March Edition 2019

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School

Volume 104 Edition 5

77 salem street

March 2019

maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 104 Edition 5 March 2019

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The Blue and Gold March 2019

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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Parking at MHS: Why it’s an Issue Carlos Aragon Aldana Reporter

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t MHS, the parking situation is not that great for anyone involved. Many students, mostly upperclassmen, feel frustrated about it because they can’t park their cars near the school. Even teachers are frustrated because a lot of them end up losing their parking spaces during the winter because of the snow. One of the worst things about it is that there is no solution in sight. The issue even affects sports, as many students have trouble getting to practices from school, and would prefer to use their car as opposed to public transportation.

Upperclassman Agatha Silva says that she understands, but it’s very hard on student athletes who need to get to their practices.

She also wishes that the CVS had never been built, as that space could easily have been turned into a parking lot. She also says that “a lot of students would be willing to pay for a parking permit.”

Another upperclassman, Pamela Coelho, feels that “the school should be responsible to providing parking to both students and teachers.” She really thinks that something should be done about it, and she would even “pay a fee at the beginning of the year” to be allowed to park.

Finally, Mr. Mastrangelo believes that the parking situation is a real issue. However, he says that “Malden High is right in the middle of the city so there isn’t much space for parking.” He says that he “doesn’t even have his own parking spot.” He is frustrated, and he can feel the frustration from his teachers and students.

For some teachers, it can take 5 or 6 minutes to get from their parking space to the school. He also can’t think of a solution for it. He says that “it would have been great to turn the CVS into a parking space” but the CVS isn’t a city owned property, so it can’t be removed at the discretion of the city. He says that “the city has been helping him a lot” and that “the guy in charge of parking has been trying hard to help the school” but that even with the city trying to do something, the issue is still very prominent.

Crossword

Editorial

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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.

Hey Nedlam, I recently went through a tough break up and I’m still having hard time dealing with it. I thought that I’d be over it by now since it’s already been a few months but I’m not. What should I do?

Dear Anonymous,

Thank you so much for reaching out. I know that these things can be extremely difficult to talk about and your strength to do so shows much character.

It’s important to remember that you once shared a deep, valuable connection with this person so it’s not at all strange for feelings to remain even after a breakup.

The most important tip I can give you to completely get over this break up is to cut off all connections with this person. This includes not speaking to one another, and deleting/unfriending them from all social media platforms. Any photos/videos together, piece of clothing you may still have of the person, or anything else that reminds you of the memories you once shared, must be discarded of.

Doing fun activities you enjoy or even spending time with people who care about you are great distractions. Another way to get over an ex is to keep your options open. You shouldn’t be too quick to move on from one relationship to another but you also shouldn’t prevent yourself from opportunities to meet new people. But remember to trust your instincts because no one else can tell you when you’ll be ready or not.

If after all this you’re still struggling, it’s most likely because the relationship didn’t end properly. The ultimate solution to this would be having a private discussion with the person to figure out what you need to move on. In this way, you are getting closure.

However this may turn out for you, I want you to remember that it’s okay to break down and burst into tears. At the end of the day, you are only human. Don’t ever forget that you are loved and you are strong.

Let me know if my advice worked! I wish you the best.

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.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

A Thank You, to My Parents

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little over two years ago, I found out I was going to have a new sibling. At 16, that came as a shock. While happy about it, I never expected how much my life would change upon my younger sibling’s arrival. Now, with my baby brother Mateo at 18 months, I have a newfound appreciation for my parents.

I came to the United States from Colombia at six years old and my prevailing memories from Colombia have one common denominator: family. While I obviously do not remember a lot from Colombia, what I do remember is being surrounded by relatives. There was always the presence of numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Here, while we do have some family, it is not the same, and I can not thank my parents enough for leaving so much of their lives behind to be here for us.

I have always been thankful for them, but now the tireless effort that they display when taking care of my baby brother makes me see them in a whole different light. They are up at any hour of the night, caring for my brother and finding new ways to entertain him, and even when they get home from work and Mateo runs to them as he hears the door, they don’t complain about how tired they are, but instead are just happy to be with him.

With the expenses of prom, graduation and college coming up, instead of complaining about them, they have helped me with every step, pushing me to find what is right for me. While they have always pushed me towards success, they have never

pushed me towards something that would make me unhappy and have never not shown unending support, even when I have been difficult to deal with.

With the high school chapter of my life coming to an end soon, I was feeling pressure to figure out what it is that I was going to do. After waving off my family’s questions for the past four years, coming into senior year I thought I was going to have to just decide.

Instead, after talking to my parents, and telling them I was still unsure, they completely understood. They did not push me into anything, and reassured me they are happy with me as long as I choose a path that I will be content in.

While my family is nowhere near perfect, I would not change anything about them. They are not only my biggest supporters, but my friends. My dad will always be there to pick me up after I fall and my mom will always be there to talk to in the midst of a crisis. My sister is one of my best friends and, even though we argue everyday, when situations get serious or we need to vent, we are always there for each other. And my brother, while still young, always lights up my day, just with his laugh.

Because of all of this, I wanted to make my last editorial a “thank you” to them, and while nothing I do will ever be more than what they have done, I want them to know what they do does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I am incredibly thankful for the family I have and

will always strive to making them proud.

Also, While this was about family, I think friends are chosen family and it would be remiss not to thank them as well. I could not get through life without having my friends by my side. When I need a laugh, or need to escape the chaos of my life, I know I can always go to them. No matter what, when I’m with them, they know how to get me out of what I’m dealing with, whether it is by making me air out my feelings or by completely distracting me. They are there for me, through thick and thin, and will not judge me for my decisions, even if it is obvious I’m making the wrong one. They have helped me preserve my sanity and for that I am also eternally grateful.

Ailin Toro Beltran Managing Editor of Web

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Memoriam

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Obituaries Submitted by Rebeca Pereira and Sara Zakaria.

Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation This year, the History and Social Studies faculty are continuing their support of the Stolpersteine project. We dedicate this page to victims of genocide, as it is important to remember them and their stories. Photos courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Chinka Schwarzbard Felman C

hinka Schwarzbard Felman was born in 1891 in Ostrow Mazowiecka, Poland. She was one of six children in a Yiddish-speaking Jewish family. Her father was a winemaker.

In 1910, she married a man named Ephraim Isaac Felman and together they moved to Sokolow Podlaski, where her husband started a grain business. The two had seven children, with two dying in infancy.

In 1935, Felman’s husband died, leaving her to take over the grain business with her children. When Germany attacked Poland in 1939, her son Fischel left to serve in the Polish army.

In November, her son Mendel fled to Soviet-occupied Bialystok.

Felman stayed with her remaining children, Sarah and Moishe. The Germans also confiscated the family’s grain business. On September 28, 1941, the Germans set up a ghetto and concentrated the town’s Jews there.

A year later, on the Day of Atonement (most solemn holiday of Judaism), the Germans rounded up everyone into the ghetto. Felman, along with her children, were taken to the boxcar of a train.

On September 22, 1942, Felman, Sarah, and Moishe were deported to the Treblinka killing center. They were gassed shortly after arriving.

Janka Glueck Gruenberger J

Joseph Gani J

oseph Gani was born in 1926, in Preveza, Greece. Gani’s father had a small textile shop. The Ganis’ were of Romaniot descent, a line of Jews with ancestors who had lived in Greece and the Balkans for more than a thousand years.

Gani attended a Greek public school in Preveza. He also received a religious education in the school, as the local rabbi would go to the public school every week to give religious instruction to the Jewish students. Gani found his love of sports at the public school as well, his favorites being soccer and baseball.

In 1941, Germany invaded Greece and took over the region where Preveza was located in 1943. The Jews that were living in Preveza were deported to Auschwitz in Poland, in March 1944. Gani was assigned to work in Birkenau as part of the Sonderkommando, which was a work unit that carted corpses to the crematorium. On October 7, 1944, Sonderkommando, workers in crematorium IV revolved, disarming the SS guards and blowing up the crematorium. Gani soon joined the uprising.

Gani was killed in Birkenau in October 1944. He was 18 years old.

Isak Saleschutz I

anka Glueck Gruenberger was sak Saleschutz was born in 1882 in born on June 29, 1898, in Kosice, Dubas, Poland. He was one of sevCzechoslovakia. She was one of en children born to devout Hasidic seven children raised in a Yiddish Jewish parents. By 1900, all of his siband Hungarian speaking household lings had immigrated to America, but by religious Jewish parents.

Saleschutz remained in Poland due In 1918, at the age 20, the city of to his strong religious convictions.

Kosice changed from Hungarian to He married Ester Berl when he was Czechoslovak rule. Three years later, 18 through an arranged marriage. she married Ludovit Gruenberger They moved to Kolbuszowa, a small and had three children. town near Dubas, where Saleschutz By 1933, Gruenberger was an ran a successful wholesale general accomplished milliner and helping store. her husband run a tailoring busiOn September 9, 1939, the Gerness from their apartment. When man army occupied Dubas. This Czechoslovakia was partitioned by forced Saleschutz’s business to come Germany, Kosice returned to Hunto a halt, as he was not able to receive garian rule. The new Hungarian rulany new shipments of merchandise. ers quickly introduced anti-semitic German soldiers came to Saleschutz’s store and confiscated all of his merlaws. chandise when they wrongly suspected that he had been hiding coffee In 1941, the Gruenberger family was seized in a Hungarian roundup beans. of foreign-born Jews and were interned in camps in northern Hungary.

During 1940-1942, the Gestapo commandant was offended by the The family was released in 1942, however, Gruenberger’s son and hus- beards of religious Jews and demanded that they be cut off. Saleschutz nevband were taken by the Hungarians soon after. German troops entered er previously cut his bread as it was a violation of Jewish law. The forced Kosice on March 19, 1944, which eventually led to Gruenberger and her removal of his bread greatly distressed Saleschutz. daughters to be deported to Auschwitz.

On April 28, 1942, the Gestapo came for Saleschutz. He ran to the backGruenberger and her daughter Zuzana were gassed immediately yard of his house to hide but was seized, forced into a shed, and shot twice. upon arriving in Auschwitz in May 1944. She was 45 years old.

He yelled, “Pigs, executioners! Revenge! Take revenge!”

He was shot five more times before he died. He was among the 22 Jewish men executed on that day. He was 60 years old.

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Local News

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Tornado Travelers Visit Costa Rica

From top to bottom, left to right: A three toed sloth is seen at Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio (PNMA). The Tornado Travelers Club poses at one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica. The club takes on a crocodile ssafari tour. La Fortuna waterfall in Costa Rica. Isabella Machado interacts with local elementary school students. A white face monkey is spotted drinking a juice box after stealing a bagged lunch from the group at PNMA. The group prepares to take on ziplining in Costa Rica. All photos submitted by the Tornado Travelers Club.

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Liam O’Toole Reporter

MHS Seniors Enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces

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very year, recruiters from different branches in the United States Armed Forces visit Malden High School to recruit juniors and seniors into the military. Students who are interested in the military are able to speak to these recruiters so that they have a better understanding of their potential future in serving in the military.

Joining the military can be a post-graduation alternative to attending a college or university, which can be a more financially responsible choice for some students.

It can also be a way for many to afford college while serving part-time or on reserve duty.

In addition to tactical and practical knowledge, the training that new recruits must go through teaches confidence, discipline and physical endurance.

Seniors Fabian Xu and Danny Duong are joining the United States

Senior Bassim Jabri with his Senior Drill Sergeant in boot camp. Photo submitted by Jabri.

Marine Corps. As far as their training for the Marine Corps, they are currently attending two nonmandatory training sessions every week. Xu explained that “the more you go the more fit you will become and the more prepared you will be.”

Apart from that, Xu elaborated that until they head out to boot camp in the summer, they are focused on self-training to make sure they stay in shape.

Xu explained that “training gets you really physically fit, and while workouts are extremely hard, it is supposed to be harder than at boot camp so it will not seem as hard there.” Duong mentioned that there are “moments where you are frustrated but you have to push that out of your mind, and mentally push yourself.”

Xu decided on the Marine Corps as his branch because of the challenge, adding that Marine Corps “have to be physically and mentally fit and prepared.” Duong said that for him, he was swayed by the pride that the Marine Corps have in themselves.

Duong and Xu will be going to boot camp this year. As far as their plans in the military, Xu is is going to boot camp, and will then attend college as a reserve. After graduating college he will enlist active duty.

As for Duong, after boot camp, he is going to be a full-time Marine.

Xu has been interested in the Marine Corps for years, after having been a part of a program for it when he attended Salem High School, which is what inspired him to join them. What prompted Duong to join the military was that he “want[s] to do something positive for the world.”

Senior Steven Nguyen, on the other hand, decided to enlist in the United States Air Force. He will be heading to boot camp at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Nguyen’s plans as of now are to do a four year contract, and then go to college.

Nguyen has been interested in joining the military for years. At 13, he was watching videos on the military, and even then he “was always hoping that could be [him] someday.”

He added that “[he] want[s] to be a part of something bigger than [himself].”

One of the things that drew Nguyen to the Air Force was that you earn college credit while you are enlisted. He explained that “there is time for education because the airforce encourages people to go to college.” He also added that “the Air Force has a variety of jobs so people can get experience in multiple fields” and therefore attain valuable skills that can aid them in civilian life.

Another senior, Bassim Jabri, has decided to join the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He plans to be an ammunition specialist, which means he will supply any sort of materials needed to keep the

fight going, including explosives, or missiles.

Jabri explained that he only started thinking about joining the military his junior year because he had to start thinking about college and how he was going to pay for it. Then when he saw the military benefits, he “thought it was a good opportunity to volunteer, serve [his] community, but also use it as a resource to pay for college.”

Jabri officially enlisted in the Army during his junior year. In the summer of 2018, he went though 10 weeks of training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in order to earn the title of soldier. In Oklahoma, he “learned basic fundamentals of being a soldier.” He was taught how to do first aid, grenade qualification, battle drill and tactic, army discipline, army culture. He elaborated that the “drill sergeants formed [them] into combat ready soldiers.”

In June, he will go to Advanced Individual training for eight weeks to learn how to become an ammo specialist. There, “[he] will learn how to take accountability in inventory, missiles, explosives, or anything the national guard needs.

When he comes back from AIT, then he will get assigned to a unit and in that unit he will perform duties of an ammo specialist. While serving part time in the Army National Guard, he will also continue his life as a full time college student.

Jabri also plans to do ROTC (Reserves Officers’ Training Corps) in college, which will help him be-

Senior Danny Doung. Photo submitted by Doung. come an officer in the United States Army after graduating. Jabri aims to be an officer because “becoming [one] is a way you can earn a lot of leadership, and be a role model for someone else.” He also added that “it is an useful tool to be able to teach people to perform well, even under high stress.”

Jabri reflected that joining the Army has “bettered [him] as a person, helped [him] with time management, and helped [him] deal with stress.”

As advice for people who want to join the military, Nguyen said that “it is important to look at all the branches, and know all the information before making a final decision.”

Jabri added to this, stating that “people should go meet recruiters from different branches before making their choice to make sure they know what joining a specific branch really means.”

Senior Steven Nguyen. Photo submitted by Nguyen.

Local News

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Reviewing 2018 Fashion Trends Jana Elshafey Reporter

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018 was an insane year with all the fashion trends that went viral worldwide. Name brands blew up and many trends were influenced by celebrity looks.

During warm weather, people would mostly go out with distressed shorts. However, biker shorts were definitely a big hit. Kim Kardashian was caught multiple times wearing biker shorts and that’s when it really became a necessity in people’s wardrobes because these shorts can be easily dressed up or dressed down. Online websites and fashion retailer stores like Forever 21 and Fashion Nova started selling them.

Today, there are still biker shorts that are on the “Best sellers” list in Forever 21.

Palazzo pants also took over the fashion scene. These pants are basically wide leg fabric pants, coming in multiple styles and prints like floral, stripes, plaid, or solid colors.

As of the beginning of 2019, there are still palazzo pants on the “Bestsellers” list in stores like Forever 21.

Many celebrities that were spotted in these fashionable wide leg pants

including the American model, Kendall Jenner, and the American actress and filmmaker, Angelina Jolie. These pants are flowy, they’re good for the summer, and you can also dress them up or down to be casual or professional.

And of course, we can’t forget about crop tops. They’re literally sold in every clothing store, a staple in nearly every girl’s closet. They blew up in Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, you name it. A crop top is just a normal shirt that is, as the name implies, cropped.

Like palazzo pants, they can also be floral, stripped, off the shoulder, to fit the style of nearly everyone. Crop tops can also be matched with jeans, skirts, palazzo pants, and shorts, as they are extremely versatile. Several celebrities that wore crop tops are the American fashion models, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and the Kardashians.

Many sport brands were well liked in 2018, like Nike, Adidas, Champion, Puma, Fila, and so on.

But Nike has stepped up their game this year because they were the first of many sport brands to create their first-ever performance hijab for muslim athletes. The brand also gained visibility when they publicly endorsed Colin Kaepernick, getting press for good or for bad. Nike also

Fashion retailer Forever 21 has proven to be one of the most up-to-date and influential stores among young people. Photo from Wikimedia. continued to release their popular performance sneakers which are seen widely worn by nearly every student and celebrity.

Last but definitely not least, jeans made their presence known in 2018. Jeans have always been around, however, many new styles became popular in 2018. There were distressed jeans, ankle jeans, skinny jeans, straight jeans, boyfriend jeans, wide leg jeans, and so many more.

Jeans are becoming more and more popular in different colors rather than the traditional blue-jeans. Colors, patterns, conglomerations of fabrics, have all been increasingly

popular in 2018 and even years prior. Drifting away from our modern-day conception of jeans, skinny jeans or no jeans, the future of these denim pants lies within our evolving minds. In 2019 will skinny jeans become a thing of the past?

2018 was a year of new, old, and continuing fashion trends. Will decades old trends like Nike or jeans continue through the coming years or die out? Are crop tops a short lived trend or will we still be wearing them in ten years? Trends will continue to weave in and out of our lives and who knows what is yet to come?

LUVA Hair & Day Spa Hosts Winter/Spring Art Show

Roxane Leon Reporter

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n January 26, 2019, the LUVA Hair & Day Spa hosted a Winter/Spring Art Show featuring artists Yvonne Gastelu and Janis Doucette.

The art show brought together many community members and leaders, including Mayor Gary Christenson. “It was great not only because of the amazing artwork that was displayed but because LUVA Hair and Day Spa was once again able to bring our city together for a wonderful event.”

The LUVA Hair & Day Spa has been supporting local artist for more than 4 years, which led to the Mayor’s presence at this year’s Winter/Spring art show. According to Alisson DeFaria, LUVA’s art show planner, “it started with Windows Art Malden when local artists were paired up with local business and for a weekend people would stroll Malden center to see their artwork showing.” They were paired up with artist, Paige Wallis, who already had her art in the shop but was asked by LUVA if she wanted to keep in the Spa longer. This was the creation of

The LUVA Hair & Day Spa welcomes artists Yvonne Gastelu, Janis Doucette, and Mayor Gary Christenson at their Winter/Spring Art Show. Photo submitted by LUVA Hair & Day Spa. LUVA’s Art Gallery.

In creating the art show, LUVA intended to “give artists a venue where they [can] show their craft.”

They don’t change anything that the artists paint and all the profits it makes goes to them. As well as giving artists a place for their art, the art show is also a good way for people in the community to learn more about their business. Additionally, the art show is a good way to get the community to come

together and spend some time with each other. The Mayor also agrees with this saying that “art brings the community together and is able to connect people from all cultures and backgrounds.”

The Winter/Spring Art Show wasn’t the first art show that LUVA has hosted. In fact, they host art shows every month with openings commonly in January and July.

“The difference between shows are the mediums artist choose to show.

From oils in canvas, pastels, mix media, sculptures.” LUVA also host fundraisers and pop-up markets.

Though they had much great art there, not many people were able to attend due to the weather; the art show only had between 20 to 30 attendees. In contrast to the fewer spectators of the Winter/Spring art shows, Summer/Fall art shows attract many more attendees. Previous Summer/Fall art shows have seen record attendance, up to 100 community members showing up to view the artwork. “It all depends if we are able to bring musicians for the Openings as well,” DeFaria says.

LUVA Hair & Day Spa also sells the pieces they display in the Art Show and their Art Gallery, making it possible for the attendees to buy the art they liked.

Christenson explained that “small businesses are what help keep Malden vibrant,” adding that “attending their many events is one way of thanking them for being part of [the Malden] community.”

The Luva Hair & Day Spa is a nail salon, hair salon and spa all in one shop. It is located on 379 Main St, Malden, MA and is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

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Sean Walsh Becomes Play Production Performs “Common Space” at Malden’s Humanities Drama Festival Director Tonijoy Pimental Reporter

Julie Yu Lead Reporter

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ean Walsh, an English teacher at Malden High School, has been promoted to Humanities Director.

Walsh initially “applied for the job and [interviewed] with a committee of teachers and administrators in the district.” As the new Humanities Director, Walsh will “help organize, direct and implement [English Language Arts], [Social Studies], World Language and Arts curriculums across the district.”

Regarding Walsh’s classes, he is no longer a full time teacher.

However, he is going to continue to teach his AP Research class, as he is currently the only teacher certified to teach the course in the school. Despite his job change, “[he thinks] it is important for courses to be taught by new people.” Walsh added that he hopes the school can “train a new teacher next year,” to teach the AP course.

Walsh is still unsure whether or not he will be working in the school next year or the years to follow. Although, he expressed that he “[does] love Malden and [hopes] to keep contributing in whatever position best serves the district and [himself].”

What stook out to Walsh about this position was the fact that it was “one in which [he] could help serve and learn and grow as a professional and as a person.” He expressed that “it is a humbling job,” further elaborating that after teaching for 16 years, “this [new position] felt like an extension of some of the work that [he] was doing.”

In the letter that Walsh submitted when he first applied for the position, “[he] spoke about how all Humanities program should serve to support and encourage student voice.” He added that, regardless of the subject “students [...] deserve a curriculum that is rigorous and engaging.”

During his time serving as Humanities Director, Walsh will strive “to listen, learn, as well as hear the vision and concerns of others.” Walsh also mentioned that he hopes to “begin to create structures to have conversations around building equity and working towards a humanities curriculum that reflects that commitment to student expression.”

Jennifer Clapp, English teacher and co-director of Play Pro, stated that “Walsh is very knowledgeable and thoughtful as a educator.” She further explained that “he is a good listener and he always puts the students’ best interests first.”

Sean Walsh is welcomed as the new humanities director.

Photo by Sara Zakaria.

Clapp expressed that “[Walsh’s] change of position affected Play Production significantly, as he is an outstanding director and has a wonderful vision for the stage.” She explained that “he made every effort to fully participate in finishing up our play for Drama Festival, giving up nights and weekends and time with his family.” Clapp said that she can “unequivocally state that [they] would not have been nearly as successful without his efforts.”

From now on, Clapp will be accompanied by Ms. McCarthy, a substitute teacher, both taking full responsibility for the third and final show of the year presented by Malden High School’s Play Production. McCarthy has taken over all of Walsh’s classes, not including his AP Research class.

Clapp explained that if Walsh continues to serve as the Humanities Director, the school will need to hire another teacher with “significant theater experience to ensure that the excellence of our drama program continues.” She expressed that “[Walsh] has built up [the drama program] into one of the best in the state,” and added that they “need to ensure [that] that legacy continues.”

Walsh “was excited about the opportunity to serve in this role.”

He explained that the role of Humanities Director is “a big job and can seem overwhelming,” but he expressed that he feel motivated and encouraged by “the support of teachers and administrators who give sage advice and help anchor [him] in serving the district mission.”

Walsh supports and believes “in the district, its mission, and its students.” He added that “[he] wanted to have a larger role in that work.”

n March 3rd the Malden High School Play Production went and performed at the annual Drama Festival at Norwood High School.

MHS Play Pro placed there along with three other schools, which allowed them to progress through preliminaries and onto the next round. The show was supposed to be on March 2nd but was pushed back to the third due to snow.

During the event, not only did MHS Play Pro win, but it also had multiple students win individual awards in different categories, including Kristel Normil for her role as Grandma, Quang Nguyen for music and Sabrina Alayan for design.

The production MHS presented, Common Space, was written by the students and the teachers and explores a particular love story as it develops within a small community of people.

Competing was an exciting time for Play Pro, which has been working for many months on perfecting its performance of this show.

“The performance was super exciting, [students] got to work really hard and make a show of the issues [they] faced at home and that [they] could relate to,” said senior Nour Tafraoui, who played Adam.

The event was originally postponed because of a snowstorm, which is why students were unable to make it to the event and many roles were recast, contributing to some uneasiness going into the competition. Still, the “fest went very well, even though [the actors were] a little nervous at first,” added on sophomore Nick Murray, who played Billy Reed.

Between each performance at the event, students were able to mingle with casts from other schools and befriend other students. “[She] think[s] that is was cool to get to meet other theater kids and being able to learn from others experiences and bond over the love of being on stage,” said Sophomore Sandra Rivadeneira who was apart of the ensemble. Other students also had this same reaction and excitement towards the event. “[He] found it really cool how many new people [he] really got to meet and how all the schools really came together.

It made it feel like less of [them] competing against each other,” said Murray It was also a very big learning experience for many who had never been a part of an event quite like this one. “[He] learned what it meant to

really compete but also act in front of judges. It was hard for [him] because [he has] only ever acted in front of people [he knows],” said Murray Fest was also a very special time for many seniors who will be graduating this year. “[She] really liked introducing new people in Play-Pro this event. It’s a very special time of the year for [her] and to get to share that with another group of people in the best. [She] loved seeing their initial reactions,” explained senior Michelle Chan who played Dani in this production The students left that show feeling proud of a number of different reasons from the show overall to their personal achievements. They were also not only proud of themselves but also their peers “[She is] most proud of our lead actors, it is a very emotional piece,” said Rivadeneira. Other students were just proud of their general success. “[She is] most proud of making it through prelims and making it into the next round,” explained Tafraoui.

Although the students did have a lot of fun there was also a lot of nervousness with competing for a number of different reasons. Chan “gets nervous about exposing the newcomers to the high school theatre atmosphere. Going into Play-pro [her] sophomore year, [she] wasn’t aware how predominantly white it is and being in Malden [she] really forget[s] that. Sometimes things get messy with either discrimination from other schools or feeling like an outcast but it really bonds the group through supporting one another and learning to be unapologetic about who [they] are.”

Other students dealt with the intimidation from other school’s performances. “[He] had a hard time waiting to go on and seeing all the others shows go up, it was scary knowing that [he] was going up against such good shows,” described Murray.

Being a part of the competition, the students feel as though they learned a lot that will be able to help them at their competitions going forward. “This performance gave [her] a hint on how the audience reacts. [They’ve] only had her directors and crew watch so there aren’t many fresh eyes on it anymore. Even from the wings it’s hard to hear what people react to but hearing their feedback and what the judges say is always really helpful,” said Chan.

Playpro will continue to perform their next show March 16th at Danvers High School.

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Up Tea Hub: New Tea Shop Review Julie Huynh Reporter LuLu Harding Reporter Brandon Wong Reporter

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n the beginning of February, Up Tea Hub opened in Malden on Pleasant Street, replacing Family Dental. The new business mainly focuses on fruit teas and cheese teas, as well as fruit smoothies. The owners Yu Du and Shi Jie Liang are proud of their use of fresh and healthy ingredients. In addition, they have more than 10-years’ experience operating a similar business. Their plan is to have a staff of five people and serve the community as best as they can.

When you walk into Up Tea Hub, you can automatically see what makes it stand out from the other tea places in Malden like Kung Fu Tea or Cha Time. The area is spacious and there is plenty of room to sit, including a comfy couch. This way, if the place ever gets crowded, customers still have a lot of room to move around. Three of our Blue and Gold reporters went after school one day (the prime time for any business around Malden High School) and while it was almost full, there were still some tables left for us to sit at.

Ordering at Up Tea Hub is very easy and convenient. Copies of the menu are near the register and near the entrance. We ordered the Mango Cheese Tea, Peach Cheese Tea, and the classic Milk Tea. The service was nice and quick and the cups were really high quality. They were made

From left to right: Mango Cheese Tea with bubbles, Milk Tea with bubbles, and Peach Cheese Tea with bubbles. Photo by Julie Huynh.

out of plastic, and you could choose Joey Vo to casually sip your drink, or insert Reporter a straw to enjoy your drink with the new tea shop is located next to toppings.

Kung Fu Tea where the denThe drinks had a fresh and unique taste. Unlike other tea tistry practice was. Now there is Up places in Malden, the drinks were Tea Hub, in its place. Inside, there is less sugary and tasted more like a big area especially made to hang actual tea. Many of the drinks came out in. There is a big open area with with a creamy cheese topping that several tables and chairs, with two had the texture of whipped cream. couches. One of the couches has a The cheese topping had a smooth big bear “relaxing” on the coach creamy taste with a slight salty which is a good place to take photos. finish. It is recommended that you Compared to Kung Fu Tea and Cha shake up the cheese and your tea Time, the hangout space is much so you can have the best flavor. bigger and if it gets busy, customers Overall, the cheese topping was an do not have to stand outside. There interesting twist on a classic drink is also a selection of board games and we definitely recommend you trying it when you get the chance!

If you don’t feel up to testing out the cheese topping, they also have a selection of fruit iced tea, fresh brewed tea, or the classic milk teas you can choose from.

In addition, all options also have a selection of toppings that you can add. The classic Milk Tea with bubbles was really good, and it’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to just enjoy a simple drink.

All in all, the quality and prices of the drinks along with the atmosphere of the cafe makes it a great place to hang out with your friends and enjoy your tea. Up Tea Hub is located at 7 Pleasant Street in Malden, and they are open every day from 11am to 10:30pm, Peach Cheese Tea from new tea shop, Up except for Fridays and Tea Hub, located on Pleasant Street in Saturdays when they close at 11pm.

Malden. Photo by Julie Huynh.

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and card games to choose from including Uno and some decks of cards.

The cups are more solid when holding them, as opposed to other tea shops. The cups have caps on them instead of having thin plastic top, which you poke the straws through. The cool thing about these new cups is that the lid allows you to either drink straight from the cap or add a straw and be able to drink from the straw.

The tea is fresh and is not made of powder like other tea shops. It tastes more like tea instead of a smoothie, or milkshake, and is not as sweet as Kung Fu Tea. Also they have a new topping that they put on almost all of their drinks which is cheese: salty and creamy. It did not taste as good as I had expected or hoped, but other people seem to like it. I got a Strawberry tea with the cheese on top. It tasted better when it was shaken up but I barely tasted any strawberry; it tasted plain.

The menu is conveniently located, with a bilingual menu on top of the register. Also there is a paper menu to take a look at if you want to see what the drinks look like or whatever other drinks there are.

In their drinks, there is something called “four seasons.” I initially thought it was just the size of the drink but there was also something else added. It tasted a little bit different from when I ordered another drink. The four seasons was a little bit sweeter. In general Up Tea Hub has a good hangout area the tea is not too bad but I would definitely recommend everybody try it.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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MHS Mock Trial Team Advances Lauren Mallett Reporter Tonijoy Pimental Reporter

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n March 3rd, the Malden High School Mock Trial team competed at the regional competition, which took place in the event at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. The team ran into a few issues before the they were able to make it to the actual event: the buses which the team was suppose to take showed up late, forcing them to be over an hour late to their first round of the competition.

Once arriving at the event a coin toss took place which determined that the defense would compete in the first trial. In spite of the delay, Malden performed strongly during their first trial, winning with a score of 91 to 88 against Andover.

With the first trial won, the team progressed onto the second round of the regional competition known as the Sweet 16, a reference to the remaining 16 teams which compete during that round. The team was extremely excited going into the Sweet 16 because Malden High has never progressed that far into the competition in the 12 years it has been active at Malden High.

Going into the second trial, the students were even more determined to perform well. Both sides throughout the trial worked very hard and put up great fights, this time Malden High school was on the side of the prosecution. Although there was an immense amount of effort put into the case, the Malden team lost 95 to 103 against Hopkins Academy. Due to the loss of this case, the Malden High School team will not be continuing on.

Although the team’s season is done for now, they look forward to next year and are already beginning to prepare new tactics to perform better and hopefully get past the Sweet 16.

The class, taught by Richard Tivnan, gives students the opportunity to “explore various topics relating to the functions of the court system of Massachusetts,” according to the Malden High School website. The class is open to sophomore, junior, and senior students and has a 25 student cap. Though it does not require any specific history courses to be taken previously, a teacher recommendation is required to apply for the team.

Mock trial at Malden High was

The Malden High School Mock Trial team. Photo submitted by Rebeca Pereira. first an after school club started by Tivnan with the help of Ms. Pember.

It was a club for three years until it became an elective course in 2011.

Tivnan explained that he feels that it is important to have it as a class because it “[provides] students with an opportunity [to] learn some very valuable skills” while “learning about the legal system.”

Furthermore, it also allows students to “build confidence in their public speaking skills, hone critical thinking and analysis skills, and learn to work cooperatively as a member of a team,” all of which “will prove to be valuable assets as they move on from high school. “ Before the regional competition, the team competed in three trials within their bracket, comprised of Malden High, Revere High, Pope John and Chelsea High.

The first trial was against Pope John, with Malden High acting as the prosecution. Members on the team explained that Pope John team did not put up much of a fight, as they were not very prepared. This resulted in an easy win for Malden.

In the second trial, Malden acted as defense against Chelsea High.

They were very well prepared and challenged Malden very strongly, but Malden won in the end.

The third trial was also a victory for Malden, but not for the typical reason. The trial was scheduled to be against Revere High with Malden as prosecution, but Revere forfeited, as they failed to show up to the competition. Due to their absence, Malden won the third and final trial.

The win of the third trial advanced Malden to regionals, as they had the most wins in their bracket,

but it also created issues for the team. In Mock Trial, students need to be able to think on the spot and the lack of practice due to other teams not being prepared or present resulted in a major disadvantage for the Malden High prosecution.

The current trial case is centered around a potential case of police brutality. It is a criminal case about a police officer who killed a citizen he confused for somebody else. The victim he killed was an activist in the community and the officer was suspected to have a vendetta against him. The defense is to argue that it was a simple case of mistaken identity and that the officer should not be charged. Prosecution will argue that it was intentional and the officer is guilty of murder.

This case is extremely relevant today, as there have been many cases of police brutality emerging in the media. February is Black History Month and many Americans still mourn the death of Trayvon Martin, whose family members notably became activists after his death, and many other victims like him.

According to Tivnan, the process of preparing for trials is “long and difficult” because “the students must learn the rules of the competition, courtroom procedure, and the rules of evidence, which govern what can and cannot be said in court,” along with “all of the facts of the case and relevant law presented in the materials.”

Tivnan explained that he always tells his students that “just when you think you’re done, you’re not.” Preparing for regionals is “more of the same” but it is more focused on “working to fine tune [the

team’s] skills” by making changes “based on what they did well, or not so well, in the preliminary trials.”

In mock trial, “the competition starts out with approximately 135 teams. The regionals only include the [remaining] 32 teams.” Tivnan added that “the competition is very tough and requires a very strong performance from the teams that win.”

Team captain Katherin Machado said that she was “excited to see how [the team would] perform” as the team is “more confident and seem[s] more prepared.” Though she was excited, Machado was still nervous about regionals, explaining that “[she is] nervous about the judge. [Their] last two years at regionals, the judges were a bit tough on [them], but [they] took the criticism and went home happy.”

The team has very specific strengths and weaknesses, with Machado citing their strengths as how “[they] all work so well together.” She explained that “[they] always motivate each other to do [their] best.” She said that she believes “that [their] only weakness is that [they] sometimes get distracted easily, and that sometimes slows [them] down.” Regardless, she expressed early on that “[she thought] that [the team was] ready for regionals and [they were] ready to bring home another win.”

Though regionals did not result in an overall win, Machado and Tivnan are still proud of the progress their team was able to make during the season and the school record they broke by placing in the Sweet 16 for the first time in Malden High history.

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The Blue and Gold March 2019

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MHS Black Culture Club Hosts Movie Night: Students The Hate U Give Participate in Model UN Neden Bernadin Lead Reporter

Tonijoy Pimental Reporter

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odel UN is an educational simulation that students around the world participate in. It is set to be a mock United Nations summit. Students are put into pairs and are assigned a country and a world issue.

The countries are chosen for them as well as the problem that the countries are facing. For weeks students research their assigned country to see how the chosen problem is affecting their country. This year the World History students of Malden High school were working with the issue of food insecurity.

Throughout the event the students play the role of their assigned countries’ UN Ambassador. Those present work together in attempt to a solve a real world problem and create a joint resolution.

During the event there was a number activities including working with other countries that had a common effects relating issues of food insecurity. While working with these different countries, they worked together to see how they could work together to fix this problem and make a stronger case to the other delegates.

Other activities that the students did while in their conference were “write Position papers, give opening statements, debate possible solutions and create resolutions that are voted on by country” stated MHS History teacher Michael Lightbody.

Model UN is an activity that all College Prep and Honors World History classes take part in at Malden High. This experience was a positive experience for many students. “Model UN was fun, it was a format of debate and discussion that [she] forgot to familiarize herself with because it’s been so long since [she has] done it. But overall it was a nice experience and it was something [her] partner and [she] worked hard on and bonded over,” explained senior Vivian Dang.

The Model UN is the closest event to an actual UN conference that high schools can get to and “it is interesting to see the students who are normally really quiet in class really begin to speak up and become involved,” said MHS History teacher Kurtis Scheer.

The event was quite interesting for the students as well. Junior Kevin Laughlin explained that“[he] got to learn more about what the UN actually does rather than the country because [he] was representing the United States.”

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special screening of the film The Hate U Give was presented by the Black Culture Club in the Jenkins Auditorium. The tickets were being sold for two dollars with the proceeds going to the Women’s Shelter.

Following the conclusion of the film, there was a short discussion about the topics that were being explored within the film.

The Hate U Give, which premiered in October of last year was based off the original novel written by Angie Thomas. It follows a young African American girl by the name of Starr Carter, played

by Amandla Stenberg, whose life takes a very drastic turn when she witnesses a longtime friend, Khalil Harris, played by Algee Smith, get shot by a police officer. Throughout the film, we see Starr alternate between two personalities since she lives in a black neighbor but goes to a predominately white prep school.

The inspiration to show the film sprouted last year when the club partnered up with Malden Reads to host a showcase based off the book.

Club president and Blue and Gold member, Cedrina Missamou, then decided that it could be a good idea to screen the film to address “the controversy going around the film and whether it was an accurate portrayal of police officers,” and so having the discussion after would give students the opportunity to express their opinions. Missamou states that “what’s important is the fact that we’re having these discussions, and actually analyzing the impact that media can have on the community” and even after the film ended and the discussion began, she saw that there were many insightful com“[He] really got to learn about what the people worked on and talking about and how their work was helping people.”

During the Model UN conference, Scheer noticed that “students were really getting into what they were talking about, they were dedicated to their debates. They were also working really hard to work with other countries to deal with their countries concerns.”

The students who participated believe that they got a lot out of this event. Dang explained that “[she] learned that the first step to becoming a good leader is that we must educate ourselves on problems dealt within and nearby our community [and] country. Model UN has taught and allowed [her] to exercise [her] ability to improvise a solution on limited time and negotiate with other peers.”

President of Black Culture Club and Blue and Gold member Cedrina Missamou.

Photo by Carlos Aragon Aldana. ments being made by the students.

Before the screening, Principal Chris Mastrangelo gave thanks to Malden Reads for “selecting the book last year” along with purchasing the film themselves. As for the film since he has previously seen it, he described it as powerful. Missamou gave a short introduction before they started the film.

After the conclusion of the film, the discussion was held which covered a variation of topics in the film including their views on the film to which there were many mixed reactions. Junior Xavier Rios said that he particularly disagreed with the direction of the film because he thought it didn’t accurately present the novel well. Another topic covered analysed Hailey’s character, played by Sabrina Carpenter, who many felt was overly racist or ignorant. Some students believed

that it was mostly ignorance while others claimed that it was a mixture of both, but the racism was masked with unconsciousness. Principal Mastrangelo also chimed in saying that because Hailey has the same racial background as the police officer that had killed Khalil, she was more biased to empathize with him rather than the victim due to that privilege.

They also discussed the portrayal of stereotypes within the film to which Moussami believes that they were quite “exaggerated.”

As for lessons that were to be taught from watching the film, Junior Pryanna Alpher believes that message is that everyone should be comfortable in their own skin. Overall, Missamou was very impressed with the turnout of students, and hopes that in the near future students take the time to learn more about social issues.

Students participaing in Model UN held in the Gallery. Photo by Tonijoy Pimental.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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Ray Garcia Becomes the Interim Principal at the Linden S.T.E.A.M. Academy Rebeca Pereira Editor in Chief

Courtney Fitzgerald Reporter

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alden High School administration has recently announced former Brunelli House Principal Ray Garcia’s departure as he prepares to assume his new position as interim principal for the Linden STEAM Academy, one of the district of Malden’s five middle schools.

The internal hire, which for many students and faculty seemed to have emerged abruptly, arose from the need to fill the position quickly, as former Linden principal resigned for undisclosed health reasons. The mid-year resignation demanded quick action and the decision to transfer Garcia was reached within the week.

Garcia’s experience in the science field prepared him especially for administration of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) school such as the Linden, which converted to an innovation school in 2012.

Garcia was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and working in Malden as house principal was his first time working outside of his hometown. He graduated from Lawrence High and then went on to major in education at UMass Amherst and Salem State University. He taught for 25 years before he came to Malden High, and he was previously a school director at Lawrence High.

Garcia has previously been a science teacher, department head, lead teacher and assistant principal and has not only maintained his interest in science and innovation, but has also been continually involved in the eighth to ninth grade transition, a process he will continue to assist as principal of the Linden.

MHS principal Chris Mastrangelo reflects on Garcia’s short one-and-a-half-year tenure as house principal saying that “[he] has had a very successful run.” Mastrangelo, who could always rely on Garcia to “sit and strategize” before meetings, knew immediately that Garcia, who has previously expressed an interest in expanding his role, would be fit for the job.

Mastrangelo says it was as simple as asking Garcia to “go down to [the Linden] and do [his] Mr. Garcia thing,” an “it factor” that Superintendent John Oteri also believes is inherent in Garcia.

Oteri expresses that, though his experience with Garcia has been limited, in spite of his “more removed” interaction, he has noticed that Garcia is “a very positive leader.”

Garcia will be the third principal the Linden has in the span of one year and Oteri hopes that his advocacy and good listening skills will help the com-

Steve Ultrino Hosts Monthly MATV Show

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munity “heal” amidst the flux and instability in that school administration. Oteri commented that Garcia has always been “thoughtful, respectful and reflective when it comes to engaging with students” and that he has a “high degree of confidence” in Garcia’s transferal to the Linden.

If Garcia decides to remain at the Linden, which Mastrangelo describes as the “best case scenario,” Oteri, as superintendent, can appoint him as the permanent hire. If that outcome does not occur, however, there will be a much more public hiring process which will engage community members, teachers, administrators, students, para-professionals and parents for what Oteri calls a “broad base of representation.”

Meanwhile, Heather Northrop, formerly a 9th grade counselor, will act as interim house principal for Brunelli.

Freshman guidance counselor Taryn Belowsky also reflected on Mr. Garcia’s time at MHS describing him as “a great and valuable asset with [his] best interest in mind”.

She also mentioned that Garcia is “quiet at first, but when you get to know [him], [he] really opens up and gives you some great advice and ideas.”

The MHS community of students and faculty said farewell to Garcia on Friday, March 1st as he began filling in his new post on Monday of the following week.

Have You Ordered Your 2019 Yearbook Yet?

our Voice On The Hill is a monthly television show on Malden Access Television, hosted by the 33rd Middlesex District State representative, Steven Ultrino. On May 1, 2017 the taping of Your Voice On The Hill began at MATV. Steven Ultrino is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Prior to being elected as a state representative for the 33rd Middlesex District, Ultrino served many years on the Malden City Council, being an active member in the Malden community for over 30 years. Ultrino had been a board member and past Chairman of the Malden YMCA for seven years and served as the President of the St. Rocco Society for 16 years.

Ultrino brings guests on the show who “provide services in our community so the viewers can know about these services in case they need to reach out for help or know someone who may need these services.” Ultrino started Your Voice On the Hill as another platform of communication with his voters and constituents. Ultrino has “always believed in putting people before politics” which is why this show means so much to him. Ultrino states that it is “drastically important” to be able to connect to his voters through different avenues. When asked what he would change, if he could change anything about the show, he answered with “not much” stating that “it takes a lot of work to get volunteers to tape the show and to book a guest who [he feels] would be appropriate for my viewers.”

Malden Access Television has enlisted the help of the Y-Leaders, in the production of Your Voice On the Hill, with Sammy Lee, a senior at Malden High School, being the one to send out a message asking for the assistance of Y-leaders. Lee enlisted the help of Y-leaders because “[he thought] the club [was] capable of the job.” The Y-leaders were “volunteers [who] served as cameramen, sound managers, and helped move props.” Y-leaders don’t only work for MATV and Your Voice on the Hill, they also volunteer to contribute to other events going on in Malden. Lee states that they “familiarize students on contributing to the community”, participating in other events like Mobile Food Market, Filipino Festival, Taste of Malden, Basketball Clinic for MLK Day, Memorial Day, Moving Furniture for the Homestarters Club, Lunar New Year Festival, and others.

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National News

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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2020 Presidential Election Preview More Democrats Join the Race Julie Huynh Reporter

The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled to be on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. It will be the 59th quadrennial U.S. presidential election. Voters will either choose a new president and vice president or reelect the current occupants in office.

With the Iowa Caucus less than a year away, several candidates have already announced their presidential campaign. As for President Trump, the Republican Party stands united with him and few Republicans who have stepped forward to primary him.

The following candidates have formally announced their presidential campaign as of February 25, 2019: Cory Booker - A 49-year-old U.S. Senator from New Jersey, he has served in Congress since 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party and also the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey.

Booker was also previously the 36th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013.

So far Booker’s campaign has been based on a message of unity and collaborative action. He promises to bring Democrats and Republicans together on issues such as criminal justice reform.

Pete Buttigieg - A politician who is currently serving as the 32nd Mayor of South Bend, Indiana since 2012. Buttigieg is part of the Democratic Party, a graduate of Harvard University, and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. In addition, he is the first openly gay man to seek the Democratic nomination and at 37 years old, is the youngest entrant into the 2020 race so far. While Buttigieg might not be the most popu-

lar candidate, he expresses that he could represent a generational shift in government because he speaks frequently on issues that will affect younger Americans including tax reform, gun control, and climate change.

Julian Castro - Julian Castro is an American Democratic politician who served as the 16th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, being the youngest member of the Obama cabinet. He was also the Mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. This year he hopes to restore the style of leadership the nation had under Obama.

John Delaney - A politician and businessman, formerly the United States Representative for Maryland’s 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2019. Delaney is a member of the Democratic Party.

He was also the first Democrat to announce his campaign and got a head start by already traveling to all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Delaney says that “...the American people are really looking for… a leader to try to bring us together, not actually talk like half the country’s entirely wrong about everything they believe.”

Tulsi Gabbard - A politician serving as the U.S. representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district since 2013. She is a Democrat and Iraq War veteran who first announced her presidential bid in January. Gabbard tweeted, “When we stand together, united by our love for each other and for our country, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. Will you join me?”

Kirsten Gillibrand - A attorney and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from New York since January 2009. Previ-

ously she held the position of U.S. Representative for New York’s 20th congressional district from 2007 until her Senate appointment. As a young mom, she communicates that she is going to run for president to fight for other people’s kids “as hard as [she] would fight for [her] own.”

Kamala Harris - An attorney and politician and a member of the Democratic Party. Harris has been the junior United States Senator for California since 2017, and she previously served as the 32nd Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. In addition, she was the District Attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. Harris says that she feels like this is a moment in time where she feels a sense of responsibility to stand up and “fight for the best of who we are.”

Amy Klobuchar - A lawyer and politician who is also the senior United States Senator from Minnesota since 2006. She became Minnesota’s first elected female United States Senator. When Klobuchar launched her campaign, she laid out a platform that included a constitution amendment to overturn the Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision which would sign back on to the Paris climate agreement and advocate for criminal justice reform and universal health care.

Elizabeth Warren - A politician who is serving as the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts since 2013. Warren established a presidential exploratory committee just before New Year’s and officially joined the race earlier in February.

She became one of the first major names to announce their campaign.

Marianne Williamson - An American spiritual teacher, author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and activist that has written 13 books, including four New York Times number one

bestsellers. She is best known for her self-help books and as a “spiritual friend and counselor” to Oprah Winfrey who has appeared on her show multiple times. Also, in 2014 to ran to represent California’s 33rd congressional district as an independant, finishing fourth in the open primary.

Andrew Yang - An entrepreneur, founder of Venture for America, and politician. He is known for being a supporter of universal basic income which is a pledge to provide all Americans 18 and older with $1000 per month. Yang often speaks out on income inequality and the economic transformation that has benefited certain parts of the country while unfairly harming other regions that have failed to keep up.

Bernard (Bernie) Sanders - A politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007. After running in 2016 for president and finishing second to Hillary Clinton, he has recently announced that he will try again for 2020. In an email to his supporters announcing the launch of his campaign, he strongly called out against President Trump. “You know as well as I do that we are living in a pivotal and dangerous moment in American history. We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe, and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction.”

Some possible candidates that have not yet announced if they are running include Former Vice-President Joe Biden, businessman and politician Michael Bloomberg, and representative of Texas’s 16th congressional district Beto O’ Rourke.

The Green New Deal Sydney Stumpf Editor in Chief of Print Information gathered from CNN.com Plastered all over social media and news outlets, the Green New Deal, proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is a controversial proposal to say the least. Few know exactly what Ocasio-Cortez has proposed in its entirety. The Green New Deal attacks issues renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation, climate change, indigenous peoples, and so much more. At just 29 years old, Ocasio-Cortez has cre-

ated a complex, influential proposal, which may or may not change the course of United States energy.

In the Green New Deal, OcasioCortez addresses “meeting 100 percent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources.” She also addresses upgrading all existing buildings in the U.S. to fully reach energy efficiency, water efficiency, safety, affordability, etc. Ocasio-Cortez calls for the investments in zero-emission vehicle infrastructure manufacturing and clean and affordable public transportation. As for climate change and agriculture, Ocasio-Cortez goes be-

yond limiting pollution in urban and suburban areas, but seeks to address climate change on an agricultural, rural standpoint. With livestock accounting for a significant percentage of the greenhouse gas emissions globally, just attacking the issues off of the farm, out of the agricultural sector, will not fulfill the overall goals of the Green New Deal.

Another major subject she addresses in her proposal, Ocasio-Cortez calls for the consent of all matters than may affect indigenous peoples in the U.S, which although at facevalue is unrelated to the premise of the Green New Deal as a whole, is especially important given previous

instances of government interference on tribal land. The Dakota Access Pipeline caused many protests given the Pipeline would affect the drinking water at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

All in all, the Green New Deal is an unprecedented proposal in which not solely energy is addressed, but a variety of ideas, combining Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic “New Deal” with modern-day environmental issues. The proposal has caused a substantial divide, not only across party-lines, but within the Democratic party. The proposed bill is currently co-sponsored by Malden’s own Ed Markey.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

Entertainment

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Violet Evergarden Anime Rview Brandon Wong Reporter

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hen it was announced that Kyoto Animation would handle the production of Violet Evergarden, and Netflix would distribute it, fans anticipated a breathtaking piece of art. Better known for their work on the movie Tamako Love Story, and more recently A Silent Voice, fans knew that they were in for a treat.

Written by Kana Akatsuki, we follow Violet, a young girl who struggles to adapt to the outside Cover of the first “light novel” of the world. Serving as a soldier when Violet Evergarden Series. she was a little girl, she left the war losing both her arms in a attempt istic about Violet. Each new episode to save Gilbert, her commanding shows Violet come to terms with her officer. After the war, she became a new world.

Auto Memories Doll, a person who The series is based on a Japawrites for those who can’t, in order nese light novel series by the same to understand Gilbert’s final words, name, Violet Evergarden. Written “I Love You”.

by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated Through the eyes of an Auto by Akiko Takase, the series won the Memories Doll, Violet travels the grand prize in the novel category of world, writing letters for those who the fifth Kyoto Animation Awards can’t. She is sent to the kingdom of in 2014. It was the first entry to have Drossel where she begins to write won the grand prize in any of the public love letters for the princess three categories. This meant that the of Drossel to the prince of the neigh- series was set for a book release, and boring kingdom of Flugel in prepa- then a anime adaptation done by ration of their political marriage. Kyoto Animation.

Through the role of a Auto Memo With the animation done by ries Doll, Violet begins to spur the Kyoto Animation, the quality of aniprincess’s emotions until she begins mation is on the same level as a Theto write the letters herself, spurring a atrical Movie. The art and animation passion filled engagement between is just breathtaking. The warm colthe two until they wed. ors take on a surreal and dream like Later Violet visits Oscar Web- feel as if you were transported there. ster, a playwright who has become The art helps tug at the viewer heart a drunken recluse after the death strings, conveying each scene with of his daughter. She comes to assist so much emotion that it will bring in the writing of a play, something you to tears. that Oscar is composing in order to The cast for Violet Evergarden cope with the loss of his daughter. is phenomenal. With Violet EvergarThrough the completion of the play, den voiced by Erika Harlacher, who Oscar comes to terms with the death also voiced Elizabeth Liones in The of his daughter, as Violet is con- Seven Deadly Sins and Jeanne d’Arc fronted by the lives she took while in Fate/Apocrypha, and Oscar she served as a soldier. The episode Webster being voiced by Joe Ochends with Violet finding out that she man, who also voiced High Tower had failed to save Gilbert, and flees in Transformers: Robots in Disguise in denial. and Pocca in Naruto, the voice act The series ends with Violet ing is done incredibly well. There finally coming to terms with Gil- are even some recognizable faces bert’s death. She understands what like Johnny Yong Bosch, who played Gilbert meant when he said “I Love Adam Park, the second Black Power You”, a little bit better.

Ranger, the Green Zeo Ranger, and The series highlights the the First Green Turbo Ranger, in the stark difference between Violet, and Power Ranger Series. the rest of the world. At heart, it is Produced by Kyoto Animation story about a soldier struggling to and released by Netflix, the series learn how to become a civilian in a Violet Evergarden is an absolute joy post-war world. Each person Violet to watch. Through the stunning aniwrites for slowly teaches her empa- mation and beautiful story telling, I thy. Each new character introduced will recommend this series to anyhighlights and develops a character- one looking for a anime to watch.

Top Eight Best Animes Brandon Wong Reporter

Sweetness and Lighting A small Slice of Life, Sweetness and Lighting follows Kōhei Inuzuka, a single dad, who raises his daughter Tsumugi by himself following the death of his wife. Following her death, Inuzuka begins to buy ready-made meals for his daughter until he begins to cook his late wife’s recipes for Tsumugi after meeting one of his students Kotori Iida. Through these meals, Inuzuka begins to reconnect with his daughter Tsumugi, one meal at a time.

Gundam 00 As a small spin off series in the Gundam franchise, Gundam 00 follows Celestial Being, a private military organization tasked with ending all war through a series of armed interventions. Through the use of highly advanced machines called Gundam, the three major powers eventually unite to form the United Nations Army in order to counter Celestial Being’s armed interventions.

My Hero Academia In a world filled with superpowers called quirks, our Hero is a quirkless boy named Izuku Midoriya. After meeting All Might, the number one hero who holds the title as the Symbol of Peace, who gives Midoriya his quirk, we watch as he enrolls in U.A. High school where he trains to become the Number One Hero.

The Seven Deadly Sins Following Elizabeth Liones, the third princess of Liones, we begin as she unites the Seven Deadly Sins, the most powerful band of knights in Britannia, in order to overthrow the kingdom of Liones Holy Knight who staged a coup d’etat and captured the king. Following this, the Demon clan have been released, unleashing a Holy war where The Seven Deadly Sins embark on a journey to defeat the Demon clans elite group, the Ten Commandments, and restore peace in Britania.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica With it’s cute art style, one might think that this anime is just another cute magical girl anime, but it’s themes would suggest otherwise. The cute art style hides the horror elements that it holds as our main character Madoka follows her friends who are Magical Girls in order to defeat witches the inhabit their world. Through this, we begin to unravel the dark truth about the witches that are thought to be evil.

Your lie in April Set in Modern day Japan, our protagonist Kōsei Arima is a prodigy pianist who quits following the death of his abusive mother. Following her death, Kōsei has a mental breakdown at a piano recital that results in his inability to hear the sound of the piano, despite the fact that his hearing was perfectly fine. One day, he meets a free spirited violinist named Kaori Miyazono who he falls in love with. Kaori’s playing style is manic and mold breaking, reflecting her personality, which quickly steals the audience’s attention, in contrast to Kōsei’s rigid playing style. We watch as Kōsei begin to fall in love with Kaori, and through his love for her, Kōsei begins to rejoin the Classical Music World, and fall back in love with playing the Piano.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Following the disappearance of their father and the death of their mother, Edward and Alphonse Elric commit a taboo in a failed attempt to resurrect their mother, resulting in Alphonse losing his entire body, with his soul stuck to a chain of armor, and Edward losing his right arm and left leg, that will be replaced by Automail prosthetics, they embark on a journey to gain the Philosopher’s Stone in order to restore their bodies as State Alchemists.

Through their journey, the Elric brothers begin to uncover the hidden mystery that surrounds the State Military.

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic Based on the 1001 Arabian Nights, a boy named Aladdin travels the world after being secluded for his entire life with his friend Ugo, a Djinn that is contained in Aladdin’s flute. He then meets Alibaba, a young man set on exploring a nearby dungeon that holds the Djinn Amon and all of his treasures. From there, they become friends as Aladdin learns about his status as a Magi, and they embark on a quest to explore the world and conquer more dungeons.

entertainment

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The Blue and Gold March 2019

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In the Mood for Love Pt. 1 Album Review Sandra Li Reporter

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In The Mood for Love Pt.1’ or also known as ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1,’is an album from the renown k-pop group BTS. The album first came out on May 5th, 2015 and the band has generated a lot of recognition ever since.

It consists of several popular songs that the group is known for. The album is from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series that is made up of Extended Plays, a collection of albums, from the HYYH era, also known as HwaYangYeonHwa which is translated from Korean into the albums name in English, In The Mood For Love.

Intro: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Throughout this track you can really hear the frantic and aggressive rapping coming from one of the group members who composed the song, Yoongi, in which he is comparing life to a game of basketball. He connects his bottled up feelings to the sport that seems to eat him, and his emotions up. Specifically, Yoongi goes into depth about how he was frustrated and stressed about his happiness and future that he seems to never reach, comparing it to the rim of a basketball hoop. Overall, many of the lyrics bring a melancholy and suspenseful impression to the song.

I Need U: Next is ‘I Need U’ which is the title track of the album.

The song is a very dynamic track as it puts out a feeling of sentimentality and grace all together into one whole. This is because when the rapping parts become less intense, the song is able to hit into a suitable, perfect timed harmony for the chorus. The meaning behind the track is that there are times where you have to let go of a person and take them out of your life when they are causing trouble for you, even when you love them dearly. The song explores about a love that has gone violent.

Hold Me Tight: This song is great to listen to if you enjoy having a mix of ballads and hip-hop. It is a wistful song that is able to greatly balance out the two musical genres and as well as the members who are a part of the vocal and rap line, perfectly fitting in their talents into one song. The melody of the track is composed of a more slower tuned sound and with some rapping. The lyrics tell a story about a love that has gone faded and the desperation

The k-pop band BTS. Photo taken from Wikimedia.

to save it before their feelings for one another have disappeared completely.

Skit: Expectation!: This track isn’t necessarily a song but rather it is an audio skit where all seven members are just talking and giving their opinions about whether or not they should expect reaching number one on a Korean music program.

Some of the members go into details about how they shouldn’t exactly set expectations because then they’ll get their hopes up and end up getting nothing. In just this one track, BTS is able to make you laugh from their commentary and allow you to take a break from the sentimental songs of the album.

Dope: ‘Dope’ or also known as ‘Sick,’ is a playful song that utilizes synthesizers in order to imitate the use of a saxophone. It also makes perfect use of crescendo as it’s a great way to keep the listeners staying for more when the bass drops.

The song consists of energetic rapping that has amazing wordplay.

Although it is a very much lively track, the meaning behind it is a bit dark as they are talking about what people have to give up when in difficult economic situations and calls out adults and the media who shame the younger generation for not working hard enough.

Boyz with Fun: Adding on to the high-spirited mood, ‘Boyz with Fun’ is primarily a energetic song about having fun and letting loose.

It gives a message about how you shouldn’t care about the way others perceive you and rather, have fun with your life. The song makes you want to get out of your seat and feel overwhelmed, in a good way, with

their enthusiasm and hyper personalities through the lyrics and the use of incredible beats.

Converse High: After, the album moves on to the funky song ‘Converse High.’ Yes, the song is really about Converse. It is a very simple track as it doesn’t really have a deep explanation to it other than being into the brand’s shoes. The song would have to be considered lighthearted due to the fact that it puts off a playful twist to the entire album and has a soft melody to it.

Moving On: ‘Moving On’ has a smooth tune which its composition is simple but with a few different nuances such as the joyful, muffled squeak of a child in the background, it pulls you into a place where you’re feeling nostalgic and are reminiscing those times where you have struggled to get to the place where you are but have at least managed to make it here. In just under four minutes, BTS is able to convey their emotions and talk about how they recall the struggles that they’ve encountered during their first years as a group. Despite that, they give a clever message saying that they’ve moved on and took all that madness from that certain part of their life, and have since then applied it as a valuable lesson that will then take

them to the next step in life.

Outro: Love Is Not Over: Lastly the outro of the album, ‘Love Is Not Over’ is a pure ballad that has an absence of a fast tempo beat. The song first opens up with vocals from one of the members Jungkook, which is then tagged along with soft piano chords. The piano helps out with the rhythm of the track which maintains the entire album tenderness and the smooth harmonies. The meaning behind the song is essentially the pain of wanting to love someone or have them close to you until the very end.

In my opinion, In The Mood For Love would have to be one of my favorite albums as it contains many highly enjoyable songs that I could listen to on repeat. Listening to the whole album I would have to say was an emotional rollercoaster since there were so many emotions put out such as funky, playful, and even soul-searching. All of the songs were perfectly well crafted and is a great collection of replayable tracks.

BTS later released two other albums called The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2 and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever which are both a part of the same series as In The Mood For Love Pt. 1.

Entertainment

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Velvet Buzzsaw Movie Review SPOILER ALERT! Carlos Aragon Aldana Reporter

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any people were delighted to hear that actor Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, Life, Okja) and Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler, Kong: Skull Island) were reuniting to produce the new Netflix film Velvet Buzzsaw. The last time they teamed up, they produced Nightcrawler, which is believed by many to be one of the best films in the last 10 years. Can they catch lightning in a bottle again with Velvet Buzzsaw like they did with Nightcrawler, or will they fail?

Sadly, Velvet Buzzsaw never manages to reach the same heights as Nightcrawler. The film is entertaining, but it has some flaws that need to be addressed. Before we talk about that though, let’s talk about the film itself. What is Velvet Buzzsaw? The film is about these paintings, made by an artist name Vetril Dease, who lived alone.

He was found dead in front of his apartment, and his landlord said that Dease asked for the paintings to be destroyed. However, Josephina, played by Zawe Ashton (Nocturnal Animals, Blitz), discovers the paintings, and brings them to the art gallery she works at. Rhodora, played

by Rene Russo (Nightcrawler, The Intern), is in charge at the gallery, and she finds out that Josephina has the paintings. They decide to put them on display, and that’s when the premise comes into play, where art is possessed and kills those who let greed get in the way of appreciating the art. It’s clear that the intent was to create a mesh between horror and satire, but one issue stems from that. The satire part completely stumps out the horror part. Now, don’t get me wrong, the film does have what one could consider horror. However, at times that we were supposed to be scared, or feel bad for somebody’s death, more than half the time, it was funny. I mean, it even sound funny on paper. Art coming to life and killing people.

And to be honest, this shouldn’t be an issue. A lot of films can turn basic horror into comedy. But based off of the marketing of the film, it’s pretty clear that the intention was to create a horror movie. If Velvet Buzzsaw had simply embraced the comedy, at least in it’s marketing, then I feel that it would have been able to improve itself.

Even though it had a glaring issue in it’s tone, the film has a lot of things going for it. First, it has Jake Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal is one of the best actors alive today. His character Morf Vanderwalt, is something that I seriously would have liked to see more of. I honestly wouldn’t have cared if the whole film revolved around him, but he isn’t the main focus. Morf is one of those characters that you feel bad for by the end.

The one you don’t want to die. He’s smart, interesting, but he’s also cold and calculating. He’s an art critic and he’s the first to realize that Dease’s paintings are being possessed. He even kills his career to try and get them to stop being sold. He is one of the most likable characters in the movie in comparison to others, besides Coco and Piers, played by Natalia Dyer (Stranger Things) and John Malkovich (Of Mice And Men, Bird Box, Red) respectively, and a few others. And that’s one of the reasons for why I said earlier that some character deaths were funny. I didn’t care about them. For example Jon Dondon, who’s name is hilarious, and is played by Tom Sturridge (Sweetbitter, Waiting for Forever) is a completely flat character. Nobody in the film likes him, and the way he dies is by trying to fix a lightbulb that was going on a fritz. As he’s fiddling with the lightbulb, a hand comes out of nowhere and hangs him by his own bowtie. Coco discovers him the next morning. A character I did like though, Rhodora, was interesting. Sure, she wasn’t that great of a person, but she had a cool backstory.

She was in a punk band when she was younger, called Velvet Buzzsaw which is where the movie gets its title from. And while she may not be the greatest person in the film, she doesn’t actively sabotage people around her at a degree that a lot of the other characters were.

Another thing about the film is that it’s pacing isn’t amazing. The movie uses the first half hour to set up the premise, and while it may not seem like much, it drags on for a while. However, the rest of the film is pretty good. Once Bryson, played my Billy Magnussen (Game Night, Ingrid Goes West) dies trying to steal some of Dease’s art, the movie picks up steam. While everybody thinks that Bryson crashed the truck and wandered into the desert, after Jon Dondon dies, Morf realizes that something is up with the art. Then Gretchen, played by Toni Collette (The Sixth Sense, Hereditary) gets her arm shredded by a sphere, and Morfs mental state begins to deteriorate as he begins to experience hallucinations and hear voices. He tries to convince Rhodora to sell the paintings, but she refuses, and he decides to publish an article that would kill his career, one about Dease’s paintings and how dangerous they are. Morf then goes to a warehouse to put his Dease paintings away forever, and he finds Hoboman, a robot that he had critiqued at the beginning of the film, and he had given it a bad review. It’s pretty ironic, because if he had given it a good review, then the robot wouldn’t be in the warehouse,

The Velvet Buzzsaw Movie Poster, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo. Velvet Buzzsaw is available to watch on Netflix. as somebody would have bought it.

The robot chases him as Morf tries to run away, but then Morf runs into a locked gate. Then, it breaks his neck, despite Morf’s attempts to try and tell the spirit that he understands what’s happening. While this is happening, Josephina, and her boyfriend, Damrish, played by Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, Wonder) are at a bar. He tells her that he is going to no longer display his art Rhodora’s gallery, and she gets angry, and tells him that if art can’t be seen, then there’s no point in there being any.

She goes outside, where her car is blocked by another. She calls a tow truck, and right after, her phone freezes, and all that’s on the screen is one of Dease’s paintings. She turns around, and instead of there being a wall of graffiti, there’s an art gallery similar to the one she works at. She enters and calls Rhodora, and while they speak, paint begins to drip off of the paintings and crawl towards her.

Rhodora meanwhile, is chasing her cat, and is almost crushed by a wooden sculpture. She then goes back to talk to Josephina, who is covered in paint. The next day, we see Josephina sort of inside the wall where the graffiti was, kind of like somebody traced her with paint.

Rhodora, meanwhile, finally accepts the truth behind Dease’s paintings, and has all of the art in her house removed. She sits down and the Velvet Buzzsaw tattoo starts to spin. It rips a hole in her neck and she dies.

The film cuts to Coco, who is leaving

L.A back to Michigan. She sees some of Dease’s paintings being sold by homeless people for five dollars, perhaps teasing a sequel. The film finally cuts to Piers, one of Rhodoras artists, who is on a beach, drawing lines in the sand Overall, the film wasn’t bad.

Each character got what they deserved for their actions. While Morf was dating Josephina, he gave her ex a bad review, even though his art was good. This caused her ex to get into a drunk car accident that left him in a coma. Because of this, the spirit killed him. Bryson tried to steal the art and that’s why he died. Gretchen tried to get Morf to giver her early reviews, and when he declined, she sabotaged his and Josephina’s relationship, which is why she is with Damrish in the third act. The only main characters who survived were Coco and Piers.

Coco, because she never tried to steal the art or sabotage anyone, and Piers because he appreciated art for what it was, and didn’t care what other people thought about his.

Velvet Buzzsaw was an entertaining film. While it didn’t meet genre expectations, it sort of pulled an Evil Dead type scenario where the tone was off but the film still managed be entertaining and fun.

It may have had some flaws, and a boring first act, but Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo give great performances, and the second and third act more than make up for the first.

Overall, I would totally recommend Velvet Buzzsaw to a friend.

Opinion

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Do we need to build a Border wall?

A major promise of President Donald Trump’s campaign was the building of a wall along the Southern border of the United States. Another promise was the fact that Mexico was to pay for the wall to be built. Now, in the third year of his presidency, these promises are fractured. Trying to get funding through Congress, and now through a national emergency, the American people are faced with the question: Is the wall proposed by Donald Trump even a good idea? Here, Abhishek Rana takes the affirmative side, while Sydney Stumpf takes the opposition. Let us know what you think on maldenblueandgold.com

Yes Abhishek Rana Editor in Chief of Web and Mobile Apps

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t was a little more than a decade ago when Congress passed the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which authorized the construction of 700-miles of double-layered fencing along parts of the U.S-Mexico Border. 26 current and former Senate Democrats voted for the legislation that was signed into law by President Bush. The list included prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama.

But here we are now, in 2019, and the Democratic party, along with its base, has completely flip-flopped over the issue of a physical barrier on the border. As Emily Esco, director of polling at the Cato Institute, points out, “between 2005 and 2015, polls show that nearly half of Democrats continued to support building a border barrier of some kind.” However, after 2015, when Donald Trump announced his campaign, the number dramatically plunged to a point now, where only 12% of Democrats say they support a border wall or fence.

What this suggests is that the debate over a border wall has really become a debate over the President, which, unfortunately, is a recipe for a stalemate. The border wall has reached a symbolic point in American politics where it alone has a significant impact on the electoral prospects of officials from both parties. The Democrats simply cannot allow President Trump to fulfill this crucial campaign promise, which makes the party’s stance on the wall understandable to a certain extent.

What is not reasonable, however, is the Democratic party’s arguments, or lack thereof, against a border wall. Claims made by Democrats that the wall is “immoral,” “inefficient,” and “wasteful,” are, quite frankly, laughable. So let’s analyze each of these claims separately: First, let’s look at the argument that a wall is a wasteful use of resources. It is accurate that apprehensions in the southwest border have declined since they reached a peak in the 2000s. But according to U.S Customs and Border Security, a total of 521,090 apprehensions were made in the fiscal year 2018 along the southwest border. This is actually an increase from the 415,517 apprehensions made in the fiscal year 2017. The numbers suggest that it is very much still a pressing issue for our country and not the nonissue that many in the Democratic party claim it is.

Furthermore, the money is a non-issue, especially considering that President Trump has backed off of his original plan for a 2000-mile, 30-foot concrete wall along the entire U.S-Mexico Border. His current demand of $5.7 billion in funding for concentrated areas of steel slats, as requested by Border Patrol, equals approximately just one-tenth of one percent of the annual federal spending.

Next is the idea that a wall would be an efficient method of curbing illegal immigration. To that, I would simply like to point to common sense and suggest that perhaps a physical barrier along the border is a better alternative in curbing illegal immigration to having no barrier at all. In addition, if you analyze the data from Border Patrol, you can conclude that walls most definitely work: In the fiscal year 1992, before a border wall was installed along the border of Tijuana and San Diego, there were approximately 560,000 apprehensions made in the are. By the fiscal year 2017, that number plummeted all the way down to 26,086.

A barrier between Tucson, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico was put up in the year 2000. Apprehensions consequently declined from over 600,000 that year to just 38,657 in the fiscal year 2017.

A barrier installed between the border of Yuma, Arizona and Los Algodones, Mexico in 2005 brought apprehensions down from 138,438 in the fiscal year 2005 to 12,847 in fiscal year 2017.

Even further proof of the effectiveness of a physical barrier is evident by what Border Patrol chief Raul Ortiz explained to journalists during President Trump’s January 10 visit to Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

“Part of our area is covered with some fencing on our east side. That accounts for about 6 percent of our traffic. Where we have no fencing, over 90 percent of our traffic occurs in those areas,” explained Ortiz.

Finally, the suggestion that a border wall is immoral is the most ludicrous claim of them all. Unless you believe that the very existence of borders and sovereignty is immoral, why is more immoral to primitively dissuade people from illegally crossing our borders through the use of a physical barrier than to allow them to wonder on in No Man’s Land and apprehend them on arrival.

No Sydney Stumpf Editor in Chief of Print

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ith the announcement of the National Emergency in reaction to the U.S. House of Representatives’ decision to not pass a bill in which would appropriate significant funds to border security, in the form of a wall, questions of constitutionality, morality, and whether or not the wall is a serious method of addressing border security, have been raised. The main issue at hand during the entirety of this battle, since December of 2018, has been whether or not a wall is a sufficient way to secure the United States’ southern border.

In response to the bill he so desperately wanted to get passed, not being passed, Donald Trump shut the government down in December, to which Democrats proposed a new bill with significant spending for border security, although not for a wall, or a “fence” or “barrier” as he has also called it. The President, of course, rejected this compromise, presenting one of his own—extending DACA for an extra three years, in which recipients would be able to stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation. The Democrats had a problem with this because a) they still really are adamantly against the wall, and b) extending DACA for three years is only temporary, in exchange for something so permanent.

The lack of compromise on either side is another issue. The real issue at hand is to what extent would a wall actually work? Border security is a tricky subject, because although the government as a whole wants to decrease the number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S., at the same time, people struggle to get visas, get their citizenships. As of current, it seems like the executive branch wants to stop all immigration into the United States (from Southern countries), period. By proposing a wall, but little action in regards to the availability of visas and citizenships, Donald Trump is largely shutting out Central and South America from the U.S. A wall, or a physical barrier, or whichever term the President may use next, is very medieval. The idea is too simplistic to actually work. Proposals by other politicians include upped border security in the form of new technology. These proposals make more sense given the logistics of the border as of present, and given that we live in 2019. We can do far more humane ways of attacking border security, that is not literally shutting not only Mexico out, but the United States in. Like toddlers putting up pillow brocades in the forts, the United States’ executive government wants to build a literal wall, to try and keep people out.

Now, stepping back from whether or not the wall is a suitable means of border security for twenty-first century America, let’s talk money. After promising the United States a wall, paid for by Mexico, suddenly the issue has fallen to Congress, i.e. the funds are not coming from Mexico. Late 2018, Donald Trump asked for $5.7 Billion in order to build the wall along the southern border. The House rejected this proposal, thus the subsequent issues arose. Usable funds have been debated significantly, i.e. where this $5.7 Billion would come from. The fact of the matter is, with this much spending for a wall, that would not even cover the full cost of the wall, money from other departments, projects, areas, would have to be taken away. Or, the money could come from increased taxes. Neither of which are particularly favorable in the eyes of either democrats or republicans.

Without a specific, planned-out payment plan for the wall, Trump essentially set himself up for failure. Democrats, on the other hand, proposed, still, a significant figure in order to address border security. Instead of accepting what he could get (and yes, the same could be turned around for the democrats not accepting Trump’s counter offer) he decided to then counter-offer, and then declare a national emergency in order to bypass Congress’ decision to not fund the wall to the extent asked.

The issue of to build, or not to build, the wall has far escaped the realm of border security and limiting illegal immigration, and now is more Trump’s grasping at straws to keep a campaign promise. If the real reasons for proposing the wall were border security, it would be sensible to accept a compromise in which extra funds are given to border security although not in the form of a wall. The wall has become a symbol of the Trump administration, and to fail at achieving his goal of building a wall, the Trump administration probably will not survive the 2020 election.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

Sports

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Al Locke Basketball

Luella Harding Reporter

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he Al Locke City Basketball League began over 76 years ago and continues to give seventh, eighth and ninth grade boys from any school in the district of Malden a chance to play basketball recreationally.

Joe Levine, coordinator of the Malden Recreation department, is also the director of the program.

He explained that it “used to be a church basketball league for Malden people, but it has expanded [since].”

The Malden Recreation Department took over the league two years ago.

Unlike normal school basketball teams, everyone makes a team on the Al Locke League, either in the Eastern or Western conference. The team names are NBA pre-existing teams, and it works in a similar way.

Teams in the Eastern conference play each other, teams in the Western conference play each other, and then the winning team from each conference play in a final championship.

Al Locke Heat player takes a free throw. Photo by Liam O’Toole.

“It gets people all over the city to get to start to know each other a little bit better,” said Levine.

Shai Cohen is a freshmen at Malden High who plays for the Thunder on the city basketball league and is very optimistic for his team. “It’s only the 3rd week of the program, but [his] team is 1-1” but “[they] have plenty to work on and get better a,t” explained Cohen. He continued to say that “[his] team is very good when it comes to defending the basket” but that “[they] work together very well in stopping the other team from scoring.”

Improving is something the

teams are always working to do. “[His] team can work on being smart with the ball. sharing the ball and knowing exactly what to do with it,” said Cohen. “Basketball is very much a team sport.”

Jordan Rodriguez, a freshman at Malden Catholic, said that his team, the Lakers, have a lot to work on as well. “[They] are really good at ball hogging, [but they] just need to improve on passing [the ball].”

Luke Zubrzycki, who is also a freshmen at Malden High and also plays on the Lakers, explained that “[his] team is doing okay,” but they can “improve on offense because no

one really pays attention except a few guys.”

Something about the program that a lot of people seem to have in common and enjoy is knowing everyone there. On the topic, Cohen said that, he “[likes] that you get to compete against your close friends” and that it’s a local league where [he knows] almost everyone.” In addition, Zubrzycki said the best part of the league is “[his] team, because [he has] a coach that [he has] known since [he] was 8 years old.”

There are currently 114 members in the program. Levine explained that “it’s a tradition we want to keep going, and any kid in Malden can play, whether he’s a superstar or just a young man just learning how to play like everybody.”

The Al Locke Basketball League has games every Saturday at the Salemwood school going until March 9th, and everyone is welcome to come and watch.

Middle School Basketball

All photos by Liam O’Toole.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2019

maldenblueandgold.com

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Jemisha Syliant Head Copy Editor

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he MHS boys basketball team fell short of their goal of making the State Tournament. However despite this shortcoming, many members on the team improved throughout the season and made an impact on the team. With a final record of 9-15, the team gave forth their best efforts despite not getting the outcome they hoped for.

Senior Franklin Chen explained that the season did not go the way that they had hoped for in the beginning of the season. He alluded to the fact that they played against teams that they had the ability to beat and “[he] expected [them] to be a bit better,” but they were at times “inconsistent.”

Junior David Mervilus, who was a new transfer from Canada this year, also explained how the season did not go the way he had hoped for.

He says, “[he] thought [they] would win more games and have more competition.” On a similar note, Mervilus explained that the team needed to put more energy as well as more determination into the games.

He stated, “[they] went to the games to play and [they] just [were not] able to make the tournament but it happens.” He also believes that if they had the same energy they did starting off the season, “it would be a different story but it is what it is.”

With that being said, Mervilus explained that his first season

Olivia Donahue Reporter

at MHS to be different than the seasons in Canada. He mentioned how in MHS they may have up to “three games a week or back to back games” but in Canada, they “do not have back to back games.”

Despite the team falling short on qualifying for the states tournament, Mervilus explained how “[he] know[s] what [he has] to work on to hopefully do better next time and next year to hopefully reach [his] goal.”

Similarly, Chen had hoped for his team to win the remainder of the games in hopes of qualifying for the states tournament.

As previously mentioned, Chen recalled his most memorable game this season against Peabody being “special.” He explained how he and his teammates did not like the direction of the way the game was being played. MHS had been down 26 points with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter but they managed to tie the game up with only 30 seconds remaining in the game. He explained “that comeback was something special.”

Mervilus recalled how well his teammates played that game, including Chen, considering that it was a difficult comeback.

Senior captain Robens Garcia believes that all individuals on the team who come back next year have improvements to make.

GAME RECAP B

asketball is a hard sport for many, even those who play. Just like any other sport one has to be physically and mentally prepared for practices and most importantly games. On Thursday January 31, 2019, Girls varsity basketball took a loss to Gloucester with an ending score of 37-50.

The starters were #2 Meley Ephrem, #21 Nevaeh Cherilus, #12 Audree Carleton, #23 Salma “The Bun” Bezzat, #5 Yasmine Alayan.

In the first quarter the girls struggled quite a bit with both defense and offense. They were having a hard time being able to keep up with the opposing team. Freshman Nevaeh Cherilus (#21) made one out of two foul shots, leaving the score at 1-6 in the first quarter. Although they had a rough start the girls put up a good fight for the rest of the game.

In beginning of the second quarter, yet again Cherilus makes two foul shots this time, adding to the score, leaving it at 3-9.

The score was still low, but the girls kept persevering. Chasing their opponents up and down the court, while putting up great defense.

Then, half way through the second quarter, Meley Ephrem(#2) drove all the way up to the basket without hesitation and scored a layup, with a score of 5-9. Ephrem continues to play a strong position as shooting guard for the remainder of the quarter and well as the rest of the game.

With four minutes left of the second quarter, Cherilus makes yet again, another foul shot keeping a score of 6-11.

Still struggling to raise their score and lead the game, the girls give it their best shot, literally. Within the last three minutes of the second quarter Cherilus makes another foul shot, Salma “The Bun” Bezzat (#23) makes two foul shots, and forward Audree Carleton (#12) makes another two. Lastly, our freshman sensation who never fails us, Cherilus pulls through making two more foul shots, keeping the score tied at 15-15.

At this point the girls were down to a tense one minute left in the second quarter. Gloucester realizes they have some competition and decides to put up their best fight as well. Making numerous layups and foul shots, they lead the score at 1518. That is until our shooting guard

Ephrem makes an astounding threepointer, tying the score at 18-18.

With hope that they would end the quarter tied, unfortunately the Gloucester girls scored a layup and end the quarter with a leading score of 18-19.

Malden played strong, and put up a vigorous fight against Gloucester, although they did struggle quite a bit in the first quarter, they managed to pull through for the second quarter.

The third quarter starts off with the same score of 18-19, and the girls start off very robust. Ephrem makes a three towards the middle of the quarter leading the score at 21-19.

The girls manage to keep the score the same for a majority of the quarter with Cherilus attempting to make some shots, and the rest of the girls adding great support to the court and putting up some great defense. And at 5 minutes left of the quarter Gloucester make a three pointer tying the score at 2121, shortly after Malden takes a time out to re-evaluate their plan and brainstorm plays for the rest of the game.

After a little bit of analyzing, the girls come back somewhat strong. Within the very last minute of the quarter, Ephrem makes two free throws meanwhile Sabrina Louis (#1) makes a three pointer, and with 30 seconds left Cherilus makes a freethrow. Throughout this time period, Gloucester scores rapidly, leading on the scoreboard. The quarter ends with a score of Malden 27 and gloucester 33 (27-33).

The fourth quarter flies by fast, the girls are now struggling to keep up. Gloucester keeps scoring, meanwhile Malden puts up a great attempt at keeping a strong defense on their opponents.

At this time there is seven minutes left of the very last quarter, the score is 29-35. Gloucester makes 2 free throws keeping a lead on the score at 29-37.

Ephrem manages to make a layup, helping add to the score, leaving it at 34-37.Gloucester continues to score, meanwhile Bezzat makes a layup, the score is now at 36-41.

With 1:58 left in the fourth quarter, the score is at 36-43, when Cherilus makes her last shot of the game.

This was a tough loss for the girls, with an final score of 37-50.

You win some , and you lose some.

(Left) Top to Bottom: Senior Rashaud Moore fights for a loose ball. Senior Captain Robens Garcia dribbles the ball down the court. Photos by Jada Saddler.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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maldenblueandgold.com

State Junior Olympics

MHS Swim Team Michelle Yin Lead Reporter & Designer

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he Malden High School swim team has ended their season strong with a total of eight wins and two losses, culminating in one of the best swim seasons for many team members.

According to sophomore David Lombardi, this season was “amazing,” since the swim team had lost “a great amount of talent and was unsure as to how this season would go.” Defying these initial concerns, MHS swim still placed third within its conference and pulled off the “most successful records for the MHS Winter sports this season.”

One very memorable moment Lombardi cites is witnessing “Kevin Ochoa make MHS school history by becoming a state champion.” Lombardi reflects on how each of the swimmers’ personal achievements contributed to a more positive collective mindset saying that Ochoa “had a great personal season and contributed to each meet.”

Lombardi mentions that the other the four captains, Olivia Forestier, Agatha Silva, Joanne Ho and Sebastian Romani were also contributors to the team’s close bonds with one another. Underclassmen Haoxi Wang, Tony Giech and Chloe Akombi “all continuously placed and contributed to the wins of the season as well.”

Senior Captain Sebastian Romani agrees with Lombardi in his conclusion that their underclassmen really “pulled through,” but wishes that there were more underclassmen. One of his goals for the team next year is to acquire more swimmers, saying that “it’s always good to be larger in numbers.”

Lombardi also hopes to gain more swim talent next season, “since the senior class contributed to half our numbers this season.” Romani and Lombardi agree that they are satisfied with the effort that the team put in this year, but that they would benefit from more swimmers.

One meet that stood out to Romani was the New England Conference meet, where all different swim teams from the NEC league met together, saying “it was good to see people [he] knew that [he had] been competing with from other teams and to see how far [the MHS] team has gotten within the past season.”

Although the team may have begun the season somewhat insecure, it ends the season satisfied with the progress it has made and anticipates another successful season next year.

Malden High School swimmer looks to take the win during their race. Photo by Sandra Li.

Myllena Falcao Martins Reporter

Sophomore and Blue and Gold member Gabriel Matnog displaying his medals from the State Junior Olympics. Photo submitted by Matnog.

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abriel Matnog is a sophomore in Malden High and a Blue and Gold reporter. Matnog recently participated in the State Junior Olympics where he won the gold and bronze medal for Sport Pistol and Air Pistol respectively.

Matnog explained that ¨there are events under the Olympics community like track but there are also shooting events which is not as popular but are still recognized by the Olympics.” There is pistol events and rifle events, but Matnog participates in the pistol events.

Under the Olympics, there are the junior Olympics which are for individuals of those up to the age of 21.

Then there are the qualifiers which are the state Olympics.¨ Matnog took part in the 10-meter air pistol and the 25-meter sports pistol event. Matnog says that those events are ¨10-meter air pistol which shots 10 meters and we have a target that is like a regular paper target but it’s just a few centimeters wider.¨ Matnog has been doing this sport for about seven to eight years. He started when he was about eight years old.

He explained the reason why

he started was because ¨his family especially his dad thought that the use of guns was for protection but there was also a sport for it. At his home range they have a program which kids from seven to 21 can join the team which is like a state team and his dad kinda influenced me.

He explained the way he prepped for the Junior Olympics was by ¨years of training and late night practices, and hard work and coaches that pushed [him] really hard. [His]training schedule would be every single day or six days It’s tiring but it’s what got [him] there.¨ Matnog competed in the 2018 junior Olympics which he qualified for last year state qualifiers, ¨it was different than anything that [he has] ever experienced¨.

Matnog described his emotions after winning medals as ¨amazing because after all those years working really hard, “it was a good milestone that [he] was able to reach.¨ Matnog participated in last year’s state qualifiers, where he placed 2nd in both events and he came in the 2018 Junior Olympics 4th in the country for sports pistol and 2nd for air pistol.

Sports

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The Blue and Gold March 2019

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GYmnastics Christopher Correa Lead Reporter

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he Malden High Gymnastics season has come to a close with many members excited to continue improving on their performances next season. However, for many members this was their last year performing on the Malden High team.

One of these members was Senior captain Tyler Risteen. Risteen thought that overall she did “well this season,” but that she “did not progress to the point that [she] would like.” In many regards this season may have been Risteen’s last gymnastics season for Malden High, but this will not be the end of her gymnastics career. Risteen will continue to come back to open gyms and help out at recreational programs as well.

Another member of the team that will not return next season is Senior Kevin Phan. Phan believes that this season was an improvement from his previous years performing for the gymnastics team.

Phan personally believed that this season he “made fewer mistakes” and “improved on skills needed to

Sophomore Ronald Batista getting ready for a cast. Photo by Cristopher Correa. get good scores.” Phan competed on “all events that he could” and overall “focused more on cleaning up my routines to raise my scores.”

Freshman Alyson Kwong had a great first year on the team and really liked “the whole experience in general.” Kwong was rusty when the season came because of a lack of practice. Kwong also described that another difficulty she had this season is the mental blocks that she had prior to the season. She described that “the team gave [her] so much support that [she] was able to manage and get those skills back.”

Kwong had a great first year on the team, but she still feels as

though she has room to improve for the next season. She describes that fear is something that she needs to overcome in order to improve on her skills. Kwong explains that “[she is trying] to find another part of [her] that [is not] so fearful to do skills, because [she doesn’t] want [her] fear to hold [her] back from trying to do more.”

This gymnastics season ended on Senior Night. Senior Night is an exhibition where members of the team are allowed to show off their skills to their family and friends.

Risteen describes this as an opportunity for everyone on the team to perform since “the team is so big,

and [they] can only compete six people per event, so Senior Night gives everyone a chance to show off their skills.” Kwong described the the event as fun because “there [were not] rules in the routines” and that “anyone could do a routine on any event if they wanted to.”

Phan believes that Senior Night was “great as always” and it was a chance for the parents of the kids on the team to see their children perform since the gymnastics team do not have any meets in Malden.

Senior Night was also the final sending off for the seniors on the team. Phan explained that for most of the seniors they want to “enjoy their last time as a part of the team and be someone that the others look up to.” Risteen adds that she wishes that everyone on the team continues to improve and says she is “really going to miss the gymnastics team.”

Phan wants incoming freshman to “participate and join the team regardless of any experience because this is a sport where you could work on many different skills on different events.” He adds that “[he] would tell the freshman and all members to make the most out of the time you spend during the season because it does not last forever.”

Gymnastic League Meet Recap Sandra Li Reporter

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n February 2nd, Malden High School’s gymnastics team competed in a league meet during which they rivaled against ten other different teams from various cities across Massachusetts including Beverly, Winthrop, and Essex. The meet was held in Middleton at the Yellow Jackets gym.

Leading up to the league meet, the team had been doing their regular practices frequently with a particular emphasis in training the seniors, who would be taking center stage in the competition. Malden’s first event was on the uneven bars.

In bars, competitors have to heavily focus on their upper body, especially their arms and core strength.

Gymnasts who competed in this event were seniors Kevin Phan and Quang Nguyen.

In Nguyen’s performance, he was able to do a long hang kip for the first time, which is a challenging skill that would be performed on the high bar. In terms of how he can improve on his routine, Nguyen states that “[he] could have pointed [his] toes and kept [his] legs straight throughout the routine because gymnastics is a sport of grace and beauty, so movements with grace are needed.”

The next event was floor. For

floor, competitors need both the willingness to dance and also the commitment to leaps and tumbles.

To compete in floor, competitors also need to commit to performing your routine well with a positive mindset. Gymnasts who performed in the event were Phan and junior Gabriella Celona.

Phan states that “the only challenges that [he] faced were the pressure before going onto the floor to perform. Other than that, it was all in [his] head and going through [his] routine as best [he] could.”

Phan adds that “[he] felt incredibly nervous and pressured to do [his] routine during the league meet, just because there were a total of at least 10 different teams present and a large number of spectators.

[He] was very nervous to mess up or to do something wrong in front of everyone, therefore [he] was determined to do [his] best.”

Next came the beam and vault events. Both events were competed at the same time for Malden. For beam, senior Captain Tyler Risteen and senior Kelly Zhou performed.

In beam, you have to keep in mind of your balance. Before competing, Zhou says that “[She] was nervous but also reassured because [she] knew it was a big meet so not a lot of people will be paying attention to

[her] so [she] can just perform feeling less anxious.”

She continues on saying that “[she] does not like heights and it took [her] a long time to get used to the high beam and not freak out when [she] looks down but [she] did feel excited knowing that [she] has the ability to accomplish that.” For Risteen, she recalls that “[She] fell on a scale that [she] usually lands, so [she is] going to work harder on that.”

As for vault, freshman Alyson Kwong and Phan competed in the event. In vault, “[competitors] really need to be able to run, put in effort, be powerful and put in speed” as Kwong states. When describing the excitement of each competition, Kwong says that, “[she] felt such a relief because [she] usually compete in all of the events and just being able to do one of [her] favorite events made [her] feel good.”

Finally, the judges totaled up the scores and awards such as medals were given out to the competitors. As for Malden High School’s Gymnastics team, they were able to receive a sportsmanship award.

Despite Malden not winning any medals, coach Katie Bowdridge, Risteen, and the rest of the team were still very pleased and optimistic about the results.

Risteen mentions that “league meets are always fun, because it is just a bunch of gymnasts and [the team] get to see a lot of different levels of skills, seeing the really elite gymnasts.”

For Bowdridge, she says that “[the team] has improved from the beginning of the season until now and [they are] still trying to add different skills to [their] routine and clean things up but each meet they have improved on their team and individual scores.”

And so, Malden High School’s gymnastics team will continue to work hard and is looking forward to end their season with diligence and grace.

The Blue and Gold March 2019

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Yohanni Costa Wins First Girls Wrestling State Title in MHS History Gabriel Matnog Lead Reporter

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n Saturday, February 23rd, sophomore Yohanni Costa made Malden High School history by becoming the first female state champion in MHS Wrestling. Costa competed in the first MIAA Girls Wrestling State Championships, and winning all three of her matches led her to the title of State Champion.

Costa competed against other girls from around Massachusetts, where they weren’t divided up by age or grade but by weight class.

This is Costa’s second year wrestling, after spending her freshman year wrestling at a high school in Florida. Costa stated that “[she] wasn’t taking wrestling seriously, and wasn’t really wrestling much.”

Costa suffered a concussion in the second match of the Florida state championships. Her first season ended with an injury, but due to the decision of her father to move up to the Boston area, she was able to find

and join the MHS Varsity Wrestling team. After sustaining a concussion, Costa believed that “next year, [she was] going to wrestle for real.”

Costa explained that she has had a lot of naysayers who have told her that she “was not going to be able to wrestle guys.” Costa admitted that she was a little afraid but it gave her motivation to prove those people wrong. Costa did indeed prove those people wrong by earning a spot on the varsity team by winning a match against a fellow male wrestler in her weight class.

During the actual match, Costa mentioned how she couldn’t imagine being the first female state champion. “It is what it is.” Costa said as she responded to people telling her that she would be up against females who have been wrestling for multiple years.

“I’m going to do my best and see what happens” are the exact words that Costa kept telling herself prior to entering the final match.

When asked how it feels to be the first female state champion, Costa explained that “it actually

Sophomore Yohanni Costa shakes her opponents hand during her state championhip match. Photo sumbitted by Yohanni Costa. feels really good.” Going into her sophomore year of wrestling, Costa did not know at all she would qualify for states, let alone win the state title. Talking with Coach Rin Van, on her first day of practice saying, “coach, imagine being the first girl ever in Malden High School history to become state champion and go to a girls state?” Costa soon decided that’s what she was going to set her mind to, and she did indeed achieve

it.

Costa concluded that “if you have a dream, do not give up and never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough for something.

Just go and achieve your goals! My main goal was becoming a state champion and I achieved it, now my main goal is to get a full scholarship doing wrestling so do not put limits on you and if you want something just go for it.”

Girls Ice Hockey Ends on a High Note David Cartledge Lead Reporter

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his season ended up being a huge step up for the Medford/ Malden girls hockey team. The team ended the season with an overall record of 8-11-1, doubling their total wins from last year. Although the team fell short of qualifying for the State Tournament, it was still a huge improvement from last season.

The success that the team had this season was a result of many factors, some of which being “[them showing their] perseverance to come back from a goal and to keep fighting during a game,” and that “the offense was becoming strong and they would score more goals later in the season,” as described by senior captain Terrell Pesaturo.

Although the season went well for the team, there were a few weaknesses that held the team back. One of those weaknesses, as described

by Pesaturo, was that “[they were] letting in goals too early in the game and having to later fight to gain them back.”

With the season coming to an end, they will need to look to the future and prepare for the seasons to come. This year, there were six seniors on the 18 player team, which could lead to complications next season. Pesaturo mentioned how “[she is] worried that the team won’t be

the same in the locker room but [she is] sure they will prevail.”

One of the players that will be leaving the team is goalie Terrell Pesaturo, which can always be difficult for teams. However, Peasturo mentioned how there are two up and coming freshman that are likely to take the place on the varsity team, saying that they “definitely will be getting the varsity high school experience.”

With the season coming to an end, the team has met goals and also missed a few that they hoped they could have reached. Pesaturo mentioned how “doubling [their] wins was one of [her] personal goals,” and went on to say that “[she] thinks the goal of making states and trying to make this the best season is the reason for [their] outcome!”

Overall, the team saw a lot of success this season, showing strengths that they were able to capitalize on and win. Pesaturo mentioned how the team would like to dedicate the season to a rink member who unfortunately passed away due to his fight with ALS. Pesaturo said that “[she] thinks having players want to play and dedicating [their] season to one of the rink staff, John Welch, who had passed away this year because of ALS was a huge push.”

From top to bottom: Medford Mustangs speaking amongst each other pregame; Senior Goalie Terrell Pesaturo saving a shot. Photo by David Cartledge.

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The Blue and Gold March 2019

maldenblueandgold.com

Zion Williamson Makes His Presence Known In The Baksetball World Abhishek Rana Editor in Chief of Web and Mobile Apps

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f you are not familiar with Zion Williamson, here is the basic overview. He is a 6 foot 7, 284-pound forward for Duke, who has freakish athleticism and has captivated the basketball world with his highlightreel filled season.

All of this has made him perhaps the most talked-about college basketball player of this generation. He is essentially a lock for the number one pick in June’s NBA Draft. Whatever team he lands on, he will bring a box office appeal that is sure to sell a lot of tickets. The hype around Williamson is so high that many fans and analysts have compared his basketball and star potential to that of Lebron James.

This season, his freshman season in Duke, Zion along with fellow top-5 prospects RJ Barrett and Cameron Reddish have led the Blue Devils to a 26-4 record as of March 7th. This has been enough to rank

Duke as the fourth best team in the country, and one of the favorites to win the National Title.

However, despite the excitement that many have over Zion’s future NBA career, there are also questions about some aspects of his overall game that have led to concerns about how well he will fair in the NBA. At 284-pounds, if Williamson was playing in the NBA right now he would be the 2nd heaviest player in the entire league. Although his weight is all-muscle, it does put extra stress on his legs that could put him at added risk of injuries in the future. His weight adds to his mystique because at his size, he should not be able to do the things he does on the court so effortlessly. But it also calls into question whether or not Zion can maintain his level of athleticism at his weight when it is putting so much pressure on his knees and ligaments.

An example of this came just two weeks ago during a bizarre play when Zion hurt his knee while trying to plant his foot only to have it literally break through his shoe. Perhaps

Zion Williamson gives a high five to teammate RJ Barrett. Photo from Wikimedia. a testament to his star power, Nike’s stock price dropped slightly the morning after the incident as it was one of Nike’s own signature shoes that Williamson was wearing at the time. However, while the injury was not that severe, it did highlight the one major concern most scouts have about him as an NBA prospect.

Other than that, the only weak-

ness in his game is his inability to knock down jumpers from range consistently which is a huge part of today’s NBA. However, if he develops a consistent jump shot once he enters the NBA and sheds a few pounds later on in his career for the sake of longevity, there is no reason why he cannot turn out to be the player many expect him to be.

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maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 104 Edition 5 March 2019