Final november 2015 malden blueandgold

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 101 Edition 2

77 salem street November 2015

Golden Tornado Fall Sports Make it to States Pg. 12 Pg. 22-23 Pg. 13 Pg. 16 Pg. 14

Pg. 6

Pg. 10-11 Pg. 21 Pg. 7 Pg. 17 Pg. 8

Pg. 15 Pg. 18

In Memoriam: Josue Quispe - pages 4 nd 5

Veterans Day Parade - page 24

An Evening of Entertainment: Housing Families pages 22-23 maldenblueandgold.com MALDEN HIGH SCHOOL

Volume 101, Edition 2 / 8 November 2015

Editorial

2 Malden High School

The Blue and Gold

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Stress Doesn’t Go With My Outfit never hurt anybody. It becomes a problem when it becomes so unbearably overwhelming that it starts to take over our lives, and suddenly it’s 3 am and you’re passed out on the floor of your bedroom with a textbook laid on top of you.

What is important for our own sanity, in my opinion, is personal time. Sometimes it is hard for me to find my own time in between the hecticness.

But it really helps. Sometimes my time consists of bringing my current favorite playlist along for a long train ride, or sitting in a quiet coffee shop with no company other than a latte and a bent copy of my favorite read. Sometimes it is merely belting out my favorite throwback jams in the shower. But it is important to take some time to relax, and disregard your worries. What was that thing that Bob Marley said in that one song that everyone always sings? Either way, whether it’s for five minutes or five days, a little R&R is good for the soul.

So I encourage you, reading this, whether you are still in high school or way past it, to take some time off today. Take some time off from whatever you have planned. I promise, there is so much more to life than being tired and stressed all the time. Go check in on a friend, watch the news, start an art project, read a book, dance to an old Beyonce album.

Just take a step back from life and breathe.

77 Salem St. Malden, MA 02148

Staff Print Editor-in-Chief Lucia Quesada Nylen ‘16 Print Managing Editors Cassandra Reyes ‘16 Manale Zouhir ‘16 Web and Mobile Apps Editorsin-Chief Emma Ceplinskas ‘16 Andrew Cogliano ‘16 Head Copy Editor Nicholas Bramante ‘16 Web & Mobile Apps Managing Editor Jasper Haag ‘16 Art & Design Editor Ashley Leung ‘16 Multimedia Editor Chaimae El Adlouni ‘16

Manale Zouhir

Heads of Local News Felicia Fallano ‘17 Julia Parker ‘17

Manale Zouhir Print Managing Editor Class of 2016

Heads of Sports News Tatyanna Cabral ‘17 Tenzin Dorjee ‘17 Nedlam’s Corner Karina Matos ‘17 Lead Reporters Abdul Ali ‘16 Alexis Brown ‘16 Liam Elliott ‘16 Marly Loreus ‘16 Haley Mallett ‘16 Megan Downer ‘18 Leila Greige ‘18 Ana Bia Kerr ‘18 Anna Powers ‘18 Lead Photographer Meghan Yip ‘18 Lead Videographers Stacey Wong ‘16 Samuel Martinez ‘18 Staff Artist Ziqi Zeng ‘16 Reporters Gabriella Onessimo ‘17 Tatum Skiffington ‘17 Christina Appignani ‘18 Ryan Hames ‘18 Alysha McDevitt ‘18 Ymanika “Monica” Nicolas ‘18 Nada Tuffaha ‘18 Cameron Witham ‘18 Jesaias Benitez ‘19 Neden Bernadin ‘19 Vivian Dang ‘19 Joanna Li ‘19 Cedrina Missamou ‘19 Abhishek Rana ‘19 Sydney Stumpf ‘19 Ailin Toro ‘19 Kristy Yang ‘19 Advisor ryan gallagher

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

CORRECTIONS Nada Bourji grew up in, and still lives in, West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Nada Tuffaha’s last name was spelled incorrectly on page 6.

Abhishek Rana’s first name was spelled incorrectly on page 19.

Leila Greige’s last name was spelled incorrectly on page 24.

Want to submit a let ter to the editor? Email theblueandgold@ gmail.com for a chance to be inlcuded in the next edition of The Blue and Gold!

The Blue and Gold November 2015

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The Blue and Gold November 2015

Interactive maldenblueandgold.com

The Blue and Gold Crossword Puzzle

Thank you for your submissions in the Blue and Gold Halloween contest!

IN Memoriam of Josue Quispe Submitted by Angel Quispe, brother of Josue on his birthday, Nov. 15, 2015.

“

Today an amazing human being was brought upon this world. The devil knew how powerful he was going to become, how many lives he was going to change, to a point where Lucifer took his life. That’s the bigger picture, every single word he’s said to every person he has met impacted their lives to create change within, till this day those words are in effect. Let’s not allow a tragedy to consume us as individuals to a point where we can no longer accomplish our dreams but let this be the motivation and the boost that we all need as people. I lost a brother, a role model and a friend but I’ve gained many others as well. We never truly lose when God is on our side, victory is always given to those who believe. I’m strong for the ones I love and care for because they need it.

Me and Josue always talked about the unfairness in life, the darkness in this world, but we have to overcome this darkness and be the light that people need, that this world needs. I can’t express the amount of pain that I feel but I don’t allow it to consume me because he would want better for me.

Every wound that we feel whether its physical, emotional or mental can always heal and from that we become stronger and grow as well as improve from the mistakes that we’ve done in life. Again, life’s never going to be easy and that’s something I’ve learned from my brother. I’m motivated to chase my dreams and to accomplish his as well. God has given me an amazing opportunity to have you as a brother its a privilege, one I will cherish and hold onto for the rest of my life. Today, an amazing individual was born, one that taught me and cared for me, now it’s my turn to do it for the people that care and love me. Rest in peace my brother. The family and everyone you’ve impacted will remember you. Happy birthday, I love you.”

The “In Memoriam” page is continued on page 5.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

In Memoriam

In Memory of Josue Quispe

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1997-2015 I wanted change so much. I . ip rsh wo g rin du p ou gr h ut “It was a night at yo saw that and came to e su Jo . ne do e I’v g on wr e th t started crying out because of m saying so vividly that nigh hi r be em rem n ca I g in th e pray for me and the on hugged me and I just he , ed ay pr he ter af d An t.” was “God, look into his hear g in that way. If you look tin for m co s ay alw s wa e su Jo . cried on his shoulders s actions, you were able hi By . m hi in od go e th all into Josue’s heart, you can see s a man of God just by seewa he ew kn s ay alw u Yo . m to see the good in hi n. You will forever be tio ira sp in an ch su s wa e H f. ing how he presented himsel missed Josue. I love you.”

- Jesse Lobato

“Josue taught me that life continues.“ -Matthew Acuna

most “The thing that he valued ...he in the world was discipline 1 am would even go running at sometimes.”

- Brayan Angulo

“Josue was someone I connected with on many levels. We shared a love of photography and I enjoyed having him work with me on techniques and yearbook work, but more importantly, he was someone who I could have an intellectual conversation with about things as large as world events or as finite as what he had for lunch. I admired his sense of personal pride and his honest desire to achieve success. I have to say that he was one of the most respectful young adults I have ever had the chance to teach and befriend. We agreed to stay in touch after graduation and we did. I will miss him for many reasons. Mostly I will miss the light that would shine in his eyes after every time we spoke.

It assured me that he was always thinking about what he had learned from our conversation. I knew he would use it to better the lives of his friends and family because he was selfless, and there was never any doubt about that point.”

- Mr. Jim Valente Josue’s

photography website bmslifestyle.com

Donate to the GoFundMe campaign dedicated to Josue at https:// www.gofundme. com/josuedaniel

“Josue Quispe brought energy he did. and enthusiasm to everything passion Among many things he had a politics for photography, religion, and He was and he could talk to anyone.

Josue.” everyone’s friend. We will miss -Mr. Brown

“Junior Varieties was just around the corner last year. Brayan, Matt, Josue, and I were going to do a dance. We thought we could out dance Airbound, that we were the next Jabawockeez, that were ABDC material. So we all headed to Brayan’s house to come up with choreography and dance moves, and it was just two hours of free styling dancing that turned into karaoke singing John Legend. It was the funniest yet most enjoyable guy-time. I’ll never forget that.”

- Richard Melgar

Opinion

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The Blue and Gold November 2015

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Planned Parenthood: The Truth

People holding signs in support of Planned Parenthood. Photo from MCT Campus.

Sydney Stumpf Reporter

O

n Sept. 18 2015, The House voted to defund Planned Parenthood for a year while investigations were performed into speculations of illegal activities carried out by the organization. These accusations and speculations were brought up by several republican politicians within the last year, as well as ongoing protests, trying to discredit Planned Parenthood, and to go as far as shut it down completely and permanently.

Why is Planned Parenthood hated so much? The 3% of Planned Parenthood’s services being abortion, that’s why. The 97% of every other helpful service that Planned Parenthood provides has no impact on opposers mindsets, even though these services include cancer screenings, STD/STI testing, pregnancy testing, and educational tools relating to anything health wise someone might need to know.

Abortion is one of those taboo topics that no one likes to hear but people love to argue. The law, however, gives women the right to chose, whether everyone likes it or not. The abortions performed in Planned Parenthood are legal, and everything that accompanies them are, too. Whether you agree with it or not, it is legal, it is the law.

That 3% of abortions carried out at Planned Parenthood, although protested heavily, are still legal, no matter how you look at it.

Even so, why eradicate the many other helpful services Planned Parenthood provides?

Planned Parenthood also provides free to little costing birth control, something a lot of families are against for one reason or another. Again, birth control is not illegal, and is in fact, quite helpful to a lot of young girls and women.

10.6 million women use birth control (the pill), and the women in this 10.6 million who are not able to pay or get birth control, are able to from

Planned Parenthood. Not to mention, in some cases, birth control may prevent the need for an abortion later on down the road.

Preventing pregnancy is not the only reason why people tend to take birth control. For cosmetic reasons, like clearer skin, or relief from Endometriosis, are just a couple of the alternative reasons. Whatever the reason, Planned Parenthood has birth control pills available for little to no cost, which is important, especially for people without insurance.

In an eye-opening project

by Buzzfeed, 17 people, men and women, were asked why they went to Planned Parenthood. Although several went for abortion-related issues, many went for issues like STD screenings, breast exams, pap smears, and birth control.

Although many have protested to have Planned Parenthood shutdown, so many more have voiced their support with rallies, public statements, and protests.

Celebrities have voiced their support for Planned Parenthood in Public Service Announcements and social media outlets. Actress Kristen Bell made a video in order to show her support, which came off as controversial to some people, the truth, to others: “I stand with Planned Parenthood because I want my girls to have access to birth control behind my back one day!”

Actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal in an article for Glamour.com: “I’ve been a Planned Parenthood supporter my whole life—since my mom took me to a rally when I was in sixth grade. It’s chilling to think of this resource being taken away.”

Republican Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina has, on several occasions, tried to discredit Planned Parenthood. During a debate, she brought up videos from the Center for Medical Progress, a foundation that produced highly edited and falsified videos regarding abortion and “selling baby parts”.

The organization’s founder,

David Daleiden, was proven to have edited the videos in such a way that the video being shown of a miscarriage, seemed to be an abortion, where the fetus’ heart is beating and legs are moving.

In a recent interview with CNN’s Chris Cuomo, Daleiden admits that the video in question was not an abortion, however a miscarriage, where the mother granted permission for the moment to be recorded, to “illustrate” an abortion. By attempting to get his point across, Daleiden deliberately sabotaged any potential case to be made in his name, with his evidence.

Fiorina now has nothing concrete to base any of her claims on.

Another Republican presidential candidate, Dr. Ben Carson, has also voiced hate towards abortion, rather than Planned Parenthood as an organization. An interview with Chuck Todd which included Carson comparing women who get abortions to slave owners: “Think about this. During slavery— and I know that’s one of those words you’re not supposed to say, but I’m saying it. During slavery, a lot of the slave owners thought that they had the right to do whatever they wanted to that slave—anything that they chose to do. And, you know, what if the abolitionists had said, “You know, I don’t believe in slavery. I think it’s wrong. But you guys do whatever you want to do”? Where would we be?” As a presidential candidate, he is entitled to his opinions, but to many American citizens, this comment was downright inappropriate and offensive.

Although to some people Planned Parenthood does not matter, there are so, so many young women and men who have had Planned Parenthood change their lives for the better, making for an important point of consideration of who should hold ultimate control over abortion and Planned Parenthood in the United States.

Pray For Paris

Anna Powers Reporter

O

n Friday, November 13th, terror struck the city of lights. Terrorist group ISIS was responsible for the murderous attacks in France that killed more than 120 people. There were a total of six locations that were attacked on Friday.

The first attack was nearby the Saint-Denis soccer stadium. The explosion was heard by people in the stadium during a soccer game between France and Germany. Later there were two bodies found in relation to the the explosion, one being the suicide bomber, and the other being a passerby. There were two more explosions outside of the stadium, there were no casualties aside from the two suicide bombers.

The next attack was at Le Petit Cambodge, masked attackers shot into resturants killing 15 people.

There was yet another shooting outside of a Paris bar that killed 5 people. Outside another restaurant in Paris attackers opened fire killing another 19 people. A suicide bomber explodes in a Paris restaurant, several were injured but there were no deaths reported.

The most fatal attack was in the Bataclan theatre. While Californian rock group, Eagles of Death Metal, were playing, gunfire and explosions erupted in the theatre. While some of the audience managed to escape through exits other audience members were taken hostage.

89 people died in the theatre, either being killed by gunshot or in explosions detonated by suicide bombers. Eight of the ISIS attackers were killed seven of them being suicide bombers.

On an international level the terror strikes in Paris “provoked a new anxiety among European and Middle Eastern leaders, reacting to what appears to be growing ambition on the part of Islamic State to extend its reach beyond Iraq and Syria, and target enemies internationally.”, according to CNN.com.

These attacks only come months after the January terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine company. Some French citizens still cannot fathom the attacks because they happened in such trendy spots that are popular among the people.

Though the weight of both fatal attacks is heavy, the French national pride does not falter. French citizens and government are fueled even more to strengthen security of the nation to prevent anything like this from happening again.

Also according to CNN, on Sunday November 15th the French people gathered to remember the victims of the Friday attacks. People showed nothing but support for the families of the victims, and also keeping the people that lost their lives in their prayers.

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Field Hockey Sticks it Out

Marwa Khudaynazar Jesaias Benitez Reporter

When did you start playing field hockey?

I started to play field hockey my sophomore year when I had just transferred schools.

Jesaias Benitez Reporter

T

hroughout their season, the Malden High School varsity field hockey has gone through many ups and downs. Even though the team didn’t make it to championships, MHS is proud to be represented by such a hard-working, determined, and dedicated team. As a team, they are strongly encouraged by their teammates, family members, coaches, and by the community. Every day they practiced and played strong.

Almost over with their season, the girls had a very intense game against Everett, allowing them to shoot in a couple of goals in which raised them to their fourth goal of the season.

Day by day, the team took the time to themselves to practice harder and come up with new strategies to use for their games. Everyday, varsity head coach, Kimberly Barber, shared new techniques and skills to help them improve individually and as a team. Senior Captain Terrica Dang explained how “one big thing [they] would do before the games would be [their Malden] cheer. [Senior Captain] Haley [Hoffman] really pumps [the team] up by screaming out [their] cheer in [their] huddle before each game [which] gets [them] super amped for the game ahead.”

Senior Marwa Khudaynazar confessed that “usually [they] get super excited if one of [their] teammates scored.” Whenever the team doesn’t have practice for one day, it’s

hard to be motivated to do anything, so to help keep the energy level high during practices, junior Julia Cocuzzo said that “[they] listened to up-tempo songs which always made everyone in a better mood, so it was easier for [them] all to get motivated to push [themselves].”

In any sport, every season is different. Tom Brady might have helped the Patriots to the Super Bowl, but it does not mean the same would happen for Zdeno Chára and the Bruins. As Cocuzzo explained, “the season was a long journey where [they] continued to strive and push [themselves] to become better.

[Their] record might not show it, but in the end [she] knows [they] all pushed each other and all became better players. Barber said how she always tells her team “to not give up on [themselves and to] always push [themselves] and to always stay positive.”

With each day that went by during the season, the team was able to bond as they became closer with each other and their coaches. Junior Aigul FitzGerald said she “[loves all of the] different types of people coming together for one goal, but [she] liked to push [herself] harder each time or every game and try new things to improve [her] skills.”

FitzGerald also spoke on behalf of the team saying, how their level of skills “is not [really] reflected [in their] record, though [they] know, as

a team, [they] have gave their best this season. Although, the team, each year, wants to improve more and more.”

As the season came to an end, the team was upset, not only because the season had ended, but also because five seniors are leaving the team. Senior captains Katie Howe, Hoffman, Dang, along with seniors Khudaynazar and Bianca Alves, have each left their own marks on the team. While they may be moving onto bigger and better things, the underclassmen will definitely miss them.

With the season over, the team had already begun building themselves for next year. Current juniors Julia Cocuzzo, Caitlyn Leonard, and Erin Mulcahy were recently named captains for the next season. Douglas Alves hopes the next season they will “win the GBL title, {as] they are capable of winning but [they] lose the mentality because sometimes [they] go into the game with such high expectations for [themselves] then just [get frustrated] and give up on [themselves].”

Even though they didn’t have the best record, 0-16-1 the MHS field hockey team was proud to have a great season with each other, As the season came to an end, the team believes that, together, they will do great next season with all of the skills they have to succeed and go farther into the season than ever.

From left to right, top to bottom, junior Erin Mulcahy running for the ball. Junior Douglas Alves trying to block the ball from a Lawrence player. Junior Caitlyn Leonard looks for a teammate to pass the ball to down the field. Alves trying to block the ball away from a player. Junior René Spadafora trying to get the ball away from the goal. Senior captain Haley Hoffman runs with ball down the field. Hoffman tries to block the ball from moving any further from the goal. Collage done by Jesaias Benitez.

What interested you about this sport out of all the sports MHS offers?

I started to play because Sam Dorazio, a former field hockey player, invited me to a practice [while] Deena Bello really showed me the ropes of how to play. There is so much to playing a sport, but when you’re on the field with a field hockey stick and a ball, there’s something different about the game itself.

What thoughts does your mind go through during a game?

There’s aggression, passion, and hard work built into the game and you push yourself to do your best possible and the mental barriers you use to have, begin to crumble and it’s really a game of yourself and the ball while having an entire group of people on your team supporting you.

Out of the fifteen games, which game was your favorite and why?

My favorite game was the Haverhill game, in Haverhill [because] the team work that day was so spectacular.

[Also, because] there was so much laughter, bonding, and it was so good to see how our teamwork had really persevered that day.

What do you plan on doing next year, after you get out of MHS? Continue field hockey definitely! It’ll be rough because most of the colleges I’m looking at are challenging and are very competitive, but what Denna taught me three years ago is still with me! In college, I would like to pursue, political science. I really hope to land a career in the United Nations or as a diplomat.

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dribbling out the season

Melyssa Ferreira Liam Elliot Lead Reporter

From left to right: Coach Rick Caceda leads the team in a huddle. Junior Felicia Lombardi (left) and senior captain Kristina Gilbert (right) prepare for the play. All photos taken by Jesaias Benitez.

Liam Elliot Lead Reporter

T

he Malden High School girls soccer team’s season finally comes to a close. Though the girls record stands at 6-8, it still does not undermine the success of the team.

Thanks to the leadership from the senior captains and the seniors in general, plus the spectacular plays made by girls from all of the grade levels, the team was able to have a successful season.

The team started and ended their season with the same goal that they always have—to win the Greater Boston League title and qualify for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament. While the girls were unable to meet those goals, they still had a fantastic season. They fought and won against teams that were considered better than them. They proved to the GBL that Malden was not a pushover.

Every game they fought hard to the last whistle; every game they played was filled with blood, sweat and tears. Senior captain Jacqueline Smith said that “[she] believed the season went really well and [that they] played the best [they] have ever played in [her] entire 4 years of high school, even if [their] record may not reflect that.” With junior Felicia Lombardi scoring almost every game, including several multi-goal games, and Smith having numerous assists and two goals herself, the girls were filled with skill and a drive to win.

Senior captains Smith, Alexandra Lombardi, Kristina Gilbert, Sabrina Barreto, and Blue & Gold editor-in-chief Lucia QuesadaNylen led this team throughout the offseason until the end of the season. Smith, Lombardi, and Gilbert gave the Golden Tornadoes the offensive spike it needed late in games to create something magical,

while Baretto and Quesada-Nylen held down the backfield and got opposing offenses on their heels. Their play allowed for others on the team to flourish, like juniors Felicia Lombardi, Cleverina Cong, and senior Zeina Greige. The whole team had a hugely successful season, and are still proud of what they have accomplished on the field.

Hopefully for the years to follow, the team can make it to the MIAA State Tournament and become GBL champions. With the strength of soccer growing in Malden, the girls will certainly have outstanding seasons for the years to come. Along with the underclassmen coming up, the team is poised to take on and beat every opponent they face.

Regardless of the record, the seasons to come certainly look bright, and MHS predicts nothing but greatness in its girls soccer team’s future.

What was your most memorable part of the season?

It was either our senior practice where we had the underclass men do crazy drills or our 2nd Salem game where it was the best game we ever played and won 4-3 How long have you been playing soccer?

This was my first year playing for the high school which is my biggest regret because I wish played my freshman/sophomore/junior year, but I played a year for Malden Youth Soccer when I was like 12.

Do you plan on playing in the future?

I would actually love too, even if it was for a intramural or club team.

Do you play any other sports for MHS? Or are you a part of any other clubs?

I played indoor and outdoor track for throwing shot put my sophomore year. For clubs, I’m part of the Multicultural Club, Malden Against Cancer, and Captains Council.

What is the most important lesson that soccer has taught you?

To always push yourself, my teammates especially would always tell me to never give up and cheer me on.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan on going to a four year college, and study in the Hospitality industry.

As of right now my dream school is Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island.

From left to right, top to bottom: Senior Zeina Greige fights for the ball against Everett opponent.

Junior Cleverina Cong dribbles up the field. Senior captain Jacqueline Smith takes the ball from Everett opponent.

What are your thoughts on the years to come girls soccer teams?

Pure talent; I wouldn’t be surprised in a year or two that the girls will be GBL champs.

Sports

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Swingin' to the end

Rory Milan Ryan Hames Reporter

Ryan Hames Reporter

T

he Malden High School golf season comes to an end. The team faced a very tough season, as they had lost a lot of seniors who were key members. Although the record was 3-10, the season was meant to be more focused on rebuilding the program. In that regards, the team was able to show that even though they did not have the best record, they worked hard to improve their game, which was very evident in how they played.

This year, the team was led by seniors Nicky Andreucci and Brian Batting and coached by Richard Malatesta. Even though the team was quite young and new in terms of the average amount of experience between the members, they were able to give a good display of leadership. The team was able to grow not just as individual golfers, but also as a team under their guidance.

While the season may have been a tough one, captain Andreucci explained how “[he] felt like [he] did the best [he] could have.” Junior Nicholas Ansaldi is one of the latest addition to the golf team. While new to the team, he expressed how although the record may not show the true talent of the team, he still “is impressed with the performance [of the team].”

Ansaldi felt that “for the first time legitimately golfing on courses, [he believed he] did a very good job this season.” To his surprise, head coach Malatesta agreed with his thoughts and thus, “[Ansaldi] was chosen as the captain for next year’s team by Malatesta.” Upon discovery of his promotion, Ansaldi became very excited, that he, a first year player, was deemed good enough to be chosen as next year’s captain.

With the captain for next year chosen, MHS and the golf team bids farewell to this season’s captains Andreucci and Batting. Not only are the captains leaving, seniors Rory Milan, Christopher Ansaldi, and Blue & Gold member Liam Elliott also are, as they will all graduate from Malden High and move on to college. Without a doubt, all of them have gained a love and respect for the game of golf, which is a testament to their time on the MHS golf team.

No matter the record, MHS remains truly proud of the hard work it’s golfers have put into the season.

What’s your favorite memory from the season?

My favorite part of the season was probably going to practices, because the whole team would be together which made the practice always fun.

Do you plan on playing golf in your future?

Although I don’t plan on playing golf competitively in the future, it’s a sport you can play your whole life, so yes, I will play in the future.

How do you feel about your performance this year?

It was my first year ever playing, so I can’t say that I did great, but I definitely say I greatly improved over the course of the season.

What do you wish to did better this season?

This was a learning season for me, so I improved on everything, but I think that I definitely could have improved on everything even more.

What’s your favorite part about golf?

This may sound funny, but one of my favorite parts of golf is all the nicely groomed grass you get to be on, on the golf courses.

Do you play any other sports, other than golf?

I play tennis in the spring.

What prompted you to join the golf team?

I joined the golf team because some of my friends were already on the team and I had been to the driving range a few times over the summer, so I decided I would join the team.

Do you have any advice for the underclassman golfers?

You should just try to enjoy yourself.

Although I wasn’t the best golfer, I had a great time on the golf team.

A Team that Won’t Split

Leila Greige Lead Reporter

O

nwards with the boys hard work and effort on the field, the Malden High school cheerleaders have put all their talent into one team this season. Despite not winning the Greater Boston League title, these girls propelled through every battle they had to face. “The season didn’t go as we hoped for varsity because we didn’t win [the GBL title].

We had so many obstacles and I’m so proud of the way we came over them as a team. Losing almost 10 girls from the beginning of the season to when we got on the mat and only having 10 completely changed everything. The girls were able to stick out all the changes made with little complaints” expresses senior captain Danielle Copson. Throughout the season, the girls overcame all the struggles they had as a team.

“The Peabody game was just as upsetting for us as it was for some of the boys. They had a good run this season and as cheerleaders always on the sidelines we watch them grow throughout” Copson explains. Copson adds that “as for the cheerleaders it was exciting to cheer at the game because it was a

playoff game and it was even more intense”. Highlight games included the Malden vs. Everett game and the Malden vs. Somerville game.

Copson tells how “that night [of the Somerville game] it was freezing and everyone was cold but no one complained and we all had fun while cheering.”

The girls have built strong relationships with one another over the course of their season, although it’s upsetting that the seniors on the team have to leave, the girls next year are ready to take on whatever comes their way. “At the beginning of the season I was only really close to a few of the girls that I hung out with outside of cheering but throughout the season it got stronger. Some of the girls that I barely talk to last season I’ll talk to all the time now. Although the season is over it doesn’t mean my relationship with the girls is. Other than myself it’s clear everyone has become closer to one another than they were last season. Especially by the end it actually felt like I was going on to that mat with my second family” Copson added.

Ariella Williams

Leila Greige Lead Reporter

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ith an inspiration to cheer through her friends, Ariella Williams has been cheering ever since she was a freshman. Cheerleading has brought her closer to her friends, as well as the sport.

“I’ve been cheering since freshman year and in my four years I’ve learned so much and gained skills like working with a team and I’ve developed leadership skills. It’s also helped with social skills, like a lot of my closer friends are on the team” expresses Williams.

Explaining how she believes the team has gotten a lot closer this year, Williams shows that a sport is capable of making strong connections with one another. Williams describes how “[her] freshman year [she] was really shy...but sophomore year things changed because [the team] competed so [they] were around each other a lot more and it was a more comfortable environment to be in.”

Her memories include competing in a jamboree and building stronger connections with her close

friends and teammates, junior Tiana Hope and senior captain Danielle Copson. “I don’t think I would be friends with [Hope] if it wasn’t for cheering but I know she’s one of the people I can trust if I have a problem. And Danielle Copson because we’re already together a majority of the time and because of cheering, we’re together before practices and games.”

“Sophomore year, it was JV’s first time ever competing and doing jamboree, where all the Malden cheer teams come together to show off their routines Jamboree was the only time we hit the whole routine other than at practice and it was such a good rewarding feeling to know that all the hard work we did paid off,” Williams explains.

Setting goals for herself since freshman year, she explains how, as a freshman, she didn’t know what to expect, so she didn’t set any goals for herself. “I didn’t think I’d cheer all throughout high school” Williams explains.

One of her favorite parts about cheerleading are the games because she likes to support her school, and the entertainment and excitement of how loud everyone gets when something good happens. Her advice to people who want to join cheerleading is to do it because “it’s a lot of fun and everyone is really nice and you’ll learn a lot of new things.” Through her cheerleading experience, Williams expresses how important it is that sports to build relationships with people you’ve never thought you’d be friends with.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Crossing the GBL Line

Steven Ao

Cedrina Missamou Reporter

Cedrina Missamou Reporter

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he Malden High School boys cross country team’s season has come to an end. The boys all work hard to succeed. Thus, the team was able to have a truly remarkable season, as they exceeded expectations and reached the goals they had made at the beginning of the season.

Going into the season, head coach and MHS English teacher David Londino hoped for the boys to do their best as always. The goal every year for the team is to be able to compete at the highest level that they can and win the Greater Boston League championship title.

With a record of 4-0, the boys easily fulfilled that goal as they swept the competition.

The season was one of growth and improvement for all the runners. “Although this season was not particularly difficult, our competitors did seem to have gotten a lot better, which [they] didn’t expect,” admitted senior Jonathan Solomon. Solomon went on to say

how the meets “taught [them] that [they] always need to be on top of the game, and push [themselves] to work harder and reach [their] full potential.”

Many of the boys were able to show their skill throughout the season. Londino explained how “the top 7 [runners of the GBL] are automatic GBL All-Stars, and the [goal was] to grab between 3-5 of those spots.” Seniors Solomon, Angus Mo, James Ao, and junior Brian Tran were able to earn the that recognition. Londino confessed that being able to get 4 of the 7 spots “made [the team] really happy.”

The team finished off their season with a strong showing at States, although the competition did get the best of them finally. Sophomore Temesgen Tsige commented that the team has become “much better [and] continue to improve every season.”

He was at first disappointed with the States meet, but looking at the pool of talent that the boys of team and the sheer potential of them all, makes him believe that the team “will definitely win States at some

point in the near future.”

Though the season has ended, the boys are in agreement that their season had been a very prosperous one. “[They] were all hoping to improve as individuals this season and win the majority of [their] meets and that was exactly what [they] did.” There were “some hard times during the season [such as] when all of the best runners were injured and couldn’t run, [but they] kept working hard and even won [their competitive] meet against Medford.” expressed Tsige.

Though many varsity runners will be graduating this year, Malden’s boys cross country will continue to thrive in the future as there are many promising runners on the team. Each season, the boys team only seems to improve as a whole.

So while this season was stopped short at States, the successes that the team was able to attain allow a promising future for the cross country team to be foreseeable, as MHS anticipates nothing but greatness from its boys cross country team.

What made you start running?

My friends recommended cross country to me freshman year, I decided to try it out and do running. I did it the first season and thought it was okay so I stuck with it and continued doing it for the rest of my four years in high school. It’s been one of my greatest experiences.

Were your expectations for this season fulfilled?

I wouldn’t say this season was difficult, but as a team we’ve put in a lot of hard work, like I know I’ve gotten better as an individual, and that’s what makes us better as a team. I would say my expectations were met because a lot of our runners ran at their best times this year, we’ve been hitting our goals and having a better team on average than years past.

Looking back at yourself freshman year, would you say you’ve come a long way?

I would say I’ve come a long way since I first started running, because in the beginning obviously I wasn’t as fast or as strong as I now am. I’m hitting the goals expected as a senior for running.

This is your last year running cross country; how does that make you feel?

I would say it’s bittersweet, because at times I wish I had one more year to do cross country to improve. Unfortunately, I might not be able to continue running in college because of studies and all that, but I’ll really miss the aspect of cross country, the whole team and the coach as well because I won’t have those people in my life anymore. I’ll definitely visit them, but obviously it won’t be the same.

How do you think cross country has affected you?

Besides becoming more physically fit, I feel it has taught me a lot of discipline, and camaraderie. It taught me how to be a teammate and work with others. I feel like my horizons have been expanded thanks to the sport. It’s really enriched my life in a way that I can’t describe.

Sports

The Blue and Gold November 2015

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maldenblueandgold.com

Racing Through the Finish Line

Gillian Willcox

GBL champions five years strong Abhishek Rana Reporter

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he Malden High School girls cross country team triumphantly defended their GBL championship again this season. This year’s championship marks the fifth year in a row that the girls have won the Greater Boston League title. It is also the fifth year in a row they have accomplished that feat without losing a single one of their meets.

This means that over the last five years the girls have had a record of 25-0, which is a milestone achievement for them. The victories however are not the only thing that reflects the girls’ talent and hard work, it is the margin of it that illustrates the dominance they have had in the league over the last few years.

What is even more impressive about the girls’ performance this year is when you put into perspective the adversities they have had to deal with. The girls cruised their way to another GBL title while having to deal with a multitude of injuries to some of their key runners.

According to MHS English teacher and head coach David Londino, as well as the rest of the team, Allie Russo was the best addition of the team this season and overall one of the best runners on the team. Despite losing their young star, the team was unfazed by the challenge and continued their winning streak. In order for this to happen though, the team needed it’s other runners to step up in Russo’s absence. A clear example of this instance occurring was during the girls’ meet against Everett where junior Yin-

ing Mao stepped up and finished first in a race for the first time in her high school cross country career. Huge performances like this was needed out of other runners throughout the season in order to insure that the injuries did not severely affect the team’s overall performance.

Although winning the GBL championship is huge accomplishment for the girls, it was expected at the start of the season. This type of performance from the girls is always anticipated by coach Londino, because he has complete faith in his team. Senior Gillian Wilcox explained how “last year’s performance in at states” gave them the drive and motivation for this year.

While the team’s season ended after States, MHS is truly proud of its girls and is excited to see the team grow as the years come.

Five members of the girls cross country team running at a meet at Pine Banks park.

Sophomore Allie Russo during a race.

Junior Malisha Zhao running in the GBL meet. All photos taken by Abhishek Rana.

Abhishek Rana Reporter

What is your favorite part about cross country and running?

I think that my favorite part running is definitely the fact that it makes me feel more relaxed. After I go for a run, I feel like I am more at peace and way less stressed.

No matter what is going on outside of cross country or track, running makes me feel better.

What do you like least about cross country or what do you find most challenging?

I think that the most challenging aspect of cross country is the mental aspect of it. It is so difficult to run a race that is over 3 miles, especially if you have injuries that make running especially hard.

What would you say to the people that think cross country is not difficult or challenging?

To people who do not think that running or cross country are difficult or challenging, I think that they should try the sport. Initially, I thought that cross country wouldn’t be hard at all, however, after one day on the team, I knew that it would be more challenging than I first perceived.

What made you first join cross country?

I joined cross country at first because I really wanted to go into high school being involved with something. I wanted to make friends and be part of something bigger than myself, and I found that in the cross country team.

What was the best moment you have had in cross country this year or any other season?

I think that the best moment I’ve had running cross country the last four years was last year, when I ran against Somerville at our home course. Somerville’s best runner and I were head to head the whole race, and pushed each other through the course. However, I was able to beat her in the last 100 meters of the race, winning the race and helping our team win the GBL title that year.

What is the “team” aspect of the cross country team, what makes it a team and just individuals in a group?

I think that cross country is a team sport since we all have to motivate each other during the race, as well as everything that leads up to it. At practice, it is important to help each other to finish workouts and do well as a team.

This is your last year running in cross country as you are a senior, how does it feel for this year to be your last year of running in your high school career?

Honestly, I don’t think that this has hit me yet. I haven’t realized that this is my least year running or I only have a few meets left and then I am done. I think that it is scary to think about it. Running has been a massive part of my life for the last four years. I’ve grown to love it a lot. Due to this, I think that when it’s all over, I will be a little lost.

What were your expectations/goals going into the season and do you feel you have met them?

I think that my expectations for this season have been met. I wanted to end my senior year never losing a league meet in my whole high school career, which I have succeeded in doing.

Sports

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maldenblueandgold.com

Boys Soccer: Scoring Big

Top: The team congratulates each other after their win. Bottom, from left to right: Junior Johnathan Guimaraes during the Everett game. Seniors Giancarlo Andre Leon and Eslam Ali during the Medford state game. The team shakes hands with the Medford Mustangs after their final game this season. Photos by Ana Kerr.

Ana Kerr Lead Reporter

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he Malden High School boys soccer team had a challenging yet rewarding season led by senior captains Mateo Ruperti and Bruno Da Silva. The team is coached by MHS English teacher Jeremiah Smith. With an amazing end of the season record of 14-3-2, the boys varsity team wrapped up for the season with an intense and nail biting game against their biggest rival, the Medford Mustangs.

For the boys, this team is their family. Their bond is like no other, as they always have each other’s backs through thick and thin. Junior Felipe Cypriano says, “They’re the people [he] mostly [hangs out] with, because they are [like his] family. [He] genuinely [loves] everyone on the team.” The rest of the team agrees with Cypriano’s sentiments as the teams can always be seen having a good time together. It is due to this brotherhood that the boys are able to play so hard. Rather than playing just for themselves, the members play for each other.

Although the boys did not win the Greater Boston League, the team was still happy that they made it to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament. The boys aimed to make their mark in states. On Nov. 11, 2015, MHS faced off against the Andover

Golden Warriors. Malden was able to score a whopping total of 6 goals, thanks to the efforts of Da Silva, Cypriano, and sophomore Belisson Cius.

The Golden Warriors were only able to answer with 3 goals, which meant that Andover was knocked right out of the competition. Winning the first round of playoffs was a huge deal for the boys. Senior Nicolas Santos confessed how “[he] felt very content with the way the team played together, but [he] knew that the playoffs had just begun and [they] had a lot of hard competition ahead of [them].” This was unfortunately very true, as Malden lost to the Mustangs 1-0 after pk’s with a total score of 4-1.

Da Silva was not only captain, but also the leading scorer for this season and the second highest within the past two seasons, amassing a total amount of twenty-five goals and five assists between the two. Da Silva is still stunned at the fact that he has accomplished such a feat in such a short amount of time. Going into the season, his goal was to beat his cousin, former Blue and Gold member and captain of the MHS’ boys soccer team last year, Julio Da Silva’s record. Bruno mentioned how “it [was] an amazing feeling.

Julio’s record was twelve in our previous season, [so Bruno Da Silva] wanted to get eighteen but to get

twenty-five just blew [his] mind.”

No matter what sport you play, the end of the season is always the worst part of it. Senior Richard Melgar admitted that “[he] really couldn’t believe it. [His] first thought was that, all [his] the years playing for Malden High’s soccer team had flown by. [He] realized how much [he] loved [his] team and [his] city.” The rest of the seniors feel the same way as with the season over, their high school soccer careers were finally over.

The underclassmen and the rest of MHS will dearly miss the graduating seniors, but by the same token, the boys and the whole school look forward to the seasons to come.

Coach Jeremiah Smith mentions that, “[they] graduated twelve seniors from last year and many people thought [they] would have a down year as we rebuild, but these boys would not be denied.” This season, the boys tried their absolute hardest. They not only won co-GBL champs with Medford but also, team captain Mateo Ruperti won an award for Eastern Massachusetts all stars.

This season without a doubt was one of the best MHS has ever been challenged with. The goal for the whole team in ongoing seasons is to challenge and push themselves twice as hard as they did this year.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Guilherme Silva

Ana Kerr Lead Reporter How did your season go?

This season was astronomically better than what I thought it was going to be.

Losing so many seniors, especially starters, made me feel like we were going to have a very disappointing season, but I was completely wrong. This year’s seniors really stepped up and so did the underclassmen, whether they were a freshman, JV, etc. We had a fantastic season once again.

What was your favorite memory?

As far as memories go, everyday was a good memory with the guys, but my favorite of the season was winning 5-1 in Somerville. That win showed the rest of our opponents that we weren’t a lightweight team and it was more special for me because my cousin coaches the Somerville team and it’s always good to beat him.

How long have you played soccer?

Growing up in Brazil, I basically played soccer since I was born, but it wasn’t until I was 12 that I actually played for a team. After high school, I plan on, hopefully, attending college and I’d probably continue playing soccer more for fun with friends than competitive.

Are you going to continue to play soccer in the future?

I’d probably continue playing soccer more for fun with friends than competitive.

Who is your favorite team to play?

Though my three years, my favorite team to play was definitely Everett. I have had a lot of friends on the Everett team, every game was competitive, the atmosphere was great, and we won all 6 games against them in my time on the team.

What advice would you give underclassmen interested in soccer?

To all of the underclassmen that are playing or aspiring to play, my advice would be to enjoy it; the game and the family, and also to give it your all, because coach recognizes hard work and you’ll always improve.

What will you miss about MHS? What I’ll miss about MHS and the team is the bond we all have. All of the players, coaches, teachers, students, all are understanding and supportive to one another and we are a family.

What does being a part of the MHS soccer team mean to you?

It means being part of the greatest team at MHS, having the best time, and meeting the best people in high school. I wish the best to coach Smith and the future teams. Roll GT.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Sports

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maldenblueandgold.com

Volleyball Serves The Heat

his year the girls varsity volleyball team had one of its most successful seasons in all of Malden High School’s history. The hard work of the nine seniors who have dedicated a substantial amount of their time to the volleyball program over the years finally paid off as they ended their final season with a record of 16-4, including a perfect record of 6-0 in the Greater Boston League.

The two team goals for the season were both met which were to win more games than last year and win the GBL championship. The girls reached both these goals with ease, doubling the amount of wins they had last season and sweeping the GBL. The team won the GBL for back-to-back years, last year being co-champs with Medford.

Last year’s volleyball team was the first in MHS history to win

the GBL. Now, this year, the girls continued to make history, as it was the first time for the girls volleyball team to completely sweep the GBL and become the sole champions of the league.

The team had an innumerable amount of strengths this season, among them were consistency and experience. The girls never lost back-to-back games and rarely lost back-to-back sets. Such consistency

was vital for their success the 2015 season. Communication was another skill that the team worked on every day in practice. Their constant improvement in their communication continually helped to improve the girls’ game play and push them farther and farther to their goals.

The girl’s talent, motivation and experience was evident throughout the whole season according to head coach Dan Jurkowski. He explained “as a first year coach, [he] couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls. They knew what they wanted to accomplish this year, and they were willing to put in the time and effort needed to do so.”

Along with winning the GBL, the girls qualified for the state tournament, earning the #4 seed. The team faced #13 seed team Arlington High School was their first opponent of the playoffs. The girls fought hard against the Arlington Spy Ponders, though they were not able to win a set. Each set was fiercely played for by both sides, but the Golden Tornadoes were the ones to meet the end of their incredible season.

Regardless of the results in the playoffs, MHS is truly proud of its girls. The girls volleyball team’s success during the regular season and its GBL championship win for the second time in a row has brought great pride to the school. MHS looks forward to the future of the team, and bids a fond farewell to the seniors who had lead the team to such a great season, as they will graduate at the end of the school year.

Sabrina Harrath

were probably the most challenging ones in the beginning of the season.

I remember entering their court and being ready to play like we’ve never played before and that’s exactly what we did because we ended up beating them in 5 sets, 3-2.

What sets the volleyball team apart from every other team at Malden High?

We’re close in and out of the court.

We stick together as a team and play as a team. We motivate each other and our bus rides are probably the only bus rides that have strobe lights after getting that win.

What is the most challenging thing about volleyball?

Working as a team all the time. A lot of sports are about individual accomplishments, but volleyball is definitely not one of these sports. On the court you need to be able to trust every single teammate and communicate with them on the court.

What is your favorite thing about volleyball?

My favorite thing about volleyball would definitely have to be the joy you get after getting a perfect pass to the setter and a setter setting up the

hitter to end the play with a kill.

What were your goals for the team this season? What were your personal goals?

This season my goals for our team were to become GBL champs and eventually make it to states and make it to the semi-finals. We sweeped the GBL’s 6-0 and made it to states with the best record known to malden high (16-4), but we were eliminated the first round of states.

My personal goals include increasing my skill level on hitting and become a better passer. I personally think I achieved both these goals for the most part, being a starter for each game.

Do you have any motivations or inspirations?

One of my biggest motivations was definitely my dad. He wasn’t the coach, but everyone on my team can tell you he certainly acted like one.

I’m proud to say he motivated me to do better each set.

What advice can you give to the newer volleyball team members or newer athletes in general?

Believe in yourself. If you don’t have that self-motivation then how would

you expect others to believe in you.

You will make mistakes. Mistakes are common and not everyone is perfect.

You can’t hold on to that one mistake because there are 25 points in each set. “Move onto the next point”, says Coach Dan. What was your opinion on this year’s season?

Going into this year I was nervous because I wanted it to be the best season yet and we had a new coach.

However, surprisingly he caught the hang of our team really quick and him and Ms. Diaz were able to coach us till the very end of our season. Of course there were plays that I wish we could’ve redone and teams that I think we deserved to win and we didn’t have our head in the game.

Despite our record with the 4 losses, I believe if we were to play again our record could be/should’ve been 18-2.

In all the season was great and I love all the girls.

Do you plan on continuing to play volleyball?

Yes, I do continue playing volleyball, not sure if I would want to play for the college team itself or a club, but I definitely will continue playing.

Alexis Brown Lead Reporter

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Alexis Brown Lead Reporter

What made you decide to play for the high school?

I’ve always generally loved the sport and I’ve played beach volleyball when I was younger with my dad so he encouraged me into playing it in middle school. Ever since I’ve joined in middle school I’ve been in love with the sport.

What is your favorite team to face?

Haverhill. Although we lost one game against them this year they

Photos taken by Meghan Yip. Photo collage done by Megan Downer.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Golden Tornadoes Blows Away the Crimson Tide Leila Greige Lead Reporter

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or the first time since 1991, the Malden High School football team made history after defeating their long-time rival, Everett High School. Even with strong wins against Arlington Catholic, Methuen, Somerville, and Chelmsford, they did not compare to the overwhelming and shocking success against Everett with a score of 22-19. This game was led by the four senior captains Danley Exilhomme, Djorggenson Exilhomme, Robert Green and James Knox, while the whole team contribtued to this historic win. “[They] approached this game just like any other game this season.” “[They] did [their] prep and went in knowing [they] had what it took to win,” explained senior captain James Knox. He continued, stating that “[they] didn’t let the fear that it was Everett into [their] heads, and with that mindset [they] were able to get the job done.”

Danley Exilhomme mentioned that “[his] mindset going into the game was to slow it down mentally because of all the tension between both teams.” “One of my goals before I graduated was to beat Everett and the senior class [of 2016] knew we were the class that was going to do it,” explained Exilhomme. With his older siblings having attended MHS, Danley Exilhomme further expressed that he felt “complete” that he and his brother Djorggenson Exilhomme were able to attain this

goal for them as well. “It felt good to play a big roll in such a historic moment… [and] even better because [Malden’s abilities had been] doubted [but] proved [Malden’s capabilities.]”

Senior Deven Kelley “knew it was the most important game of [their] careers so [he] had to focus and take it one play at a time. Kelley added, “it was the best feeling in the world but [they] had a playoff game the week after so [he] carried the same mentality for the upcoming game.”

Everett’s football team has won 10 MIAA Super Bowl titles since 1997. They also won the Greater Boston League over the last two decades but when Malden won against Everett on Oct. 23, 2015, it was the Tide’s first loss to a league opponent since Thanksgiving of 2001 against former GBL member Cambridge. An article on the game on ESPN reports the game’s play.

“After spotting the Tide a 12-0 lead, the Tornadoes roared back with three straight touchdowns to go up by 10 in the final few minutes of the contest. Midway through the third quarter, defensive back T.J. Elie pounced on a pass batted by teammate James Knox and ran it back 60 yards to paydirt for a 15-12 score; then, with four minutes to go, promising sophomore quarterback Jared Martino called his own number on an option keeper to make it 22-12.”

The team is in agreement that their favorite memory from the game was “the field being swarmed by crazy Malden fans,” as stated by senior Robert Collins. He described that he “was getting hugs and high fives from everyone but was still in shock that the Class of 2016 had

actually got the job done.” Collins further expressed that “it was such an unbelievable feeling and it definitely changed [his] life.”

In addition, sophomore Jared Martino commented on the game as being “a special moment [that] was honestly surreal.” He grew up playing Pop Warner and losing to Everett and so finally beating them was “one of the best moments of [his] life.”

The seniors have been waiting for this game since their freshman year and “it felt as if [they] were going to war,” described Collins. “[His] mindset after the game was a huge sense of relief...as if a huge weight had been removed from [his] shoulders and [they] had just made history. [He] couldn’t help but cry.”

Players expressed their gratitude for their coaches, stating, “it had to have been the highlight of their coaching careers” mentioned Kelley. “[The coaches were] extremely proud of [the team] … [and] saw that [they] played as a family and knew how much emotion [was] put into the game” expressed Collins. Danley Exilhomme closed, saying, “Most of [their] coaches are young and played for Malden and never beat Everett so...they felt just as good as the players.” Malden’s triumph over Everett marks a historic moment for the football team with the entire Malden community sharing in their victory.

Top to bottom: Senior captain Danley Exilhomme. The Golden Tornado in punt formation. All photos by Leila Greige.

Robert Collins

Leila Greige Lead Reporter

W

ith football being a passion, and “more than just a sport,” senior Robert Collins has been playing football since his freshman year.

His love for the sport carries out through his family, a builds connections among others. “Football is more than a sport it is a lifestyle.

I grew up playing football like my father and his father. Football has been in my family for ages. It also gives me a strong connection to those who can relate because there is a bond that is built up over the years. So to me football is connection among brothers who you will never forget and can’t live without.”

Collins notes the connection he’s assembled with his team, and how his relationship has grown since he started playing with them. “We have all got so much closer over the years. Everyone has their fights but that’s just what a family does. We all love one another at the end of the day and would play our hearts out for one another.”

With his best friend Miguel Ortega playing football alongside of him, Collins has been able to develop a stronger bond with him, as the sport brings them closer together.

“My best friend Miguel Ortega who has been a brother to me since before football and it has only made us grow closer. We push each other through those boring days at practice and always clowning around.”

Although Collins has his last year playing football, he will continue to remember the fun and unforgettable memories football has brought him. “My favorite memory has to be my first and only touchdown freshman year. It was against Everett and we had ended up losing the game by two points so since then anger and revenge has been built up. Then senior year comes and not only do I get the chance to score on Everett again but I got the chance to celebrate an unbelievable victory with my brothers who worked just as hard to come out with a win.”

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Fall Recipes Entertainment

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maldenblueandgold.com

Caramel-Apple Ice Cream

Ailin Toro Reporter

Ingredients needed -Two tablespoons of unsalted butter -Two Granny Smith apples -One tablespoon of sugar -13 tablespoons of cinnamon -One fourth cup of dulce de leche -2 pints of soft vanilla ice cream -Any additional toppings you want Cooking Tools -Medium sized skillet -Rubber Spatula

Step 1:Melt the unsalted butter in your skillet.

Step 2: Add the apples and cook them over a moderate heat and stir until they are softened and brown. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3:Add the sugar, cinnamon, and ¼ cup of water. Cook for 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Add dulce de leche and stir until melted Step 5: Put the mixture in a bowl and refrigerate for an hour.

Step 6: Gently mix the apple mixture with the vanilla ice cream using the spatula.

Step 7: Put the mixture in the freezer and wait for it to be ready. This should take about 4 hours.

Step 8: Take it out and add any toppings you would like.

From left to right, the finished product of the caramel apple ic cream. The mixture of the caramel apple sauce. All photos by Ailin Toro.

Apple Cupcakes

Ingredients -2 ½ cups of all purpose flour -Two teaspoons of baking soda -Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon -½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg -One tablespoon of salt -½ cup of unsalted butter -Two cups of sugar -Two large eggs -One tablespoon of pure vanilla extract -4 cups of shredded apples Cooking Tools -Medium bowl -Electric mixer -Muffin tins -Cupcake liners

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Line 2 standard muffin tins with paper liners.

Step 3: In your bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt then put the bowl aside.

Step 4:Take your butter and sugar and put them in a bowl. Mix until pale and fluffy in your electric mixer at medium-high speed.That should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in the eggs and vanilla and reduce the speed of the mixer to low.

Step 6:Mix in the shredded apples.

Step 7: Add the flour mixture in and mix until combined.

Step 8: Fill the liners halfway and bake for around 20 minutes.

Step 9: When done let the cupcakes cool.

Step 10: Decorate the cupcakes in any way you want.

Above: Photos of the finished product of the apple cupcakes. Photos taken by Ailin Toro.

16

Lifestyle

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

8 TIPS TO A HAPPIER LIFE Manale Zouhir Print Managing Editor

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ith so much negativity in our every-day world, it is difficult to remain positive and keep a strong and healthy mindset. However, in a world where mental illness and living a “messy” lifestyle is glamorized, we must find it in ourselves to be happy. So, without further ado, here are my strategies to living a happy life.

1. Remember that you are in charge of your own destiny. It is up

to you to decide and take charge on your life, rather than blaming it on external sources and people, because it isn’t their fault if you don’t get what you want. It’s yours. So use your mistake as motivation to do better, and when you get what you want, that’ll be because of you, not because of someone else. Make a list of goals, and don’t stop until you reach them.

2. Gratitude is so important in this world of underappreciation.

Appreciate everything you have. Appreciate the people in your life who love you and care for you. Let them know you love them too every once in awhile, and take the time to see how they’re doing and help in any way you can. Positive energy is contagious! Making my friends and family feel good makes me feel good too.

3. Count your blessings, not your issues. This is so important! Yes, everyone has problems. It’s not the end of the world, you can get through them and you will get through them. In the end, we all can endure much more than we think. You’re alive, aren’t you? Think about it. Think about all of the obstacles you have conquered, all of the hardest times you have survived until now. You can keep pushing, you can keep fighting.

4.

You are blessed enough to wake up every day. Wake up happy and grateful for your life. When you wake up, stop for a second to realize what a privilege it is to be given this life on this earth. Rather than groaning, “oh no, I have to get up now,” think to yourself, “oh wow, I get to wake up today!”

5.

If you are unhappy in a certain situation, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you view it. Sometimes all you need is a little change in perspective to get you through the day.

6. Always trust that life has your back. Have faith. Have faith in

something bigger, have faith in the universe, or just have faith in yourself. Instead of thinking, “Why me?”, remember that this situation is happening to you for a reason. You have been chosen for this so you that can grow from it, and learn from your mistakes. Difficult situations leave you with no other choice than to be stronger.

Despite what you may think, the world is actually not against you.

The hardest things that happen to you are what make you, well, you. They build your character and make you stronger. THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON.

7. Surround yourself with positive people with similar goals that

are only going to lift you higher in life. It is not a bad thing to cut out people who are dragging you down or bringing negative energy into your life. I cannot stress this enough. Once you allow yourself to be free of the negative people, you can truly live your life at peace. No hard feelings to those people, but it’s difficult to be happy when you have someone constantly making you feel upset.

8. Always remember: Life is tough. But you are tougher.

Dear Nedlam, I sit next to an obnoxious and annoying person in one of my classes, and I can’t stand their remarks! It is distracting me from paying attention in class, and I get really irritated. How can I deal with this person?!?!!!

-Super Annoyed Dear Super Annoyed, If I’m being completely honest I think in every class there’s that one kid who tends to get on everybody’s nerves. Normally I would say just try to ignore them and talk to your friends, or, if it got really bad, transfer out of that class. However, since it’s affecting your schoolwork, this is a situation where you can definitely talk to your teacher about it. If the person sits near you, ask the teacher if your seat or the person’s seat can be moved. In the case where this person makes remarks during the lesson, tell your teacher how it distracts you from the lesson and I’m sure they’ll be happy to talk to the student about their behavior in class, or address the whole class about appropriate behavior. Going to your teacher might seem a bit extreme for some people, but the teacher won’t mention your name, and if you’re serious about doing well in that class I highly recommend you consider it. If it gets more serious and your teacher doesn’t do anything about it talk to one of the counselors or a house principal.

Those are the extreme measures, if you don’t want or need to go that far then you can always try to take notes on the lesson, even when your teacher doesn’t tell you to so you are focused on writing down what she’s saying and have a reference for later in case you forgot something. If you’re really committed, and you ask your teacher for permission, you could also record the lesson in case you missed anything. Unfortunately, there’s not much I can tell you about how to handle this person, because you can only change your own actions, and this person can only change his/her own actions.

Hopefully what I’ve told you might help. Good luck!

Submit your questions to the school’s favorite mascot anonymously at ask.fm/ maldenblueandgold!

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Local News maldenblueandgold.com

Maldenism: Looking to make a Positive Change

Tatum Skiffington Reporter

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Christina Appignani Reporter

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he Maldenism Club is Malden High’s newest and one of its most unique clubs. The club revolves around resolving controversial issues and advocating resolutions for these issues. The advisor of the club is History Teacher Kerry Veritas, and the club meets after school every Wednesday in room BR460 at 2:30PM. Veritas believes the club is about “mostly gender equality, with women’s and girl’s issues being at the forefront of that”. She explains that the origin of the club came about from two students, seniors Carri Medina and Marwa Khudaynazar, who are president and vice president, respectively, of the club. Veritas and the girls “were having a discussion over these issues, [...] and [Veritas] told them that [they] should start a club. [Afterwords, she] agreed to be the advisor,” Veritas explained.

Along with Medina, and Khudaynazar, Senior Sajeanah Cadet as social media coordinator, Juniors Victoria Savini-Burke as event coordinator, Gaudenz Brookes as treasurer, and Blue & Gold member Tenzin Dorjee as secretary round out the officers of the club.

Veritas admits that “this is an issue that [she has] studied in [her] life, and [she has] incorporated it into [her brand of] teaching history, so [she] thought [she] would be a good fit to become the advisor.” As the advisor, Veritas believes that the purpose of the club should be to “discuss and share experiences, both from the boys and girls in the club about issues with sexism and gender identity, but ultimately, [they] hope to make some changes in attitudes in the school and locally, and participate in events that will help women outside of MHS.” Club president Medina explains that during the meetings, “[they] engage in discussions about what is happening in the world and on social media relating to gender equality, such as white feminism and women of color. While [they] do talk about bad things going on around the world, [they] try to think of ways to improve these things around MHS and beyond.” Medina personally hopes that the club will accomplish a “change in perspective, and a change in how people treat others” and believes people should join because “these issues affect everybody, no matter what age, gender or race”. According to Medina, the club was named “Maldenism” because [she] “didn’t want to call it ‘feminism club’ because it has a negative connotation to it. [She wanted] to attract people, but [she] also [wanted] to attract people who are openly pro-gender equality. So,

17 Stay Fresh at Malden High’s Veg Club

From top to bottom: An image of Rosie the Riveter, a cultural feminist icon.

Edited by Manale Zouhir. A picture of the Maldenism poster. Photo taken by Felicia Fallano. [they] came up with Maldenism be- the Maldenism Club to “bring femicause it’s really about the people of nism back to its true definition and Malden. If [they] are making a club emphasizing the importance of genabout change, [they] have to start der equality”. here, in this school, in Malden.

The club does plan on taking Vice President Khudaynazar action of making change possible. wants the club to change people’s Khudaynazar claims that “[their] perspective on feminism. She no- first purpose is to educate, and tices that “when people think of through educating the students feminism, they think of ‘man hat- of MHS, [they] will lead up to our ers’. [She wants] to bring the issue action.” Veritas hopes that the club back to equal rights, gender equal- will be able to “participate in events ity, sexual orientation and on what that will help women outside of feminism really is.” One of the main MHS.” Medina hopes that [her] actopics discussed in the club is gen- tions in the club will change certain der equality, and [she] explains that precautions that only women have “[the club talks] about the social had to take, as [she] “doesn’t want construct of what a women is and to [her] keys in between [her] hands what their purposes are in society, just because [she is] a girl.” while comparing it to the roles and The Maldenism Club is open purposes of men in society. [They] to everyone in MHS who hopes to want to see what kind of gaps there end stereotypes against women and are between men and women in all to promote gender equality within aspects of life.” Khudaynazar wants Malden High School and beyond.

his year, a new club opened up at Malden High School for students to explore vegetarianism, veganism, and nutrition in general.

The Veg Club was started by junior Ariel Gustowski, who says, “when [she] went vegan, there wasn’t anyone [she] could talk to about it.” This is one of the many reasons Gustowski created the Veg Club, including to make new friends, and to learn new ideas from others. Gustowski also adds that she plans on bringing knowledge, ideas, and a unique point of view to the Veg Club.

Justine Muir, MHS’s Special Education Program Manager, is the Veg Club’s advisor. Muir has been a vegetarian for nine years, and she tells the club members that the reason she became a vegetarian was because of a book she read, “Food Matters” by Mark Bittman, a book about responsible and healthy eating.

Muir expressed to the members of the Veg Club that “[She] decided that in order to help the environment, animals, and [her] health, [she] was going to eat a plant based diet from then on.” Muir also adds that as a vegetarian it is nice to get together with other people who enjoy the lifestyle.

The Veg Club was started this year, and the first meeting was October 8th, 2015. Veg Club meets every Thursday after school for about an hour in H410. Ms. Muir says, “New members are always welcome, and you don’t have to be a vegetarian to join the group.”

The Veg Club not only meets to discuss important matters in the vegetarian/vegan community, but they also meet to talk about vegrelated events and programs.

Muir also explained that the club plans on attending Boston Veg Food Fest this fall, which is a widely popular event in Boston with food samples, speakers, authors, cooking demonstrations, and shopping. The Veg Club also plans on hosting some cooking events and movie nights to help educate MHS and bring people together.

Regarding the future of the Veg Club, Ms. Muir says, “[They are a student led group, so the future of [Veg Club] will depend on the student leaders. As an advisor, [she] will support whatever the group would like to do.” Ms. Muir, Ariel Gutowski, and the other members of Veg Club plan to keep the club going, and continue to plan and attend events that apply to the main focuses of the club.

The Veg Club meets in room H410 on Thursdays after school, and is open to any vegetarians, vegans, those who are interested in changing their diet, or anyone who wants to learn more about nutrition.

Local News

18

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Boda Borg Boosts Malden Retail Gabriella Oneissimo Reporter

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aving held its grand opening on Saturday, October 10th, the first North American location of Boda Borg has been attracting customers from all over the state currently for over three weeks. With coverage from both WCVB, and National Public Radio, it is safe to say word of Malden’s newest attraction has been reaching the attention of many people. Originating from Sweden, Boda Borg offers indoor “quests” in varying degrees of both physical and mental difficulty, creating a unique experience that is capable of challenging even the most prepared of individuals.

Malden’s Boda Borg currently offers 16 different quests, each of which is home to multiple rooms and therefore various challenges for people to tackle. There are three color-coded categories of challenges an attendee at Boda Borg can attempt: green, red, and black. Green is handicapped accessible and does not require physical activity, just mental prowess. Red is both mental and physical, but keeps physical activity relatively low with simple activities like crawling. Black is the most physical quest to attempt, with activities rivaling that of some of the challenges present in the “American Ninja Warrior” obstacle course on television. Boda Borg does recommend a team, with a minimal of three people and a maximum of five per quest. Possibly the biggest catch of Boda Borg, is that people must figure out on their own how to complete a quest; often the only prerequisite hints people have come from the name of the quest itself.

“It’s smart fun. People are using their brains and their bodies and are having a great time. They come out exhausted and on an adrenaline high,” describes Chad Ellis, the owner of the North American Boda

Borg.

Employees work as quest guides, giving aid to those who are truly stumped, but in the end people are responsible to complete the quest on their own.

Blue and Gold member Chaimae El Adlouni is currently employed at Malden’s Boda Borg, and offers an insight to the work environment there. Describing

down to the unfamiliarity of the concept of questing challenges. As Ellis explains, “if you don’t experience quests, it’s very difficult to understand what they are. Explaining them in words is very hard. When you do it, then you experience it, then you get it.” This idea is reflected in Boda Borg’s company tagline: “Experience the quest” or as Ellis jokingly suggests, “frustrating fun.”

the atmosphere of the location as “fun and interesting,” El Adlouni enjoys greeting guests and talking to people about the quests they have embarked on. She continues, explaining that “the faces of people who get so excited when they complete a quest has to be one of the best parts working [at Boda Borg.]”

Eladlouni overall describes Boda Borg as “an awesome place,” stating that “there’s something [there] for everyone, so make sure [you] bring your friends and quest, you’ll [surely] come back for more.”

This claim by El Adlouni is not at all far fetched, as literally thousands of participants have flooded into the location just in the few weeks Boda Borg has been open, with many being hooked after the first hour or so of questing. Any prior skepticism most likely comes

It is often this frustration that often keeps participants coming back for more, as Ellis explains, “somehow no matter how many times people fail it’s just really engaging and once they get it you hear this shriek of happiness from inside the room.” Boda Borg at its highest difficulties demands said engagement, as “you really use your brain and your body together. Every quest is different. Every challenge is different. Some of them are silly, some of them are dramatic, some of them are physically difficult and some of them are trivial but figuring out what you’re supposed to do is really hard and you have to look for clues everywhere.” Ellis goes on to set apart Boda Borg from other room escapes, illustrating how “you have all of these unfamiliar challenges with no structure and no conven-

tional puzzles. If you do a room escape it’s full of conventional puzzles like word puzzles and mathematical puzzles. Here, you’re just in a room and you figure it out, do what you want to.”

Aside from the uniqueness of each Boda Borg challenge, Ellis considers the teamwork that each quest demands a special attribute of the Boda Borg experience. “There are so many activities we do as adults where we are each doing our own thing and I think part of what makes Boda Borg so special is that never happens here. Every quest and every challenge has to be solved by the team.” Individual problem solving simply does not happen at Boda Borg and teams often feel rewarded after exerting collective physical and mental dexterity in their quests.

“There’s no instruction so it makes you engage in a different way. You have to collaborate with each other and everyone has their moments of being a hero.”

Ellis has high expectations for Malden’s Boda Borg, explaining that “Malden is [already heading in a] great trajectory, [he hopes] Boda Borg [can become] a part of that.”

Determined to become a larger, more contributing part of the Malden community, Ellis believes that “[we at Boda Borg] bring a lot of people in and over the long term, and I would think that would help revitalize the retail sector in Malden. If you have this large influx of people, [it will] help bring in more interesting retail over time.” Boda Borg draws in crowds in and out of Massachusetts that will hopefully serve as a catalyst to develop more activity in the Malden community. Ellis is not only interested in the growth of Boda Borg, but in the growth of Malden as a whole, explaining that “we’re not transforming Malden, we want to be part of the transformation that’s already happening in Malden.”

Experience Boda Borg at their location on 90 Pleasant Street in Malden, MA.

Top to bottom, left to right: Merchandise on display at Boda Borg, CEO Chad Ellis holding on to the ropes. Sign at entrace of the Alcatraz section.

Photos by Nicholas Bramante.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Local News

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maldenblueandgold.com

MHS offers new Music CLub Gabriella Oneissimo Reporter

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alden High School’s Music Club is welcoming new members to play music and learn new musical skills. Music Club is offered to students of all skill levels and interests regarding music, whether you’re a piano expert or simply interested in learning a few chords.

The club has evolved from being organized in a more orchestral fashion to a come one, come all group for music enthusiasts.

Club founder Serena Nguyen describes Music Club as a place where “people could jam, come together and listen to music.” Music Club is located in the band room where an array of instruments is available for students to experiment with and perhaps discover a niche. More experienced members of the club are happy to share their expertise on an instrument and give small lessons on guitar, as Music Club prides itself on being a setting where people looking to work on their musical abilities can do so from any previous standpoint. “Musicians often have to compete a lot, and I thought that

Music Club could be a judgment free zone where people can play at different levels,” explains Nguyen.

Members who are entirely inexperi-

the club, but it is also a space where students can collect and share tastes. Jonathan Copithorne, Music Club’s advisor, describes the club as

From left to right Students practicing guitar, MHS history teacher Jonathan Copithorne playing the drums. Photos by Meghan Yip. enced should not expect to become a guitar connoisseur but will certainly develop their individual musical skill whether from fellow members or exposure to instruments in general. Every member is appreciated, even students with little to no background.

As one enters Music Club, they will find a welcoming and relaxed environment filled with students playing various tunes with various instruments. Learning how to play music is a main feature of

his “mellow out period”. The warm atmosphere of the club allows students to bond over their passions with music as just the initial topic of conversation. “I want members to explore a different side of themselves musically and artistically,” says Nguyen. “I want people to see and present things in a new way, not just by playing music but through sharing common interests in it and being open-minded to different styles and types of music because there is so much to appreciate.”

From artists to appreciators, music is a pivotal interest, and Music Club serves as a middle ground for anybody with an affinity for music to connect.

Students at Music Club interact over common musical interests as members often play songs together and practice a variety of pieces.

Members can suggest any kind of music to play and fellow students will be willing to experience it. One of Nguyen’s goals is to assemble at least two collective performances within the club, even if it is not a major one. Members find a common ground with music and can always find a piece to play, a song to listen to and an idea to discuss. “It’s very low pressure. You can learn what you want to learn and play the instruments you want to,” Copithorne states on the club’s importance. “We should continue to keep music in the school but it’s also a lot of pressure if you don’t know how to play an instrument and always wanted to.

If you don’t have a guitar and can’t afford one, whatever the reason is, it is an opportunity to try something out.”

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AP Capstone at MHS

Vivian Dang Reporter

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dvanced Placement Capstone is a new program currently being introduced to Malden High School that is recommended for students looking to challenge themselves academically. The branch of AP Capstone, taught by Jennifer Clapp, at MHS is AP Seminar.

The course is related to International Baccalaureate (I.B.), a non-profit educational foundation.

“Though AP Capstone is new, we are not sure what it means for college,” expressed Clapp.

The course is a program for students to be eligible for a Capstone diploma, and in order to take the class a student must have taken and passed four AP classes. In addition, they must have taken and passed four AP Seminar and AP Research.

Though the course is available to juniors and seniors, next year, juniors who are in AP Seminar will be applicable for AP Capstone.

AP Capstone consists of multiple subjects and is said to be “a course for students who would like to challenge themselves and are academically curious” mentioned Clapp. Next year, AP Research, another branch of AP Capstone, will be offered, though it is uncertain as to who will be teaching the course.

Sophomores will have the opportunity to take the course next year as well.

This year, AP Seminar is focused around disease where students research and analyze disease through different lenses. Aside from the usual papers assigned in English classes, AP Seminar also requires students to do frequent presentations. However, in the future, the class will include different topics from a wide range. There is no limit to the variety of topics that can be covered in the class for hopefully many years to come.

AP Seminar is a unique course within itself. It is hard to define to someone who has not experienced it themselves. It is composed of juniors and seniors who have taken AP English Language and Composition and/or AP English Literature and Composition.

Junior Manel Soltani described the class as “like no other course [she’s] ever taken” because “there is more freedom in the topics [they] research.” Senior Terrica Dang mentioned that the class “relies on a lot of group work so it’s important to have good relationships with [her] classmates.” “[They] have already presented a few projects and [her] and [her] group have improved each time [they] do presentations.” This is an important part of the class as each student must do an individual and group presentation as part of the AP exam in the spring.

The AP Capstone course has a promising future here at MHS and is sure to attract more students in the future.

Local News

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

City Unveils Richard C. Howard Park Ymanika Nicolas Reporter

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From top to botton: Plans for construction of the baseball feild and tennis ourt, finished result of both the baseball feild and tennis courts. Photos taken

by Felicia Fallano. Pictures of the park’s plan submitted by Deborah Burke.

ichard C. Howard Park, formerly known as the South Broadway Park, had been under renovations for a few years and recently reopened in September. The project was complex and encountered many obstacles. Mayor Gary Christenson believes the financing for the $6.5 million project was one of the biggest challenges, while Executive Director of the Malden Redevelopment Authority, Deborah Bark, believes that putting together varying partnerships was equally as difficult. However, both were in agreement that the project came out wonderfully.

The park has a new scenic grass field for sports such as baseball, soccer, and football as well as a new playground for ages ranging from preschool to elementary school. Four tennis courts have been added to the park along with new lighting for a night games for the first time.

The parking lot is spacious and is now safer for pedestrians to walk from the nearby store to the park. The field has been renamed after Robert “Bob” Rotondi, the legendary coach of famed baseball player Babe Ruth. The park was renamed after a former mayor of Malden, Richard C. Howard. Both men were well known and loved within the city; it is only natural that the park and field be named after them.

According to Mayor Christenson, Malden has always prided itself on keeping its parks in good condition for the many children, families, and sports organizations that use them. He wants Malden to be a city that offers many recreational possibilities. If there were more funds available he says that the city would be working on renovating the Roosevelt Park behind the Salemwood school.

Currently the city is in the process of redeveloping the downtown area. It plans to relocate the police station and demolish the current city hall building. After city hall is removed, there are plans to rebuild the street and have the area used primarily as retail space for new businesses. It is a tiring process but Mayor Christenson says that ”patience is a virtue”. With the amount of time and effort put into the park and redeveloping the downtown area, the mayor and the city council have patience to spare. So if you have time or need to get the kids out of the house, head over to the Richard C. Howard Park.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

Local News

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maldenblueandgold.com

PARCC v. MCAS: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Marly Loreus Lead Reporter

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ver the last two years, Massachusetts Public Schools, among them Malden High School, have introduced a new standardized test that assesses the college readiness of students. This test replaces the initial MCAS test that students previously had to pass in order to graduate high school.

PARCC, also known as Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, is a multistate test that has been introduced in public schools to align with the new standards set by the Commonwealth which “[emphasize] the critical thinking, communications, and problem solving skills students need to succeed in a competitive global economy and society.” In order to meet those standards, Massachussetts had to either amend the existing MCAS test by raising the “proficient” designation or adopt

the PARCC. Massachusetts chose the latter.

When comparing the tests, it has been found that there are not many substantial differences between PARCC and MCAS. Both serve as accurate and efficient tools to determine potential college grades, and therefore college readiness. However, the only minor difference is that both tests predict college readiness at slightly different degrees. Since PARCC is a technology based assessment, some view this as unfair to the less fortunate students in some high schools because not everyone has immediate access to the internet, or computers.

Results for the PARCC assessment illustrated that there are more students who did not meet the standard expectation than not. Only 39 percent of ninth grade students received a qualifying score of four or five in the ELA, or English Language Arts, portion of the PARCC.

These results suggest that the transfer from MCAS to PARCC has not been a desirable change. The data also suggests that since PARCC is a fairly new test, students might be experiencing a difficult time adapting to the new exam.

Statistics show that both the PARCC and the MCAS “do equally well in predicting college success,” according to Ira Nichols-Barrer, the author of substantial report on the two exams for Mathmatica Policy Research. However, each test possesses its own unique performance standard, essentially meaning that there are different areas that students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in. Since Massachusetts is one of eight states to participate in the PARCC exam consortium, its future decisions will help other states in deciding whether or not to keep their current statewide education assessments.

Update: Google Chromebooks @ MHS Neden Bernadin Reporter

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uring the month of October, Malden High School became a fully running Google school. Google Chromebooks were distributed to all MHS students who chose to recieve one.

They are fully equipped with Google software such as Google docs, Google drive, etc.

One important resource is Google Classroom where students can complete and turn in their assignments online. In Google Classroom, students can view, edit, and turn in assignments that their teachers give all on one simple site. Every student, regardless of their choice to own a Chromebook, recieved their very own Malden Public School Google account, where they can utilize these programs.

Heather Northrop, the Holland and Boyle house freshman guidance counselor, described the update as “challenging at first,” though the Chromebooks were able to offer more resources to students and teachers. When asked about the benefits of the updates, Northrop stated that it “limited [the amount of] paper used¨ and allows students to become “digital learners’’. A drawback she mentioned is the re-

sponsibility on the students in taking care of the Chromebooks.

Shereen Escovitz, an algebra teacher at MHS, had a feeling that in five years that the school may even stop using textbooks. Escovitz thinks the updates are ¨really great

people here were incorporating technology already and now the students are joining in. Another benefit for Escovitz is how she can now gather info on topics “where students are struggling.¨ Escovitz believes there are both pros and cons to using Chromebooks in class. Since she teaches math, one difficulty would be doing graphs since she so used to drawing them on paper.

She added that teachers and students are just getting used to it to using these devices, and technology is not coming as quickly as we expect it to be. Escovitz said that depending on what on topic she is teaching, it can be Senior Blue & Gold member Jasper Haag easy to do on the device and then scanning a Chromebook during the Freshit’s not. Improvements she would men Chromebook Rollout. Photo by like to see include ¨students helpSamuel Martinez. ing other new students because we and [she believes] teachers are getget so many students all the time ting better and better at MHS.¨ It has at MHS,¨ as so it may be difficulty also helped her with giving feedback for some to catch up with the pace. to the students much quicker. For Overall, it is evident that example, the students do an activity while techonology is advancing called the ¨exit ticket,¨ and they pass globally, Malden is no exception. it in via classroom and she can email There is no limit to what additions them the results right after. there will be in order to make Not only that, but Escovitz both teaching and learning go added that it helps the school ¨close smoother. the digital divide,¨ because most

The Community Preservation Act Tatum Skiffington Reporter

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alden High School’s Environmental Club along with Preserve Malden have recently started a legislative act to add ballots that have the ability to expand Malden’s outdoor space. The Environmental Club has worked hard to get the act moving, and they put the choice into the ballots that were given out on Nov. 3 2015.

The questions on the ballot asked Malden residents for a 1% surcharge on taxes to help preserve ballparks, green space for family gatherings, restore and repair historic monuments and buildings in the city, and to add to affordable housing.

The questions on the ballot included funding different environmental projects, but the one Malden really needs a “yes” on is question 3. Question 3, if passed, would fund the Community Preservation Act completely in Malden. The CPA is dedicated to funding four areas of environmental preservation: preserving open space, historic sights, funding affordable housing, and creating new outdoor recreation spaces.

Kathleen Maglio, an environmental science teacher at MHS, is a big part of the club.

Although the club is student run, Maglio helps plan events as well as provides information and new ideas. The Environmental Club and Preserve Malden receive money from the state to aid in their different proposals regarding Malden’s landscape. Maglio specified that because there is limited available space in Malden, the club is trying to preserve what is already there. “Money is given to preserve what we already have in Malden,” added Maglio.

Preserve Malden and the Environmental Club asked for online signatures to help put the question on the ballot and they acquired a total of 1,518 signatures. The club has been working hard to have the legislation in order, and results will be in soon regarding whether Malden will be able to be preserved. The entire Malden community will benefit from such preservation actions.

22

Housing Families: An Evening of Entertainment Local News

The Blue and Gold November 2015

maldenblueandgold.com

Haley Mallett Lead Reporter

Clockwise: Housing Families cast and crew at the end of the show dancing to Silento’s “Watch Me Whip/Nae-Nae”. Junior Megan Melanson playing the saxophone in the duo with YiXi Huang. Seniors Kamila Regalado and Sajeanah Cadet during their dance to Beyonce’s “Countdown” and Nicki Minaj’s “Trini Dem Girls”. Senior Maggie O’Callaghan during her dance to “Latch (Acoustic)” by Sam Smith.

Senior Hoa Nguyen performing Adele’s “Someone Like You”. All photos by MHS Class of 2016 historian Danielle Copson.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, Malden High School’s senior class of 2016 partnered with Housing Families of Malden to host an evening of entertainment to raise money for families in need. Housing Families strives to help people who are in

need of housing and other necessities. Currently there are 29 homeless students studying at MHS, a number that has gradually grown over the years. The senior class decided that all proceeds from the show would be donated to the organization.

Over the last few months, the backstage crew and performers have been hard at work to put together the benefit show. Principal Dana Brown, Senior Class President Samantha Forestier, Senior Chairs Kelvin Cheng Bo and Wendy Nguyen, and music teacher Erin O’BrienMazza contributed to the show’s success.

Cheng Bo commented that putting together the show was a “difficult process” but it had a “rewarding outcome.”

Act one of the show included performances by the Haitian Trio, Marie Sanette, Guetchina Ietang, and Walky Joseph. Other acts included Garcelle Renaud, Maggie O’Callaghan, Madeline Lam, Sarah Vieira, Ashley Vieira, Nick Hames, Carri Medina, and Hoa Nguyen.

Among others were the group No

Direction, Giovanna Videl, Hector Hernandez, and Won Andre.

Nick Hames, an alumus of MHS who is currently attending the University of New Hampshire, performed in Saturday night’s showcase. Hames, who put together his own fundraiser concert back in August for the Julia Vanella fund, did not hesitate to come back. He is well-known around the city for his musical talent and is a crowd favorite as his performances are always a hit.

Act two included performances by the Treble Makers, Austin Morrow, YiXi Huang, Nutthiti Kaewnoy, and Nyckollas Carrijo, Nick Hames, Ashley Vieira, Megan Melanson, Kamila Regalado, Sajeanah Cadet, Jessica Munroe, Ms. Erin O’BrienMazza, and Sarah Vieira.

Dance group Airbound, another crowd favorite, concluded the show. Its members include Allen Liang, Matthew Le, Jeffry Georges, An Sheng Tan, Stephen Dang, Raymond Jiang, and Kevin Phan. For the seniors, this is the first of many upcoming performances they will

have during their last year.

The evening was a success that resulted in a large donation made to Housing Families. A special thanks to all those involved, especially Housing Families Representative Patty Kelly who allowed this idea to become a reality.

The Blue and Gold November 2015

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Malden High School’s Class of 2016 partnered with Housing Families of Malden to produce a night of entertainment featuring performances from a variety of MHS students. The event raised over a thousand dollars to be donated to help end the issue of homelessness in Malden.

From left to right, top to bottom: Senior Sarah Vieira performing Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy.” Senior Ashley Vieira dancing. Seniors Madeline Lam, Sarah Vieira, and Ashley Vieria in a singing and dancing trio. Won Andre, Giovana Vidal, and Hector Hernandez in an instrumental trio. Senior Jessica Munroe in her cover of “Riptide” by Vance Joy along with band teacher Erin O’Brien-Mazza. Senior Jeffry Georges during the Airbound closing performance. MHS principal Dana Brown showing off his Airbound jersey. MHS alumnus Nick Hames performing an original song. All photos submitted by MHS class of 2016 historian Danielle Copson.

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The Blue and Gold November 2015

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Veterans Day Parade

The Sheriffs department walking in the parade. Photo by Haley Mallett.

Haley Mallett Lead Reporter

V

eterans Day is a federal holiday held on the anniversary of the end of World War I to honor those who served during that war.

Although today, it serves to celebrate all veterans, both active and

inactive, alive or deceased. Malden is home to many veterans, and because of this, the parade is a unique and special event that occurs in the city.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, The City of Malden held their Annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Malden American Legion Post #69. The parade featured

Legion Officers, veterans, clergy and elected officials of the American Legion, as well as the Public Schools’ bands, dance teams, boy scouts, and more.

This year’s parade was led

by Grand Marshal Jeremiah Kelleher, who is a Korean War veteran.

Afterwards, a ceremony was held to dedicate PFC Borseti Memorial

Square to a veteran who was killed during the Korean War in 1952.

Principal Dana Brown’s retirement was also highlighted as the parade passed Malden High School.

He will be the upcoming holiday parade’s Grand Marshal on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at 2pm.

From left to right, top to bottom: Students from Malden Public Schools with Malden leaders in front of Malden City Hall. Malden community members dressed as civil war soldiers in the parade. Veterans along with current armed forces members in the parade. The Kevin Barry Pipes and Drums organization playing bagpipes and drums in the parade. All photos by Haley Mallett.