The Blue and Gold http://maldenblueandgold.com/
Malden High School Volume 98 Edition 1
Our 98th Year October 2012
Celebrating a 125 year old tradition
Above from left to right: Frank Goodwin, Class of 1943 graduate and a Purple Heart recipient reconnects with David Haskell, Class of 1954 graduate and a former reporter for the United Press International. The Thanksgiving Day football game with the engraved scores of every year’s football game since 1978. Three Malden High School graduates reminisce about a photo and memories of high school during the Homecoming Luncheon. All photos by Sharon Lee
Golden tornadoes Storm New Field
In This Issue: Election Coverage Page 6 Nobel Prize Winners Page 9 Friday Night Lights page 12 Bright Lights, Big Changes Page 17 For the Freshmen, By the Freshmen Pages 19
Football players watching and chering on their teammares on the field. See page 20 for the full article and more photos. Photo by Johanna Lai
Last Friday, the boys socccer team made an unbelievable turnaround during the second half of their game against Everett and took home a victory. See page 24 for the full article and more photos. Photo by Joshua Kummins
Cross Country Page 22
The volleyball team currently holds a GBL record of 5-1 and an overall record of 6-4. See page 21 for the full article and more photos. Photo by Julie Lam.
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Editorials
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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Shopping For a Better World Malden High School
The Blue and Gold 77 Salem St. Malden, MA 02148
Editors-in-Chief: Print: LAUREN BENOIT ‘13 Online: JOSHUA KUMMINS ‘13 Print: SHARON LEE ‘13 Online: CATHERINE POIRIER ‘13 Managing Editors: Online: KAYLA BRAMANTE ‘13 Print: NATALIE FALLANO ‘13 Social Media: MEGAN KELLY ‘13 Head Copy Editor: AMALIA QUESADA NYLEN ‘13 Head of Local: VICKI NGAN ‘14 AMANDA ROSATONE ‘14 Head of Sports: KRISTEN LEONARD ‘14 Head of World: MEGAN KELLY ‘13 Head of Entertainment, Style, and Lifestyle: HALEY DOWDIE ‘13 Head of Business: JOHANNA LAI ‘13 _____________ Reporters: NICHOLAS BRAMANTE ‘16 EMMA CEPLINSKAS ‘16 CARMELLITE J CHAMBLIN ‘14 ANDREW COGLIANO ‘16 AMANDA DE MORAES ‘15 JONATHAN DECICCO ‘15 JESSICA LYNN DEPAULA ‘15 CHAIMAE EL ADLOUNI ‘16 JULIE LAM ‘15 ASHLEY LEUNG ‘16 PATRICIA LUONG ‘16 CASEY LYONS ‘15 JAMES MAZARAKIS ‘15 AREFIN MOHIUDDIN ‘13 SUMYA MOHIUDDIN ‘15 PHILLIP MONTEZUMA ‘15 MYLE NGUYEN ‘15 LUCIA QUESADA NYLEN ‘16 GRACE STATHOS ‘15 MANALE ZOUHIR ‘16 Advisor: Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition:
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Long love the debate of Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola. Some people are dedicated consumers to one specific company, and will never buy a “Pepsi Product” simply because it just does not compare to those of Coca-Cola’s. These consumers only pay attention to the product, and the immediate satisfaction of having an ice cold beverage on a hot summer’s day. But when drinking that cold soft drink, I bet that the thought of how the company impacts the world does not cross their mind. Living in America we tend to get the best of everything. We do not really know what goes on behind the scenes of major corporations across the United States. We only pay attention to the product. But what if we did know how these companies impacted the world? If you knew that your beloved Coca-Cola Company was privatizing water in third world countries, and killing millions, would you still drink it? Personally I do not drink that much soda, and was completely unaware that Dunkin Donuts is in the process of ridding their shelves of Pepsi products to Coke. Pepsi lovers were disappointed, but on the other hand Coke lovers were ecstatic. The major issue is not that I have only Coke options to choose from, it is that Dunkin Donuts switched to Coca-Cola, supporting its company in efforts of basically destroying the world. Switching from Pepsi to Coke may please millions of customers, but the effects of its growth are felt around the world. Coca-Cola is mostly bottled internationally, which opens the doors to many different problems. When there is a plant set up, the Coca-Cola company privatizes the water sources surrounding the factory. Privatization causes a number problems, one being a major water shortage; the factory is claiming bodies of water and forbidding local residents from using it. These people are now forced to buy bottled water, and support the companies that are taking away their sources. Even if the residents still do pump water from the ground, it is heavily polluted due to the chemicals that the factory leaks out. Millions have died, and still are getting sick due to the lack of water. These locals are confused as to why this big corporation decided to set up camp right next to their villages and make their lives miserable. My biggest issue is that they know the consequences, so why don’t they try and relieve them? According to A Better World Shopping Guide
Coca-Cola is a “D” company. This book ranks companies on a traditional A-F scale, and uses human rights, the environmental impacts, animal protection, community involvement, and social justice to rank the most popular companies. We already know that Coke violates human rights because it exploits 3rd world communities. It contributes to global warming, because they chop down forests and they built a huge factory in its place, which emits infinite amounts of pollution. I could not find a reason that they would use animals in a negative way, so they got some points in that area. Coca-Cola has fairly good community involvement, many people do not know the impacts it has on places around the world, so powerful people support the company because they are fans of its product. And we also know that this is all socially unjust, so they lost points there. Don’t take this as me bashing Coca-Cola, occasionally I do use some of its products, which are kind of hard to avoid since they are practically everywhere. But I question the motives for companies to change. Why would companies switch from Pepsi to Coke? They taste practically the same anyway. Is it because there is a wider variety of products? Or because Coke is more popular, so they switched over in hopes to make a larger profit. In my opinion, these changes occurred in hopes to gain more money. If companies want to make the morally correct decision, they would have stayed with Pepsi Cola, a “B” company. Pepsi may be doing some harm, but not to the extent of Coke. In the guide, a “C” is average. It means that the company is not making terrible impacts, but it could be doing better. A company who lays in the “A-B” range excels at all aspects of the criteria, and even tries to counteract the outside problems that other companies cause. I have read this guide multiple times, and I am still surprised at the data. I have found that more popular companies rank lower on the scale, and smallercompanies rank on the higher end. This brings us to confirm the theory that money is power, but that is a different argument for a different editorial. I am not saying to boycott the products of Coca-Cola, it is a powerhouse in the economy. But try back and cut down on the number of Cokes you drink. For each can you open, it represents a tree being cut down in Guatemala to build a factory. Well, it is not that dramatic, but you can drink a Pepsi instead.
Lauren Benoit Editor-in-Chief
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.
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The Blue and Gold October 2012
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Opinion
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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Under AP®essure Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online
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he fall of senior year comes with all the pressures of a normal school year topped with those of the college admissions process. However, we have been prepared for this since freshman year, when within the first month of school everyone went on at least one college tour with our class. And in the years between then and now, we’ve spent numerous late nights studying, finishing homework, and cramming out projects. Some of us have even ventured into the Advanced Placement zone. AP classes are advertised as an opportunity to show admissions officers that we are prepared for college classes, and to potentially earn credit to opt out of classes already taken. Personally, I love taking AP
classes and by the time I graduate from Malden High School, I will have taken seven of them. And while I enjoy challenging myself academically, the promise of appearing a little more competitive among other applicants is a larger incentive to take these classes. But is it actually paying off in the college admissions process? Not necessarily. Every year more and more students are participating in the AP curriculum, when just a few years ago taking on these classes was a sure fire way to gaining acceptance. In this sense, students who are looking to stay competitive feel that the only way to remain so is to increase the amount of demanding classes they enroll in. But with more kids enrolling in multiple AP classes, the cycle will continue. Determined students are taking upwards of eight or more classes according to Globe Magazine. If this
rogue cycle proceeds, who knows if taking eight or more courses will be valuable to colleges in the years to come? When will the upper limit be reached? In the past seven years there has been an enormous drop in the percentage of students accepted to our country’s top schools. For example, in 2005 Vanderbilt University accepted 40 percent of applicants, but just last year the same university accepted only 12.2 percent of applicants. This stunning decline in reflected in schools across the country, and students are feeling the heat. So, this must mean college admissions are to blame for the pressures students face. Even though the AP policies of schools everywhere are changing, the need to stay competitive is increasingly present. Recently Globe Magazine stated that “a full slate of AP courses does not even save in-
coming freshman time or money.” Some colleges are decreasing the accepted credit for these courses, while others have completely stopped recognizing their credibility all together. This act may be the beginning of the faraway end for “runaway train” course load. But still, counselors and officers are wondering why we are “overdoing it,” according to Globe Magazine. David Hawkins, the director of public policy and research at the National Association for College Admission Counseling told Globe Magazine “It’s a tough sell to students to say ‘Hey, ease up on the accelerator a little bit.’” Students will only ease up on the accelerator when schools do the same, and until then, the push to “over do it” lies from the colleges themselves and while they can publicly discourage the AP avenue, the selectivity says it all.
The Paradox Party Megan Kelly Head of World
“I’m almost never serious, and I’m always too serious. Too deep, too shallow. Too sensitive, too cold hearted. I’m like a collection of paradoxes.” -Ferdinand von Schrubentauffrt
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’m a diehard liberal. I was born and raised by die hard Boston democrats who idolize the great aspect of the Kennedys and sweep those dirty little secrets under the carpet of “look at all the good he’s done!”. As a soon to be eligible voter (I miss the ability to vote for the United State’s next president by 19 days) appreciating and supporting a Republican senator would make my poor grandfather roll over in his grave. Now I’m sure you’re looking at the quote and going “what does this have to do with some girl’s opinion of politics?” Well it means a lot actually. That quote means is that no one, not even the most right leaning republican or die hard liberal (thank you very much) will ever have an opinion or feeling that will work with every other belief that they have. It’s just not going to happen. Because we are human
and imperfect (do not even begin to argue otherwise) our beliefs, our buildings, our governments, our laws, our everything basically will fall along the lines of imperfection. A major factor in imperfection is inconsistency. Nothing is always the same. Your buildings are never going to be exactly the same height or painted the same shade of gray, your laws are not going to match up with the constitutional right to absolute freedom and your beliefs are never going to fit into the perfect republican or democratic peg hole.
Now that you’ve been shown the light, that nobody is ever going to fall under the perfect category, lets get to the heart of the issue. Americans vote for who they think is going to best represent them. But there is never going to be a politician who is just like them, a politician is a representative of a huge portion of the population and has to work to make every part of the population they’re representing happy (or in theory). But here’s where we can work our ever present aspect of imperfection to our advantage. We
need politicians that aren’t going to vote perfectly republican or democratic. And the thing is, we have them, it’s just that we’re looking at the die hards out there who are making idiots of themselves rather than the politicians who are doing the job right. Going back to the fact that I am a born and bred democrat but seemingly jumping ship, I’m going to explain myself, I am deciding it’s time to stop putting myself into a peg hole that will never fit and rather vote for a politician who votes on the issue rather than for the identity that they claim to have. Rather than supporting the democrats or the republicans or the “Rent is Too Damn High” party I’m supporting paradoxes. I’m supporting the valuable side of the human paradox and rather than letting a label decide my ballot’s fate I’m going to let the issue decide the vote. With this manifesto (of sorts, it doesn’t fit into all the categories of being a manifesto) I am creating a new American party, the “Sit Down, Shut Up, Think about the Issue and Vote with your Beliefs in Mind” party. For short you can just call us the paradox party.
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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Opinion maldenblueandgold.com
“I Should Be Cancelling the Spring Fling”
Question 1 Topic: Business Regulation “A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law requiring motor vehicle manufacturers to allow vehicle owners and independent repair facilities in Massachusetts to have access to the same vehicle diagnostic and repair information made available to the manufacturers’ Massachusetts dealers and authorized repair facilities. A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws.”
Megan Kelly Head of World
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atching Vice President Joe Biden smirk and have snarky little laughs at most of the comments made by Congressman Paul Ryan was the final validation for me when it came to what American politics had become. My fears had been confirmed. Our country, the United States of America, the first country of its kind founded by businessmen and lawyers and fought for by farmers and tradesmen, was being run by a bunch of teenage girls, albeit teenage girls with degrees varying from business and political science from the top universities in the country, but teenage girls nonetheless. As an adolescent female myself I know a teenage girl when I see one. They act on their emotions, they nitpick every aspect of their peers, they spread rumors faster than one can blink and most importantly they always have another teenage girl that is the thorn in their side. Maybe I’m exaggerating but we can be monsters when properly provoked. And looking at the men and women that we entrust with running our country they have been properly invoked. Having my TV shows interrupted with commercials from both sides of the political fields stating all these supposedly horrible decisions made by their opponent
Ballot Questions
Vice President Joe Biden, left, reacts to comments from Congressman Paul Ryan during the Vice Presidential Debate at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. (Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader/ MCT) reminds me of rumors that I hear in passing in the halls. But what caused a backlash like that? A disagreement in what direction the economic recovery should come in. But what is getting lost in the commercials is the actual economic recovery itself, what these people could do together to help push the country out of the hole it’s dug. American politics has become high school. The humanity. So in the wise words of Principle Duval from Mean Girls “what [these] young ladies… need is an attitude makeover. And you’re going to get it, right now. I don’t care how long it takes. I will keep you here all night.” And while “we the people” may not have the ability to padlock the senate, congress and other key political figures into the Capitol
Building until they’ve come to their senses we can give them an attitude makeover with our votes. As a people we can see that the actions taken by our leaders are inappropriate for their age and their job titles and we cannot vote for them, but rather vote for those that act as mature, responsible adults, concentrating on the problem. We can hold back our support and make them see that until they come to terms that acting this way is inappropriate for their positions socially and politically. If politicians want to act as subversive, cruel and devilish teenage girls then we have to step up as Principle Duval with a baseball bat and bring this childish warfare to an end by a good whack at the fire alarm.
Question 2 Topic: Assisted Death “A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law allowing a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient meeting certain conditions, to end that person’s life. A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws” Question 3 Topic: Medical Marijuana “A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law eliminating state criminal and civil penalties related to the medical use of marijuana, allowing patients meeting certain conditions to obtain marijuana produced and distributed by new state-regulated centers or, in specific hardship cases, to grow marijuana for their own use. A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws”
The Presidential Curse: Both Parties Crash The Myth of Bi-Partisan Politics and How It Slows Government Production Natalie Fallano Managing Editor
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ith the Presidential election around the corner, national attention buzzes around the two candidates, President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Commercials and debates focus on large issues, including how to tackle the federal deficit and create jobs, but make no effort in addressing feasible issues. Presidents choose to focus on the large scale issues in order to gain votes, but fail to move forward on the issues in which they agree upon. This is the problem with bi-partisan politics today. More Americans died in car accidents last year than the total number of servicemembers in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars that began in 2001. Most of these accidents occur due to distracted and drunk driving, yet the US government has not addressed this fixable issue on the national level. Car crashes and automobile deaths happen everywhere from conservative Alabama to liberal Massachusetts. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, over 37,000 people die in road
crashes annually. Most Republicans and Democrats alike, would not argue against stricter driving laws, especially in the case of distractive and drunk driving, so why do these laws not already exist? Ironically, it is our presidents and vice presidents who have been cursed with a history of car accidents. Current Vice President Joe Biden lost his wife and one-year old daughter when they were instantly killed after being run over by a tractor trailer in 1972. Al Gore, presidential candidate in 2000, lost his six year old son in 1989, when Al Jr. was hit by a car while running across a street after an Orioles game. In 1963, former First Lady Laura Bush ran a stop sign, crashing into and killing a close friend. President Obama’s father was in three serious car accidents. The third and last occurred in 1981, and he died when Obama was 21 years old. In 1946 former President Bill Clinton’s father died in a car crash, three months before the birth of his son. In 1973, 2008 presidential candidate John McCain came home from the Vietnam War to find his wife hospitalized after a car accident and in need of 23 operations. While on a missionary trip in France, Mitt Romney, 21 years old at the time, was in a head-on colli-
sion. A friend of Romney’s sat in the passenger and was killed instantly while Romney survived with miraculously only a broken arm and a few bruised ribs. Car accidents affect all Americans, even our presidents; almost all of us know someone who has died in one, which is why car crash prevention should be a priority and essentially an easy one to tackle in. Federalist issues like same-sex marriage consists of valid arguments from both sides but outlawing the use of cellphones while driving should be a no-brainer. What person would say that drinking while driving is acceptable? According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, “In 2008 Driver distraction was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes.” Also “16 percent of all under-20 drivers in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.” National prohibition of driver distraction and stricter regulations could lead to safer driving nationwide. Over the last 50 years the number of traffic deaths has decreased significantly due to seatbelt and airbag enforcement laws, and by no means am I not impressed with this progress. But ultimately, even more
can be done. New technology exists that can prevent drunk drivers including self- automated breathalyzers located on dashboards. If the car reads the driver’s alcohol level to be too high, the car will not start. A recent AAA reported that car crashes cost $300 billion a year. The government recently invested into and saved General Motors. If they decided to invest this new safety technology into GM, it would not only lower the financial cost of crashes, but the human cost as well as four deaths an hour our caused by automobile accidents. Traffic deaths are just one possible issue that the government can tackle. During the Denver presidential debate, Obama and Romney admitted that they share similar views on several issues. These are the issues that they should collaborate on after elections. Bi-partisan politics balance out power and avoid one party rule, but without compromise and cooperation, it can halt even the most moderate and feasible progress. It seems that today’s Republican and Democrats are so driven towards their own interests, that they sometimes forget about making decisions that will benefit the entire country.
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The Blue and Gold October 2012
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The Blue and Gold, in its responsibility to bring awareness to what is happening in the United States to the students of Malden High School, has presented a comparative chart of two major elections that will directly affect the students of MHS. We have the main candidates for the Massachusetts Senate race and for the Presidency of the United States listed below with basic facts about themselves as well as their statements concerning several key topics that affect our nation today: civil rights, the US budget and economy, healthcare and foreign policy. The staff of The Blue and Gold has chosen to present the information in this format so that the readership can decide their own opinions based on what is actually said by the candidates.
Election Coverage
President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at The Ohio State University campus Oval in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. (Brooke LaValley/ Columbus Dispatch/MCT)
Republican presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney waves to the crowd after speaking at the Natatorium on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)
Candidate:
Barack Obama
Mitt Romney
Running for: Party: Age: Education:
U.S. President
U.S. President
Democrat
Republican
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On the issues: 1. Gay Rights 2. Education 3. Health Care
Harvard Law School (1988–1991), Columbia University (1983), Occidental College (1979–1981), Punahou School (1979) 1. “Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer: I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.” Source: 2012 Presidential campaign website, barackobama.com, “News” May 9, 2012 2. ““I want to hire another hundred thousand new math and science teachers and create 2 million more slots in our community colleges so that people can get trained for the jobs that are out there right now. And I want to make sure that we keep tuition low for our young people.” Source: 2012 Presidential Debate, Oct. 3, 2012 3. “So the way for us to deal with Medicare in particular is to lower health care costs. But when it comes to Social Security, as I said, you don’t need a major structural change in order to make sure that Social Security is there for the future.” Source: 2012 Presidential Debate, Oct. 3, 2012
Harvard Business School (1975), Harvard Law School (1975), Brigham Young University (1971), Stanford University (1965–1966), Cranbrook Schools (1965), Harvard University 1. “My view is this, that individuals should be able to pursue a relationship of love and respect, and raise a family as they would choose. I would like to have the term “marriage” continue to be associated with a relationship between one man and one woman.” Source: Obama-Romney interviews by Univision Noticias (Spanish News) , Sep 19, 2012 2. “... I’ll just note: first, education. I agree, education is key, particularly the future of our economy. But our training programs right now, we got 47 of them housed in the federal government, reporting to eight different agencies. Overhead is overwhelming. We got to get those dollars back to the states and go to the workers so they can create their own pathways to getting the training they need for jobs that will really help them.” Source: 2012 Presidential Debate, Oct. 3, 2012 3. “I want to take that $716 billion you’ve cut and put it back into Medicare. By the way, we can include a prescription program if we need to improve it, but the idea of cutting $716 billion from Medicare to be able to balance the additional cost of “Obamacare” is, in my opinion, a mistake.” Source: 2012 Presidential Debate, Oct. 3, 2012
Elizabeth Warren, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Massachussetts, speaks on the second night at the 2012 Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena, Wednesday, September 5, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Harry E. Walker/MCT) United States Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) at his swearingin ceremony in the old Senate Chamber at the Capitol on Thursday, February 4, 2010, in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
To read more about the senatorial election, please visit our website Maldenblueandgold.com.
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Afghan Girls’ Education At Risk Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter
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ducation for women has been opposed for years in Afghanistan. There have been 185 attacks on schools and hospitals in the past year, most of them committed by armed groups that oppose female education. Girls have had their drinking water poisoned, been targeted by bombers, and been attacked by deadly acids. They struggle to walk home everyday after school safely. Although this is a continuing problem, there has been a huge improvement in education due to outside organizations. Save the Children is one such organization. The group has built 2,281 schools in two years, in order for the women to have an education. In 2001, 5,000 girls were enrolled in school. Today, there are 2.4 million girls enrolled in school in Afghanistan. Save the Children have also made a high school training program, that will teach girls to become educators right after they graduate. Despite the efforts of Save the Children, many new schools have been closed down due to the lack
of use. No woman was allowed to be educated after the age of eight, and if they were, women were only allowed to study the Qur’an. Due to this, attendance in schools has declined. 61 percent of the schools built in the last two years have closed because of their insecurity of going against what people believe and giving women an education. Another contributing factor of the low education for girls is the limited number of teachers. Male teachers are not supported to teach women, but only 31 percent of teachers are women. There is a high dropout rate from school because there are not enough of these women teachers. Out of the 400 districts that have schools in Afghanistan, 200 of them have no women teachers. With Afghanistan as one of the countries with highest population of school age children in the world (57 percent), it is imperative that these children are educated. These are the people who will be shaping and making Afghanistan’s future.
Azima Sadat, a longtime principal at an Afghanistan girl’s school, makes a phone call to a colleague on Sunday, December 19, 2010 after attending a conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. Sadat said efforts by the U.S. to funnel more money through the Education Ministry will only encourage corrupt Afghan ministers to “fill their own pockets.” (Dion Nissenbaum/MCT)
BREAKING NEWS P A K I S T A N
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RUSSIA
Seven members of the band Pussy Riot. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Photo of Malala Yousufzai courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
ourteen year old activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot in the neck and head on Oct. 9, 2012 in a Taliban assassination attempt, has been moved to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham England. A panel of Pakistani and international doctors agreed that it would be for the best that due to the nature of her injuries that Yousufzai would be better suited in a more equipped hospital due to the possible length of her stay. Yousfzai runs a blog
that has been published by the British Broadcasting Company, which highlights the fighting in her home region of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkwa in 2009 when the Taliban attempted to take control of the region. Yousfzai was targeted for her protests that concentrate on female education, after she and other girls were banned from going to school by the Taliban regime when it held control over her home.
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ne of the members of the Russian punk band of Pussy Riot, Yekaterina Samutsevich was recently released on bail after her and two of her bandmates, Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were imprisoned with the crime of hooliganism back in March of this year. The charge is based off of their unannounced and unauthorized performance in Christ Savior Cathedral in Moscow in which they sang a song that criticized the three term president of Russia, Vladmir Putin.The original defense of the three women was that their performance was a
political statement, while the judge who charged them claimed that it was to disrespect and to undermine public authority. Samutsevich states to CNN that even though she was imprisoned for her actions that her and the band “are not finished” with their protest against “the situation in the country has deteriorated since our performance and the trial itself is a testimony to that.” For more information on Pussy Riot and their protests visit the Blue and Gold’s website.
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The Blue and Gold October 2012
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Somalian Woman wins Nansen Refugee Award Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter
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he Somalian War of 1995 left people to fend for themselves. Seeing the deadly war zones and horrifying conditions overtaking the country, Hawa Aden Mohamed, a refugee of Kenya, went back to Somalia, the place she once called home. She hoped to satisfy the desperate needs of women and children in her home country. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Somalia was considered one of the five worst places to be a woman due to the obscene lack of care they receive; rape is common, health care is out of reach, and education is hard to attain. For Mohamed, her past was different. Her dad, who had a job relating to the government, sent her to school when she was 10 years old. It was rare, but Mohamed did not see a reason to question her father. Her strong views on education erupted then. With a great percentage of the country made up of women and children, Mohamed believed with a little help, her efforts can create a better society. This includes enhancing their education and health care. In 1999, she co-founded Galkayo Education Center for Peace and De-
velopment (GECPD) . Despite the early grenades and gunfire the institution experienced, Mohamed and her colleagues refused to take the threat to heart and continued on their mission. With this program, Mohamed helped women and children receive the strength to help build a foundation where they live. Her views on education are strong; she claims “education never finishes.” “Every day you will see something new. Myself, I am A digital drawing of Hawa Aden Mohamed of Kenya. Drawing by Megan Kelly. not well educated. I cannot say everything. Education in store for her war victims was the is always a continuous learning pro- inspiration to create a better tomorcess. Education is everything.” The row. Women are more recognized as Finis this article on the Blue and Gold’s website.To get to the world section, scan people in Somalia can create differ- part of society; they have new opinto your phone the QR code on the ences without the help of others due portunities to address their personal to the the level of education they can issues and create corresponding opposite page. now receive. changes that will allows for a more The best thing Mohamed had successful life.
Update on the Eurozone Crisis Carmellite J Chamblin Reporter
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rantics, panics, cries of desperation and misery are being swept around the four countries in Europe known as The Eurozone crisis consisting of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain. Troubles begun nearly fours years ago when the economy took a turn for the worse, becoming impossible for the countries to pay off their debt or refinance the government without the aid of a third party. The problems of their financial situation varied by country, from real estate bubble, to unattainable public sector wages. But not only that, due to the Eurozone as a “monetary union, without fiscal value (i.e different taxes and pension rules), it caused a heavy effect, especially on the banks. In an attempt to save the countries, the European financial ministers “approved a rescue package worth 750 billion [euros]” as stated by a 2011 BBC article calling it the European Financial Stability. But it was later changed to 1 trillion between october 2011 and February 2012. EU leaders made an agreement plan to fairly increase the funds of the European Investment Bank to begin, projects for buildings, roads, and power supplies that are needed
for the routine functioning of the societies and enterprises, as well as to increasing loans to private sectors in 2013. The crisis had a major effect on politics especially in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and even France, with change in powers. Italy is cutting taxes to relieve austerity pains and the governor of the Bank of Spain, Luis Maria Linde plans to establish a stronger recession than originally planned in 2013 which worried investors. The Eurozone’s population are not taking the news of this financial situation too well, most notably in Spain where protesters have been seen holding signs with “Spain for Sale”, and in the latest in a visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany’s visit to Greece, the Greeks protested against her, but despite seeing their sufferings and misery she insisted on making the nation take additional austerity measures, she says more austerity can lead to better days, recognizing the sacrifices the Greeks have made already. Merkel is the European Union’s prevailing economic policy maker. She has been active in the cuts made to the Greeks’ economy.
Chart showing monthly trend in unemployment in the 17-nation eurozone since 1999 and jobless rate for selected EU countries in May 2012; Eurostat releases May jobless data. MCT 2012
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Nobel Prize Winners
Information gathered by ...
Jonathan DeCicco Reporter
In the week of October 15, 2012 the Nobel Foundation for the 111th year awarded several Nobel Prizes in the areas of Medicine, Literature, Physics, Peace and Chemistry. The tradition began with the founder of the Nobel Foundation, Alfred Nobel who in his will and testament gave a large sum of money to a series of prize winners in the mentioned areas.
Medicine
Economics
he Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012 was awarded jointly to Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka “for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent”.
he Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2012 was awarded jointly to Alvin E. Roth and Lloyd S. Shapley “for the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design”.
Peace
Chemistry
he Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was awarded to European Union (EU) “for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe”.
he Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2012 was awarded jointly to Robert J. Lefkowitz and Brian K. Kobilka “for studies of G-protein-coupled receptors”.
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Literature
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he Nobel Prize in Literature 2012 was awarded to Mo Yan “who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary”.
Physics
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he Nobel Prize in Physics 2012 was awarded jointly to Serge Haroche and David J. Wineland “for ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems”
Scan the QR code to go to the blue and Gold’s world news section to see the article written on this year’s Nobel Prize Winners.
Boat Collision in Hong Kong Casey Lyons Reporter
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ragedy struck on Oct. 1, 2012 when pleasure boat Lamma IV collided with a ferry in Hong Kong, China leaving 38 dead and 100 injured. Among the 38 that died five were children, along with employees of the Hong Kong Electric, and their family members, who were on their way to see a firework display. The ferry carried passengers to Lamma island. The impact of the collision resulted in the formation of a hole in one of the vessel’s engine rooms while the ferry remained undamaged and afloat. According to witnesses, instead of rushing to get aid, the crew of the ferry seemed to be in shock for a few minutes but soon recovered and continued on their way, leaving the half sunken Lamma IV Water rushed into the Lamma IV and passengers struggled to find life vests. Dozens were thrown into the water causing some to drown from the harsh rush of the water while others struggled save their lives. Passengers from both vessels sustained injuries, but those on the Lamma IV got the worst bit of it . Seven arrests were made but most of the crew were released on bail including the captains of each vessels. who did not display any type of care or help when the collision occurred. Victor Li, the son of the richest man in Asia and owner of Hong Kong Electric Li Ka-shing, said that the company would make a payment of $200,000 to the family of each person killed. His father made visits to the hospital to share his sorrow and empathy for the injured passengers and victims. The accident has been named the worst maritime in Hong Kong history for over 40 years since 1971 when a ferry sank, leaving 88 people dead. In Oct. 2011, a two year old toddler named YueYue was hit by a van. 18 witnesses walked away and did nothing, leaving her bleeding and unconscious in the middle of the street. The toddler was eventually moved to the side of the road by a woman, but that was all. The old woman did not get help. Both accidents display that there are people who have very little sympathy and involvement in helping others. Some would think that calling for help would be easy and helpful but no one bothered in both incidents.
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Mayor Christenson’s Changing Lanes Bowling Tour nament SAT’s SAT test o n 11/3 SAT test o n 12/1 Registrer b y 11/1 for the 12/1 te st
Get Ahead Da October 17th
y
AP Prep S essions AP Science 10/20 AP English 10/27
Freshmen: Colleg e Trips Sophomores: PSA T’s Juniors: PSAT’s Seniors: College Fair
Where: Townline Ten Pin 665 Broadway, Malden When: October 18th rTo support the Golden To nado Club
t l Paren o o h c S High 5 Malden t - 10/2 h g i N r Teache
y
n Da o i t c e l E
11/6 OTE! V E T VO VOTE
MALDEN STUDENT SPENT SUMMER VACATION WORKING ON MONTANA PLAINS INDIAN RESERVATION Article courtesy of VISIONS Service Adventure
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ctober 1, 2012 (Bozeman, Montana) - This summer Angelica Brewer, an 11th grader at Malden High School, spent three weeks of her vacation on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana with VISIONS Service Adventures, an international service learning summer program. Brewer was one of 23 high school students who lived on a 1,100-acre ranch on the reservation along the Rocky Mountain front. The ranch is part of a unique partnership between the Nature Conservancy and Blackfeet Nation, and it is under conservation easement to protect its biodiversity and habitat for wildlife populations. The teen volunteers partnered with Browning Community Development Corporation on an ambitious park project that included building a 16’ x 12’ stage using recycled materials and lumber. The stage sits 2’ off the ground and measures 11.5’ at the highest point of its pergola roof. It is a centerpiece now of the park. The high school students also built picnic tables for the park, and were invited to construct a temporary lodge for the reservation’s sacred Sun Dance ceremony. The trip wasn’t all work for Brewer and her peers, who explored Montana’s wilderness and Glacier National Park on backpacking and rock climbing expeditions. The students learned about Blackfeet Indian history firsthand from tribal elders, historians, and other community leaders. They had the chance to witness a traditional Sun Dance ceremony, go horseback riding, and attend the North American Indian Days Pow Wow in the village of Heart Butte. “Service in the cross-cultural context allows teens the opportunity to make a difference and, just as important, know the people whose lives they are impacting in personal, mutually respectful ways,” says Katherine Dayton, VISIONS Executive Director. “We give students tangible ways to be challenged through ambitious service work, thereby developing resilience and self-confidence, and realizing their potential in this world.” VISIONS operates high school and middle school volunteer travel programs in Central and South America, the Caribbean West Indies, United States, Cambodia and Ghana. “Each of our program locations is unique,” said Dayton, “but all provide primary ingredients of community service, cultural immersion, adventure and opportunities to explore places off the tourist track.” Photos submitted by Angelica Brewer.
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Fellsmere Pond meets Imperial China: The Harvest Moon Festival Returns
Scan the code or visit our website at www.maldenblueandgold.com Above: The festival also featured a train ride around the pond for tots. Photo by Andrew Cogliano.
Andrew Cogliano Reporter Kayla Bramante Managing Editor
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very year, the orange, harvest moon, takes center stage amongst the stars in the night sky, marking an obvious beginning of autumn. In the city of Malden, one can find an exotic festival located right along the banks of Fellsmere Pond. From all over the city, people come together, blending the Chinese culture with other cultures in the community and bringing out the best Malden has to offer. Businesses opt to sponsor the event, with everything from Spadafora Slush to Brookline Bank all taking their place. This year, the turnout was more than it has been in recent years, bringing the community even closer together. The Chinese Cultural Connection (CCC) and the Oak Grove Improvement Agency (OGIA) both worked together to make the festival stand out. “It’s something that’s been here for years,” said Natasha Williams, an OGIA worker who attended the festival. The workers all made sure that the festival went smoothly from behind the scenes, ensuring that the performers could transition swiftly from one act to the next. As part of the Chinese culture, women dressed in green kimonos and sashes took to the stage, singing in Chinese “about the bamboo in the wind, “ said Chung Hong Shi, one of the women in the performance. Later on, after a costume change, they all performed again, this time dressed with intricate silver ornaments on their hips, performing a traditional style dance. Other performers played traditional Chinese instruments on the stage and sang. The performances would not be possible without help from the Chinese Cultural Connection and
Above: Brookline Bank offers a sideshow. Below: A performer sings and plays the guitar on stage. Photos by Andrew Cogliano.
Below: The classic pumpkin patch continues to attract children and parents. Photo by Andrew Cogliano
Mei Hung, the leader of the CCC, who was very proud of the final product. “It’s a wonderful event with activities for so many families to share,” she said while working at the CCC’s tent, “[It’s] a showcase of what Malden has to offer.” Peiya Wang, another worker for the CCC, was eager to see the fruits of their labor. In collaboration with the OGIA, the Harvest Moon Festival was able to incorporate so many Chinese influences. “We know there is a lot of Chinese immigration, so we have this [festival] to introduce our culture,” said Wang. Of course, the Harvest Moon Festival is not all about Chinese culture. It is also a celebration of fall, and what better way to represent fall than with a pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch booth, as well as many other booths, offered fun activities for children. Michelle Meneses, a sophomore working with children at the pumpkin patch, “it’s really attractive to [the kids]. The most popular face is the kitty!” Other activities included a bouncy castle and a train ride around the pond. Even Malden High School’s very own Key Club showed up to help attend to the tents and booths. Everywhere one looked, one could see the yellow shirted members bustling around the festival, eager to help and eager to please. “We like to help the community by giving out time to help out,” said Vanise Loc, a freshman and one of the many volunteers. Kim Du, a junior and fellow Key Club member, said that “it shows that these businesses really support Malden.” This year’s festival has certainly raised the bar for next year. The turnout was tremendous, and many people were pleased with the results. All over Malden, business owners beamed with pride for their community. So until next year, the Harvest Moon will sink beneath the clouds, giving way to the cold embrace of fall.
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Above: The newly renovated MacDonald Stadium is home to the Golden Tornados. Students, faculty and community came to MHS footbal’s first home game to see the final product. Photo by Sharon Lee. Left: During the summer renovations the renovations was done in stages. This started with tearing up the old field to later installing the new track in September. All photos by Jessica DePaula. Layout by Natalie Fallano
Natalie Fallano Managing Editor
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Carmellite Chamblin Reporter
fter having to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2012 at Malden Catholic High School and holding sports practices at Pine Banks, many students will admit that it was worth the wait once they feasted their eyes over the newly renovated MacDonald Stadium. Constructions workers tore up the field in May and just four months later, the Malden High School football team was able to play their first home game at the crowning jewel of tornado pride on Aug. 25. 2012. “The project was always in mind,” stated athletic director Dan Keefe. He explained that discussions for renovations dated back five years ago. “When Mayor [Gary Christenson] came, I knew it was going to be a reality,” said Keefe. He went on to explain that “there was always a need for a synthetic field because [the grass field] became difficult to maintain.” Christenson said that the MacDonald Stadium renovations have always been on his to-do list, “prior to [his] taking office in January.”He believes that the renovations are important because “it proportionally helps Malden High School students and the youth throughout the city. Principal Dana Brown collaborated with the Mayor to begin the process. He described that in process, “the mayor had to identify the money [and] the city councilors, and then they hired people to build the design.” Despite many misconceptions, the renovations were not funded from the $77 million granted to Malden High School a few years ago. “We secured nearly $2 million [which is] being funded through a city bond that will be paid over the next 20 years,” stated Christenson. Bids were made to choose which company would build the stadium. The choice for the logo in the center of the field was a well thought out process. “We wanted the logo that that would represent old Mal-
den,” further explained Keefe. Excitement filled the bleachers on the new field for the first time as the MHS football team stood on that logo and played their first game on the Saturday afternoon. The usual Malden community was present for the game, but the bleachers were extra crowded because residents wanted to see the new field. On the field, the MHS football team stayed grounded and went about the game as it always had. Senior football captain Jean Sylvain explained that the new field does not have any effect on the spirit or the confidence of the team, since the “confidence level was always high [and] did not make a difference.” Although there is indeed a lot of pressure put on the team, the team is motivated because “[they] just want to win.” The field will be maintained through the work and watchful eye of a stadium committee, which consists of residents and city officials who will make sure the stadium is trash free and that there are no trespassers. These measures are being taken to ensure that the field remains in tip-top shape for MHS and Malden youth sports teams, including football and track. The committee is also in charge of the money that comes in from other teams that are paying to use the field. There will soon be semi-professional soccer and football teams using the field. This will not only bring money to the community, but entertainment as well. Upcoming events taking place on the stadium include the 125th Thanksgiving game and the graduation of the class of 2013 in June. “These changes show that Malden, despite the tough financial times, is going to continue to move forward and provide amenities like Macdonald Stadium that our students and adults alike deserve....I couldn’t be happier for the community and a lot of credit goes to the City Council who supported this project as well,” concluded Christenson.
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ALUMNI RETURN TO MHS FOR
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HOMECOMING
Cloclwise: Class of 1959 graduates reminiscing about the old days. Dr. George Holland, President of the Alumni Association and class of 19955 graduate with Patty Kelly, class of 1980 graduate. Class of 1952 reunited and enjoyinh lunch together. Cheerleaders serving guests at the annual luncheon. Jordan Shapiro, class of 1960 graduate, and Bob Felice, Medford High School class of 1961 ebtertain and MC during the luncheon. All photos by Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee Editor-In-Chief Print
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Lauren Benoit Editor-In-Chief Print
he time is right for the annual Homecoming Brunch. Every year the Alumni Association of Malden High puts together a lovely afternoon of food and fun for the alum. What separates this year from the others is that this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Malden vs. Medford rivalry. This year’s brunch was greatly anticipated due to the exciting theme. Some have waited 125 years for this day, others not so long. The theme added much excitement to the day. Past and present football players and cheerleaders were in attendance, members of the Key Club, as well as many other alums. Sticking to tradition, the cafe was decorated in blue and gold, and the brunch was catered by Anthony’s. There was a large display of current artwork from MHS students in the hallway leading up to the cafe. Raffles were also apart of the event, and one have the opportunity to win a variety of gift baskets, or tickets to this years Malden vs. Medford Thanksgiving Game, held at the newly renovated MacDonald Stadium. Class of 1960 graduate Jordan Shapiro also stuck to tradition and played the piano for the afternoon. As the day came to a close, and many enjoyed the company and desserts offered, there was yet another surprise. A football themed cake was revealed, and topped off the afternoon. The next big event the Alumni Association is planning is the FAME Comedy show in November held in the MHS auditorium.
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Teacher Profiles Carmellite Chamblin Reporter
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ennifer Brody, new to the PACE program at Malden High School, encourages everyone to be true to themselves, and incorporate that in their lives. She adds “ Hopefully when you live your life in a political or social way, you can reflect that[on yourself]”. After being born in Boston, her family moved to California where which she lived for eight years, and returned when she was in third grade. She has since graduated from her Master’s program at Lesley University, and landed her first teaching position at MHS.
Her mother, Pam Brody, who has been teaching since 1973, also works here at MHS, as a special education teacher. She said that she “is very excited and [is] proud of her [daughter]for [completing] graduate school...[She is] very proud of her achievements.” Though both Pam and Jennifer Brody are working at MHS, they rarely see each other considering they work in different departments. Jennifer Brody has been working with PACE students since graduating early from high school, when she took a year off and “volunteered at an adaptive Pre-school room. [She loves] working with these kids, [it is] always something different, [and] always a lot of fun.”
Jennifer Brody
Jennifer Brody has always wanted to help others, considering career choices such as a social worker and a psychiatrist. She loves giving back to her community and
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Emma Ceplinskas Reporter
Charlie Confrey
raduate of the class of ‘97, Charlie Conefrey, is back at Malden High School. He is now walking the halls of MHS again not as a student but as a physical education teacher. He was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and grew up in Malden. During his time at MHS he played basketball, ran track and took on cross country. After graduating he attended the University of Phoenix and majored in psychology and later received a Bachelor’s Degree in science and psychology. He was later certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The next stage of his life had him traveling between here and San Diego as a personal trainer for over 12 years. Conefrey said the craziest thing he ever did was “packing [his] car up and driving across the country to San Diego, not knowing anybody and staying in a hotel before [he] found an apartment.” Once he was on his feet and had taken on clients he was interviewed by the
helps raise money for charities, one of her hobbies, along with spending time with her friends. For fun, Jennifer Brody has done some exhilarating activities. William Morris Agency in San Diego and Los Angeles to be a trainer for the famous Queen Latifah. Unfortunately, he did not receive the job but that was beneficial for MHS because he was hired at MHS. Teaching seems to be in his blood because his mother is a guidance counselor, his sister teaches fourth graders and his father was a principal. With a family of teachers and being physically active consistently it is no wonder he is back at MHS. After years of being away from MHS he stated “it feels really good” to be back and also added that it is “good to see familiar faces.” It has only been a few weeks for him as a physical education teacher and he already “loves it,” because of the “interaction with adolescents and being able to increase their well being.” He described his profession as a “dream job” due to his love of exercise and he “[would not] want to teach anywhere else.”
Myle Nguyen Reporter
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fter a long journey, Damian Aufiero is the newest addition to Malden High School’s history department. Aufiero grew up west of Malden, in the city of Newton. For his undergrad degree, he attended Tulane University in New Orleans and started his first year as chemistry major. Aufiero decided to major in chemistry because he had a scientific mind and chemistry always came easy for him. This changed when he realized he did not enjoy chemistry labs and instead pursued history. Originally, he thought he was going to become a lawyer, but he changed his mind after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. During the time Hurricane Katrina hit, Aufiero and his roommates had to evacuate from New Orleans, Louisiana to Atlanta, Georgia. For Aufiero, he was in shock because it was very difficult to see the city being destroyed. When he returned to New Orleans, things began to change. The community around
him changed and he saw a “huge shift [in] the culture of education.” Many students and teachers did not return to New Orleans and multiple public schools shut down. He felt the community needed teachers much more than they really needed lawyers. Aufiero returned to Massachusetts and attended Northeastern University for graduate school. He received degrees in the Master of Arts, education, and then History. Although this is Aufiero’s first year as a teacher, he is not new to MHS. Aufiero was a substitute teacher for both history teacher Michael Lightbody during the fall of 2011 and history teacher Wendy Bendle during the spring of 2012. History teacher Richard Tivnan, to whom Aufiero interned for two years ago, expressed the many great qualities of Aufiero. Tivnan described Aufiero as a “hard worker” who was “always on time” and “always showed up to school.”
Damian Aufiero
To finish each article, visit our website at themaldenblueandgold.com All photos by Emma Ceplinskas, Natalie Fallano, Grace Stathos, Patricia Luong, Manale Zouhir
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Christine Arcidiacono
James Mazarakis Reporter
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t takes a massive amount of passion to take on the role of the
Joseph Luongo Patricia Luong Reporter
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oseph Luongo, a former art teacher at Linden School, is excited to have his new job as an art teacher at Malden High School. Luongo taught at the Linden School for six years; it was his first job as a teacher. It was a hard decision to leave the school, but Luongo stated that he has “always wanted to teach older students…and help out those students who were interested in a career in art.” Teaching at a high school is different from
only Latin teacher at Malden High School. Christine Arcidiacono, also known as “Ms. A,” is now completing her first month at MHS and is having an amazing time teaching
teaching at an elementary school and Luongo noted the difference in the frequency of having his students. He explained that he would have his students every other day, whereas at MHS, he sees his students every day. When asked about what inspired Luongo to become an artist, Luongo said it all started with his father. His father, who was also a talented artist, inspired Luongo to pursue art as a career. His father was “really equipped; he could draw from memory and observation.” As an artist who prefers to draw a “very tight, realistic style” or art, Luongo admired his father, and followed in his footsteps.
Kately Hubert
Patricia Luong Reporter
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hat is numeracy? Well new numeracy teacher, Kately Hubert, explained it all; “Numeracy,
much like literacy, is the fluency with which students can use numbers. Numeracy skills are [practiced] to become more fluent with numbers.” Hubert, a young teacher, begins her first year at Malden High School
students of all ages. She has been delighted by nearly every aspect of working in the school and is getting comfortable in its atmosphere. “I enjoy both the students and the faculty [here],” Arcidiacono said. “The community atmosphere at [MHS] is great.” Arcidiacono was born in New York, and despite her hometown ties, she found herself rooting for the Red Sox this past season. She lived in several different places before moving to Malden, including attending college in Gambier, Ohio and the city of Rome, Italy. Living out of the country for a year was an amazing experience for her, not only for being in the presence of a foreign country but also for being
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oan Fiore-Papadopoulos is a returning Italian teacher at Malden High School. She worked at MHS five years ago, then moved to the Linden School [now the Linden Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) Academy] and then returned to MHS. Due to budget cuts at Linden, Fiore was able to return to MHS, inspired by her love of the Italian language to continue teaching it. She majored in Italian at Bos-
ton University and studied abroad in Florence, Italy for one year. “It was one of the best experiences of my life, a real eye-opener.” At Boston College, she got her Master’s degree in Italian. Growing up in an Italian family made Fiore want to pursue the language. Though her father is Italian, she did not grow up speaking it. Some of her college professors inspired her as well, and by the age of 30, the idea was set in stone: she wanted to teach it to others.Fiore has done it all: she has taught college students, middleschoolers, and high-schoolers. Over-
engulfed in ancient culture. “I took Latin in high school and loved it,” Arcidiacono says, “the cultural aspect to the language... and the architecture, history... learning the language lets you access that.” She attended Kenyon College and majored in Classics and Art History, studying Ancient Rome and other classical-era cultures. In addition to English and Latin, she knows Italian, French, and Ancient Greek. “Many people say Latin is a dead language, and I understand where [they are] coming from, but I feel [it is] my job to make sure students realize Latin and ancient culture are all around us and are very active in our everyday lives.”
While initially attending University of Massachusetts Boston, Luongo did not plan on becoming a teacher. Before becoming a teacher, he was working as a graphic designer and an illustrator. Luongo discovered his passion for teaching when the principal of his daughter’s school asked if Luongo would teach an afterschool class. Luongo agreed, on the condition that he could teach whatever he wanted. A year later, after teaching the after school class and discovering how fun teaching can be and his passion for it, Luongo decided to take up teaching as a career.
teaching numeracy. When asked what she thought about the new school year, Hubert responded by saying it was “exciting and non-stop busy.” She expressed her excitement over her new position and is eager to get to know all of her students. Out of all the subjects Hubert can teach, she decided to teach numeracy because she “heard about the position and [she] wanted to take on a new challenge.” Hubert added that she has “always loved math.” Hubert elucidated the various topics that can be covered in numeracy; those topics can range between basic math, Algebra, and Geometry. Before her decision to teach at MHS, Hubert worked in Brookline, teaching history to seventh and
Joan Fiore-Papadopoulos Manale Zouhir Reporter
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all, she prefers teaching students in high school. “The behavior issues that I encountered [in middle school are not] issues at the high school,” she said. She likes how enthusiastic students are about learning the language and how mature they are. Fiore said that the importance of learning a language is that it opens up a lot of doors and helps students’ communication skills. “It makes them more open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences--it opens a whole new world.”
eighth grade children. After living in Malden for 3 years, Hubert made the decision to teach at MHS. She liked how the school has an urban feeling and how the city of Malden is so close to Boston. Along with loving the location, school, and the city of Malden itself, Hubert’s decision to teach at MHS was influenced by her experience as a student teacher in the previous years. She worked with history teachers Richard Tivnan, Gregory Hurley, and pathways teacher Allen Phelps. She recalled that the experience was amazing and the teachers were helpful. She is grateful for all the teachers’ support and strategies they taught her, which she still uses to this day.
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Music, Art, and Glazed Popcorn Another Walk in the Park Nicholas Bramante Reporter
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t was just another warm and breezy summer day at Bell Rock Memorial Park on Sept. 8, 2012. Instead of the quiet sounds of the swaying trees, the air was filled with music and laughter of children. This park was the host of the third annual Art and Music in the Park Festival. Forged from an old jazz festival, the event was created through a partnership of two groups: Friends Of Oak Grove Inc. (FOOGI) and members of Malden’s Ward One Neighborhood Committee. FOOGI is a non-profit organization that promotes wellness and health in the communities and helps to create events. Among other things, the Ward One Neighborhood Committee is also an organization that is dedicated to creating friendly family events for those in Malden. Jackie Bouley, FOOGI’s Vice President, was a major contributor to the event. She explained that it “brings the neighborhood together” and that she believes it is important for artistic work to be shown. A singer herself, Bouley was pleased with the amount of children at the event. She believes that “the younger, the better,” concerning involvement in the arts. After living in Malden for more than twenty years, she was glad to see the community come together, and believes it was a more than successful event, as any time a community comes together. There were many colorful characters filling the park that day. Among them were various singers, artists, Russell Armstrong ( the owner of Armstrong’s Glazed Popcorn), and even “Mark the Shark from Bell Rock Park,” one of the various musicians performing at the festival. Ward One Councillor Peg Crowe was also there, showing her support for the arts. She explained how it was one of ten events that takes
Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online place at Bell Rock Park, with the next one being the pumpkin patch carving in October. She explained how she believed it was a good opportunity for the city to really come together, and that it was important for events like this to keep happening to “bring the city together.” Teenagers were active participants of the event. Amanda Lanciani, a student at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School, voiced her opinion that it was a good setting to meet new people, and that it was “cute.” Expressing her opinion on the event, Lanciani stated “at least someone cares about Malden.” Upcoming events include the pumpkin patch carving and a movie night where Malden plans to come together once again to the park for more family oriented fun and community building.
A stand in Bell Rock Park during the festival selling popcorn to attendees. Photo by Catherine Poirier
One of the many performers at Bell Rock included “Mark The Shark From Bell Rock Park.” Photo by Catherine Poirier
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Bright Lights, Big Changes Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter
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he Hebrew saying for “Let there be light” inspired this year’s marching band show. And by all means, there will be light. This is the first year in which the band is allowed to use lights as a prop, and band instructor Matthew Tavares is taking advantage of it. “The lighting will give it more of a rock concert feel,” Tavares said. A section of the show is called ‘Ironman,’ in which the students have a flashlight on their arms and during the dance segment of the show, the flashlights are turned on. There are lights in some of the instruments as well. However, the lights are meant to do more than just blind the audience; they are the theme of the show. “We wanted to do something completely different from last year,” Tavares stated. The show consists of selections from 30 Seconds to Mars, Enya, and Flor-
ence and the Machine. Last year’s theme, “Thinking Outside the Box” was smarter and darker, but this season, the band decided to go in a completely different direction. “We want you to leave the show feeling good,” stated Tavares. Not only are there going to be lights, but another addition to this year’s show is a vocoder; a vocal synthesizer. The other big change for the band this year is that there is no student conductor. Instead of a student conduc-
tor, the band will be directed by a light conductor. The band will have none in front to rely on, so if they miss a beat or get out of time, no one will be there to get them back in time. Throughout the band, there are mixed feelings about having no conductor. “The drumline is used to [keeping their] own time. [They are] told not to look at the conductor. Although, it would be nice to have someone keeping time but [it is] fine.” stated Eddie Urbina , a sophomore who plays the quads.
Having to trust only lights to conduct them and lead them through the pieces will be hard, but the band has found ways to work with it. “It has its moments, but you listen to the battery and try the hardest not to listen to the front , [to be able to stay in time],” said Paula Armentor, a sophomore who plays the saxophone. On Sept. 22, 2012, the band competed in their first show this season in Weymouth, MA. Scoring a 77.6 out of 100, Tavares was very pleased with the final results. The band also scored high in all captions, including best color guard, best music, and best percussion. The band hopes to continue improving throughout their season. Visit our website for a video on the MHS Marching Band performances and an interview with Tavares. From left to right: freshman Heresa Guirrier, Miguel Ortega, junior Jason Drapinski, freshman Stephan LaFauici, and sophomore James Mazarakis in line waiting for the awards to be given out. Photo by Lucia Nylen Quesada
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entertainment
Fall Festivities! Fall is the perfect time of year! Indoors or out, here are a few upcoming events and releases to enjoy this fall:
Albumn Release Dates Muse : The 2nd Law October 8 A Fine Frenzy: Pines October 16 Ellie Goulding: Halcyon October 9 All Time Low: Don’t Panic October 9 The Script: #3 October 9 Taylor Swift: Red October 23 One Direction: Take Me Home November 13
Meek Mill: Dreams and Nightmares October 30
Aerosmith: Music From Another Dimension November 6 Christina Aguilera: Lotus November 13 50 Cent: Street King Immortal November 13
Green Day: Dos! November 13 Pitbull: Global Warming November 20 Alicia Keys: Girl on Fire November 27 Ke$ha: Warrior December 4
Activities and Events Witches Woods: Haunted Hayrides & Halloween Screampark Thursdays- Sundays of October & Halloween 79 Powers Road, Westford, MA 01886 (978) 692-3033 Spooky World: 454 Charles Bancroft Highway Litchfield, N.H. 03052 (45 minutes from Boston) Open: Thurs-Sundays of October, Halloween night, November 3
maldenblueandgold.com Manale Zouhir Reporter
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n the horror film, The House at the End of the Street (HATES) Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) and her daughter, Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) move into a brand new home in a wealthy neighborhood. At the beginning of the film, the audience is introduced to Carrie-Anne Jacobson, a teenage girl suffering from brain damage that causes her to brutally murder her parents in their sleep. The film then jumps to a few years after the murders. Carrie-Ann Jacobson disappears and is never found, creating an uneasy vibe in the neighborhood that the family once lived in. At the time of the murders, Jacobson’s older brother Ryan (Max Thieriot) was away from home. Ryan inherits the house and money from his parents, and decides to stay in town to fix up the house in order to eventually sell it. Elissa, the main character, is drawn to Ryan and his broken aura. However, what she doesn’t know is that by getting closer to him, she is risking her life. Don’t let the generic movie title fool you. Even if you are not a fan of horror movies because you are easily scared, you should still give this movie a shot. It is not terrifying because it leans more toward a thriller genre. It is pretty much one of those movies in which you get frustrated with the characters thinking, Don’t go in! Don’t go in! Wow. I told her not
Apple Picking Brooksby Farm: 38 Felton St. Peabody, MA 01960 (978)531-7456 Connors Farm: 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35), Danvers, MA 01923 (978)777-1245
Art Exhibits The Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston:
Os Gemeos Art Gallery
August 1 to November 25, 2012
This Will Have Been:Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s Art Gallery November 15, 2012–March 3, 2013
Get tickets online @ https://buy.icaboston.org/public/
The Blue and Gold October 2012
Andrew Cogliano Reporter
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f you like frightening horror films from a first-person point of view then make sure to reserve tickets for the movie V/H/S. The twist to this film is that it contains five separate stories, each guaranteed to have you sleeping with the lights on for weeks to come. The main plot is focused on a group of up skirting criminals who are paid to steal some valuable VHS
to go in… This unpredictable film is filled with shocking plot twists. With nearly an hour and twenty minutes of rising action, the last 20 minutes give way to a climactic moment that will have you jumping out of your seat. People’s true colors are unveiled and the abrupt ending leaves you lost, confused, and wanting more. The movie’s success was due to a variety of aspects. Great acting from The Hunger Games’ Jennifer Lawrence and other actors really enhanced the movie. An interesting soundtrack with songs like “All in Forms” by Bonobo, which played during the credits, added to the chilling and suspenseful mood. The movie, which was filmed in Ontario, Canada, has some gorgeous
day scenes and cinematography, which overall makes the film more enjoyable. When watching this film, make sure to pay attention. Even the smallest details in the beginning will surely return in the end. It is sometimes hard to keep up with, but once you piece together all the information, it will become a lot easier to understand. The House at the End of the Street is a mystery, and there are so many different pieces that will finally fit together in the end. Overall, the House at the End of the Street was an enjoyable film. Personally, I thought it was entertaining, and it kept me interested. For a sneak peek of the film, log on to maldenblueandgold.com under the entertainment section to view the trailer.
tapes. What they don’t know is that the tapes contain horrifying events, from murders to kidnappings, all recorded from the victim’s perspective. As the first tape is put in the VCR, story number one unfolds. It is centered on a group of men who learn the dangers of bringing home demons from the club. A commotion ensues as the men frantically run for their lives. The next story focuses on a young couple who decide to travel out west for their second honeymoon. But as night falls, a strange woman enters the hotel room and steals money, before returning the next day to violently murder the husband and take off with the wife; leaving a surprise in the bathroom. All of her acts are captured through the husband’s camera, which she uses to voluntarily record herself. The third tape is a tribute to Friday the 13th, and in it we see a group of friends slowly die off at the hands of a figure that cannot be seen on the camera for special reasons. The fourth tape is set in a video chat between a young woman and her boyfriend. She complains to her boyfriend about seeing ghosts and a nasty bump on her arm and when
she goes to confront the ghost, matters worsen. The fifth and final stories shows a group of friends who attend a Halloween party, but instead find an exorcism going on in the attic, and an angry poltergeist in the walls. In the intermission between tapes, we also see the criminals as they fumble their way through the house, making dark discoveries, including a strange creature in the basement. When all five stories are put together, the effect is fear in its purest form. Blood will be spilt, screams will be torn from throats, and as the credits roll, you’ll be left with a question that will haunt you for months to come. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is tired of the same “what’s your favorite scary movie?” type of thriller. Be warned: this film includes “shocking footage that may cause extreme reactions in some viewers,” as stated in the movie trailer, so this movie is certainly not for younger viewers. I rate this movie with nine stars out of ten because of the gradual rising action, but once it reaches its peak, you’ll be asking for a night light. This movie is just in time for Halloween, so start reserving those tickets.
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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entertainment maldenblueandgold.com
For the Freshmen, By the Freshmen First hand accounts on the beginning of their high school career at Malden High, written by MHS’ own freshmen, class of 2016
For more freshmen photos and interviews on video, visit maldenblueandgold. com
Emma Ceplinskas Reporter
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he crowded hallways, the smell of desperation, the chatter of break-ups and the “Oh, no she didn’t”s. Ah, the joys of high school. I remember myself on the first day: shaky knees, sweaty palms and a nervous smile on my face. From the long welcoming ceremony in the auditorium to the awkward ice breakers with homeroom, it seemed the day would drone on until the end of time. But during clubs and sports sign ups in the courtyard, with the cross country team ambushing the freshmen, the day became livelier. I dodged sports teams and clubs from every angle trying to avoid the bribes and recruits. Finally the most anticipated and nerve racking part of the day arrived: Lunch. I had no idea of where to sit and with the scattered people all over the cafeteria it looked like an atomic bomb went off. Finding a familiar face proved to be challenging. Walking aimlessly through the cafeteria the words “Find someone! Find anyone to sit with” ran through my mind. At last I was able to dust aside some people and find my friends from middle school to accompany. I was relieved once the people cleared and I could breathe and enjoy what was left of lunch. Conversations about people getting lost all over the school had my table in tears from laughter. But the funniest moment was when my friend and I hid behind people and plants to escape the cross country team. The remaining part of the day I spent attempting to remember how to get to my classes, making focusing on anything else a blur. Before I knew it, I was traveling up and down and all around with freshmen, sophomores, juniors and the almighty seniors. After getting the hang of it all, high school wasn’t so bad. Accommodating students and staff, a shorter day, and non-repulsive food; life was good. I love the greater sense of responsibility given since I have been at MHS, such as playing on the soccer team and writing for The Blue and Gold. I cannot wait for other great opportunities MHS has to offer! My advice for the freshmen class next year is to mingle with everyone, no matter what year a student may be in, and stay focused in class because you never know when a pop quiz will come around. As a freshman I am at the bottom of the food chain right now, but I think I will survive the jungle that is Malden High.
Top photo: Freshman Sajjenah Cadet (left) and Alicia Carriere (right) pose for a photo. Bottom left photo: Freshmen grab a snack from the vending machines during lunch. Bottom right photo: Freshmen (left to right) Lily Tran, and Maggie O’ Callaghan, Katie Howe, and Stephen LaFauci.
Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter
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o one can argue the most complicated part of high school is navigating the halls. The first few days freshmen walked hurriedly to class with no idea where to go, hoping to find their way. Once any hope of finding the right direction diminished, it was time to ask. High school is a completely different experience from middle school, the halls, the houses, the classes, etc. Everyone is kind, well some, and if asked they will probably help and point you in the right direction. The halls are different depending on which house you are assigned. After numerous trips in the wrong direction, you will realize that Brunelli and Jenkins house are just bricks, Holland house is white, and Boyle is orange. As long as you remember this information, you can make it through the day; the colors will be your GPS. The older students don’t stop and always know their way through the halls, so it’s intimidating at first but not for long. I couldn’t tell you how often I walked into the wrong classes! My most important advice to give to current freshmen and those next year is not to be nervous and enjoy the experience. I’ve encountered a lot of different people and made new friends. High school has been a thrill so far. There’s never a dull moment at Malden High, especially not in the halls. The funniest part of one of my days was passing by a girl singing “Single Ladies” while the other girls snapped while on my way to biology. Even though I’ve only been a freshman for a few months, I’ve already learned quite a bit about being in high school, like which bathrooms are always crowded and which cafeteria has the shortest lines. Of course, I’m still learning the ropes, and to be honest, I can’t wait to learn more. With high school comes some great new experiences, I’m sure this is going to be a great four years.
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sports
The Blue and Gold October 2012
maldenblueandgold.com
Football Team Keeps on Grinding
Johanna Lai
Head of Business Arefin Mohiuddin Reporter
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he changing of summer to fall and reopening of schools also signals the start of the Malden High School Football Team’s season. Although the team started practice long before, fall marks the start of their grueling schedule. MHS has something new to look forward to everyday now, because MacDonald Stadium has been completely revamped, and outfitted with a brand new turf field, as well as a new track. ‘’I love the new stadium, I think it’s the beginning of something big to come,” stated senior captain Jean Sylvain. The brand new stadium looks phenomenal, and gives off a much more vibrant feel than the previous worn out dirt. ‘’It looks nice, it gives the Malden community something to take pride in,” stated senior Tyler Williams. In addition to Sylvain, who plays cornerback for the team, this year’s squad is led by seniors center Cruz Desrochers, linebacker Paul Kiernan, and quarterback Jacob Martino. While the new stadium certainly gives a new look, along with a much better playing surface, it hasn’t shown in the team’s re-
Senior Rodney Blaise running with the football.Photo by Sharon Lee cord, as Malden’s only win has come on the road. Malden has faltered at the beginning of this season, as they have only won one of their first four games, coming against Methuen 2522. Their losses have come against Haverhill, Lynn Classical, Lynn English High School, Bedford, and most recently, Swampscott High School by a 27-19 margin. Though they started 1-1, better than last year’s 0-2, the team has lost their past 4, and has not yet been able to get it done at home. Despite these problems, the team feels very confident about its chances to succeed this season. Practices have been going extremely well, though they just haven’t been
able to ‘’execute what [they] need to’’ explained Sylvain. Sylvain wants to ensure that he is able to will this team to victories, and make sure everyone plays until the whistle, and leave it all on the field. There are still bright spots on the team. ‘’Many people have played above of what they had shown in practice,’’ proclaimed junior linebacker Matt Delaney. Everyone concurs that the team is putting in the time and effort during the week, though it always doesn’t translate to the field, and that is something they are going to have to adjust to. Kiernan stated that “[they] have played some tough teams, and it has allowed [them] to identify and works on our weak-
nesses”; something which they plan to do for upcoming opponents. One of the standouts of this season so far has been junior running back Raymond Sainristil. Sainristil has scored four touchdowns in 4 games, including two against Methuen in their lone win. Sainristil was also able to torch the Ranger defense for 127 yards on the ground. A common theme for this team is to leave their mark, a motto which is especially advocated by the seniors on this squad, who cherish each and every game, up until their last. Sylvain stated: ‘’we are all friends and brothers on this team, and most of us grew up together and played Pop Warner together.” Sylvain, along with his fellow seniors and captains, hopes to be able to lead this team to numerous victories, and when all is said and done, leave no regrets behind. ‘’I want to go out with a bang this year and have everyone remember my name at this school for year to come’’ stated Williams, who also shares the idea of being remembered and revered by this school. With numerous weeks of practice ahead and upcoming bouts against Greater Boston League rivals Cambridge and Somerville soon, , Malden will continue to work, refine, and just keep grinding through the rest of their season, hoping to upgrade on their 1-5 season.
Give Me a W-I-N!
Amalia Quesada Nylen Head of Business Ashley Leung Reporter
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he Malden High School cheerleading team is more than just your stereotypical cheerleading team. Not only are the members of the squad close with each other, but are serious about working towards one goal: getting past the Greater Boston League Championship and advancing onto the state and regional competitions. This year, the cheerleading coach is once again Diana Buonopane, an eighth grade math teacher at the Linden Science Technology
Left: Malden High School cheerleading team cheering for the football team. Right: MHS Cheerleasers preforming a stunt for the crowd. Photos by Sharon Lee. Engineering Arts and Math Academy. Buonopane feels much pride for the new varsity squad. “I feel great, there’s a lot of talent on the team.” The squad has been practicing ever since August, and attendance by the members has been almost perfect, impressing the coaches and captains. There was also a turnout of many experienced cheerleaders this year, so not much had to be taught to the varsity team. With the depart of former seniors captains Chardeza Coleman and Juleena Hugley, this year gave room to three new senior captains: Christy Ringdahl, Bianca Scola, and
Brianna Michaud-Santiago. Each captain is excited for the new season as a captain, but the pressure of knowing that everybody else on the teams looks up to them makes them a little nervous. However, the captains are doing the best they can to help the other members out. Along with these changes of new captains, this year marks the start of the new Junior Varsity Cheerleading Team for MHS. This team currently has 16 members, and the coaches and captains are excited to help these members improve and advance onto the varsity team eventually.
Each cheerleader and coach hopes to compete at GBLs in October, and pass through the first round. However, for personal goals, both Ringdahl and Scola want to help the JV team improve and be able to join the competition team. Santiago said that she “wants to be able to say that [she] was captain the year the team got new uniforms and was able to win another title.” Along with competitions, the cheerleading squad is also performing at the Friday night football games, the MHS Alumni Breakfast, and pep rallies.
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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sports maldenblueandgold.com
Bright future ahead for MHS golf Kayla Bramante Managing Editor Andrew Cogliano Reporter
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verybody knows how sports are supposed to go. Every team needs a single all-star, an untouchable quarterback, or an amazing pitcher. But what makes the Malden High School golf team special is the fact that it has none of those. Golf is not like football, in which players can all work together. Instead, the players here must work individually playing against another single opponent, hoping that they will emerge on top. Each player has a special set of skills; talents that they use to their advantage to tip the scales in their favor. And you will find no better selection of young men and women like this than on the MHS golf team. The team has been doing exceptionally well this year, already off to a 6-3 start, beating Somerville in one of their first matches with a score of 39-33. The team was very excited about winning, and has very big goals for the upcoming season. “We just [want to] make states, have fun with it. Oh, and win the GBLs,” the team unanimously replied. The head coach, Rick Malatesta, also
had some strong things to say about this year’s team, stating that “even though [they are] a young team, [they are] a veteran team”. Upon being asked about the strengths and weaknesses of the team, he added, “We have some players who don’t get to play a lot in the off-season.” As you can imagine, practice is very important to the team members, who are all very close. One would almost call them a family! “Oh, we’re a family alright,” says senior T.J Ruddock, a returning player from last year. With many seniors graduating last year, some new talent was exactly what the team wanted. “[We are] a little less experienced,” Malatesta expressed, but with the season just beginning, there is plenty of room for improvement. According to Malatesta, the purpose of the team is to “enjoy golf and to play honorably and with integrity,” which cannot be more emphasized. The players are all very committed, “we played almost everyday in the summer,”sophomore captain Piero Pocobene revealed. With the team still excited from beating Somerville, there is no telling what can happen next. The team continues to stride forward, honing their skills to near perfection. And if you are looking for someone to bet on, Ruddock is “guaranteeing a hole in one,” this year!
Top: Senior TJ Ruddock tees off from the green. Bottom: Sophomore Kierra Sweeney selects a club from her bag. Photos by Andrew Cogliano.
Reaching New Heights Sharon Lee Editor-In-Chief Print Julie Lam Reporter
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ith a brand new season and the ambition to strive, the Malden High School girls Volleyball team is off to an accelerating start. With new and returning players on the team, the girls are determined to break last year’s record and hope to have a successful season led by senior captains Lisa DeLacey and Fricya Silva. The team is currently holding an overall record of 5-4 in and 4-1 in the Greater Boston League Championships. They are also looking forward to playing upcoming matches against Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford. Volleyball coaches Dana-Marie Brown, Berenice Diaz, and Matthew Sadowski plan to incorporate a number of strategies that will lead the team to a positive season. The team is focusing on techniques of passing and hitting through many drills to help strengthen their skills. The coaches are very impressed with the amount of girls eager to join the team. With 30 freshmen trying out for the team, Coach Sadowski is “[excited] to see the program grow,” and improve. The volleyball
Above: The team in a huddle before a game. Below: Senior Danielle Aguinaldo preparing herself for a pass. Photos by Casey Lyons
program is exponentially growing every year. The players are also expected to “become a more aggressive team this year,” stated Coach Brown. For this year’s team, “expectations are high,” coach Diaz stated. There are eight seniors this season, including Danielle Aguinaldo, Norma Bourque-Pimentel, Joyce Ly, Kezya Costa, Marissa Wofsey, Vickmari Pujols, Silva, and DeLacey. DeLacey reveals, “We are excited to compete this year as one of the top teams in the GBL.” With the new positions assigned by their coaches, the players are hoping it will lead them to a great finish towards the end of the season. The varsity and JV team hope to apply their strategies from previous seasons and advance throughout this season. Diaz declared, “the attitude of the team and the ability to push [one another],” is what drives the team to become one. Brown adds that, “[they] work extremely hard and [are] committed.” The positivity and energy the girls bring to each practice really motivates them. DeLacey expresses her “[love for] the camaraderie that the freshmen, JV and varsity bring to MHS girls volleyball. The support flows throughout the program. It’s really great to see the spirit that each and every player has.”
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The Blue and Gold October 2012
maldenblueandgold.com
Girls Cross Country: Strides For Gold Phillip Montezuma Reporter Jonathan DeCicco Reporter
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s the leaves change color and the summer air turns into a fall crisp, the girls cross country team is back at it again. English teacher David Londino has been coaching for eight years now, and has successfully brought the first Greater Boston League (GBL) Championship title to Malden High School. With such a successful season last year, all the girls are determined to win. Londino revealed that “[their] league goal is to to go undefeated and repeat as GBL champions. It felt great [to win the GBL] because the girls worked so hard and truly understood the significance of their accomplishment.” With great expectations set on these runners, they are already on their way to achieving The MHS girls cross country team is led by senior captains Blue and Gold members Lauren Benoit and Haley Dowdie. The only other senior on the team is Iris Feng who is now running her fourth year of cross country, whereas Benoit and Dowdie are running for their third
Making history for the second year in a row, the team won yet another GBL title. season. The captains were selected because they have a lot of running experience and their personalities compliment each other, creating a nice balance on the team. Although the team has lost one of their great runners last year, Haley DeFilippis, the team was able to bounce back with some new ad-
ditions to the team, including junior Joviana Morin and sophomore Victoria Hannifin. Both running their first year of cross country, Hannifin said she “is very excited to start this season.” Both having experience in track, the two feel that they are able to start the transition and take on the challenge.
Malden High School girls varsity cross country team getting ready to begin the meet against Cambridge at Fresh Pond. Photo by Casey Lyons
Londino’s approach to the season remains the same: “work hard, work smart, and stay healthy.” The team has competed in 3 meets so far and stand at a record of 5-0. The girls started the season off right with a win at the GBL open on Sept. 12, 2012 in Cambridge. Other competing teams included Everett, Medford, Somerville and Cambridge. Placing first, second, third and fourth, Malden made it clear they are going for another championship this year. The girls have been hard at work during their practices and it has undoubtedly been displayed through their great performances.
“Work hard, work smart, and stay healthy.” - David Londino
Boys Cross Country Running With Style Catherine Poirier Editor-In-Chief Online Nicholas Bramante Reporter
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he stakes are high, and the pressure is on again as Malden High School’s boys cross country team faces another season of running, another season of challenge, and another season of determination to do their best. As hardened veterans return, and a fresh wave of young faces join the ranks of the team, the cross country team is as ready as ever to play hard, and kick some serious tailbone.
Because of the success in previous years, as undefeated Greater Boston League (GBL) Champions in 2010 and 201, the team went in with high expectations and eagerness to do as well. As the team chalked up their first win against Everett, it seemed all was going to be just as well as before. Unfortunately, the dream of going undefeated was shattered, as the team lost their second meet against Cambridge. Despite this, the team’s individual players are determined to fight on. With the loss of the team’s senior runners this year, one would expect tension to be high and pressure building on some of the fresher faces around the team. Freshman
Malden Highschool’s boys cross country team ready to begin a meet against Cambridge. Photo by Casey Lyons
Ryan Huynh explained how losing is always a concern for him. He feels that he has some large shoes to fill in, and that the pressure is on. As a last thought on this season, he stated that “I like running, if I lose I cry.” English teacher David Londino, the coach for boys cross country, explained that he does not have too many concerns for the team this year. Confident in their abilities, his only real concern is “keeping everyone healthy and having them be ready when they get on the starting line.” His personal goals for the team are to “individualize training plans as much as possible so that each runner can achieve his personal goal and in doing so contribute to the team goal.” He explained that his only real expectation is for everyone to give their 100% to the team. As you see different parts of the team, you come in contact with many different ideas and opinions on this season. Junior David Kibazo, one of the team’s two captains, explained he doesn’t have any major concerns for the team this year, and that there is no more pressure than there usually is. He looks for everyone to better themselves as runners, both in ability and mentality. He urges MHS to show their support, and to “come watch [their] home meets.” The next meets are on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10, 2012. Though opinions may vary, the team seems prepared to take on
struggles and challenges, and meet them head on. Although they may not be undefeated, they still have the hearts of champions and determination of their predecessors. On a final note, one of the team’s runners, freshman Efran Himel, urges MHS students to try out for the team, he explained that “If you [do not] think you can run, still go for it.” He also urges that if you are going to try for the team, participate in the summer practices, as it will be very beneficial.
Above: Junior Claude Monet competing in a track meet. Photo by Casey Lyons
The Blue and Gold October 2012
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sports maldenblueandgold.com
New Coach, Replenish and Reload Great Expectations Sumya Mohiuddin Reporter
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all is coming, which means the leaves are turning red, the weather is getting colder, and the girls field hockey team is back in season. Equipped with two new coaches, this season looks like an intriguing one. Coach Kim Barber is the new varsity coach. Although this is her first year being varsity coach, she has had past experience. She played field hockey in high school, and was the junior varsity coach for five years. Although it is her first year being head coach, Barber has known most of the girls for years now because she was the JV coach and she taught some of them in middle school. “It is a whole new aspect when I see the girls in the music room compared to on the field,” Barber stated. The team is packed with all the new coaches and players. In total, this season has 11 seniors on the varsity team with seniors Amanda Ramsey, Bridget Furlong, and Jessalynne Brown as captains. “All three of the captains are really strong leaders; they are always on time, they go to all the practices, and they stay after to pick up the equipment,” Barber explains confidently. A lot of the seniors balance out work and academics, and they are still dedicated to the team. Many of the seniors have been playing field hockey since freshman year, including the three captains, Blue and Gold member Catherine Poirier, Natalie Melo, Elyse Valente, Marissa Lally, and Emily Moran. Most of the girls on the JV team have known each other for a couple of years, as they went to middle school together. However, the girls certainly do not limit themselves to just having friendships on their team. The bond between the var-
Lucia Quesada Nylen Reporter
sity and the JV team is very strong. Sophomore Robyn Santo, who plays for both JV and varsity, describes the seniors as “encouraging” and willing to give “constructive criticism” on the field. The connection carries on well after the game ends. Barber has taught and seen close friendships form between both teams. “We are definitely going to miss the seniors next year; we all have close bonds,” said sophomore JV player Sammantha Dorazio. Additionally, since the seniors make up more than half of the varsity team, it will create a huge impact on the number of players on the team for next year. Sophomore Casey Arsenault, in the same position as Santo, states how the teams may have to share players in order to succeed in the season: there will be many more positions similar to Santo’s and Arsenault’s to fill, but the team is in good shape. The seniors and the rest of the varsity team are definitely giving their all this season. They had an improving season, with one win, seven losses, and three ties. “We are going to win as a team and lose as a team,” Barber said. Being the new varsitycoach, Barber is coming in with great intentions. She wants the girls to “not only learn field hockey, but take away different aspects from it, such as leadership, communication, and their dress code.” Barber wants the girls to bring field hockey with them in their life; not only the sport, but in their overall experience. The one thing Barber looks to improve on is “getting [the girls] more excited for the games.” The team is playing with their best effort, and their friendships will definitely make this season one to remember, for both the seniors and the remaining players.
Senior Bridget Furlong drives the ball down the field. Photo by Sumya Mohiuddin.
Sophomores Kelvin Nguyen, Kerry Ngan, Eugine Szeto rowing down to Malden River with members from the Somerville Crew Team. Photos by Johanna Lai
Johanna Lai Head of Business
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oming off a strong spring season from last year, the Malden High School Crew Team gears up for another season, reloading themselves for this fall, and the proximal spring season that is ahead. The crew team is not racing this season, though they have had plenty of laughs, and even more rigorous training thus far. Fall crew is unique and different from the Spring season, because fall practices are not mandatory, and Malden is not racing alone , but in fact teaming up with various Somerville members and racing as one unit. They practice at the Malden River on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and on the other days in between at Somerville. Fall is often use as a launching pad for spring, allowing for a season of preparation and repetition, without the obligations of races. So while fall season does not technically count as a varsity sport, it is still very integral in learning mechanics, along with getting into condition well before the actual spring season. It also serves as bonding time for team members, as practices are very relaxed, and the season overall very enjoyable. The team has a even mix of returning veterans and new members, coming from all classes. Hickey himself states that there are ‘’a lot more kids on the fall team, as opposed to last year, when it was only a handful’’, and it makes for a great mix of different people and personalities. Many of the returning members are looking forward to being able to build on last year, wanting to
Arefin Mohiuddin Reporter improve their own work ethnics and times, while also wanting to get better as a team. ‘’I’m looking forward to my last fall season as a rower’’ stated senior Mohammad Amwar. Amwar is one of the numerous seniors on this team looking forward to getting the most they can out of this last year. There are even some new seniors on the squad. When asked why he had joined his last year of high school, senior David Bui replied ‘’because I heard from all my friends it was very fun, and very worth the while’’. Bui states that the team so far has been very enjoyable, and very professional in it’s operation. This year’s team will be captained by seniors James Hickey, and Daniel McClenthen. According to Hickey fall is also a good time to ‘’get rid of our bad summer habits’’, and be able to transition smoothly into later parts of the year. Last year’s crew team lost one key member, which was captain Manny Martínez, but this years team is chock full of veterans who are ready to jump into a new leadership role. ‘’I hope to be a bigger leader and role model for the underclassmen this year’’, exclaimed junior Ivan Williams. Williams, now in his third year of crew, is considered a seasoned veteran, and one of the members who is expected to not only sustain the level of excellence from past years, but elevate their squad even further this year. This year’s squad looks to power it’s way to many more wins to come.
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sports
The Blue and Gold October 2012
maldenblueandgold.com
Soccer Family Strikes Again James Mazarakis Reporter
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ith the first half of autumn behind them, Malden High School boys soccer team is getting ready to make their final push of the season. With six wins in the first ten games, the team has potential to reach GBLs in November. With a few impressive successes to name, the team has defeated both Everett and Medford in recent games. “We didn’t hold back,” sophomore goalie Mark Ortiz said after taking part in the win against Everette, “we just went all out... overall, [it was] a great accomplishment.” Almost as strong as the team’s victory was their confidence in each other. Their pre-game chant, “onetwo-three-family,” was strikingly different from Everett’s “blood red.” Ortiz describes how, after some hard times, the team truly learned to form family bonds with one another. “Coach Marcelo stepped up and told us what the word family [means] we [cannot] be arguing... and [that is] when we started saying ‘family.’” Clearly this ideology has become part of each player’s blood. There is “nothing but love,” senior varsity player Ilyass Hattal claims, “I would die for anyone on this team.”
Coach Jeremiah Smith is not surprised by this comment. “This is a very close group where they are focused on team successes rather than individual successes.” This year’s hard-working team has “more raw talent,” according to senior cocaptain Prince Mukala, and they are motivated to make it to state tournament this year. “We have the devastation of barely missing the state tournaments [last year], and a lot Malden High School boys varsity team pumping themselves up for the game in a of that is in our heads.” With huddle. Photo by Joshua Kummins 11 seniors, they plan to finish the year on a good note. game against Medford, a 3-0 win - kala says, “you have to try to come For Smith, it is not just about the first time Malden has beaten the together, despite the different culmaking it into GBL’s, “we’re looking team in two years. The team has also tures, different personalities.” to advance deep into the state tour- been faring well against Everett- the While the group gains monament” he says in regards to their first win of the season. Malden beat mentum and each game takes them progress to championships. Though Everett again on Oct. 12 in an un- closer to finals, Malden’s boys socthe team has exceeded expectations believable turnaround. Starting the cer team will be strengthening their and proved their fitness and experi- game badly losing with a score of bonds and trust in each other during ence for soccer, he believes the team 4-0 by the end of the first half, many what is, for many players, their last needs to focus more on improving of the team members were alarmed. year of soccer at MHS. In the meantheir consistency, game strategy, and After a motivational huddle, the time, the team hopes to gain more individual skill. team stepped back out and scored support from the school and city. “We have the talent to be suc- five goals, stealing the game. Even “Every time the team steps on the cessful,” he adds, “it’s just a matter of to professional standards, this is a field is entertaining,” Smith points putting it all together every game.” sports phenomenon. out, “It would be nice to see some One success came as a home “At the end of the day,” Mu- more new faces at pine banks.”
Previous Losses, Wins To Come
rough patches, they have redeemed themselves in their well-played 1-1 tie game against Somerville on Sept. 19, 2012 in which incredible progress was made by the Malden girls. With the help of the new freshmen, sophomore, juniors, and experienced seniors, they can turn this season around and show everyone their real skills.
Chaimae El Adlouni Reporter Jessica Lynn DePaula Reporter
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alden High School’s girls soccer team has come down with a hard fall for the first couple of games, but they can all agree it is only a phase and they will be able to get out of their losing streak. While soccer is a tough sport for the girls of MHS, they all remain strong and look forward to working and uniting together for a great season without losing hope. Throughout their game against Quincy on Sept. 17, 2012, the crowd was anticipating the end, in high hopes that Malden would win and be victorious. After a sad ending the team plans to work hard and using their teamworking skills to be sure to “wow” everyone at upcoming games. Soccer is not just about running around and trying to make a goal, it is about teamwork. One of the most rewarding aspects of the team is the familial feelings expressed by the players. It is clear to anyone listening to them speak about their sport, and one another, that being on the MHS girls soccer team is a heartwarming experience. “With
amazing coaches and amazing girls, you can’t help but fall in love with the team and the sport,” gushed senior Devon Moran, “everyone is so welcoming and kind.” Barreto, had this to say, “I have never been on [such] a supportive and caring team before, everyone on the team is kind and extremely [helpful] especially when [you are] out of breath they cheer you on and run with you; I feel like this team is definitely a family”; a true statement that can be seen out on the field. With this type of teamwork the team is sure to have a successful rest of the season, in hopes of winning more games. Looking out into the field you
often notice the girls helping each other out to make a goal and hoping to beat the odds and be the top team. Helping them gain new skills along their way is their strong coach, Chris Langis. The girls on the team find their weak points and work at them, and although a few obstacle have hit here, they seem to be able to stay calm and keep trying. Langis has explained that the game with Malden against Quincy , “[W]as a bad game, but the team is improving”; and he is exactly right. Barreto stated that “it [was not] our best game and we [were not] giving it our all, but we tried our hardest.” Though the team has had some
Above: Senior goalie Tina Ascolillo kicking the ball midfield. Bottom right: Senior Anita Caceda dribbles the ball. All phots by Sharon Lee.