January 2012

Gymnastics: A New Beginning. See page 22

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

Malden High School Volume 97 Edition 4

Our 97th Year January 2012

Poetry Out loud

In This Issue: Brazil Page 8 Cell Phone Policy page 11 Winter Concert Page 14 Entertainment Pages 16-17 Track page 19 Wrestling Page 20

Malden High School is gearing up for the 2012 Poetry Out Loud finals on Jan. 25. The winner of the school-wide competition will represent the school at the state finals. See article on page 12.

Boys’ Basketball

Winter Classic Page 23

North Korea’s Leader

W

T

he Malden High School boys varsity basketball team has started off their season with a record of 3-1. This season’s team has strong starters and a bench to back them up. Senior captain, Witchie -Valence Exilhomme stated, “One that can replace the starters any minute,” referring to the bench. When asked who do you see with the most potential, Exilhomme

Kim Jong Un. MCT 2011.

ith the death of North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-Il on Dec.17, 2011 it seems that the quirky and very powerful leaders of the old world order have fallen from power, with Egypt’s expresident Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak being taken into his trial for his various crimes on a stretcher due to his health, along with the capture and death of Libya’s Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar Gaddafi.

There seems to be an absence of world leaders with continued on page 6

continued on page 19

MHS Swim Team Freshman Tristar To is outswimming the competition. Photo by Amanda Moraes With the addition of many freshmen, the swim team is off to a 2-2 start. See article on page 19.

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Editorials

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Malden High School

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

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Print: Cristina Peters Print: Dan Holmqvist Online: Omar Khoshafa MANAGING EDITORS Paige Yurek Brittany McFeeley HEAD COPY EDITOR Joel Stevenson HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Print: Lauren Benoit Online: Catherine Poirier HEAD WORLD NEWS WRITER Megan Kelly HEAD ENTERTAINMENT WRITER Rebecca Broomstein HEAD SPORTS WRITER Print: Sharon Lee Online: Joshua Kummins HEAD OF BUSINESS Lesley Ta HEADS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kayla Bramante Natalie Fallano HEAD OF SURVEYS Johanna Lai VIDEO EDITOR Timothee Pierre COPY EDITORS Amalia Quesada Nylen Jacob Martino Amanda Rosatone Kristen Leonard Vicki Ngan REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Haley Dowdie Jason Drapinski Amanda Moraes Sumya Mohiuddin Casey Lyons Grace Stathos Jessica Lynn DePaula P.J. Montezuma Alan Shooteech Kerry Ngan Jake Robinson ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

J

Journalism 101

ournalism, particularly print, is a dying breed, and frankly, it can be taken for granted. Let’s be honest. Today, a majority of us pick up a newspaper (or rather, click to an online web page, or worse, “Google” a topic,) and are quickly informed by the latest headlines and almost instantly know the gist of what is going on in the world. This all takes up to five minutes or so, and then we carry on with our lives, if we take the time to do so at all. However, a lot more time and effort and passion goes into these new stories that we pass by than we may realize.

Whether it is from a local school newspaper like Malden High School’s “The Blue and Gold”or or a well-known paper with a prestigious reputation like “The New York Times,” a constantly updated web page like “The Patch,” or a simple town newsletter, all staffs have a kind of system to make the complications of the news easier to both create a fabulous yet informative end result, and to attract a wide audience.

Although other news publications and stations have their own systems of putting together the news with a full, paid staff of many reporters, editors, photographers, cameramen, designers, printers, researchers and the like, a high school news room is unique in that we all collaborate and divide the jobs and devote time before, during, and after school, during the weekdays and on the weekends, constantly working around an ever-changing, very urgent news.

The Process: looking for a story is the most important part. If you think there is “nothing to write about,” you have to find something to write about. The truth is, there is always something to write about, it is just a matter of finding it, a matter of finding the story that needs to be told.

However, try to keep your topic relative and interesting to avoid inaccuracy. The way to go about this is to research, research, research. Look online, go to your library, and most importantly, conduct interviews. Who is involved with your topic? How are they involved? What do they have to say about the situation? Interviews are one of the most important parts of an article for many reasons. They integrate all the different opinions and gets all the sides down; they stray away from creating a bias article, and interviewing is the best way to seek the truth to present to

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

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

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

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

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

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

your audience.

Looking for a story that is locally relative may be harder than it seems, yet local articles are one of the most fun articles to write. Consider what is current. What is happening right now in your city and in your state? If politics interest you, talk about anything from local mayoral elections to even student government happening at your school. If sports interest you, go to some games, whether for school or for your city or for your state. Find out any and all special events, such as festivals and charity events happening in your area. Talk about, promote, or review them.

To look for a story to write relative to the World, consider: politics-in your country, neighboring countries and around the world. Talk about who is running, what their plans are, and who they are.

Any controversies? Cover it, investigate, make sure all sides tell their story. Consider other countries.

What is currently happening in the Middle-East, here in the United States, and in other Countries?

Talk about the recent general crime happening around the nation. Is there a pattern going on or some type of a re-occurring problem? Consider new technological and medical revolutions. What is new and popular and what is old and outdated?

How does it impact society and essentially, how does it change the world? Make sure that when you are reporting on any issue, particularly a controversial international issue, never be bias.

Entertainment is a great topic to write about as well, because it appeals to most audiences. Think about something you saw or heard or ate or wore that you really enjoyed in which you think other people in your audience would also appreciate.

Consider writing reviews for movies, music, books and TV shows, or even a local restaurant. If you are feeling bold, try writing an opinion article about the latest fashion trends.

Finally, when a topic is chosen, plenty of research is completed, and you have talked to many, many people and you have put together your Journalistic masterpiece, it must be fact checked and copy edited. Go back and take a look at both the structure and content of your piece to rid of any minor to major errors that could essentially ruin your reputation as a writer.

In addition to the lengthy research project that is your wonderful article, you must create or find some visuals that go great with it. Any kind of visuals help to lure the audience and keep your audience until the last line of your article. Sometimes, photo and video journalism can tell the story better than words can, and photos and videos can be a fun interactive way to tell your story. Never forget that web integration with all different kinds of media in today’s journalistic world is a great way to bring together a wider audience.

Paige Yurek Managing Editor

Corrections: Page 1- There is no photo caption for junior Jason Surpris and sophomore Julia Ly. Page 3- In the “Should Teachers Have Higher Moral Standards?” opinion piece, Blue and Gold Staff should have said Editorial Staff.

Page 16- Amalia Quesada Nylen is not mentioned as a Blue and Gold staff member.

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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Opinion http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

The Blue and Gold would like to know more about you.

Where are you from?

What does America mean to you? Please send us your letter to the editor by e-mailing theblu eandgold@gmail. com or by visiting

maldenblueandgold.com

In This Issue:

The MBTA Fare Hikes

m B T A

According to The Boston Globe, the MBTA is considering increasing bus and subway fares by between 35 and 43 percent, while also reducing transportation service especially on bus routes. These proposed fare hikes, that are meant to reduce the agency’s 161 million dollar deficit, would take effect in July.

What do you think?

Freshman Nafterlyne Corney “It’s really unnecessary.”

Gymnastics article on page 22.

Sophomore Michael Howe

“It’s stupid. I like to go into Boston with my friends on the weekend, but I can afford it, so it’s okay.”

Fire alarm article on page 11.

Junior Rumana Papia “People will be angry, but they’ll take it anyways because they don’t have any other options.”

Senior Amaliena Phonesavanh

“That’s a lot of money to take the train! I prefer to take cars than the train.”

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo review on page 17.

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Gary Christenson’s new cabinet posing for a picture. All photos by Omar Khoshafa

Gary Christenson prepares for his first press conference as mayor.

Gary Christenson speaking to members of the press.

Special Advertisement Section

Classic Pizza Delivering to Malden and Everett Call 781-324-9414 199 Ferry Street, Malden, MA

Gary Christenson at work in his newly decorated office.

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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Comics http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

An Open Letter to Gary Christenson D

ear Gary Christenson, On behalf of Malden High School students we would like to welcome you as mayor in our great city. We are all excited to begin a new phase with a Malden High School graduate at the helm.

MHS, as you already know, has changed since you graduated in the 1980s. As our newly elected mayor, The Blue and Gold Editorial Staff thought you should know some unique things about our school that might help you better understand the current culture of MHS. First of all, MHS mirrors Malden as a whole in terms of its diverse racial, ethnic, and religious makeup.

In fact, over 60 percent of the student body can be classified as some type of minority, meaning that ironically, the minority actually makes up the majority of the student body here. It is also important to note that even though there is a diverse array of cultures at MHS, there is very little tension between them, something that other schools with similar demographics may find problematic.

Diversity is perhaps the defining characteristic of MHS and indeed the city of Malden as well.

MHS has also adapted to the

times by integrating new technology in the classroom. Along with our Smartboards, there have been several technology initiatives carried out by enthusiastic teachers. Last year

take risks by continuous funding of these technology initiatives by the school system.

MHS is a place where students are given the opportunity to succeed at the highest level. Some people may highlight our standardized test scores and our graduation rate as failings upon the school system.

Gary Christenson and reporters at his first mayoral press conference. in a history class, for instance, Netbooks were an essential part of the daily curriculum. We are fortunate enough to even have a computer loft, and portable laptops available in the building. In some classes, books are now being accessed online rather than in print. Ambitious teachers should be encouraged to

However, the only true measure of a school should be whether or not it helps students to realize their academic potential; and this has happened at MHS, where some of our graduates, in the past five years, have been accepted to every school in the Ivy League (as well as MIT and Stanford). In addition, MHS is

also consistently at the top of our “cohort,� a grouping of schools that have similar geographic, ethnic, and budgetary characteristics.

This does not mean that there can not be anything done to improve our school. As students, we have suggestions and changes that you, as mayor, can immediately help to bring about.

For instance, even though MHS is undergoing a 77 million dollar reconstruction, teachers often times struggle with finding enough paper to run their classes properly from day to day. Surely there must be enough room in the budget to allocate funds for essential school supplies. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to learn from an interactive Smartboard in class, and have access to the Internet in our classrooms, and have many benefits of technological advancement, yet these advancements in technology tend to lose their luster when it compromises other, simple necessities such as the availability of paper, dry erase markers, art supplies, and other materials crucial to both students and teachers.

We, the editorial staff of The Blue and Gold, and surely the students and teachers at MHS would much appreciate your consideration for our school in order to keep it running so successfully.

Karmic Procrastination

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World News

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Korea’s “Supreme Leader” Dead

Chris Ware caricature of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. MCT 2011.

Kim Jong Il, who had been the Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) since 1994, died on December 17, 2011 of a heart attack.

Now control over the nation has been transferred to his youngest son Kim Jong Un. International Concern Grows for UN’s access to Nuclear Weapons.

Chris Ware caricature of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. MCT 2011

extreme personalities and access to to Kim Jong Il’s third son, Kim of the world is that when you have pull together and remain a whole nuclear weapons nowadays. With Jong Un, who, unlike his other two someone with little political or mili- nation. Now it is time for the real the exception of Iran, it seems that sons, who have made appearances tary experience gain undeniable ac- work. With no distractions such as the threat of a nuclear attack from in international media, (his oldest cess to heavy nuclear fire arms, the threats from silly dictators, the US one of the top enemies of the United son fell out of favor for heir to the situation is going to end badly, (ex. gets to take a hard look at their allies States has been pegged down from position of supreme leader after be- Gaddafi, Raul Castro of Cuba and and realize that there are some maing caught entering Japan under a Nikita Khrushchev of the Union jor issues going on between them. red alert to a dull caution.

It seems that while the US was The ultimate victor over Kim fake passport to visit Disneyland). of Soviet Socialist Republics), most Jong Il’s life is said to have been a Now, Un, who is guessed to be in likely a few hundred hours spent in distracted by the situations in coun“severe myocardial infarction along his mid to late twenties, (the date of panic and confusion as threats are tries with totalitarian regimes that some alarming matters have with a heart attack” at 08:30 arisen with our allies. France local time on Saturday as well as Germany, Denmark, (23:30 GMT Friday)” as the Netherlands and Italy stated by the Korean Cenall have political parties that tral News Agency, the state have supported and have news system of the Demoeven passed laws that have cratic People’s Republic of affected the rights and lives of Korea (North Korea). many immigrants, mainly In layman’s terms, Kim As for those from Eastern Jong Il, who was known to Europe and the Middle East: be in poor health in the last these countries also have been years of his life, succumbed encouraging policies for immito his heart stopping due to grants to adopt the countries random loss of blood supculture and completely abanply; a natural and random doning their own, supporting occurring event that is the the countries majority relileading cause of death in gion, such as in France where not only in the United States an anti-hijab law was passed but other industrial nations. in the late 2000s making it ilThis diagnosis is said to legal for Muslim woman to have been confirmed by an wear head coverings outside autopsy done by the North of their homes.

Korean government two Family tree of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il; Kim’s youngest son, Kim Jong Un, has been confirmed as his father’s successor.. MCT 2010 Modified by Megan Kelly. With NKOREA, McWhile the US is supportdays after his death.

Clatchy Washington Bureau by Tom Lasseter. ing the spread of democracy The situation in the and freedom for every indiKorean peninsula since the vidual, their allies, many of 1940’s has been Communist regimes against Democracies, an ex- his birth is presumed by intelligence being sent back and forth between who have sent military support to America’s wars in the Middle East, ample would be the continued war agencies) has been named Supreme governments.

But America has dealt with have been neglecting freedom in between North Korea and South Ko- leader of not only North Korea but rea; this being only a small part in an the General Secretary of the People’s panic and chaos, the after events their own countries. even larger world conflict between Party of Korea as well as the top gen- of Sept. 11 2001 showing that even eral to the Korean People’s Army. that the US population, who may be the two styles of government.

Common knowledge for most divided politically and socially, can Now the spotlight has shifted

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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

The Greek Who Stole Christmas!

Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. Photo courtesy of Greek Government Website www.minfin.gr.

Chris Ware illustration of Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. MCT 2011

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Bio of new Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. MCT 2011

reece’s current economic state calls for some major changes in the lives on those suffering from it.

According to Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, their only way to retain their spot as a part of European currency (the euro), people’s overall income must be cut.

Officials from the European Union, The European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (also known as the Troika) have organized a reasonable economic plan for the next four years.

Greece is in danger of an immediate economic collapse if this financial agreement falters.

In order to keep the economy from crashing, Papademos is cheating debt by making deals with bondholders. Through these bondholders, Greece will receive 130 billion euros in public funding (that is $166 billion).On March 20, 2012, Greece will receive 14.4 billion euros of bonds. The second time Greece had avoided debt, investors took 50 percent off of their 206 billion euros in privately owned debt. The next bailout consisted of 5 billion euros due in December, being delayed until March.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that Greece’s 2011 deficit would be nine percent of gross domestic product , as opposed to the 10.6 percent from 2010. They had expected the economy to decrease six percent last year.

Greece is relying on austerity to continue to put off paying their debt. All the while, they are borrowing as much as they can negotiate with sovereign debt holders.

George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece, informed his Pasok party, on Wed. Jan. 4, 2012, that he was resigning, giving all power to Papademos. The past five austerity packages took a toll on his governments and his majority in parliament was damaged.

The sacrifices being made are putting a lot of pressure on Papademos to turn the debt swap around and call for elections soon, to resolve the problems.

The elections are heard to be held sometime this spring.

The New Democracy, lead by antonis Samaras, has won 21 percent voter support already. Papandreou’s Pasok has only won 13 percent. These percentages are based on a 1,004-person survey (by Kapa Research, on Dec. 28-29). From the survey, about eight out of 10 people agree that it is up to Greece’s political leaders to do whatever means necessary to retain their position in the euro.

The propostitions presented by the troika to Papadermos are adjustments to minimum wage, wage increases, and the termination of vacation pays and bonus’.

The troika organization is certain about the national labor accords. This meaning that they are not willing to cut minimum wages or any annual wages.

Unfortunately, the debt is expected to only expand this year, with no chance of reaching any debt reduction in the immediate future.

This could possibly take even generations to recover entirely.

Chart showing unemployment rates for selected EU nations, November 2011, and for the EU-27 and the eurozone. November 2011 data released Jan. 6. MCT 2012

Visit our website for online coverage of the 2012 presidential primaries and international events.

8 Whale Wars From Ocean to Ocean

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

Brazil goes for gold T

T

he anti-whaling activists of the well known Animal Planet show Whale Wars decided to play a game of cat and mouse with the Japanese on a Saturday night, Jan.7, 2012.

As a Japanese vessel chased the “Steve Irvin” back into Australian waters, “Sea Shepard” crew and Australians, Geoff Tuxworth, Simon Peterffy and Glen Pendlebury, snuck onto the Shonan Maru II . They hoped the Japanese would sail to Australia, but instead they decided to keep tailing the Irwin.

They are considering sailing back to Japan, in hope of a trial.

But there has been disagreement whether the whaling ship was within Australian waters or not. According to the Sea Shepard’s captain Paul Watson claims that the the sea Shepard members boarded the ship 16 miles from Australia. But Glenn Inwood, spokesman for the Japanese whaling program at the Institute of Cetacean Research told reporters that the men boarded the ship outside Australia’s territorial zone, but within its economic zone.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is a nonprofit organization who aim to protect sea life internationally. But Watson and his crew will go to any measure to save these endangered whales. They have been known for throwing bottles of butyric acid onto vessels, boarding of whaling vessels, and seizing and destroying drift nets.

All acts that were performed on the open sea. They try to stop illegal acts by fisherman, but many times this has led to injuries and ship damage on both sides. There dedication of protecting endangered species is powerful, but this time they may have gone to far.

Many are urging for the Australian government to get involved and get these men released. On the case is attorney-general of Australia Nicola Roxon according to theaustralian.com that, “we have been seeking assurances that the three Australian men are in good health and are being treated properly and we are making those representations most strongly.”

The Blue and Gold January 2012

h e past few international sporting events have shown a pattern: they have all been hosted by developing countries. The 2008 Summer Olympics took place in Beijing China and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will host both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, having the largest economy and arguably serving as the most important in the region. The past few years have shown economic surge including Brazil surpassing the United Kingdom for having the sixth largest economy in the world. In 2010 Brazil’s economy increased 7.5 percent in 2010, a record high since 1986 with the Domestic Growth Product (GDP) reaching 2.21 trillion U.S. dollars.

Brazil is estimated to invest 18 billion U.S. dollars to preparing Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics, which includes 14 billion U.S. dollars on infrastructure. The World Cup is projected to cost Brazil 5.2 billion US dollars, 120 percent greater than South Africa. Being the first Latin American country to host the country in history.

Former Brazil president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told the Olympic Committee and Businessweek. com that “Our rivals today have all hosted the Games in their countries before. For them, it will be just one more Olympics. For us, it will be an unparalleled opportunity.” Although they will be spending all this money on the games, they are hoping to not only make profit but bring in world wide investments and attention to their growing country and power.

But the question is: Are the Olympics profitable? A 2009 economic study at the University of California Berkeley showed that it all depends on the country. According to Andrew K. Rose, an economist at UC Berkley. “Countries that need to provide a credible signal to both domestic and foreign constituencies that they’ve decided to join the world and engage in economic and political integraTop right cortion can signal this by offering to bear the costs of a mega-event like the ner: Logo of Olympics.”

2016 Summer Athens, Greece hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics and spent around 18 billion US dollars. Six years later, Greece’s economy colOlympics. Crelapsed, starting the Eurozone crisis. This was partly due to unated by agency controlled government spending. The money spent on the Tátil (Rio de Olympics contributed to this. Just because a country has Janeiro) money to spend on the Olympics, should they host?

A highly developed country like England which will host the 2012 Olympics in London this summer will not profit. The United Kingdom has the FIFA Logo taken from highest gross foreign debt of any European FIFA.com website. country. Chicago bidded for the 2016 Olympics as well and supported by President Barack Obama. With the current federal deficit, would American cities and their president really be focused on hosting the Olympics for eighth time?

Brazil on the other hand, may profit from future investment as well bring pubic attention to Latin America. But the Olympics Games and the World Cup? Now that is a big risk and a lot of money.

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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

Nasa sends Grail Satellites to Space W

ith great success, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has accomplished an astounding mission and has launched and placed two new satellites to orbit the moon. The new satellites have been proclaimed as the GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) Twins, due to integral structure and external properties being very identical. More specifically, the two satellites were recorded as GRAIL-A and GRAIL-B. NASA had decided to launch the satellites into orbit on Sept. 10 in order to achieve their goal of having them maintain an orbit around the moon by the start of the new year.

The duration the satellites travelled was three months in order to keep stability within the structure, compared to the three day travel it took for American astronauts to reach the moon in the 60’s. Scientists had studied long and hard to predetermine at what rate of speed the satellites should move at in order to maintain a stable orbit around the moon. Although the long planning

and process to get the satellites into full effect had not gone to waste.

The satellites have already assisted NASA in many of their studies of the moon. The main intentions they had for launching the twin satellites was to better understand the integrity of the moon from the surface to the very core foundation of it.

NASA will learn more on how the moon had actually formed, which could help them lead to how the other planets had formed. The satellites had reinstated the theory into controversy between astronomers whether or not the Earth had a second moon to begin with. The satellites will have readied more detailed graphic images to better study the surface in order to see anything that they had not seen before.

The satellites are going to be kept in a lunar orbit around the moon during the time of the eclipse.

If the satellites manage to continue through the extreme conditions, scientists will then, halfway throughout 2012, have them be positioned

closer to the surface at a predetermined distance of as low as 25km.

In doing this, the twins will create better graphic images to give a foundation of their study of the interior.

For now, the display of the satellites will be heavily researched until further discoveries or theories are made.

World Blurbs

Diagrams explaining NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission, which will study the moon’s gravity; the spacecrafts are expected to enter the lunar orbit this weekend. Los Angeles Times/MCT 2011

Jamaica Calls for Independence

Man Sets Woman on Fire

I

t was a regular Saturday for 73-year-old Deloris Gillespie except for an elevator ride that changed her life forever.

Gillespie, having no idea of her future, entered the elevator up to her floor. Awaiting the arrival of the elevator, the doors opened and was suddenly doused in flammable liquids. Then soon she was lit on fire with a homemade Molotov cocktail from Jerome Isaac, a man of Brooklyn, a contractor.

It was evident that Isaac was well aware of the fact of Gillespie being on that elevator. As the doors opened Gillespie was ambushed in the elevator. The elevator filled with smoke and Gillespie’s life was ended that day.

After he torched the older woman to death and went into a building a couple blocks down and lit that on fire too. He hid on a roof for a while before turning himself in to the police.

Isaac stated to the police that Gillespie had owed him 2,000 dollars for some work he had done to her apartment.

The 47-year-old was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 and was charged for murder and arson with the death of Gillespie. New york police stated that Isaac reeked of gas upon his entering of the jail cell.

The one minute crime had been caught on two video cameras, one outside the elevator and one inside of it. It was quite obvious that Isaac had some serious thought about his plan to attack the woman, especially by the way he paused before throwing the Molotov on her.

A man and his girlfriend who lived just a few doors down from Gillespie stated that it seemed like Isaac had been staying with the victim for about six months and left towards the beginning of 2011.

However he was spotted around the building periodically.

The death of Gillespie affected not only her life and Isaac’s but the people in her building who referred to her as part of a family that everyone loved.

The moral of the story? Do not forget to pay your contractor.

The northwestern countries the belong to the British Commonwealth: Canada, Jamaica, the Bahammas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitt and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenandines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, photo edited by Megan Kelly.

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he Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller, a commonwealth nation of the United Kingdom, has declared that now is the time for the Jamaica to become an independent realm. The response from Queen Elizabeth’s government stated to CNN is “the issue of the Jamaican head of state was entirely a matter for the Jamaican government and people”. Since 1962 when Jamaica declared independence Great Britain, which belonged to the Monarchy as a colony, the

island has been known as a Commonwealth Realm where the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, countries with the same title include Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Though the declaration of independence from the country has been heard before, when in the 1990s the then prime minister PJ Patterson said that it was time for the country to assert itself in the world and set a deadline of 2007 for the nation’s independence to be declared.

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LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

What’s happening?

-Jan. 16- No school MLK Day -Jan. 17- Midterms pds. 1, 2 & 3 -Jan. 18- Midterms pds. 4 & 5 -Jan. 19- Midterms pds. 6 & 7 -Jan. 20- Special day rotation: all classes Midterm Schedule period 1: 8:00am- 9:30am period 2: 9:45am-11:15am period 3: 12:30pm- 2:00pm period 4: 9:45am-11:15am period 5: 12:30pm-2:00pm period 6: 9:45am-11:15am period 7: 12:30pm-2:00pm

Make-ups for midterms will be on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 at 8:00am-9:30am

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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

11

Malden Endures False Fire Alarms Malden residents are angered after three teenagers from Everett were caught pulling false fire alarms. No charges were given, and parents of the three teens seem unconcerned, and any chance of them being punished is not mentioned.

P

Both photos by Sumya Mohiuddin.

ulling one false fire alarm should respond in consequences, so when several false fire alarms were pulled with the result of no consequences, questions were aroused.

Malden residents were angered when eight fire alarms were pulled between the hours of 1:00-3:00 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2011. Each fire box contained a one mile radius between each other, and each one was pulled 15 minutes after the other. The false alarms were centered around Eastern Avenue, disturbing Malden residents. Assistant Malden Fire Chief Jack Colangeli explained how “the trucks were crisscrossing each other’s paths,” and “it was extremely dangerous.” Firefighters from all across the city had no choice but to investigate the area.

Three teens were caught on camera and were detained by the police. These teens were of ages 13 and 14. No charges were filed, instead their parents came to pick them up from the police station with a severe talk as well as a warning.

The Malden Patch state how the three teens were from Everett.

Firefighters and police officers, hoping that talking to the teens would stop the false alarms, proved faulty. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 between 3:00-4:00 a.m., six more false alarms were pulled. The agitating events occurred mainly on Main Street, Ferry Street, and Eastern Avenue, the same as the night before.

Malden residents were now curious as to why the teens from the night before have not been charged with anything.

The same three teens were questioned Tuesday morning as well, and then were brought home by their parents, again with no charges.

Malden residents disagree with the fate of these teens. Providing no charge will enable the teens to think that it will be okay to pull more false alarms. Additionally, Colangeli said how firefighters “take this very seriously.” Residents were wondering why these teens were out so late at night, having nothing better to do than to cause a huge disruption.

Many people do not understood the danger in pulling false

alarms. Colangeli explains how “since 1849, [they’ve] lost three firefighters going to false alarms.”

Most firefighters get hurt during the ride when going to an area where an alarm has been pulled. The rushing sensation and urge to arrive as quickly as possible explains why “one of the leading causes of injuries is motor vehicle accidents,” says Chief Michael Murphy.

Once one too many false alarms are pulled, firefighters will question if it is a true fire alarm, causing them to not take it as seriously. The idea that a real emergency could have been occurring during these false alarms brought distress to all of Malden and everyone who works to keep it safe.

The trouble has subsided, and more caution with these fire boxes will be taken.

The Cell Phone Policy Takes Effect Casey Lyons Reporter

R

ecently there has been a new policy established at Malden High School which allows the school to take away your cell phones whenever you are tardy. In addition to taking the cell phones, they call your parents later on that day to confirm whether or not you really owned a cell phone, and if in fact you have it in your possession. This was a result of students not following the old policy of reporting to detention whenever tardy for school. The purpose of this new policy is to encourage students to arrive to school on time. Along with cellphones, other valuable things such as ipods, house keys, or a wallet may be taken away for collateral.

Some students feel that this policy is unfair. Freshman Tristar To stated that taking away a student’s cell phone is a “violation of a students’ privacy.” Some believe that the school should not be allowed to take away their cell phones because it is their property and personal belonging. “I really dislike that idea,” explained sophomore Ethan Paiva “I find it so irrelevant because some people can give them a broken or a phone that is not in-use.” Others think that taking a cell phone away has nothing to do with being late to

Above: Freshman Fitzgerald Eloi coming in late for school.

Below: Eloi getting his cell phone taken away from Berenice Diaz.

Both photos by Casey Lyons.

school and that the school should take a different approach but everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

But is it really unfair? The school would not have to resort to establishing this policy if more students were arriving to school on time and being prepared. Principal Dana Brown said that if students came to school on time “there would be no policy and [they] could probably eliminate detention most days.”

Which is true, because the policy is getting more students to come in on time and report to detention when they should. It helps students come in on time and report to detention.

So far the policy has been working with “some bumps” said Brown.

The policy is beneficial to some students that come in late though because it helps them come in on time in order to not get anything valuable taken away. But if students want to consider avoiding getting their phones taken away because they are tardy, a few tips to help would be to wake up sooner for school, decide on your outfits for school the night before, or maybe sleeping earlier.

What do you think? Voice your opinion by visiting maldenblueandgold.com.

12

LOCAL news

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

T

o many the mere idea of reciting a poem in front of an audience is nerve wracking. But others see it as chance to perform and make a piece of writing come alive. Not surprisingly the people who see this competition as more than part of the school curriculum do best in the Poetry Out Loud(POL) competition.

POL is a national recitation contest that is hosted by several high schools in states throughout the nation. According to the official POL website, it was created to “encourage the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation.” Malden High School may seem like just another one of the Massachusetts schools who compete, but MHS is very unique in the fact that it requires all students from grades 9 through 12 to participate. Principal Dana Brown shared his feeling about this school wide competition and stated that, “Poetry out Loud can be a good outlet for students.” Brown also stated that POL is one of Malden High School’s “hidden jems” because students who are shy or are not doing so well in school “suddenly blossom.”

Before POL could become a nationwide competition, there were pilot programs held in Washington D.C and Chicago. Due to enormous success, POL was launched in high schools across the nation in the spring of 2006. That first year thousands of students competed and the number of competitors has continued to grow

steadily every year since. During the 2010-2011 school year, over 365,000 students competed nationwide.

The process of POL is simple.

The competition starts at the classroom level, where each class has one winner. This winner then moves on to the period wide competition where they compete with nine other students. For each period competition there are two winners who move on to the school wide competition. At the state level, each winner receives $200 and an all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C for a chance to win the title of “National Champion.” The school from which the state winner is from receives $500 to use for the sole purpose of buying poetry books to further students’ horizons when it comes to poetry.

While the upperclassmen at MHS have been through the process of POL, to freshmen it is completely new and sometimes intimidating.

Freshman Alyssa Figueiredo stated that, “[I] was immediately nervous because [I] had never competed in a contest like this.” Freshman Kasya Jensen, on the other hand, “felt confident” about her performance. She says that POL has helped her “be more dramatic and understand the poem more.” Although it is natural that some freshman may have had a hard time adapting to the POL contest, many other students also have mixed feelings about this school wide competition. Sophomore Jus-

The Blue and Gold January 2012

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

Poetry Out Loud Period Winners Patti McClenthen

13 School wide competetion to be held Wednesday January 25, 2011 during period 2 long block in the Jenkins Auditorium.

Lili Wei Eddie Lee Junior Baez Adorno Lucas Inez tine Rose stated that, “that POL is really fun.However it does force some people to move out of their comfort zones.” Rose also pointed out the fact that, “POL is a good thing they have us participate in, because its a great opportunity that many of us wouldn’t take if we didn’t have to.”

Senior Eddie Lee who has competed in POL three times says that he enjoys it and that it is “definitely something new that [he doesn’t] usually do and it’s a cool experience each time.” To Lee, POL is something more than a recitation contest.

He states that because of POL he has “discovered something about [himself] that [he] never knew.... which is the ability to express [his] emotions so well in poetry.” As a senior, Lee says that he will “not regret the effort [he] put into POL” because to him POL is a “once in a lifetime experience.” Lee won his class competition and moved on to the period two competition. He also was one of the two winners from the period competition along with junior Junior Baez Adorno. Lee says that he is “really nervous” for the school wide competition but he also “can’t wait to see how it pans out.”

Like it has to Lee, POL has benefited everyone at MHS in some way. Teachers get the unique opportunity to teach students about poetry in a completely different way and students are able to gain knowledge

from experience. Freshman Meagan Sullivan says that she “liked Poetry Out Loud because it gave [her] a new view on poetry.” Because of POL she has come to appreciate poetry, which is one of ultimate goals of POL along with building self-confidence. Brown states that it is difficult for ELL students to compete in POL because of their limited English but that it is “rewarding” to see their performance in the end. English teacher Jennifer Clapp stated that, “POL is a common activity.” Not only is POL a common activity that gets all students involved, it also gives them a way to, “support each other in a positive way” as Clapp stated. POL also has gives teachers the opportunity to have an intense focus on poetry making it become “alive and real for students.”

POL comes around once a year at MHS and every year students have the opportunity to make poetry become a part of their everyday lives. POL also allows some students to express themselves in ways that they normally would not have the opportunity to. Whether striving for the title of classroom winner or trying to achieve the title of national champion, the POL competition is an opportunity for students to examine poetry in a different way even if that means that they must push themselves out of their comfort zone.

Students reciting thier poems in all of the period competition in the Jenkins Auditorium. Page 12 from top left: Janet Wangoe, Kiara Amos,Neaama Bourote, Kevin Yang, Eddie Lee, San Luong, Alana Casey, Dounia Balan, Patti McClenthen Page 13 from bottom left Lucas Silvas,Larissa Fiote, Carmellite Chamblin, competitiors observing.

Stephen Wong Miguel Soto Wyler Giordano Ashly Brun Alana Casey Dounia Balan Michael Bartlett Sebastian Patino Suzanne Hismeh Andres Torres

Students reciting thier poems in all of the period competition in the Jenkins Auditorium. All photos taken by Amanda Rosatone, Vicki Ngan, and Lesley Ta.

14

Local News

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

“A Winter Concert” From upper right to bottom: The mixed chorus group posing for group photo. Band officers waiting to give band instructor Matthew Tavares their gift. Section leaders and soloists seniors Patti McClenthen and Anielly Zeferino waiting to sing their parts.

Junior trombonist and vice-president Jonathan Drapinski reading The Night Before Christmas.

Choir instructor Todd Cole conducting the concert choir. All photos by Vicki Ngan. Snowflakes in courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

B

efore the end of each year, Malden High School band and choir performed their annual winter concert. Following traditions, the band and choir held their performances on Dec. 22, 2011, the Thursday night before winter vacation. Both the audience and members of the band and choir were hyped up for the concert as it began that night at 7 P.M. Prior to the concert, band instructor Matthew Tavares had high expectations for the performance. “[We are] going to perform to the best of our ability and entertain,” explains Tavares. The band receives much support from the MHSBPA (Malden High School Band Parents Association), who provide funding, chaperones, props, and trucks, as well as assistance with “money and power,” said Tavares. In preparation for the concert, Tavares said that the band must “practice, practice, practice.” Now that Tavares is at MHS full-time, he was able to make everything “run smoothly.”

He selected a “more user-friendly repetuar” for the performance, in hopes of impressing the audience.

The band started its performances first, and brought in the winter holidays atmosphere spinning off with “Christmas “Pop” Sing-A-Long.” As the title suggests, this festive music invited the audience to sing along to these traditional Christmas tunes, and if needed, they could obtain a sheet filled with the words. Also, he band played part two of T’was the Night Before Christmas. This song was accompanied by a reading of The Night Before Christmas by junior trombonist and vice president Jonathan Drapinski. After their nexy song, the band officers: seniors and flutists president Eric Tran, secretary Devon Moran, secretary Devon Moran, treasurer Caitlin Cala, and student conductor Eddie Lee took the moment before their last piece to give Tavares a gift. Each year, the band instructor is thanked for his or her hard work, and the officers chip in to buy him or her a present. This year, the officers gave Tavares two Boston Orchestra tickets, and Tavares jumped with delight on stage at the spoiler.

During the intermission transitioning from band to concert choir, the Beginner’s Ensemble played Rolling in the Deep by Adele, which

was sang by concert choir and madrigal member Danielle Dotolo, keeping every moment of the concert filled with music and excitement.

For the concert choir, they have been extremely dedicated and “more serious this year, so [they] should do better,” according to manager and senior Dylan Sadowski. Agreeing with him was choir instructor Todd Cole, who was very excited for the concert and knows that “the groups have been working hard and have a wonderful sound.” Implementing a new and more efficient system without officer positions, Cole has a manager and section leaders assisting him. As the first manager, Sadowski is in charge of tasks such as taking attendance, making changes to the paper system, and even conducted one of their caroling events.

The concert choir has been volunteering and committing to their time to more charity services, such as on Dec. 20, 2011, where the madrigals, during their period seven and after school, sang St. Carols to all of the seniors in Malden Square.

To spurn up holiday spirit again as the choir began their part in the concert, all lights were turned off and every member of the concert choir lined up along the balcony railing, facing the audience below and holding candles as they sang Silent Night. WHen the madrigals sang, even Cole joined in the fun, singing along besides them for every piece, which were Fum, Fum, Fum, Christmas Day, Petite Nymfe Folatre, and Carol of the Bells.

“We’ve been smooth sailing,” explained Sadowski, and the performances were true to his words. The next six last pieces were sang wonderfully by the concert choir and included Chanukah Suite which was an eight minute long piece with many soloists. To finish up the concert, the concert choir topped it off with O, Holy Night, where concert choir alumni were asked to join their juniors up on stage. This piece also featured section leaders and soloists seniors Patti McClenthen and Anielly Zeferino. McClenthen was “really excited,” as many members were about this winter concert. With much support and applause from the audience, the annual MHS band and choir gave another fantastic and memorable winter concert.

The Blue and Gold January 2012

15

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

Eric Tran

Medjine Lucien

The Posse Foundation, founded in 1989, is located in major cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Boston.

The words spoken by a student: “I never would have dropped out of college if I had my Posse with me,” inspired the idea of sending a group of selected students onto their college adventure together. Supported by the Obama Administration, Posse selects certain individuals from a nomination and interview process from all backgrounds. After each student has been selected, a group of 10 will be formed and sent to 39 partner schools including Colby college, Lafayette college, and Syracuse university, with a full four year scholarship. Each “posse” will act as a support group through the college experience.

Layout & Design by Lesley Ta Photos by Lesley Ta

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nowboarding, Red Cross of Mass Bay, sleepless nights -and a full four year scholarship to Bucknell University located in Pennsylvania.

Malden High School Senior Eric Tran is one of the only two recipients of the Posse Scholarship in MHS. A graduate of Beebe Middle School, and a selfproclaimed “band geek”, Tran has a passion for the flute and piccolo since his start in the fourth grade.

“Throughout the years, the label stuck, and I never stopped playing music to this day. I used to spend hours upon no end, practicing because I liked it, not because I had to,” reminisced Tran. As a junior he was Concert Band Treasurer, now recently promoted Concert Band President. Aside from school, Tran competed and won all levels of Kung Fu championships at the Wah Lum Tai Chi Academy, starting his reign in 2004.

As much of his interests are influenced by his upbringing, Tran is also very involved in volunteering, particullary through the Red Cross events that his aunt, whom was the Director of Volunteer Resources, brought him along to. “When I was younger, these volunteer activities were no more than chances to have

fun, but as I grew older I found each experience more meaningful as I found out more about the impact it created,” said Tran.

As President of the Red Cross Club this year, Tran certainly has made his mark, following in his aunt’s footsteps.

For the Chemistry and Biology Bunker Hill Courses taught at MHS, Tran is their lab technician, tending to the lab preparations and inventory of these classes. Outside of school, Tran also works as a math and reading tutor for Kumon, a program that assists children from preschool to twelfth grade in enhancing their educational skills.

In 2009, Tran’s sister, Stephanie Tran, was also the recipient of a Posse Scholarship for Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. ”He has a drive that I believe will allow him to succeed at whatever he does. I could not be more excited for him to join this network of amazing people, and start the next chapter of his life.

The family and I are all very proud of him!” she stated.

“I was at the end of my ice cream at Jay’s ice cream when my phone lit up with a random number... my heart skipped a beat,” reveals Tran, about receiving the news of his accomplishment. “I picked up and ran outside to blasting music, and I had to run so I could hear them on the phone,” he continues, “They delivered the amazing news, and offered me the scholarship-- I was jumping in screaming in the parking lot, so much so, I neglected to listen to what they were saying on the phone.“

N

ot only is Malden High School senior Medjine Lucien graduating with the class of 2012 with one scholarship under belt, but she is graduating with two!

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lucien is one of two people whom were granted POSSE scholarships at MHS. However this honor was the second accomplishment she reached while in high school. Her first mark was Summer Search, an elite program that fully covers a one month wilderness adventure in the United States, and another an international community service project or a college experience within a high-standing school. “It opened my eyes to new things, to new experiences. It turned me into a leader.” an elated Lucien stated.

Summer Search selects students in their sophomore year of high school, and in the following summer before junior year, Lucien was sent to Maine on a hiking and canoeing trip. “During the first trip, I didn’t talk as much. I was being really shy and not talking to anyone,” comments Lucien, as her limits were pushed. This past summer, Lucien was sent to Costa Rica for a community service project. “I was scared because it was a new experience and I was going alone in a foreign country,” Lucien reminisces. Boldly, she continued, ”It made me more confident and talkative.”

Lucien was nominated by, Xi Gao, an MHS 2011 alumni and recipient of the POSSE scholarship in 2011. Gao currently studies at Union College in New York. Lucien, however, will be attending Hamilton Col-

lege i n U p state N e w Yo r k .

“I’m definitely looking forward to H a m i l t o n ’s o p e n curriculum system where I’ll be able to step out of my academic comfort zone ...” Lucien states, and plans to study Education.

Although her heart may be in Costa Rica, Lucien has many activities that she enjoys at home in Malden. She ponders amongst fiction books that are “interesting.”

If there was a biography about Chelsea Handler out there, there is a good probability that it will be read

by Lucien. “If it is something about algae, I probably wouldn’t read it.” dismissed Lucien humorously.

Lucien also incorporates her Summer Search will and determination into an all night camping experience with other club members at an annual Walk held in Medford, Ma. “We’re all very proud of Medjine. She is a caring, hardworking student. The [POSSE] Scholarship is well deserved,” boasted Erin Craven, MHS Boyle house guidance counselor.

16 Pretty Little Liars: Season 2 Premiere

Style

The Blue and Gold January 2012

http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Class of 2012’s Nancy Chung Why is fashion important to you?

A

fter months of hearing “Someone will go missing. Someone will die. And someone will be exposed,” Pretty little Liars fanatics were finally able to tune into the return of season two mid-premiere and ponder over who “A” is.

The mid season finale left viewers on the edge with the liars in jail, Ezria on the brink of a break-up and the discovery of the sketchy Garret, Jason, Ian club. But the season 2 return left fanatics in utter confusion for the first half hour.

The episode starts one month after the liars’ arrest, wearing orange jumpsuits and picking up trash. Emily (Shay Mitchell) and Spencer (Troian Avery Bellisario) start fighting and have to be split up by police. Emily isolates herself from the group and it seems as if the once powerful friendship of the quartet has finally been broken.

The the liars and actresses trick viewers and “A” with this act. This was all a plan, with Emily pretending to be the “weak link” so that they could get in contact with “A” to give him evidence of Alison’s (Sasha Pieterse) murder that he/she left behind.

There is no evidence and because of the usual various family and boyfriend drama, Emily is left alone to face “A” who attempts to kill her. The other three liars arrive to the scene late, saving Emily and then chasing “A.” “A” slips away once again, but not without dropping his/her sell phone in front of Hanna’s (Ashley Benson) car. For the first time in the show, the liars are one up on”A” finally in possession of blackmail. The tables have turned.

But no worries. New drama has already began to stir up. Ezra (Ian Harding) and Aria (Lucy Hale) tell her parents about their relationship, causing the reaction any parents would have if they found out their daughter was dating her former teacher.

Hanna’s father announces his return to Rosewood, bringing his new wife Isabelle and evil step daughter Kate. Emily still is not able to rejoin the swim team because of her arrest and Spencer’s love interest Toby (Keegan Allen) calls accuses her of turning into an Alison replica.

ABC family promises the reveal of “A” by the season finale and many wonder if the series will stay loyal to Sara Shepard’s books, which the show is based off of. So far there have been many slight but noticeable changes, including character exclusions and plot changes. But the biggest question is: Will book “A” remain TV “A” or do the writers have something else up their sleeves?

The additions to the story including the Halloween special proved successful but too many twists could possibly draw book fanatics away, who consist of a large part of the audience. But have no fear because even though “A” will be revealed, ABC Family announced that Pretty Little Liars will return for a third season.

-Fashion is important to me because I love clothes. It’s a way for me to be creative and express myself. I like experimenting and how different things can come together and make something nice. Also, my mom used to never let me leave the house if I wasn’t dressed nice, So I got used to it.

How would you describe your personal style?

-My style? I’m really not sure. I don’t like labels, haha... I’m just me and whatever I like, I wear.

What is your typical outfit?

-I really don’t think I have a typical outfit -I’m a fan of mixing and matching. One article of clothing can create a bunch of different outfits, so I always alternate. But, I guess, my go to outfit would be a v-neck/tank top with some color cardigan, jeans/leggings, a scarf, and whatever shoes I decide to pair my outfit with.

Who/what inspires your style?

-Real life. Everything around me, from commercials, to a movie that came out, or just random people I see. I get inspiration from everywhere.

And my mood dictates what I want to wear in the morning.

Does winning Best Dressed mean anything to you?

-It definitely makes me feel guilty for ever scrubbing out. PRESSURE! Every time I wake up and it’s “that” kind of morning when I reach for my sweats, I just think, people are going to look at you and be like, “Really? She won best dressed? What the heck.”

Did you foresee this win at all?

-A lot of people said they were going to vote for me at first when superlatives started and everything, so I guess I just kind of stuck with it and was like ok, I guess, haha. I was a little surprised I guess though, just because of all the different names I heard that people put down.

Senior Nancy Chung won best dressed female of the class of 2012. Photo by Rebecca Broomstein

The Blue and Gold January 2012

Entertainment http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Best

Dressed Matteo Pocobene Senior Matteo Pocobene won best dressed male of the class of 2012. Photo by Rebecca Broomstein

I

Why is fashion important to you?

-Well, it’s always important to present yourself well. People’s first impressions are based on how you dress and show yourself to the world.

How would you describe your personal style?

-Everybody always asks me to describe my style, and it’s always such a hard question to answer. I don’t necessarily have a specific style. But I guess if I had to choose a label, I’d say pseudo hipster!

What is your typical outfit?

-I’m a big fan of sweaters. Usually I’ll wear a pair of slim chinos or cords with a striped or plaid shirt. If the weather’s cold, I’ll throw a sweater over top. And on my feet, Sperry’s are the most stylish and comfortable. I can’t leave the house without them.

Who/what inspires your style?

-Sean Walsh, and Urban Outfitters catalogs.

Does winning Best Dressed mean anything to you?

-It was definitely a little bit of an ego boost. It’s nice to know that other people in my class like the way I dress, and appreciate it.

Did you forsee this win at all?

-There are a couple of other kids in the grade that dress well. Some even campaigned. So yes, I was a little surprised.

17

f you needed any proof about the significance of a director in the film-making process, cast your gaze toward The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which director David Fincher transforms from an adult thriller into something so much more. The film is an adaption of the first part of the trilogy, followed by The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. Written

by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, the book series have become a worldwide phenomenon, selling 50 million copies in 46 countries. Fincher brings the best work he has ever done to the film, with a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, the former actor of the James Bond movies.

However, rising star Rooney Mara’s performance steals the show, shining in a role that is about dark as you can get.

Film fans may recognize Mara as Erica Albright from the opening scene in Fincher’s The Social Network.

Although she was responsible for one of the most captivating scenes in the movie, her exchange with Jessie Eisenberg as a frustrated ex-girlfriend is minimal compared to the physical and psychological transformation the young actress underwent to embody Lisbeth Salander – and it shows. While Craig is excellent as Blomkvist, there is no doubt that Mara provides one of the best performances that movie fans will see this year. Mara never falters in her role, managing to keep her character grounded even in some challenging scenes.

The film introduces the character of Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an anti-social, tattooed, punk, and highly intelligent hacker who struggles to live paycheck to paycheck at the mercy of her evil state guardian – until she is pulled into a dangerous investigation by a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig). Blomkvist has been hired by wealthy businessman Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), to investigate the unsolved case of his missing niece, Harriet, who unexpectedly disappeared 40 years ago. However, as the pair dig into the Vanger estate history, disturbing unearthing and bad tempered family members do not just complicate the case of missing Harriet – more importantly, they threaten Blomkvist and Salander’s lives. The movie paces well and is intense, gripping, suspenseful and masterfully executed, reaching into the darkest cores of humanity throughout the film. In particular, one scene of sexual violence is exceptionally graphic and could be extremely disturbing to sensitive viewers.

While the film is two hours and 38 minutes runtime is likely to turn off some viewers who do not enjoy sitting for long spans in theaters, it is hard to imagine any onscreen scene that does not belong in film. Fortunately, Fincher’s interpretation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is not just a worthy adaptation of Larsson’s novel – it is a beautifully shot, spellbinding, and disturbing film with terrific performances from nearly every member of the cast. While some readers and film fans might prefer the Swedish version of the films, it is impossible to not applaud Fincher’s film – as it is potentially one of the most captivating films of 2011.

18

The Blue and Gold January 2012

Sports http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/

Jump Shots Passed the Competition

continued from page 1 answered sophomore Bryan Mitchell, freshman Anthony Gilardi, junior Tommy Steele, and junior Rodney Morton. Morton is going to be next year’s captain. When freshman varsity player, Anthony Gilardi was asked what is it like being a freshman on the varsity team he said, “They treat me well, it is just I am always last at everything we do because coach is all about seniority but other than that it is a great experience.” During the team’s first game, junior Terrance Maironneure scored 43 points out of the teams 68 and sealed the win against Westfield High School on Dec. 16, 2011.

During the MHS winter vacation, the boys varsity basketball team played Winthrop High School and Wakefield High School in a two day Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27 and 28 2011. The team put forth great effort and played two extremely intense games, one of

Freshman Anthony Gilardi driving to the hoop.

Photo by PJ Montezuma which resulted in a victory for MHS. In the game against Winthrop, Malden successfully won with a total of 55 points scored compared to their opponent’s 51 points. Though the score was close, Malden was able to maintain a strong offense and defense, which resulted in their victory. Senior Alfonso Hidalgo, Morton, junior Terrance Maironneure, Gilardi, senior Hiago De Sena, and Exilhomme scored two and three pointers throughout the game with assistance from their fellow teammates. In the game against Wakefield however, Malden was

Junior captain Rodney Morton shooting a 3-pointer. Photo by PJ Montezuma

not as successful. Wakefield earned a total of 67 points and Malden 52 points. Scoring for Malden were players De Sena, Morton, Mitchell, Gilardi, Maironneure, Hidalgo , and Exilhomme. At the end of the tournament De Sena and Morton were awarded Players of the game.

With any MHS sport, commitment to the sport and the team is the key to success. For the basketball team this commitment has also resulted in their close relationship to each other. Morton admitted “my teammates have become my second family.” After months of practicing

and playing together the boys have grown closer and share the same goals. Last year the varsity boys basketball team was unable to move to the state tournament, this season the team aspires to “make it to the state tournament,” said Morton, as well as do well in the Greater Boston League (GBL) Championship.

Overall, the basketball team wants to perform well and reach their full potential as a team. Of course to reach these goals the team will have to do everything “from running hard in practice and playing with a purpose,” said Morton.

Mistakes Become Opportunities

T

he pounding energy of the girls basketball team echoed throughout the whole gymnasium. They were as prepared as a team could get, and judging by the amount of people in the stands, the girls weren’t the only ones excited. Coach Wayne Bartolucci has trained the girls to be their best, and it is evident that they played their hardest.

Watching the previous Malden High School basketball girls play on the court that junior Lisa DeLacey has become so familiar with, showed

“Those mistakes will hopefully turn into lessons and instead of making mistakes, they will become opportunites for us.” her that they were her true inspirations. “Being on the court now, in their position, makes it almost surreal,” DeLacey revealed. Needless to say, the previous teams at MHS helped shape the team we see today.

The basketball “program consists of

one unit. Freshmen, junior varsity and varsity put together is one family,” stated DeLacey proudly.

Freshmen are welcomed into the team with great support and confidence. Jessica D’Esposito enjoys basketball, and explained how the team behaves “like a family.”

Seniors Commie Ayuk, Rebecca Krigman, Kiara Amos, and junior Bridget Furlong are the captains for this season. They are enthusiastic and create a comfortable atmosphere for the whole team. Captains were also chosen because of their “leadership in the classroom and Senior Kiara Amos makes a shot during the Swampscott game. Photo by Casey on the court, coach-ability, Lyons work ethic and [they] were to win ten out of twenty games. In come a long way. The varsity team someone that [he] would want [his] order to qualify for the state tourna- is facing a 0-5 score so far but are two young daughters to be able to ment they must win 50 percent of hoping to change it. They are maklook up to as role models,” said Bar- their games. It has been six years ing sure that they are staying optitolucci defiantly. since the girls basketball team at mistic and fully prepared for future It is clear that the varsity team MHS has been qualified for the games. Bartolucci said that “[their] is more experienced, but all the state tournament so the team is very mistakes will hopefully turn into same, each girl is as committed anxious to meet their goal. It would lessons learned and instead of misas the last. But aside from that the mean a lot to the team because of takes they will become opportunigirls get along both on court and off. their dedication and hard work. In ties for [them].” They learned many D’Esposito will always remember order to excel in basketball, effort valuable lessons from their coach the value of team work, and that and dedication are involved. “It pertaining to team work and never “there is no I in team.” Unity is one takes nonstop effort both offensively looking back. The girls have their thing that the girls have already and defensively to win any game,” hearts in the right place, and they mastered.

DeLacey stated. welcome everyone.

As for goals, the team is hoping The girls basketball team has

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Girls Track Right On Track From left to right, top to bottom: Sophomore Eumie Rosiclair warming down at practice. Sophomore Winnie Chen jogging.

Sophomore Kim Du jumping a hurdle. All photos by Jason Drapinski

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he Malden High School girls indoor track team began the season with a victory against Everett.

The team defeated them with a score of 53-32. This leaves many people with the question, “will this team be Greater Boston League champions once again?”

The team continues to strive for the GBL title and also for athletes with state qualifying times. The team’s win is great but according to English teacher and coach David Londino, “right now we are looking to strengthen the team.” The team is in a good position to do so too.

There is two weeks until their next meet. On Jan. 18, 2011 the team will be facing Cambridge Rindge and Latin.

The Cambridge meet will be tough for the team. Cambridge is a big rival for the girls indoor track team. They are always the opponent to look out for since “they are a strong team in all areas, from throwing to hurdling to distance,” stated senior Haley DeFilippis. The team will try to keep their focus, to pull out another victory.

The team continues to push itself forward as they get closer to GBL’s. The team works themselves everyday enduring long workouts.

Even during the vacation the track team was up and ready to start running every morning. Track requires

a lot of commitment and focus, according to DeFilippis, “you have to push your body past its limits.

You always have to be striving to be better, whether that means running faster, jumping higher or throwing farther.” Every second counts and one must be on the ball at all times, or they could come in last. In the end of the day it is worth it to put in all those hours of training and practicing because it can “ be very rewarding if you meet your goals,” states DeFilippis.

The indoor track season does not confine itself only to running.

Other events include the high jump, shot pot and 50 meter hurdles. This year sophomore Kim Du is a new hurdler. At first Du never wanted to hurdle, “ [she] did not even want to go near a hurdle”stated Du. Then coach Jamie Green thought she would make a great hurdler. So, Du gave it try and actually ended up liking it. Du is still getting used to the techniques of correct hurdling.

For her the most difficult part of hurdling is keeping her form, “since [she is] new to hurdling, [she still is] learning the techniques of hurdling, so [she struggles] with form.” Du continues to practice hard so she can improve her hurdling.

Everybody is giving their all this season, to make sure the team will be GBL champions once again.

As much as the team would love to win, they want to make sure they are having fun at the same time. At their meets you will always hear their fellow teammates cheering them on. The girls team is like a family.

DeFilippis states that one of the best feelings is “to see others improve and grow.” She loves to watch her teamates in other events breaking their personal records, because even

though it is a individual sport, the team is always there to support each other.

Girls indoor track has started the season on the right note, and they seem to be moving on the right track. The team continues to strive for the GBL championship title, as well as to move onto the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) state meet.

Boys Track Shoots for being Undefeated Head Coach Londino expects them to repeat last year’s performance.

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he Malden High School boys track team led by coach David Londino, has been going strong for a very long time. Their expectations are to just “win” as Londino stated.

With their record being undefeated

last year, the boys team is shooting for the same record this year. With all the new freshmen that joined, the expectation should be met.

Londino stated that “to win” everyone on the boys track team

Ka Chi Choi hurdling during practice. Photo by Jason Drapiriski

showed that winning will not be a problem. The greatest thing about track is that there is not only Londino who is leading the team, there is also Biology teacher Kathryn Bizier, History teacher Jamie Green, and there are also past track athletes who help in every track event. “I enjoy track because it is a skill you work at to keep getting better at, something everyone can do, and you get to see friends,” Sophomore Allan La stated, when asked why he enjoys track.

The fun atmosphere of track practices and meets makes track a sport that is enjoyable for all of its team members. With winter being a big part of the indoor track sport, the boys track team went to an event called the Winter Festival Meet. Everyone on the track team got an understanding of the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury MA. With all of them getting a new feel of how

its going to be at the Greater Boston League closing meet it might change the way they practice and how they will think about practicing for the meets. Londino states “...we take the selection of captain[s] very seriously, and we look for somebody who is leading , not only at track [practice], but somebody who does [good in school] ...the whole package.” There are currently no captains but the positions are still open, however there are qualifications for a good captain. La stated that there are “Londino said they're still searching for a leader and advises people to step up.”

With the boys track team being successful, the expectations, the help, and the luck will help them continue strong with that undefeated streak in mind. Winning to them would be everything because this will be two years in a row that nobody in the GBL’s would beat Malden.

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sports

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Malden Cheers Continuous Success At one of the basketball games, the cheerleaders would shout their cheers enthusiastically to motivate the basketball team. Each time a basketball player scored, a cheerleader would jump up into the air in high spirit performing a midair split. They also might perform a festive trick which includes having MHS cheerleaders showing spirit after the MHS boys basketball game. Photo by Alan Shoottheir teammates eech carry one of the cheerleaders and balance herself as she presented an amazing posture.

So far the girls have really ith the end of their previ- that “you get to interact with others, enjoyed the season as well as the ous competitive season, the and get to be yourself and be loud.” benefits of being a cheerleader.

Cheerleading team now starts off The football season was a long and “[Cheerleading] gave me the mothe new season with cheerful expec- tough practice, and the basketball tivation to do well in classes and tations. “I find it fun,” said junior season is just cheers with no compe- to do well in school, and also my self-esteem went up,” says Soares.

Giovanna Soares. She also added tition.

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They also formed bonds with each other and feel “connected as a family.” Another cheerleader, freshman Lynn Cornet who has now been cheering for two seasons says that it also, “helps manage her time.”

Their coach, Linden School math teacher Diana Buonopane, has been coaching at the Malden High School for two years and cheerleading for 20 years. They have a very large team this year and are very capable of taking responsibility and assisting each other in tribulations they face at practices. There are many new girls that they want to teach all the skills to, and this is the season to do just that. “The goal of this season is to really get ready for the competition in the fall season,” Buonopane stated. Soares also has her own goals to “start tumbling” because she plans to do cheering in college.

Buonopane compares her cheerleading team to another she had instructed at Merrimack College, and believes this team is “more dedicated to the athletic program.”

They present high spirits for the team they cheer on, and even decorate the Malden High School’s basketball team locker room to encourage them.

Wrestling For the Season A

s the 2011-2012 winter season begins, the Malden High School Wrestling team is facing the loss of talented players such as senior graduates, Andy Chao, Shawn Castro, Warren Sharpp and the first female wrestler, Mandy Liao.

The team is also facing a similar struggle that they have been going through for the past three years - namely, their inability to field enough wrestlers each meet.

This season the team’s record as of now is 0-5. However, the team still has potential, talented members and also improvements in order to achieve the goals and make through this season.

MHS head coach and English teacher, Jeremiah Smith stated ”the sport is broken into two seasons, one of them is where we compete as a team, while the other is where we compete as individuals. As a team, we shared our struggles, we had great successes from the individuals over the past few years. “ Smith also commented about the two new female members, Senior Tiffany Rodriguez and Junior Jessica Favoreto as “hardworking members and two additional athletes to the team.”

With the team being a co-ed team for the past few years, there has been a strong sense of high team spirit. As Smith stated, “the wrestlers view

Senior Patrick DeCicco wrestling against a North Quincy wrestler. Photo by Amanda Rosatone each other as wrestlers, not by any other means. The girls are treated equally. The guys don’t lighten up on them or go easy on them when they are wrestling...”

The senior captains this year are Robert Stocker and Mario Sforza. Smith stated “both captains lead by example, they certainly show the younger wrestlers what is expected from them on a daily basis.”

On Dec. 21, 2011, the wrestling team had their second home meet at MHS against North Quincy High School. At first, the wrestling team struggled due to the numbers; how-

ever they made a comeback in the middle of the game with wins from sophomore Jean Gedeon and junior Ryan Stocker and his brother Robert.

Also in the middle of the match, it had to be stopped for a few minutes due to Ryan receiving cuts on his left leg and on his face. However, Ryan had the strongest win for MHS with his score of 13-0 at the match that day. Unfortunately in the end, the team lost to North Quincy with the final score being 36-29.

Despite the loss from their second home meet, Smith believes that “the season is going well, we had

individual success and tournament and we are currently making great progress.”

The next few meets that the wrestling team has, they will be facing against stronger teams such as Waltham High School whose school is well-known for the outstanding athletic program that they maintained and also Lowell High School.

The next match that the wrestling team will have is on Jan. 7, 2012 against Melrose High School, Salem High School and Greater Lowell Technical High School in Salem.

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Swim Team Dives to Victory

Above: Freshman Tristar To swimming laps at the MHS pool. Below: Junior captain Caitlin Cala diving into the pool and senior captian Eddie Lee finishing a lap. Photos by Amanda Moraes

Thanks to the addition of new members, the Malden High School swim team has started off the season strong and is hoping to end with the title of GBL champions.

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he swim season is in full gear, and Malden High School already had four meets, leaving them with a 2-2 record; two victories and two defeats. Bebee School gym teacher and head coach Paul DeVincentis has been coaching for 12 years, and feels that the team must continue the legacy that was established long ago.

DeVincetis says that this year the team is very “young,” consisting of mostly freshmen and having only two seniors. In the 12 years that DeVincetis has been coaching, the team has won two GBL titles and is now practicing hard in hopes of claiming a third this year.

DeVincentis explains that because there are so many new members on the team, he is focusing on helping them “gain experience” and showing them “what to expect from high school competitive swimming.”

However he still hopes to win “as many meets as possible.” He can also see that there are “many talented

swimmers” and hopes that with a few years of practice the team will become full of strong swimmers and will have “something very special.”

Two of the four captains are juniors and Blue and Gold staff members Catherine Poirier and Amalia Quesada Nylen. The other two captains are junior Caitlin Cala and senior Eddie Lee. Lee started swimming when he was 10 because his parents suggested he try it.

However, he says that over the years he has come to enjoy the “competitive atmosphere of swimming” and that he especially enjoys the “team spirit of high school swimming.”

Lee has been swimming for MHS since his freshman year and says that this year, the team is “all about building up” because most of the team is made up of freshmen and sophomores who have not swam competitively up until this year.

Because of this Lee says that he and the other three captains have “tried [their] best to get them accustomed to the sport of swimming.” He also feels that the captains have been a “huge factor” in

helping them understand the rules and regulations of meets. However, he also claims that he has seen “great improvement just in the past couple of months” and that the “new members have become big part of [the] team.”

Lee explains that members who have not swam before usually do 50 freestyle or a relay. He says that in a recent match against Arlington High School, freshmen Devon Laudadio, Vinny Silva, Carol Lam, and Jonathan Chipman helped the team snag third place, which in high school swimming is “the last place number [the team] can get points in for relays.”

Freshman Michelle Meneses says that the team is very close and that DeVincentis feels that the relationship between the team is one of their strong points. He says that the captains have done a “wonderful job bringing the team together and setting a good example” and have planned many “team building activities” such as pasta dinners and movie nights to bring the team even closer together. Freshman Sa-

mantha Dorazio says that the team is very close and she “wouldn’t give it up for anything.” Meneses agrees wholeheartedly. To her the team is “like one big family” and everyone is “always joking around.”

However, when practice starts it is time to work. Like many sports, swimming is demanding and requires a lot of commitment. Over the Winter Break the MHS swim team had practice, leaving no room for being lazy. Dorazio says that when practice starts, the entire team knows that they are there to “work hard.” Swimming has taught her “how strong you can be” because it can sometimes be a challenge to get through the work outs, but Dorazio has learned that if you push yourself, you can do it, which she sees as a lesson that not only applies to swimming but to life as well.

Upcoming Meets 1/18 v. Cambridge Home 1/23 v. Somerville Away 1/25 v. Medford Home 1/31 v. GBL Diving Invitational

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SPORTS

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Gymnastics: A New Beginning Upcoming Meets: January 13th at 4:30 - vs. Cambridge January 19th at 5:00 - at Cambridge January 24th at 5:00 - at Medford

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nlike most sports, gymnastics does not have one set of rules according to Malden High School’s gymnastics coach and second grade SEI teacher at the Salemwood School Victoria James. “There are a completely separate set of rules and requirements for all four events.” A sport with so many different regulations to remember might make many athletes hesitate to take part, but the MHS gymnastics team strives to do well in every aspect of each event.

And to do well is exactly what the team aims for during the 2011 winter season. As a former MHS gymnast, James understands this well. A member of the team from 1999 to 2001, she has made it her mission to help the team. With the cuts to the team announced on Dec. 5, 2011, 16 potential gymnasts were let go, but that has not stopped the remaining members of the team’s drive to succeed. They have won both of their first two meets, against Tewksbury and Medford.

The team has four main events

to focus on: Vault, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercises, and Balance Beam. For each gymnast, these events and the accompanying skills are judged based on an A, B, C, or D scale.

Also, to earn potential bonus points for the team, a gymnast can combine various sets of skills. Calculated together, this is their start value, a rating scale from one to ten. The MHS team shoots for all gymnasts to start at a seven or an eight, but having a higher start value is always a plus.

The season is still young, and the team has a lot to learn, both about themselves and each other. “It’s really important to figure out what everyone’s strengths are in order to determine the final line up on each

event,” James said, a former member of the MHS team herself. “After I have an idea of who will compete in each event, I have to be sure each gymnast can do all of the required skills for that event independently. When all of that is figured out, the choreography begins.”

Although six gymnasts are allowed to compete in each of the four events, the entire team always travels to away games together, even if some members will not be competing. This creates a sense of unity amongst the team, because the gymnast holding their concentration on the balance beam or giving their all during the floor exercises has their fellow teammates sitting in the stands, cheering them on no matter what.

From top to bottom, left to right: Senior Tai Phan, sophomore Justine Rose, senior captain Alana Casey, sophomore Han Truong, freshman Noelle Bellmer, senior Anna Maguire. All photos by Vicki Ngan

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COLLEGE HOCKEY TAKES OVER AT “FROZEN FENWAY” State Schools Get Chance of a Lifetime at 100-Year-Old Ballpark

Special Advertisement Section Maria’s Pizzeria Open Since 1990 We Deliver! Call 781. 324. 9646 932 Salem Street Malden, MA

Over the 16 days of Frozen Fenway, nearly 100,000 fans will attend hockey games at Boston’s famous baseball stadium, Fenway Park. Photo by Joshua Kummins

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t was a sunny day at Fenway Park and with temperatures approaching nearly 60 degrees one would think that were the setting before a typical baseball game.

However, this was the setting before the Sun Life Frozen Fenway hockey doubleheader on Jan. 7, 2012. The four major state universities that compete in Hockey East – Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine – played in two hard-fought games that gave the fans all of their money’s worth.

The 16-day series of events, which began on Jan. 1, 2012, features two community skating days for residents of the city of Boston, as well as eight high school hockey games, and six collegiate hockey games.

Several private and public high schools from the Metro Boston area skated on Jan. 2 and 4, while Harvard will host a game on Jan. 13 before Boston College and Northeastern highlight “Boston Rivalry Day” on Jan. 14.

Anyone who steps out onto the ice is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime just like the roaring spectators throughout the night.

Just ask some of the players and take UVM sophomore H.T. Lenz for example.

“It’s all pretty surreal,” said the Virginia native in a pre-game press conference on Friday afternoon. “Looking up and seeing the

park and all the seats, and looking towards the infield…it was hard to take in at first.”

His Catamounts were losers in a tough 3-2 game against UMass to open the day. Minuteman senior defenseman Michael Marcou scored with 22.3 seconds remaining in overtime as the Minutemen earned their third win of the season in Hockey East.

Since defeating UMass for their only league win before Thanksgiving, the Catamounts have lost five Hockey East games in a row.

“Every time you play a big game like this outside in front of a lot of people you always envision you scoring the overtime winner,” said the UMass assistant captain from Kings Park, N.Y. “It was my first one ever so it’s a pretty good experience to have here at Fenway.”

Their coach Don Cahoon, who is a native of Lynn, Mass. and lifetime Red Sox fan, made a great comparison when describing what the overtime felt like.

“The first thing that comes to mind,” he commented. “I said I can relate to Big Papi when he hits a walk-off home run in the eleventh because that’s what it felt like given the nature of the overtime. The emotion and the intensity was everything that it was built to be.”

The second game was another fun-filled contest as Lynnfield, Mass. native Brian Flynn scored just 89 seconds into overtime to send the Maine Black Bears to a 5-4 win over archrival New Hampshire.

“It feels great to get the win,” said Flynn. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and to get this win in front of the Maine fans, and our friends and family in that fashion, it was special.”

The experience was even enjoyable for a New York Yankees fan – junior Joey Diamond of the Black Bears, who hails from Long Beach, N.Y. Despite winning in the home stadium of his baseball archenemy, he “honestly thought it was the coolest thing, playing in a venue like this…[In addition to being a Yankee fan,] I am also a big sports fan, so I know this is one of the coolest venues in all the country.”

That just about sums up the whole event for all involved.

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Photo Collage by Sharon Lee.

The Blue and Gold January 2012