January 2011

The Blue and Gold http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Malden High School Volume 96 Edition 4

Our 96th Year January 2011

Malden Takes On Poetry Out Loud

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ/8th) was the victim of a shooting in Tuscon, Arizona, on Saturday, January 8, 2011. (MCT). Coverage on page 6.

Junior Chung We Dai performs as a period three class winner. Full article on page 10.

Gymnastics Fights Adversity

In This Issue: TV: An Accurate Representation?

Page 4 Afghanistan’s Niqab Page 5 Monthly Profile Beverly Nyman Page 8 Going Green?

Page 11

Junior captain Alana Casey on the uneven bars. Photo by Megan Kelly.

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he Malden High School gymnastics team experienced an unfortunate beginning to their season after a close defeat to long time rivals, Medford High School, by only 0.65 points. Although they have had a minor setback the team is anxious for their new set of uneven bars to be installed.

The team currently faces difficulty when it comes to practicing and improving because the equipment that they are provided with now leaves the gymnasts at risk of “smashing [their] feet on the low bar, touching the ground when swing-

ing from the high bar, or having to deal with the bars being slanted and ready to fall apart,” explained junior co-captain Alana Casey. The new set of uneven bars will increase the performance of routines for all gymnasts that participate in that event, as well as prepare them for competitions against schools who also have high quality equipment.

Since the team had been unable to practice and have more experience with such good equipment, it was a setback when arriving at Medford High School and using their continued on page 22.

Posse winners Pages 12 - 13 Colby-Swayer Pages 14 -15

Junior William Wong running in a track meet. Contrary to popular belief, the track team consists of more than just runners. More boys track on page 24.

NFL’s New Rules Page 21 Boys and Girls Basketball Page 23 Boys and Girls Track Page 24

Opinion 2-5 World News 6-7 Local News 8-16 Entertainment 17-19 Sports 20-24

2

Editorials

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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Political Climate is Hot Malden High School

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

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF João Nascimento Nidale Zouhir MANAGING EDITORS Brittany Foley Alexandra Mathieu HEAD COPY EDITOR Brittany McFeeley ONLINE EDITOR Omar Khoshafa HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Cristina Peters HEAD WORLD NEWS WRITER Dan Holmqvist HEAD ENTERTAINMENT WRITER Reginah Sanyu HEAD SPORTS WRITER Alfonse Femino HEAD OF BUSINESS Alexander Gennigiorgis HEADS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren Benoit Sharon Lee HEAD OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Kayla Bramante COPY EDITORS Haley DeFilippis Catherine Poirier Megan Kelly Natalie Fallano Paige Yurek Joshua Kummins REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Broomstein Kaela Bryan Freddie DiPhillipo Johanna Lai Kristen Leonard Jacob Martino Vicki Ngan Amalia Quesada Nylen Timothee Pierre Amanda Rosatone Joel Stevenson Lesley Ta ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Two years ago, 1.8 million people stood crowded together for hours in the frigid January air, chanting President Barack Obama’s name, undoubtedly with his presidential campaign’s catchphrase running through their heads the entire time: “Yes, we can.” The nation (or at least, the 52.9% of it that voted for him) stood united under a vibrant blue flag, hoping that the next four years would be full of progress toward the left side of the political spectrum.

But now, the red white and blue of Obama’s campaign posters seems ominous rather than hopeful; rather than live up to the nation’s admittedly obviously out-of-reach expectations–-fix the economy; fix Iraq; fix Afghanistan; fix Iran; fix North Korea; fix gay rights; fix health care; fix immigration–-Obama found every bill he tried to pass into law hotly contested not only by Republican congressional representatives but also by half the nation. Massive crowds of people emerged, protesting everything from tax hikes to First Lady Michelle Obama’s choice of apparel. Cable news channels were overtaken, not by legitimate debate or accurate news reporting, but by overtly partisan news anchors bashing those who did not agree with them.

As Glenn Beck lamented socialism and Keith Olbermann lamented liars, hopes for the bipartisan America Obama had described during his campaign crumbled, making way for arguments over Twitter, arguments on TV, arguments in newspapers, and arguments in Congress. Unfortunately, unlike legitimate political debate, these arguments seemed to yield few compromises and instead only fueled the already red hot anti-Obama sentiment, leading to the growth of the ultra conservative Tea Party and massive losses for Democrats in the November 2010 congressional elections. For a month or so, this seemed to be the cure for what had been a Congress full of threats of filibusters and so-called compromises that only seemed to make most legislation obsolete. After losing power in the House of Representatives, however, Democrats went on to pass tax cuts, food safety legislation, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, an arms control agreement with Russia, and health care for 9/11 first responders.

But even as Congress worked harder than it had appeared to for at least two years, the heated political climate did not cool down; Beck called Representative Harry Reid and others who thought it might be necessary to stay in session over Christmas “really bad people,” adding that he thought that they were “evil”

not only for wanting to work through December break but for attempting to pass legislation that had been on the floor for months.

Then, putting a halt to arguments about Congress and its decision to read the Constitution in all its censored glory, on Jan. 8, 2011, Jared Lee Loughner showed up to Representative Gabrielle Giffords’s first Congress on Your Corner event of the year and proceeded to shoot 19 people there.

In the same way that Counter Strike was blamed for Virginia Tech and Marilyn Manson was blamed for Columbine, the nation’s political discourse–-specifically the overtly partisan so-called debate that went as far as one Fox News anchor and likely 2012 presidential candidate placing cross hairs over congressional districts (including Giffords’s) that disagreed with her views on health care–-has been blamed for the violence in Tucson.

Even Senator John McCain, who spent the weeks before Jan. 8, 2011 lamenting the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and spouting homophobic tirades before Congress, called for a more civil political discourse in an op-ed a week later for The Washington Post.

Olbermann, meanwhile, tweeted about his hopes for a “pledge against violent rhetoric,” but then, unfortunately, went on to bash Palin as well as many GOP defenders on the same twitter feed.

Ominously enough, more of the country appears to be echoing Olbermann’s sentiments than McCain’s.

Though the media did, during very specific moments, attempt to remain as nonpartisan as possible (specifically immediately following Obama’s speech regarding the shooting), for the most part it appears as though nothing has changed. If anything, both sides have been blaming one another for the attacks and for the political climate surrounding it. But making the shooting about gun control or about Loughner’s political views (which are shady at best) is, in essence, doing precisely what Americans have grown bored of over the last few years: over-politicizing something that was never meant to be politicized. Because attempting to assign some sort of blame to the Arizona shootings is politicizing it. Everyone from Palin to Obama has issued some form of a statement regarding the shooting–-and everyone from Palin to Obama has been repeatedly criticized by whichever news network disagrees.

Nidale Zouhir 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 C339 or to his mailbox in the main office.

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

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Corrections: On the front page, Jessalynne Brown is wrongly captioned as Bridget Furlong.

On page 7, Chokyab’s name is mispelled in the photo caption on page 7.

On page 13, in the Marching Band article, band teacher Matthew Tavares’s name is spelled incorrectly On page 14, Anita Caceda has the wrong last name in the Semi-Formal article.

On page 15, Viviane Szeto is not captioned correctly for the Breast Cancer Awareness club photo.

On page 23, the Cassandra Ulwick profile was written by Brittany McFeeley not Haley DiFilippis On page 26, Cynthia Laurore’s and Haley DeFilippis’s names are spelled incorrectly.

Corrections to the editor can be submitted to theblueandgold@gmail.com

The Blue and Gold January 2011

3

Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Loughner and Gun Control

Dan Holmqvist

Letter to the Editor

Harris Zhao Junior

Head World News Writer

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hirty-three. That is how many bullets Jared Lee Loughner’s Glock 19 could fire without having to reload once. Loughner was able to fire thirty-three bullets within the span of fifteen seconds, killing six innocent bystanders and injuring an additional fourteen at an Arizona rally for Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords. If his second magazine clip had not been kicked away, Loughner could have used all three of the extended magazines (containing nearly 100 bullets) he brought with him on Jan. 8, 2011. What was a tragedy could have been much, much worse.

This compels one to ask several questions: What purposes do extended magazines and semiautomatic weapons serve other than to aid truly disturbed individuals in mass killings? How could one possibly justify the need to have a gun with as much firepower as the Glock 19 for self-defence? And what kind of faulty gun control policy gives an obviously disturbed 22-year-old man, who was denied a place in the US military for drug use, access to some of the most dangerous weapons in the world?

That is not to discredit those who tout their own second amendment rights. The right to bear arms has been a fundamental freedom of American citizens since the drafting of the Bill of Rights. But this was before the age of semiautomatic hand guns, which are specifically designed to kill people with a deadly efficiency.

The Glock 19 is a favorite among gun encontinued on page 5.

I

s it just me or do you also hate Mark Zuckerberg? Well, in case you didn’t know, he’s the guy that created Facebook, making billions of dollars annually, connecting people from different countries to each other, while changing the way our social landscape functions. I mean, I don’t hate him in the sense that he’s “hateable”, but I do hate him in the way that I am not him. Don’t you ever dream about changing the world someday? Maybe like Superman or Batman or even Sarah Palin (maybe). Well, Mark Zuckerberg has done just that! He has miraculously changed the way our culture works. I mean honestly, how many people out there do you know that don’t have a Facebook? Like 2 … 3 … maybe 4 right? Well not including your parents of course, but Facebook has seriously changed the way our lives function.

And starting this generation, we have started to succumb to developing a new era in which information is able to travel, connecting different countries in seconds, and connecting different people all in one savvy network. Zuckerberg has changed the world; that is obvious. And I am annoyed at that!

Seriously, why couldn’t I be Zuckerberg, or why couldn’t I do something just as equally

life changing? Is it too late for me? Zuckerberg started all the way back since he was 11, creating a network that connected all computers in his own household. I am 16, and I have yet to do something as prominent as that. Oh the joy it would bring me to know that I could change the world, and have over 6 billion dollars in my bank account.

Oh yeah, did you know that Zuckerberg doesn’t even spend all his money? He saves it up, and spends it all modestly on what he needs, while also giving away millions of dollars to enhance educational resources in America. Example: Newark, NJ where he donated 100 million dollars to a local high school. That only makes him more “hateable”! We know you have over a billion dollars in your bank account, and you can easily spend lavishly while still having billions of dollars left. Okay? But you still go on out there like you are so much better than us. Just because you can spend modestly, and change the world indefinitely, and make our lives so much better, you can just sit there with that condescending smirk, believing that you are a god in our presence and I hate you. I hate you for changing the world. I hate you so much that I want to be you.

Do you have an opinion?

Submit your letter to the editor to theblueandgold@gmail.com!

4

Opinion

The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Pop Culture Lacks Diversity Alexandra Mathieu Managing Editor

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ach American household is reported, on average, to have about 2.86 television sets, an astonishing number when one considers that the average American household is also reported on having 2.5 people. Television has evolved over the years from a luxury item to a staple in American culture. TV shows now cover an array of interests and topics with programming for any person, of any age group.

That being said, TV has a very one sided relationship with the American public: although it caters to the people’s entertainment needs, it is not an accurate representation of the people it serves.

On the one hand, all forms of entertainment, from television to novels to films, are escapist media.

Even shows that emulate real life like Friends and Seinfield are immensely popular because they offer a life that is different and separate than that of the viewers. However, while people enjoy television shows for this reason, the most popular shows are those that the viewers can relate to. Yes, it is fun to indulge every now and then in a show that showcases bizarre and unrealistic characters, but the shows that last the longest have characters that people can identify with.

However, now, with the US more diverse than ever, television does not seem to be keeping up with the times as much as it should. To be more specific, children and young adult programming seems oddly homogenous in its racial and ethnic representation. The popular cable television network, Nickelodeon, is the perfect example of this shift.

From the 1990s to the early 2000s, Nickelodeon’s time blocks geared towards teenagers, TEENick and SNICK, offered a particular di-

versity within its programs. My Brother and Me, Cousin Skeeter, and Kenan & Kel were shows that featured African-American families; Taina and The Brothers Garcia highlighted Hispanic families and cultures. These shows did not just have a black or Spanish character on the show, but explored the culture of each ethnic group. American teens were exposed to different lifestyles and cultures, opening their eyes to the world around them. Even shows with a mainly white cast still offered a different point of view than the norm. The show Caitlin’s Way covered the life of a troubled and tragically orphaned girl who, opting out of going to a juvenile detention center, chose to live with her aunt.

Clearly the programming of this era, while offering more diversity, also offered more depth in its characters and more complexities within the plots they faced.

Comparing the programming on Nickelodeon now to the programming from the network’s past indicates the change that has occurred. iCarly, Big Time Rush, and Victorious are the most popular shows on the network and share a common theme. All three depict teens becoming famous in some way, whether it be through a web show, a band contest, or a school for the performing arts. The issues that the characters face on the show are superficial and focus mainly on crushes, fame, and balancing the two. There is no emphasis on diversity or the different cultures that make up the American culture. The explanation for the shift from depth to surface level content? “Every kid thinks they’re five minutes away and one lucky circumstance from being famous,” stated Marjorie Cohn, executive vice president for original programming and development at Nickelodeon in an interview with The Los Angeles Times. “We’ve always responded to

what’s out there in the cultural zeitgeist and spin it Nickelodeon style.”

Yet, time has proven that what children and people in general, want are not always what is good for them. The programming on television for children and pre-teens is the sugar of their “television diet.” It is not giving children the substance that at such an impressionable age they need. Instead of helping children learn to understand each others’ backgrounds, Nickelodeon is feeding them pipe dreams and instilling in them an obsession with fame and notoriety at an early age.

While the shows are entertaining and to an extent funny, they are hardly filled with substance and rely more on cheap gags than actual sustaining content.

Surprisingly, films and movies targeted at youth are on a converse path. These films are beginning to touch upon some surprisingly sensitive topics in a manner that is far from what it was in the past. Toy Story 3, which debuted in June 2010, was received with universal critical acclaim. Named the “Best Movie of 2010” by Time Magazine, it takes a humorous look on growing up and dealing with the changes that come with doing so. This is a topic that anyone from all age groups can relate to because it has substance; it goes past the surface problems portrayed in youth television and hits a powerful chord with its discussion of a human issue: coping with change. Toy Story 3 is not alone; Where the Wild Things Are, Up, Despicable Me, and WALL-E are all films rated PG that go beyond shallow discussion and present meaningful material such as the pain of loss and the power of belief. As films of this caliber continue to garner acclaim and bring money to the box office, perhaps youth programming will take a hint and follow suit.

However, youth films, despite

their impressive content and depth of characters, are far from perfect.

They are, like youth television, unable to broadcast a variety in ethnicity and even a correct portrayal of an ethnic character.

The best example is the 2010 film The Last Airbender. Based on the popularized Nickelodeon television show Avatar: The Last Airbender, the film follows Aang and his friends in an Asian inspired universe as they try to save the world from the invasive and heavy handed Fire Nation ruler, Fire Lord Ozai. The driving force behind the show was its East Asian influences; from the names of the characters to the foundation for the styles of fighting they use, the show is a homage to the colorful East Asian culture and its rich history. However, in M. Night Shyamalan’s adaptation, the cast was primarily Caucasian or Indian. Those who were fans of the show were displeased and even enraged at the disregard of the ethnicity of the characters in the film.

Dragon Ball Evolution, which came out in 2008, had the same issue as it featured a Caucasian lead in a film that was based off one of the most popular anime of its time. It is this lack of appreciation of culture that youth films and television are both lacking.

Whereas the previous era in youth programming is characterized by diversity and self-discovery, this one will be remembered for its homogeneity and triviality. Who knows, perhaps as the US heads towards more equality for the people, youth television shows will follow suit and have a show on an Asian family or a homosexual teen. Until then, the youth of America will continue to be shocked when it realizes that attaining fame is not as easy as the TV shows make it out to be.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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continued from page 3 thusiasts. The gun is light, reasonably priced at around 500 dollars, and small enough to be concealed under an article of clothing. But according to the St. Petersburg Times, the main draw of the gun is its extended magazine: “The standard Glock 19 can hold 15 bullets.

For 60 dollars more, you can add an 8-inch extension. And double the ammunition.” Perhaps this is why this specific model was also used by Seung-Hui Cho in the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre that killed an additional 32 people.

It is not surprising that a mass killing like this happened in Arizona, considering the state’s lax record when it comes to gun control. In fact, last year, Arizona was the third state that allowed its citizens to carry concealed weapons without a background check or any formal training.

But even then, some people remain unconvinced that the state’s gun control policy had anything to do with this month’s shooting. Republican state Senator Ron Gould controversially suggested that “I don’t see how gun control could have prevented that shooting unless you take the guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.”

It is time for gun control policy to be changed in America, and in a substantial way. Congress, in 1994, wrote legislation that limited the number of rounds an ammunition magazine could hold to 10. But ten years later in 2004, this legislation was allowed to expire, since then, gun manufacturers have made substantially bigger magazines.

Now, in the wake of the Tucson shootings, Congress has once again looked into limiting the number of rounds a magazine can legally be allowed to hold. But why stop there? This new session of Congress should place an outright ban on semiautomatic handguns like the Glock 19, regardless of whether someone is considered a “law-abiding citizen”. Even for less potent handguns, national legislation should require more stringent background checks and more educational courses.

America has been grappling with how to deal with gun violence, especially in the last twenty years.

The Tucson shootings, despite all the grief and suffering caused, has presented itself as a golden opportunity to make America a safer place.

5

Opinion

Oppression, Televised

A display in the Kadhmiyah section of Baghdad, Iraq, warns that women who don’t wear the hijab, or traditional Muslim head covering, will be punished in the afterlife. The display, shown on December 30, 2010, was erected

by Islamist leaders in Baghdad as part of what many women see as a campaign to limit their role in public life.

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

Megan Kelly Copy Editor

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o a TV producer looking for the next hit TV show, a title like “Niqab” (which literally means “veil”), might mean that coming up with something catchy is hard to do these days. Now maybe with a few TV stars and a good theme song it could become a hit and their next meal ticket, although this Afghani TV show is not gaining popularity over scripted drama and its graphics. It features the raw and true stories from the oppressed female population of Afghanistan.

Saraya, the first woman interviewed on the TV show, told her lifetime story from behind a blue and white mask. The blue meant to be similar to the the Niqab, or veil that is apart of the Muslim hijab, the modest dress code from the Qur’an, while the white represents the woman’s innocence. For Saraya, wearing the mask was not only to protect her but to also apart of creator Sami Mahdi’s vision for the show. As he told CNN, “I was not very sure about the concept and the format, but I was very sure about the mask, you know.”

The show caught America’s attention after several major news corporations such as The Huffington Post, CNN International and CBS News posted it as front web-page news. Comments on the articles range from radical feminism to insults to the Muslim faith. Mahdi might have started The Mask project to reveal the extreme abuse that some Afghani woman endure, he has received reactions much stronger than anticipated .

Since the traumatic 9/11 attacks, many Western European Countries have gained a negative view on Islam, such as Denmark, where parliament member Søren Krarup stated in a government session in 2007, “the head scarf [has been] a totalitarian symbol comparable with totalitarian symbols we know from the Nazis and Communism,” as sourced from www.earthtimes.org.

In France and Germany, legislature has been passed banning the Hijab in public, while Christian crucifixes were a much harder symbol to band.

With a new TV show expressing the effect that this “mask” has on Muslim women in certain countries, it appears that the message being sent is that the Muslim faith is giving men an upper hand over women.

In a country where Islam is the major religion, it would be thought that Muslim traditions would be strictly enforced; though Arjuman Kamal, mother to Malden High School sophomore Arefin Mohiuddin, says otherwise. Kamal, who grew up in Bangladesh, disagrees with the stereotype on Muslim women. Translated by her son Arefin, she spoke about her practice of Islam’s hijab. “It’s really much of a tradition, it’s actually part of my religion, Islam, which dictates that all women must cover their heads. Ev-

ery women eventually does, some earlier than others. I didn’t have to be pushed to wear one, I decided to at age 14.”

The difference between countries with large “fanatical” populations such as Afghanistan, and countries such as the US, UK and Bangladesh where there is freedom of religion is that women are given a choice. Americans now see the Muslim women of Afghanistan who are forced to be the lesser part of the population as victims; and the identity of Afghani women is now being applied to Muslim women in general. Kamal commented on the newest stereotype of Muslims, “Just like every other stereotype about certain races, ones about Muslims are simply not true. [The] stereotype about husbands beating their wives is not true. There have been cases about this all over the world, yet there’s nothing that links this especially to Muslims. Nothing in our religion dictates it. ” What ever happens to “The Mask” is all up to the viewers. Maybe it will gain so much popularity that Afghanistan will see the error in its ways for allowing the abuse of wives to be such an issue that a TV show has to be made to reveal these horrors. This may make people see the difference between living in a culturally conservative country and a country where the sub culture that Jersey Shore represents is able to develop. But what this is not doing is helping the image that Islam has taken up in the past two decades; Kamal said on the topic of Muslim stereotypes that, “one thing people realize is that there are radicals from every religion, Muslims, Jews, even Christian radicals. One group shouldn’t set the tone for the rest.”

6

World news

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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Tucson Massacre Stuns Country Six people are killed and 13 critically injured in a shooting rampage targeting US Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords.

Above: Photographs of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, (D-Ariz.) and slain U.S. District Judge John M. Roll were displayed at a memorial in front of the University Medial Center in Tucson, Arizona. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/MCT). Below: President Barack Obama makes a speech honoring the victims of the Tucson, Arizona shooting rampage. (Will Seberger/MCT)

Rebecca Broomstein

Paige Yurek

Reporter

Copy Editor

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n Jan 8, 2011, United States representative Gabrielle Giffords became one of 19 victims brutally wounded during a shooting rampage outside a Safeway Supermarket in Tucson, Arizona. Six of the 19 victims were killed, while 13 of them suffered severe wounds. Six of the 13 wounded remained hospitalized in critical condition. Many citizens of Arizona gathered by the supermarket at a local “Congress on Your Corner” event to hear Giffords express her views when the brutality began. One of the victims was nine year old Christina Taylor Green, who was ironically born during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Chief federal judge of Arizona, John Roll, was also one of the six murdered.

22 year old Jared Loughner is

suspected to be the monster behind this malicious felony. When asked about his motive, Loughner had no response. Loughner is being held without bail, and faces either a death sentence or life in prison for committing five federal crimes: one count of an attempted assassination of a member of congress, two counts of killing an employee of the US and two counts of intentions of killing US employees. Although Loughner does not claim a motive for his devious actions, some claim his political views, which differ highly from those of Giffords, may have motivated the shooting.

In honor of the fallen victims during the tragedy, president Barrack Obama led a moment of silence, in which the country’s flags

A program for Christina Taylor Green’s funeral is displayed at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Thursday, January 13, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

were ordered to be lowered to half staff, on Jan 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. In his memorial speech, Obama stated, “to the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants gathered tonight, and the people of Tucson and Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today, and will stand by you tomorrow.”

Sarah Palin also made a statement about the Tucson Tragedy, saying, “Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them.” However, Palin continued with a somewhat defensive, polically-oriented statement, saying, “journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn.”

Her comments caused uproar in the public, particularly the usage of the phrase “blood libel.”

On Jan 11, 2011, Giffords took a miraculous turn in her recovery at Tucson’s University Medical Center, taking her first breath on her own since the incident. She also began moving both arms, though she is still reliant on a breathing tube, for precautionary reasons. On her third day into recovery, Giffords brain was expected to reach it’s peak in swelling, but her doctor, Dr. Michael Lemole, chief of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona, stated that her brain had made no increase in swelling. This could mean that her brain is done swelling, though Lemole says that sometimes it could

take longer for the brain to reach its peak of swelling. After Giffords’ operation that required temporarily removing half of her skull, tests have shown that she is becoming more and more responsive. For instance, when asked to hold up two fingers, Giffords was able to successfully respond as she raised two of her own fingers. In addition, according to Dr. Peter Rhee, Giffords has been reaching for her breathing tube, which is “a purposeful movement. That [is] a great thing,” he stated.

If Giffords remains absent from congress, her seat shall be declaredvacant, but only by the US house of representatives, not the state of Arizona.

Although many innocent lives were cut short because of Jared Loughner on that bloody day of horror, he has no choice but to face the extreme consequences for his heinous actions.

Booking mug of Jared Lee Loughner.

Loughner is charged with trying to assassinate U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in a shooting rampage that killed six people and wounded 14, Saturday January 8, 2011. (Courtesy Pima County Sheriffs Department/MCT)

The Blue and Gold January 2011

WORLD NEWS http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

7

Assassination of Salam Taseer Kayla Bramante Head of Special Projects

Could this be the end of democracy in Pakistan?

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he province of Punjab, Pakistan was in awe when the news hit them that their governor, Salman Taseer, was assassinated. Taseer was walking through a market in Islamabad when his body guard was caught with a gun next to Taseers’ lifeless body. When the news got out, Taseers political party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, were found in the streets of Pakistan burning objects such as tires and shouting words defending Taseer. Other PPP members were found closing businesses because they did not want to have a business day on the day their leader got assassinated.

The PPP members were in favor of the governors ideas of democracy. The PPP and the opposing group, the Pakistan Muslim League, are vying against each other for control of the government. The PML’s want Pakistans people to conserve the ideas of the Koran and uphold sharia law. With this controversy no one is certain what will succeed and what will fail, but there has been many attempts to conserve both.

Many have wondered why this bodyguard wanted to murder Taseer. It started with giving women

power and the fact that Taseer was unhappy with the “blasphemous” law to punish apostates in Islam with a death sentence.

Many are also wondering how this assassination is this going to affect the government. Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani appointed three days of mourning for the former governor and on Jan. 5, 2011 all schools and institutions were shut down.

Taseers murder will also push back the coming of rights and power of women. One woman, Aasia Bibi, converted to Christianity and was given a death sentence that Taseer opposed. As reported by time. com, a citizen of Punjab stated that “Taseer was doing the right thing, even though he should not have challenged the law. The law should decide, and he should have waited for the Lahore High Court’s decision. He should have hired a lawyer for Aasia Bibi. Where there are lots of extremists, you need to be more careful, especially if you take a bold position.”

From an editorial of the New York Times, the son of the assassinated governor, Shehrbano Taseer

stated ”TWENTYSEVEN. That’s the number of bullets a police guard fired into my father before surrendering himself with a sinister smile to the policemen around him.”

He also told that the governor was killed on his other son, Shehryars, 25th birthday.

“He was an intellectual, a newspaper publisher and a writer; he was jailed and tortured Chart shows the balance of power in the Pakistani for his belief in parliament. The second-largest party in the ruling codemocracy and alition has rejoined the it after withdrawing a few days freedom” stated earlier in response to higher gasoline prices. MCT 2011 Shehrbano Taseer.

Some people were saying that the and died for Pakistan. To honor his governors death was the last hope memory, those who share that belief of a “tolerant Pakistan.” Shehrbano in Pakistan’s future must not stay siwent on to say that the new politi- lent about injustice. We must never cans want to go on and create new be afraid of our enemies. We must amendments to be sure that the law never let them win“ Shehrbano conis not misused. “My father believed cluded. in our country’s potential. He lived

Bomb Blasts Target Copts in Egypt Natalie Fallano Copy Editor

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Coptic Christians are killed in a deadly terror plot organized by radical muslim extremists in Alexandria, Egypt.

Coptic Church in the predominately Muslim country of Egypt was targeted during a New Years mass when 21 people were killed in a suicide bombing in the northern city of Alexandria.

The bombing took place a half hour into the new year, right after the mass when the attendees were exiting. The blast was strong enough to damage cars and buildings near by, as well as detach body parts and send them flying. The bombing was the most damaging attack made on Christians in Egypt in decades which is why Egyptian cops are frightened and outraged.

Many wanted to flee the very next day.

In fact, many Copts in the United States state they left Egypt because they were discriminated against. There is only a small percentage of Christians in Egypt, ten percent, compared to 90 percent Islam.

The Copts claim that the government does nothing to address conservative Islamic prejudice in society. Most American Copts have some type of Egyptian descent because that is where the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria was

established. It broke off from the earlier Northern and western Orthodox Church due to disagreement about the nature of Jesus Christ.

When Copts come to the United States the tables turn because they enter an environment in which Christianity is the majority, comprising around 83 percent of the population, while Islam is the minority, making up less than two percent.

In the US, many Muslims supposedly feel the same way as Copts in Egypt. This is due to stereotype that all Muslims are terrorists because of events like September 11. In Egypt and the US, freedom of religion is a natural right, but being the minority causes issues because a right means nothing if it is not enforced.

At Malden High School their are several students who practice Islam, and live in a Christian majority area. Around the Christmas holidays that just passed, many feel left out.

Sophomore Asef Haider explained, “I don’t celebrate Christmas, so I feel left out when everyone’s going on about it, but I don’t mind since I understand what a craze it is for Christians.” Another Muslim, sophomore Mohammad Anwar, shared similar feelings towards Christmas

vacation, stating “I feel like I get a week off for no reason, which is great and everything, but I’m not celebrating anything.” Both claim that they don’t feel discrimination but think it’s unfair that Malden gives no Muslim holidays off. Students get Jewish and Christian holidays off, so maybe it is time for the system to acknowledge the minority as well.

In Cambridge, MA, however, the Muslims minority is starting to be recognized by school administration. Next year, the Cambridge school district plans on closing once each year to observe either Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Al-Adha because of the number St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria. Photo courtsey of students that prac- of Wikimedia.com. tice Islam. Given Malden’s robust Muslim community, ing to the list of religious holidays maybe Malden’s school system will that are already observed. soon consider following suit, add-

8

Local News

The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Community Bulletin

Monthly Profile: Beverly Nyman, English Teacher Johanna Lai Reporter

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alden High School English teacher Beverly Nyman has been teaching at MHS for 23 years.

Born and raised in Malden, Nyman attended MHS and graduated in 1965. Nyman expressed that she “didn’t know what [she] wanted to be at first,” before she became an English teacher, “because [she] wasn’t looking into it.” Her motivation to become a teacher stemmed from her father’s teaching career during her childhood.

After graduating from MHS, Nyman went to George Washington University, located in Washington D.C, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1969. A year later, Nyman attended the University of Massachusetts Boston, receiving her master’s degree in 1970.

Once Nyman received her master’s degree, she began teaching at MHS from the 1970s to the 1980s.

She later moved to Connecticut where she continued teaching at Naugatuck Valley Community College for another eight years. Nyman also worked as an exchange teacher at Te Awamutu College in New Zealand for a year during the 80s as well.

While teaching in New Zealand, Nyman stated that her experience teaching there was “different from when [she] was teaching at

MHS, [as] most of the kids came from a farming background and it was something that was important to them. They would also bring [their] cattle to school.”

She described the school further, explaining how, “all of the windows were open and the door in the classroom opened to the outdoors.”

Nyman also elaborated on the history of the Maori, revealing that “the Maori were the first people to live in New Zealand,” and that “these people made [New Zealand] different from the other countries.” Several years later, in 2001, Nyman returned to teaching at MHS where she is today.

When she is not teaching at MHS, Nyman spends her free-time Beverly Nyman smiles from her classroom. Photo by Johanna Lai. listening to music, particularly jazz, Nyman worked on the “Pathways to humans but...able to communicate and traveling. Nyman’s history of China” program, a program created with dogs.” Nyman was likely so travelling to numerous different to allow Massachusetts students the impressed by the character’s abilcountries is evidence of her fasci- chance to study Chinese culture, ity to communicate with the dogs nation with world travel. She has history, and society, with five high because of her fondness for the anitraveled to England, France, Italy, schools: MHS, Burlington High mals.

Greece, Belgium, Germany, Luxem- School, Lynn Classical High School, “Mrs. Nyman is surely a pheburg, the Netherlands, Colombia, Winchester High School and the nomenal teacher to work with!”

Mexico, Israel, Egypt, and South Beaver Country Day School. stated sophomore Teresa La. “It’s Korea, to name a few. Nyman has When not traveling or listen- definitely a joy to have her as a teachalways particularly looked forward ing to jazz, Nyman spends her time er. Everything just flows smoothly. to traveling to China. “I’ve always reading. Her favorite books include I’m always looking forward to her wanted to go to China, since I was “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by class because she makes English 8 years old, because of a project that David Wroblewski and “Herzog” entertaining.” Sophomore Elizabeth I was working on at the time,” Ny- by Saul Bellow. Nyman described Fitzgerald also spoke fondly of Nyman cheerfully explained. Nyman “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” as an man as she claimed, “I would have was finally able to go to China (as amazing book because of the story- to say that Ms. Nyman is an overall well as Tibet) with a teacher group line being “about a young boy who great teacher. Her personality makes back in 2005. A couple years later, wasn’t able to communicate with her class more fun.”

The Blue and Gold January 2011

Local News http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

9

Self-Expression of Graffiti, Art or Menace?

Joel Stevenson Reporter

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he art of drawing is to see beyond the mere lines drawn and colors blended and to take in the picture as a whole. But while art is about perception, where does the line cross from expression to vandalization?

“I feel that graffiti is a way to express emotions through art, albeit it’s sometimes unwanted,” asserted junior Harris Zhao. At Malden High School, students as well as faculty have to pay the price for crimes of vandalization. Graffiti has affected so many individuals within the walls of MHS alone. It has caused students to miss more class time when leaving to use the restroom or water fountain as there are few available, what with so many being closed due to unwanted tagging.

As renovations are coming to a close, the demand to reduce graffiti is even more of a priority, expressed Spanish teacher Sharon Kalagher, “Not just on the walls and the hallways, but in the agenda books; I think it just comes down to having respect.” With fewer and fewer bathrooms to go to in between classes, students are tending to show up later.

Students are also growing frustrated with the seemingly constant changing of open bathroom locations, suggested sophomore Valentine Banor, who finds it “annoying to know that there is never a certain bathroom to go to.”

So, what realistic solution exists to eliminate graffiti as a problem within MHS? Searching every student for tagging materials? How about creating places for those whose ideas are too large for canvases where they are able to fully express themselves. The city of Malden has been thinking about this for a while, and considered having a project in the skate park for graffiti artists to come together and work on something, but it has yet to happen, according to Officer Mike Polston.

Becoming an artist is hard enough with the challenge of finding support and acceptance of that craft. With so many other obscure art forms, it is unexpected to think that graffiti is not really considered as one. If an artist is someone who creates art, why are graffiti artists treated so differently?

Graffiti might not be an art form that hangs upon the walls of a museum, but just like any other art, it has a purpose.

“It does nothing bad to the city and its people; it shows that the city has character with different designs,” stated junior John Nguyen.

With so many people not seeing the art behind graffiti but instead only recognizing the destruction caused by graffiti, ideas about finding ways to reduce this defacement of property and find solutions to help individuals express their art differently are shot down, as so many believe this art form should not exist at all.

Yet, one must take into consideration the perspectives of the artists. In response to this situation, junior Jonathan Silva sarcastically expressed, “Where are we to express ourselves, under a bridge?”

Malden High Tries Something New Timothee Pierre Reporter

The H-B-house hallwayin the wake of the renovations of Malden High School.

Photos by Lauren Benoit and Timothee Pierre.

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ounded in 1857, it is no surprise that Malden High School can use a bit of revamping in terms of its technology and design throughout the building. Early in the school year when the renovations began, both students and teachers were very excited about the new school to come, but did not anticipate paying a price for the construction underway Initially, A-House and B-House experienced the worst of the construction that was going on during the school day, as there was loud drilling, hammering, and many other noises that were a bit disrupting. Students complained for days on in about the noise, and how it was distracting to their work in the classroom. MHS freshman Anthony Clayton responded when asked if the construction has become a problem during the day, saying, “When I am doing my work in class I hear [the] sounds of them working and it distracts [me while I] do my schoolwork.” The construction and workers do sometimes get in the way throughout the halls or when one is trying to get to lunch as there are several temporary walls and locked doors that block access to different areas of the school.

Freshman Malik Fleming frustratingly stated “Construction gets in the way …why are they locking the doors and bathrooms? It does not make sense…. It blocks all of my classes”. The maze that MHS has become also affects students through their way of maneuvering through different stairwells as one of the B-House stairwells is no longer accessible, causing there to be a great amount of traffic in the other B-House stairwell, particularly when students flood out of classrooms to head to lunch. “When the stair cases are closed, and lunch begins, the stairs get very crowded and the only staircase that leads you straight to lunch is filled to the brim of student and it hard to get through,” responded Clayton.

Along with these changes, what was known as A-House is now H-House for Holland. MHS freshman Kelvin Tejeda, was one of the many that stated the feeling of confusion with the change of A-House to becoming H-House. With the new wing open, students had to find their ways to their new classrooms, such as Biology and Health.

Ramses Elyjah Neves Riviere, freshman at MHS stated, “I [kind of] liked the move because B-House is so dark and creepy, but the new rooms

actually have light.” Other MHS students expressed their content for the results of the renovations so far, all finding them to be great changes despite the disruption that it may cause during classes.

Although students have struggled with the new layout, construction is expected to be finished by no later than fall of 2011. Over the course of the remaining school year, science rooms will be renovated as well as the cafeterias. Along with these two main projects, other areas of the Boyle Building will be updated as well.

“The final phase will be the library and the cafeterias,” stated Principal Dana Brown. When students heard of the construction being finished they rejoiced with happiness. “… we are nearing [the] final phase,[and] it’s appears we are[currently] in the biggest phase,” Dana Brown stated. With rising anticipation and excitement, students and faculty look forward to being welcomed by the new MHS next year.

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Local News

The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

MALDEN HIGH TAKES ON

Lesley Ta Reporter

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011 has finally rolled around, meaning Poetry Out Loud has arrived once again at Malden High School. During the pre-competition, muffled voices echoed from inside the newly renovated classrooms.

Peek inside, and there would’ve been a POL competitor reciting their poem with the emotions it needs to bring the words alive.

POL is a poetry recitation contest that every student is required to participate in. Launched in 2006, this unique challenge is available once during each school year.

Classmates will be pitted against each other as they aim to win their individual class competitions in hopes to compete in the schoolwide contest. Whether the student desires the title of “Class Winner” or not, he must select a poem of his choice to narrate and winners are chosen from every class to move to the Period semifinals.

There were about 60 students competing for the name of Period Semifinal Champion. Each Period contributed one winner to compete in the school-wide Competition.

The Period Semifinal Competition began with Periods seven, one, two, four, and five on Jan. 5th, 2011.

Periods three and six sealed the final results of the contestants the next day on Jan. 6.

Although only seven students moved onto the final round, Sophomore Kevin Yang (who did not move on to the school wide competition) stated that being a part of the

60 students who competed was “a process”.

In a fresh turn of events, the Period six competition resulted in a tie between Freshman Isaiah Clemmons and Senior Vanesha Darla.

Both captured an equal score and will now face each other in the final round on January 25.

“Well I was not surprised nor was I upset. I was just happy to move on,” discloses Darla who performed “Father” by Edgar Albert Guest. “I [didn’t] mind because I [know] that in the end [there] will only be one winner and it[’s] great to have some good competition[.] [It] makes you work harder.”

“I feel very surprised [because] the competition was very competitive. Honestly, beating Blondel was questionable. I’ve been asking myself ‘how, ‘why’ etc,” stated Clemons who recited “Football” by Louis Jenkins.

Period one’s winning poem was “Broken Promises” by David Kirby. Artfully recited by Junior Sarah Rose, she declared that in “Broken Promises”, “the speaker struggles with the guilt and frustration [he] feels towards promises [he] had broken in the past. I think a lot of people can relate to this situation because almost everyone has made promises [he] were not able to keep and regretted it later on.” Now confident and hopeful, Rose stated “I am proud to say that I have made it this far, and POL has definitely been an enjoyable experience.”

Junior Jonathan Silva took the title of period two semifinalist with the poem “Grandfather” by Micheal

S. Harper. Silva revealed that he was “... very [surprised at the results] and [had the confidence to move on] with the help of my English teacher, David Londino. I feel very confident to move on to at least states.” Silva added confidently, “I didn’t expect to win but it has boosted my self[esteem] tremendously and it’s nice to have a class directed on me when I’m not the greatest in English.”

The poem “Epitaph” by Katherine Philips aided junior Anielly Zeferino in her quest to take home the title of period three semifinalist. Undaunted by her loss in the semifinals last year, Zeferino claims “Since this year I didn’t care if I lost or won, I just picked this poem... It talks about a mother mourning for her dead child, and I could relate a little bit to it since I have already seen something similar with my own eyes. It’s heart-breaking.”

Upon hearing her success this year, Zeferino stated, “I would like to thank: God, my family, and all my friends who were with me during the times I was about to freak out, just thinking about [POL].”

“I was absolutely thrilled [that freshman Ahn Dam won period 4,]” explained English teacher Christine Day. “It always feels good that one of your students succeeds...especially because she is a freshman.”

Dam performed “Life in a love” by Robert Browning.

Freshman Wyler Giordani will be advancing to the school wide competition flanked by the poem “Alone” by Edgar Allan Poe. With his achievement of acclaiming the title of Period 5 Semifinalist, he

stated “win or lose, I’m glad I made it this far, and wish to do better next year.” A rapper since nine, Giordani doesn’t consider POL as remembering words, but regards it as, “embracing one’s true character by bringing those words to life. Putting poetry into your heart doesn’t mean you show affection, putting your heart into poetry does.” He added with a laugh, “[Edgar Allan Poe’s] view towards life is mysterious and so I chose that poem because it brings out my true character, I suppose.”

Senior Alison Nguyen, last year’s second place finalist in the school wide competition, has returned as period seven’s semifinalist. Her victory was confirmed with the poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman. Nguyen expressed positively “I wanted to do this poem because I had never done anything somber or solemn and because it provided me with another view on life and glory. I enjoy crafting ways and gestures that help convey the true meanings of each poem that I perform.” She added with a laugh “ Ever since I won last year, people have begun to realize that I’m not just the stereotypical ‘petite, quiet Asian’ girl. This competition has given me a louder ‘voice’..”

The question is: Which one of these talented students will win?

Photos by Amanda Rosatone, Cristina Peters, Sharon Lee, Catherine Poirier, Lauren Benoit and Lesley Ta. Layout and Design by Britany Foley and Lesley Ta.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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LOCAL news http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Keeping traditions alive Sharon Lee Head of Photography

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t was a night of tradition for the Malden High School Music Department as it presented its annual holiday concert, Malden Pops the Holidays, on Dec. 22, 2010, for the first time in the renovated Jenkins Auditorium.

Welcoming the audience as they stepped foot into the lobby was a flute quintet consisting of flautists junior and concert band treasurer Eric Tran, senior and concert band student conductor Jenna Delaney, junior Elizabeth Williams, senior Julie Ringdahl, and senior concert band vice-president Samantha Saggese.

Both the Concert Band and Choral Arts Society performed a total of 20 songs, four of which were traditional pieces that are annually performed.

The four pieces were “A Canadian Brass Christmas Suite” and “Channukah is Here,” performed by the Concert Band, “Silent Night” sung by the Concert Choir, and “O, Holy Night” sung by Concert Choir along with all alumni of the Choral Arts Society who were present. The song “Silent Night” was performed with the customary layout consisting of several members of the concert choir to be up on stage as the oth-

ers lined up along the two main aisles of auditorium seats. This was a typical routine the Concert Choir does annually, except for the 2009’s concert; due to renovations, it was held in the Finn Gymnasium. Being held in the auditorium this year also allowed the band to work with better acoustics, which concert band conductor Matthew Tavares calls “state-of-the-art.”

This year’s song selection for the Concert Band was a classic yet professional approach, which was greatly influenced by the highly acclaimed Boston Pops. The idea of including the reading of the story, The Night Before Christmas, as the band played “Sure on this Shining Night/ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”

by Barber/Saucedo was based off one of the Boston Pop’s annual traditions.

Meanwhile, for the Concert Choir, song selection was based mostly on the size of each choir. With 18 Madrigal Singers, 78 members of Concert Choir, and 100 members of Mixed Chorus, there is a strong backbone within each of the four sections: alto, soprano, tenor, and bass. This creates confidence within a section since the singers are supported by each other and it allows them to be able to perform different types of choral literature.

The Cost of Going Green Lauren Benoit Head of Photography

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ecently, the idea to “Go Green” is overcoming the nation.

Schools are being renovated to conserve energy, the number of solar panels being installed has increased, and the awareness has risen.

Malden High School’s Environmental Club aims to raise this awareness on a local level. At MHS, the club is involved in strategically placing recycling bins in certain areas around the school, so that students can recycle more often. The city of Malden started acting on this problem back in October of 2008, making the residents of Malden purchase separate blue trash bags to dispose of their trash, and place all their recyclables in their newly obtained recycling bins, calling it the Pay As You Throw program. Select super markets are giving out benefits to customers if they bring their own tote bags; for example, some stores take ten cents off for every bag you bring. All these acts towards becoming more green help the community grow and prosper. However, it is often difficult to monitor how well these regulations are followed.

Some residents in Malden have been infuriated recently due to the lack of commitment in recycling. A witness reported that when she was driving by a trash truck one day, the

workers disposed of the trash and recyclables in the same truck. There was no separation between the two. Actions like that go against the recycling commitment that the community has.

Maybe in the two and a half years that PAYT has been enacted, it lost its power to encourage the community to keep moving forward with making the world a better place. Many are strong advocates towards one day using all recyclable goods, or decreasing the amount of oil usage.

But there are some who feel strongly about not “going green.”

Some say that coal fuels economic growth. There is a great deal of people in the world who still rely on coal for use in their daily lives, which brings in massive amounts of money. If there is a decrease in the use of coal then the economy will likely plummet as it has in the past.

Aside from the plummeting economy, the non-believers are positive that even if they do decide to make an effort to live “greener” lives, it does not come cheap.

Although the average middle class income family cannot withstand a $10,000 solar panel renovation to their home, select celebrities

are attempting to make the biggest impact they can. Hollywood A-Lister Leonardo DiCaprio back in 2007 purchased a unit in New York City that overlooks the Hudson River.

This home is not like any other of his. His apartment has a 24-hour air filtering system, water treatment facility, rotating solar panels, and is finished off with low emission paint. This is not DiCaprio’s first effort to go green. He has also served on the board of directors of the environmental organization Global Green USA. Back across on the west coast, he also owns a hybrid car, and installed solar panels in his Los Angles abode. Also in 2007, he released The 11th Hour, a documentary that stresses the importance of living in

Filling the auditorium with holiday spirit was done not just by decorating the auditorium with colorful and festive décor but most importantly by presenting MHS’s talent.

From left to right: Sophomore Joshua Gaviola, singing as King Balthazar in the song “The Sheperds’ Chorus.”

Band director Matthew Tavares on stage after the MHS band played.

Photos by Sharon Lee.

Everyone should help make the world a better place to live in. Help local clubs in this effort to make the world a “greener” place to live. Left to right Photos from: Paynow.org and Purdue.edu.

an all natural world. DiCaprio is not the only one making strides towards making the world greener.

From the west coast to the east coast people are coming together in order to do what is know as the “three r’s,” reduce, reuse, and recycle. The documentaries from Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth and The 11th Hour raised awareness and lit the flame for the nation wide outreach to help end global warming, and make an effort to “go green”.

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LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold January 2011

The Posse http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

3,148 public high school students have continuously been recruited and trained since 1989 by the Posse Foundation. With each chosen student comes remarkable academic and leadership potential to become Posse Scholars. Each receives a four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarship from Posse’s partner institutions of higher education. 38 of the USA’s top colleges and universities have donated $334 million in leadership scholarships to Posse Scholars. An astonishing 90 percent of Posse scholars graduate and make differences on campuses and throughout their professional careers. This year, four fortunate Malden High School seniors have received this incredible opportunity to pursue their future careers.

Ana Duque-Chilin

Brandi Belbin Haley DeFilippis

Haley DeFilippis

Copy Editor

Copy Editor

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alden High School senior Ana Duque-Chilin has been one of the lucky four to win a Posse Scholarship this year. When Duque-Chilin found out she would be attending Bucknell University in Pennsylvania next fall, the first thing that came to her mind was “this really is the land of opportunities and I finally got mine.”

Although at times it was an emotional roller coaster for DuqueChilin, she found her own strength through this experience. What was most difficult for her was the interview process. She explained that she was apprehensive about showing the Posse interviewers and admissions people who she truly was and making a good impression to prove how badly she wanted the scholarship.

At Bucknell University next fall, Duque-Chilin is preparing to major in Chemical Engineering.

Despite often struggling with what she wants to do with the rest of her life, Duque-Chilin feels content in her decision because she “had the chance to attend a seminar about

women in engineering, and that really caught [her] attention.”

Duque-Chilin expressed her enthusiasm and joy for going away to college. She feels that because she is already away from her family who lives in Guatemala, moving away from her home now will not be as much of a stretch. She is eager to live on her own to “grow independently, as a responsible citizen.” Despite that her parents are not fans of her moving so far away, they provide her with their trust and support.

Duque-Chilin is most looking forward to the campus experience right now, “I am dying to find out how it feels to be on a campus and say ‘I go here’.” She is excited to get involved in activities and classes, as well as meeting new people.

Ultimately, Duque-Chilin hopes her education at Bucknell University will see that they have opportunities to be successful as well. She also plans on giving back by helping people here in Malden or even in her home country of Guatemala someday.

Malden High School senior Brandi Belbin has been selected as one of four of this year’s Posse Scholarship winners. The same night of her interview was the night she found out where her future would take her: Denison University in Ohio.

Belbin exclaimed that when she truly realized she had won Posse, “there was an overwhelming feeling of relief and accomplishment that came across [her].” Belbin said that the most difficult part of the Posse process for her was actually deciding whether or not she wanted to commit to it and move so far from home.

At Denison University in the fall, she plans on majoring in psychology. Belbin has hopes on becoming a social worker. She stated she has “always wanted to know about how the mind works and have a career working with people.”

Belbin’s family has stayed extremely supportive of her throughout her decisions. They are excited that she gets to experience life away from home, exploring outside of

Massachusetts, and making her more independent. “Of course my parents are worried and will miss me, but they know that in order for me to learn and develop into an even stronger, more independent person, that this is the best decision for me,” Belbin explained. She is personally excited to stray away from the Boston area and meet new people.

Although Belbin is excited to get going with her life, she explained that she wants to travel and see the world or volunteer as a Summer Search mentor for a couple of years before she really settles into a career.

From left to right: Senior Ana Duque-Chilin will be attending Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.

Senior Brandi Belbin will be attending Denison University in Ohio.

Senior Joshua Jerome will be attending Centre College in Kentucky.

Senior Xi Gao will be attending Union College in New York.

Photos by Brittany McFeeley, Haley DeFilippis, and Nidale Zouhir.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

13

LOCAL news

Foundation http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Joshua Jerome

Xi Gao

Brittany McFeeley Head Copy Editor

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ith the college process finally out of the way, senior and Posse Scholarship winner Joshua Jerome will be attending Centre College in Danville, Kentucky in the fall on a full scholarship.

When Jerome discovered that he won, he stated he was at “a loss for words” and, most of all, relieved. He jokingly explained that after his final interview, he was told he would receive a phone call with the life-changing news of his results, and while sitting at home he had gotten a bloody nose just before the phone call. As he was on the phone with tissues in his face, he had received the thrilling news of his acceptance, but chuckled when he explained, “I tried to act excited, but it was hard because of the paper in my face.”

The Posse process for Jerome was “enjoyable,” he said, commenting that he finally got to “show others who [he was].” But what was really difficult was waiting.

Jerome was constantly questioning, “Was I good enough? Was I outgoing enough?” Soon enough, all the waiting and all the questioning finally paid off when he found out that he had won.

Jerome is excited about the opportunities that Centre College will provide him. He is looking forward to the “new change of scenery” and being able to “experience a new part of the country.” When he starts his college career he plans on majoring in Psychology to learn about how the mind works, and minor in Philosophy. After undergraduate school he hopes to go to law school, where he later mentioned that he wants to “go into politics.”

Jerome was also tossing around the idea of become involved in sports at Centre College. A big sports fan, Jerome enjoys played street football with his friends and

just recently got into soccer because his dad was always a big fan.

Despite the great opportunities this college will bring to him, Jerome stated that going to a college so far away from home is “tough.”

Jerome was born in Boston, then moved to Cambridge, Florida, and Randolph, before coming to Malden in early middle school. Jerome commented that “[Malden is] all I’ve ever known.” His family is also sad to see him go, explaining that when he was younger his parents would always tell him to go to college nearby, but now under the circumstances they are extremely proud at the opportunities available to Jerome, because “education is a big priority in [his] family.”

Jerome stated that he will miss his friends the most about leaving, but later mentioning that he will “miss everyone equally.” He mentioned how he will also miss staying after school with one of his favorite teachers, James Valente and his close friends, sometimes even staying till six just talking. Valente’s media class was one of Jerome’s favorite classes at MHS, explaining how he loved to “analyze media” because it is “really interesting.”

When asked about his favorite teacher, Jerome was unable to mention just one, but instead listed off a handful of teachers, such as English teacher Jennifer Clapp, Spanish teacher Mar Marjomaa, The Blue and Gold Advisor and Jerome’s English teacher Ryan Gallagher, former history teacher Rebecca Johnson, history teachers Ben Max, Rick Tivnan, Ann Pember, and Jamie Green, media teacher Valente, and science teachers Brian Morrison and Martin Berryman.

Despite the numerous people Jerome will miss, he will have numerous opportunities available to him while he starts anew at Centre.

Brittany McFeeley Head Copy Editor

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xcitement consumed senior and Posse Scholarship winner Xi Gao when she received the “unexpected” call just only an hour after her final interview, informing Gao of her acceptance to Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Nominated by teachers at Malden High School and the Summer Search program, Gao “ultimately made the decision to stay in Posse because of the friends that [she] will make who will provide constant support and the resources to internships/opportunities that Posse provides.”

Gao looks forward to the new opportunities that Union College will provide her with. Gao stated she “[looks] forward to making a fresh start, new people, new classes, new environment. [She loves] the opportunity to try new things and correct the mistakes [she has] made in high school. Also, [she looks] forward to classes like political science that are not offered in high school.”

Currently undecided on a major, Gao looks forward to taking political science and science classes at college, and she “definitely wanted to choose a liberal arts college to explore the many subjects,” making Union College a perfect fit for her.

Since Gao is only three hours away from home, she commented that should would not have to fly. Yet living in New York will allow her to “enter a new and different environment.”

Her parents have become used to “the idea of not having [Gao] around,” since, due to her involvement with Summer Search, she has spent summers in places such as North Carolina and even Peru.

Even though her parents will miss

her dearly, “they just want [her to] succeed in school.”

Gao mentioned that two of her favorite class in high school were tenth grade English class, taught

by Yahaira Marquez, and calculus, taught by former math teacher Christine Nagle. Gao commented of Marquez’s impact on her high school career, stating that Marquez “really taught how to write and changed my perspective of English class. Without her I would not have challenged myself to take AP English classes.” Gao also loved Nagle and her class, commenting that Nagle “was an awesome teacher.”

Gao enjoyed the way Nagle taught classes because “she did not believe in memorization and taught in a way that was easy to understand.

Moreover, she was always available to help, even on weekends.”

Leaving in less than six months, Gao mentioned that she will miss “the diversity and faculty at MHS. It’s hard to find a school as diverse yet accepting as Malden High. I will definitely miss the teachers. They have helped and supported me through everything.” However, Gao mentioned that she will not miss the behavior of high school students, hoping “college students will [be] more mature than high school students.”

Gao mentioned how she prefers “the outdoors and would rather choose to go hiking than shopping,” adding that she hopes that Union College’s beautiful campus will hopefully allow her to “enjoy the outdoors more.”

With such a rewarding opportunity in store for Gao, she is looking to have a fresh new start at Union College in New York.

14

LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Progressive Colby Sawyer is a college that selects and offers scholarships to students from high schools in California; New York; Chicago; Cambridge; and now from Malden High School. Generally, every year a total of 50 students from these five places apply for the Colby Sawyer Scholarship. From there, a total of 20 students are selected from the 50 that apply. After a series of events, including an interview, a visit and an applica-

Phedorah Rosiclair any school seemed like a great idea to me. I just got lucky because I ended up liking Colby Sawyer, especially the dorm rooms and the landscape – there are beautiful mountains and hills. And all the people I spoke with about the school said only good things. I also spoke with students during campus visits and I enjoyed what they had to say.

Kaela Bryan Reporter

Najwan Ismail Kristen Leonard

am really happy to win the scholarship.

Reporter

Q: What did you write about in your essay that you had to write for the scholarship?

A: I wrote about what I faced back in my country Iraq, and how bad it was to live in a war zone. Also, how it felt when you live without hope. In addition, I wrote about my dreams for the future.

Q:Do you plan to attend Colby Sawyer now?

A: Yes.

Q:What do you hope to achieve in college?

A: Independence and confidence that will encourage me to peruse the career I hope for.

Skills that I will able to apply to my life. Grades that will help enable me to achieve my second dream.

Q: Do you know what you plan to major or minor in?

A: I’m undecided. Maybe the medical field or maybe I’ll go into the humanities.

Q: What does this scholarship mean to you?

A: It’s very exciting. I can’t believe I’m actually going to college. Winning this shows how much I’ve really grown up.

I’m about to move out of my house and continue on my own.

Q: What did you go through to win?

A: An interview, a visit and a lunch with the admissions officers. [I] got to know them, and they got to know [me].

I had to like Colby Sawyer as much as I wanted Colby Sawyer to like me.

Q: What does it feel like to win something like this? Are you happy with the results?

A: I’m very happy and excited. I’m not usually the person who wins things. This is the first big thing I’ve won in my life, and it applies greatly to my future.

Q: What drew you to Colby Sawyer in the first place? What do you like most about it?

A: I like everything about it. The scholarship drew me to it first, though. I had no idea about Winning money to attend

Q: Are there any subjects in school now that strike your fancy?

A: History and science are my favorite subjects. I really like to apply history and science to life, and I like to help people.

That’s why I’m thinking about going into medicine or the humanities.

Q: If you could go back and redo this process, would you change anything?

Why or why not?

A: I wouldn’t change anything because I won. I think I did the best I could.

Q: Is there anyone who is proud of you for this success?

A: Yes. My younger sister is proud. And my parents are, too.

Q: How old is your younger sister? What did she say when she found out you won?

A: She’s 14, and she was very happy for me. She said, “Oh my goodness!” I think my winning inspired her. She has proof that if she works hard, like I did, she can probably get a scholarship too.

Q: Do you feel any different now that you’ve won the scholarship?

A: This scholarship has expanded my horizons. I feel more hopeful about the future now.

Alfonse Femino Patial-Scholarship Winner “I hope to make a lot of friends, learn a lot of things and see a lot of places”, states Colby-Sawyer Progressive Scholarship winner Alfonse Femino when asked about his hopes for college. Femino would like to major in Education or Communication and also states that he’s looking forward to “starting over.” “I felt disappointed that I didn’t win the full scholarship, but I felt privileged to be awarded so much money from such a prestigious institution.” When the people in his life found out he won the partial scholarship “both [his] parents were extremely proud of [him] and [his] friends were happy for [him].”

Q: What do you want to major in?

Biology. I have dreamt to be a doctor.

Q: What/ Who inspired you to apply for the scholarship?

A: During my senior year, I heard from my guidance counselor about ColbySawyer college. My friend Tenzin Tesphel explained more about it.

I went to visit the college and I liked it so much. I applied for it, but I didn’t get it because the of limitations of my English. The admission asked me to study one more year of English and apply again.

In 2010, I graduated from MHS and I went to Bunker Hill Community College to study there; I’m still studying at BHCC now. At the same time I kept thinking about Colby-Sawyer, because I felt in the time that I visited the campus that I belonged to that place and I could find my dream in it.

Q:Have you applied to any other scholarships?

A: I didn’t apply for any scholarship except Colby-Sawyer.

Q:Was the application process difficult?

A: I wasn’t that hard, but the idea was new for me because it was online.

The good thing was almost same requested information and I got good help from Mrs. O’Connor.

Q:How do you feel about winning the scholarship?

A: It means a lot for me and my family, especially since I will be the first person in my family to enter college in the US. I

Q:Did you apply to any other colleges, if so which ones?

A: The only college that I applied to is Colby-Sawyer. I’m studying right now at BHCC. Q:What are you looking forward to in college?

A: I am so excited for college. Although it’s still almost one year away, I feel like I’m going next semester. I’m ready to get to Colby-Sawyer College and be more responsible.

Q:How did the people in your life react when you won the scholarship?

A: I remember the time when they called me and told me about my acceptance. I couldn’t say “Thanks” to the person who spoke to me. I wanted to finish the call fast and tell my parents about it. It was a really happy moment for them. Mom started to cry and, because she knows how much it mean to me to be there.

Dad hugged me so hard. I felt they got happy more than me. I won’t forget their happiness that time.

I want to thank the people who helped me win the scholarship: Ms. Doumant, Ms Han, Ms Commin and also thanks to my teacher before and my great friend now Daniel Ginsberg. He is great person, helped me through high school and also through my personal life.

Alternative-Scholarship Winners include: Tricia Aspilaire, Ted Registre Partial-Scholarship Winners: Charles Saint Jean, Chokyab Sherab, Alfonse Femino, Thupten Jigme, Xiuying Zheng

The Blue and Gold January 2011

15

local news http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Scholarship

tion, winners, partial-scholarship winners, and alternates are chosen. Colby Sawyer looks for students who have done well academically, who are involved in their communities, who are out-going and who are motivated.

Colby Sawyer looks for people who are, according to Ms. O’Connor, C House guidance counselor, “going to be a source of positive change at Colby Sawyer.”

Rym Soltani Q:Why do you want to work in a financial district?

A: I took business management class my sophomore year and I had the chance to work on a business plan. That made me realizes that it’s a field that I am really interested in.

Vicki Ngan Reporter

Q:How do you feel about winning the Colby Sawyer award?

A: I feel excited and overwhelmed with joy, and I look forward to attending college next fall.

Q:Why did you participate? What motivated you?

A: When I first visited the campus last year, I loved the environment and the people surrounding it. I loved how the administration office wasn’t just about numbers but they actually took the time to get to know me.

Q:Was the application process difficult?

A: The application process is not difficult but it’s stressful. The due dates, sending SAT scores, writing a good college essay, and finding the right teachers to write you the letters of recommendations…takes time, but organization and time management could relief some of the stress.

Q:What do you plan to major in?

A: I plan to be a business major and in the future, to work in a financial district.

ShanShan Chen

Rebecca Broomstein

Q: How did you prepare for the application? Could you explain the process?

A: I fixed my essay in about two months. I also finished the common app. and begin to look for college s that I would want to attend.

Reporter

Q:What was that experience, or change?

A: I moved from Algeria to the United States and I had to start over. I had to learn English and adapt to change. My parents decided to move me and my sisters here for better education opportunities.

Q: Do you plan on accepting the scholarship, and attending Colby-Sawyer college?

A: Yes, I do plan on accepting the scholarship and attending Colby-Sawyer school, along with the other winners who won this year.

Q: How did you feel about it?

A: I was just a kid and moving here confused me at the time.The move here was a big deal for me and it was hard for me to understand the reasons behind it, but now it makes more sense. It wasn’t easy but working hard helped me accomplish my goals, which are to earn a college education and build a career.

Q: What do you plan on majoring in?

Any minors?

A: I plan on majoring in Nursing, and currently, my minor is undecided.

Q: What is something you miss most in Algeria?

A: One thing I miss most is my childhood friends.

Q:What do you hope to achieve through opportunity?

A: I would like to pursue an education and planned to get involved in clubs, take leadership roles, be part of the community, and have a fun college experience.

Q:Is there anything else you want to say about it?

A: I want to thank all my teachers and guidance counselors for their help and their belief in me. I couldn’t have done it without their guidance...and help from my teachers, Mr. Valente and Ms. Santiago helped me proofread my essays, Mr. Bowers and Ms. Nims wrote my letters of recommendation, and the college career center along with Ms. O’Connor and Ms. Lessard guided me throughout the process with deadlines.

Shannon Howe Partial Scholarship Winner Winning a partial in the Colby Sawyer Scholarship Shannon Howe explains that, “[she] did work hard and even though [she] didn’t win the Scholarship it was a great learning experience. Howe has applied to many other collages and is “very thankful for all the teachers that helped [her].” The Colby Sawyer application process was,” very time consuming and required a lot of attention,” explained Howe. An essay was also to be handed in with the application and Howe explains that she chose to wrote about her neighbor who is living with Down syndrome and how that gave her,’ an appreciation for people with special needs.”

Q: What/who inspired you to apply for the Colby-Sawyer Progressive Scholarship?

A: My friend inspired me to apply for the scholarship.

Q: What was your initial reaction when you were informed that you had won?

A: I could not tell. It was complicated.

Q: Which one(s) of your teachers helped you accomplish winning this scholarship most?

A: Ms. Dumont, Mr. Dibenedetto, Ms. Nyman, Ms. O’Connor and Ms. Lessard are the teachers that most helped me accomplish winning the scholarship the most.

Q: What are your favorite subjects?

Do you have one, in particular, that you enjoy most?

A: Math is my favorite class. I enjoy it the most out of all my other classes.

Q: Do you take part any extracurricular activities such as sports/clubs/etc.?

A: I take part in a few clubs such as the Biology Club, the Yoga Club and Chess Club.

Q: Is there any word of advice you would give to another student who plans on applying for a scholarship in the future?

A: I would like to suggest that prepare well for the interview and finish the application on time, so that you have the best chance possible to win the scholarship.

Smeedhley Batraville Patrial-Scholarship Winner

“I wanted to win the scholarship because I needed it, and to avoid leaving my parents with a lot of debt. It always feels good to win something, but it feels better to win something big like this. I can’t be unhappy with the partial that I got because a lot of people would be happy to get even half of mine. I am only a little disappointed because I wish I had it all.”

Claude-Patrick Aspilaire Partial Scholarship Winner “I feel great knowing that I won the scholarship. It was also a relief for me knowing that the scholarship took away part of the money I needed to come up with to pay for college,” states partial ColbySawyer Scholarship winner Claude-Patrick Aspilaire. Aspilaire was inspired to apply for this scholarship by his friend who applied for it last year. Most seniors are looking foward to college next fall.

Aspilaire is looking foward to a “place where [he] could study and [it] feel[s] like home. A place where [he] could be respected for not only what [he] know[s], but also for who [he is] and [his] actions.”

He wants to to major in Engineering to be a Computer Engineer and also in Law to be a Forensics Lawyer. Aspilaire hopes to get his Bachelor degree and his PHD.

16

Local news http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

The Blue and Gold January 2011

The Blue and Gold January 2011 Lauren Benoit

Travel http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

17

Head of Photography The first weekend of the new year is a much anticipated time by skiers and snowboarders who are looking forward to some action in the mountains. Who could not be excited for the weekend ski trip to Sunday River in Bethel, Maine hosted by The Peabody High School Ski and Adventure Club, in which the Malden High School Ski/ Adventure Club takes part in?

Friday, Jan. 7, 2011

Today, all 27 students who are going on the trip must get up at least a half hour earlier, just to lug their gear and luggage to the athletic department. I have one big ice hockey bag, one small duffel bag full of all kinds of junk food, and my backpack carrying all the books that will not get cracked open until we arrive back in Malden on Sunday night. Leading up to our 1:30 p.m. departure, I kept counting down the hours to the trip. I could not concentrate on the lessons being taught in any of my classes. I was looking forward to this trip since the previous year! But once 1:30 p.m. did come I went downstairs and got my luggage and loaded it onto the bus.

Once the bus had everyone’s luggage packed in, we were on our way to Peabody High. When we arrived, we had to wait until all 150 students packed their stuff onto the designated buses. At about 2:45 p.m., we departed from Peabody High and started making our way to Maine. The bus ride up was filled with conversation about the upcoming trip. Dinner for Schmucks, as well as other movies, were shown on the ride up. At about 8:30 p.m. we finally arrived at the Snow Cap Dorms which we were staying in for the weekend.

After going over the basic rules, the students who needed to rent skis or a board went over to the mountain to get them, while the others stayed in their rooms and unpacked. Luckily I brought my own equipment, so I could stay and hang out for a while. When everyone got back from renting their equipment fun started. From playing Apples to Apples and Just Dance 2 on the Wii to listening to music and playing frisbee with bagels, there was never a dull moment. Once 11:30 p.m. approached, we were told it was time to simmer down and start getting ready for the full day of skiing the next day. But the 11:45 p.m. curfew did not halt any activities.

Within the rooms, the roommates still were up too excited to sleep, MHS junior Eric Tran takes a short break to rest on a slope. Photo by Dan Holanxiously awaiting the next day. mqvist.

Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011

Waking up at 7 a.m. was a tough challenge for the students on this trip, but we all dragged ourselves out of bed, motivated by the prospect of going to the mountain located just an hour away. After breakfast, my roommates and I needed to go back into our room and get dressed up to go on the mountain.

There were a total of eight girls in my room, so getting ready was a long process. We were one of the last groups to exit the dorm, and we caught the last bus to the mountain that day. We arrived at around 9:30 a.m. and our day began. After putting our shoes and valuables into our locker, we made our way over to the ski lift. The first run was perfect, and the conditions were fantastic. The trails were not icy, the sun was out, barely any wind, and all seven mountain peaks were open. Because of our early starting day, I was hungry for lunch, which started at around 11:30 a.m. The group that I was with met with other MHS students after settling down for lunch. While eating, everyone was sharing their stories of the day so far. I heard many stories about people falling, or going off jumps, or skiing on black diamonds during that lunch. At about 12:30 p.m., everyone went out to the mountain again for round two. The second half of the day was just as much fun as the first half, if not better. I went over to all sides of the mountains. When 3:30 p.m. came, it was about time to start heading back to the dorms. So I finished my final run, and caught the trolley back. Luckily the dorms were located at the base of the mountain so the ride was not very long. Once I arrived back at the dorms, I got clean and prepared myself for the nights’ events.

Haley DeFilippis Copy Editor

Friday, Jan. 7, 2011

Words cannot express how thrilled I was to be back at Sunday River for the annual ski trip. I had been waiting for this day since the bus ride home last year. Minutes felt like hours waiting for 1:30 p.m. to come, but at last it was time to load the bus. After our stop at Peabody High School to pick up the 150 students from there who also go on the trip, the four hour ride up to Maine was full of music, laughter, and excitement for the upcoming weekend.

After we settled in, it seemed as if everyone felt right at home, and we even mingled with Peabody students this year. My cousin, MHS senior Patrick Keough decided to set up his Wii and let everyone, including Peabody kids, play Just Dance 2 on the big flat-screen television in the common room. My eventful night carried on into my dorm, where my roommates and I talked and laughed until 1 a.m. when a knock on our door told us to be quiet to rest up for the big day on the mountain the next day.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2011

Eight different phone alarms of my roommates went off between 6 and 7 a.m. the following morning, but I didn’t mind getting out of bed knowing I was going for a full day of skiing. One of my closest friends and fellow Blue and Gold member Lauren Benoit and I provided ourselves with our own breakfast because we weren’t too fond of the Snow Cap Dorm’s breakfasts the year before. Unfortunately, we were forced to wait 20 minutes for a shuttle bus to take us to the mountain because we took too long getting ready. However, a sense of relief washed over me as soon as I saw the mountain. It felt good to be back.

Going up the ski lift with my two ski buddies, I felt a wave of apprehension come over me for the first time. Maybe I was crazy because I thought the mountains looked a lot steeper than I remembered them to be, but there was no turning back so we started going down for our first run of the day.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that I did not completely loose my ability to ski after taking a year off. For the next few hours, we were up and down mountains, exploring and adventuring the eight peaks. Then, halfway down a challenging mountain, my day took a turn for the worse. I felt a rush as I was picking up major speed and I did not want to slow down. Before I knew it I was going so quick that I lost all control of what I was doing and all I could hear were my skis scraping against the icy slope underneath me and I felt petrified. The next thing I knew, I was doing backwards somersaults down a patch of rocks on the ledge of a mountain. My skis were no longer attached to my boots. I had no clue where my ski poles were. I sat up and I saw my equipment sprawled across the slope and my two friends speeding down the mountain to help me. Getting up, I came to discover how dizzy I was, the rips in my jacket and snow pants, and the sharp pain in my arm. With the help of my buddies, sopohmores Elyse Valente and fellow Blue and Gold member Catherine Poirier, I went down the rest of the mountain and right into the South Ridge Lodge to rest and recover. The only thing I could think of was how grateful I was to have been wearing a helmet. After recuperating, we made our way back out to the mountain for a few more hours of adventuring the slopes.

Want to finish reading about the Ski trip? Check out www.maldenblueandgold.com

18

Style

The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

fashion trends are nothing new Reginah Sanyu Head Entertainment Writer

2

010 was a big year for the fashion industry: Lady Gaga wore a meat dress. Thankfully, this did not trend and hopefully it does not for the next million years.

Despite the fact that fashion trends change from season to season, many of them, like denim, seem to be making it through to every season. Denim is an everlasting fashion piece as people can’t seem to get enough of it. This material offers people the fashion comfort they want. Because denim is a very important fashion piece, it should not be left out of one’s closet. Denim comes in various bits and pieces: from jeans, skirts, dresses, and shoes--you name it.

2010 was also about glamour and femininity with most of the trends inspired by the males of the human population such as boyfriend jeans, blazers and the military inspired designs. The military inspired look was also very common and persuasive last year. This trend did not involve one to yell like sergeants although it saluted all seasons. The military look came in skirts, dresses, jackets, boots and accessories. Although this look is hard to resist, one must b e very careful n o t to wear it with t h e

wrong material or accessories; wearing cargo pants or just wearing a military jacket with leather leggings will get one runway ready.

Leggings, jeggings, whatever one calls them were trending and looks like they will be for a while.

Despite how hideous this term sounds, leggings and jeggings (jean leggings) are very fashionable and comfortable even to those who hate dressing up. “I like the leggings, you can wear them with anything,” senior Christiana Bortolo stated.

Nevertheless, not all trends were inspired by the boys; dresses were a common trend in 2010. This trend obtains a cute, fashionable look. They can be worn with patterned tights which have the power to wake up a boring dress. Ruffles were also favored by fashionistas.

Ruffles can be found in dresses of both short and long skirts. Anything ruffled is just adorable.

Most of the current trends were influenced by the 80’s. From high wasted pants, printed t-shirts, masculine blazers and shoulder pads.

Fashion is now embracing the glamour and splendors of yesteryears.

Mixing colors with odd funky accessories will also make one trendy in 2011. Statement motorcycle jackets, pants and boots are to be favored too.

Thigh high boots have become a favorite too. They are comfortable and can be w o r n with anything.

B e c a u s e winter

is cold, the warmer the garments the better. Scarves are now printed and one can choose from fingerless to lacy gloves. This gives one a chance to look warm and fashionable.

Sweaters have always been in style but recently it has been all about chunky sweaters. Theses sweaters can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans to fit one’s personal style. Faux fur has made a surprising comeback this season, mostly in vests and coats. Anything fur can be found for a cheap price in stores like Forever 21, H&M and Claire’s. Gratefully the fur is fake, satisfying the needs of both fashionistas and animal rights activists.

Although there were trends that were favored, some of these trends need to go. For example, UGG boots. It seems like UGG boots are not going anywhere because they are apparently comfortable which only means that sagging pants, sadly part of another popular trend, have to go.

Women’s trends have not changed that much, however men’s fashion has had some drastic changes. The male gender has been wearing boring styles for so long, it is time to give them a particular fashion sense a n d that is why t h e chic male h a s returned.

Blazers, jackets, cardigans and

printed scarves are now very trendy for men. These styles are very dandyesque, a return of the well dressed chic man. Although skinny jeans have been trending for quite sometime, it is time to say goodbye to them because they will be replaced by flared jeans which are predicted to be trending in 2011. Hopefully now we will have to see less of the boys in just shirts, jeans and sneakers. For the hair, it is less groomed and messier like that of Twilight star Robert Pattinson. This new trend could be reflecting the wild nature of the vampire trends that are taking over the entertainment scene.

But what is really trending in 2011? Whatever one owns is the answer. As much fun as it is to keep up with trends, fashion is about style. It depends on a person because most people have preferences on colors, materials, and fabrics. Clothing is the easiest way for one to express themselves. Despite the fact that dressing up might not be important to some people, a number of first impressions are made from what one is wearing. “Style says a lot about a person in terms of how they carry themselves and who they are as an individual,” stated senior Joshua Jerome. “Taking time to make yourself presentable shows that you have respect for those around you but also respect for yourself.” So, dear boys and girls, follow your instincts. Who knows you might start up a trend; as long as it does not involve wearing meat.

Malden high school students showing off some of the popular trends. From left to right: sophomore and Blue & Gold member Rebecca Broomstein, senior Kevin Alarcon, senior Frankie Wong and Senior Francesca Richardson.

Photos by Reginah Sanyu.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

19

Entertainment http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

2011 Blockbuster Forecast Brittany Foley Managing Editor

A

pproximately 4,000 pages.

Over 400 million printed copies. 67 different languages.

13 years of public acknowledgement. 7 world-famous installments. Five acclaimed directors.

Three beloved best friends. And one out of eight films left.

Since J.K. Rowling published her first installment of the Harry Potter series, she has dominated the pop culture scene, forming an entire era surrounding the children’s epic, the contemporary literary masterpiece. Now, after producing seven books and seven films, embarking on countless book tours and making world records, even the constructing an amusement park based around the series, the age of Harry Potter is nearing its end with this last film, Warner Brothers’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Part 2, directed by David Yates, who also directed the previous two Harry Potter films, features Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as the world’s favorite heroic trio, alongside the same cast members who have appeared in every other of the films, maintaining the promise of consistency that the magical world of Harry Potter has always offered its loyal fans. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 marks the end up of not only an era of magic, but infinite individual journeys, including yours, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end.

W

ith each superhero film trailer that graces the eyes and ears of moviegoers nationwide before their feature presentation, a stunning realization that there is actually, well, another superhero to base a movie off of bestows itself upon them. In fact, just as general audiences thought their supernatural resources had been depleted—as producers actually turned to Greek gods as their next Hollywood heroes — out comes the trailer for Green Lantern.

The film, produced by Warner Brothers (obviously), is based off of the comic books published by DC Comics, and is meant to star Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds’ character is the first human ever selected to be a part of the Green Lanterns Corps, which is a group of warriors dedicated to protecting the galaxy. While the scheme of the film itself, with its 3D presentation and superhero base, is painfully unoriginal, it will at least be, undoubtedly, interesting for audiences to watch The Proposal’s spineless Andrew the Assistant try to save the world.

The Green Lantern also stars Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, An Education’s Peter Sarsgaard, and Mystic River’s Tim Robbins, and directed by Martin Campbell, whose previous films include Casino Royale and The Legend of Zorro.

The film will be released June 17, 2011, in 3D.

C

BS Films’ latest project, based off of the novel by Alex Flinn, might actually provide audiences with a modern fantasy film that refrains from butchering the idea of the fairytale love story with Beastly.

Despite the fact that the film is not a Disney animated classic and costars Vanessa Hudgens, it still shows some promise as a film from the fantasy-romance genre. In fact, as it lacks vampires and has a decent cast (which includes the universally beloved Neil Patrick Harris and up-and-coming heartthrob Alex Pettyfer, who, despite his shared country of origin with a certain idol of fangirl universes, actually seems to practice good hygiene) given its genus, audiences are likely to find it rather refreshing.

Also unlike recent superficial, supernatural, super-awful productions of the romantic sort, Beastly appears to have at least enough depth to host some morality. The story, based off of the age-old classic tale of Beauty and The Beast, speaks against affections based on appearance, discouraging surface-level judgment and instead encouraging consideration of character. Unfortunately, Pettyfer is blonde and British, so it is likely that, in most cases, this moral fiber will be instantaneously decomposed by the acidic juices of fangirl hysteria.

The film will be released on March 4, 2011.

O

ne of the most anticipated movies of 2011 is The Tree of Life, set to release on May 27, 2011. It is directed by Terrence Malick, the acclaimed director of The Thin Red Line (1997) and Days of Heaven (1978). Details of the movie’s plot have been kept quietly under wraps, but the movie has been labeled a science fiction drama that chronicles the life of a Texan boy, his loss of innocence, and his attempt to discover a new meaning to his life.

The trailer has recently gone viral and is already causing major buzz on the web, but unfortunately, it only serves to show snippets of the performances made by highcaliber actors: Brad Pitt and Sean Penn head the cast, along with up-and-coming actors Jessica Chastain and Jackson Hurst.

Malick’s films are often regarded as impressive works of art, specifically due to their spellbinding visuals. Reports have been made that production designer Jack Frisk has suggested that Malick is attempting to create something cutting edge, and visual effects artist Mike Fink has stated that he was working on scenes of prehistoric earth.

Though one would think the overwhelming buzz surrounding the movie would trigger the producers to release more information, the production remains a tight secret; its mystery only increasing the fascination of the anxious cinema aficionados.

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The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Patriots Disappoint

The Lone Tornado

Alexander Gennigiorgis Head of Business

The New England Patriots concluded their regular season with the best record in the National Football League, 14-2, however went 0-1 during the post-season, where it really mattered.. The team headed into the playoffs with a very high level of confidence that they would run away with an easy victory over the New York Jets, but the entire patriots nation was stunned after the Jets beat the Pats 28-21.

The Pats lineup consisted of mostly young talent and inexperienced talent, which may have been their downfall. The young talent group includes BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Running-Back), Rob Gronkowski (Tight-End), Jerod Mayo (Linebacker) and Danny Woodhead (Running-Back), and many more. The experienced talent includes “future Hall-Of-Famer” Tom Brady (Quarter-Back), Deion Branch (Wide-Receiver), and Vince Wilfork (Defensive-Tackle), and more. The young talent shows that this is not the last season that the Patriots will be dominant. The Patriots have many more successful seasons coming in the future due to the great leadership, great skill, lots of effort, and a huge desire to achieve set goals.

Head Coach Bill Belichick has shown he has what it takes to lead the Pats to a Super Bowl Victory with the 35+ years of experience in the NFL under his belt. Since the Pats have been under Belichik’s wing (2000-now), the Pats have been three time Super Bowl Champions.

In two of those championships, the Pats’ record was 14-2 which is equivalent to this year’s record. Can the Patriots win their fourth championship of the century?

The coach of the day on Jan. 16th was not Belichik, however, but the underrated mastermind and Jets coach Rex Ryan, who defied all odds in pulling off the win over the Jets.

The game against the Jets was very important due to the fact that both teams met twice before and each won once. Not only was that game the tie-breaker, it was also said to be the deciding game. Since Jets beat the Patriots, this shows that the Jets have overcome the unthinkable because of how much of a powerhouse the Patriots have been during the overall regular season.

The Patriots’ successful regular season ends in disappointment for the Patriots nation. This is just one major setback that the Patriots can only put behind them and hope to improve for next year so that this does not happen again.

Above: Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School Knights ice hockey team lined up in preperation for the game against Minuteman Tech. Below: Malden High school Senior Alfonse Femino skates during the game. Photos by Sharon Lee. Joshua Kummins Copy Editor

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ith the major success of hockey in the Boston area and around New England, it may seem strange that Malden High School does not have an ice hockey team.

However, this was not true up until a few years ago, when MHS dropped a cooperative hockey team with the Metropolitan Regional Vocation High School Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School in Wakefield. What most people do not know is that senior Alfonse Femino, a member of The Blue and Gold, is the lone MHS student who plays ice hockey on a competitive level in a high school league. Femino has had success continuing to play for the Voc’s team, which competes in the Division III Commonwealth Athletic Conference.

Femino said that the team is “improving every single day…and has enough talent to compete in the CAC,” but is “still trying to find identity.” The team was successful even before he joined the program, as the Knights have qualified for the state tournament in each of the past seven seasons by winning at least ten games each year. Femino and his fellow seniors “want to end [their] career playing in the TD Garden” during the state championship, which would make MHS very proud.

It was a “long, drawn out, and tiring process” for Femino to join the Voc team, filled with waiver forms and approvals from many different people. Since he made the team his freshman season, he was able to sign on to play for the team, while most others with the same demand were turned down.

One person that knows a thing or two about the history of hockey in Malden is MHS alumni Kevin Myles, the current manager of the

Voc team. He began his career as the team manager during his freshman year of 2003-2004 and holds the same capacity to this day, while completing his senior year as a history major at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Until Myles’s freshman year, MHS had its own team, which was very successful during the 1970s, winning the Greater Boston League and Eastern Massachusetts titles, but from the 1990s until 2003, the program struggled to win games and attract players.

Myles said that one of his teachers got him started as manager and then, “the next day, [he] went down to the Athletic Director, and signed a contract.” He said that “money was the main reason for eliminating the co-op, because MHS had to contribute to paying all the expenses, so it did not make sense to pay…when the school [was] putting [only] one or two players on the ice.” Myles noted that Femino is very important to the team’s core as he is one of eleven seniors, playing on the top line as defense man.

He adds that he “just fits in as one of the guys,” even though the players come from different cities and towns.

Both Femino and Myles feel that MHS could have their own hockey team again in the future, but Femino says, “it would be an honor” if he was the last MHS student to play high school hockey. He feels that the addition of a varsity lacrosse team in 2008 may attract hockey players, as hockey players tend to play lacrosse, while they both agree that a youth program is a must in order to reach that goal.

Mystic Valley Charter School

head coach Bill Keefe would be very happy if MHS were to be able to re-start their hockey program and encourages sports offerings at school levels, saying “there is room for all of them…[All the schools in Malden] are very different and Malden High [School] would be right in between.”

Keefe explained that 11 of his 18 players reside in Malden, including one of his senior captains, Evan Dolber.“I would like to see any school have as many sport offerings as possible to allow as many students to participate,” Keefe began.

“Especially because hockey is near and dear to my heart…I always remember Malden being one of the key members of the GBL.” Femino said that the youth program is currently growing in numbers, which could possibly lead to blue and gold on the ice again.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

WRESTLING Grapples Compettion

Football: A Changing Game Alfonse Femino Head Sports Writer

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Freddie DiPhillipo Reporter

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uring the 2010-2011 wrestling season, there has been somewhat of a repeating theme. This theme is that there are a number of athletes on the team, however despite the talent; the team still struggles due to its numbers.

On average, a high school varsity wrestling squad has at least one, preferably two, and on the rarest occasions three wrestlers in every single weight class. When there is this much depth of a team, there is less stress about things like ineligibility and injury, and more time to focus on more important aspects of the game.

The Malden High School wrestling team, however, does not have this privilege in their numbers, as they struggle to even fill one person for every single weight class. Because of this, the team starts every single match at a disadvantage, and has a bar set higher for every wrestler, a problem no team wants to face.

Along with the lack of num-

A wrestling trainer lifts Shawn Castro off of the ground while practicing take-downs during training. Junior Brendan Walsh practices with senior Warren Sharpp. Photos by Sharon Lee. bers on the team, there is also a lack of experience. There are members on the starting line up for the wrestling team that are not only new to the MHS wrestling team, but new to wrestling in general. These starting members, however, have adapted to the sport and stepped into important starting roles on a Division 1 wrestling team, no easy feat.

This lack in numbers has already proved to be a thorn in the side of the wrestling team, which is off to a rough 0-4 record. During one loss to North Quincy, Malden featured impressive wins from seniors Shawn Castro, Warenn Sharpp, and junior Mario Sforvza.”We definitely aren’t what we could be,” commented Sforvza on his thoughts of how the team is.

When performances of such a high level from so many members on one night are showcased, it usually results in victory, however North Quincy High School had a much larger team, and filled weight class, which ultimately ended in their victory over the Tornadoes.

This has been a reocurring act for the team, as they had strong

performances from individual members in every loss, including those losses to perennial powerhouse Shawsheen Vocational High School, and league rival Somerville High School. The schedule for the team does not look brighter in the future either, as they are scheduled to match off against cross town rival Malden Catholic High School, who succed in just about every sport, as well as Waltham High School, another school known for its impressive athletic program.

One could only look at the wrestling team with admiration and respect out of what they are doing.

It is not a common thing to find a group of teenagers who are more than willing to compete on a team that is clearly outmatched in numbers and experience in every single match.

Although the wrestling team continues to develop the members still on the team, numbers are increasingly dwindling for the team.

For Sharpp, Castro, and other members of the team, there is no slowing down, no matter how outmatched they seem to be.

hat began as a movement to ensure the safety of players throughout the National Football League has become a hotly debated issue that is said to be changing the game of football.

During week six, there were a number of vicious hits, resulting in serious injuries that caused league officials to begin discussing these highlight hits. One jarring hit in particular took place when Falcons’ cornerback Dunta Robinson laid a brutal hit on Eagles wide receiver Desean Jackson. After the hit, both players went to the ground, causing medics and players from each sideline to rush onto the field. After several minutes, both players were able to make their way off of the field, but did not return to the game due to concussions.

Game officials stated that Robinson purposely led into the hit with his head, leading to a $50,000 fine.

On the same day, James Harrison, a linebacker known for his aggression and high light reel hits, dished out two brutal hits to Browns receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi. The hit on Cribbs was also said to be a helmet to helmet hit, leaving Massaquoi with a concussion, and NFL officials with a difficult decision to make.

During the next few weeks, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league would not tolerate the vicious hits and would not hesitate to dole out high fines to players for hits dee Reactions to this decision varied amongst players and coaches throughout the NFL. Many players are opposed to the new laws, because they see football as a violent sport. “I don’t want to see anyone injured, but I’m not opposed to hurting anyone. There’s a difference,” stated Harrison on his style of play, showing his opposition to the new laws.

Others, however, support the idea, claiming that it keeps players out of harm’s way. “Physical, tough football is what people are attracted to,” Anderson said. “Violent, unnecessary hits that put people at risk, not just for the careers but lives... we’re not subscribing to the notion fans want that,” stated Ray Anderson, vice president of operations in the NFL. These fines being given for dirty hits are not the first incidents in which the NFL has taken steps to keep the safety of players. During 2009, laws were passed to limit hard hits on quarterbacks, which result in 15 yard personal foul penalties.

Football is changing, and not for the better. Football, a game that has made many rich and famous because of their ability to deliver monstrous blows, a sport that is known worldwide for its brutality, is now punishing its members for something that was once praised.

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The Blue and Gold January 2011

Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Gymnastics Team Fights Adversity Sharon Lee Head of Photography continued from page 1 equipment during the competition.

Junior Justin Pham, a gymnast who performs the uneven bars and is directly affected, expressed “we were jealous of their bars and had to adjust to the good bars at [the] last minute.”

To make up for their disadvantage, the gymnastics team has many talented gymnasts partici-

pating in the other three events: floor, beam, and vault. Casey confidently encourages the other teammates knowing “it was such a big disappointment because it was so close, but we know we can do better next time.”

Not only is the gymnastics team limited to inadequate equipment but also a smaller team size.

Due to no longer having an official assistant coach, the head coach Katie Bowdridge was forced to lower the size to 26 gymnasts because “safety is [her] main priority.” Thankfully the gymnastics team has Jen Malta who helps assist Bowdridge in coaching the team.

Of the 26 gymnasts there are several male gymnasts who Above: Freshman Kayla Deas does a split during practice. Left: Junior Skylar have brought a positive impact onCollorone gets ready to perform on the balance beam. Photo by Megan Kelly. the team by contributing to the bar scores during meets. Bowdridge When one member of the team Their next meet is at the Sasaid, “Physically, the boys have an learns to do a new stunt like a “fly lemwood Elementary School gym, easier time on the bars than girls away”, which is a back flip dis- where they will be facing off with do [and therefore are] able to meet mount, it soon becomes a stunt that Cambridge High School on Jan. 19, more of the requirements [than] every member learns and is able to 2010, where they the team hopes to some of our gymnasts that are just perform. Although there are dif- be victorious on their home turf. starting out.” ferent levels for gymnasts, they all The one thing that keeps the work together and encourage each team strong is the sportsmanship other to improve their skills as a between each and every gymnast. team.

Swimming to the Finish the main focus.

And they have a lot of people on their team which equals depth.

[Also] they have like, at least 6-7 really talented kids, which is pretty rare.”

At this point there is nothing more than the team wants to beat Cambridge. A achievement they are going to have to work hard for. With their upcoming meet on Friday 2011. The MalFreshman Bestine Cong prepares to dive into the water with the rest of the team. Photo by Sharon den High Swim Lee. team is going to Joel Stevenson [Cambridge is] a formidable team.” have to work hard if they are to win.

The question to those who are Which is exactly what they are doReporter not on the swim team is, why is ing as stated by coach Deinsentos, Cambridge such a organized team, “Cambridge is good, they have a lot ith the season half way what gives them the edge over all more depth than we do, but at the through, the team is doing the others teams? Is it just the people time being we are trying to build what it loves, and not only doing on the team, or is there some sort of up, I feel that we are working harder that, their doing it good. With the special training they under go? The than any other team, we are hungry current record of 3:1 with four meets answer is behind the school they for a win.” Not only the coach, the left in the season, the team now is go to, as expressed by tri-captain as students a like are working their looking to continue their reign. One well as a member of the Blue and hardest to pull out a win. With challenge the team faces is over Gold, Kaela Bryan, “Cambridge practice five days a week, they labor coming Cambridge. As swimming is the swimming town, like how around the clock to make their time coach Paul Deinsentos? states, “ Malden is the Football town. It’s just and then make it better, as stated by

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Junior Tai Pham, “….”

The team this year is lead by tricaptains Karl Dennis Kaela Bryan, as well as Samantha Saggese. When asked coach why a tri-captaincy this year he affirmed that, “They got it through hard work, they did it the old fashion way, their tremendous.”

These three have been as coach states, “tremendous”. They have lead the team through rough times as well as boundary defying wins, including that of Malden Catholic.

Malden Catholic being a all boys school, the team over came the obstacle of diversity and pulled out a win. With wins like that there is no reason the team can not pull out a win against Cambridge. It may be a season of rebuilding the team up to its full potential as stated by tri-captain Samantha Saggese, “We [are] still in a rebuilding era so we [were are not] expecting to do as well as we have been, we have been pleasantly surprised at our successes.” With pleasant surprises like that there is no reason that the team can not complete the year on a winning streak. It is just a positive attitude and a will to win, and above that that will enable the team to pull out another win from under Cambridge.

The Blue and Gold January 2011

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Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

mhs boys basketball has talent and teamwork Reginah Sanyu Head Entertainment Writer The Malden High School boys’ basketball team is having a good season although it is hanging by a thread with a record of 3-3. Although the team was not expected to have a good season because of the number of seniors who graduated last year, the chemistry the new team has made the team better and hopefully striving for a better season. “We have good chemistry as a team” senior captain Ryan Donovan stated. “We are bonding together, getting closer like a family.” Junior Bradley Applin added. For senior Matthew Howe, it is the good time they have as a team that helps them bond.

The team has grown love for the game: mentally and talent wise especially some of the team mates who have been playing the sport for a while. “I’m way better. I’m faster. I know the game better because I have more experience.” Donovan stated on how he has changed since he first started playing. If one wonders what the team does before a game.

The team mostly listens to rap or get “bucked”. “Rodney (Morton) makes a beat and we get bucked.” Howe stated. These are chanting sessions that give us energy, confidence and motivation.” Senior Jean Messeroux

added.

The team also gets inspiration and motivation from fellow teammates. “I get inspired by my captains (seniors Ryan Donovan and Teddy Francois) and coach.”

Stated Junior Dakota Pellegrini. (Francois) always is playing hard. I always want to follow his league.” added Applin. ““I wish I could dunk like Andrew Williams (junior on the team) he added. The chemistry that the team has off and on the court amazes those who see them play. Head Minuteman High School boys basketball team attempts to block senior Vernon Sanvail. coach Don Nally may Photo by Reginah Sanyu. play like Lebron James stated Ap- or Rajon Rondo; the team is having a be credited for the on plin. good time while winning games too. court chemistry.

The boys have a few of his Donovan and Pellegrini get “We are fast, we can run. We have quotes that gets them fired up get- their inspiration from one of the a good defense.” Donovan added. ting ready for the game. “You have greatest Celtics players Larry Bird, “But we need to play more together to be mentally tough. Messeroux while Messeroux does his best and keep on building on out team commented on his favorite quote impression of Rajon Rondo on the work.” He added by the coach. . “Especially on away court. It is no secret that the boys With the chemistry and defense games, coach always says “this love the game. “We have a good the team has, Malden High students is a business trip, we have to be time” Howe added. and the fans of the team have to focused.”Pellegrini added.

Either they play because of the something to buck over when these The team also gets inspiration intensity of the sport or simply be- boys hit the court. from NBA stars. “I would like to cause they want to be like Larry bird

Girls Basketball Turns Up The Heat about six new girls on the team this year, and they’re definitely helping us improve from last year. However the greatest factor in our improvement is the new coaching staff. Coach [Dwayne] Bartolucci and [John] Furlong have really reshaped and reformed the Salem High School basketball player attempts to steal the ball from senior Ashley Powers. Photo by girls basketSharon Lee. ball program.”

Kayla Bramante of seasons past, there is no doubt Coach Furlong is also th father of that the team lacks the talent, or the sophomore Bridget Furlong.

Head of Special Projects During he first game of the determination to achieve the usual season the girls eliminated any goal of qualifying for states.

Senior leadership is a key in doubts about the new staff, with ue to the fact of a group of new team members and a new this years success, with a number of an impressive performance against coaching staff, the Malden High talented upperclassmen, including Lynn Classical High School. Even School girls basketball program four year varsity members Filette from the p season schedule the looks to be moving forward, build- Lovaincy and Samantha Bonvie, as improvement from last season was ing off the success of re scent sea- well as seniors Ashley Powers, Alex evident, as the girls team surprised sons. Although the team does not Cotto, and Francesca Richardson. and opened the eyes of many with have the same numbers or depth According to Richardson “there are their organized style of play.

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The new coaching staff has had the focus of showing the girls how much talent they have for a high school team this season. “Last year, we had a rough season,” stated Richardson. “But with all of the changes we are sure to have more success,” proclaimed Richardson on her thoughts of last year compared to now, showing her optimism for how the team will do not only this season, but in the future.

With the season now in full swing, and a few wins already under their belt, the girls basketball team has no doubt that they will achieve and surpass their goal of qualifying for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament.

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The Blue and Gold January 2011

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Boys Track: Hurdling to Succeess Natalie Fallano Copy Editor

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hen one thinks of track, visions of people sprinting across finish lines and runners in their ready positions usually come to mind first. However, many do not know much about track other than the running aspects. On every successful track team, there is much more than just a talented distance or sprinting team. The athletes that usually go unnoticed, as on any team, are just as vital, as they lay the base of the team.

In track, these unsung heroes are typically the shot-putters, high jumpers, and hurdlers. Much of Malden High School boys track’s success is due to the hard, tireless work of these athletes, and when a team can manage good runners along with good shot-putters, high jumpers, and hurdlers, it usually ends in embarrassment for their opponents.

In the 2009-2010 season, for example, the boys track team finished with an astonishing undefeated record. These accomplishments would not have been achieved had it not have been for the all-state performances by former shot-putter junior

Witchie Valence-Exilhomme, former Golden Tornado student athlete junior Christopher Avery, and other members of the team that did not compete in a single running event, further showing the importance of these overworked and unseen student athletes.

Junior Kevin Schlegel, who jumps the 50 meters hurdles, expressed his feelings about being underappreciated stating, “I feel like people don’t recognize us enough...Everyone always talks about how great the distance team is...but we’ve got beast people too.

And some us really do work hard Senior Kelvin Tsang doing the high jump. Photo by Sharon Lee. to be the best. Sometimes I feel like we’re just overlooked and go unno- pumped before a meet.”

Nguyen, who runs the 300 meter ticed.” Junior Lesley Desriviere, on Head Coach David Londino dash, the team “has grown and imthe other hand, believes that it does emphasized the importance of im- proved a lot this year. There are tons not really matter because “We [all] provement within the team as well of new freshman who have joined contribute to winning so there’s no as ofindividuals. He stated, “Every- and who are competing in several hard feelings.” one from the top to the bottom has to events.” Undefeated for four seaCaptains and seniors, Andrew get better everyday if we’re to have sons, and with an already impresTerenzi, Patrick Keough, David short and long term successes.” This sive 2-0 record, the team hopes keep Germaine, and Kelvin Tsang, have improvement has been shown in Greater Boston League champions so far shown successful leader- this season’s meet for every event. title and be successful in the state ship according to their teammates. “With nine events and at least one tournament.

Desriviere praised the captains, stand out athlete in every event, I stating, “They are effective...[Tsang] can’t highlight just a few. They’re all and [Germaine] are always pushing equally important to the team.” everyone on the team and getting us According to junior John

More Than Just Running

From left to right: Senior Vanesha Darla prepares to step into thrower’s circle.

Sophomore Iris Feng runs the relay. Photos by Sharon Lee. Headline collage by Catherine Poirier.

team this year, by putting a little more focus on these events. The student athletes who compete in these events are sometimes overlooked and under-appreciated.

Catherine Poirier Copy Editor Often, a misconception of indoor track is that there are only running events. The events that do not focus on running are high jump, 50 meter hurdles, and shot put. The Malden High School girls track team is hoping to rebuild its

The distance team is the largest part of the girls indoor track team.

It is looking to spread this depth and variety of age in the key players to the teams of the other events in indoor. “Outside of the distance team, the girls team is still mainly relying on veterans for points,” stated captain and managing editor of The Blue and Gold, Alexandra Mathieu. “Underclassmen are pretty involved, they just need to stay focused and the team will work itself out,” senior captain Cynthia Antenor commented about the involvement of the underclassmen.

Some of those significant veterans are seniors Vanesha Darla, and captains Antenor and Mathieu. All three of these seniors are the closest on the team to making the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association qualifications in order to compete in the state competition.

Darla is eight inches and Mathieu is one foot away from the state qualifying distance, 30 feet 6 inches. The MIAA State Meet will take place on

Feb. 18, 2011 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Boston, MA. The girls are gearing up until then to make their personal records.

Antenor runs the 50 meter hurdles, high jump, and sometimes the 4x4 relay, she says she is closest to qualifying for hurdles. “I am .2 seconds away from states, I run an 8.0 and [the state qualification] is 7.8 [seconds].”

Each member is pushing themselves to better their times and their personal records by expanding workouts at practice. “To get a state qualifying time I plan to do more drills and speed work, and pick up my speed between each hurdle,” Antenor said. “I think that the girls team has the potential of doing better than its 2-2 record of last season,” Mathieu stated. As of now, the MHS girls team has a Greater Boston League record of 1-0, beating Everett High School on Dec. 16, 2010. However, they lost to Dighton-Rehoboth, which is not part of the GBL, making their official record 1-1. With only three GBL meets left in the season until the GBL Invitational meet on Feb. 12, 2011 at the Reggie Lewis