January Edition 2017

The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 102 Edition 4

77 salem street January 2017

pg. 5

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Death of Democ racy? famous men who challanged Maculinitny

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Does Social Media Make Us Narcissistic? pg. 3

all etb sk ba ls

Poetry Out Loud

Hock ey

pg. 24

social Media

La La Land” Movie Review

Happ y pg. 15 new chinese twitter:@mhsblueandgold Year instagram:@theblueandgold & @_humansofmhs

youtube:@theblueandgold facebook:“The Blue and Gold”

maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 102 Edition 4 January 2017

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Editorial maldenblueandgold.com

Malden High School

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

THE STAFF: Editor-in-Chief Tenzin Dorjee ‘17 Web & Mobile Apps Editorin-Chief Tatyanna Cabral ‘17 Print Editor-in-Chief Felicia Fallano ‘17 Managing Editor Megan Downer ‘18 Head of Local News Anna Powers ‘18 Head of Sports News Leila Greige ‘18 Head of Photography Ryan Hames ‘18 Art & Design Editor Tate Skiffington ‘17 Nedlam’s Corner Karina Matos ‘17 Head Copy Editor Gabriella Onessimo ‘17 Lead Reporters Alysha McDevitt ‘18: Local Politics, City Council, & School Committee Christina Appignani ‘18: Local News Ailin Toro ‘19: Local News Neden Bernadin ‘19: Local News Sydney Stumpf ‘19: Local News Abhishek Rana ‘19: Sports News Jesaias Benitez ‘19: Sports News Lead Videographers Nicolle Batista ‘17 Leah Tramondozzi ‘17 Nia Vital ‘17 Lead Photogrpaher Nick Powers ‘18 Manager of Web & Mobile Apps Don Nguyen ‘17 Reporters Subin Bastola ‘17 Rebecca Oliveira ‘17 Toby Pitan ‘18 Kayla Dos Reis Sousa ‘19 Makesha Mercedat ‘19 Rebeca Pereira ‘19 Emraude Bonnet ‘20 Stefany Foley ‘20 Josandy Jeune ‘20 Falyn Kelley ‘20 Sabrina Monteiro ‘20 Man Nguyen ‘20 Ana Pirosca ‘20 Jemisha Syliant ‘20 Michelle Yin ‘20 Sara Zakaria ‘20 ADVISOR RYAN GALLAGHER

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Perfectly Flawed

N

ot everyone is perfect. Whenever I end up thinking about my flaws, I always come back to a certain lyric that helps me realize that that’s okay.

“We’re all imperfect in a perfect way.” -Witt Lowry In a way, that is my own personal mantra.

By remembering that simple line, I see that although I may have weaknesses, that doesn’t mean I don’t have my strengths either. Over the course of times, specifically 18 years, I have come to figure myself out. I am not the best singer; I have terrible time management; I am lazy, etc. Though, out of all that, I see that I am me. And with myself comes a plethora of other traits that I can actually be proud of.

Without darkness, what can be considered light? Thanks to my flaws, I am able to see the good. Ever since I was young, I was raise a Buddhist by my family. Especially with my grandmother around, I became very aware of my religion. Though, even more than that, beyond religion, the moral lessons I learned transcended any type of devotion to the idea of gods, goddesses, saints, etc.

Currently, the religious leader of the Tibetan people, my people, is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. First name being the same aside (which is a commonality shared by many Tibetans with His Holiness especially those in my generation), it is hard for me to imagine ever being like him. What is even more shocking is his immense humility. As the 14th Dalai Lama, he is basically at the top of the religious hierarchy in not just Tibetan Buddhism, but Buddhism in general.

Yet, he is able to honestly say

Editorial Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I feel that I am a Buddhist monk, not the Dalai Lama. Most people describe me as a Nobel Laureate. Many invite me because I am a Nobel Laureate and not because I am a monk or the Dalai Lama.”

-His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Of all the great traits and accolades he possesses, that is the most notable to me.

Nowadays, too many people, especially the youth, act as if they are entitled to things and as if they are superior in some way or another.

Somehow, musical interests, clothing choices, what one has or does not, all too much define a person when it should be their character that is judged, not their external factors. The Dalai Lama preaches a value that is not just religious, but more so just pure humane: that we are all human.

While he himself is a Buddhist, he has the compassion to look beyond that and is able to form bonds and friendship regardless of gender, race, orientation, religion, etc. He is truly all-accepting, and that is what I aspire to be.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

-His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Regardless of affiliation, love and compassion is and should be universal. So even though I may not be perfect, I am the best me as can be, as long as I keep in mind the importance of love and compassion.

Tenzin Dorjee Editor-in-Chief

December 2016 Edition Corrections:

× pg. 6- Photo credits were not given to senior staff videographer Leah Tramondozzi.

× pg. 9- Photo was incorrectly attributed. Photo was submitted by the club.

× pg. 20- Wrestling article incorrectly states new head coach as Rin Yan, when it is Rin Van.

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Interactive maldenblueandgold.com

OPINION Does Social Media

Make Us Narcissistic?

Neden Bernadin Lead Reporter

T

oday in society, the millennial and older generation gets more and more fascinated with the obsession of the usage of social media such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc. Whether it’s showcasing high quality photos, inspirational quotes or just selfies of yourself, one thing for sure is that this specific trend won’t die out.

Scientific studies showed that people engaged in social media develop self-proclaimed and narcissistic characteristics. For example, the psychology researchers at the University of Georgia conducted a research involving around 13,000 students. They came to a conclusion that “narcissism has a modest, but reliable positive relationship with a range of social media behaviors.”

They also found that two other strains of behaviors. Grandiose narcissism is a type of narcissism that relates to the frequency of updating and posting selfies to their followers.

Then there’s vulnerable narcissism, which ties to people with insecurities that spent little time on social media.

In my opinion, I believe celebrities play a huge role in it because of their influences on young people.

Their ambushed photos that garner a lot of likes and followers, reaching millions, which often creates insecurities and a mentality to create or at least attempt, to have a lifestyle like them.

Also, I feel like there is a small misconception with it; maybe people like to post selfies because they feel that they receive a kind of self-confidence that they never had before, yet they are often mistaken.

In reality, the usage of social media really depends on what the individual wants to do. On a more positive light, the main concept of social media is to express yourself or maybe tell a story through your photos.

Dr. Keith Campbell, co-author of the “The Narcissism Epidemic,”

noted that when individuals engaged with social media they “will be engaging with more narcissism than might really exist in the world.

This might distort your view of the world as being more narcissistic than it is.”

Ciaran McMahon, a director at the Institute of Cyber Security believes that there could be “a wider cultural increase in narcissism in the west that’s then reflected back in social media.” So, for social media to have such popularity means that narcissism must have existed back then.

If you have any questions or need any advice, come check out our Ask.fm! Our Ask.fm link can be found on our website at maldenblueandgold.com Questions will always remain anonymous unless requested otherwise, so don’t be afraid!

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Famous Men Who Challenged Masculinity Sara Zakaria Reporter

roles, he also rebelled against racial stereotypes associated with black men.

Prince isn’t the only artist on n society, the image of men has always been that of an aggressive, this list who confronted masculinity straight, masculine, and publically in the eighties. George Michael, who rose to fame in the eighties with Anunemotional person. However, as drew Ridgeley, both in a duo time has progressed, many called Wham!. However, famous celebrities have he differs from everyone dared to challenge this in this list, because he toxic concept of mandidn’t challenge mascuhood. linity on the outside.

In the seventies, His iconic outfit there was a rise in consisted of a leather glam rock bands jacket, ripped jeans, and artists, and a tank top, like New wearing his signaYork Dolls, ture cross earring.

Iggy Pop, In 1998, George’s Lou Reed, etc. sexuality was The most noouted due to a artable was David rest that happened Bowie, who in April. He then released Ziggy embraced being a Stardust and LGBT icon, frethe Spiders From quently expressMars in 1972. ing his support David Bowie created alter for equality. He ego Ziggy Stardust, and was also unwore eccentric and colorful apologetic costumes. Ziggy Hip-Hop artist and actor Jaden Smith. about his sexuwasn’t complete Photo from WikiMedia. ality, being vowithout his iconic cal about it. makeup, which Nowadays, there’s been a new was bold and unusual. His album was met with some controversy, of generation of famous men who protested against tradition, celebrities course. Nevertheless, he wasn’t like James Charles and Jaden Smith. afraid to push the In 2016, James Charles, a seventeen boundaries of what year old makeup artist, became the a man was even first “CoverBoy,” being the face of more, creating CoverGirl, a cosmetic brand. Jaden new looks and Smith, a eighteen year old model/ new egos in his actor modeled for Louis Vuitton’s career. women’s fashion line, wearing typAnother artist ically “feminine” items like skirts who challenged the a n d dresses. He also social norms was Prince, wore dresses a legendary artist who on several other gained prominence in occasions, even to the eighties. Prince Amandla Stenberg’s had no filter in prom. his music, being Throughout known for being the years, multiple sexually explicit, celebrities have which was a risk dared to be themsince a big topic selves and did in the 80s was the opposite of censorship in what society has the media. In told men to do. his perforThese celebrities have mances, inspired generations of he was boys across the world known to be fearless and not for having to be terrified of exandrogypressing themselves n o u s and their emotions. l o o k s , These celebrities wearing taught a univerm a k e u p Music icon Prince. Photo from WikiMedia. sal, important a n d decked in striking costumes. message; that there was no right Though, he didn’t just defy gender way to be a man.

I

Music icon David Bowie. Photo from WikiMedia.

Donald Trump on Education Jemisha Syliant Reporter

W

hile education was not one of main issues in the 2016 presidential election, Trump still expressed some of his plans for education in the upcoming years.

On September 8, 2016, Donald Trump delivered a speech in Ohio that addressed his views on education. In his speech he stated that as “president [he] will be the nation’s biggest cheerleader for school choice. [He understands that] many stale old politicians will resist, but it’s time for [the] country to start thinking big and correct once again.”

Trump plans on using federal block grants support his school choice plans. School choice gives the family a platform to choose which way their children will be educated.

It will provide families with additional options of schooling for their children. It will also pressure the current public school system to improve in a number of ways. School choice may also have a number of negative implications to come with it.

Opportunities for children to interact with other cultures and races may decline, the number of public school students may decrease drastically, and private schooling may become even more expensive.

The issue has been quite controversial, but it appears that the new president-elect, Trump, will be encouraging the idea.

Donald Trump has also spoken of changing the federal student loan system back to private lenders. Transferring the loans back to banks may increase interest rates and make loans more expensive for students. This will impact lowerincome students the most, making it a lot harder to obtain loans. It will also become more difficult to pay back these loans.

Though it seems as though these plans are aimed at improving the current education system, there may be some negative consequences that will have even more of an impact. If these plans are followed through, the education system will be very different that we are used to now.

The lower and middle class will be affected most by these plans that Donald Trump has, and it may not be for the better.

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Opinion

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New Year’s: A Reflection Toby Pitan Reporter

T

ime. It dictates life. It is used interchangeably as a synonym for life and even though it is a highly valued concept, it is still hard to see how large of an effect it has on people’s lives in general. Often when one experiences the premature death of someone they know, they often say they wish they had “more time.” “‘Time’ to complete more tasks in their life. ‘Time’ to make a larger impact. ‘Time’ to enrich their existence.”

The New Year is a direction manifestation of society’s fascination with the idea of having “more time.” Its celebration is an important part of global culture as it represents the positive aspects of life that people easily ignore do to the business of life.

The New Year is a unique divisor and marker we have in society that can help one establish goals, a c knowledge the past, and yearn for the future. Reverberations of celebration occur in every area of the world and most celebrators have similar perspectives on what the New Year means. There are very few other occasions in which a majority of humanity will count down the seconds until the beginning of a holiday and the ultimate ending of it. But overall, New Year’s is a holiday that fosters positivity and excitement in global communities.

When we think of the “New Year,” we think of new political rotations, new advancements in technology, new developments in the media and entertainment. New life, new opportunity, ad infinitum.

It is generally an exciting time. Everyone is granted their very own clean slate and has the chance to fill their life with brightness and ambition. If anything other than that it represents progression, steps taken forward towards advanced ages and modern life. A New Year is another record of history, another unit of what will be accomplished in the world in a mere 365 days.

Most importantly, the New Year can pose as a prime opportunity for reflection, acknowledgment of our past and acknowledging the fact that we survived, we made it through a fairly tumultuous year.

We experienced multitude of the American celebrity deaths such as

Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, David Bowie, Prince, Alan Rickman, George Michael, many of whom were icons for the LGBT+ community. They may have accomplished their more notable work during our parents time, but their legacies still carry on into our lives, and the lives of future generations.

Assessing the most outstanding social events in a particular year makes me evaluate what society deems as valuable. What makes a person iconic? What makes them worthy of carrying and upholding a legacy? Is it their work, how effective they are in reaching their audience, how widespread their fame is? Celebrity or not, what does one have to do in life to be honored or remembered subsequent to death?

With the privilege of living fortunate lives, we are tasked with making the best of the time we are given on earth whether it be to fulfill personal goals or goals in re la tion to other people.

Shared experiences are often the most potent. The more people we reach the more beneficial our lives become.

The 2016 United States Presidential could easily be viewed as the most notable publicized event for Americans this year. From the moment President Elect Donald Trump’s successful campaign ended, the United States government was already evolving, adapting to a new president and in a way, a new nation. It has been said by many that this election will be “one for the books” and it should be. It will most likely be an election that will be remembered by many and highly scrutinized considering the scope of our nation’s history.

Trump’s campaign and election is one of the many events public telling on how much things can change in a year politically, economically, and fiscally.

I haven’t been as conscious of the cultural importance of the New Year until now. Even though the holiday has been shrouded by American consumerism, it will still continue to have major philosophical aspects.

It means more than just another a slight increase of a yearly digit or growing older. It is a catalyst for society to fulfill the aspirations we constantly dwell on, but need the motivation to complete.

The Electoral College: Death of Democracy?

Emraude Bonnet Reporter

I

n November 2016, Donald Trump, to some of the nation’s dismay, and to some of the nation’s happiness, got elected to become the 45th President of the United States, and thus, Barack Obama’s successor.

This caused many mixed feelings because there were supporters who wanted him to win, but there were also a large group of people that did not want him to win because of his comments on certain topics and his wall ideas, and kicking people out of the country, and much more. While there are lot of people that did not vote for him

choose their president; the right is in the hands of the 538 people that make up the electoral college.

Usually, the electoral college vote follows the winner of the popular vote, but occasionally, like this election, that is not the case. This has happened to the Democratic party now 2 times within the last 5 elections.

Julia Argueta, a freshman at Malden High School was asked if she thought the election was rigged due to the electoral college. She explained that she doesn’t believe that the election was rigged due to Trump winning because there are people out there in the United States who actually support his actions and outspokenness. Though there was “definitely a mix-up in the election, which upset many,” Argueta said.

Number of electors from each state for the 2012, 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. 12 electoral votes changed between 18 states, based on the 2010 census. Eight states lost one electoral vote and two (New York & Ohio) each lost two electoral votes. Eight states gained electoral votes, six gained one electoral vote, Florida gained two & Texas gained four. Photo and caption from WikiMedia. and instead voted for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, he still ended up winning, and that is due to the Electoral College.

In the election, though Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, Donald Trump won the Electoral College vote. This caused controversy among Americans that were upset by the 2016 Presidential results. The Electoral College has now become a trending topic being described as the ‘Death of Democracy.’ Some people say that the Electoral College is a way of rigging the election, while others think the exact opposite.

The Electoral College is composed of people called ‘electors’ that are chosen by each state. They are in charge of deciding who will run our government’s executive branch. Apparently, there is nothing in the Constitution that gives American voters the right to directly

The majority of these upset people believe that Donald Trump is not fit to run this country. Argueta adds that “the mix-up was definitely due to the electoral college, causing Trump to have more electoral votes than Hillary Clinton. The electoral college was surely something useful in the past, but not now, because us as the people actually have the knowledge to know who should lead our country.”

Argueta believes that we shouldn’t be using the electoral college because the American people actually are smart enough and are informed enough to vote for someone wisely by ourselves.

While others believe the complete opposite, for now all know are the results of the election, and we’ll just have to wait and see what will happen of the Electoral College, and of the nation under the Trump administration.

Local News

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The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Malden Arts:

Crafts “Pop Up” for Sale

Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter

F

rom December 9, through the 24, Malden Arts hosted a Pop Up shop at 480 Main St. The pop-up shop consisted of pieces from local artists, in Malden and surrounding areas. Items such as jewelry, paintings, music, clothing, pottery, and candles were sold by the local artists and craftspeople. Tables were set up throughout the venue, which members of Malden Arts tried-and succeeded-at making look as close to a real shop as possible. Displays

of paintings and other forms of traditional art gave the pop-up shop an art gallery like vibe. Music that was being sold in the form of CDs by local musicians was being played while locals viewed and shopped for last-minute holiday gifts.

The pop-up shop began when artist, Lisa Sears, sent an email out to a group of artists and arts organizers, after an empty commercial space, 480 Main St., appeared in a local newspaper. Robin Inman, Arts Advocate Assistant, says that Sears’ email had essentially said “what if?”.

Clockwise: Entrance to shop. Lighthouse artwork. Flower basket artwork. Collection of flower, sneakers, and enflowered heart artwork.

Collection of pottery. All works of art created by local artists. Photos by Abhishek Rana.

The pop-up shop idea was brought up about a week before Thanksgiving, and Inman, Sears, and several other volunteers and members at Malden Arts “pulled together this entire creation in probably less than three weeks.” The shop’s host, 480 Main St., gave the group the space for the pop-up shop free of charge, which Inman says, helped a lot with pulling the shop together.

Ginny Remedi-Brown, one of the artists who created the pop-up shop and sold some of her work there, notes most artists featured at the shop are from Malden, or neighboring towns like Everett and Melrose.

Ose Schwab, self-titled Chief Instigator for Malden Creates, notes the diversity of the 54 artists showcased at the shop. Artists from Vietnam, China, Iran, and Libya are some of the countries in which the featured artists are from, including several refugees. The pop-up shop, Schwab says, “created a canvas on

which many of the hidden talented individuals who may not have places to show their work, or opportunities [to do so]” can showcase and sell their artwork and creations.

Malden’s pop-up shop has created a stage on which “people are equal players no matter whether they’re immigrants or refugees; whether they’re poor or rich. They are all there together showing their work.”

Among the artwork and artistic creations being sold, were fine arts, paintings, water colors, jewelry, ceramics, prints, textiles, and cards.

“There is something [there] for everyone,” Inman says on the wide selection of items for sale.

As a potter and Jeweler, Remedi-Brown, provided jewelery to sell at the shop. Remedi-Brown notes that she went to the pop-up shop to sell her work and “let people know that [Malden has] a lot of wonderful artists in the city.” Remedi-Brown attended the pop-up shop, and notes the “steady stream of people” who attended the shop. Around opening and closing time, the “steady stream” was of course smaller, but the number of attendees picked up during the day. “It’s been very successful,” Remedi-Brown says.

As a whole, Schwab believes, “it [had] been a tremendous success and an inspiration to artists” and those who came in and got “a lot of joy from the different colors and different creations.” Both the Mayor and the Chief of Police were attendees of the shop, and the popup shop as a whole have “shown the value of arts and how it can make community.”

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Local News

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maldenblueandgold.com

Women in Science: Malden Makes Top Five

Reading Competition at MHS Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter

Seniors Cleverina Cong and Phoung Nguyen, MHS Science teacher Brian Morrison, and junior Alicia Tan at the Women in Science competition. Photo submitted by Cong.

Sara Zakaria Reporter

T

he 14th Annual Women of Science Competition was held on December 10th, at Bedford High School. The team representing Malden High prepared for the competition by working on their pre build project. They built a device that was required to roll down a ramp without stopping, using specific materials and had to meet the design requirements. The group had to do a series of challenges in the morning with their pre build project. In the afternoon, the girls were given 40 minutes to build a device that had to be tall enough to have a small flag and could withstand a fan on high for at least 30 seconds, which was described as challenging by coach Brian Morrison. Malden won fifth place out of 40 other teams.

The students who represented MHS were senior Cleverina Cong, senior Ashley Kang, senior Karen Poon, junior Alicia Tan, senior Phuong Nguyen, and junior Sydney Addorisio. According to coach Brian Morrison, the events are structured the same way every year.

Previously, Malden has usually won fourth and fifth place. “Since it’s a scholarship competition, [he] would love the girls to get into the top three places so they could get scholarship money,” he says. Morrison credits his wife into getting him into coaching the team. “She is a science teacher and her school hosts the event. She asked me to bring some teams of girls several years ago and we have been attending since,” he explains. He says that if you’re a woman who wants to pursue a career in the science/technology field, you shouldn’t hesitate to pursue it.

“There are plenty of jobs, different majors to choose from and a lot of

interesting people to meet in the STEM fields,” Morrison says.

According to Cong and Addorisio, the purpose of the competition was to foster a greater interest for female students in science-related fields, an area where women are often underrepresented, and promote and honor women in the sciences, “because the sciences are, for the most part, a male dominated field,” says Addorisio. “This year the focus was on women in chemistry in particular. A variety of female professionals in STEM fields had lunch with us to tell us about their experiences and the many opportunities there are for women in science,” Cong adds.

The team started preparing for the competition in November by talking about ideas for the prebuild engineering event, in which they had to create the slowest possible object to roll down an incline.

They didn’t start actually building it until the week before the competition. “This event was challenging because it involved a lot of trial and error. [They] probably ended up making at least 10 different models before finally designing a roller that worked best, which [they] finished the night right before the competition,” Cong states. To Addorisio, however, the most challenging part would have to have been the build at the competition, even though it was the most fun. “Teams got more points if the structure stayed within a certain area. But, none of the teams knew about the logistics of this build in advance. We were also only given 40 minutes to build the structure which is what made it the most fun!

It was a race against the clock,” she explains.

Cong participated in the Women in Science competition last year and that team placed 4th out of 40 teams. She explains that, “Even

though [they] didn’t finish top 3 this year, [she’s] extremely pleased with [their] 5th place finish. [They] competed against 40 teams from some of the best schools in the Boston area, so it was pretty amazing that [they] were able to place so high and make a name for ourselves.” Addorisio says that, “Malden actually entered 2 teams and [she] was not on the one that came in 5th place, but it was really rewarding to hear that my peers had achieved such a high ranking in the results of the competition. [she] was overjoyed for them and was also proud of the effort put into the competition by both teams.”

Cong stated that she liked the entire competition in general, since she had a passion for science, and being able to utilize it in various fun and competitive events was an exciting challenge for me. She also liked being able to talk to the woman professionals in STEM because their inspirational stories of success motivated me to continue to pursue a future in science. For Addorisio, she was excited before the competition, because she wanted to see what kind of questions they going to be asked as well as to see the ideas of other teams for the building events. She admits that she was a little nervous must say though, because “[she] didn’t know what to expect.” She also always had a strong passion for the sciences (particularly biology) and being a part of this competition exposed her to more areas of the scientific field, allowing her to expand on her knowledge and experience in the sciences. She also said that the best part about being a part of the competition was being able to work cooperatively with her peers, both at the same level as her as well as seniors. “[She] only knew two of [her] other teammates, so participating in the competition allowed [her] to get to know more people as well.”

Student Reading Challenge form located on the Malden High School library website. Photo by Sydney Stumpf.

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s of January 2, 2017, the reading competition at Malden High School is on!

From Jan. 2, to June 2, Malden High School is hosting a reading contest, created by librarian, Mary Liberge, and an English teacher. The goal, Liberge says, was to “increase student recreational reading.”

They thought that it would be fun to include the staff as well.

Participants read books and fill out the Reading Challenge form on the MHS library website, and teachers and staff participating have a separate form located in the Tornado Times. Liberge says that both teachers and students have already participated.

Liberge hopes that “this challenge will get more students to read for pleasure.”

She notes the school work and time on social media that prevents students from allowing themselves to “pick up a book and read for pleasure.” The book recommendations that will, and already are, coming out of the contest, will hopefully “help other MHS students choose books to read” and “get students to start talking to one another about books, authors, and even topics.”

There will be a prize for the students in each grade that reads the most books, and another for the overall winner.

Local News

8

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Teddy Jean-Louis Jacques: MHS ’07 Ailin Toro Lead Reporter

T

eddy Louis-Jacques is a Malden High Alumni from the Class of 2007 and an active member in the Malden Community. He is currently enlisted in the United States Army and Massachusetts Army National Guard and has recently come home from a deployment.

Louis-Jacques completed his Basic Combat training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri from September 2014 to February 2015. When he came home in February, he found out that he was being deployed for the first time in his Army career. On October 22, 2015, he was deployed overseas to Kuwait. He came home from his deployment on September 9, 2016.

He talks about how joining the service, he was nervous and that the whole experience was “quite a journey.” He said how “as long you take care of the person to your left and the person to your right, the ones who are with you every single day, you’re good.” He refers to those people as his “battle buddies” and says that some of his fondest memories were formed with them.

As far as coming home, he talks of it as being a transition. He’s still getting used to everything. Before he left, he had thought that a year was that long, but now he realizes that “a lot changes in a year and that a lot of people’s lives get different.”

His “family means the world to [him],” especially his son Jeremiah. Louis-Jacques credits him as “the sole reason why [he is] working this hard in life.” He wants to “lay the groundwork to make sure a path is set for him for the future.” He mentions that his first day back all he and Jeremiah did was “just hug tightly.” He says that a “whole year of not seeing him was extremely hard” and that it has “been amazing being back and spending time with him.”

His current and future goals are to complete graduate school and run for public

office in the City of Malden “sooner rather than later.”

He obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice at Mount Ida College where he graduated as the Class President in May of 2011. Currently, he is in the process of obtaining another degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Management which he will complete in the spring of 2017.

He joined the Army because “[he] felt like he’s worked for the city since 2012 and that was one of the best experiences he’s had in his young adult life.” He saw that he was serving his community here and started to think about what’d it’d be like to serve his country and be part of something bigger.

One of Louis-Jacques’s hobbies is basketball, which he does while helping to coach basketball here at the high school. One of Teddy’s mentors and former coach, Don Nally, has been at Malden High for 17 years and Louis-Jacques contributes learning what being part of a team is like to him. Louis-Jacques says that Nally “is like a father to [him]” and that he wants to “give back all of the knowledge that Nally gave [him], to the new generations of young adults growing up and coming after [him].”

Another reason he coaches basketball is that he likes to help out in the community and this is an outlet for him to do that. He likes that he “gets to collaborate and help young kids find what they want to be and do with their lives after Malden High.”

Along with basketball, Louis-Jacques also played soccer and football during high school. He mentions that one of his fondest memories is being on the soccer team in 2006 when they won the championship and feels “fortunate and humbled” to be on that team.

After high school he continued his sports career when he played four years of college basketball, which he “tremendously enjoyed.”

There he experienced what it is like to be working together because people come from everywhere in the country and work together.

Louis-Jacques. Photo submitted by Louis-Jacques.

New Teacher Profile: Gregory Simone Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter

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ecently, Malden High School’s science department, gained a new chemistry teacher, Gregory Simone.

Simone, at the beginning of the year, taught as a student teacher alongside MHS chemistry teacher Katherine Haskell, whom Simone credits having learned what a real “student-teacher connection” is like, as well as social and emotional aspects of teaching including the real application of teaching.

In graduate school, he learned how to create lesson plans, but there was no interaction with students.

Simone credits Haskell for teaching him classroom management skills.

From Poughkeepsie, New York, in the Hudson Valley, Simone

was not interested in chemistry in high school. In college, Simone took a general chemistry course and “really liked it.”

Simone had a “great professor,” which was a leading factor in why he began considering it as a career. Simone was interested in the experimental aspects of chemistry, “the exciting parts,” such as reactions and fire. As the course went on, Simone became interested in the conceptual math aspects of the field.

Simone originally wanted to work in a lab, but his junior year of college he decided that he wanted to teach. Simone participated in a chemistry demonstration for high school students, and thought that it was “what [he] should be doing: working with students.”

Simone currently goes to Northeastern University, and is finishing his masters program. Simone was at MHS last year, observing classes, taking notes, and writing

papers on what he saw for a course. He saw several science teachers teaching, and remembered Haskell, deciding later to work with her as a student teacher.

Not expecting to get a Gregory Simone. Photo by Ryan Hames. job this year, Simone knew he wanted to work at Malden High School. He expected to come back next year or in the future as a teacher.

From being a full-time student [We had] to go through the rules to student teacher was a “manage- again; restart.”

Simone said that some students able” transition for the new teacher.

Simone had “a lot of independence still see him as a student teacher, as opposed to their full-time teacher. with [his classes].”

Now as a full-fledged teacher, Simone believes that this perspecSimone teaches five classes, as op- tive will change, “but it will take a posed to the three he had as a stu- while.”

Simone really likes the diverdent teacher. Simone is ready “for [his program] to end, so [he] can be sity among students, which he said is “way different from any other fully emerged in [teaching].”

“Change is hard,” Simone school.” He also sees that every stunoted of Haskell’s former classes, dent have “one teacher they can go which he now teaches. “It’s almost to for non-academic related things, like the first week of school again. and that’s specific to Malden.”

The Blue and Gold January 2016

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MTEC Hosts Tutoring Program Man Nguyen Reporter

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stated Ceppetelli.

Along with helping the students with school work, Ceppetelli hopes to guide their way in life, help them pursuing their dreams, and en-

he tutoring program at the Malden Teen Enrichment Center got its start in 2013. The program is led by former Malden High School teacher, Arlene Ceppetelli. MTEC coordinator, Catherine MacMullin wanted to add an educational element to the center and so recruited Ceppetelli to spearhead the program.

The program is available to everyone at Malden High School. Whether a person is in need of help for a math quiz, or just wants a quiet and productive environment to work in, all are welcome to join the program.

The program is available after school from 3pm to 5pm, on tuesdays and thursdays, and takes place in the MTEC basement. Many subjects are offered in the program. Math, English, Sophomore Simon Cen and Ceppetelli foreign language, etc. are taught tutoring sophomore Terrell Pesaturo. here for all students who wish to take advantage of the learning opportunity. lighten them of what is happening “You name it; we’ve done it,” around the world. Besides subjects

at school, the program is also open you, not gossip,” said sophomore to those who needs help with other Terrell Pesaturo, a participant of the academic-related issues like filling program. “Just pure school work.” out the FAFSA for college.

For Ceppetelli, the program So far, her experience is great. gives her chance to do what she “I love it with my heart and soul,” enjoys so much. Ceppetelli loves said Ceppetelli. She enjoys teaching seeing her students in love with the most whenever a student makes learning because being able to do so progress or when they share with is a dream came true. “I am grateful her their dreams for the opporand aspirations for tunity to conthe future. tinue working To find people with students who will be part and help them of the program, improve their Ceppetelli and academics MacMullin stood through our outside the cafeteria peer tutoring for the first week of program,” school and asked said Ceppestudents to be tutelli. tors or asked if they “As a needed tutoring. teacher, I hope Then, at the end to help them of the year, all the develop a students who parlove for learnticipate in the proing, as well gram will be given as build selfa recommendation Junior Jack Li turoring. Photo by Man confidence in letter by Ceppetelli, Nguyen. themselves as for their contribuyoung men tion for the program. and women to pursue their goals in “People here are like your life,” Ceppetelli concluded. friends, but they are here to help

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The Blue and Gold January 2016

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New Year-New You

Event Hosted by American Association for Arab Women Ailin Toro Reporter

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n January 4th there was a New Year-New You event at the Malden Public Library. It was hosted by the American Association for Arab Women. There was a dialogue presented by Michele English, a certified BTB & Compass School Feng Shui practitioner. The BTB school of feng shui is short for the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist School of Feng Shui which is a feng shui school in the United States. The talk was followed by a Japanese flute performance by Elizabeth Bennett.

The president of the American association for Arab Women is Souad Akib. She says the association wanted to hold this event because they “want everyone to be able to start fresh this year because of all of the changes coming in 2017”. She said that “lately the city of Malden has been working into becoming a more united community and [that the association] wanted to do something for the city as well”.

The night started at 6:00 with a reception where everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves to each other and settle down. There were snacks put out and many conversations going on. Nearing 6:30, English was introduced and began her discussion on Feng Shui. She started talking about feng shui’s history and how it has adapted. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of encouraging the positive flow of energy in a space.

As a feng shui practitioner, English says that she goes “to peoples houses for three main reasons, when they want to improve their love life, health, and money.” Some

of the ways she helps them to do this with Souad.” Akib found a group in is by removing clutter or buyMorocco willing to help Bennett out ing things for her house that and after that was settled she asked bring positive energy. An her to play at this event and Benexample of that would nett gladly accepted. be buying an upwards Akib was very happy facing lamp to “raise with the turnout. She menits energy throughtioned that there were out the room.” people from many towns After her attending the event and presentation, was “happy to give Bennett took others a chance to meet the stage and new people.” The played a ten American association minute piece for Arab Women will on her shakualso host the upcoming hachi, which is annual International a japanese flute.

Women’s day in March Bennett was where many women the first women from different communito be certified a ties will be present.

Grand Master of the shakuhachi back in 1998. She has practiced and performed with Aoki Reibo, who has been playing the shakuhachi for 30 years and is renowned for his talent.

Bennett has had an interest in Elizabeth Bennet performing at New Year-New You. Asia since high school. She began to play the shakuhachi in college because of a program they had at her University in Connecticut. She “secretly thought [she] would pursue it” but before she would, she began to teach art history. She kept going to Japan and kept wanting to play the shakuhachi instead of just teaching so she officially decided to pursue it career wise.

When asked how her playing at this event came about Bennett said that she was “planning to move to Morocco and when [she] was looking for someone to help her get settled she got into contact

Feng shui table showing good things to have at home to improve the energy.

Photo taken by Ailin Toro.

Local News

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Small Ensembles 2016

Michelle Yin Reporter

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he Winter Band Ensemble concert was held on December 9th, starting at 6:30pm. This concert was hosted by the Instrumental Methods class and they played many modern pop songs as well as well as classics.

The members of this class had spent a lot of energy and dedication to this concert with the motivation of their interest for music. Students from different grades were joined with the common goal, to entertain their audience.

According to junior Lionel Walker, a drummer for the songs ‘Flashing Lights’ and ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ says, “[he’s] always been kind of musically inclined, so [he] felt like this was the perfect class to be in to like experience and do different things with [his] music and come together with other people

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a better musician, listening and observing basically.”

The students that participated in the Winter Ensemble had enjoyed it a lot. Senior and junior Hebart Desane and Sebastano Bret were drawn to the class because they wanted to make some noise and music has always been part of their life. They both agreed that the class including themselves had done good, although they were nervous when the concert had first started but they grew more confident as it went on.

The advisor of the concert as well as the teacher of the Instrumental Methods class, Erin O’Brien Mazza says that “[she thinks] [the concert] was pretty good overall, this a really hard performance because it’s the very first performance for a lot of [the students], but [she thinks] they did a really good job.”

The Small Ensemble is where people

Clockwise: Juniors Jenny Do, Jacob Graybeal, and Joanna Clemet. Senior Guetchina Letang and Wesley Pierre. Chon Huynh, Hang Vu, Jay Hui. Photos by Toby Pitan.

Winter Concert

2016 Jemisha Syliant Reporter

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and make music, it’s really cool.”

He had really enjoyed this concert as well as the company of the people he was playing and working with.

He recommends that students take the class next year because, “[he learned] from Ms. Mazza, and [he] definitely [learned] from other people, when there’s other people around you will start to pick up things and that’s how you become

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could write their own curriculum and pick their own songs, they could take control of their learning and freedom to choose what they want to do. Mazza had stated that what’s special about teaching this class is “their excitement, it’s so new to them...these students are so excited about it, so it’s really special every time we get to perform.”

he Winter Holiday concert was held and performed on December 16th. According to Erin O’Brien-Mazza, who is the director of the band choir, says the performance went really well. She also includes how the students learned many important things about music through this performance. Mazza also includes how fun it was to teach all the students that performed. She explains that all the students have different personalities and different abilities. “It’s fun working with the different abilities and talent levels,” she says. Although Mazza says the performance went really well, she also describes the challenges that they came across. She states, “working with the chorus is always a challenge because you don’t get to rehearse with each other until the day before the concert.”

Mazza also includes how this concert was different from last year’s concert because this year she had a lot of new students, mostly freshmen. “It took a long time just getting used to the format of band and just being at everything,” she says. She also includes that it was a challenge just to get all the students on the same page. Aside from the performance, Mazza also explains that she has been noticing some drastic improvements within the students. She says, “[she’s] seen a lot of improvements in personality, like dedication wise, they are definitely more dedicated than they were be-

fore when they first started.” Mazza also includes that the students have been learning to count which they have not known how to before.

Todd Cole, who is the director of the choral art society, also says the performance by the students went great. Cole says that he was really pleased with the performance. He also adds, “I thought they did everything the best that they could.”

Cole also says there were only a few major errors that needed to have any attention paid to them. “[He] was really happy,” he states. Cole also says teaching the student choir is always a long journey. He explains the groups are completely different, making them have their own challenges. Cole also adds, although the process of the preparation took quite some time, there have been a lot of “huge” improvements from when the students first started.

Even though the performance went as planned, Cole mentions that himself and the students came across some challenges. He says “just getting technique, getting them to know sound is a challenge.” Cole also mentions, “[he thinks] people helped each other throughout this because any one little thing falls out of place, then it creates panic and anxiety and stress for everyone and I think everyone helped each other through tonight.” He says everyone helped each other tonight and all the students were responsible for their behaviour.

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The Blue and Gold January 2016

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Toby Pitan Reporter Sara Zakaria Reporter

S

Malden High School Presents:

complete the assignment. Though, students who did not recite their poem aloud to their classmates were not eligible for the school wide competition.

Senior Jia Huang stated that she likes that there are options and choices regarding recitation this year because “not everybody is comfortable when standing in front of [their] class and reciting a poem.”

Huang also stated that she likes that POL “brings out the confidence out of people…who you wouldn’t expect to talk and put emotion in their voice, even if they’re scared.”

Senior Zanta Ephrem said how “[POL] makes people to face their fears, people [are able to] memorize their poems [even if it is] just to get it out of the way.”

Likewise, Senior Tamala Mkandawire stated how she felt that POL “should be optional [though] it [does] bring everyone out of their comfort zone.”

Another Senior, James Garcia felt that POL “can help you in the future,” since it is an experience that can help with public speaking and could be especially helpful for those who may usually be shy or more reserved.

Junior Antonetta RemediBrown reciting her poem. Photo taken by Ryan Hames.

The Poetry Out Loud website offers students a plethora of categories of poems, which adds variety to the students’ potential experience.

Students could choose from types of poetry including pre-20th century poems, modern poems, and poems based on specific literary techniques such as Ars Poetica or “the art of poetry”, free Junior Ariana Teixeira. Photo by Nick Powers. verse, dramatic monologue, etc. have wanted to participate in the The website also offers tips and class recitation, but still wanted to techniques for reciting poetry, vidtarting right after the holiday break, the semi-finals of Poetry Out Loud took place on Thursday, January 5, and Friday, January 6.

Poetry Out Loud is a tradition at MHS, taking place every year.

Students are required to memorize a poem of their choice off the Poetry Out Loud website, and recite the poem in front of their English class.

The winners of each class gets to move onto the semi-finals, reciting the same poem, but this time in the Jenkins auditorium, pitting winners of different English classroom competitions from the same period.

There was a new addition to the Poetry Out Loud, or POL, competition for all English classes this year. This year, all students were presented with optional ways of reciting their poem to their teacher apart from the traditional classroom renditioning. Apart from the standard class recitation, students were allowed to go after school and recite their poem to their teacher, create a song out of their poem, or record a video themselves performing their poem. These options were presented for students who may not

Senior Samantha Woolbert. Photo by Nick Powers. eos of past finalists from across the country, and audio clips of poetry for students to listen for preparation.

All English classes in grades 9-12 from English 9 CP to AP Literature and Composition were required to memorize a poem and perform it via one of the aforementioned options to their teacher or fellow classmates. Any student from any class, as long as they received the highest score in their class could participate in the auditorium semi-finals and potentially the penultimate finals held in late January.

Depending on the class, students were given multiple weeks to prepare in and out of class for their recitation. Along with the memorization and recitation, many students were given multiple assignments to be completed to help them better understand their selected poem, the competition, and to just be able to appreciate the art that is poetry recitation.

POL state and national finals are composed of 3 rounds of competition. For every round a student progresses though, they must memorize another poem of their choice off the POL website. Semifinals and finals are judged yearly by MHS English teacher Jennifer Clapp and an additional judge, which this year was MHS teacher Allen Phelps. POL is moderated by Play Production director and MHS English teacher Sean Walsh. Walsh also scores each contestant on accuracy.

One of the winners of the

period 4 group, sophomore Jenna Vanella, chose to recite the poem “Little Girl” by Tami Haaland. She successfully had moved onto the semifinals this year as well last year.

This time, however, she was able to move beyond the semi-finals, winning in her group, and advancing to the finals.

Compared to last year, she said this year’s semifinals was “different, because [she] knew the people who were on stage with [her].” She stated that she was delighted to be competing with her friends, which made some of her uneasiness go away.

“It’s nerve racking to be on stage,” she noted, “but it’s a whole lot of excitement after you finished reciting.” Vanella’s advice to newcomers competing next year, is to try to have fun and stay calm. “It is scary to have to recite your poem to an audience, but the only thing that could go wrong is that you forget a line and try again next year.”

After the semi-final round which began on January 5, the following students have progressed to the final round of school competition: seniors Paul Araiza, Nathan Ghebremicael, Marisa Vasquez, James Mac, Victoria MacDonald, and Gaudenz Brooks, juniors Meghan Yip, Christina Charles, Jenny Huynh, Antonetta RemediBrown, and Alexa Murray, and sophomores Sammy Lee, Paige Pimental, Vanella, and Libby Taylor.

Finals will take place during long block on January 25th.

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Local News maldenblueandgold.com

MHS students from various grades reciting their poems in the auditorium. Photos and collage by Ryan Hames.

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The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Church League Softball Rebecca Oliveira Reporter

the league has doubled in numbers, with a tea or two on the waiting list.

The Church Softball League is a big league that currently has fourteen teams, and each team has from twelve to twenty members. Unlike regular high school softball teams, the Church Softball League has members that are above the average high school age limits, meaning that young adults are able to join and participate in the teams as well.

Their season starts on the first Monday of May all the way to end of August, and their games take place at the two softball fields-the Hunting Field and the Ippolito Field-Linden STEAM Academy.

Between those four months, the Church Softball League’s teams are constantly hard at work. They usually play doubleheaders on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6 to 10 pm every week, and after the 4th of July

week they play doubleheaders on Wednesday evenings as well. Their playoffs start on the second week of August with three rounds of playoffs that week. In Butland’s opinion, the league’s teams’ biggest accomplishments for this year was “having the family and friends coming down to a beautiful park and cheering on their family member or friend”, as well as the children “making full use of the park facilities,” referring to Linden’s renovated playground.

Their expectations for this year has been to “eliminate trashtalking,” Butland says, adding that the League is working on, “to stand behind their own players,” which is understandable since a lot of teams face this problem as well. Besides weather problems, Butland says that the league has struggled with players that have other “commitments to school, work, extracurricular activities, [and] family commitments,” this past year. On a more positive note, Butland believes that the most important attributes to the league are, “sportsmanship, competition, and commitment,” and it seems that the league is moving along on the right track.

[they] wanted to do another debate night this year since the end of last year because the first one went so well.” Ky felt that “the event went smoothly, with the only thing that [he thinks they] really need to improve on is making it more structured and organized so the debates don’t go past the time [they] set for them.”

The topics of the debate were suggested by various people who wanted to get involved with the

event. The topics were added to a list of volunteered topics if they were interesting enough, and if there were people willing to debate both for and against. They also wanted to discuss ideas that were controversial, as long as each side were defensible.

The purpose behind Debate Night, according to Ky, was for people to be able to discuss different ideas from different sides to provide a setting where people can consider unalike perspectives and argue contrasting stances of some of the current issues. “[He feels] like it’s impossible to have a civil discussion about different ideas without having people get offended or upset,” says Ky. Though, he went on to say how it’s always important whether there is a debate or controversy that all stances are considered. “Isolating and blocking out any opposing ideas certainly isn’t productive, and [he finds] it rather juvenile,” Ky said.

“One of the biggest problems [he found] with getting people willing to debate is that either they don’t know/care about any of the topics or that they are just too shy,” Ky stated.

“The whole idea of having debate night is to make people care about these subjects, so once [people] start researching into the different stanc-

es and digging into the facts, [they] will find some sense of what [they] believe fairly quickly.”

On his performance, Ky says there is always room for improvement, however, he can still could work on debating and public speaking. His advice to newcomers wanting to join and participate is to put themselves out there, because the more they do something, the more comfortable they get. “[He] personally [knows] most of the debaters who participated this time and many of them are incredibly shy, yet they put themselves out there and none of them regret their decision,” Ky said.

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stablished in the 1940, the Protestant Church Athletic Association (PCAA) was created by Al Locke and Ken MacCuish, a basketball program alongside the softball program to, “espouse the virtues of character, courage, and loyalty,” explains Commissioner/Treasurer Steve Butland from the Church Softball League. Butland elaborates on the Church Softball League’s humble beginnings, saying that it had started out as a “joint effort by 5-6 churches” (the Centre Methodist and Maplewood Baptist churches being the main contributors), in an effort to encourage kids to not only go to Sunday school, but to “add another depth to these religious actions”. Nonetheless, they’re open for children of all religious affiliations.

2015 PCAA Al Locke Memorial Play-Off Champions - St Peter’s Angels. Photo submitted by league.

In the mid ‘70s, the league had a meager number of seven teams.

However, the number of teams on

Michelle Yin Reporter

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2015 PCAA Al Locke Memorial Play-Off Champions - St Peter’s Angels. Photo submitted by league.

Malden High School Hosts 2nd Annual Debate Night!

ebate Night was hosted by the Debate Club on January 10th, in the auditorium, and it lasted from six to eight. They debated on several topics, like illegal immigration, political correctness, presentism, zero tolerance policies and interventionism.

The Debate Club started planning for Debate Night in October 2016. Junior member Brendon Ky explained how the club “knew that

From left to right: sophomore Felix Li debating about the issues. Sophomore Birukti Tsige takes the stage to debate. Photos by Michelle Yin.

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Opinion maldenblueandgold.com

Ailin Toro Lead Reporter

L

a La Land followed the story of two performers trying to find success in California. Their idea of success however, differed. Mia wanted to become a popular actress while Sebastian wanted to own his own jazz club and play piano.

La La Land won seven awards at this year’s Golden Globes. The movie won every category it was nominated for, including best motion picture - musical or comedy, best director, best screenplay, best score and best actor and actress for the leads.

Starting off with a musical number, on what seems like an endless highway, where after people ignore the traffic and begin to sing and dance on their cars. When that musical number ends is when Mia and Sebastian first meet. When Mia and Sebastian, are introduced, though it isn’t a love at first sight moment at all. Sebastian cuts Mia off while she ignores the traffic ahead of her. The fact that in their third meeting, Mia still had a boyfriend seems almost irrelevant to the story. That fact was so insignificant to them because they must have felt it would have been wrong to not be together.

From the moment they finally did kiss their relationships seemed perfect. Their characters seemed made for each other and the chemistry between them was insane. The quick shots of them going on dates, driving, and doing almost anything but just always looking happy, made it feel like they were destined to be together. The characters are so good for each other, always encouraging them to do what they want to, but meanwhile still trying to reason with them.

Throughout the movie we get Female lead, Emma Stone. Photo from Wikimedia.

to know the character’s hopes, get to see their struggles, and enjoy their successes. One of Mia’s first scenes is her at an audition, putting everything into it, and then just being interrupted and asked to leave.

She was putting everything into it and her being blown off immediately made me like her character.

After she meets Sebastian, it doesn’t make her push back on her dream, but push it forward. He encourages her to have a one-woman show and she even decided to quit her job and pursue acting full time.

Sebastian, from almost the beginning I could see how passionate he was about jazz. The minute Mia said she didn’t like jazz he immediately took her to his favorite jazz club and told her every reason that jazz was important, not only to him, but to the world. A few scenes later, Mia is seen dancing freely to jazz music and it’s clear that she found a love for it. When he joined a band that Mia knew he didn’t enjoy playing for she struggled with it. After she had quit her job and pursued her dreams because of him, she wanted him to pursue his too. She supported him quitting as long as he was happy. She just wanted both of them to be content doing what they wanted to do.

When Sebastian was going on tour with the band, the distance was clearly affecting Mia. It was obvious that something was going to happen, negatively, between them. Mia was working on her one-woman show and couldn’t just leave everything to be with him and seemed offended when he asked her to. Even from before, when the audience sees her at one of his shows where he’s being blocked off from being seen on stage by dancers and she’s being pushed back by fans we can begin to see a disconnect. The moment he doesn’t show up to her play though, was the moment I knew they couldn’t get past that. It was heartbreaking, truly. That was something Mia invested everything into and him not showing up because of a photoshoot for the band wasn’t something Mia could easily forget, especially since he was definitely missed since he would have been one of maybe ten people in the audience. After this, Mia goes back to her hometown, ends it with Sebastian, and seriously considers leaving her dream behind.

Shortly after this, when Sebastian gets a call from a producer that wants Mia to audition for a movie as the starring role because she had seen Mia’s one woman-show and actually goes to her I had hope that they

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:

A Review

would find their ways back to each Billboard 200 chart and is as of writother, especially since after the audi- ing this article the #1 album on U.S tion they tell each other that they’ll iTunes.

There wasn’t any point in the always love each other but now is not the time for them, especially with Mia leaving to Paris since she gets the role.

Cut to five years later and Mia has become the famous actress she had always dreamed of being. The viewer is obviously ecstatic for her while she’s on the set shooting where she was once just a barista. The mood then immediately shifts when Mia is shown kissing someone else and leaving their kid with a nanny. Seeing Mia had moved on and now had a husband and child was a shock.

When she proceeds to go on a date with her husband and accidentally discovers Sebastian’s bar, with the name that she had recommended for it, it broke my heart. When La La Land poster with reviews. Photo from they saw each other, even WikiMedia. though it was five years later, it seemed like their love was still there and hadn’t changed at all, movie where I started daydreaming although it clearly had. or dozed off, which wasn’t the case Sebastian plays a song that had with me when I had seen Assasmade Mia interested in him in the sin’s Creed and Passengers a couple first place and the movie cuts to a life weeks before. I was focused on the where Sebastian would have never screen the entire time. Not because joined the band and they would something necessarily exciting was have still been together. Seeing that happening, but because of the music, clip of them having kids, still being because of the conversation, because in love, and being happy, all with the of the way that everything that hapsong that started everything playing pened would seem like something I in the background, made the audi- want to remember. Every single part ence yearn for that to happen. When of the movie was beautiful. it ended with someone else playing Although I left in tears, I would the piano instead of Sebastian and watch LaLaLand a million times having Mia and Sebastian watching and to anyone who’s thinking about him, that’s when the ending made seeing it I would say to make time sense. Sebastian wasn’t supposed for it and go. You’ll leave the theater to be sitting watching someone not only wanting to rewatch it but else play the piano with Mia. He also with newfound love of jazz. supposed be the one up there playing the piano in that bar Male lead, Ryan Gosling. Photo from which he owns. He wouldn’t WikiMedia. have done with Mia. I’m glad that both of the characters got their happy endings, I just wish they wouldn’t have had to be separate to realize them.

I had gone into LaLaLand with high expectations. So high I was actually expecting to be disappointed since usually when I see movies after seeing such high reviews the actual movie pales in comparison, but that wasn’t the case with this movie. This movie not only met my expectations but went miles above it. I started the movie off with a smile on my face and ended it with tears in my eyes.

The marvelousness of the film also had to a lot with the soundtrack. It’s landed on the

entertainment

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The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Don’t

Movie Review:

It!

Title photo by Ana Pirosca.

Sara Zakaria Reporter

T

he highly anticipated Star Wars Anthology prequel, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was released in theaters on December 16th. Early reviews were positive, and remained when the film was given a wide release, scoring a 84% critics rating and a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a review aggregator website for film and television. It was also given a 8.2 out of 10 on IMDB, another popular media review site.

The story takes place in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, the third film and forth film in the Star Wars series.

Jyn Erso, a strong female character played by talented actress Felicity Jones, is the daughter of Galen Erso, a scientist played

by Mads Mikkelson. When Jyn was young, Galen was taken by Orson Krennic, a director of the Galactic Empire, played by Ben Mendelsohn, to build the Death Star.

Now, with Jyn grown up, she joins the Rebel Alliance after much hesitation, after she finds information that Galen intentionally kept a flaw in the Death Star. Other important characters in the film are Cassian Andor, a Rebel Alliance officer, Chirrut Îmwe, a blind warrior in touch with the Force, Bodhi Rook, a former Imperial officer who joins the Rebels, Baze Malbus, a Rebel warrior, and K-2SO, a droid who formerly belonged to the Empire whose memory was wiped by the Rebels. These characters are portrayed by Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen and Alan Tudyk. The minor characters in Rogue One are iconic characters from previous films, such as Grand Moff Tarkin, whose appearance required CGI since Peter Cushing died in 1994, Darth Vader, with James Earl Jones reprising his role with his legendary voice, and Princess Leia, who appears in a cameo in the end of the movie, and also required CGI for the character to look like Carrie Fisher in 1977.

This movie, in my opinion, put the “wars” in Star Wars.

This film started out as quite uplifting, however, it slowly faded into a dark masterpiece. This was the second darkest Star Wars film (the first being Empire Strikes Back, of course). Although the mission succeeded and the Rebel Alliance acquired the Death Star’s plans, (spoiler alert!) everyone virtually dies in this movie. Many Rebel soldiers and members of the Empire were killed in battle, and even the heroes. The bittersweet ending of the movie gave it a new taste to the trilogy. I was hoping desperately that Rogue One was going to have a darker tone, and when I was viewing the movie on opening night, I was not disappointed. Sure, I was crying all through the last 45 minutes, with the image of Jyn and Cassian embracing as the shock wave of the blast from the Death Star kills them both haunting me the most, nevertheless, it’s what I wanted.

The characters were also a positive element to the film.

All the characters in the film were well written and complex.

To be honest, I found Orson Krennic a better villain than Kylo Ren from The Force Awakens, because Orson’s character was pure evil, power hungry and had a terrifying presence, unlike Kylo. Another small part of the movie I enjoyed greatly is the diversity. The rebels were played by actors of different races, like Diego Luna, who is Hispanic, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen, who are both Chinese, and Riz Ahmed, who is Pakistani. I connected mostly to Riz Ahmed, being from similar backgrounds, and I admired how his character was not a “terrorist” like most Muslim/Middle Eastern characters were portrayed. He was a hero who fought for a good cause, which made me extremely happy.

If I had to give this film a rating, it would be a 9 out of 10, a nearly perfect score. The film was brilliantly directed, props to director Gareth Edwards, wonderfully acted, accompanied with an amazing, well written plot and fantastic characters.

This is a spectacular movie that die hard Star Wars fans will love, and will bound to create new fans of the series. I definitely would be recommending this film to anyone, as long as you bring a box of tissues.

Ana Pirosca Reporter

S

o midterms are here and whether you like it or not, there’s bound to be some kind of stress surround-

1. Question the real reason for your stress.

Is it because you’re terrified of failure? -not having a future? -being rejected? Once you find out what it really is, it might be easier to break it down, and look at the bigger picture, or decide whether it’s important at all or not.

Chart created by Ana Pirosca. ing you. Your stress might not even come from school, it can be from home, or at a job. Here’s a step by step guide to not freaking out about it.

Stress is simply your body’s reaction to certain conditions. When you become stressed, your brain, specifically the hypothalamus (just a fancy way of calling the part of the brain in charge of your normal body), talks to the rest of your body, and releases hormones called epinephrine, and cortisol. These hormones are the reason you are stressed.

When your brain creates those “stress hormones,” it elevates your heart rate, your muscles tense up, you might feel really alert. It is normal to feel doses of stress throughout the day. Often times it keeps people motivated, and is healthy for you.

Heck, anyone who plays a sport that involves a lot of movement creates a little stress, but they still love the game so it can’t be that bad.

But it might be hard to manage it. You need balance. Balance is hard when the student life entails you to working regular hours as your parents might, going to classes etc., but also, go volunteer, get a job, play a sport, join a club, and get your homework done. Here’s how to trick yourself into not being overly stressed:

2. Reason with yourself all of the accomplishments you’ve had so far.

Did you win that competition?

Did you at least try? What have you done that no one else has that makes you special? Recalling the good things you have done in the past might help you realize that you are capable of many things. If one thing doesn’t work out, there will be a guaranteed 2nd option to look at. If you don’t think you’ll do well, you might realize that, hey, it can’t be all that bad at it, if you really are studying with a friend is great.

3. If all else fails, talk to someone. Actually, no matter what, always talk to someone.

Schools have counselors for a reason. You can talk to them about the stresses you have about the future, and in your daily toils. If that’s not an option, talk to a friend, teacher, parent, etc.. Anyone is willing to help, just speak up.

4. Do activities to calm down.

Yoga, running, coloring, reading, singing, dancing. Clean your room, your poor mother would be furiously happy. Do something nice for a friend.

Do it! Not only does it help relieve stress, but it is super healthy!

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Entertainment

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maldenblueandgold.com

Series review: Sydney Stumpf Lead Reporter

O

ut of almost nowhere, Netflix released one of their newest shows, The OA, in mid-December.

At first glance, you could mistake the science fiction show for Stranger Things, one of the more popular Netflix shows. The OA begins with an unknown blonde woman, later to be known as Prairie Johnson, jumping off of a bridge. With a bystander’s video gone viral, it leads the Johnsons, Prairies mother and father, to seemingly find their lost daughter, who had gone missing seven years ago. Also, an important thing to note, is when Johnson went missing, she was blind, but when her parents see their daughter for the first time in seven years in the hospital, she can see.

The single season of The OA, goes on with Prairie, now living back in her suburban home with her family, telling the local teenagers, all misfits or outcasts within their families, and a local high school teacher who becomes included after Prairie, who now prefers to

Movie Christina Appignani Lead Reporter

O

n December 21, 2016, director Peter Berg and actor Mark Wahlberg’s latest collaboration “Patriots Day” was released in select theaters in the Boston area.

The movie re-creates the true story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the four-day manhunt that followed. It focuses on the lives of specific individuals involved in or affected by the bombing, and highlights how these individuals contributed to the big picture. “Patriots Day” accurately depicts the intensity of the bombing and its effects while respectfully honoring those who suffered from the aftermath and those who sacrificed to catch the suspects.

Mark Wahlberg plays Boston Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders, who is one of the only fictional characters in the film. He finds himself on Boylston St on April 15, 2013 to work off a suspension given to him by former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, played by John

be called the OA, sent a video out asking people for their help with an unknown problem. The seemingly odd group of people then meet in an abandoned house in town.

By now, the show is engrossing. I hadn’t left the couch, my eyes glued to the screen. The gloomy, science-fiction oddity on the screen kept me watching just as Stranger Things had.

While meeting at the abandoned house, Prairie, every night for an hour, tells the story of her life, her disappearance, her death, and her escape. Born in Russia, Prairie lost her eyesight when she died when her school bus drove off of a bridge. Dead, Prairie is transported to this “world”, pitch black except for the glimmer of what looks like stars around. There, a woman asks Prairie is she would like to go back, and she says yes, though, the woman says, she must take Prairies eyesight to shield her from the evils of the world. Prairie awakens, blind, washed ashore. She goes to America at a school for the blind, and while in America, living with her aunt, her father dies, leaving her aunt to pull her from school and live with her.

The Johnson’s go to Prairies

aunt’s house in hopes of adopting a baby, but fall in love with Prairie instead. Years go by, and insistent that her father is not dead, she escapes her home on her 21 birthday, only to meet a man while she played violin in the subway. He kidnaps her, taking her to his is cabin in an abandoned mine where other people live who have also had near-death experiences are held captive. The kidnapper, a deranged scientist, is hoping to find out what happens after death: whether there is a heaven or hell, or anything at all.

While trapped in these clear cages, like animals, Prairie falls in love with Homer, another captive.

For seven years, the group of people try and escape, but to no avail. When Prairie finally escapes, she is stopped and killed again by this mad scientist. She awakes, with her sight back, although she does not allow him to find out. Prairie and the others find that there are specific movements to “escape” as told by the woman in this other “world”.

The movements are strange, and as I watched I got secondhand embarrassment. To me, this is when the show started going downhill in an embarrassing fashion.

Prairie enlists the group of teens and the teacher to perform these movements to save Homer.

They practice the movements, and it is very unsure what will happen if they all successfully complete the movements, but they’re put to the test in the oddest way.

While at school, the teenagers are eating lunch and the teacher is about to leave her job, when another teenager, with a gun, comes into the lunchroom. The OA (the Original Angel) has this feeling that this whole debacle is going on and rushes to the school, where she and the teenagers, and the teacher do the five movements, and somehow save the school? It was strange, and cringey. Also the OA is somehow shot in this situation. It was all very slowly portrayed, and gave me major secondhand embarrassment. The show ends with The OA riding off in an ambulance.

Overall the OA was strange, and cringey, giving me second-hand embarrassment. But will I watch season 2 (if there is one)? Did The OA makeup Homer and her abduction? There are too many questions to be answered to not watch Season 2.

Meanwhile, the film also shows the Tsarnaev’s brother strangely peaceful home life with Tamerlan’s wife and daughter, as well as their desperation to take the attention off themselves and escape. It also shows Dun Meng’s and Sean Collier’s daily lives and Kensky and Downes struggle to find each other amongst all of the injured.

While this movie definitely gives a spot-on portrayal of this series of events, what really caught my eye was how real this movie seemed. The footage in the film that served as surveillance footage from the marathon, MIT and Watertown was the actual footage taken back in 2013. Much of the cast, particularly John Goodman and Alex Wolff, bore a striking resemblances to the real-life people they were portraying. It humanizes the characters by showing their average every day life before and after the bombing; for example, it shows the Tsarnaev family fighting over who will get milk for Tamerlan’s daughter.

Being from the Boston area and being able to recall these events from a citizen’s point of view, Berg offers normal, every-day people like myself the opportunity to view the story from an inside point of view.

This allowed the audience to dis-

cover things previously unknown to them, such as the arguments had by the FBI and Boston Police over whether or not to release the pictures of the suspects and how the FBI literally re-created the marathon scene. The film’s dark and gloomy tone helps the audience from outside of the Boston area visualize how grim the time of the bombing was for Boston and its surrounding areas. Many of the scenes from “Patriots Day” were filmed in the Malden area, so you’ll see a lot of familiar places including New York Pizza, China Garden and The Big A Sub Shop.

Overall, Patriots Day is a riveting re-telling of the Boston Marathon and the events that follows. It precisely captures the events and emotions felt during that week, from the fear of citizens after the bombing to the relief and hope that filled Massachusetts once Tsarnaev was arrested. It notably honors the four people that died and those that were injured that week as well as the police and law enforcement that fought and sacrificed to get the people of Boston the justice they deserved. This is a movie that people from the Boston area will respect, as well as a film that people from elsewhere will enjoy for its message of hope for other places around the world that have experienced similar attacks.

review Goodman. Prior to the marathon bombing scene, the film introduces characters that were directly affected by the bombing and manhunt, including newlyweds Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky, played

by Christopher O’Shea and Rachel Brosnahan, MIT Officer Sean Collier played by Jake Picking and carjacking victim Dun Meng played by Jimmy O. Yang.

The film portrays several storylines from different character’s perspective of the time from the day before the bombing to the end of the manhunt. Saunders, Davis, Governor Deval Patrick played by Michael Beach and the Boston Police Department work with the FBI to re-create the tragedy and analyze as much evidence as possible in order to identify possible suspects. Eventually, an FBI agent stumbles across footage of a man in a white cap accompanied by a man in a black pack carrying backpacks, later identified to be bombing suspects and brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, played by Themo Melikidze and Alex Wolff..

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Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Abhishek Rana Lead Reporter Subin Bastola Reporter

Abhishek Rana Lead Reporter Subin Bastola Reporter

M

alden High’s Boys Basketball Team has started the season with a current overall record of 5-3.

The team has demonstrated their skill and have had some great performances.

On December 13th, The Tornadoes started their season with a dominating 64-47 victory over the Tewksbury Memorial High School Redmen. The team then went on to win its next three games to start the season undefeated at 4-0. It had strong outings over Marblehead, winning the game 56-51, and then dominated Milford and Woburn Memorial by a score of 69-41 and 54-36 respectively.

These wins consisted of great overall performances from the team as well individuals, such as senior captain Bernard Taylor, who continued to shoot lights out from the field and put up great scoring performances.

The team looked to continue its undefeated start to the season on December 29th against the Revere Patriots. Against a tough opponent, the boys played a back and forth, and tightly contested game and were down by three points with seconds to play in the fourth quarter.

Coming up clutch down the stretch,

From left to right: Joseph Perrotto dribbling the ball. Senior captain Bernard Taylor shooting a jump shot. Junior Daniel Perez Parada during player introductions. Junior Darius Henry attempting to get past his defender. Junior Daniel Perez Parada guarding an opposing player. Senior captain Bernard Taylor sizing up his defender. Photos by Abhishek Rana.

Collage by Ryan Hames.

A n Taylor conother tough verted a loss came game-tying on January and buzzer 6th when beating the Tornathree pointdoes went er to send away to the game to face the overtime.

S o m e r H o w e v e r, ville High despite S c h o o l their best Highlandefforts, the ers. Despite boys came another up short complete by a single perforpoint and m a n c e lost the from the game in team, the overtime by boys lost a final score their third of 72-71. straight O n game, by J a n u a r y Senior captain Nathaniel Ilebode attempting a layanother 3rd, The up. Photo by Abhishek Rana. singleTornadoes basket diftried to ference of redeem their only one loss of the 48-47. season then so far at Pope John XXII The boys then played the Tigers Tigers basketball team. However, for a second time in four games, but despite their valiant effort the boys this time at home in the MHS Finn once again lost the game by close Gym. The boys were looking to get margin, with the final score being some redemption over the one point 51-47.

loss against the Highlanders, as well as snap a three game losing streak, and they did just that by controlling the entire game. The home game made the difference as MHS won 67-52, gaining some much needed momentum on the season.

Despite having lost three out of the last four games, the boys have been extremely competitive in all of them and have only lost the three games by a combined six points. The team now hopes to rediscover their form and go back to winning ways in order to meet their pre-season goal of making the state tournament.

When asked about his thoughts on the season so far, senior captain Nathaniel Ilebode responded by saying that “[he] thinks that the season has been going pretty well so far,” but also confessed that “the last few games haven’t been too good.”

However, he also mentioned that “overall, it has been a good start.”

Ilebode also mentioned the importance for the team “to go back to winning ways after losing three of the last four games, especially if [they] want to make the playoffs.”

In order to do exactly that he stated that the team “needs to play well down the stretch and finish games,” as “not finishing games has caused them to lose three.”

From left to right: Junior Daniel Perez Parada driving to the rim past his defender. Junior Javier Regis looking to pass the ball to an open teammate. Junior Fern Berard guarding a Tewksbury player. Junior Daniel Perez Parada dribbling the ball up the court. Junior Lous Cram LaConte bringing the ball up the court. Photos

by Abhishek Rana. Collage by Ryan Hames.

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Sports

19

maldenblueandgold.com

Ryan Hames Head of Photography Abhishek Rana Lead Reporter

From left to right; Freshman Corey Rufo breaking through the opposing teams defense. Junior Michael Giordano on a break away. Junior Micahel Goroshko taking a look at the scoreboard before his faceoff. Revere player taking a slap shot.

Sophomore Marc Giordano preparing to defend his goalie. Revere goalie watching as the opposing teams offense rushes in.

Junior Michael Giordano passing the puck down the ice. Photos and collage by Ryan Hames.

R

evere High School’s boys hockey team includes eight players from Malden High School, three of whom are first line players. Juniors Michael Giordano and Michael Goroshko are both first line offensive players while Sophomore Marc Giordano is a first line defenseman.

Despite being from a rival school, Michael Giordano insists that “[the MHS] players don’t get treated any differently.” He continued to say that in fact “[their] chemistry works really well” because “a lot of the players have played together in other leagues before high school.”

This season the team got the opportunity to play a scrimmage game at Fenway Park on January 5th. Dubbed as Frozen Fenway, the scrimmage was against Pembroke High school and turned out to be a tight and action packed affair. During the scrimmage Goroshko scored two goals, and with six second left and Revere/Malden down down by one, Michael Giordano scored yet another last minute goal this season to ensure his team ties Pembroke with the final score of 3-3.

When asked what game he is most looking forward to playing from their remaining schedule, Michael Giordano responded by saying the he is most looking forward

Malden players on the Revere/ Malden Ice Hockey team on Frozen Fenway. From left to right; Junior Michael Goroshko, Senior James Pandolfo, Freshman Corey Rufo, Junior Michael Giordano, Freshman Kevin Ivany, Junior Paul Genetti, Sophomore Zachary Rufo, and Sophomore Marc Giordano.

Revere/ Malden Boys Ice Hockey team on Frozen Fenway 2017. Photo from Coach Ciccarello’s Twitter.

to “the next time [the team] plays Everett. “Those games are the best as both teams do not like each other.” In their previous face-off in the beginning of the season, Giordano scored the winning goal against Everett with 16 seconds left, with the game having been very close and it could have gone either way.

Revere/Malden has started the season with an overall record of 3-2, and the team now hopes to improve their record in order to make the state tournament. When asked what he hopes the team also accomplishes this year, Goroshko stated that “[he] wants players to put their heart and soul into every practice and game.”

He continued to say that “[they] must show passion for the game that [they] work so hard for and leave it all on the ice.”

Michael Giordano also mentioned the improvements that team has make for the rest of the season.

He confessed that “the month of January always been tough on the team in previous seasons” but also said that “[he] feels confident that the team can do well this year.” According to Giordano the best way the team can play well in January and beyond is to “play consistently” as well as continuing to have “a high powered offense.”

From left to right; Junior Michael Giordano looking back at his coach for instruction. Revere player trying to get the puck out of the defensive zone. Junior Michael Giordano taking a shot on goal. Junior Michael Goroshko taking the puck down the ice. Junior Michael Giordano eying down an opposing teams defensive player.

Senior James Pandolfo deking out an oppisng teams defensive player. Junior Micahel Giordano signaling to his teammate to pass the puck. Photos and collage by Ryan Hames.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Indoor Track Falyn Kelley Reporter Ana Pirosca Reporter

W

ith the indoor track athletes now adapted to certain challenges, the team is tunneling full steam ahead. Foreseen in the beginning of the season, there was a lot of promise in many of the new additions to the team. Sophomore Mattheus Farias, on his second year of track, is ecstatic about the team that has formed this year. “The season so far has been exceptional, with some of our new members making quite an impact in races,” Farias states.

There are many athletes in plentiful events that are gifted in what they do. Freshman Nour Chouiki, participating at a varsity level, is a 600 meter runner. Chouiki expresses that since the season started, she’s gotten a lot faster compared to the first time when she ran the 600, considering that the “season isn’t over yet, and there’s lots of room for improvement,” as returning member junior Amanda Santorelli pointed out.

During practices and meets, Chouiki records her time like many of the other runners. This way, over the course of the season, she can compare how fast she has gotten, notice her good days from bad days, and what she needs to do to perform better. Chouiki also explained that

Junior Anna Julia Souza throwing. Photo

by Abhishek Rana.

Freshman Emane Boufaida running the 1000. Photo by Abhishek Rana. over time, her first and latest running times had an overall change of 10 seconds, this could potentially have a dramatic change in placement.

Although it’s never just how fast you run that changes, junior Kylie DiMaro, a distance runner states that as a team, work ethic is improving every season. She states, “everyone continues to work hard every day in order to run faster. We continue to put our best foot forward.” Farias had come to the same conclusion about the team, having dedicated much effort to accomplish their individual goals. After all, without good work ethic, talent is meaningless, as expressed by many athletes at the start of the season.

Sophomore Shataeya Smith about to throw.

Photo by Abhishek Rana.

It is also noted that support, confidence, and good advice worked its way to all the athletes.

During races, everyone is working together and cheering each other on. Most indoor track athletes refer to their teammates as family. Farias states that, “back during try outs it was completely different” because everyone was just trying to get in shape and get used to the environment. The progress the team has made since then “is surprising because no one would expect almost 100 teenagers to be such a family to one another.”

As a result of such strength and unity throughout the team, many people are slowly achieving their goals. Some people such as

Santorelli have been aiming to improve speed and endurance.

Since starting track a year ago she’s learned how to push herself and “trying hard whether it is in workouts or just doing cores and strengthening.” Like Chouiki, her times and speeds have improved. Besides physical capability, she feels as if she has improved her confidence as well.

Big opponents are coming up.

Farias believes the next few weeks will be “a thrilling few weeks.”

Farias finds it difficult to keep up with everyone during meets and finds that he needs to focus more on the running than on the cheering.

Though with a winning streak not yet being broken, it’s hard not to be excited.

Sometimes it can be hard to put your best foot forward if there’s an injury. DiMaro explains that one of the biggest challenges in running is getting injuries. When an athlete is hurt another athlete has to take their place. “Every runner is important and plays a key role in our success. When one person is injured the whole team is affected,” DiMaro says. Hopefully, the future brings healthy athletes and working feet.

Junior Anthony Burnett getting ready to throw. Photo by Abhishek Rana.

Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2016

21

maldenblueandgold.com

Wrestling

Junior Hasnat Moughal pinning his man. Photo by Josandy Jeune.

Sabrina Monteiro Reporter Josandy Jeune Reporter

T

his season, although the Malden High School wrestling team starts off small, they have all continued to improve individually and gradually so far, establishing themselves as a hardworking team.

The coach, as well as the captains, believe that this year could have a positive outcome.

Team captain, junior Wisly Pericles, believes that this season is going much better than last year in terms of working together as a team. Pericles states that “even though [we] haven’t won a game yet, everyone got better at working

participating in competitions mostly during the wrestling season. The team’s highest weight class is 220, and the lowest being 182. They have improved on not only collaboration with one another but their motivation as well.

Wrestling athlete, junior Seth Jones, believes this season has immensely advanced compared to last year. Specifically considering that they had no wins last year. Jones admits that the team won’t be as successful as he might’ve thought by the end of the season due to injuries individual wrestlers face. Although he does accept that “with the team [they] have now, [they’re] good and hard working… [they] don’t need more practice but next year [they] should be better.” Jones also states

memorable meet so far was held in Watertown, reflecting on the fact that they “put up the best fight there.” He enjoys winning competitions and the experience of a good challenge. He believes that he may

goal for next year is to be more committed.

The coach of the wrestling team, Rin Van, believes that “the team has had some really good individual victories but they are a

Junior Wisly Pericles, Jr. getting his man down. Photo by Josandy Jeune.

Junior Carlos Parada pinning his opponent. Photo by Josandy Jeune. as a team. Everybody finally learned how to respect one another [without talking] back to the coach.” Pericles enjoy’s his time conditioning and

that this season, [they’ve] improved by “working harder, some of [them] are listening better and some are showing up on time.” Jones most

carry out wrestling in college if he gets a scholarship. Next year’s goal for Jones is to “win, get stronger, faster and work better as a team.”

Junior Hasnat Moughal, another wrestler on the team, admits that as a team “[they] have progressed in the aspect of being more cooperative with each other and supporting each other’s needs.” Moughal also thinks that the outcome of the season will remain notably positive. Everyone will support each other and come out in much better shape than what they started with. Moughal expresses that “as a team [they] need to work on [their] stamina,” a personal

very small team, making it difficult to win meets since the other teams they compete with have more players.” Van believes that his coaching has improved from the beginning of the season, whereas at the start of the season he was extremely lenient, but has now begun to strap down and get the team more organized.

Van considers that the outcome of this season will be positive and that “[they] might have a kid go to states.”

The team now hopes to continue their fundamentals and performances on the mat.

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Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Football: 2016 All-Scholastic Team Selections Rebecca Oliveira Reporter

T

he six students who were selected for the 2016 All-Scholastic Football team from Malden High School are seniors Josh Simon, Matthew Geer, and Joshua Andrews, juniors Jared Martino and Marlon Cook, and sophomore Tyler Martineau. In fact, Jared Martino was selected as the Player of the Year due to the records-shattering performance he had this past season.

The All-Scholastic Football team is the all-star team of football players in the Greater Boston area, chosen for their impressive athletic prowess shown on the field.

Students from Boston, Medford, Malden, and several other cities are recommended and are selected in being recognized for their outstanding performance throughout the season.

The football season had gone well last year in 2016. The team began their season in late August and ended on Thanksgiving day with a final record of 5-6. The 2016 season was especially of reformation under new varsity head coach Bill Manchester, who brough along a new system and scheme for the team to adjust to.

They had to practice, “going

Junior Player of the Year Jared Martino scrambling out of the pocket. Photo by Abhishek Rana. faster on the field and not using as many signals,” Simon, captain of the football team, explained, but “they stuck together.”

Coach Manchester said that he was, “overall, very proud [of the team] from where [they] started and [although they started off] slow [he is proud of] how well [the team] did at the end of the year. [He] saw a lot of growth in the kids throughout the year.”

Malden’s football players were selected for the All-Scholastic roster through the recommendations between the coaches from different football teams of the cities around the greater Boston area. Manchester explained how each coaching staff gets to select their players and based off of that selection the coaches come together in order to have the final select group of players for the

all-star roster.

Manchester added that, “consistent great plays and games, consistent great work and practice,” are some of the key deciding factors in recommending which players get selected for the recognition.

For captain Martino, “it was definitely a really cool experience,” especially since “he had one of the best seasons not only in Malden, but in Greater Boston League history,” Manchester praised. Martino “ended up with over 3,000 yards of offense, ran for 1,200 yards, which was the most ever run by a quarterback in under thirty plus years of Malden football history,” Manchester explained. Manchester also said that Martino, “passed for over 1,900 yards which was a new single season record.”

Captain Geer, an offensive line-

man, explained how it was, “a great honor,” for him, due to the fact that “there’s only a few people that are selected, and it means you did your work on the field and off the field and that’s something to be proud of.” Fellow lineman Martineau replied in a similar fashion, saying how “just to be selected, was an honor,” for him.

Even though the start of Malden’s football team had been pretty rough, they weren’t discouraged and continued to push through the season with their best effort into winning as many games as possible.

Manchester is not only proud of those that were recognized for all of their hard work and dedication that they had put into the season, but of his whole team in general.

other clubs for an “interclub,” Lo explained, where they would meet and compete against each other. The different clubs would only be versing each other for fun, as opposed to competing against each other for a championship.

A lot of the members enjoy participating in the club for for a variety of different reasons. For new members like Feng Chang, badminton is “unlike any other sport”, and not just because it’s fun to play. Chang felt that, “I feel like there is not that much a gap between beginner and someone who has more experience,” which makes it easier for him to play with other members on the team without feeling self-conscious about his lack of experience, and that Badminton Club member serving. Photo by in the game “You’re Rebecca Oliveira. not defeated so easily.” lows them to leisurely practice in a Another reason very welcoming community. people like badminton In the past, the club used is the fact that it’s a to join other meets around the city very intense and high to compete with other badminton speed sport, and a lot of teams. However, for the past two the members appreciyears the badminton club has joined ate how badminton is

a good workout sport. Lo said that he liked the “intense” and “high speed” aspects of badminton, and he explained that badminton is technically an even faster paced sport than tennis. Thyagarajan appreciates how badminton is an “allround” sport, that allows for him to “move [himself] out of the couch and moves all of [his] muscles.”

A Look Into the Badminton Club

Rebecca Oliveira Reporter

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he badminton club meets every Friday from 7-10 pm at the Salemwood School. It has been around since the Salemwood School was first established in the year 2000.

Before they actually formed the badminton club, one of the founding members Larry Lo explained that they were a part of the Asian Spectrum Organization, and they originally held their meets at the Lincoln School before it was torn down and became the Lincoln Garden.

They have 60 to 80 members in total, but not everyone who participates in the club meets every Friday so that the Salemwood gym wouldn’t get too overcrowded with people, since the badminton club also shares the Salemwood gym with a basketball team and the pingpong team. The club has a “family atmosphere, that everybody is really friendly,” Lo says in describing the community of the badminton club.

The club is open to not only students from Malden, but also to people around the greater Boston area.

Two members of the club, Shatrungai Singh and Vivek Thyagarajan, “usually warm-up first, play a warm-up game and then we play an actual game, but we don’t have a fixed schedule persay,” Singh states. “It’s pretty much up to the individual,” Thyagarajan elaborated.

Members of the badminton club

don’t have a fixed set of drills like most sport teams do, since the club is more of a recreational, free-for-all type of club. For people like Singh and Thyagarajan, who have been playing badminton since they were very young, the badminton club al-

The Blue and Gold January 2016

Swim

Sports maldenblueandgold.com

23

Profile:

Salma Bezzat

Emraude Bonnet Reporter MHS lane 2 swimmer. Photo by Abhishek Rana.

Rebeca Pereira Reporter

always gonna be faster than [him], but that just means [he] can always improve, [he] can always do better Kayla Sousa in [his] events, [he] can put more efReporter fort into practice.”

To him, his team is like a secs the new year approaches, ond family, and they push him to the Malden High School be a better swimswim team is making the most mer. He describes of the new swim season. As a how tight knit the returning member, sophomore team is and hopes Sebastian Romani has some that this year he experience under his belt, but can help new continues seeing the new seaswimmers find son as an opportunity to better their place on the himself. team. He said that Romani has been a swim“[he] really [likes] mer his entire life and is quick meeting new to recognize the impact his people,” adding childhood experience with that “[he wants swimming had on fueling his new swimmers] to current passion for the sport. feel comfortable, He is a dedicated competitive and [he wants] to swimmer, and his drive most be someone that certainly reflects on his perthey can look up formance which, as his teamto.” He wants to mates explain, has improved help them see in from last season. Romani’s swim what draws fellow teammate, sophomore him back to the Alyne Coninck, said that “he Junior Kevin Ochoa. Photo by Abhishek Rana. sport each season. grew as a swimmer,” explainHe said he wants ing further that “he’s in lane three In regards to his personal goals, to help others feel the same way he now and he’s been put into new Romani hopes to be put into more does when he sees “old faces and events”. events and be able to prove himself new faces get in the water and just Romani knows that, although to the coaches. He has learned to become a part of the team”. it hasn’t been long since the season He hopes to close the season swim with a particular mindset that began, he’s already improving. He allows him to make progress, but on well while maintaining his love for feels that he has “definitely gotten his own terms. He stated he doesn’t the sport and team. “Being part of a better at the butterfly stroke. [He like to compare himself to others team makes me so happy, I love it. I feels] like [he is] improving [himself] saying “there’s somebody that’s love this team.” and that makes [him] really happy, and [he hopes] that makes [his] team happy as well.”

Sophomore and fellow teammate Jill Tramondozzi spoke for the team when she said how Romani’s contagious enthusiasm helps everyone since “he’s always super excited to come to swim everyday.”

Despite already making some gains, Romani still hopes to show progress everyday, but admitted that he and the team face challenges this year that will take extra effort to

A

overcome. He stated that “besides losing a lot of people, [he feels] it’s a lot more of getting the new people used to how swim goes,” referencing how little time the team had to prepare for their first meet of the season.

S

alma Bezzat is one of the two sophomores that are on the Malden High girl’s varsity basketball team. She has already shown her skills in even just the very first game of the season.

Last year, she was on JV and she “played like one or two games” but this is her first year on varsity officially. She doesn’t start on varsity, but she’s one of the runner-ups.

When asked which team would be her favorite team to play, she said Everett because it’s “going to be pretty intense” and can’t wait to play them.

She’s been playing basketball since fifth grade, where she started on the recreational team.

Her goals for this season are to really want to beat the varsity record from last year. Last year, the varsity team won 2 games and lost 18 games out of 20 games. “[She thinks] that even if [they] win three games and lose 17 that would be great because [they’d] be moving forward.”

Salma plays a forward and plans on playing basketball after high school.

When asked how she feels about being one of the only sophomores on varsity, she talked about how it’s pretty intense and how coach Scott Marino always refers to her “as the sophomore on the team.” As a sophomore she’s the one who collects the balls after practice and has to do tasks like so. It was “a little intimidating” because last year she was playing with them as well, as a freshman, but she likes it. “It’s pretty chill,” according to her.

Salma is not only on the varsity basketball team, but she’s also on the varsity soccer team, so naturally, we asked which one she likes better. It was a hard question that she struggled to answer with, of course. She likes the sport soccer a little better, but still has a great love for basketball. She loves both teams equally, yet the basketball team is smaller, which gives them a more concrete relationship.

Make sure to watch out for #22, Salma Bezzat, on the basketball court!

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Sports

The Blue and Gold January 2016

maldenblueandgold.com

Girls Basketball Jesaias Benitez Lead Reporter Emraude Bonnet Reporter

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he Malden High School’s girls basketball team is midway through the season, having a current record of five wins and four losses. At the end of this school year, the team will be losing four seniors, however, they have attained a new coach that plans on developing the program through the next years at MHS. Senior captain Grace Cappuccio explained that she “expects [the team] to be in the tournament by the end of [the] scheduled season and have won the GBL title.”

Although the season has had several ups and downs, Cappuccio shared that “there has been a vast improvement in the overall attitude and results of the program as a whole,” due to the coaching of head coach Scott Marino and assistant coach Brian Ludemann.

With the season now well under way, sophomore Salma Bezzat expressed that she feels “the competition on the team makes [the season] even better,” allowing her to play her best during actual games.

Practicing endlessly every week, the girls basketball program has been trying to improve in order to get ready for their opponents each and every week. “[Bezzat] didn’t know to what extent that the new coaches would [push her] to [her] limits at every game and practice.”

As a team, and like every team, the girls have their strong suits as well as their weaknesses. Dur-

Top to bottom: Girls varsity baskebtall collage. Photos by Jesaias Benitez. Created by Ryan Hames. Senior Grace Cappuccio running on the court. Photo by Jesaias Benitez. Team huddling before the start of the game to discuss the gameplan.

Photo by Emraude Bonnet.

ing practices, the team works on improving their shot selection and communicating on the court. Coach Marino along with Ludemann have done an excellent job not only improving the girls basketball program, but also helped them defeat Everett along with Medford.

There are several teammates who have been in the basketball program and every year the program receives new members. With the new and old members of the team, Cappuccio feel that “[they are] becoming one big family along the way.”

Bezzat believes that the team will win many more games and that there is a bright future for them.

The “new coaches coming in know what it takes to be successful.” She explain that with their helps, she has been able to improve her basketball skills and take basketball more seriously in general.

No matter how many wins or losses by the end of the year, Bezzat feels that the team “will be proud of what [they] have become.”

As a team, they are trying to work on communication most, because key plays and chances could be missed without the right communication midgame. A teammate could be open on the court, but if no one will say anything, and the players would just stare, then they cannot take advantage of their possession of the ball. The season is still going on strong, and it looks like they’ll keep trying to improve on not only their weaknesses, but on getting their strengths stronger too.