January 2010

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

Malden High School Volume 95 Edition 4

Our 95th Year January 2010

Winners of the Posse Scholarship pages 10-11 Profile of the Month page 12

Malden High School Band and Choir Winter Concert Sharon Lee Reporter

A Decade in Review

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Just hear those sleigh bells jingling. Ring ting tingling too,” are the cheerful words of “Sleigh Ride,” sang by the combined choirs while accompanied by the Concert Band and alumni from Malden High School’s Choral Arts Society on the night of Dec. 22, 2009. That night was especially significant because about 150 people crowded Malden High School’s Finn Gymnasium to watch, listen, and support the Marching and Concert bands as well as all three choirs. Due to renovations throughout the school, the annual Winter Concert had to be held somewhere else which is how they ended up in the gym. However, the change in scenery and acoustics were not at all a problem for this year’s performers. Karl Denis, the president of the

Mr. Tavares, the Malden high school band director, giving a speech. Photo by Sharon Lee Concert Band, says “[It is a] tiny bit of inconvenience but we can make it work,” and Denis was not wrong at all. “This is my first show and I don’t know what to expect,” Rupinder Bola says anxiously as the

show was about to begin. The evening started out with a performance titled “Stuff.” When the Marching Band was first given this piece of music, which is a collaboration of two songs called “Uninvited” and “Ghost Love Score”, it was just titled continues on page 13

Frozen Fenway: A Crowd-Freezer Joshua Kummins Reporter

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he Hockey East Association (HEA) took over Fenway Park on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 for Sun Life Financial Frozen Fenway. The event was a men’s and women’s college hockey doubleheader, which featured two storied rivalries. The experience was once-ina-lifetime for all involved. “It’s a remarkable experience to go out on the ice and look around,” said Boston College head coach Jerry York in a press conference on Thursday night. “It’s a hard feeling to describe but there’s a rink there and its just amazing.” York’s feelings were not unique, however, as many others had similar thoughts about participating in the games. “Just being outside in this atmosphere has everyone having a lot of fun playing out there,” said Boston University co-captain Eric

10. Iran Protests 9. Torture in Iraq 8. Swine Flu Pandemic 7. Election Controversy 2000 6. Barack Obama 5. Global Economy Shot Down 4. Iraq Invasion 2003 3. Tsunami Devastates East Asia 2. Katrina Washes Away New Orleans 1. 9-11-2001 Terror Attacks More information on pages 5-7

The snow falling down at Fenway Park. Photo by Joshua Kummins Gryba. “We seemed like a bunch of 12 year olds out there playing hockey again.” The women’s game was played at 4 pm and featured two of the sports’ pioneer schools, the New Hampshire Wildcats and the

Northeastern Huskies. To make the event even more special, the opening game of the event was the firstever outdoor game in the history of women’s college hockey. The men’s game began at 7:45 p.m. and featured one of the greatest continues on page 20

Opinion p.3 World p. 5 Local p.9 Entertainment p.13 Lifestyle p.14 Sports p.15 Travel p. 18

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Editorials

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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The Value of Student Voice Malden High School

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

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF David Riemer Ayoub Kourikchi MANAGING AND DESIGN EDITOR Lynn Tran COPY EDITING DIRECTOR An Holmqvist ONLINE EDITOR Alexandra Mathieu HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Nidale Zouhir HEAD ENTERTAINMENT/ OPINION Brittany Foley HEAD SPORTS WRITER Alfonse Femino HEAD OF BUSINESS Haley DeFilippis COPY EDITORS Dan Holmqvist Omar Khoshafa Xavier Leo Brittany McFeeley Joao Nascimento REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Adams Lauren Benoit Kayla Bramante Christopher Brown Freddie DiPhillipo Natalie Fallano Alexander Gennigiorgis Megan Kelly Joshua Kummins Johanna Lai Sharon Lee Cristina Peters Catherine Poirier Brendan Provitola Reginah Sanyu Joel Stevenson Alicia Young Paige Yurek ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

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n a school comprised of students who are mostly underage and therefore deprived of several privileges, it is fair to say that animals have more rights then we do. Although students are the majority within the school they continue to serve as the minority when it comes to critical decisions that directly affect them. Students have been able to find alternate means to problems that have plagued our school. Their voices have been essential to the multiple accomplishments achieved throughout the history of the school. Project 540, a student run civic action organization, convinced the Malden School Committee to purchase new clocks for each classroom throughout the school, as well introduced the schoolwide off campus lunch program that continues to this day. Additionally, this past year, a group of seniors and juniors met throughout the vacation to organize a freshmen orientation program that ran during the first day of school and garnered praise from new students and teachers alike. Also, the inspiring service projects conducted by the members of the National Honors Society, have inspired and touched numerous members of the community. Our counterparts have been a catalyst to positive change during previous generations. The nationwide anti-war protests during the 1970s that was spurred by youthful rebellion and more recently the 2008 campaign that landed President Barack Obama in the oval office, transpired because of the 135 percent leap in under 25 voters. It is clear that our propositions have been an indication of change arising from the bottom up. It begins with furtive whispers and exuberant demonstrations that ricochet through crowded hallways and busy streets containing point of views, criticisms and judgments about various topics concerning worldly events as well as daily problems which in

some instances represent solutions that the nation currently faces. However, the majority of the time students begin to feel ostracized from the decision making processes and feel a lack of platform where they can voice their concerns. Luckily, in an age where technology has intensely transformed different forms of communication as well the rate in which it is exchanged, students turn to Facebook, Twitter and online blogs.Unfortunately, these methods of selfexpression have become pervasive due to the implausible mess they display. In the midst of this disarray, there exists our monthly school publication, The Blue and Gold, that stands apart from this chaos as a forum that encourages thoughtful insight and questions that range from a broad spectrum of ideas. In addition to being a platform for self expression, print journalism also teaches students to feel empowered and engaged with their community and in turn become respectful of opposing views through editorials, opinion pieces, and letters to editors. As some would consider the final frontier of student expression, newspapers are protected by the U.S. constitution because of several cases that include Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District which permitted students to wear armbands that protested the Vietnam War in 1965. Ultimately, students should feel empowered to articulate their opinions and make assertions regardless of public outcry, because eventually we will inherit a position of authority that will enable us to determine the road our nation will take.

Ayoub Kourikchi Co-Editor-in-Chief

Corrections:

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 A103 or to his mailbox in the main office.

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

• On the cover page, the volume number should be 95, not 94. Likewise, the year should be “95th” not “94th” in the caption “Our 94th Year”. • In the Table of Contents on the cover page, Local news begins on pg. 9 and ends on pg. 15. Accordingly, Entertainment begins on pg. 16, not 15. • On every page, excluding the cover, the date should read “December 2009” not “NovemberDecember 2009”. • On page 3 in the gray box, the concert should be called “The Chorus and Concert Band Holiday Concert” • All photos on pages 13 and 14 were taken by Lynn Tran. • Swim team photos on page 18 were taken by Sharon Lee. • The name of Tiger Woods’s wife on page 19 should be Elin not Erin Nordegren. Corrections to the editor can be submitted to theblueandgold@gmail.com

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Where’s the “Real” in Reality Television? Joao Nascimento Copy Editor

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xisting since the dawn of television in the form of game shows, “reality TV” programs now account for a large chunk of what is broadcasted on TV. This profitable form of entertainment multiplied like a virus and is now watched in almost every home in America. The premise of winning a cash prize after answering a series of questions has evolved and morphed into several subgenres. After “Big Brother” revolutionized what could be shown on TV in 1999 in the Netherlands, the US and almost 70 countries around the world adopted the “godfather of reality shows.” The premise of Big Brother was simple: people living together in a house surrounded by cameras, completely isolated from the outside world. What appeared to be a fascinating study on human behavior, although borderline unethical triggered what today’s TV programming is all about: watching ordinary people interacting in an unorthodox environment. Aware of the fact that people living together harmonically in a house would not garner many viewers, producers of “Big Brother” upped the stakes and promised to award the last one standing in the house a cash prize equivalent to $1 million. Every week, the housemates had the grueling task of voting each other out, and with the million dollar prize in sight, they were willing to be conniving and cruel to save their own skin. The entire world was entranced by the downward spiral the housemates got in, they quickly transitioned from friends on the first day to bitter enemies along their quest to be the last one standing. Watching “Big Brother” was like watching a lighthearted version of Lord of the Flies unveil itself on a TV set, and may I add that the only reason a rock has not crashed any of the contestants yet is because most of the reality shows come with one universal rule: no physical aggression is allowed. Producers have come a long way since “Big Brother.” Today they are able to cleverly mask reality shows with nonsensical premises, advertise them, and still gather millions of viewers due to violent subtleties. A fine example is Oxygen’s highest rated show, “Bad Girls Club,” which is now on its fourth season. The premise is to have six girls with behavioral issues and violent tendencies to live together in a house and try to “better each other.” Of course, in its course, several girls have been expulsed due to fighting and enough furniture was broken. Reality TV does not only meet a person’s instinct to see others being humiliated, but it also offers a glimpse of the privileged. MTV reportedly pays Heidi Montag $1.25 million a year to continued on page 4

Letters to the Editors By Terri Tusapelosi and Cheryl Maguire of the Malden High School Cafeteria Staff

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feel I must respond to the Letter to the Editor that ran in the opinion section of The Blue and Gold last month. This opinion really hurt the feelings of the staff that work so hard to bring your meals to you everyday. I wish we had been included in this and we could have shown you not only the hard work that goes into this program, but that we purchase top quality foods including fresh fruits and vegetables. We were first of many schools when it came to whole grains and healthy vending machine juice and snacks. We do not fry

any foods at all and use many low fat products. We really care about the health of our children and students. This kitchen is open to any or all students or staff that has any concerns or questions. We welcome you to come and spend a day with us to see what we do and how hard we work. We have enclosed our own survey. On December 18, 2009 1060 students ate lunch, 904 students participated and the results are as follows:

A response to the Pleasant Street Fires on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 in Malden As you probably heard over the weekend, an apartment complex here in Malden—near the Beebe School—suffered a terrible fire. There were seven victims that were taken to the hospital, and all other 50 residents were evacuated to a nearby shelter. Among some of our Malden High School students who were affected by this incident, other Malden Public Schools students and families from our community were also affected. This incident brings back memories from when I suffered from a terrible house fire two years ago, in which I lost everything I owned. I know what these families are going through and it is only fair that I give back to the community that helped me when I needed it the most. I will be starting to collect food, clothing and money starting tomorrow (in my room D435) and will personally take the time to deliver the items collected the different locations that are collecting these donations for the Malden fire victims. I will be making weekly trips to these locations. I am reaching out to all of you to help our community. Food Donations -Non perishable items -Sort by cans and boxes Clothes -Sort your clothing: shirts, pants, coats, etc Furniture -Salvation Army will be taking furniture donations, but they have not given me a date and time when they will start. I?ll let you know more when I find out. Money -Two places are taking money donations: -Red Cross: Make checks payable to Red Cross and WRITE: Malden Fire Victims on MEMO. - Salvation Army: Make checks payable to Salvation Army and WRITE: Malden Fire Victims on MEMO. -If you don?t want to write a check, they also take CASH and Money orders. I will be personally delivering all the items, so don?t worry about money being lost in the mail. Thank you so much for your time and I hope I see some of you throughout the week with some donations. ~Berenice Diaz Mathematics Department Math Team Advisor Freshmen Girls Volleyball Coach Malden High School bdiaz@malden.mec.edu

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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continued from page 3 have cameras follow her around Los Angeles in the hit show “The Hills.” That is a substantial amount of money to star in a show that consists of ephemeral dialogues and picturesque views of the Californian city. “The Hills” is one of the many reality shows accused of being scripted, and is it really that hard to believe that after all the editing, producers will allow viewers to see what really went on? As 2010 approaches, the frivolous premises of the reality shows become even more based on the most unethical, almost grotesque elements. “Conveyor Belt of Love” is ABC’s most appalling endeavor yet, as it portrays women simply picking out men they are interested in as they pass by on a conveyor belt. TLC, the network responsible for making women who give birth to a frightening number of children a celebrity, shocks viewers with “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant.” In one episode, the freak show portrayed a woman not knowing how to differentiate between releasing herself and giving birth to her baby. True to the title, the woman claimed to be oblivious to her pregnancy. According to an AP- TV Guide survey, four out of five Americans say they are tired of reality shows, and 82 percent of the people interviewed said “reality” is a misnomer because they believe the shows to be “totally made up” or “mostly distorted.” Yet, ratings rise and reality TV becomes more prominent every year. Understandable, it takes a few episodes for one to realize that seeing contestants have “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila” is not really worth it. Tila Tequila is one of many instant celebrities that have spawned out of the reality industry. Today, the fame a reality show promises is so appealing to some that a man in Colorado had the country believing his son was trapped in a floating air balloon. His wife later admitted that they hoped to gain a reality show deal from it. The 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America Strike hinted on TV’s impending doom. As writers halted producing new material for scripted TV shows, networks appealed to reality TV to fill the vacant time slots. The American population grew accustomed and continues to endorse the inferior programming, slowly killing its own tradition of producing quality art in the form of TV and movies. The US is the largest exporter of media in the world, but as our standards decline, so does the country’s reputation and image. As our entertainment becomes increasingly more devoid of artistic merit, we reinforce the general European view that has been stated all along: America is a cultureless society.

AVATAR REVOLUTIONIZES CINEMA David Riemer Co-Editor-In-Chief Grossing an unheard-of $232,180,000 in its opening weekend alone, Avatar opened on Dec. 18, 2009, selling out movie theaters across the world—and for good reason. Utilizing revolutionary breakthroughs in three-dimensional and stereoscopic filmaking technologies, director and writer James Cameron’s dream, manifested nearly 15 years ago, was finally realized after three years of hard work. Although the project was initially intended to be released in 1999, Cameron halted production on the movie until 2006, feeling that technology “needed to catch up” in order to create the experience he intended. In theaters everywhere, audience members appreciated the wait with wide eyes and open jaws as they stared, amazed at the film’s breathtaking computer-generated verdant and fantastic world. The story begins on a futuristic planet Earth, as paralyzed protagonist ex-Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) accepts a position in the “Avatar Program,” an extensive scientific and diplomatic experiment being carried out on a far-off moon of Pandora where a private company has endeavored to mine a precious mineral. Six years later, Sully wakes up from a cryo-sleep, as his transport shuttle has finally arrived on the far-flung moon in another solar system. Once landed in the Resource Development Administration’s (RDA) main base, he is debriefed by commanding Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) on the great dangers of the planet, including a blue humanoid indigenous race called the Na’vi who inhabit the moon’s extensive rainforest. Later, Sully meets Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore) a fellow Avatar Program member, and proceeds to become acquainted with the other scientists of the program, including Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), the seasoned leader of the operation under the RDA. Completely ignorant of the researchers’ mission, Spellman helps Sully to become familiar with the basic objectives of the program. “Avatars” are hybrid human-Na’vi bodies, genetically engineered by humans to be remotely controlled by scientists so as to ease tension between the native inhabitants and the invasive and crude mercenary forces of the humans. From a scientific perspective, Augustine and her team aim to gain more knowledge on the Na’vi’s culture and the ecosystem of the Pandoran moon. Sully, who had lost the use of his legs in an accident back on Earth, finds a great freedom and prowess

in controlling his Avatar body, and quickly moves up the ranks in the program. During one field-mission, however, Sully becomes separated from the rest of the group, fleeing from a fearsome and predatory “thanator” and must spend the night in the forest. That night, he is attacked by the local wildlife and is saved by a Na’vi female named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), who upon receiving an omen from her deity Eywa brings Sully to her clan’s home. While the Na’vi are at first skeptical of Sully’s intentions, they assign a reluctant Neytiri to teach him the ways of their culture. Sully’s accomplishment attracts the interest of Quaritch and Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi), the leader of the RDA’s operations. The two appeal to Sully to gather information about the Na’vi’s home, a giant tree located in the depths of the forests, under which lays the greatest deposit of unobtanium on the planet. Sully agrees to the task

of trying to get the Na’vi to relocate within three months. Once privy to the colonel’s plans, Augustine relocates the team to a remote position in the iconic floating Pandoran mountains. During his stay there, Neytiri teaches him the customs of her people. As Sully trains further, he begins to see the greater meaning of the harmony, connection, and flow of energy in the forest, and eventually is accepted into the clan as one of their own. Trouble stirs, however, when Sully’s three months are up and he must divulge the original purpose in communicating with the Na’vi. Unsuccessful in prompting the clan’s relocation, the humans begin to mobilize a force to destroy the Na’vi’s home. Forcefully removed from their Avatar bodies and charged with treason for standing against the RDA, Sully, Augustine, and Spellman are detained while the humans devastate the Na’vi by

destroying the giant tree in which they live. Friendly pilot Trudy Chacon (Michelle Rodriguez) rescues the group from their prison and flies them and their Avatar link-pods to a safe locale away from the human base where they can rally the Na’vi to war and drive off the human invaders. With its unheard-of visual clarity and striking three-dimensional depth, Avatar’s scenery alone holds audience members captivated in every setting. Breathtaking aerial scenes and stunningly beautiful forests almost make the viewer feel as though the movie could be real— even if it is too good to be true. Aside from mind-blowing visuals, however, the script is hardpressed to attain the same level of futuristic brilliance. While the dialogue never falls entirely short of the emotions trying to be conveyed, it is sometimes slightly shallow and leaves a little to be desired. From time to time the audience gave a laugh at the occasional subtle humor presented in the film, but for the most part the movie retains a somewhat serious view. In terms of plot, Avatar is unfortunately clichéd, as an unwilling hero has a change of heart, gets the girl, goes to war, and for the most part the loose ends come together in relative happily-ever-after. Even though at times the storyline was a bit lacking in originality, the contextual depth of the movie was entirely sufficient. “I was expecting that it was going to take forever to learn about the mission, the planet, and the culture, but I was surprised to find that it was all done quickly and in a way that was easy to understand,” stated a particularly enthused Arlington High School sophomore, Tom Jantz. Indeed, the Na’vi culture was simple to comprehend, but was also rich in context and lore; Cameron went all out in his script to provide the viewer with a inclusive experience focused on delivering the sense that the audience was in fact joining Sully in his journey to learn more about the planet. Straight out of what could only be described as the dreams of a ecological idealist comes Cameron’s film-shaping premise of the Na’vi’s ability to connect with nearly every other living creature on the planet via a biological appendage found at the end of a long natural braid of hair. With this tool, the Na’vi can “bond” with many of the other organisms allowing for cooperative and symbiotic interaction in contrast to typical human subjugation. As a whole, Cameron’s film tackles a host of issues, ranging from natural conservatism, to corporate greed, ethnocentrism, racial tension, war, technology, science, politics, continued on page 5

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

continued from page 3 and religion, making for a thoughtprovoking and unique message. “I know there was one message that stood out the most,” Jantz stated; “Don’t cut down trees.” While this sentiment has been echoed by critics as extreme environmentalist lobbying, that is the least of the criticism floating around. Some politicians have called the film “Anti-American,” feeling that it claimed that the military was a corrupt, ruthless, and destructive force without morals. Portraying the military in a violent light is by no means a new concept, and in some instances such a picture has garnered respect, so why then, is it so horrible for a movie such as Avatar to have done just the same? The answer is simple: the humans lose, and Americans do not like to lose. In Avatar however, the message extends beyond winning and losing, and to limit that message to a petty accusation of anti-patriotism is to greatly discredit Cameron and his work which will most certainly revolutionize cinematic processes worldwide in the decades to come. To establish such a pointed dichotomy between a movie with an unmistakably peaceful and just message and American values only goes to say just what those American values ought to be. If anything, this film contained commentary on what the ideals of those values might be— connection, tolerance, and unison.

Community Bulletin Malden High School is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of Nobel Laureate Dudley Herschback, a Nobel winner in Chemistry. The Laureate’s visit will take place on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 10:30 am. Mr. Hershback will visit with Malden High School students and then participate in a question and answer forum with students and staff. A small reception will follow.

Midterm Schedule Date

Exam Block 1 Exam Block 2

Tuesday 8:00-9:30 am Jan. 19 Period 4

9:45–11:15 am Period 5

Wednes- 8:00-9:30 am day Jan. Make-ups 20

9:45 –11:15 am Period 7

Thursday Jan. 21

9:45–11:15 am Period 2

8:00-9:30 am Make-ups

L u n c h B l o c k

Exam Block 3 12:30-2:00 pm Period 6

12:30-2:00 pm Period 1

12:30-2:00 pm Period 3

Please join us on one or more of the following dates, when our varsity basketball teams will be hosting games to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. By hosting a PINK OUT NIGHT, we are hoping to promote breast cancer awareness and raise some $ for the foundation. We are fortunate at Malden High School to have a Breast Cancer Awareness Club. They will be running a 50/50 raffle, bake table and selling pizza. They will also be selling pink ribbons to hang on the gymnasium wall to honor a loved one, all to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Players, coaches and fans are encouraged to wear PINK to spread awareness. Tuesday, January 12 - Everett vs Malden ... Boys Tuesday, January 19 - Medford vs Malden ... Boys Friday, January 29 - Everett vs Malden ... Girls Friday, February 5 - Medford vs Malden ... Girls THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MALDEN ATHLETICS!

A DECADE IN REVIEW An Holmqvist

Xavier Leo

Joao Nascimento

Omar Khoshafa

Paige Yurek

Copy Editing Director

Copy Editor

Copy Editor

Copy Editor

Reporter

TOP TEN NEWS ITEMS OF THE 2000s Say hello to a new decade! The first decade of the twenty first century has now passed. Now it is time to reflect upon the remarkable occurrences of humankind’s start to the new millennium. In the United States, the decade started with the twisted controversy over George W. Bush’s election. Times changed forevermore for the world with the tragic strike on the twin towers in New York, September 11, 2001. Then came the rest; a war invasion, a tsunami, a stock market crash; what could possibly come next? For a start to the millennium, these ten years have really been the ultimate roller coaster ride. These are our top ten:

10. Iran Protests

Iranian protesters cause an uproar in the heart of Tehran in Dec. 2009, lighting automobiles on fire and leaving the streets in disarray. Source: www.wikimedia.org

In the 2009 Iran presidential election, Iranians throughout their country were furious with the results. Thousands of students and working classcitizens stormed into the streets and protested against alleged electoral fraud. The world consensus was that democracy in Iran had been completely overlooked and the government put in who they wanted to. The uproar was cause for concern across the Western World, especially when the presiding government’s security forces took action with attacking the public with batons and paint ball guns leaving 9 people dead. The cause for the claim was that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected for his second term in the presidential office without full electoral support. Under his poor leadership, the country of Iran was left in tatters after the economic crisis of 2008. The fed-up Iranian protesters are generally in support of the popular reformist leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi - also the opposing candidate. They feel that Mousavi could have made the poor economy of Iran better or at least more stable. When Ahmadinejad was put in office yet again, these young Iranians felt betrayed, that their opinion did not count, and are in fear for the future. They are finding it hard to live under Ahmadinejad’s strict government.

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world news

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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A DECADE IN REVIEW 9. torture in Iraq

The “Baghdad correctional facility” in Iraq did more than just “correct” its prisoners; it tortured and abused them to a point beyond any sane human’s imagination. In 2004, the Taguba Report, a criminal investigation by the US Army revealed that US soldiers in the Abu Ghraib prison had violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice by physically, psychologically, and sexually abusing the prisoners held at this prison. As a result, 17 US military officials were removed and 11 others were charged with offenses to the military law. The acts commited at this torture facility violated the terms of the Geneva Convention, yet the soldiers at this facility were not the only ones to blame. US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield also took a share of the blame in this “scandal.” Rumsfield stated in his address to the Senate Armed Service Committee, “I take full responsibility. It is my obligation to evaluate what happened, to make sure those who have committed wrongdoing are brought to justice, and to make changes as needed to see that it doesn’t happen again. I feel terrible about what happened to these Iraqi detainees. They are human beings. They were in U.S. custody. ..To those Iraqis who were mistreated by members of U.S. armed forces, I offer my deepest apology. It was un-American. And it was inconsistent with the values of our nation.” Although this apology was heartfelt, the media continued condemn Rumsfield for his lack of action.

This famous image was spread across the Internet back in 2003, showing an untried war captive tortured recklessly and inhumanely by American soldiers Source: www.wikimedia.org

8. Swine Flu Pandemic

Around Thanksgiving 2005 a teenage boy helped his brother-in-law butcher 31 pigs at a local Wisconsin slaughterhouse, and a week later the 17-year-old pinned down another pig while it was gutted. On Dec. 7, the teenager came down with the flu, suffering an illness that lasted three days. He visited a local clinic, then fully recovered. This incident would hardly seem worth mentioning except that the influenza virus that infected the Wisconsin lad was unlike any previously seen. It appeared to be a mosaic of a wild-bird form of flu, a human type and a strain found in pigs. It was an H1N1 swine influenza. Largely ignored at the time, the Wisconsin virus was a step along the evolutionary tree, leading to a virus that four years later would stun the world. Flash-forward to 2009, and modern medical advancements have taken the nation by storm with the newly released H1N1 vaccine. Infection numbers are significantly down, and what was once a tumultuous nation overwhelmed with fear, is settling back down to a more calm and rational state of mind.

7. Election Controversy 2000

Researcher at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) examines a sample of the 1918 Flu Virus. Source: www.wikimedia.org

A hot political topic in late 2000 that was on everyone’s mind was the November presidential election. This is when United States citizens would have to elect the 43rd president. The candidates running were republican George W. Bush, democrat Al Gore, and independent candidate Ralph Nader, but the real contest here was between Bush and Gore, because of how close the number of votes they obtained was. Among the candidates, Gore at this time had won the popular vote at a massive 51,003,926 votes, (48.38 percent of votes) while Bush had only 50,460,110 popular votes, (47.87 percent of votes.) These numbers were so close; the final vote had to be decided through electoral votes. Finally, Bush, with a number of 271 electoral votes scarcely beat Gore’s 266 electoral votes, by 5 few votes. This would make the number of electoral votes the closest it has ever been for president in the US, beating a previous record of 57 votes between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford in 1976.

American voters in Florida, stunned by the sudden deadlock in the 2000 election angrily request a recall vote by claiming voter fraud. Source: www.wikimedia.org

6. Barack Obama

After 219 years, the racial barriers that gripped the United States presidential office were torn down in Barack Obama’s desicive victory in the 2008 Presidental Election. By overcoming Republican presidential nominee John McCain, Barack Obama became the first African-American president in US history. On Jan. 20, 2009, President Obama took the oath of office in front of not only the million present on Capitol Hill, but also before the billions watching him worldwide as the world acknowledged this remarkable event. In his inauguration, President Obama recognized the challenges that awaited him and this country as he stepped into office, stating, “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.” The challenges President Obama refered to in his speech are plenty, with the examples of the current economic crisis and the global threat of terrorism. Nevertheless, these optimistic words brought joy and ignited sparks of hope in the hearts of the American people. The American people were promised that these challenges will be overcome, and now it is hopefully only a matter of time before these promises are truly fulfilled.

5. Global Economy Shot Down

The United States was not the only country hurting after the Crash of ‘08 Pictured here, Icelanders protest in panic while their banking system crashes into oblivion. Source: www.wikimedia.org

In 2008 and 2009, Washington strove to save the economy. In 2010, Americans will get a clearer picture of how Washington has changed the Barack Obama’s campaign poster. economy Source: www.wikimedia.org Only as the recession recedes will it become fully evident how permanently the state’s role has expanded and whether, as a consequence, a new, hybrid strain of American capitalism is emerging. One thing is clear: The government is a much bigger force in today’s US economy than it was before the financial crisis. “The frontier between the state and market has shifted,” says Daniel Yergin, whose 1998 book “Commanding Heights” chronicled the ascent of free-market forces starting in the 1980s. “The realm of the state has been enlarged.” It bailed out two of the three U auto makers. It lent billions trying to jump-start commercial-real-estate, small-business and credit-card lending. In two February stimulus packages enacted a year apart ,the government committed $955 billion to rouse the economy. The bailouts “were designed to be, and have proved to be, temporary,” Lawrence Summers, chief economic advisor to President Obama says. “There is no aspiration of any kind to change the private-sector basis of our economy.”

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TOP TEN NEWS ITEMS OF THE 2000s 4. Iraq Invasion 2003

An American soldier watches in awe as the statue of Saddam Hussein falls in Baghdad, Iraq, marking the final downfall of the former dictator. Source: www.wikimedia.org

According to then President of the United States, George W. Bush, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 had a clear purpose: “to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein’s support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people.” Though numerous countries disapproved of the invasion, the United Kingdom and several other nations jumped on board with the United States. On March 19, 2003, the US conducted an air strike on the Iraq presidential palace that initiated a seven year old war which has resulted in over 1,120,000 deaths. In April 2003, three weeks into the invasion, the US toppled over the infamous statue of Saddam Hussein and subsequently captured the city of Baghdad. As Bush’s image was tarnished all over the globe and support for the war gradually declined, the US and Iraq started to make deals to leave the country. After President Barack Obama was elected, one of his first decisions was to draft a plan that will bring American troops home by the end of 2011.

3. Tsunami Devastates East Asia On Dec. 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake struck Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake triggered several tsunamis that devastated communities bordering the Indian Ocean. The colossal destruction included 100 feet high inundation in certain cities in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand. An estimated 230,000 people were killed in 14 countries. The tsunamis are collectively considered to be one of the biggest natural disasters in history. The earthquake reached 9.3 in magnitude, the second largest earthquake ever recorded in history. Within a period of 10 minutes, the earthquake was able to vibrate the entire Earth as much as one centimeter, and triggered smaller earthquakes in California. Shocked by the overwhelming destruction, the worldwide community promptly aided the most affected countries donating almost $7 billion dollars.

Island residents scramble after the arrival of the gargantuan tsunami on Christmas Eve 2004. Source: www. wikimedia.org

2. Katrina Washes Away New Orleans 1. 9-11-2001 Terror Attacks Taking the number one spot on the countdown is the September 11 attacks. On that morning, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airline jets from Newark, NJ, Boston, MA, and Washington, DC. Two of the planes hit the Twin Towers of the World Trace Center in New York City, then considered one of the many symbols of American power and the tallest buildings on earth. The third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and the fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. All the hijackers and passengers died. 2,973 people, mostly civilians, were victims of the attacks. When considering the physical and social aspects of the destruction, the damage left by al-Qaeda exceeded $100 billion. With George W. Bush in office, the US launched the War on Terror and invaded Afghanistan with the goal to depose the Taliban and find al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. The airplane hijackings forever changed airport customs, and imbedded fear in every American’s mind.

Source: www.wikimedia.org

Seldom does a single event shape a state’s geographic, demographic, political, health, welfare, education and political direction. But that’s exactly what Hurricane Katrina, followed soon afterward by Hurricane Rita, did to Louisiana. Katrina’s aftermath was deemed the most influential event of the decade by sources around the state. “Katrina changed Louisiana forever,” said demographer Elliot Stonecipher of Shreveport. “No matter how important other things might seem, the election of the first woman and the first Indian-American governors and other developments, there’s not anything that even comes close.” The storms reshaped the coastline, wiping away land like a giant eraser hovering over a map. Homes, schools, businesses and public buildings were destroyed, and some places became uninhabitable, forcing communities to relocate. Demands for social services skyrocketed. Massive shifts in population will result in new election districts to be drawn after the 2010 Census. Stonecipher said state and federal officials apparently didn’t learn much from Katrina because it has turned into “a story about what we did wrong and never fixed.” Thousands of people lost their jobs and were forced to move to other cities. Oil production and refining operations shut down for weeks. Gasoline prices soared, along with other energy prices. Close to 2.3 million people were left without power. The ramifications of Katrina were felt nationally.

Satellite Images of the 2005 Hurrican Katrina showed the third largest tropical storm ever to hit Baton Rouge. Source: www. wikimedia.org

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Attempted Christmas Day Bombing Dan Holmqvist

United States to Reconsider Foreign Policy

Copy Editor On Christmas Day of last year, a Nigerian man boarded a plane heading from the Netherlands to Detroit, Michigan with the intention of committing an act of terror - however, the only thing that al-Qaeda operative Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab succeeding in doing was burning himself with explosives sewn into his underwear. Nonetheless, this breach of security has caused widespread embarrassment for the Obama administration. The question being asked is how could a man who had been identified by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as a possible terror threat; get through security checkpoints at a major international airport while concealing explosives. The answer, according to the Obama administration, was that the attempted bombing happened as a result of miscommunication between agencies within the US government. Days after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano proclaimed that “the system worked,” Barack Obama stepped forward and instead conceded that “a mix of human and systemic failures” allowed the bombing to progress to the stage

it did. “Had this critical information been shared... the suspect would never have been allowed to board that plane to America.” The US government is now starting to mandate extra security measures. Full-body scanners, a controversial security tool, will soon be installed in many airports including Logan Airport in Boston in addition to those that are already in use at 19 airports in the US. Senior Keith Newman evaluated the use of fullbody scanners by reasoning, “It has the potential to slow things down and be an inconvenience to people... but at the same time it could have solved a problem. So can the government really sit back and not do something that could save lives?” There will also be pat-downs and strict searches of people boarding US-bound flights if they are from one of fourteen different countries deemed by the US to be state sponsors of terrorism. Tighter security and a heightened sense of alertness in the aftermath of Abdulmutallab’s failed plot has already caused delays throughout many airports in the US. For instance, Newark Airport in New Jersey, which will be receiving new full-body scanners, evacuated a

terminal on January 3rd, as authorities searched for a man who had apparently bypassed a checkpoint without being searched. Al-Qaeda’s latest plot has also highlighted a new ‘hotbed’ of terrorism in the Middle East - Yemen. Abdulmutallab has told the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that he spent time in Yemen with an American-born Islamic religious leader that had ties to the Fort Hood shooter, who killed thirteen Americans this November. And now, as more focus is shifted towards Yemen, which is dealing with its own sectarian problems, increasing instability lead the US and the UK to temporarily shut down their embassies in the country, which is on the brink of becoming a failed state. Malden resident Abdul Khoshafa, who is from Yemen, warns that military intervention from the US could continue to disrupt an already precarious situation. Instead, he believes the US should help “strengthen democratic institutions, increase human development to help fight poverty, hold the Yemeni government accountable, and provide aid to non-profit organizations.”

SARAH PALIN MAKES HER RIDE AFTER RESIGNATION

Johanna Lai Reporter

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The Blue and Gold January 2010

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arah Palin, former governor of Alaska and the republican candidate partner of John McCain had written her first book Going Rogue. The book has been released on Nov. 17, 2009. Going Rogue is a memoir based on Sarah Palin’s life, her run for the candidacy and her previous experiences as governor of Alaska. The memoir begins with the Alaska States Fair on Aug. of 2009 when she was talking about her daily routine before that event occurred and how she got the call to be the candidate running mate of McCain. In the second chapter, Palin talks about how

she got into Wasilla city politics. She also begins her chapter with a quote that Palin said after she got married to her childhood sweetheart Todd Palin and had her kids Bristol, Willow, and Track that it was because of Nick Carney the president of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce at that time . This is how her political career started in 1992 when Carney was running for Seat F of the six-member Wasilla City council. He recruited her to run for Seat E. During their campaigns, Carney stated to her in pg 64 that “The city would do well to have you serve.” At first, both Palin and Carney has thought that they both were allies but they had conflicts which Palin’s anger has shown in pg 66 when she named Carney as “de facto leader of the council.” In the third chapter, Palin’s story continued with the quote from John Wooden. Wooden stated “Our land is everything to us…. I will tell you one of the things we remember on our land. We remember our grandfathers paid for it --- with their lives.” The chapter begins with Palin talking about Andreé the Galdfly who is running for mayor in Anchorage as they previously ran a campaign which she lost very badly. In the middle of the book which has the longest chapter began with Palin talking about being John McCain ‘s running mate during her interview with Katie Couric and The

CBS network. In pg 243, when she stated I love those “hockey moms.” Palin has also stated You know what they say, what is the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull... lipstick!” She had also talked about the election and the debates. On page 281 her box of cards stated on the front of the card “What is the America’s role in the world when it comes to the global security?” In the back of the card, she answered, “Senator McCain and I are optimists. We love our country, and John has proven that more than any other leader in America.” In the very last few chapters of the book, Palin talked about she had talk about her resignation from the position of governor and her rumors in the media. An example of that was in pg 352 when the rumor came out to see if Palin was going to divorce her husband or not. And Palin thought Dang, divorced Todd? Have you seen Todd? Students from MHS had their opinion on this book. Historian of the freshman class William Lombard stated, “I am not going to read the book. Why would I read a book about a person who is trying to become the female George Bush?”

A Personal Account of Yemen

Junior Omar Khoshafa. Photo by Sharon Lee Omar Khoshafa Copy Editor

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he Yemeni people are a race that are armed to the teeth. According to modern statistics, there are 60 million handguns spread among the 21 million that live in Yemen. It is also known that almost every adult male wields a large, curved Junbiah (knife) that is attached to a sheath on their chest. The descriptions mentioned are what we currently hear in our western media today. Through first-person experience, I personally agree with accuracy of the facts, but also I believe that currently, these facts are often warped and used in an inaccurate context. It may be true that the Yemeni government holds a weak firearm policy and that handguns are very common in the average household, we must also realize that, despite all this, Yemen still holds one of the lowest crime rates in the world. According to a study taken by the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development in 2004, Yemen has only about 4 deaths per 100,000 due to intentional homicide, comparing to the global average of 7.6 deaths per 100,000. One might wonder why this would be so. Why would a country that retains three handguns for every civilian hold a considerably low homicide rate, and the answer to that lies deep within the Yemeni culture, a frontier that our media today has failed to explore. In my personal trip to Yemen, I immediately knew that the Yemeni people, like any other nation, were not without fault. They had a very high illiteracy rate, the country was in the beginning of a civil war, and the worldwide economic crisis had just hit the country. Still, the people of the country remain as hospitable as ever. One morning, my mother and I walked

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Teens on terrorism

continued from page 8 down one of the narrow street sof the neighborhood, and as we passed nearby houses, we were offered to join in for breakfast by many households. Unfortunately, we had to refuse since we were in a hurry to reach my aunt’s house, but these great acts of generosity will forever hold a place in the memories of this poverty-stricken country. The Yemeni culture is a very sophisticated one, being influenced by the religion of Islam and by Yemen’s previous cultural ideals and values. Yemen embraced Islam late in the 7th century, and overtime saw the blend of its own historic culture with this new religion. Unfortunately, the Yemeni culture still preserves some of its past, century-old ideals. One is the idea of male chauvinism and pride, which is a dominant part of Yemen’s culture today. The reason why Yemen holds a high firearm rate and a low homicide rate is the combination of weak firearm policy and this male chauvinism. Yemeni males, more than any others, feel socially elevated (and obviously safe) when possessing a weapon; and in obtaining all of these weapons, they usually only intend to use them for self-defense purposes. Also, the fact that most Yemeni males wield a decorative knife must be taken into cultural context. This junbiah, or decorative knife, has been a symbol of Yemeni tradition for many centuries and is never used for violent purposes. As a matter of fact, the knife is removed from its sheath only during ceremonial dances; otherwise it is illegal to even remove it from its case. What I am trying to get at here is that we, as intellectual and knowledgeable people, should not always develop permanent assumptions of other nations or societies in our global community based on what one source tells us. We should always investigate for ourselves and learn about the other side of a one-sided story. Only then will we be able to acquire our very own personal opinions of what is “going on” in the world, and not just mimic the opinions given to us by others.

Malden high school students get a special history lesson on terrorism

Dr. John Harrison explains the densities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, showing which regions are at risk for more terrorism vulnerability. Photo by Alexandra Mathieu. Alexandra Mathieu

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Online Editor

errorist activity lives fresh in the minds of many Americans due to the events of Sept. 11th and the “War on Terror” the US has been engaged in since 2001. This applies to Malden High School faculty and students as well. On Dec. 22, 2009, many MHS history students attended a terrorist seminar at the Malden Senior Center called “Terrorism & Extremism: A Primer” presented by Dr. John Harrison, brother to MHS teacher Anne Pember. Harrison is a leading specialist in air travel security as well as a published author. He is frequently quoted by the media on his specialty and has worked with US security in Tikrit, Iraq. When not giving seminars, Harrison is normally stationed in Singapore, an island off the coast of Malaysia in southeast Asia, an area Harrison pointed out to be a

terrorist hot spot. He explained how that region is notorious for terrorist groups and their training. Indonesia also located in southeast Asia, has the largest Muslim community in the world, Harrison noted, and therefore has a strong connection with the Muslim community in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pictures were shown in an accompanying slideshow of groups of young men wielding weapons and wearing shirts with known terrorist Osama Bin Laden’s face printed on them. Harrison also clarified the measures that not only the US, but the Singapore government is doing to battle terrorism and its radicals. To the 5,600 terrorism websites, there are at least 200 counter websites, a number that is still growing. In Singapore, the president is gaining awareness of the recruiting of members to terrorist groups in schools as his own son goes to one of the

recruitment schools. After his lecture, Harrison opened the seminar to questions. This opportunity was utilized by both students and teachers such as Cherise Hope, Kristina Katz, Joshua Jermoe, and history teachers Jamie Green and Rick Tivnan. In answering a question on the radical Islamic group the Taliban, Harrison suggested that if key regions in the country were not controlled, then the Taliban could not be defeated. Informative and effective, the seminar, particularly the question portion, exemplifies a point that most adults overlook: teens are just as worried about current situations as they are. As young adults, they are concerned because it effects them as well. Perhaps seminars on the economy or even the nation’s health care bill will lead to a new set of questions, surprising many with the views and ideas teenagers have.

MALDEN HIGH SCHOOL FORENSICS TEAM STRIKES BACK Joel Stevenson Reporter

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he Malden High School forensic team is moving up. The common misconception is that the forensic team is all about forensic science, the tasks performed in television shows such as CSI, but as sophomore Daniel Rendon states, “Nothing can be further from the truth.” The club specializes in public speaking, speeches, debates and competitive acting. Debates come in the form of Public Forum Debates and Lincoln Douglas debates. Pub-

lic Forum Debates (PFD) are two on two debates. LD (Lincoln Douglas) is a one on one debate. Competitive acting consists of events in which one person acts out a whole play, two act out a play, or five or more act out a play. The trick is that there are neither props to be handled nor costumes to be worn. It is just the actors and their perception. Students are allowed to participate in more than one event, such as Rendon. He stated, “The speech events vary from reciting a speech

to reciting a personal written speech to the event that I do. That is group discussion, which is a group of 6 people trying to reach a consensus on a certain topic.” This year the team is having more success than in previous years. Sophomores Dan Holmqvist and Rendon have already qualified for the state tournament, for group discussion. Senior Xavier Leo, and sophomores Sam Zeiberg and Omar Khoshafa are one “bid” away from qualifying for states. A bid is given

to competitors who compete well enough to finish in the top thirty percent of their respective events. The president of the club, senior Keith Newman, and performance partener freshman Crystal Araiza are also having success in “Duo,” and have one bid and a trophy for fourth place. Holmqvist already has two trophies in group discussion. With only about half the year gone, and so much success already accomplished, the only way to go is up.

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The Blue and Gold January 2010

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The Posse Foundation All Photos By Catherine Poirier

Alvaro Peters

Elaine Tam Dan Holmqvist

Cristina Peters

Copy Editor

Reporter

alden High School Senior Elaine Tam will not have to pay a cent for tuition over the next four years of her education at Hamilton College thanks to the scholarship money provided by the Posse Foundation. The Posse Foundation, begun in 1989, aims to “identify public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential” and provide them with “four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.” Tam’s rationale behind applying for the Posse scholarship was simple; she believed it was “an amazing program and scholarship.” She reinforced this belief by stating, “I don’t know many other scholarships are willing to have you and nine other members train and become a close-knit family so you’ll have a second family and support system.” But to be provided with this opportunity, Tam, along with hundreds of students across Massachusetts, had to take part in extensive interviews. According to Tam, however, these interviews were like slightly unorthodox: “[The Posse] interviews weren’t like any other interviews I’ve ever been to or participated in. These interviews were about who we are inside and outside of the classroom.” She even went as far as saying that her favorite part of the admissions process was her first interview because of the relaxed atmosphere “all we did was run

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fter over 20 years of selecting public high school students with exceptional educational as well as leadership skills, the Posse Foundation is still awarding a select number of students with a four year f u l l - tuition scholarship. Posse Scholars who receive this scholarship attend one of twenty-seven different colleges partnered with Posse, ranging from Massachusetts to California. Every fall, students are recommended by high schools by teachers, principals, and guidance counselors who believe in those individuals’ potential based off of their leadership and scholarly qualities. Ten students become Posse Scholars from the participating schools in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Washington, D.C., each year. After being nominated for the Posse scholarship by Malden High School guidance counselor Erin Craven, senior Alvaro Peters will be making his way up to Schenectady, NY in September of 2010 to begin attending Union College. For Peters, becoming a Posse Scholar seemed like a long-shot. To receive the Posse scholarship, the process of interviewing the nominees was intense and nailbiting, as it was something that each senior going through the DAP aspired

M for. When asked how he learned about the Posse Foundation and the scholarship, Peters stated, “Ms. Craven told me about it. After telling me about the scholarship and how great it was, I looked at it as an opportunity worth taking. Why not try out to win a scholarship that pays for you to go to college for four years?” Once Craven informed Peters about the scholarship, it was all he needed to take initiative and embark on this new endeavor. “Ms. Craven kept telling me to think Posse, BE Posse,” said Peters bemusedly, “so that’s what I did.” Peters described the afternoon that he received a phone call from Posse telling him that he had won the scholarship to Union College as an one of the most exceptionally exciting days for him throughout his high school career. Having been awarded “best all-around person,” it is assuring that he has a bright future ahead, as the scholarship helps to ensure. The Posse Foundation’s goal is to assist schools in identifying and recruiting exceptional groups of diverse students which was clearly accomplished at MHS. Along with Peters, seniors Elaine Tam, Laila Abdul Nabi, Sarah Cesar also were selected to receive the Posse four year scholarships, a select group that truly represents the diversity of MHS.

around screaming, play games, and have Socratic seminars about rich topics like political views, ethics, and values.” What is unique about the Posse program is that it helps create a support group that students can rely on later on in college. Tam is convinced that her support group “clicks” very well and can converse over a variety of topics. Former Blue and Gold staff member and MHS graduate Cynthia Rodriguez, who is currently attending Hamilton College, was a Posse scholar last year. She wishes the best for Tam: “I’m proud of Elaine and excited to have her up on the hill with us. Posse is a great opportunity and I’m sure that she is going to love Hamilton.” Tam cites MHS guidance counselor Erin Craven as the most supportive staff member during the application process. Tam had nothing but praise for Craven - “I have absolutely no clue what I would’ve done without her. She literally made Posse a possibility and helped me more than words can explain.” Craven reciprocated these sentiments by saying, “[Elaine] is charismatic, hard-working, studiousness, and always works diligently to make Malden High School a better place.” Before Tam embarks on her 4 year long journey in New York, she, along with other POSSE scholars, will meet once a week as part of a pre-collegiate program that leads up to her college orientation.

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For the past 20 years, the Posse Foundation has awarded 2,600 public high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. over $260 million in scholarship money. Posse focuses on students from diverse economic, academic, religious, political, or geographic backgrounds who show leadership qualities, such as being school president or working to help support one’s family. Posse works with colleges such as Bryn Mawr College, Hamilton College, Centre College, and Union College. In order to become a Posse scholar, a student must undergo a rigorous acceptance process that includes an application, personal interviews, group interviews, and a review of academic achievement and community involvement.

Sarah Cesar Nidale Zouhir Head of Local News

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ominated by her sister, previous Posse scholar Gina Cesar, and Malden High School guidance counselor Erin Craven, MHS senior Sarah Cesar will be attending Kentucky’s Centre College in the fall. For Cesar, the entire Posse process was riveting; after her nomination, she attended Posse’s first unorthodox group interview, during which nominees played games; Cesar calls this her “favorite part of the process...it was fun and [she] just enjoyed [herself] to the fullest.” Next, semi-finalists were subjected to a formal personal interview, where they presented their transcripts, writing samples, and talents. Posse finalists then attended a final group interview, where they interacted with other finalists and the Dean of Admissions of their prospective colleges; Cesar called the wait time after this interview “the most nerve-wracking part of the process,” along with “knowing that out of 20 finalists, they could only pick 10 scholars.” Finally, scholars were notified of their success by phone; “the most exciting part of the process for me was getting that phone call, it changed my life, it was the highlight of my night, the highlight of 2009; I cried of joy when the Dean of Admission called me persona l l y and

informed me of the great news,” Cesar explained. Cesar, who takes Advanced Placement Biology, French, and Italian, looks forward to attending Centre College. She and her Posse – a “multicultural team made up of 10 students” that “acts as a support system to ensure that each Posse Scholar succeeds and graduates from college,” according to the Posse Foundation’s website – have already become “a big family; we are a team, hence [the term] Posse.” However, she “will miss [her] friends, [her] teachers, and the people that have been there for [her] throughout [her] high school experience.” She names chemistry teacher Phuong Ho, business teacher Karen Razzino, Italian teacher Teresa Murano, and librarian Lucia Musilli as her most supportive teachers throughout the Posse process. Despite the bittersweetness that Cesar’s departure from Massachusetts creates in the hearts of her friends, they remain proud and supportive; senior Ketsia Fevrin stated that she was “very happy and excited for Sarah’s Posse win; she’s a very smart girl with a bright future, [although] I am a bit sad that she will be going so far away. Senior Karen Benavides echoed this sentiment, stating, “Sarah is a great person... She is not just a friend, but a sister and I’m proud that all her hard work paid off.”

Laila Abdul-Nabi Megan Kelly Reporter

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ut of 1,300 candidates, one Malden High School senior made it as one of the Bryn Mawr Posse Scholars. Laila Abdul-Nabi will be attending Bryn Mawr on a four year scholarship that was awarded to her and four other MHS seniors through the Posse Foundation. At first, Abdul-Nabi had not expected to get beyond the finalist round; she stated, “I had considered myself fortunate enough to be one of the finalists out of all those 1,300 hundred candidates.” In the early rounds of the interviewing process Abdul-Nabi and other scholarship hopefuls played games and then where given a personal interview. When she was asked about her interview, Abdul-Nabi said that she looked around at her fellow candidates who she felt that they were equally deserving of the scholarship; “I had lost all my hopes because compared to them I was nothing, I felt.” However, her feelings have changed since her interview and describes the feeling of winning one of the ten scholar-

ships “incredible and astonishing.” For Abdul-Nabi, one of Bryn Mawr’s most exciting qualities is that she starts school with the other Posse winners is that her life will take a new turn from both the challenging academics and living on the Pennsylvanian campus. While attending college she plans to major in the medical field and afterwards, become a doctor. She takes inspiration for her career choice from her heritage and her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor: “Coming from a country where people haven’t accomplished anything but hardships, challenges and abuses, I would like to become a doctor so that I can go back and help out the people of not just my country but every other country where the people face obstacles and hardships.” Winning Posse is not just winning a scholarship for Laila; it is the chance for her to accomplish her dreams.

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Monthly Profile: Arlene Ceppetelli As part of a new effort to showcase the dedication of the faculty members at Malden High School, The Blue and Gold has begun to publish profiles of noteworthy individuals on a monthly basis, beginning with health teacher Arlene Ceppetelli.

Cepptelli with her students in her classroom. Nidale Zouhir Head of Local News Cristina Peters Reporter

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rlene Ceppetelli – advisor of the class of 2011, creator and advisor to the freshman mentoring program, and advisor to the Breast Cancer Awareness Club, as well as coordinator of the peer tutoring program – has been teaching in Malden for a startling 34 years. “I grew up in Malden and graduated

Photo by Sharon Lee

from Malden High,” she stated. “When I got the job [here], it was like being home again for me.” Currently, Ceppetelli is a health teacher, although in the past she has taught biology, a parenting course, and an adolescent issues course; teaching has long been her way to “be a good role model for the kids, teach them to love to learn, and help them become productive, happy, and healthy adults,” she stated. Ceppetelli’s nurturing nature is evident in her treatment of her students (whom

she affectionally calls “her kids”); she allows for makeup tests, helps them get tutored, and generally supports them in their academic endeavors, explaining that she has “always believed that [she] should be available for [her] students to listen, guide, and to advise them.” Ceppetelli – fondly referred to as “Ms. Cepp” by many students – has never taught “for an extended time” at another high school; however, in the past she has taught Adapted Physical Education in Brighton and in a special program that involved all levels of students at Boston University. Having been advisor to numerous programs over the years, Ceppetelli thinks she has been “truly blessed and lucky to be here all these years,” which she stated “afforded [her] the opportunity to learn much from [her] kids,” allowing her to “get to know many of [them] at a different level than classroom teacher.” Ceppetelli expressed that “the highlights of [her] career have been watching [her] kids’ faces when they connect with

what I am teaching them, working with wonderful people throughout my career, and having the opportunity to work with and get to know many of the kids here at MHS.” Fellow health teacher Kathy Devito has known Ceppetelli since high school, describing her as a “hard-working” woman who “cares so deeply for the kids and works tirelessly, putting in an unbelievably amount of work for her kids.” Devito stated that Ceppetelli’s passion for health education helps her teach her students to be happy, healthy adults. Junior Deanna Smith confirmed this, stating, “In my three years of high school, Ms. Cepp and I have become very close; she is like a third parent to me, always there when I need to talk. I love her so much and am thankful that I met her.” Of her job, Ceppetelli expressed, “I have always tried to be involved and love what I do as much today as when I first started teaching...I wouldn’t change my experiences here for anything else in the world.”

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Students and Staff Strive for New Sport

Potter Fans Rejoice

Harry Potter Exhibition at the Museum of Science

Alexander Gennigiorgis

Alicia Young

Reporter

Reporter

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he Malden High School Athletic Department is working to add yet another sport to the already wide variety of athletics offered in the school. Math teacher Andrea So, along with some ambitious students and Athletic Director Dan Keefe are currently working to create a competitive co-ed Badminton team. Badminton, for those who do not know, is a sport where each game is played to 21 points. A point is earned if the shuttlecock (birdie) is hit over a six foot, six inch net and lands on the floor within the boundaries of the opposing team’s court. It is quite similar to tennis except that a badminton serve must be hit below the waist and the racquet must point downwards. Also, the birdie is not allowed to bounce in badminton, and players must stay inside their service courts, unlike tennis. The team is “currently contacting other schools and trying to find schools that have badminton teams,” stated So, which will allow the team to begin actual competition next year. This will give the team an opportunity for improvement as they face different opponents. Coach So seems to be just the right person to lead the team due to her extensive experience in the sport. So stated that in Hong Kong, she played and competed for two years and she hopes that her “background in badminton and youth work will help students at MHS enjoy the sport as well as develop leadership skills.”

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rom Oct. 25, 2009, to Feb. 21, 2010, Boston’s own Museum of Science will be housing Harry Potter™: The Exhibition for those in love with the J.K. Rowling series and entertaining movie saga. So far, the exhibit has gathered a very pleasing response. Freshman Amanda Goncalves called the exhibit “a fun and exciting way to really experience the actual movie.” Goncalves went on to say how she would be ecstatic to go back at any time. Throughout the exhibit are 200 actual movie props and artifacts, such as Harry’s famous glasses and wand. It is no wonder that Malden High School freshman Natalia Llorca was “so happy to see the exhibit. I really loved the movies, and it may be weird but I don’t care, [the movie] Harry Potter is awesome especially in real life!” Eddie Newquist, President of Exhibit Group/Giltspur Branded Entertainment called it a “one-of-a-kind exhibition.” The Live Animal Presentation, which shows how animals such as an owl like those used in the movie adapt and behave in its environment., and the Science Magic show go in-depth about just how the movies were made. Looking to experience the magical world of Hogwarts first hand? The Museum of Science is the place to be. Tickets are available at www.mos.org and they promise a fun day.

MHS introduces new Biology teacher Katheryn Bizier to the Science Department. Brendan Provitola Reporter

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alden High School has recently added another teacher to the science department. Katheryn Bizier took this role after seeking a job as a biology teacher for quite some time. As a graduate from Colby college and graduate school at Boston College, Bizier is ready to teach both biology and a section of chemistry to MHS sophomores and juniors. After being asked the question of how she got the job, Bizier said, “It went really well when I tried to get this job. I believe Mr. Brown and Doctor Perito really believe I am a great fit for this job.” It is clear that Bizier has made a good first impression with her knowledge of science. With only half a year to teach the Malden High students, she will try to keep her new classes on track.

Entertainment

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Malden High School Band and Choir together in perfect harmony

Sharon Lee Reporter

continues from page 1

“Stuff” because at that time they were not sure of the direction of the show, but they still kept the title “Stuff” even now. Tavares felt that it would make the song more mysterious and that’s what it needed since it is not just an ordinary song and has been arranged by their instructor Matthew Tavares. Next was the Mixed Chorus consisting of 95 singers who performed four songs, “My Favorite Things”, “Bidi Bom”, “Scarborough Fair”, and “Believe” from The Polar Express. Just before the intermission the Concert Band presented the audience with four holiday songs which were “Amazing Grace,” “Chanukah is Here,” “A Canadian Brass Christmas,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” During their performance of “A Canadian Brass Christmas” there were four solos performed by Denis, Anthony Nguyen, Michael Meneses, and Amanda LaFauci who all happen to be trumpeters. After a quick intermission, the audience returned to their seats and was ready to enjoy more fabulous music. The next performance was by the Madrigal Singers which consists of two sopranos, three altos, four tenors, three bass singers and one singer by the name of Kristin Cruikshank who is both a soprano and alto singer. Each of these singers has

at least one year of experience with being involved in the Choral Art Society. These 13 madrigal singers performed a series of five songs which included “O Occhi, Manza Mia,” “April is in my Mistress’ Face,” “Coventry Carol,” “When Allen-ADale Went A-Hauling,” and “Carol of the Bells.” Up next was “Amazing Grace” which just so happens that Tavares choose to perform the same The Malden High school Choir singing at the holiday concert. Photo by SharonLee piece earlier that night. Besides being played by the Concert Band it was ing concert through the eyes of the considered a class and that it takes also sang by the Concert Choir to performers themselves but also to away from other things, but maybe start them off. Then they continued everyone else that was in the Finn because they have not seen the wonwith “Lo V’Chayil,” “Al Hanissim,” Gymnasium on that Tuesday night; ders the MHS chorus and band could “One Day More,” and “Mary’s Little whether it is a student, staff mem- create. Even before the concert was Boy Child.” In order for the Concert ber, or parent. By the end of the scheduled to start, Daniel Rendon, a Choir to perform these songs, they show, Bola satisfyingly said “This tubist, proudly stated “This is where had to study foreign vocabulary that was my first time ever seeing the all our work pays off,” and strongly was present in the lyrics, that were chorus and band together and they agreed that the Winter Concert of from other languages like Hebrew. were amazing, I am sure to return to 2009 was just another example of how much they can accomplish. This must have been a challenge but these events.” Unfortunately some feel that in the end all their work paid off. band and chorus should not be Not only was this an amaz-

SHERLOCK HOLMES DOESN’T HIT HOME

Nidale Zouhir Head of Local News

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ased off Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original characters and a story by Lionel Wigram (executive producer of 2009’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is a somewhat captivating film despite its contrived ending.

Set in late 19th century London, Holmes follows its mystery-solving title character (played by Ironman’s Robert Downey Jr.) through a case unlike any he has seen before; after beginning the film dramatically by preventing a human sacrifice ritual and arresting the man responsible – the cryptic Lord Blackwood (played by Endgame’s Mark Strong) – Sherlock Holmes and his partner, Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), await his execution. Soon, however, it becomes evident that something is not quite right, as Blackwood promptly arises from the dead, thus adding the unexpected element of black magic to the story. Interestingly, Holmes, with his Spock-esque logic and rationality, does not comprehend the possibility of magic’s existence; similarly, it is often difficult for the audience to suspend its own disbelief for the black magic plot line. Ritchie’s attempts to splice action with mystery often fall short; many of the fight scenes are either unintentionally humorous or completely irrelevant. In fact, the most

interesting parts of the film are the more traditional mystery-solving scenes watching Holmes figure out the secret to Blackwood’s “dark arts” is much more gripping than watching him in a random boxing match – which, although it does call back to the original character of Holmes, is entirely irrelevant to film. Holmes’ character, however, is fascinating; his emotional handicaps and trademark pretentious intelligence, along with his slightly homoerotic relationship with Watson, make him simultaneously more realistic and more compelling. Adding to this is Holmes’ mutually abusive relationship with criminal Irene Adler (The Time Traveler’s Wife’s Rachel McAdams); however, Adler seems out of place as one of the few American accents in a primarily British-accent-led film. Watson, meanwhile, is one of the real highlights of the movie; his relationships, both his engagement with fiancée Mary Morstan (Me and Orson Welles’ Kelly Reilly) and his bromance with his parter/best friend/roommate Sherlock Holmes,

are some of the most interesting of the film. Meanwhile, Blackwood is a suitable enough villain; his skill at hoodwinking and manipulating those around him is his only real weapon, although his desire to remake the world into a place that follows his rules along with his tendency to murder all who stand in his way makes him seem slightly crazed. The film’s CGI tends to be obvious at times, reflecting its $90 million budget, especially when compared with the $237 million Avatar or the $250 million Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; however, the lighting is flattering for essentially everybody in the film. At times, Holmes seems to have too many plot lines for its 134 minutes; in fact, one of the most confusing, involving love interest Adler and a faceless caped man called Professor Moriarty (rumored to be played by Brad Pitt) is never resolved, making the already forced ending clearly sequel-ready.

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2009: Year of the Conformists? The Top Ten of 2010

The Year In Review Brittany Foley

All Photos by Brittany Foley

Head of Entertainment/Opinion tween a skirt and pants, and can very easily look ridiculous. If these pants were worn in a wrong way or with a wrong accessory,the fashion police might be alerted. However, when assembled in a chic outfit and

individual style through countless variations of maxi dresses, sandals, Reporter over-the-hair headbands and head wraps, boho jewelery and earthy Fashion is more than the style and fire tones. and custom popular at a given Denim, forever in style, made time; it is a manner of expression, its statement of superiora representation of individuity this year through skinny ality. Recently, the meaning jeans—available in the entire behind this term has transcolor spectrum, three cheers formed. Fashion now exists as for eccentricity—and the latera figure of conformity. Rather popular jeggings (jeans with than taking a staple and maka leggings texture). Destroyed ing it their own, too many are denim, however, came in first in buying whatever is “in” and the popularity contest. are accepted as fashionable The ‘it bags’ became very because they are following the common around 2005, and latest trend. Today, society is have not stepped down yet. in desperate need of a fashion It seemed this year more than legislature. ever, everyone needed a bag This year, Ugg boots from Chanel or Coach, or any and Crocs represent fashion other top designer that everytreason. Although these shoes one wanted to carry around. were made for those seeking, Far from affordable, these bags they became two of the years were often worn redundantly, greatest conformist necessities. even when they completely This accusation of conformity clashed with one’s outfit. Then is undeniable: although either came the monstrosity bags, brand carries a variety of prodwhere the motto “the bigger the ucts, everyone had to have better” could fit purse preferthose classic beige Uggs. Al- Paige Yurek and Megan Kelly of The Blue ence perfectly. Abnormally large though comfort was the main and Gold modeling some of the top trends bags screamed posh, while smaller objective for an individual’s of 2009: Ugg boots, scarves, big bags, and handbags seemed tacky. purchase of such footwear, skinny jeans. What about the time when the everyone walking around only fashionable coats and in the same type of shoe hats were made from fur? confirms the lack of perPETA (People for the Ethisonality they inspired. cal Treatment of Animals) In 2009 conformity will not have to forgive the such as this, however, fashion-forward for the reaffected us from head turn of the trend. Although to toe—literally. While wearing your pet has Ugg boots took over the regained popularity, this country’s feet, the vintage luxurious style is widely look of RayBan Wayfaravailable in faux furs and ers and Aviators became skins. Pearls became rather the essential accessory well-liked as well, further for above. The desire for reflecting the classic style this classic look coincided of luxury and glamour. with the geek-chic craze Boots of all sorts took that consumed younger the world by storm this generations, and soon, year. Whether they went people were so desperto the ankles, reached the ate to take part in the fad Catherine Poirier modeling a Coach bag, one of calves, or were the overthat they popped out the the most popular accessories of 2009. the-knee style, boots were the year’s lenses of glasses given out choice footwear. Western, rocker, at 3D movies and paraded biker, and—of course—Ugg boots around with them as if they were paired with confidence, this staple all made an appearance in window actual specs. Perhaps these were proved to be a rather refreshing fronts throughout the entirety of worn for a more sophisticated, in- look. 2009. Converse All-Star sneakers tellectual look; looks like the joke is Scarves and belts have always and gladiator sandals were also inon the bullies. been top accessories, and that much creasingly popular. Not all trends are straight- has not changed. These ornaments, As conformity and individualforward conformity, emphasizing though seen constantly, were worn ity continue to coexist in the world how it is not what you wear, but in such broad varieties this year that of fashion, we anticipate how we how you wear it. The more ad- hope for individuality in style is not will be able to stand on either side of venturous of the fashion-forward lost. the fine line drawn between the two donned Harlem pants, commonly Although the 60’s have been this coming year. known as “hammer pants,” which gone for forty or so years, dressoriginated from India but were ing like a hippie proved popular made popular by MC Hammer. this year. Thankfully, the bohemian These pants are a crossover be- look was often morphed to fit one’s Reginah Sanyu

Ayoub Kourikchi, of The Blue and Gold, modeling a take on a rocker-inspired look, a trend suspected to be popular this year.

1. The Rebellious, Rocker Look Wear It: Studs, black, leather, ripped denim 2. Boy Meets Girl Wear It: Boyfriendstyle jeans, oversized tees, messenger-style bags, ties 3. Unusual Pairings Wear It: Bold patterns and prints, unusual color choices, layers 4. Transparent Wear It: Sheer fabrics, cool tones, tights, mesh, lace 5. Whimsically Edgy Wear It: Bright colors, uncommon fabrics, straight-cut hemlines, feisty accessories, extreme hair pieces

Biker boots will be a key statement in 2010’s new top look.

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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Girls Track Strives to Beat History Chris Brown Reporter

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he Malden High School girls indoor track team started a new season with a loss at a home meet against Somerville on December 16, 2009. Despite the new season starting off rough, the team strongly believes that they will do well. Assistant Coach Jamie Green has these feelings even though the team “historically struggles in the GBL (Greater Boston League), we’ve got a good team with new talent and old, established athletes.” Green wasn’t surprised by the loss to Somerville either, saying that Somerville is historically “the best in the GBL. Our goal is to compete at the same level as Somerville so we can possibly beat them someday.” Green specifically coaches hurdles,

which is a dash that requires the runners to jump over elevated obstacles. “Hurdles is probably the best and most intense track event,” stated Green. Green also mentioned that the team received great instructions from MHS alumni, Jonathan Brito, who is now attending Harvard University and competes in hurdles at the collegiate level. Green hopes that new and old talents, as well as a Harvard-educated guest instructor will be enough for the team to do well this season. Coach Mitch Abbatessa also has great predictions for the team. “The girls team this season could be a force in the GBL. The throwers and sprinters look very strong this year.

Last year we had only a few bright spots during our season. This year however we are looking to change things and earn back some more respect for the track team,” explained Abbatessa. Abbatessa believes the strength in the team this season will come from the varsity athletes, who, as he said, have “worked harder in the weight room and at the track more than any season I can remember.” The varsity athletes, he believes, won’t settle for second best anymore; they want to be number one.. The team will face cities such as Everett, Arlington, Cambridge and Malden’s rival, Medford before the GBL Championship meet in February.

Junior Patrick Keough gains first place in the boys’ two mile race. Photo by Lynn Tran

Junior Anthony Nguyen gains second place in the boys’ 600 meter race. Photo by Lynn Tran

New Hope For Track Freddie DiPhillipo Reporter

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he boys indoor varsity track team began the 2009 season with a tie against Somerville High School on Dec. 16, 2009. The team has been practicing at the Salemwood School gym, preparing for their next meets. Only this time, players and coaches are expecting a victory. Players of both the boys and girls indoor track teams have been doing a lot of preseason work. For example, some members of the team had to workout in the weight room before the season began.After asking Junior Andrew Terenzi how it feels to have more people at practice he replied, “It is messed up because a lot of them quit. It can also be annoying how it changes the amount

of rest you get in between workouts at practice.” As mentioned in previous editions of the Blue and Gold Newspaper, the Greater Boston League has decreased in the amount of teams competing. Two of the teams no longer in the league are Waltham and Peabody . Also, now that there are less teams competing to become the GBL champions, the boys track team has a better chance to become the GBL champions. One of the team’s upcoming meets before the GBL championship will be against Everett High School, which will be held in Everett on Jan. 13, 2010 at 6:30PM. Another meet will be against Arlington at home on Jan.

20, at 3:30PM. They will also be facing Cambridge at home at 3:30PM on Jan. 27, and away at Medford on Feb. 3, also at 3:30PM. The GBL championship meet will be held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston on February 13th at 3:00PM. If a few members of the track team do as well as expected at the GBL championship meet, then they will go on to the Division 1 State Meet and possibly on to the All State Meet. All three of these meets will be held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. The Division 1 State Meet will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at 9:00AM. And the All State Meet will be held on Friday, Feb. 26 at 4:30PM.

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Boys Basketball Shoots for Another Great Season Brittany McFeeley Copy Editor

girls basketball Stays Motivated Reporter

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he basketball game for the girls varsity was held on Jan. 5th in the Finn Gym. It was Malden v. Cambridge. The game started with the national anthem and a moment of silence. “We started out good. We played hard defense and strong offense and by the end of the first quarter the score was close.” Kiara Amos a sophomore on the varsity team stated. By the second quarter, things were getting intense. Fouling happened multiple times. Most of the points Cambridge received. By half-time, the score was 20 to 7, Cambridge. During the 3rd and the 4th quarters, there were a lot of fouls. The teams had also faced wrong calls by the referees, but they certainly did fight through it. The final score was 20-45, Cambridge. Commie Ayuk, a varsity player affirmed, “Our offensive plays to make shot opportunities and playing strong defense were the strategies we used.” Ayuk stated,” [After the game] all I could think of is that was a tough battle but I know we have the potential to get them the next time we play them!” Amos declared, “Yes, we were disappointed but it just motivated us to practice more and work harder.”

NHL’s Winter Classic Expected to Reach New Heights Alfonse Femino

The Malden High School basketball team is currently 2-4 with plenty more games left to go in the 09 -10 season. With the loss of seven key players due to graduation and the loss of junior Egi Gjikondi, the MHS team strives to fill in the empty holes on the roster. Leading the team this year are Senior Co-Captains Ramon Viches and Nathan Freni, two of the four seniors on the team. The other two seniors are Ernst LaRochel and Shakurus Semexant. The team is mainly composed of juniors and a few sophomores, which will greatly benefit the team in the next few seasons to come. Viches stated, “Our goal is to make the state tournament,” which seems to be the theme goal this year. The team is working hard to keep their streak going of making it to the tournament, if they make it this year, it will be the third year in a row. Since the varsity team is rebuilding their roster, co-captain Freni stated, “Last year’s team was very good because we all played together for a long time. This season we are all still getting used to each others skills and abilities but I think we will be able to make the tournament again.” The lack of seniors on the basketball team does not stop them, Freni mentioned, “we have a lot of juniors that play key roles.” Senior Semexant also commented, “I think the team will perform well with only four seniors because we have some underclassmen with a lot of heart.” The team is looking forward to playing against ranked teams and Everett High School. Freni mentioned that he would be looking forward to a basketball game against one of MHS’ popular rivals, EHS. Even though the team has suffered some major losses from last year, that does not stop this team from putting their heart and Sophmore Billy Bonnet tries to shoot the soul into the 09 – 10 basketball season. ball. Photo by Catherine Poirier.

Amanda Adams

The Blue and Gold January 2010

Sports

Bridgette Furlong,on offense, dribbling the ball down the court. Photo by Brittany McFeeley

Head Sports Writer

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rom Pittsburgh center Sydney Crosby’s goal at Ralph Wilson stadium in New York, to Detroit Red Wing Goaltender Ty Conclin’s incredible performance, the annual Winter Classic has seen incredible excitement, and attracted monstrous numbers of fans along with millions at home watching. The Winter Classic is a hockey game played with two National Hockey League teams on the first day of the year, however, the teams do not play in a Fleet Center or Madison Square Garden setting, but on a synthetic strip of ice built on a Major League Baseball field. The tradition instantly became a classic in 2008’s intense matchup between the Pitssburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabers, drawing a record breaking 71,000 fans to home of the Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson Stadium located in Orchard Park New York. Both teams featured old time hockey jerseys in an exciting matchup, ending with an overtime shootout game winning goal from Captain Sydney Crosby. "[the winter classic] is a wonderful exeriance that we are all blessed to be part of," stated Crosby in an interview with the press after the game. The 2009 matchup between two of the NHL’s Original Six teams, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, at the historical home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field in Chicago did not fail to bring the same excitement. During the snowy January first day, the two teams also featured old time jerseys in an equally intense 6-4 Red Wings win. The game somewhat matched the original game in numbers, filling the stadium well beyond its capacity with eager hockey fans. Though all teams involved in the wonderful event received, in simpler woods, a financial boost, the effects went much further. For example, attendance at the struggling Buffalo sabers steadily increased in the second half of the season, while both the Penguins and Red Wings competed against each other in the Stanley Cup, meaning that the intensity picked up after playing in the winter classic. Irony? I think not. The 2010 decade marking winter classic will be hosted by the hometown Boston Bruins against rival Philadelphia Flyers, in what may be one of the most anticipated professional sporting events of all time at the American Icon Fenway Park In Back Bay, Boston. Tickets at the box office for the game were all sold within mere days after being released, and even the usually packed craigslist/ebay ticket forums are empty, clearly showing the excitemant for the history making event.

The Blue and Gold January 2010

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Gymnastics

Kayla Bramante Reporter Malden High School’s Gymnastics team meets have long since been known as crowd-pleasing events. Although the team did not win their Jan. 5, 2010 meet vs. rival Medford, which they lost by three points, they exhibited an outstanding amount of effort in the form of their cohesivenss as a team. Even though the team has not been together all that long, they have shown that they are very cooperative and willing to learn from one another for the betterment of the team as a whole. Their team spirit definitely shines through their performances and their energetic

teamates on the junior varsity level cheering them on. Alana Casey and Kristin Cruikshank, are said to be some of the best at the floor and beam events. Cruikshank, a senior who has been practicing gymnastics for all four of her years at MHS and is one of the team’s three captains, puts a great deal of effort into all of her performances and had a particularly successful day against Medford doing a double back handspring back-tuck, the culmination of nearly two years of preparation. Jessica Katherine and Stephanie Dervishian, the two

other team captains also performed well. “The boys on the team are definitely something we have over other schools and it really helps out the team. They are a great addition and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that I love that I can work with them in such a fun sport” stated freshman Jasmine Coutinho

during the Jan. 5th meet. Coach Katie Bowdridge exclaims that “the teams wonderful, they work very hard and there are always adding new additions!” Needless to say she seems very happy about the way the team is performing, even if they are not undefeated.

Swim team Laps The Competition Natalie Fallano Reporter

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Malden is well on their way to another GBl title.

he Malden High School swim team is midway through the season with a 3-1 record hoping to be Greater Boston League (GBL) champions once again, having won in both 2007 and 2008. On Wednesday Dec. 29, 2009 MHS had a meet against Malden Catholic High school. Malden Catholic is an all boys team and MHS is co-ed, both boys and girls. It would be interesting to see the result of the meet that faced girls and boys against each other but would be fair enough considering MHS’s swimming history. Also considering the rivalry of MHS and MC who are cross town rivals who have always been competitive with each other even though they are in different conferences, were excited to verse each other. It was a cold morning, only a few days after Christmas when both teams arrived an hour before the meet ready to get into the cold chlorine filled water and start warming up for the meet. First in the water was MHS wanting to get back into a winning streak after losing to

Cambridge, followed by MC, who now warmed up together on opposite sides of the pool. The girls of the MHS did not look even close to intimidated of a team of 35 guys. On the MHS team, girls outnumber the guys and were just excited as the boys to get the meet started. MHS also has two girl captains, Christina Valente and Kristina Dyer, who cheered their team out throughout the meet when they were The swim team practices swimming. Photo by Kayla Bramante. not swimming. Not only were the girls not intimidated but they was excited about the win, especial- was a great win but also assistant made a big impact in MHS’s win. ly the girls of the team. Some were coach John Parcellin. He stated “It MHS junior, Jackie Tran placed first glad to get back into the winning was an excellent meet and very in the 100 breast stroke and fresh- circle after the loss to Cambridge, competitive. It was great to face our man Caitlin Cala placed second like freshmen Michele Dang. She cross town rivals: Malden Catholic." in the 100 fly passing to MC boys stated “It was a great win after we Parcellin also pointed out “Our girls unexpectedly with only a few more lost to Cambridge.” Others such as are just as competitive as our guys.” strokes left to the finish. Cala ex- Catherine Poirier were glad to say With just half the season left, both claimed, “The meet was exhilarating they beat an all guys team, who ex- the boys and girls want to keep because I came out of nowhere and pressed cheerfully, “It feels good to winning and hope to continue their beat two guys in the 100 fly!” be able to say we beat a team of 35 reign as GBL champs for another The meet ended with a total guys.” year. score of 89 to 73 MHS and everyone Not only did the team think it

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SKI TRIP 2010 Lauren Benoit Reporter

Lauren Benoit’s Journal: An experienced Skier

DAY 1:

The Chondola up to the top of North Peak Mountain. Photo Credit by: Lauren Benoit

The day could not go by fast enough. I was counting down the minutes till 1:30. Finally, it was time to walk down and load the bus. Once the bus was loaded it now occurred to me that I was on my first ski trip. I was nervous because I never skied without my aunt who had taught me, and extremely excited because it is the ski trip I have been looking forward to since 8th grade. Being on a bus for five hours with people you hardly know can be boring. To pass time “Transformers” was playing, but the movie only lasted so long. On that bus ride to other than watching the movie I slept, ate tons of food, and talked with the people sitting around me. At about 7:00 p.m. we arrived at the Snow Cap Dorms which is where we were staying and the boys unloaded the bus. After room assignments and unpacking, is when the fun began. Since Malden only had 30 students on the trip, all of us shared one wing—about six to a room. Upstairs were the 150 Peabody students. Along with their rooms there was a pingpong table, four flat screen televisions, and a box of games. Some brave souls from Malden actually brought televisions and gaming systems to play during the free time. The popular game was called Just Dance. It seemed like everyone had to play it at least once, and if you played it once you just had to play it again. The doors to the rooms were wide open all the time with different sounds of music and singing filling the hallway. If no one was in their room they were either in someone else’s or dancing to music in the hallway. I wished that night would never end, but lights went out at eleven.

DAY 2: The sound of phone alarms woke me up at 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Snoozing was a must until about 6:30 a.m.. After breakfast I geared

up and went out for a full day of skiing. Within three hours of being on the mountain my mountain buddy and I accidentally managed to make it to the other side of the mountain. Unfortunately we got lost, and our “one last run until we go in” turned into a one and a half hour hunt back to the main lodge. At the end of a trail I collapsed. My eyes were blacking out and I was dizzy. My stomach was turning and I felt like I was going to throw up. I stood up and went as fast as I could to the main lodge trails away. The moment when I saw South Ridge (the main lodge), was a sense of relief. I came in at lunch time and finding an empty table to rest at was a challenge but I eventually found a table next to an elderly couple. My vision was coming and going. My legs were shaking, I could not stand up without falling. That is when I turned around to the couple sitting behind me and asked the man if he could get me water because I was not feeling well. As he was getting my water his wife stayed and comforted me. I was in terrible condition so they called ski patrol. I was on the verge of unconsciousness. The only thing I wanted to do was sleep, I was exhausted. Once ski patrol came and they me to the medical room. After asking some questions the conclusion came about that I was very dehydrated. This could be easily cured with each sip I take. Once I got released to go back up to the lodge I was starving. The meals there were not appetizing to me. I felt like I could not bear to hold anything down, but my stomach disagreed. I had to get energy into my body. The rest of the day skiing conditions were horrible. It was windy and the slopes were icy. During lunch I bought new gloves to wear the second half of the day. I was not going to let a little cold or my foolishness to forget to drink water get in my way of still skiing the remaining valuable three hours. My last run of the day I rode alone. I wanted to end well, so I went down a blue trail called “3D”. A little ways down the mountain I discovered that moguls covered the trail. I have not done those in years and since I refused to walk up the mountain I had to go down. Ahead was a mound of snow for jumps. I went towards the mound at full speed. Too late to turn the other way I darted up the mound. Never did I go off a jump before, and to do it for the first time alone was terrifying. I was at least four feet off the ground. Surprisingly I landed it. Even though I was alone I still cheered at my victorious run. Then I skid the way back to the lodge and headed back toward the dorms. Once I was showered it was just about dinner time. The food here was not very popular, so some people ordered their own food from a local pizza shop. Almost repeating the previous night Just Dance was the main attraction. Eventually one of the chaperones came into the room turned off the television and made every single Malden student get out and dance. It took a while for people to start dancing but once it got started, it was fun! Popular dancing songs such as “Party in the U.S.A” and “TiK Tok”, Lady Gaga were played. After the dance and a round of limbo there was an eating contest. It was not just an ordinary eating contest, where the goal is to eat as much as you can; this contest was to guess what you are eating. The expressions on the contestant’s faces were not pleasant whatsoever. After the dance, continued more dancing on the Wii, but after a few songs everyone was all danced out so we moved to the hallway and ended the night listening to some quality music.

DAY 3:

Before leaving, everyone’s rooms had to be cleaned out. I thought it would take forever, but surprisingly my dorm room was one of the first to get to the mountain. Within the first couple runs I lost my skiing buddy. But luckily I ran into some other Malden people and began to ski with them. After eating lunch I went back out to finish the day off with a couple good runs. Then came the decision to either take the easy way down the mountain, or take a black diamond down. I kept telling myself that whole weekend that I wanted a challenge and that the blue slopes were becoming too easy for me. So I decided to go down. I was with a more advanced skier so he had to go down first just to demonstrate that it was not impossible for me to overcome. If I had to go first I would have backed out. After finishing that trail I felt so accomplished and that I could do anything. Up to the top again we go! Feeling proud of landing jump from the day before, I decided to go off another on a steeper more advanced trail. I got a few feet off the ground, but without even a hesitation I dashed up another hill. Usually the mound goes gradually up then down, but not this one. Since I was not ready for the jump I didn’t stand up in time. I darted off the mound flew into the air and came crashing down on my face then rolling over to land on my left side. My arms were numb and both of my skis fell off. Reassuring that I was okay, one of my friends helped me put my skis back on. When I finished that mountain all I could say was “How high did I go? Did you see that? I didn’t fall the first one, but the second was huge and unexpected!” On the lift back up to the top of the mountain I was told that the trail I completely wiped out on was a black diamond. It does not matter to me that I fell, or that my back and nose still hurts to this day; all that matters is that I did not do any irreparable damage to myself, and I had a blast. Once we got back to South Ridge we were half hour ahead of schedule, so I decided to go up and down a few times nearby. The runs were nice and easy, but extremely icy to the point where all I heard was the sound of my skis scratching against the cold, hard surface of ice. My group started to head back to the dorms at around two. Once we got back I changed and relaxed until we left and started heading towards home. Half hour into the ride we made a quick stop at McDonalds. I was not very hungry so I just got a drink and sat with my sister and her friends. The rest of the ride home consisted of watching “Up”, sleeping, and listening to music.

GO TO THE ONLINE WEBSITE TO VIEW VIDEOS OF “JUST DANCE”

The Blue and Gold January 2010

19

TRAVEL http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Catherine Poirier’s Journal: A First Time Skier Catherine Poirier Reporter

Every year, Malden and peabody come together for two full days of skiing and excitement. These are Lauren and Catherine’s accounts of the winter adventure.

From left to right, Catherine Poirier, Becky Broomstein, and Lauren Benoit boogie it down in the dorm corridor.

DAY 1:

During school, I was counting down until we could leave for the Ski Trip. When the clock hit 1:45, and we left the school, it felt great to able to have a weekend full of fun ahead. Before we could venture on this four-hour bus ride, we had to stop at Peabody High School to pick up the rest of our group. After their group was settled on the buses, we got on the road. The bus ride was full of singing, laughing, and Transformers. After the bus ride, we pulled up to our dorms, got our room assignments, and were free to do whatever we wanted in the dorm until 11 p.m. Naturally we decided to have a dance party in the hallway of our rooms. Although, the party did have to stop for a few minutes so we could go get some delicious ice cream sundaes. After a day of traveling, and having some fun, it felt great to rest up for a full day of skiing on Saturday.

Malden’s two-day trip was combined with Peabody High School, whose annual trip has been running for 25 years. Pictured here: one student’s lift pass, a skier’s lifeline. Photo: Lauren Benoit

5 Fun Places to Ski/Snowboard An Holmqvist

DAY 2:

Usually on Saturdays, I sleep in, but not this week, our wake-up call was at 6:45 a.m. Just to be safe all of set our alarm clocks on our phones for a little bit earlier. At about 6:15, we awoke to the first alarm, and then the next, and the next. Our room was filled with the sounds of Bad Romance, Tik Tok, and others. We all dragged ourselves out of bed, and got to go eat breakfast. After breakfast, we got our snow gear on, and took the shuttle up to the mountain. My stomach was turning, because it was my first time skiing. Once we got to the mountain, all of the people who were taking a lesson had to go to the Discovery Center, to get our skis and wait for our lesson. All of the people in my group were just as nervous as I was. Just as we got to the smallest slope for our lesson, we saw these small kids flying down the slopes. However, they made it look much easier than it is. After a while, we all got the hang of it, we got to go down on our first trail. Our instructor made it easy for us, by having us stop at certain places, and then go down some more. By the time our lesson was over, it was time for lunch. The warmth of the lodge certainly helped our freezing bodies. After eating French fries, and having a nice cup of hot chocolate, it was time for us to attempt a trail on our own. That run was, at the least, an interesting one. Things just kept going wrong. At first, while getting on the ski lift, my pole fell, so I bent down to pick it up, and fell off the ski lift. I could feel all of my friends laughing, and I was even laughing for doing such an idiotic thing. After finally reaching the trail, I took a massive wipeout, and to my luck, my skis wouldn’t go back on,a nd I had to walk down the mountain. The next time around, was somewhat less eventful. Getting off the ski lift, one of the girls in our groups somehow managed to make all four of us fall down. Most of the girls in our group were inexperienced skiers, so it was good for us to stay together, that why we could all be scared together. After a long day skiing, we all headed back to the dorms to have some dinner, and relax before the dance. After dinner, we had an intense match of some dance game on the Wii. Then all 150 plus teens there had to fit into the main room for the dance, which was a way for the groups to bond, and to celebrate the Patriots’ playoff game the next day. Our group definitely made the most of night, dancing away to the music, dance contests, Limbo, and eating contests.

DAY 3:

The weekend flew by, and sadly, it was already the last day of the trip. Getting up in the morning was even harder for our group this morning, even the 6 alarms could not get us up. After breakfast, we had to clean out our room, which was a complete disaster, the floor was covered in clothes, and bags of our food. Finally, our room was inspected, and we could head up to the mountain for our final day of skiing. I was much more nervous for this day, than I was for our lessons on Saturday, because this time, we were on our own for the whole day. Our first run was terrible, all of us forgot what we had learned the previous day, but after another time down the mountain, we were back in the swing of things. Haley DeFilippis, fellow Blue and Gold staff member, and I decided to go find a different trail. After a little searching, we found one, and went down. As soon as we reached the bottom, we realized that we had no idea where we were, but we did see a ski lift that said it lead you to a Green colored trail, which is the easiest one, so we decided to take this one up. Little did we know that this lift would take us all the way to the peak of the mountain, and to a trail that was terrifying. Although, we were scared to go down this new trail, we did, and we now we have a funny story to tell. After we got to the bottom, we decided to go on some more difficult trails, which were a great way to end our trip. At around 2 p.m., we headed back to our dorms to change and get ready for the bus ride home. No one wanted to leave Sunday River after having that much fun, but unfortunately, we all had to.

Copy Editing Director Source: www.sundayriver.com

SUNDAY RIVER SKI RESORT located in Bethel, Maine Fun Fact: Widest terrrain in all of the Northeast with 132 trails across 8 different peaks Source: www.cannonmt.com

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT located in Stowe, VT Fun Fact: More mile-long lifts than any other ski resort in the East Source: www.stowe.com

KILLINGTON SKI RESORT located in Killington, VT Fun Fact: Largest Ski Area in the East, serving as many as 17,000 skiers a day Source: www.cannonmt.com

CANNON MOUNTAIN RESORT located in Franconia, NH Fun Fact: Home of the largest Gondola in the New England area and the highest vertical drop in New Hampshire Source: www.sugarloaf.com

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN RESORT located in Franklin County, ME Fun Fact: Second highest peak in Maine at 4250 ft

20

Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2010

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Frozen Fenway: A Crowd-Freezer Joshua Kummins Reporter continues from page 1 rivalries in college sports, the Boston College Eagles and the Boston University Terriers. Fans were treated to two exciting games at ‘America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.’ UNH beat Northeastern, 5-3, in the women’s game. Both teams are now tied for second place in the Women’s Hockey East standings, behind Boston College, and have been fighting for a chance to host the conference tournament in March. Northeastern scored the first two goals of the game less than three minutes into the first period, but UNH responded by scoring five of the last six goals, including three in the third period and two by freshman Kristina Lavoie. On the men’s side, the Terriers won their second straight game, 3-2, against the Eagles, who have now lost three games in a row. Coming into the New Year, BC was riding high near the top of the standings, while BU sat out of playoff contention. Now, it looks like fates have

been turned. BC scored the final two goals, but it was too little too late, as BU had scored the first three. Wade Meagan scored the game-winning goal halfway through the second period to propel the Terriers to victory. David Warsofsky scored BU’s first goal in his first game back from helping Team USA win a gold medal in the World Junior Championships (WJC). The WJC is the arguably the best annual amateur hockey tournament for players under 20 years old. Warsofsky is not the only player on the Fenway ice that has participated in a major international competition. Northeastern goaltender Florence Schelling was the starting goaltender for her native Switzerland in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy. Schelling will leave her Huskies team this February to compete in her second Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. Unfortunately for the participating teams, the event was shortlived, as they will return to action indoors for the rest of the season.

The crowd at Fenway. Photo by Joshua Kummins

The ice rink. Photo by Joshua Kummins

Junior Mandy Liao and Senior Jimmy Vo wrestling. Photo by Lynn Tran

Wrestling Team Wins The GBLS Haley Defilippis Head of Business With only half the amount of matches this season, Malden High School’s wrestling team is just grateful for having the opportunity to participate in a season that was originally scheduled to be cut last summer. Despite the lack of assistant coaches, the team is undefeated at home; the team holds a record of 2-2. Among the team are 14 dedicated senior wrestlers that have been training together since sophomore year, along with reliable underclassmen. Junior Mandy Liao is the first female to join-and stick to-the wrestling team for several years. “At first it was kind of hard because everyone is expecting you to drop out like the rest of the girls in the past or they don’t know how to react when they have to wrestle

you but now, I don’t even notice that I’m the only girl on the team, I just feel like I’m one of them and I don’t get treated different anymore.” She also learned that “the best things [about wrestling] are you improve everyday, and you never know what to expect when you’re wrestling somebody new, so it’s different all the time.” Liao explained her first match versus a Cambridge boy that she had “mixed feelings, like most of the day I was nervous for it, like I’d be for a track meet, but I thought I was only wrestling a JV match. Then people would tell me not to be nervous or I’d lose.” Despite her edginess about the match, he succeeded and currently holds a personal record of 1-0. Senior captain Alan Kwan, with a personal record of 5-2, agrees that the team is looking great this year with 90 percent of the team seniors, consisting of returning starters from

last year. Kwan believes the major reason people do not try the sport is because of having to maintain weight. “People at my lunch table think that I have eating disorders because I eat just 2 slices of bread, lettuce, and an orange. It is difficult to keep away from Twinkies, but at Captains Alan Kw an and Rich ard Basile. P the end of the day I’m Haley Defilippis hoto by glad I didn’t eat that last bite.” Senior Matt Rizzo explains his All senior wrestlers diet, “I eat until I’m hungry, as op- agree to take advantage of their last posed to when I’m full.” season. Rizzo explains that “wresKwan explains that the team tling is different from most sports is doing a lot better compared to in which when you’re done with previous years in which “we are it, either in high school or college, actually winning as a team and not you will never do it again. Like just individually.” Rizzo adds that basketball players can shoot hoops the team can push you to work hard, whenever. Runners can go out and but it comes down to “how you do run. You can’t just have like a pickyourself.” up game of wrestling.”