor [Brown] are actually classroom teachers.” Through their job, they “talk to all the teachers about what is going on,” though most of the teachers are partaking in remote learning. A lot of their job consists of paperwork and meetings as well.

Brown has worked at Malden High School for about thirteen years. She started as a teacher for nine years before transferring to the Beebe School, where she worked with Special Education kids like she does now in Malden. She stayed at Beebe for two and a half years and then came back to Malden High this past January right before the pandemic hit. Working at the elementary school “made her miss the high school.” She especially missed those unique connections with high schoolers that she couldn’t make with younger kids. For example, she could not have “those adult conversations” or interactions on a “different level.”

There are groups of students that are coming to school physically and are a part of the PACE program, which is only about thirty to forty kids. These students still go in at 7:45 to 2:15, same as all Malden High Students in all grades. These students are in “real live classrooms every day” but most of the people in their classes are still at home continuing with online learning.

Although some of the kids are participating in in-school learning, they are remote on Wednesdays.

Brown explained that not all students have the option to go in.

Additionally, whether or not the student “qualified” for in-school learning due to having a “significant disability” that required a more hands-on approach influenced the family’s decision on whether they felt safe sending their child to school.

The school reached out to families at home over the summer and again later in October to discuss the plans with them. The students are still being taught by their regular teachers when they come in every day.

Editor-in-Chief: Julie Yu ‘21

Chaimaa Assli ‘23 Carolina Cuevas ‘21 Gabriel Fesehaie ‘23 Julia Freitas ‘23 Kayley Glavin ‘23 Juliana Luong ‘23 Krishany Marius ‘23 Christopher McIntyre ‘22 Kaoutar Wakaf ‘23

Print Editor-in-Chief: Sandra Rivadeneira ‘21

Web and Mobile Apps Editor-in-Chief: Jennica Ruan ‘21

Reporters Reporters

Sarah Alves Marques ‘22 Amy Arrue ‘24 Rose Jean Charles ‘22 Nathan Dean ‘24 Melvin Delgado Melara ‘24 Jhechel Espiritu ‘23 Daniel Germano Moreria Martins ‘22 Alexey Mozyaev ‘21 Zachary Nedell ‘24 Daniel O’Toole ‘24 Renalda Simon ‘23 Renaldine Simon ‘23 Sorin Taylor ‘23 Hadjar Yousfi ‘24

Class Advisor: Ryan Gallagher

Between the PACE Program and its transition staff, there are six different classrooms. Brown was “very sure” that most of the Special Education students that are in school are thrilled to be back and are looking forward to the rest of the year. Brown asked students about what learning format they like more and most of them choose wanting to be in school. She explained that for most of the students it was “cool to them” as in students to continue to get the in-school experience. The adults and parents often think their kids are getting a better experience from in-school learning.

“They have the whole school to themselves,” Brown explained, “so it is not as crowded as it usually is when there are over 2000 [people].

There is a lot more room for them to

Managing Editor: Julie Huynh ‘22

Managing Editor: Sandra Li ‘22

Managing Editor of Print and Design: Lauren Mallett ‘22

Managing Editor of Print and Design: Carlos Aragon Aldana ‘22

Head of Sports: Lulu Harding ‘22

Head of Local: Courtney Fitzgerald ‘22

Managing Editor of Photography: Liam O’Toole ‘22

breathe and spread out without the many teenagers in the building.”

As far as personal relationships with her students goes, Brown has established many of them and it happens to be the favorite part of her job. One way she is able to keep creating these bonds is lunch time.

A benefit of kids being in in-person classes is that Brown can go to lunch to sit and interact with the students.

She can talk with them prior to and in between classes. The lack of students at the moment “allows” her to have more time to make more relationships with students one on one. She really enjoys building those relationships over time and believes a lot of teachers feel the same.

When the COVID outbreak began in the United States in March, Malden High put in effort to pro-

vide help for their students, which included “still getting classes with their teachers,” Brown said. Students were able to still meet with their classmates, be part of their job skill classes, receive speech services, and therapy services.

Brown expressed how “amazing of a job” the teachers did in making individualized schedules for each specific student.

For her, it has been “nice to be back [for] the last few weeks.” Overall, Brown and the other staff are doing their best to settle in and figure out how to make the situation work as smoothly as possible. She hopes families are staying safe and wishes everyone else can be back soon.

This article was published on December 4th, 2020.

Interactive

The Blue and Gold January 2021

WE ARE NOT ALONE

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January Crossword Puzzle

Continued from page 1.

tivation to accomplish remote learning assignments and I started falling behind in class. Now, I’m definitely a stubborn person and not the type to admit to needing help, however it got to a point where I had to.

In every email, Google Classroom announcement, or Google Meet, teachers made it very clear that they were there for anything, just an email away. To the extent of my experience, teachers have been very understanding and accommodating to students’ needs. Rightfully so, as these have been and continue to be troubling times and one never knows what it is like for the student.

In general, Malden High has put in a lot of effort in supporting its students during the early stages of the pandemic. Meals that a lot of families depended on the school to provide were still provided with social distancing. Breakfast and lunch were available to be picked up at Malden High location and the Salemwood School for all families of Malden Public School students, and the student did not have to be present.

Furthermore, when it comes to the senior activities, I admire the staff and faculty for the amount of time and effort they put in to allow seniors to be appreciated and still get some sort of celebration, despite the inconvenient circumstances.

They could have simply apologized and cancelled the Class of 2020’s graduation or have the ceremony online like many other communities did. On June 9th, Christopher Mastrangelo officially announced that an in-person graduation ceremony would be happening on Monday, August 3rd. They found a way to make sure an inperson graduation ceremony still happened for these seniors before they move on to the next chapter of their lives, and found a way to do it appropriately during the pandemic.

In addition, on the day that their graduation was set on, May 30th, faculty members paraded the streets of Malden to honk in celebration to the seniors standing outside their front doors in their caps and gown. Surely, an event that required a lot of effort to plan and to put in motion.

Recently, after the death of George Floyd and the riots and protests that began to happen in every state, it was no time to stay quiet or feel helpless. I had teachers who held Google Meets with the description that they wanted to talk about the trending news and wanted to hear what students had to say. Others post announcements in which they expressed their feelings about events and what they were doing to assist the Black Lives Matter movement and what students can also do, linking petitions and suggestions to movies and books and then podcasts. Some teachers also came

Collage of sports photographs. Photo taken from The Blue and Gold archives.

ACROSS:

7. The Paws and Purrfection company is located at 240 ___ street in Malden.

8. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the start time of the _____ season has been altered.

9. Ana Pirosca stresses the importance of being the _______ you want to see and being active in the community.

11. Gregory Chau was also motivated by his parents and wanted to make them _____.

14. According to Wu Zheng, a method of __________ is another key point, because having a positive mindset will always keep you on track.

16. The OCRC values the ______.

17. Students are offered ____ positions in the Adaptive Physical Education class.

18. What year of his schooling did Jinpeng Chen realize what the essence of learning was?

19. What university is Ezra Kruckenberg planning on attending (as an acronym)?

21. How did Thao-Mi Nguyen describe college?

22. The Special Education Parent Advisory Council is in _____________ to make sure that no parents feel alone and so they can talk about their questions and concerns.

23. Christelle Jean is running unopposed for the ____ position.

Puzzle compiled by Juliana Luong and Lauren Mallett. all the way from their hometowns to join in the march being held in Malden on Friday, June 5th.

I’ve felt very supported by Malden High staff since this change of events started. It’s a new normal and the transition was different for everyone. For me, it was a little harder than I expected. Teachers made sure students knew they could reach out to them whenever, faculty made sure seniors were acknowledged and still rewarded for their years of

Clues are from articles in both the online and print editions.

DOWN:

1. Lulu Harding drew the cover art for which monthly playlist?

2. Michael Powell feels as if “one of [his] stronger attributes [is he is] able to ________ with people in a real way.”

3. What college (as an acronym) is Jacky Luong attending as a freshman?

4. Malden High students celebrated bad ___ day on Tuesday, November 24.

5. What club was Rasmee Ky the Vice President of?

6. Having two part time jobs along with multiple AP classes, what else did Angelina Schorr participate in?

10. What is the name of the saxophone player in Grand Army?

12. What is Ajithaan Sathiyendra considering for a second major?

13. Malden High’s online Peer ____ Program started on December 7th, 2020.

15. The Malden Teen _______ Center began to be demolished in October of 2020.

19. Through whose eyes was Jake’s psyche portrayed in I’m Thinking of Ending Things?

20. How many years in a row was Malden High School awarded the Sportsmanship Honor Roll in District 5?

effort, and if anything it made the Malden High community stronger.

We began the school year with the motto “You Are Not Alone.”

Faculty wore the words on t-shirts during the first day of the school year. It was said every day during the morning announcements. It was something that we heard whenever we stepped foot into Malden High that maybe some of us just dismissed it. We are truly not alone.

Nobody could have predicted all

of the things that have happened since our last day of school on Thursday, March 12th. But now, almost three months later, I still feel like my teachers care about me, not just my academic success, but also my all around well being. I’d like to thank the Malden High faculty for everything they have done and the efforts they put in during these unprecedented times in supporting their students.

Editorial

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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The Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year

eedless to say, the 20192020 school year came to an unexpected abrupt end. Historical change has been happening everywhere everyday since. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Blue and Gold had to adapt to a new way of communicating and reporting in order to continue to contribute information and stories for our community.

The 2020-2021 school year has looked a little different. With COVID-19 still at large, for the safety of staff, students and their families, Malden High began the school year with remote online learning. Having school from the comfort of our own homes is not that great at times, however, as a student body we must power through to complete what is surely to be a challenging yet historic school year.

Due to the many unique situations that families’ in the community may be encountering, the administration has tried to make certain aspects of the traditional structures of the school’s academics more lenient and accommodating to individuals. This includes fewer but longer classes during the school day, the addition of an asynchronous period in the middle of the day, and the removal of midterms and finals for this school year. If anything, the constant changes and having to overcome them together has made the sense of community between students and teachers stronger.

This new format has been a very big change for everyone. The

Malden High community has been so great in adapting to the changes that have been brought upon us.

One of the largest and most exciting aspects of student life here at Malden High are sporting events. For obvious reasons, the start time of the sports seasons has been altered various times. News that the city of Malden had re-entered the Red Zone in October has pushed back all three of the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons. Timeline wise, everything seems to be very up in the air.

We have had to put long time traditions such as Pep Rally, Poetry Out Loud, performing arts concerts, the Thanksgiving Football game between the Malden High and Medford High and so much more on hold. Performing arts classes have been sending in recordings of themselves and editing them together to create virtual performances, the most anyone can do during these times.

As for The Blue and Gold, we plan to continue to produce our content as we’ve done for over 100 years. Although circumstances are very different, our reporters are going to continue to conduct interviews, search out stories, and produce quality journalism about Malden High and the city of Malden during these historic times. We will adapt, focusing on a lot of digital and social media work, as well as producing some form of a print edition and we will continue to write stories that are important to us.

With all the current events that circulate the media world, this is the most important time for students

to step up and use their voices. We are living history every day, both locally and nationally. From the Black Lives Matter protests in June of 2020 to Capitol attacks in January of 2021 our world is constantly changing around us. As journalists we will continue to try to do anything in our power, with precautions, to be able to cover them and ensure that everyone is informed. The Blue and Gold is proud to be a platform for our reporters to be able to not only write about these issues, but also allow students to express and vocalize their opinions to an audience We are deeply saddened that we were unable to complete our final print editions during the 20192020 school year, especially our most important issue of the year, the Graduation Edition, which would have included stories about Senior Awards Night, the NHS Induction Ceremony, Mr. MHS, Prom, and other events that are considered highlights of the school year.

Despite the difficulty in reporting during current events, with the struggle of conducting interviews, the lack of local events, and cancelled high school sports seasons, we have made the decision to produce this print edition because there is so much to still be reporting on.

Like previously mentioned, this year is nothing short of historic and everything we publish in our print edition we like to consider immortalized for Malden High history.

We would like to dedicate this to the class of 2020, who we could not properly honor last year. With them also the class of 2021 who has lost a

significant portion of their senior year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition is structured as a traditional Graduation edition to honor their accomplishments, and alongside it we acknowledge all the social and political change that will forever be embedded in U.S history. . We are incredibly proud of all the hard work that was put into this print edition and consider it one of our most important ones yet.

The Blue and Gold staff congratulates you on making it to the halfway mark of the 2020-2021 school year, and we wish you the best of luck moving forward. We hope you and your loved ones stay safe, stay healthy and stay inside!

Julie Yu Editor-In-Chief

Sandra Rivadeneira Print Editor-In-Chief

Editorial Policy

Nedlam’s Corner

Nedlam’s Corner is a safe space to ask about anything you may be experiencing in your life, both academically and socially. Nedlam is here to offer advice. Although I will know who wrote the submissions, you are able to opt out of having your name reflected here.

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.

To submit a question to Nedlam for a chance for it to be answered in next month’s edition of The Blue and Gold, go to maldenblueandgold.com.

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Local News

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Malden Youth Civics Council Hosts Racial Justice Forum Sandra Li Managing Editor

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he Malden Youth Civics Council hosted a Racial Justice Forum over a Zoom meeting where individuals in the Malden community had the opportunity to discuss a variety of concerns involving racial issues to local representatives, including Mayor Gary Christenson, in order to further highlight problems that have been present within the city.

Hossam Braer, who is the Vice Chair, explained that the council initially planned for this event because with the recent killings of Black Americans across the country, they wanted to utilize this discussion to “educate individuals about historically racist tactics” that are used in the United States to “suppress African-American representation.”

On top of that, with local leaders being present in the forum, the council wanted them to be more transparent on problems that are occurring in the city so that residents can learn “what steps local leaders are taking in order to resolve these issues” so members of the community do not feel as if “their problems are [being] swept under the rug.”

Braer believes that “you can not and will not solve an issue you

do not believe exists,” and that to be transparent, you need to “truly acknowledge the issue at hand.” By having this forum opened up to the community, it would enable individuals to be more informed about how these issues have been “prominent for so long now” with systemic racism prevailing to this day.

Brandon Wong, who is the First Chair, mentioned how even despite Malden being such a diverse city, there are still issues that need to be addressed, especially “issues that are not apparent to us” as we live in it and “this is our norm.”

Adding on to that thought, Minh Thu Do, the art coordinator, believes that simply just “standing and idling around” will not solve anything as “speaking out is important.”

During the forum, many initiatives were presented to the local representatives including staff diversity and representation. With Malden being considered to hold one of the most diverse sets of students, it was highlighted that in the Malden Public School system, there is actually a lack of people of color acting as teacher figures for students.

Attendees were able to hear what steps Malden is taking to tackle these problems including how the city is planning to set up classes

with the Malden Public School system that are dedicated towards engaging more students in becoming teachers. Mayor Christenson mentioned that by having these classes, students of various groups are likely to at least attend these classes and it would inspire students of color to pursue the career of teachers.

Braer expressed that the council did like the approach that the Mayor and the City of Malden was taking as it was a “step closer in the right direction,” however, they did feel that along with this program, there also needed to be a “change within the school curriculum” to establish a platform for “students and teachers alike to talk about racial issues.”

In addition, the UniteMalden 2020 initiative was also brought up which consists of five steps that will be taken in order to handle the problem of racial inequity. The steps include declaring racism as a public health crisis, establishing a police department community review board, funding a director that will prioritize diversity and inclusion, a ‘diversity in hiring’ initiative, and recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday in the city.

Wong felt that it was “good to know” about what was presented because “[he] now knows that there are initiatives in place” that are be-

ing formulated in order to address the issues that were made during the Black Lives Matter protests which reveals “that their efforts were not in vain.” But in spite of that, he further said how “there are always ways to get better” and ways to “improve the current conditions in our community” even if these developments are “small incremental changes.”

Mayor Christenson stated that there is a significance in engaging young people in conversations about race and racism because in order to “effectuate positive change in our community,” it is critical for the younger generation to be included in the process as their “voices [need to] be heard and their experiences shared.”

Do agreed that by allowing young people in these discussions to express both their concerns and experiences, it facilitates for them to “be exposed to these issues” so that they can “work together to fix them.”

All in all, the Racial Justice Forum hosted by the Malden Youth Civics Council enabled for members of the Malden community to discuss with local representatives a variety of issues present in the city and address certain initiatives that could be taken in hopes of moving toward a more equitable community.

National News

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

maldenblueandgold.com

A Recap of the Sandra Rivadeneira Print Editor-in-Chief

S

ince President Donald Trump’s victory during the Presidential Election in 2016, a lot has happened in the White House. Trump won 306 electoral votes, more than the required 270, though he lost the popular vote by more than 2.8 million votes to Hillary Clinton. The United States gained its first president without any military or political experience.

During his presidency, President Trump signed a travel ban of refugees from Muslim-majority countries, refused to condemn white supremacists on live television, won the Olympic bid to hold the games in Los Angeles in 2028, went through an impeachment trial, was impeached but not removed, lead the longest government shutdown in history, was under question for tax fraud, passed a stimulus check bill as economic support during the pandemic, banned transgender individuals from joining the military, withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, spent over 240 days golfing and so much more.

In early June of this year, Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Democratic nomination, later choosing Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. Senator Harris is the first woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party. Along with the White House, 35 seats in the Senate and all 435 seats in the House were up for election.

The 2020 Presidential Election led to one of the biggest youthturnouts in voting history, with the hope that their votes will change swing-states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio or even change popular red states into blue states, like Texas and Georgia, for the first time in a very long time. Many famous figures used their platforms with an effort to encourage these young voters to submit their ballots and express how big of an influence they can have on the election.

Several of these popular figures created voter-registration drives to appease young and new eligible voters. For example, popular Youtuber David Dobrik held a Tesla giveaway where anyone who showed proof of being registered to vote, regardless of political party, was able to join the giveaway. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a livestream on the streaming platform Twitch playing the popular video game Among Us for the same reason, to encourage new voters to register and make a voting plan.

The media cautioned against expecting a result by the end of election night, since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a much larger number

of absentee and mail-in ballots this year. Considering the many different ways of voting and the different way each state handles them, a significant amount of the numbers that were being announced Tuesday night were projected numbers. They consisted of mostly in-person votes with a small percentage of mail-in votes that were already counted by states that were allowed to open them.

It seemed at the beginning of the night that the electoral map would look like a Republican red wave and that most of the Democratic votes would be seen later on when the early votes were counted and would have a huge impact on the swing-states.

At 7:00 PM the first polls began to close. President Trump won the electoral votes of Indiana. His competitor, Vice President Biden, won his first victory in the state of Vermont a few minutes after. Later in the hour, Vice President Biden was in the lead with 16 electoral votes after his victory in Virginia, leaving President Trump trailing him with only 13 after his gain of West Virginia.

By 8:00 PM, more state polls closed. Biden was projected to take victory in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Trump was projected to win South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and Kentucky.

The state of Delaware gave the first piece of historical news of the night. Sarah McBride was elected to Delaware’s State Senate, making her the first transgender State Senator in the U.S. and Madinah Wilson-Anton was the first elected Muslim state representative, filling the position of being the 26th Representative District of Delaware.

In Missouri, Cori Bush became the state’s first Black woman to serve in the U.S House of Representatives.

She had previously lost the races for the U.S Senate back in 2016 and the Democratic Primaries for the House of Representatives in 2018. However, in August of 2020, she defeated ten-term Representative Lacy Clay in the Democratic Primaries of 2020 and proceeded to win the seat in the House.

On Tuesday night, all eyes were on Texas and Florida, as both were big battleground states with a hefty amount of electoral votes. Florida is known for predicting the winner of the election and has the most electoral votes for a swing-state. Texas has not been a blue state since 1976 when Jimmy Carter won it against Gerald Ford, however, with the increase of new voters, there is speculation that it could turn blue once again. Other key battleground states were Biden’s birth state Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio.

By 9:00 PM, the polls that were closing included states holding the majority of the electoral votes. With these polls closing, President Trump gained the electoral votes of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and South Carolina, which added to a total of 92 electoral votes. Vice President Biden gained New York, New Mexico, Colorado, and Minnesota which kept him in the lead at 119 electoral votes.

The senate seat was flipped in Colorado, with former Governor John Hickenlopper defeating Senator Cory Gardner for the seat.

Furthermore, Iman Jodeh became the first Muslim state lawmaker in Colorado, as she became the state representative of the 41st District.

Oklahoma had elected Mauree Turner to the State House, making them the first Muslim to serve in Oklahoma State Legislature. And

more historically, the first non-binary state lawmaker in the U.S. New York furthered the number of significant wins, with ex-middle school principal Jamaal Bowman elected for the seat of New York’s 16th District, NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres winning the House seat for New York’s 15th district and Mondaire Jones succeeding the House seat of New York’s 17th District, making them, respectively, the first Afro-Latino LGBTQ+ and Black LGBTQ+ Congressman.

The state of Georgia will go into a January run-off, with Democrat Reverend Raphael Warnock running against Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Jon Ossoff running against Republican Senator David Perdue, both for a seat in the U.S Senate. This January election will ultimately decide who has control of the Senate. Additionally, Kim Jackson was elected

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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2020 Election

to Georgia’s State Senate, making her the first LGBT+ State Senator in Georgia.

Halfway into the hour, Texas turned red again, with 49.4% in support of Trump and 49.3% for Biden, and Ohio took its swing-state status seriously as it began to flip from blue to red at the end of the hour along with Kansas. Ohio is another state that many people were paying attention to considering its pattern of no Republican President has ever won without the electoral votes from it.

In Kansas, Republican Representatives Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin were reelected, in addition to Democrat Representative Sharice Davids for Kansas and Deb Haaland for New Mexico.

New Mexico also elected newcomer Republican Yvette Herrell to the House. Hawaii made history by electing its first native Hawaiian for

Congress, Democrat Kaiali’i Kahele.

With all of them taking a seat in the House, that makes a record number of Native lawmakers in Congress.

New Mexico being the first state to elect all women of color to the House.

By 10:00 PM, Biden collected 131 electoral votes and Trump had 89 votes. President Trump had seemed to be taking the lead as in-person votes came in, making Pennsylvania a red state. Arizona and Iowa numbers started to come in and they were looking in Biden’s favor. By the end of the hour, it looked like the red sweep that was predicted. Biden was holding the lead with 118 electoral votes while Trump was close behind with 105 electoral votes.

The closing of more polls by 11:00 PM gave more coastal states to Biden, including California, Oregon and Washington, which are

typically blue states. During this time it appeared that Trump was winning the popular vote but only held 108 electoral votes, Biden was still holding the electoral lead at 192 electoral votes. At that point, only about 20% of mail-in votes had been counted nationwide. States like Wisconsin planned on staying all night to get official numbers in by 5:00 AM. Pennsylvania has a law in which their mail-in ballots were not allowed to be opened till 7:00 AM on Election Day and Pennsylvania was a big focus state for Biden both as a swing-state and his birth state.

On Wednesday, November 4th, it was confirmed by the Associated Press (AP) that Florida and Texas were going to stay red for another election, rewarding their electoral votes to President Trump. The electoral votes for the states of Michigan and Wisconsin were awarded to Biden, flipping these states that were previously red during the 2016 election.

Arizona was projected to have flipped from its traditional red to blue and Biden picked up eleven more electoral votes. In addition, a Senate seat in the state was also flipped to blue as ex-NASA astronaut Mark Kelly defeated Republican Senator Martha McSally. These flips reflect how Arizona, and many other traditionally red states, are slowly becoming what is nicknamed “purple states.” This simply means that there is a rising number of blue votes coming from an increasing number of Latinos and Black community voters and the growing turnout of young voters.

Although this was all confirmed by the AP, news sources like CNN and The New York Times were not officially projecting that information on their own electoral college maps, this being that Arizona was not done with their counting. The AP defended their race call by claiming that the number of votes left to count were not enough to give President Trump the lead in the state even if every single one of them were for him. Those were the last electoral votes to be reported for a while, leaving Vice President Biden with 264 electoral votes and President Trump with only 219 electoral votes.

The Trump Administration pressed lawsuits against the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania and additionally demanded recounts from the states of Wisconsin and Georgia.

When having a close race, like the one this year, Georgia automatically authorizes a recount because the margin of difference was less than 0.5%. Wisconsin agreed, although the recount changed nothing. Michigan rejected the lawsuit, claiming that there was not enough evidence that there was any fraudulent voting or fraudulent counting.

The country, and along with

the rest of the world, was left in suspense for all of Thursday, as no states had been officially called by AP. On Friday, both Georgia and Pennsylvania had been flipped to a blue lead. The last time Georgia was seen as a blue state was for Clinton in 1992. The flip in Georgia was largely credited to Stacey Abrams and her efforts against voter suppression and her continuous outreach into the Black community voters in the state.

While ballots were still being counted in Nevada, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Alaska, protests began to erupt all across the nation. Some groups, including most of the ones in Boston, were chanting “count the vote,” something ballot centers were already supposed to be doing. Other groups were chanting “stop the vote” in other parts of the country. Counting every vote is the fundamental basis of democracy, which is what the United States was founded on, so these protests were an insight as to how divided and polarized the country was becoming.

From what was already officially called by the AP, the House was going to be controlled by Democrats. Who controls the Senate will be determined by Georgia during the run-off election of January 5th, 2021. The word historic is constantly repeated because it is true. There were a number of changes that happened from the state level to the federal level, an increase of representation amongst government officials.

On Saturday at 11:25 AM, the AP made the most important call of the week. Pennsylvania finalized their count which rewarded their electoral votes to Biden, making him the 46th President of the United States of America. That makes Biden the oldest president to ever step into office; but more importantly, it would make his running mate, Kamala Harris, the first Black and first Asian-American woman to be Vice President. As President-elect, Biden made promises to establish a COVID-19 Task Force as soon as Monday, November 9th, and to rejoin the World Health Organization that President Trump had withdrawn from.

Celebrations were seen across the nation. Crowds rushed to fill the streets as the election results were announced, most of them being people who were not used to waiting past November 3rd for the official announcement of the President. The slogan, “Settle for Biden” was very popular across social media, as Americans are reminded that no politician is truly perfect.

Nevertheless, with all the changes Americans have seen throughout this election week, it is proof of the power of democracy and that this is the beginning of a new change in an increasingly polarizing nation.

National News

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Blackout Tuesday Sandra Li Managing Editor

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n Tuesday, June 2nd, a virtual action to protest against racism and police brutality called Blackout Tuesday, took place on various social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram. The action was organized as a way to acknowledge and bring change in policies in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

The social media movement has influenced organizations, brands, the music industry, and individuals all across the world to post black squares with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter to collectively support the Black community.

Blackout Tuesday was an initiative to go silent on social media in hopes of individuals to reflect on current events and also to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The social media movement was originally established by members of the music industry as the industry has profited off from black art and culture. Despite the virtual movement originating from the music industry, it spread to all aspects of social media.

On Tuesday, particularly on Instagram, feeds were swarmed with black tiles. Although the image was

seen by many as a sign of solidarity, others saw it as an act of silencing voices. Many people voiced out how the black tiles were only drowning out crucial information. Not only that, but those who were against Blackout Tuesday were not pleased by the silencing because silence is not what the Black Lives Matter movement is about.

Users on various platforms further voiced out not to use the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter because people would not be able to find important information regarding protests, fundraising efforts, and overall current events.

With that in mind, some have also said that Tuesday was not the most favorable day to go offline as it was when primary elections were taking place in nine states. Instead of posting black squares, activists have encouraged people to donate to bail funds or other nonprofit efforts and to also sign petitions that are aimed at bringing justice to the families hurt by police brutality and helping protesters.

Others including the network Nickelodeon, went off air for eight minutes and forty-six seconds which was the same amount of time that police officer, Derek Chauvin, had his knee on top of George Floyd’s

neck, that ultimately led to his death.

The network stopped its programming to show their blacked out commercial with Floyd’s words “I Can’t Breathe” on it. Many have praised Nickelodeon for airing the commercial, while others have said that it would frighten children.

Regardless, the network stood its ground and acknowledged how they must use their platform in order to make sure voices are heard.

That being said, although

Blackout Tuesday had its good intentions of raising awareness and remembering victims of police violence on social media, it was met with backlash since it kept out vital information shared under the Black Lives Matter hashtag. The social media movement has become a teachable moment for many as activists noted that black tiles will not be a long-term solution towards ending police brutality and ultimately systemic racism in the United States.

Speak Up! Comic by Carolina Cuevas.

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Poor Media Coverage on the Uighur Muslims in Rehabilitation Camps Kaoutar Wakaf Lead Reporter

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ately the media has been so focused on covering COVID-19 that we have failed to mention things that would normally be talked about. COVID-19 is obviously an important issue that should be discussed, however it should not cause the world to turn their backs on on-going problems.

The extensive press coverage has caused panic and disturbed people in their ability to educate themselves about non-relating matters such as the Uighur Muslims in Chinese Rehabilitation camps.

Do you remember learning about the holocaust? Well brace yourself because what’s happening to the Uighur Muslims in 2020 is a similar situation to what happened about 75 years ago during WWII. In these past years, China has detained up to three million Muslims in hopes of eradicating Islam and its “extremist” beliefs. They are being detained against their will and stripped of their human rights.

Uighur Muslims need the world’s help, however, the sad part is that they are rarely discussed because

of China’s secrecy. Luckily more than 400 pages of top secret Chinese documents gave the world the ability to understand what the innocent Uighurs and other ethnic minorities were going through behind closed doors in the Xinjiang province.

According to the podcast called “Why Don’t We Care About China’s Uighur Muslims?” by Mehdi Hasan, “The Chinese government has claimed that the camps are merely vocational training centers, but in November [2019] a trove of leaked documents, dubbed the China Cables, confirmed what the world had long suspected: the camps are Communist Party re-education centers in which Uighurs are forced to abandon their traditional religion and language.”

Even among all the terror and chaos the world is facing throughout this pandemic, China has refused to close its “reeducation camps” where Muslims are continuously being persecuted. Human rights observers from all over the globe have decided to call them concentration camps because of the similarities in treatment the innocent Uighurs get to Europe’s Jewish population during

WWII or to the “reeducation camps” Native American children were coerced into attending to make them as “civilized” as the white man.

Sayragul Sauytbay, a Chinese fugitive who managed to escape China and go to court in Kazakhstan to resist being returned into Beijing, has since found refuge in Sweden with her husband and two kids. Her claims are very disturbing as she has attested that one day, she along with 200 other men and women, were forced to watch a woman get raped.

They could not help her, speak out, or even close their eyes. The victim could not make a noise either for fear that they would kill her and her family. This was not the first time that it happened.

In the camps, they are force fed pork and wine which go against their religious beliefs, in hopes of brain-washing them into leaving Islam. Uighurs are not permitted to pray, fast, read the Quran, wear the headscarf, grow a beard, celebrate holidays like Ramadan or Eid and most of the time do not know where their loved ones are or whether they are safe or not. They even have to let go of their culture. Uighurs are also

not allowed to celebrate their heritage by wearing traditional clothes or speak their own language.

If Uighurs refuse to follow the rules in the reeducation camps, officials use violent and severely barbaric torture methods. Mihrigul Tursun is an Uighur woman who was detained in a reeducation camp.

According to “A tale of torture in a Chinese internment camp for Uighurs” by the U.S. Virtual Embassy Tehran, “Mihrigul Tursun recounted her horrifying experience in one of China’s camps earlier this year.

She was drugged, interrogated for days without sleep, and strapped in a chair and jolted with electricity. It was her third time being sent to a camp since 2015.” Tursun told reporters that she remembers interrogators telling her “being a Uighur is a crime.“ We have to recognize that this is RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, A VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as well as CULTURAL CLEANSING. Actions must be taken to put this injustice to an end. We can no longer stay silent and watch as the Uighurs are facing severe oppression.

The Blue and Gold January 2021

Local News

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Malden Teacher Wins Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award

Sandra Rivadeneira Hedrington remembered that “it’s till death do [them] part.” that you care.” As Qranfal describes, Print Editor-in-Chief they wanted to have an extra lesson Qranfal saw Hedrington as Hedrington makes sure to show that hen it came to receiving the on Sunday night, which she had for- “not only a teacher but someone she cares and makes her students award for Teacher of the Year, gotten she agreed to. It is so mean- [students] could confide in,” she “want to become better.” recipient Jennifer Hedrington was ingful that they were seeking out continues to describe her former What makes the Malden Public confused. the opportunity for an extra lesson teacher as someone with “a friendly School system unique to HedringHedrington teaches seventh when most students barely have the nature” who would “always [get] ton is “one-hundred percent, the grade math, previously at the Sa- motivation to get through their own everyone laugh.” As a student, kids.” She loves how the city has a lemwood School before recently class during a regular school day.

Qranfal believes that it is especially “plethora of representation” and transferring over to the Ferryway Sepulveda characterizes He- important for a good teacher to be that you can “see the whole world School. In October, she was award- drington as someone who’s “mind someone who is also a friend and in one little classroom.” Every one of ed the Massachusetts Teacher of the is at a constant hunger to know Hedrington embodies that perfectly. their voices is very unique and each Year 2020 award and will now be a more.” That is how Hedrington tries Some of Hedrington’s rela- of them have something that they contestant for the National Teacher to connect with her students beyond tionships with her students have can teach her and, as Hedrington of the Year. the classroom. developed to very personal levels puts it, they are all “mini people that Hedrington did not prepare a Hedrington takes time to learn throughout the years. Hedrington are developing into grown ups.” speech for the meeting that would from every one of her students is a godmother to some of her stuSepulveda expresses that the announce the winner. Actually, she about the constantly changing dent’s children, has helped one students have “such power in their had to search up what a Teacher of world that they are growing up in. during the process of buying a car hands.” Students, who are quickly the Year Award was the night be- When a student introduces a topic and has even given loans to some of becoming young adults, are “speakfore. She asked herself “why [is she] that she’s not very educated about, her students to help them through ing their truth to the powers to be,” getting an award for something [all such as pronouns or cultures, she their first years of college. She sees in the real world. Sepulveda says teachers] should all be doing?” and asks them to teach her about it and every student who has grown in her that sometimes that includes teachstill finds herself struggling with the conversation then opens up the classroom as “[her] kids” and that ers, yet it is in “a respectful way so that idea. opportunity for her to be the student she “[loves] them like they are [her] they can learn as well,” and so teachFerryway School Principal and the kids to be the teacher. own.” ers may take a similar approach as Abdel Sepulveda, who has known Her efforts never go unnoticed.

Oteri explains that “anybody Hedrington and be open to listening Hedrington since 2010, sees He- Malden High Freshmen Sabrina can teach.” Teaching is not the dif- to the conversations from the studrington as someone who is unique Qranfal, who previously had He- ficult part, being a good educator dent’s points of views. for her consistent approach towards drington during her years at the is a whole different story. “It takes One of the most prominent lesall her students. “She connects with Ferryway School, describes the unique talents and passions that sons Hedrington has learned from each and every one of her students environment of Hedrington’s class- cannot be taught,” Oteri describes, her open students is that “life is not on a personal level,” Sepulveda room as one that “makes [anyone] “to be an educator is really meeting stagnant.” As she has seen classes explains, “she brings to her teach- feel safe and accepted the moment kids where they are, taking them of kids go through her classroom ing not only her knowledge of the [they] walk in.” to their potential, connecting with through the years, and seeing them content but her content to life.”

By going the extra mile, Qran- them, being a voice for them in and again when they come back to However, being an educator is not fal recounts how Hedrington made out of the classroom.” visit, she’s learned that one does not simply about the teaching, an edu- the “learning process exciting” and To him, Hedrington is an “have to remain the person [they] cator should be someone who can something students would “willing- extraordinary example of that, as are at [that] moment,” and that evconnect with their students as well. ly want to participate in.” Qranfal she is a role model to a lot of the eryone “can learn and can grow to Sepulveda describes some of describes Hedrington as someone students that she has had and Oteri be more.” the best teachers he has known as who has the power to “make a least describes it as something that comes Oteri believes that people do the ones who see the student as favorite subject become something “quite [naturally] for her. Growing not “truly value educators enough “more than just someone learning [someone can] look forward to.” up in Malden himself, he knows in society.” Sepulveda supports, a subject.” Hedrington goes above Hedrington believes that the how important it is for teachers to saying that although “society does and beyond to show that she cares. biggest achievement in her career make learning fun and connect it to try” having an acknowledgment She tries to see her students beyond is not the recent award, instead it is real life and the real world. and appreciation for educators more the academic score and instead for “hands down the relationship [she “[Teachers] are in the people often is extremely important, as he who they are as individuals. Malden has] built with her students.” Every business,” Oteri explains, “the kid describes it as “one of the hardest Public Schools Superintendent John year, one first day of seventh grade doesn’t care about what you know jobs there is.”

Oteri describes Hedrington as a math with a new class, she tells them and what you teach until they know Any good educator does more “trailblazer,” and somethan just grade papers one who “is an advocate and plan lessons. They for her students both work late, work weekin and out of the classends, even spend their room.” summer breaks taking “At the end of the professional developday [students] spend ment courses, all in the eight hours with stranggood spirit of becoming ers, we are no longer better for their students. strangers,“ Hedrington When Hedrington expresses. She believes asked herself “what did that all teachers should [she] do to get the Teachput an effort to reach out er of the Year award?” beyond the classroom.

She “sees [herself] as just That’s why when it a teacher, and so [she] comes to her students she teaches.”

Hedrington “tries not to put a barrier does so much more than between [herself] and that, and so does any them.” good educator. They are Hendrington renever just teaching. As called one Sunday night long as a teacher goes the when she was lounging extra mile to show that in her room, enjoying students they care, reach some well deserved reout to support, and strive laxing time, when she got to connect, a student will a message from a student always remember and saying, “Hey Miss, aren’t appreciate that.

Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award Recipient Jennifer Hedrington. Photos submitted by Hedrington. you getting on?”

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Class of 2020 Profiles

10

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Valedictorian: Jacky Luong Courtney Fitzgerald Head of Local

Jacky Luong’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente. acky Luong, now a freshman at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), recently graduated from Malden High School. Luong graduated top of his class and had previous accomplishments in high school, including being senior Class President.

Before being President, Luong had been the Treasurer for the Class of 2020 and “felt invested in being part of the group of students that

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Lulu Harding Head of Sports

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put together the fundraisers and work that would contribute to the ultimate prom,” which had made him confident in his decision to become president.

In his sophomore year, Luong competed in a robotics competition known as “Botball” in which the team placed fifth. His junior year included a math competition, which was the first math competition for Malden High, where he received the top individual score of the day. Luong was also a part of the YMCA Leaders Club, where he was the secretary and helped plan and fund a Masquerade Ball. In the next Botball Luong and the Robotics Club participated in, they placed first. Luong had also been a part of the winning tennis team at Malden High his junior year as a first-year varsity player.

When Luong found out he was going to be Valedictorian the first thing that went through his mind “was the realization that [he] was going to have to write a speech.” He had never thought about having to write a speech hoping that later it would “just come to [him].” Luong had mentioned that every bit of time spent working toward being Valedictorian and Class President was worth it in every way. He stated that

“the work [he] put into [his] classes and extracurricular activities and personal endeavors got [him] into MIT.” His favorite part of high school was the people. Luong stated that “it was the people who made [his] high school experience memorable and enjoyable.” Whether it was the tennis team, the people in the clubs he was a part of, “the great teachers [he] had his four years at Malden High” or the people he met in his classes. High school for many people comes with regrets, but for Luong there were no regrets his four years at Malden High. Luong felt that by doing things not “just for the resume” he was able to keep himself interested and be part of everything he wanted to be in high school.

Photos Via Instagram and The Blue and Gold archives.

Salutatorian: Rasmee Ky

anking second out of her class, Rasmee Ky’s achievements have led her to attend the world-renown Harvard University. So far, given the current circumstances and the pandemic, the experience has been going well for her.

Right now, all of Ky’s classes are online. Despite this virtual format, she explained that “the content of [her] courses has still been very engaging, and all the professors are both incredibly knowledgeable and very approachable.” She has been able to get involved with the school in other ways as well, such as debating with the Harvard University Debating Union and beginning the process of joining the Editorial Board for The Crimson which is a major student-run newspaper on campus.

Compared to her junior and senior years of high school, Ky said that she has been taking things pretty easy. She stated that “I have more time to sleep and go for jogs in the morning,” something that proved more difficult to keep up with at Malden High.

While still at Malden High, Ky was involved in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. She was the Youth Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts for a program run by the YMCA (“Youth and Government”), Vice President of the Psychology Club, a student ambassador

for Summer Search, vice-chair of the Malden Youth Civics Council, and ran cross country for three years.

Something she became passionate about in high school was the Speech and Debate team, which she was a part of for all four years. “[She] cared a lot about trying to improve the team, and [helped] coach [the] teammates to the best of [her] ability.” She added that advisers Kurtis Scheer and Patrick Finnegan were always incredibly supportive of the Speech and Debate team, which has helped her grow.

The students at Malden High have also had a big impact on Ky. She is grateful for the numerous perspectives and life experiences they have shown her, as well as the safe environment where students could openly share and accept each other’s differences. Being in this type of environment has taught her to never make assumptions about other people. Everyone’s lives “can be so drastically different, but at the same time, we also share many of the same hopes, fears, and values that always make empathy possible.”

While Ky is incredibly thankful for everything the Malden High community has done for her, her biggest inspiration and motivation has always been her family. Her parents have always provided her with “all the support [she] ever needed,” and she explained how “their perseverance in the face of adversity reminds me to always devote my full effort

to my goals. All [she wanted] to do is make the most out of all the blessings [her] family has given [her].”

When applying for college, something that proved to be extremely stressful was the application process. “[She] applied to 18 colleges because [she] wanted to aim for selective schools, but [she] doubted that [she] would actually get accepted to most of the schools,” Ky explained. “Thankfully, [Ky] had support from Bottom Line, Summer Search, and the staff at [Malden High] throughout [her] application process.” Luckily for Ky, everything ended up working in her favor, since she now attends one of the most reputable schools in the world.

When asked about any advice she would want to give to her younger self or things she wished she had done, Ky said that she wouldn’t want to change anything.

She explained that she had her fair share of mistakes and she did things that she ultimately regrets, but after spending time reflecting on her high school career she realized that the “most important lessons that [she has] learned came from [her] missteps.” She expressed that “no advice can be nearly as impactful as actually going through the experience of failing or making a wrong choice.” She continued adding that “in the long run, everything will turn out fine as long as you keep learning and growing every step of the way.”

As for the future, Ky does not have a decided career path that she wants to take yet, although she is certain that Harvard will open up many possibilities for her as she continues to explore various classes, clubs, and talk to as many new people as she can. She has been considering a major in either economics or statistics, which she mentioned were two of her favorite subjects while in her senior year at Malden High. Ultimately, Ky hopes that “in the future, [she] will be able to take all the lessons [she has] learned both in high school and in college and put them all towards a career that will give back to the world.”

Rasmee Ky’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente.

The Blue and Gold January 2021

Class of 2020 Profiles

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Orator: Thao-Mi Nguyen

Julie Huynh Managing Editor

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I [do not] think any of us could have predicted a year quite like this,” stated Thao-Mi Nguyen in her graduation speech. Nguyen graduated from Malden High School this past summer, along with the rest of the Class of 2020.

Unlike the classes before hers, her senior year was cut short due to the pandemic. When she found out that school was moving online and prom was canceled, she was initially disappointed, like many of her classmates. Nguyen remembered looking forward to prom since her freshman year, but at the same time she thought that “the pandemic actually gave [her] a lot of time to think about how [she] wanted to be in college” and to focus on herself for a bit. A part of her was glad that she did not have to deal with the stress of the end of senior year activities, even though she was dismayed that she did not get a chance to say a proper goodbye to the staff and her friends at the school.

Some of the particular staff members that left an impact on Nguyen were Jennifer Clapp, Ryan Gallagher, and Maggie Giberson.

She felt like she “learned how to become a better communicator” and writer in their classes and even mentioned Ms. Clapp in the opening of her speech at graduation. Not only was she able to become a better student, but their guidance and mentorship helped her “be more confident in who [she] was as a person” as well.

During her time at Malden High, Nguyen played field hockey for three years, and was a part of the Asian Culture Club and Leadership and Mentoring Club (LMC).

When she first entered high school, she never thought that she would do a sport, but joining field hockey helped her learn how to connect

with other people and get to know them, even if they did not seem to click initially. Her experience with the sport in high school helped her when she arrived at college because even with the pandemic, she has had the opportunity to meet people from all over, and Nguyen thought that “having that group of friends in high school helped [her] learn how to socialize with other people.”

In addition, LMC was a really impactful experience for her because it “taught [her] that [she] loved collaborating with others” and working with kids, which in turn influenced her career path as she plans on becoming a physician or healthcare worker that deals with children.

She is currently studying health sciences at Northeastern and is on the pre-med track. She expressed that a healthcare career was “always in the back of [her] mind as [she] went about exploring different options in high school.” However, Nguyen said she is “open to other careers in the healthcare field,” and is not entirely sure at this moment if she wants to attend medical school, but it is definitely on the table. She pointed out that she believed it is a misconception that many people have that “once you reach college [you are] supposed to know exactly what you want to do.” Nguyen sees college has a great place to get the experiences you need in order to determine what kind of future you want to invest in.

Nguyen recalled the college application process as being difficult for her because of how indecisive she was. She remembered not submitting her deposit fee until the very last day, something that she does not recommend doing. She was originally debating between Northeastern and another school, and it was especially hard because of the pandemic as you were not

allowed to visit the campuses. After a lot of consideration, she ended up choosing Northeastern, which was actually one of her first acceptances.

So far, Nguyen described college as being a “whirlwind” and “definitely different from what [she] expected.” Northeastern is currently doing a hybrid model, with in-person classes on certain days and remote classes on others. She is currently living on campus, but gets to go home for the weekend because of the close proximity. Even though the course load was “overwhelming” for her at first — especially since she is in the Honors Program — after a few weeks, she was able to get into the hang of things and balance her work.

Looking back, Nguyen thought that her freshman year self would be surprised at where she ended up, mostly because Northeastern is such a contrast from Malden High.

Although much larger, it still has some of that diversity that MHS is known for, which she appreciated.

Her freshman year self would be proud of “how much more confident and outgoing” she is, but also acknowledge that she “still [has] a long way to go before [she] becomes the person that [she’s] always wanted to be.”

She wished that she could tell her younger self to start early, because she thought back to when she was still writing supplementary essays over winter break, which was “not good at all.” Most of all, though, she wanted her past self to stop comparing herself to other people.

Watching all those Youtube videos of college acceptances only made her more nervous about where she would end up. Now, she feels that you’re going to end up where you’re supposed to. Even if you might not be thrilled about your decision at first, you will get used to the environment, because “you really don’t

know what college will be like until you experience it yourself.”

Nguyen remembered having this dream school in mind and thinking if she did not get in, then she would be super unhappy, but after choosing the college that she went to, she is “way happier than [she] thought [she] would be, even if it [was not] where [she] expected to end up.”

Photos submitted by Thao-Mi Nguyen.

Number Four: Ajithaan Sathiyendra Jennica Ruan Web and Mobile Apps Editor-inChief

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jithaan Sathiyendra has ranked fourth in his class as a Malden High graduate for the Class of 2020.

Not expecting the news, he was “really surprised when [he] found out [he] made it on the Top 10 list.” He stated “[he was not] aiming to place in a high rank” and “took classes that [he] found interesting and challenging.” He believed this “motivated [him] to do [his] best.”

He is proud of how he balanced “enough time between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and learning on [his] own.” Sathiyendra made time to learn about stuff he found interesting outside of school which “helped build [his] interest in Computer Science and Math.”

Sathiyendra was also involved

in many extracurriculars throughout high school. He was a part of “Computer Club, Math Team, Badminton Club and Science National Honor Society.” He also had leadership positions his senior year as “the Vice President of the Badminton Club and Secretary of Science National Honor Society.” It was difficult for him to balance “extracurriculars on top of school.” Making time to finish his work was a challenge but, “[he] made sure to keep track of all [his] assignments and their due dates so that [he can] work on it ahead of time.”

He explained how Paul Marques, a computer science and math teacher, had “a huge part in helping [him] succeed.” Marques encouraged him to “learn on [his] own at a faster pace” which helped him discover his interest in computer science. Sathiyendra learned how

to prepare for college and the real world through Marques’ teachings, reminding him that “‘[his] education is [his] responsibility.’”

He encourages the current Malden high class’ to “build connections with teachers and staff to have people you feel comfortable talking to.” He also hopes students ”make use of all the resources MHS provides.”

Although the school year had not ended the way he expected, “[he] felt that the past four years in high school had gone by very fast.”

He is grateful for all the activities and events throughout high school and is “looking forward to starting a new chapter.“ He is attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a computer science major and considering a second major in Ajithaan Sathiyendra’s senior portrait. mathematics.

Photo submitted by James Valente.

Class of 2020 Profiles

12

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Number Five: Wu Zheng

Liam O’Toole Managing Editor of Photography

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u Zheng was among the Top 10 students of the class of 2020 at Malden High School. When Zheng was applying for colleges through Naviance, the website told him his rank, which was how he learned that he was within the Top 10. He says that when he found his rank, he did not know what it was.

Zheng “viewed it as [his] work being valuable.” He remembered not thinking about it too much, because other people must have put in the same work. He recalls how nice it was “to see that the effort [he] put in mattered and came back positively.”

So far, Zheng says that being ranked within the Top 10 has not affected much of his life after high school. He understood his own experiences and felt “like [he] did deserve [his] place.” He recalls needing lots of hard work, luck and supportive people. A method of relaxation is another key point, be-

cause having a positive mindset will always keep you on track.

One thing that helps him keep a positive mindset is to realize that grades are not everything. He said, “there are other things that require the same amount of attention.” What Zheng meant is being involved in extracurriculars and things of that sort. He was a part of multiple clubs including the Fine Arts Club, Computer Club and as a senior, the Math Club. Through the Math Club he was even able to go to competitions. Zheng was also in the YMCA leaders and did volunteer work. He enjoyed volunteering and it provided him opportunities to meet new people and “gave [him] something to do.” A lot of his work outside of school mattered and had an effect towards his rank.

One thing that is affecting Zheng based off of one of his interests in high school was computers.

He took many computer science classes in high school, along with

the club, and is now taking more computer science classes in college.

The classes he currently takes”are a lot different and are more difficult than [he] anticipated.” He said they act as a measure to get into a major which is the difference between his current class and what he took in highschool, along with the added difficulty of it all.

Luckily for Zheng, his classes through high school, and now in a way, paired up pretty well with his hobbies. During his free time, he likes to draw, code, watch youtube and play video games. Granted, most of these hobbies paired up best with his computer and art classes, Zheng still found it rather favorable.

Even though in Zheng’s eyes, grades are not everything, his classes did weigh in heavily when it came to his rank. He took “mostly honors classes, with a few APs here and there.” All his core classes were honors along with the AP classes he took throughout the years including

“AP computer science, AP calculus, AP latin [and] AP physics.”

One thing to grasp from Wu Zheng’s words is that a lot of the time it is easy to get caught up in the bigger picture when you would rather be focusing on the smaller moments.

Wu Zheng’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente.

Number Six: Angelina Schorr Sandra Rivadeneira Print Editor-in-Chief

O

n top of her list of many achievements, graduate Angelina Schorr can add being ranked number six in her class as one of them.

During her time at Malden High, Schorr was heavily involved in various groups such as National Honor Society, the Malden Against Cancer club, the Maldonian Yearbook staff, Captains’ Council and Unified Basketball. On top of all that, Schorr was also a three season athlete, taking part on the soccer team, indoor track team and the outdoor track team.

During the 2019 Winter Season, which would have been the last athletic season that she participated in, Schorr was a runner in the Girls 4x400 Relay which took a big part in assisting the Girls Indoor Track Team to finish the season undefeated. That season the team was able to reclaim the title of Greater Boston League (GBL) Champions after their return from the Eastern Conference.

Additionally, the 4x400 relay team that Schorr was a part of were recognized as GBL All-Star teams.

In hindsight, Schorr believes that her “biggest achievement in high school [was] managing [her] time really well.” While being heavily involved in all her extracurriculars, Schorr balanced two part-time jobs, one as a cashier in a grocery store and another as a babysitter, took various AP classes, yet still found the time to volunteer in programs outside of school.

However, having all these things on her schedule was not an easy task. Schorr considered “trying

to make time for it all” as one of the hardest things about high school.

“There were feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted,” she described, “and the self-doubt about whether or not [she] could do it.”

Nevertheless, Schorr genuinely enjoyed everything she did and sees being heavily involved in a variety of in-school plus out-of-school activities as a factor in “[shaping] [her] into the person [she] [is] today.”

When finding out that she made top ten in her class, she felt proud, expressing how it “felt really good to be able to work hard and climb up” and be rewarded for all her sacrifices. Her parents shared that feeling, especially since her father was top ten in his high school and was able to bond over that kind of unique accomplishment with his daughter.

Along with her parents, Schorr credited English teacher as well as track coach, David Londino, for helping her in her success thus far.

Not only did he help her grow as an athlete and a student, but as a person. “Londino was the teacher [she] would always go to,” Schorr expressed, whether it be for help in school, a good laugh on a bad day, or advice about life in general, she found comfort in talking to her former mentor. Other previous teachers that Schorr credited for helping her grow during her years at Malden High include Yahaira Márquez, Erin O’Brien-Mazza, Shannon Votaw, Brian Morrison, James Valente and The Blue and Gold’s own advisor, Ryan Gallagher.

Her senior year did not end in its anticipated way, nevertheless, Schorr sees herself “ready to move on from high school and start [a]

new chapter in [her] life.” She advised current Malden High students to “take these years of [their] life to work hard, figure out the kinds of things [they] like, enjoy [themselves] in and outside of school.”

Beginning in Spring of 2022, Schorr will be attending Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Her current plan is to study biomedical engineering which will lead into working as a clinical researcher.

That will involve “trying to understand how diseases affect the body and how to cure and/or treat them,” she explained.

Schorr remains optimistic about her future, and is “excited for everything [she] has yet to accomplish.” As she begins to continue her journey, she is also grateful for the lessons Malden High has taught her.

Angelina Schorr’s senior portrait.

Photo submitted by James Valente.

Number Seven: Gregory Chau Carlos Aragon Aldana Managing Editor of Print and Design hau graduates from Malden High School as one of the top students in his class, a remarkable feat. When he found out, he was quite happy, as he worked hard throughout his entire high school career to achieve this. When asked what drove him, he stated that he simply was always trying to find where he stood. He was also motivated by his parents and wanted to make them proud. Currently, Chau is attending Bentley University and is studying accounting.

C

Gregory Chau’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente.

Class of 2020 Profiles

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Number Eight: Jinpeng Chen Number Nine: Ana Pirosca Sandra Li Managing Editor inpeng Chen, a graduate of Malden High, accumulated great experiences that have changed his outlook and is one of the top academically ranked students in the class of 2020.

A well-rounded student, Chen participated in various extracurricular activities all throughout high school. He competed in track and cross-country, helped start the Guitar Club, and was an officer for the Y Leaders Club. Outside of school, he also took part in programs including Summer Search and a pre-college program for a cancer biology course at Brown University. One of the major life lessons that he has learned from these outside experiences includes patience. Chen explained that before, he was an individual who would want to act immediately and solve problems. However, he has recognized that “sometimes you cannot rush, you have to go through the process.” Chen further added that most of the insight and the philosophy that “[he] has for life are from personal experiences like these” as they had an influential impact on him.

As far as hobbies, he enjoys the thrill of running. “Running helps to release the stress from academics,” said Chen. In addition, playing the guitar is another hobby for him.

Chen noted that one of the more memorable moments for him in high school was his injury. He explained that the guitar was one of the ways he could get through this difficult time because playing the guitar is “like a portal where you are separated from all the world of responsibilities.”

Academically, Chen pushed himself to take a variety of rigorous courses as having taken a total of 13 AP classes along with some Bunker Hill Dual Enrollment courses. He explained that in his family, “education has always been prioritized” however, at the time “[he] cared more about grades rather than learning itself.” It was not until his

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Julie Yu Editor-In-Chief

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junior year where Chen realized what the essence of learning was.

He emphasized how education is more about what you “obtained in learning” and then applying it to the real world.

Chen credited Latin teacher Julie Fox, science teacher Jessica Webber and computer science teacher Paul Marques, as all having been “gamechangers for [him] and [his] highschool career” because they were major motivators and also acted as mentors as well.

After having been accepted into institutions including Boston University and Brandeis University, Chen is currently attending Tufts University. With great opportunities ahead of him, he decided on Tufts because he saw the university as “a great jumping board for the next stage” and overall enjoys the environment because it “gave the same sensational feeling for when [he] was at Brown pre-college.”

Currently, Chen is undecided, but is leaning towards majoring in Biochemistry or something within the STEM field. In the future, he hopes to either become a primary care doctor or a specialist as certain personal experiences have “motivated [him] to do biochemistry and go into the medical field.” With that said, Chen “hopes to become somebody who is useful and contributes to society” in terms of utilizing science towards creating a more equal world.

Jinpeng Chen’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente.

Lauren Mallett Managing Editor of Print and Design

I

n a class of over 400 students, graduating in the top 10 is an exceptional feat. Ranking at number nine, Ana Pirosca, a class of 2020 graduate and the former Blue and Gold Editor-in-Chief, was one of the few to achieve this impressive accomplishment.

To her, being at the top of the class “[does not] feel any different,” as she sees it as just a number. For Pirosca, self satisfaction was the end goal of her achievement. Knowing that she could “prove to [herself] that out of everyone [she] can be [in] the top ten” means knowing that she tried, and that is what matters most.

Pirosca was very involved in the Malden High community during her four years at the school. She not only wrote for The Blue and Gold her whole high school career, but was also the Head of Multimedia her junior year and Editor-in-Chief when she was a senior. Her time on the newspaper staff taught her many things, including that “aside from wanting to be there for other people, [she] needed to be there for [herself] too.” She had “a really strong connection to the people” who took the class with her, and says that looking back on what she will miss, “[is] obviously [The] Blue and Gold.”

There were many other extracurricular activities that Pirosca was involved with, including Women in Science, Psychology Club, Malden Overcoming Addiction, Peer Leadership for World of Difference, and many more. She was a very active participant in the Malden community and finds it important for everyone to “get involved somehow.”

Encouraging students to enjoy their time at Malden High, Pirosca stresses the importance of being the change you want to see and being active in the community.

Pirosca now attends Boston College (BC). She was originally unsure if she wanted to attend BC but ultimately decided to because “[it is]

more so about the people” there, as well as focusing on what you can do for yourself and your community.

She is majoring in biology, with a focus in bioinformatics, doing premedical studies, and is considering a minor in managing social impact, a special minor offered by BC to determine how people can use science to make the world better.

As for her post-college plans, Pirosca is considering going into medicine, as it has “been on [her] radar for a while.” She also considers bioinformatics to be a career option, as it has a “really large field, especially in startup developments” and is a secure and interesting way to break into science.

Thinking back to her first days at Malden High, Pirosca recalls herself as being “super naive.” She entered high school with the mindset that education is a game, and you just have to play it right. At the end of the day, she feels that high school “forced [her] to be a better person” and taught her to “follow style with substance.” While the class of 2020 may not have had a traditional senior year, Pirosca is looking on the bright side of things. Her experience showed her that “if you put so much emphasis on the end [of high school], you’re not going to enjoy the duration of it,” a piece of advice she will pass on to others and continue to live by.

Ana Pirosca’s senior portrait. Photo submitted by James Valente.

Number Ten: Ezra Kruckenberg

zra Kruckenberg is a graduate from Malden High School’s Class of 2020. Although his senior year was cut short in a unique way, he finished his high s c h o o l career having ranked as tenth in his whole grade.

During his time at Malden H i g h , Ezra Kruckenberg’s seKruckennior portrait. Photo subberg was mitted by James Valente.

heavily involved in school athletics. He was an outstanding student athlete, being a member of the Boys Varsity Indoor Track and a state qualifier for the high jump multiple times. He was also captain of the Varsity Baseball team for the season that got canceled.

Kruckenberg was very involved with the community, taking part in service projects as an Eagle Scout and serving as President of the National Honors Society during his senior year.

As for his plans after high school, Kruckenberg has been accepted into Brigham Young University (BYU). Before he attends, however, Kruckenberg is serving on a two-year religious service mis-

sion in Puerto Rico. His service in Puerto Rico will be to help out the nearby communities and teach the doctrines and principles of the gos-

pel according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return, he will be joining the BYU graduating class of 2026.

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Adjusting to High School Digitally

Hadjar Yousfi Reporter

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obody said starting high school would be easy. On the contrary, it can be quite hard. But starting high school during a global pandemic that has the whole world holding its breath? Well, that’s a different story.

Every freshman student has had their own opinion and experiences adjusting into high school this year in this weird environment.

Principal Chris Mastrangelo can only imagine how freshmen are dealing with the stress of this year.

“There’s a lot of adjustments when you go from the eighth grade to the ninth grade, in a normal year, and it’s hard, it’s one of those transition points in your life [...] you’ll always remember.” He even imagines that they are feeling disappointed and that they aren’t even a part of Malden High School due to the fact that they haven’t been to the building as students.

Of course, some students are adjusting just fine while others are having their fair share of issues, but Malden High School is prepared to help all students. According to Mastrangelo and Ninth grade guidance counselor Amy Yu, there are many House principles, counselors, teachers, and social workers there for the

students to help them transition to high school. Saul Kruckenberg, a freshman at Malden High School, “[thinks] that it’s really nice to be able to email counselors or teachers.”

Yu believes that “the socializing piece [is] what students struggle with.” Freshman year is one of the most important years in your life.

Making friends during freshman year is so important and many people just like freshman student Emma Spignese-Smolinsky feel that it wasn’t what they were expecting. “[She] can’t meet new people, [making it] a different experience.”

Another freshman student Kayla Ortiz has been enjoying this quite well “Freshman year has been great so far, [she likes] all [her] teachers [and] students, everyone has been so nice and kind to one another.”

Of course there are still some problems with high school online.

Spignese-Smolinsky revealed that “It’s harder to learn like this.” Steven Luong, another freshman student, feels that “It’s a bit hard to stay concentrated on doing your work though.” Being on a device for the whole day for school and feel draining for some students and cause them to lose interest or fall behind.

Malden High has been do- up on people if they [don’t show up ing its best to help accommodate to class or just to chat].” As many the needs of all the students. Saul people at Malden High know, PrinKruckenburg comments that “[he] ciple Mastrangelo sends out nightly just thinks that Malden High is do- check-ins which are meant to let stuing a great job at this and [he’s] glad dents know that “even though we’re that we have been able to adapt to seeing each other like this you can virtual learning so well.” Mastran- still reach out to us.” gelo also commented on how much Of course nobody expected for he misses being in the highschool the pandemic to last this long. But “[he misses] seeing the kids [they] Malden High School has done its all do all the adults in the building.” best to accommodate the needs of Mastrangelo also comments both freshmen and older students, that he misses being able to say, as they adapt into a lifestyle that good morning to the students, as nobody ever deemed possible. well as saying goodbye to them in the afternoon. He also wishes that he was able to create memories with the students just as he used to before the pandemic.

Many students like that teachers have been checking up on students during class, but it’s also nice to hear personally from them, Kayla mentioned that, “They [the staff] could check So Much Energy. Comic by Carolina Cuevas.

Members of the class of 2024: Joseph Yu “C”; Hadjar Yousfi “L”; Emma Spignese-Smolinsky “A”; Marianne Rivadeneira “S”; Amneet Kaur “S”; Daniel O’Toole “O”; Jessica Li “F”; Natalie Tarantino “2”; Alan Feng “0”; Tsering Dolkar “2”; Karen Reyes Martínez “4”.

Peer Tutoring At Malden High

Krishany Marius Lead Reporter

On Monday, December 7th 2020, Malden High School started their online Peer Tutoring program.

The Peer Tutoring program is meant to help kids after school who need help with their classes. It is an opportunity for students to help other students, everyone involved with the program is thrilled and ready to get started.

Too many students found themselves having a hard time with the first quarter of the school year

Flyer for Malden High’s Peer Tutoring Program.

and struggled trying to understand some of the material in different subjects. Stephanie Sibley and Kayla Scheitlin both have been working together to assist students who need help with their classes. The Peer Tutoring program also has additional support from different teachers and students who are excited about starting peer tutoring as well.

Although it is a great way for students to get help from fellow students, people are now starting to get used to how online school works.

It will be difficult because now that everything is online, some things are unexpected. “Students are struggling at home, who have trouble asking teachers online for help, it’s hard to teach online classes and having to ask questions in front of everyone,” Guetchina Letang states.

Letang is one of the coordinators that started the job in February, a month before the pandemic hit.

Letang is in her fourth year as an undergrad student. She wants to be there for students because she as a person understands what it is like to be a student doing online classes and can help students along the way.

The Peer Tutoring program is open for all grades where kids are tutoring other kids who they signed up.They will be willing to help the students who need help on their classwork. Peer tutoring will take place five days a week, and each day is a different subject, they spread it out so students who need to come on certain days can get help on certain subjects.

Christine Dibendetto states, that she “[thinks] it will be great, the kids will probably get something out of it, because they will have a one on one with the students.” Dibenedetto is one of the coordinators that help the students, she believes that this is a whole new different world we’re living in and all the new technology will definitely benefit people who would love to work from home in future job references.

This program is to offer students peer tutoring during the asynchronous time since they are not in the building and not able to assist students and do the after-school tutoring like they used to.

Peer tutoring is every day, Monday is for English learners kids who need help with their

English,Tuesdays are math they have tons of math tutors, Wednesday’s focus is science and math, Thursdays is general reading and writing like English and History.

Friday is world language. “[They] thought getting some help from peers might be more appealing to some students and it might give them additional support that some of them need,” Sibley says.

It is also a way for students to connect with other students and having that structured opportunity to talk and interact may be refreshing for some students. The outcome ultimately is that kids will improve their grades. There were too many kids who failed their classes in the 1st quarter. It is an opportunity so more students can know about this.

It’s a tough time for everyone and it can be difficult for many students to keep up with their schoolwork and try to understand life itself. “She is [I am] hoping after the new year we’ll be able to move into a hybrid schedule.” It is very much needed for many students, many are struggling in school, it has been detrimental for students and teachers the whole school year.

Local News

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Class of 2022 Elections Julie Yu Editor-In-Chief

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he COVID-19 outbreak has caused numerous events to be canceled. However, one tradition that will continue is class elections.

The Class of 2022 held their junior class elections. The online election took place on Monday, December 21st during school hours, to which the winners were announced at the end of the school day.

The Class of 2022 elected a President, Vice President, Social Media Coordinator, Art Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Junior Varieties (JV) Coordinators.

The position of President had four candidates: juniors Jason Ong, Marouane Jaayfer, Nik McGuffie, and the Managing Editor of The Blue and Gold, Julie Huynh.

Juniors Maleena Haq, Sarah Oliveira, and the Head of Local News of The Blue and Gold, Courtney Fitzgerald ran for the role of Vice President.

There were three students running for the Social Media Coordinator position: Becky Tse, Yoji Yonetani, and the Managing Editor of Print and Design of The Blue and Gold, Lauren Mallett.

The Class of 2022 student council has decided to alter some of the roles. Last year the student council held an open interest meeting for anyone that was interested in running for a position. The Class of 2022 Class Advisor, Daniel Jurkowski, explained that “it was all student driven,” adding that “they wanted to change some of the names and the positions that were offered.”

One of the roles that have been altered was the Historian position.

Among the student council, an idea was proposed to change the name of the Historian position to Art Director, but according to Jurkowski “the role and the responsibilities have remained the same, just the name is being changed.” Juniors Tony Giech and the Head of Sports News of The Blue and Gold, Lulu Harding, both ran for the position.

The previous Class of 2022 Secretary is Christelle Jean and she was the only candidate that ran for the position. By default, this meant that Jean had been re-elected for the secretary position.

There were two candidates running for the position of Treasurer, Sammi Nie and Sophia Kouhail.

The position of JV Coordinators had the most candidates with eight people in the running. Juniors Aiden Thompson, Antonia Bilodeau, Reem

Bouchra, Mayada Giha, Jing Ren, Sarah Schneider, Tivian Nguyen, and Maggie Yick all ran for the position.

Unlike in previous years, the Class of 2022 had decided to have JV Coordinators run solo, rather than in pairs. Jurkowski explained that this was not intentional, it was a topic discussed by him and the class officers and they came to the consensus that it would work best that way to have the two positions but have the candidates run individually.

Haq stated that this year’s election was very different especially given “the circumstances that we are facing globally and as a community.” She further explained that the pandemic has made everything feel thrown off, adding that a class election is at least able to make students feel like they have “some control over everything.”

Giha believes that elections “are an opportunity for students to take action and lead their class to success.” She further explained that “having elected leaders is especially important this year in order to work through these obstacles and achieve the goals the class [had] already set.”

Nie explained that this election had been specifically very crucial due to the fact that it is the Class of 2022’s “last year before senior year which is [a] year of [many] major events.” She also mentioned that everyone has lived the past few months questioning what is to come in the future, and with so much uncertainty, answers have been difficult to come across. Nie expressed that for some people voting and having a say in their future can “give them hope,” adding that “people will vote for the candidate that gives them a feeling of security during these unstable times.”

Thompson expressed that he thinks the election for their junior year will be especially important because “even though [Malden High is] doing online learning [the students are] still have [that] sense of school.”

One of the biggest differences candidates have had to adapt to has been campaigning remotely, and not being able to post flyers around the school. However that has not stopped the candidates from promoting themselves on social media platforms.

Bilodeau mentioned that the candidates “[do not] have that same face to face connection with people in [their] classes, in the halls, or even at lunch anymore.” Bouachra agreed that campaigning remotely

is a bit difficult. She mentioned that “having to use social media to its full extent is so tricky as you have to target the right audience and engage them.” Although she did note that “campaigning virtually can also be beneficial since [their] ideas can be more widespread and reach a larger audience.”

To elaborate on that point, Tse stated that she believes that “social media plays a large role in helping advertise. She explained that she thinks getting her campaign out there has been “fairly easier,” adding that nowadays “everyone is going on social media.”

Even before the pandemic hit, the Class of 2022 utilized an online voting platform, which they will be using again this year. Jurkowski explained that everyone was sent an email in the morning with a password in it that they needed in order to place their votes. Another feature in using the online voting system was the fact that he was “able to see live results throughout the day.” He also mentioned that “[this voting] system worked well last year, and we had a big turnout,” as everything ran smoothly.

However Jurkowski noted that turnout this year is a concern of his, as last year he was able to walk around the cafeteria with his chromebook encouraging students to vote, which of course will not be a possibility this year.

Looking back on the class’ first year of fundraising, Jurkowski expressed that the situation is unfortunate but hindrance is “something that [the class is] used to. They are eager and hopeful for their junior year, especially after they were not able to start fundraising until the beginning of their sophomore year, when they officially got their class advisor. After getting a late start, they were again set back by COVID-19, being that their sophomore year was cut short.

Already the Class of 2022 was at a disadvantage in comparison to other classes. Typically at Malden High, each class is able to start fundraising towards the end of their freshman year, which was not the case for the Class of 2022. They were not able to find a class advisor until the Fall of 2019 (their sophomore year), which was also the year that Jurkowski was hired as a gym teacher at Malden High.

Tse stated that with the loss of time, the class has undeniably missed out on many fundraising opportunities but admires the progress and efforts that both the class

officers and her fellow classmates have made in the short amount of time that they have had. Giha added to that explaining that initially at the beginning of the self quarantine period, she was doubtful but the “student council showed great initiative,” which makes her confident “that the class will come up with creative ideas for events and raising money.”

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Nie expressed that it “has given us as much as it took from us,” further explaining that “it has made [the class officers] become more creative and think outside of the box by forcing us to come up with other sources of revenue.” She added that it has made them more “meticulous about [their] planning,” and caused them to figure out what their priorities and main efforts are.” Despite the hardships, Nie believes that “it has made [them] an incredibly strong class,” and has placed emphasis on the fact that the class “is still together and strong.”

Thompson agreed with Nie stating that they are strong enough to get through whatever challenges come their way. Haq is staying positive amongst these uncertainties as she explained that there will always be inconveniences that are out of their control, but “it is [their] job to find ways around them and still achieve [their] goals.”

Despite the results of the class election, Jurkowski believes that after being held back from multiple different factors, the class will “[make] the best of the situation,” as the student council is a “super resilient group.”

Congratulations to the Winners!

President:

Julie Huynh

Vice President: Sarah Oliveira

Secretary:

Christelle Jean

Treasurer: Sammi Nie

Art Director: Tony Giech

Social Media Coordinator: Lauren Mallett

JVs Directors:

Tivian Nguyen & Mayada Giha

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Demolition of the Malden Teen Enrichment Center Courtney Fitzgerald Head of Local

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n late October of 2020, demolition began on the Malden Teen Enrichment Center (MTEC). The building housing the MTEC had been structurally unsound for a couple of years. The safety of the building had been in question since May of 2018.

Shoring, a temporary form of prop support, had been implemented in May of 2019 when the initial review of the building had been done. In November of 2019 the building was ordered to be evacuated.

The Malden Teen Enrichment Center was founded through a group of adults who had partnered

Kayley Glavin Lead Reporter

with the teen population to create a place for teens to participate in activities with their peers. The MTEC offers teens a high quality program where leadership and youth development is promoted.

This originally when events targeted towards teens hosted at the YMCA eventually grew into the beloved teen center. As the attendance increased at the teen nights, it became apparent to them that they would need to expand the availability of these activities, and so planning began. They needed to find housing and funding as well as programs and activities for the teen to partake in.

Teen Center in the process of being demolished. Photo by Carlos Aragon Aldana.

An Update on Clubs

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alden High usually offers a variety of clubs, but due to the circumstances this year, there are only a handful of them that are moving to an online format. The pandemic has not stopped some students from trying to start new clubs either. While many still want to continue meeting, “some would be difficult to” continue, history teacher, Kerry Veritas, said. Certain clubs that are national organizations such as the Key Club and NHS will continue to meet, no matter what.

Veritas is the advisor to the Feminism Club, which is held every Thursday as it was “something [the members] wanted to do.” So far it has been a success for her and the students a part of it. Veritas expressed that she still has many of the main members, but looks forward to “recruiting more members.” She

continues to have an online platform for the kids who still want to be involved.

Librarian, Mary Liberge, used to advise the Art Club. This is one of the many examples of clubs that are hard to format online because “every student would need their own supplies and that proposes a barrier.” Until this club is able to meet in person, it is going to hold off on running for now. ‘’There are a lot less clubs running this time” due to remote learning, said Veritas.

Due to the difficulties in organizing clubs this year, Veritas began working with Erin Craven, who had some good ideas about how to launch “clubs for this particular year, especially for freshmen who are new and want to get involved from home.” In prior years, freshmen would learn about clubs and extracurriculars they could join at the Activities Fair, but unfortunately

that was not held this year.

Veritas believes her kids are as interested and engaged with the Feminism Club online, just as much as they were in person. In ways it makes “it easier because you are able to be in your house at the same time.” There is more “flexibility” for her students and it is also not mandatory. For her club, being online has not stopped or “limited conversation so far.” However, Google Meets and the internet can always be an issue. Google Meets have “their own sort of vibe to it.” Most of the time it goes smoothly but there is “a little difficulty.”

Her and other teachers still prefer to be in person, but they understand why that is not an option at the moment. The good thing about online clubs is they are voluntary, so only people who want to be a part of the conversation attend, and not because they are forced to participate.

There are about fourteen clubs that are still going to try and continue meeting in “an online environment.” Veritas and Craven are arranging a Google Slides presentation to showcase continuing clubs.

This will allow students to view the “joining information, pictures and possible videos.” James Valente, media teacher, was also involved in the plan to “create a video overview” of what is available to students and what is provided to them. The next step in their plan is to distribute this information to all of the grades, specifically freshman.

This would be a great way to get more club members and it allows the students to still be involved in something they love, even from home. Their life does not have to completely go on hold. Clubs are also a great way for students to interact with their friends “outside” of class.

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Hosts Rally Juliana Luong Lead Reporter he Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) held a socially-distanced rally on September 23, 2020 in the Malden High School courtyard. The rally was organized by the Special Edu-

cation Parent Advisory Council and it “was in support of offering the option of in person learning to [Malden’s] highest needs learners that remote learning can’t offer,” said Adam Weldai. “To some people the benefits outweigh the risks and they want to give their kids a shot,” Wedlai explained.

During the SEPAC rally many of Malden’s parents spoke about their struggles with remote learning with their kids. Weldai explained that it is “stuff that we don’t Classrooms were decorated to welcome back students. Photo normally think about. Kids besubmitted by Pamela MacDonald.

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cause they work with an Adaptive Physical Education teacher they are able to practice jumping, dexterity with their fingers, raising both your arms at the same time and being able to sit in a seat without any urges.”

Computer screens limit students’ ability to learn and practice what they have worked so hard to accomplish. With that, parents want to help their kids to reach their full potential. Pamela MacDonald, the head of Special Education at the Malden High School, said that “[her] job is about building relationships with parents and building support for students. It was nice to connect with people and put some names with faces.”

Jennifer Spadafora, a parent of a special needs student can relate.

She explained that “it was really good just to see people advocating

for their kids’ education. Having a special needs child is a whole different avenue including parents that don’t know how to educate our kids in a remote learning or distance learning environment, not to say that remote learning is easy for anyone whatsoever.”

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council is in existence to make sure that no parents feel alone and so they can talk about their questions and concerns. Spadafora also explained that “as well as having SEPAC educate parents that may not be familiar with special education.” MacDonald also explained that “[she does not] always know everything [that is] going on . . . so to have another set of eyes and ears in the district and also the perspective of the parents is important and is the best advocate for families.”

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The Malden Police Department Hires New Civil Rights Officer Krishany Marius Lead Reporter

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the community to understand more of these things.

Powell goes on and states that “America definitely has some healing to do as unfortunately [there is] a lot of division in our country.” There are conversations that need to be talked about that are usually swept under the rug and some people are not comfortable talking about, Powell said “we need to have more difficult conversations that need to

he Malden Police Department hired a new Civil Rights Officer Michael Powell and is proud to have this title known to the city. It was a position that was presented to Powell and he took it without hesitation, he had been investigating hate crimes and hate incidents for a while now Powell wanted to make his position known to the public. Powell felt like this will be an important opportunity for the police department and the city of Malden. He wants the people of Malden to feel safe and do not want their rights to be violated.

Powell hopes to be an inspiration towards little kids and young people “[He thinks] that if [he has] a connection with people before [he] became a police officer.”

He hopes that he can inspire younger people of all backgrounds. He feels as if “one of [his] stronger attributes [is he is] able to con- Malden Police’s New Civil Rights Officer Michael Powell. nect with people in Photo from the Malden Police Twitter page. a real way.” As time goes on Powell be made comfortable.” Having a wants to make his position educa- general understanding of what your tional towards his younger audience rights are is important especially for not only for the police department young folks to get involved with but for the general public as well. knowing their rights they will have Powell looks forward to people a better understanding and opinion warming up to him and feel more on certain topics. comfortable and to share their stoThis new Civil Rights Position ries and so he can address it with all has such an important impact on sides of the parties involved. Powell Malden and helps Malden citizens stated that “the more people know, to have a better relationship with the more people grow.” Some peo- the Malden Police Department. It is ple may not know that some of their something that can have such a huge human rights have been violated influence on young kids and young before, and the position Powell has adults who question many things in can allow people to feel comfortable the city that will be great for everytalking about certain things that one. It is more than just advocating should be talked about more. It is an or being a guardian for folks that are educational well-known purpose to experiencing concerns about their let people know that they can come human rights being affected. This to Powell freely even if they are un- new position is something the Malsure if something leads up to a hate den community can come together incident, he wants to be involved in and focus on the bigger things.

New Mosque Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Chaimaa Assli Lead Reporter he Outreach Community and Reform Center (OCRC) was established on November 28th, 2006.

The purpose of the OCRC is to carry on religious and charitable activities. Before they got a new building, they used to hold Eid prayers in the Malden High School gym and Ramadan iftars used to be held in the cafeteria. The OCRC also invites local and foreign Muslim Scholars to further expand the knowledge of the community and to educate them about the different aspects of Islam.

In April 2019, the OCRC succeeded in achieving a long time goal that is getting a new place in Malden to accommodate the growing Muslim population in Malden and to further develop its activities. The renovation of the building took over a year to make it suitable for an Islamic center. The grand opening has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.

On Saturday, October 3rd the OCRC organized a small ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open its doors for the public.

Attending the ceremony was Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Kevin Molis and some city council members including Ward 4 City Councilor Ryan O’Malley and Ward 1 City Councilor Peg Crowe. This event was also open to the neighbors. The event started off at 2:00 pm with a tour of the new building. Everyone got to see the prayer room and classrooms used for the weekend school. After the tour, everyone gathered in the prayer room to listen to the speakers. The speakers included Abdul Hamid, a member of the Board of Trustees, then followed the Mayor, and finally, Abdul Wahab Khushafa closed off. After the speakers, the Mayor, Police Chief, Abdul Hamid, Laila Shari, and two City Council members lined up to cut the ribbon.

Everyone was socially distancing and wearing their masks. There were hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes available for everyone.

There were also stickers on the floor that showed everyone where to stand.

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There’s a Lot. Comic by Carolina Cuevas Kindergarten classroom at the OCRC learning the Arabic Alphabet. Photo by Chaimaa Assli.

Mayor giving a speech before the ribbon cutting. Photo by Chaimaa Assli.

Larbi Braer, a member of the Board of Directors said that there is a greater sense of community.

He states that “[they] are hoping to spread a positive image of Islam and to expand and reach out to the community in a positive way.” They are trying to improve the community as much as they can.

When Mayor Christenson was still a City Councilor, Adil Bousalem contacted him about a vision 15 years ago. Christenson was “ in awe” to see what they had achieved and explained “It [does not] matter where they are so long as [they are] in Malden.”

To Adil Bousalem the new mosque is a celebration of years of struggle to achieve this goal. After many years of fundraisers, talking to the people of the city and trying to find a place with the market in Malden was not easy. Even with this building, it took about a year and a half to negotiate and secure the area before it could finally open. Bousalem states “the building itself celebrates their hard work, community, board members and volunteers.” This is something they have dreamed of for years and have finally achieved it.

Police Chief Kevin Molis has known this community right from the beginning. When he first found out about their existence he sought them out. He believes that it is important for a city to develop relationships with people who decided that this is where they want to live, work and worship. Molis lives in the neighborhood so this event is both personal and professional. He said it means a lot to him that a religious community would see Malden as a welcoming place. Although he is impressed with the new place he believes that “God can be worshipped anywhere.”

The OCRC values the youth.

They believe that the youth are the future leaders of Islam in America.

There is also an after school program that teaches Arabic, Islamic studies, and Quran at the OCRC to the youth.

The OCRC intends to change its name to the Malden Islamic Center (MIC).

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Opening of Paws & Purrfection Company in Malden

Sandra Li Managing Editor

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espite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting many aspects of daily life, it has not stopped new businesses from opening up in Malden, including Paws & Purrfection Company. Located on 240 Main Street, the Paws & Purrfection Company officially opened its doors on August 29th.

Kashawna Harling, who is one of the owners of the small business, explained that it has always been a goal for her to start a business and with the pandemic, it enabled her to have more free time. During the shutdown, Harling created a business plan that consisted of how she would like the store to look, what she would be selling and the kind of services the company would be offering.

With Harling being a Malden resident herself, she was able to look for rental properties back in May. She mentioned how “[she] was lucky enough to find a store property five minutes away from [her] home” which especially helped when Harling and co-owner, Ralph Long III, would both “spend at least ten hours a day from July to August” to organize and put together the store.

The Paws & Purrfection Company offers products and services that are based around pets. More specifically, the business provides pets and food supplies, dog grooming and yard pet waste removal services.

Being the owner of two dogs

Chaimaa Assli Lead Reporter

and cats, Harling enjoys “spending time with and caring for animals’’ which was one of the reasons that prompted her to open a business centered on pets. On top of that, she stated how during the initial pandemic shutdowns, “it was getting increasingly difficult to obtain pet food and supplies quickly.” With the demand placed on major pet supply companies causing delays in delivery times, it prompted for Harling to establish Paws & Purrfection Company as “a local alternative to large pet supply distributors.”

In the end, her goal was to form a local neighborhood store that gives both pet supplies and services with a “down-home personal touch.”

Along with other small businesses across the country, the Paws & Purrfection Company has also been largely impacted by COVID-19.

Mayor Gary Christenson expressed that the most difficult aspect of the pandemic has been “the reduction in the number of customers that come [into the] city.” However, this has not stopped people from establishing businesses as seen through the number of stores that have recently opened up.

Christenson explained that with many individuals having much free time, they have utilized this opportunity to start their own business, and further said that “people are looking to take charge of their futures and become entrepreneurs.”

For Paws & Purrfection, one of the issues that the business is facing is funding. Harling stated that because of the closures placed in

the city and the state, “[her] income [has] become severely limited” to the point where “[she has] to resort to savings” in order to fund the store. She further added that like any new company, “profit and customers come slowly” and so having a second income has been essential to ensure that the “business initially stays afloat.” Another issue has been marketing and advertising the company as it has been “harder to introduce yourself to local businesses and customers during a time of social distancing.”

In order to tackle these issues that small businesses have been experiencing, Mayor Christenson directed the Malden Redevelopment Authority to administer an emergency small business assistance program funded through the city’s allotment of federal Community Development Block Grants.

The program was mainly targeted towards businesses that have five or fewer full-time employees. In addition, with restaurants being one of the hardest hit industries, Christenson further requested that the licensing board waive the renewal fees for their liquor licenses for 2021.

He explained that his approach to this was that “instead of trying to put money into their pocket, let’s look at ways we can simply leave it there.” For some, he said that this saved almost to $3,500 “at a time when every dollar counts.”

In the future, the City of Malden plans on creating workshops to help businesses understand how to adapt to new safety practices

including contactless payment, the utilization of QR codes and how to keep customers confident in their sanitization methods. On top of that, the city is also initiating a marketing campaign in order to draw people back to the dining and gaming options when it is more safe.

In spite of COVID-19 affecting small businesses greatly, Harling still continues to have high hopes and aspirations for the Paws & Purrfection Company. She hopes for the business to not only “become a local store name for the community,” but to also “have a comfortable sense of home and community” for customers. Moreover, with Harling being a first time business owner, she is aiming for success during a difficult time, but is confident that with “hard work, faith and strong ambition, [she] will get Paws & Purrfection Company to be a success.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony for Paws & Purrfection Company. Photo submitted by Kashawna Harling.

Soul City Yoga Opens in Malden

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oul City Yoga recently opened in Malden on September 22nd, 2020. It is located on 210 Pleasant Street in Malden Center across from City Hall. The owners are Shanel Anderson and Sara Bailey.

This is not the first location of Soul City Yoga. Anderson and Bailey’s first studio was opened in 2016 in Lynn. To them Malden is a lot like Lynn. They really liked the cultural

The entrance of Soul City Yoga. Photo submitted by Shanel Anderson.

diversity of Malden. Anderson and Bailey explained that Malden is the most diverse community in the commonwealth and “it fit perfectly.” The pillars of their mission statement is to offer yoga to communities that do not already have it. They chose Lynn because Anderson and Bailey were both born and raised in Lynn and after doing much research they decided that Malden was the right place for Soul City Yoga and “the pieces fell in line.”

Both Anderson and Bailey love Malden. Anderson said “[she has] been impressed with Malden with the accessibility of the authority and the administration,” adding that they have really “stepped up to help [businesses] and they really want them to succeed.” The community itself, the people who come to the studio are “enthusiastic” and “welcoming” and happy that they are coming into the studio.

Anderson and Bailey really like how the new building turned out.

They have been involved with it for a long time and watching it come to life has been exciting and a “test of patience.” COVID-19 was a big obstacle for them so seeing the place now has made it even more special.

Bailey said that it feels very professional and she loves the “aesthetic of

the building.”

At Soul City Yoga there is a daily yoga practice. There are different varieties: they offer yoga, restorative yoga, yoga sculpt, and they also host Barre, workshops, events and offer retail. These classes are currently offered both virtually and in the studio “so you can take your yoga anywhere.”

They both have their own story as to why they began yoga and started this business. For Anderson, yoga really helped her with a difficult pregnancy. She realized how helpful it was and decided that she wanted to get certified in yoga. To her the general part of yoga teacher training was questioning herself constantly about what she would do as soon as she completed the training. Growing up in Lynn she knew that there was no yoga available so she wanted to do something where the city would benefit from it. At first it started off as something small and it just grew from there.

The reason why Anderson decided to open a yoga studio was the lack of diversity in Yoga and “there weren’t a lot of black women in the class.” So to her it never felt welcoming so she wanted to change that. Anderson said, “If you have a dream or an idea, be patient, follow

through and don’t give up.”

Bailey was actually a practicing attorney for six years after law school and “it wasn’t the right fit for [her].” Her husband realized that and encouraged her to try yoga since she loves dance and is pretty athletic. During her first few classes she felt like the outlier but she kept going and it became part of her daily routine, so she began yoga teacher training. She soon began to teach yoga and really enjoyed it so she decided to quit her job as an attorney and started teaching full time.

Later on she met up with Anderson.

They have known each other since they were about 10 and 8 and since Anderson owned a yoga studio and Bailey was a yoga teacher they decided to partner up. “That’s kind of how the whole thing went down.”

Like Anderson, Bailey Also felt uncomfortable when first walking into a yoga studio. They believe “the more diverse the better” and everyone is welcome at Soul City Yoga. Bailey said [it is hard to do something new but “if you go to soul city you will be welcomed and if you keep at it and just keep trying it’ll do wonders for your health and wellness”

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Virtual Spirit Week Julie Huynh Managing Editor

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or the longest time, it has been a tradition at Malden High for students to participate in Spirit Week, a series of days leading up to Pep Rally where students get the opportunity to dress up and show off their school spirit. In the past, every student that participated would earn points for their class, but this year was not like all the ones that came before it. The Step Team did not perform at Pep Rally, student council members did not sell t-shirts, there was no tug-of-war.

In early November, Beth Horwitz, a Business Teacher and the co-adviser to the Maldonian, was speaking to art teacher Mary Ann Seager about their disappointment, because for them, Spirit Week “represents a sense of community and Malden High School Pride.”

This was when they decided to take matters into their own hands

and set up a meeting with Principal Christopher Mastrangelo to see if there was any way to host Spirit Week virtually this year. Mastrangelo was excited to hear that Horwitz and Seager were taking initiative and said, “if [they] thought [they] had enough time to plan it, then absolutely, go for it.”

The following week, an email was sent out to Malden High staff to ask for any volunteers to help with the planning. James Valente, Kristy Hardy, Kristy Magras, Jeanne Marquardo, Tim Lane, Todd Cole, and Paul Marques were all staff members that responded.

As a team, they decided that Monday, November 23rd would be Sports Day, Tuesday would be Bad Hair Day, and Wednesday would be Blue & Gold Day. They asked students to take a picture of themselves and upload it to them through a Google Form, where they put together all the submissions into a video montage at the end of the day.

Valente took up the task of creating all the videos, which are also available on the Malden High School website. Horwitz thought that he “did a fantastic job,” knowing that it was not easy and “time-consuming at times.”

For Sports Day, students were instructed to “rock [their] favorite team’s colors and attire,” many of the participants chose to wear their Malden High sports merchandise.

There was no shortage of participation from the staff members either.

Principal Mastrangelo wore a Celtics sweatshirt and Boyle House Principal Stephanie Sibley showed her support for the Dallas Cowboys.

Students and staff did not come to disappoint on Bad Hair Day. While some people looked like they just rolled out of bed, others put in effort to braid their hair in a funky way or put on a wig.

Usually Blue & Gold Day coincides with Pep Rally, but that did not stop people from repping their

class! Some students wore their class shirt, others wore clothes showing off their sports or clubs.

Horwitz’s favorite part about Spirit Week this year was “seeing the smiles on the students’ faces… each day.” As a former graduate of Malden High, Blue & Gold day was “especially meaningful” to her because the photos and videos helped her remember all the happiness that she got from these traditions. She did not want the seniors to graduate from Malden High without having the same.

Horwitz and Seager felt that having a Virtual Spirit Week would serve as a nice reminder that “we are always together at Malden High School, showing Malden Pride whether we are in school or distance learning.”

Sarah Schneider and Reem Bouachra show school spirit on Blue and Gold day. Photo submitted by Bouachra.

History teacher Jonathan Copithorne and Michelangelo celebrate Spirit Week together. Photo submitted by Copithorne.

The 2020 Spirit Week poster. Photo from Chris Mastrangelo.

From left to right; Kenny Nguyen, Brianna Preston, David Lombardi, Jennifer Phan, and Jason Ong show their school spirit on Blue and Gold day. Photo submitted by Ong.

Senior Ana Dorner showing off her look for bad hair day. Photo submitted

by Dorner.

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Movie Review: I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Carlos Aragon Aldana Managing Editor of Print and Design

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ut of all the films I’ve watched this year, the one that I’ve since thought about the most is most certainly I’m Thinking Of Ending Things by Charlie Kaufman (who’s done Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich). It’s also debatable whether or not that’s a good or bad thing. After much thought, I can confidently say that I have not digested all of the ideas the film presented and most likely missed some of the more subtle themes. This is my current analysis and review of I’m Thinking Of Ending Things.

While it may seem unintuitive, I’ll get the more technical aspects of the film out of the way before I attempt to unravel the puzzle that is the plot. In terms of performances, they were all amazing; although this is the first piece I’ve ever seen Jesse Buckley in, she has already become one of my favorite actresses. Toni Collette sent chills down spine in all of her scenes, just like she did in Hereditary and Jesse Plemons does the same. The camerawork is usually simple, yet effective, although one scene towards the end is beautifully composed. It’s not revolutionary, but it gets the job done really well.

Again, there’s probably more I’ll catch on another rewatch since I was really trying to figure out the themes and story more than anything on the first couple of viewings.

With that out of the way, I’ll dive into the rabbit hole that is I’m Thinking of Ending Things, from a story standpoint. The IMDb synopsis writes that “Full of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents’ secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.” It leaves out the fact that throughout the film, her trip is intercut with scenes of a day in the life of a high school janitor. While the description isn’t wrong, it definitely won’t prepare you for actual viewing. In fact, I recommend you watch the film before going forward. It’s on Netflix, and it’s perfect for a quick watch late at night (don’t try watching it during the day, a sizeable chunk of the film is quite dark). This part of the review won’t make much sense without it. Skip to the end for my recommendation.

Did you watch it? Good. If not, keep reading I guess, but it’s going to be hard to follow. The first thing I’ll get out of the way that you probably didn’t pick up on is that Jesse Buckley’s nameless protagonist is

Official poster for the movie I’m Thinking of Ending Things. Photo from Wikimedia.

a fantasy created by the janitor, who is also an aged Jake. I heard it was much easier to pick up on in the books, but there are still hints sprinkled throughout the film here and there.

For example, Buckley’s paintings are actually Jake’s, if you saw that during her trip to the basement. Jake is also A scene from the movie. Photo from Netflix. shown to have a love of film as we see his relationship with his parcan see in his room, and Buckley’s ents, how it ended up, his regrets, character just happens to become a and finally, we see dementia fully cinephile on the car ride home in her consume him. It’s extremely scary, review of A Woman Under the Influ- seeing his regrets, what he wished ence, which she viciously tore apart. he could’ve done, like approaching The review was also lifted straight Buckely on trivia night or being able from the late critic Pauline Kael. It’s to spend more time with his mother also one of my favorite scenes of the or being able to be accepted by his film, the way Buckley slips into her father. Finally, his speech and song native accent so casually was amaz- at the end in the theatre is something ing; I didn’t even notice the change that I actually haven’t figure out. It’s at first. Finally, at the end of the film, definitely connected to aging (based she states that she never even spoke on the audience) and his regrets to Jake, he just stared at her in a (simply because this is the opposite creepy manner. She even said it was of the life he lived), but there’s alakin to describing “a mosquito that most certainly more to dive into. bit [her] 40 years ago. Jake is also Finally, at the end we’re treated hinted to be the janitor a few times, with a visual marvel; a dance scene one of which was when she finds featuring what seems to be Jake and the uniform in the washing ma- Buckley, although they’re replaced chine. The janitor also gives Buckley by stand-ins. They live a life togeththe slippers that Jake tried to give er, and right before they’re married, her earlier in the film. The girls at Jake’s doppelganger is killed by the Tulsey Town are also the same Jake’s other doppelganger, or more girls from the theatre who gave him specifically, a stand-in for the Janitor. weird looks.

What does this mean? To be frank, So why is all of this important? I’m not entirely sure, but I’ll give it What is Kaufman trying to say with a stab. For one, we can assert that this piece? Well for one, I know one this is the life Jake wished he lived. of the biggest elements is the terror However, right before they’re united in aging. The most obvious sign of in marriage, Jake is murdered by the this is Jake’s mother, played by Toni janitor. Why? Probably because the Collete. Her performance is bone- life he ended up living is what kills chilling as I said earlier, and if you this dream, and the murder is perwatched the film, you’d understand formed by the janitor because that’s why; almost everything the mother who he ultimately ends up living as. does is unsettling in some way or There are probably other interpretaleads to something unsettling. I tions, and another watch may help didn’t quite put my finger on what me find more to it, but that’s how was up with her, although I’m not my view of the sequence stands as too familiar with diseases or afflic- of the writings of this review. tions like the kind she had and I’m Ultimately, I loved I’m Thinknot in the place to diagnose someone. ing of Ending Things. I don’t want The way she pressed all the wrong to be that guy, but it really is a piece buttons on Jake unintentionally that makes you think really hard. made me cringe. In fact, throughout While I think most of my assertions the entire dinner, I had to get up and (or is it assertations?) on the piece take a break at least twice. Her laugh are right, some bits like the dancing was tired, ominous, and sad all at sequence, the thoughts on time and the same time. Finally, the way this it’s true nature (which I didn’t dive ties to aging can be fully wrapped into because they were extremely up by examining her scene on the strange.) and the ending scene with deathbed; it feels sad, but at the Jake’s speech are all parts I’m unsure same time you could see it coming. about. Which is fine by me; it means It’s the same with age and death; it’s I’ll probably keep coming back to it always on the horizon, and there’s and enjoy it. Even so, not everyone no escape. Sometimes it’s swift, but is the type of person who watches oftentimes you know it’s coming a films for thematic reasons. Which is long time before it arrives. fine, not every piece has to be deep Continuing on with the theme, to make you feel something. but changing characters, the entire I’d recommend this piece to film is an examination of Jake’s anyone who wants to have somepsyche through Buckley’s eyes. We thing to think about for a long time.

Entertainment

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Show Review: Grand Army Krishany Marius Lead Reporter

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rand Army aired on Netflix October 16th, 2020. It covers the many obstacles that teenagers face in the real world and how they deal with differences. Grand Army has many ups and downs that five teenagers are trying to deal with: racial injustice, misogyny, high expectations from parents, struggles of fitting in a group, sexual assault, sexuality and most importantly trying to find themselves in a world where they are not understood or accepted. The show focuses on the many topics that teens struggle with and they should be talked about in many places throughout the world.

These five teens are Sid, a senior who struggles with his sexuality and is trying to meet his brown parents’ expectations. Dom, who struggles with keeping her grades up and taking care of her family financially, staying in a small house trying to cooperate with everything all together. Joey, who throughout the show is being shamed because of the way she feels comfortable in her own skin; her story in the show is a traumatic experience that is overlooked because of the way she shows her body.

Jay, a saxophone player who he and his friend Owen got in trouble for messing around, only to have Owen be suspended for 60 days because they were playing around in a lockdown. The principal barely

shows empathy towards the situation. Lastly, Leila who is a Chinese adoptee wondering what is her place and where does she fit in society; she is a teenager completely oblivious to her own toxic traits and manipulative ways.

The show goes on and focuses on the main topics of what many people in society overlook, like Joey’s performative activism, where she shows her devotion but in reality she is looking for validation to prove people that they support her. Joey sees that Dom and her friends are kneeling during the “Star Spangled Banner”, so she does it too because she thinks it will prove that she is with them, but she never holds her friends accountable when they were racist or homophobic.

The principal suspending Owen for 60 days because of playing around during a serious event was excessive but he allows the two white boys who had a sexual assault allegation come back to school. It goes to show that the principal does not care for the black students in the school and pushes away the fact that black kids are more likely to get targeted and pay the consequences.

This also happens in real life where black students are stereotyped and targeted for their skin color.

The show Grand Army goes on with the struggles of identifying sexuality and how terrifying it is to come out to parents who probably are not accepting towards that topic.

The struggles of keeping up with

grades and helping your family and trying to see where you fit in this world and see who you really are.

I would recommend this show to anyone, especially teenagers who know the daily struggles of being a teenager in this society and having to deal with so many things that are

thrown at them. Grand Army is a show that allows people to get a better understanding of many things and helps relate to the main topics that are not talked about. It is not a cheesy teenage series but an understandable and educational one.

Netflix series Grand Army poster. Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Monthly Playlists: Curated by You! Lulu Harding, Head of Sports Julie Huynh, Managing Editor

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Cover art for The Blue and Gold’s monthly playlist for October.

Art by Lulu Harding.

Cover art for The Blue and Gold’s monthly playlist for November. Art by Carolina Cuevas.

ntroducing: Malden High’s Playlist of the Month!

This year, The Blue and Gold is involving the students of Malden High in creating a monthly playlist.

On the first of every month, there will be a survey posted on our Instagram Story to ask the community what they are currently listening to.

These songs will then be added to a playlist that will be shared both on our website and our Spotify.

During these current times

Follow us on Spotify @ The Blue and Gold to listen to all our monthly playlists!

with everyone stuck at home due to the pandemic, it can be easy to feel alone and disconnected from each other. We hope that these monthly playlists will help bring the Malden High community together, as well as become something that people look forward to being a part of.

Each month’s playlist includes songs from various different genres, languages, and artists. This is a chance for you to discover new artists, while also seeing what others are listening to right now.

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Cancellation of the Malden vs. Medford Thanksgiving football Game game because it “had always been the highlight of [his] season and of Thanksgiving, and it was such a Zachary Nedall shame [they did not] get to have it Reporter or play in it since [they] all worked ith the pandemic causing really hard.” This is definitely a some major changes to this common view amongst the team year’s sports seasons, one of the as a whole, and having the season biggest has been the cancellation of cancelled on top of this was a fruswhat would have been this year’s trating experience for them.

133rd Malden-Medford ThanksgivFreker felt the effects of the ing football game. absence of this game as well. He has The Malden-Medford rivalry is been on the Malden High football the second oldest football rivalry in coaching staff for 20 of the Thanksthe nation. This being said, the tra- giving football games, “two as Head ditional game played on Thanksgiv- Coach and 18 as assistant coach.” ing is something that both the Mal- He has also played in three of them, den and Medford communities look so it was definitely a letdown to find forward to every year, whether they out that he was not coaching the are playing on the field or cheer- game this year. ing from the sidelines. Although For Senior Captain Giovani cancelling this game was the safest Memeus, this game has always option due to the current situation, meant a lot to him. Before transferthese communities, the coaches and ring to Malden High, he attended especially the football teams were Medford High for two years, giving greatly impacted. Malden High’s him experience playing with both football coach Stephen Freker said teams. He stated that not being able that he feels “badly for the Malden to play a Thanksgiving game was High players the most, especially difficult, especially being a senior. the seniors, since [it] was their last It also “hit [him] hard” because he chance to play in a game that has the was looking forward to making sure longest tradition in school history.” “Medford High [did not] score a sinSenior Captain Muneer Od- gle point just like last year’s game.” ally stated that he was honestly Last year, Malden claimed extremely disappointed with the victory against Medford, 29-0, at cancellation of the Thanksgiving the Thanksgiving game. Memeus described how the team “showed up and came to play against Medford to make sure that the seniors got the best final game in their high school football career.” Senior Captain Matthew Bessey added that although the game was cold and wet, “it was really fun to play ball one last time with the seniors and end up winning the game.” By taking the win last year, Malden was Last year’s Thanksgiving Day victory. Photo able to keep Medford’s Footsubmitted by Coach Freker.

ball team on a winless season.

Malden High’s football team has worked incredibly hard after their outstanding efforts at last year’s game. Although the pandemic has put team practices on pause for now, the players have been putting in a lot of effort to find ways to begin practicing for next season.

Most of the athletes tend to usually train year-round anyways, but this year has made individual or smaller group strengthening sessions especially common.

Bessey stated that “some people have been practicing on their select position to try and get better for whenever they are able to play again,” this usually being either in the weight room or at Macdonald Stadium. And according to Memeus, “sometimes some of the guys even attend a couple of Coach Elisee Pompilus’ training sessions, which really helped [them] out a lot.”

Besides the letdown of not being able to play the Thanksgiving football game, one of the main setbacks of the season as a whole has been getting players to be noticed by college scouts. Normally, scouts would be at some of the football games, seeing which players stand out and they believe have the potential to perform well at their college.

With the absence of a fall season, the window of opportunity for players to play in front of college scouts has become greatly diminished.

The same could be said for these college’s opportunities of finding fresh talent for their teams. Without high school football games being played, it is difficult for scouts to find players and draft them to their teams. The setback of all the athletic seasons has posed this challenge for sports across the board, and many colleges are already working on accommodations to be able to get

Juliana Luong Lead Reporter

cording to Conefrey, plays games has taken much of a negative toll, but with “neighboring communities” even despite being remote Adaptive including Melrose. This makes the P.E. continues to keep its enjoyable students’ athletic experience similar atmosphere. During class, students to the rest of Malden High School’s use the chat room and enjoy seeing sports. everyone dancing. In-person class is Although Adaptive P.E. is a safe and socially distanced, everyone gym class, there are so many other wears masks and are spread across ways students participate and can the gym. “It’s a time to interact with be involved. For example, students your peers in a non-academic way,” are offered leadership roles in the said MacDonald. Adaptive P.E is class. “We’ve had captains of the standing strong and will remain a cheerleading team that were a part place where there is a fun, safe, and of the PACE program, some were a learning environment. part of the Captain’s Council,” said Conefrey.

The captain was also a part of the general Malden High cheerleading team, and was not a “separate entity.”

The Malden High School Special Education Basketball Team.

COVID-19 Submitted by Charlie Conefrey. Taken prior to the pandemic.

Lulu Harding Head of Sports

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these players drafted.

When asked about playing football past the high-school level, Odally has said that “football is something [he] would really like to play in college and still plans on it, but the pandemic has kind of made [him] more flexible with whether [he plays] at the college level or not.”

Similarly, Bessey brings up that “[he hopes he gets] the opportunity to play football in college and continue playing. The pandemic has made it harder to get colleges to see you for athletics, but like a lot of other people in my position [we will] make something happen.”

However, with the cancellation of the Thanksgiving football game, there may be also some good news to look forward to.

“As it stands now, we may have the opportunity to have a shorter football season in Fall II,” Freker stated. The Fall II season is currently set to happen from February 22nd through April 25th. “If [the Football team get to have their] season, [they] will play Medford for what will be the 133rd time.” The game might possibly be played on Patriots Day, 2021. It will not be exactly the same, but there will be some excitement.

With the possibility of a Malden-Medford game still being played, the football team still has something to look forward to. There is a lot of hope for next season, and the team will continue training for the next time they get to play their Medford rivals.

As Memeus brought up, “Like the Great Kobe Bryant said, ‘everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise.’” He concluded that personally, he simply sees the “pandemic as just another opportunity for [him] to improve to be better than how [he] was last year.”

Adaptive Physical Education In Malden

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daptive P.E. is a class established upon grade level in grades K-12 with modified activities that are safer and more feasible for special educated students. Adaptive P.E. is sometimes taken in place of a gym class, but it is similar. The students taking this class participate in playing sports, although sometimes with balls such as volleyball or baseball, the coaches will use bigger and or softer balls that are easier to catch, hit or kick.

The Cupid Shuffle is one of the favored parts of class. “Adaptive P.E. really brings a different aspect to [the students] day, especially during the COVID-19; pandemic students are really stressed and primarily tuned into academics as well as focusing online, it’s a good break in the day to do something fun,” said Pamela MacDonald, Director of Special Education.

Malden High Schools’ Special Education students, for the past two years, worked hard to have Malden High School revered as a Unified Champion School. A Unified Champion School “is a school and/or district that exhibits an all-inclusive atmosphere for children with [either physical or cognitive] disabilities,” explained Charlie Conefrey, Director of Athletics and P.E.. Unified Sports was created when Malden partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

The class also partakes in many things to be a part of the Malden community. Conefrey stated that “through athletics, we do Unified basketball in the fall, but that was canceled or moved to hopefully in March or April.” There are about 15 to 20 girls and boys that sign up to participate and travel along with coaches for their basketball team. In the spring, the Adaptive P.E. class competes in outdoor track, and ac-

Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Malden High Awarded Sportsmanship Honor Roll All photos from The Blue and Gold archives.

Sarah Alves Marques Reporter

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or the fifth year in a row, Malden High School was awarded the Sportsmanship Honor Roll in District 5 by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Across the state, there are nine districts organized by the MIAA. Malden is in district five along with the Northeastern Conference, Cape Ann League and Commonwealth Athletic Conference.

This award is granted to schools for not having any student-athletes or coaches disqualified or suspended from an athletic contest during the school year. Good sportsmanship consists of honest competition, good relationships with teammates and accepting the results of the game, regardless of the outcome.

Schools should practice the ability to accept defeat without objection or complaint, victory without bragging and the treatment of opponents with integrity and respect. With this award, it reveals how coaches are now more of a role model to students rather than having an individual training them for a game only to win. Charlie Conefrey, the Director of Athletics and Physical Education in Malden, stated that by achieving this award “it shows that the kids are following the lead of the coaches, who are following the lead of our athletic department and administration from Malden High school.”

Conefrey believes that “sportsmanship permeates virtually every aspect of our culture as ethics and fair play [which] applies in all facets of life.” He mentioned that the award “is a measure of our school’s understanding and commitment to

the educational nature of interscholastic athletics.”

He further added that “[Malden High School] tries to teach sportsmanship in all aspects.” Conefrey also explained that sportsmanship simply consists of respect, and it is for yourself or your opponent. Moreover, that “it is [about] respect in all aspects of gameplay, being gratuitous when you win, and being just as gratuitous when you lose.”

Overall, it is one of his favorite honors because it directly reflects how the Malden community “work[s] well together” and on top of that, represents Malden as an athletic department and that what they are essentially teaching is that sports are not always about winning, rather it is about “having respect for yourself, your peers, your school, and your community.”

Local News

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The Blue and Gold January 2021

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Teachers’ Perspectives on Online Learning Kaoutar Wakaf Lead Reporter

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any schools around the world, including Malden High School, have started off the year with remote learning to protect students, teachers and other staff members from contracting COVID-19.

Although this may sound like an unfavorable way to start the year, it is certainly thought of as a safer method of schooling that allows the least amount of exposure and would hopefully reduce the number of coronavirus cases in the Malden area. This dramatic change in the way students learn has obviously imposed the need for constant adaptation, flexibility and patience, but what are the teachers’ opinions on this subject?

The teachers at Malden High School did not sign up for remote learning. They were used to the in-person student-to-teacher interactions. To continue teaching during this pandemic, teachers had to adapt at a quick pace to make this year work.

Remote learning didn’t come without challenges, however.

Robin Doherty, an English teacher at Malden High School, said “because [the ninth graders are] new to the high school and it’s already nerve-racking going to go to high school nevermind now that it’s all virtual—it’s harder for [her] to get to know them. She has noticed that “a lot of them are really shy about the cameras for a variety of reasons, whether it’s because they feel uncomfortable and don’t know their peers, or they don’t want people to see the background of their homes.”

Doherty also thinks “it’s more of a challenge to build a sense of classroom community so [she is] telling them to unmute themselves and speak instead of just typing in the chat because otherwise [she would] be reading chats all day and [would] feel like [she is] having a conversation with [herself].”

She sees technology as an additional challenge. For example, “[she] was having technical issues and [she] had to have the kids leave the google meet and rejoin. [She] knows sometimes, kids can’t get on for whatever reason and that’s out of [their] hands. It’s definitely frustrating at times but [they] can’t control technology.”

In addition, Joseph Luongo, an art teacher at Malden High School said he uses breakout rooms when he wants to talk to someone privately. Luongo mainly uses this option to give feedback to students about their artwork. He heard teachers were using Nearpod a lot but he hasn’t tried it, although it is something he wants to look into. Usually, he uses QuickTime or screencastify to record his lessons. However, Luongo also makes use of Padlet, a website where students and teachers can communicate, collaborate and share their ideas through pictures

and links. Moreover, he adds that “[teachers are] really trying [their] best to mimic or duplicate the inperson experience.”

Mary Ann Seager, another art teacher at Malden High School, further stated that “although [art teachers are] trying to use the new programs and [are] trying to become more tech-savvy, it is very important for [teachers] to maintain personal contact with students by doing demonstrations and having them show [them] their work because [they] don’t want to just do slides. It has to be an activity that [students] participate in. It’s a solo activity, it always has been, whether [a student] is at the studio by [themselves] or with other students, but [art teachers] are trying to maintain the studio atmosphere,” which they have found to be a challenge.

This year, Malden High School changed the schedule by dropping a period from the seven period rotation. There are now six class periods, with three classes a day in the new two day rotation schedule. Referred to as the “Blue and Gold” schedule, there is integration of asynchronous periods as well as an after school period called “What I Need” (WIN), similar to office hours. Ann Pember, a history and psychology teacher, said “[she likes] having a longer time with fewer classes per day.

Everything takes longer in remote learning because of tech issues.” She was not sure how the block schedule would work because it was not something she had done before, so she thinks the current schedule “works much better” than the one the school had in-person.

Pember added that “[she] also likes that students have more time to do homework assignments. [Students] don’t have as much homework each night, they have two days to do an assignment, sometimes four if it’s over the weekend. [She] also [likes] starting a little bit later, at 8:15. [Her] students are reporting they are getting much more sleep than in previous years and some of that is because there’s not as much to do. There aren’t as many school activities but just having that half an hour difference does help with sleep.” Asynchronous time is also

something that she appreciates, seeing it has a “great idea to have time built into [their] schedule for meetings and extra help.”

What do teachers think about the way students learn through remote learning? Has it changed the way students learn?

Katherine Haskell, a chemistry teacher at Malden High School, explained that this year, “[she thinks] that students are starting to take a little more ownership of their own learning because [teachers] aren’t there to make sure [students] are doing their work.”

In contrast to last year, she does not have the ability to ask students why they have not started an assignment, students have to take responsibility and do this themselves.

She said that “the large majority of students are doing really well with that.” Even when students are getting kicked off or having internet issues, they are still reaching out and emailing her about what they may have missed. Haskell added that “[she’s] starting to see that students are really taking ownership of their own learning because [teachers] aren’t there to make sure they’re doing it.”

Many may recall how numerous schools around the nation were forced to close their doors and quickly adopt a new virtual method of schooling for their students. Malden’s decision to switch to remote learning was made by staff members in an effort to resume classes and end the year on a good note.

Jennifer Clapp, an English teacher at MHS voiced her opinion on the topic. She “[did not] think it was super successful last year.” She thinks MHS “got through it as best as possible, but [that] it wasn’t real remote learning,” comparing it to “crisis learning where [students and teachers] were trying to completely shift gears in the middle of the year to do what was needed to do.” She felt that MHS “did not have enough to plan or make sure everybody had the stuff they needed so it was really just reacting to everything that was happening.”

Clapp felt that “[school administrators] did this for the right reasons but they were really limiting

[teachers] for what [they] could do with students. For example, [teachers] couldn’t do [their] own lesson planning, [they] couldn’t introduce a lot of new material and it meant that [the class] couldn’t really move forward. Teachers tried their best, students tried their best, everyone tried their best, but [Clapp thinks] it’s been way more successful this year.” This year has proven to be better than she thought it would be. Her class attendance has been steady, and she commented that everybody is doing their work.

Though many teachers, students and families are experiencing remote learning in different ways, most would all agree that it is not perfect.

Overall, teachers seem to prefer in-school learning to remote learning. They miss student-teacher interactions and hands-on activities, however, because of the circumstances, many seem to agree that it would be a better decision to stay home and make the most out of it.

Doherty, for example, is happy to be teaching remotely this year despite all the obstacles the situation had presented. Ideally, she would love to be in person in front of her students, but because of the virus she believes that is not possible. The reason she became a teacher was so she could make new connections with students, and now she has to learn how to do that through a screen.

Check out this years “Meet the Staff” video on our YouTube channel by scanning this QR code.

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Robert Grinnell’s period five Spanish class on Google Meets. Photo submitted by Grinnell.

Malden Malden High High School School Volume Volume 106 105 Edition Edition 14 February 2020