Annual FOOGI Haunt Jaunt Storms The Streets of Malden
The Blue and Gold maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 100 Edition 2
77 salem street November 2014
MHS Fall Sports Go to States
Page 21 Pages 4-5
Page 6-7 Page 8 Page 11
Page 12
Page 13 Page 13 Page 16 Page 15 Page 17 Pages 18-19 Page 20
Page 22
Page 24
Page 23 Page 25-26
Page 27
maldenblueandgold.com Malden High School Volume 100 Edition 2 November 2014
Editorial
2 Malden High School
The Blue and Gold 77 Salem St. Malden, MA 02148
Established in 1915
Celebrating 100 Years of School Reporting Staff Editors-in-Chief Amanda De Moraes ‘15 Casey Lyons ‘15 James Mazarakis ‘15 Sumya Mohiuddin ‘15 Managing Editors Jessica Lynn DePaula ‘15 Julie Lam ‘15 Heads of Op-Eds & World Nicholas Bramante ‘16 Andrew Cogliano ‘16 Heads of Local News Emma Ceplinskas ‘16 Manale Zouhir ‘16 Heads of Entertainment Chaimae El Adlouni ‘16 Ashley Leung ‘16 Heads of Sports Lucia Quesada Nylen ‘16 Cassandra Reyes ‘16 Lead Sports Writer P.J. Montezuma ‘15 Lead Photographers Piero Pocobene ‘15 Meagan Sullivan ‘15
Reporters Jasper Haag ‘16 Tatyanna Cabral ‘17 Maria Da Silva ‘17 Candela Diaz ‘17 Tenzin Dorjee ‘17 Felicia Fallano ‘17 Karina Matos ‘17 Julia Parker ‘17 Ana Kerr ‘18 Megan Downer ‘18 Leila Greige ‘18 Samuel Martinez ‘18 Anna Powers ‘18 Meghan Yip ‘18 Contributing Senior Reporters Julio Da Silva ‘15 Roberto De Oliveira ‘15 Jonathan DeCicco ‘15 Katie Mai ‘15 Amanda Nguyen ‘15 Advisor Ryan Gallagher
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
To Vote or Not To Vote? N
That is NOT the Question
ov. 4, 2014. Midterm elections. Results: Republicans take control of both houses of Congress, with a majority of 53 in the senate and 243 (out of 435) in the House of Representatives; Massachusetts elects Republican Charlie Baker as governor; our districts’ elected state representatives are senator-elect Jason Lewis and representative-elect Steven Ultrino; Ballot questions one and four pass while two and four leave laws unchanged. I could account for the sad truth that many students will not understand what the above paragraph means to them, but to be fair, the Big Picture is something that many voting-age citizens struggle with. For a student, considering a political issue is perhaps as daunting as learning how to pay taxes, filling out a job application, or coming to the bloodcurdling realization that parallel parking is a practice devised by sadistic mathematicians who take pleasure in making young men and women feel as if they are growing up too fast. It seems almost silly that obtaining the ability to contribute to the nation’s and state’s developments makes people more anxious. Stress is warranted. Taking responsibility for, well, any national affair is quite the feat. And not only does everyone have the right to choose how they vote, but whether or not they vote at all. It has been my observation, though, that many students simply disqualify themselves from thinking about politics on account of their age. Out of all the things that matter during an election - whether it be for your district representative, a ballot question, or the President of the United States age should be at the bottom of that list. I can empathize - thinking about the gridlock in Washington and the awful inequalities and disorders in government can make anyone’s head hurt if they try too hard. The biggest mistake people make, though, is that because they don’t care about that part of government, they should not care about politics at all. Politics is not just about the bureaucracy. It is not only about who is right or wrong about guns, health care, or the economy. And just because racism and sexism still exists doesn’t mean nothing can move forward, ever. Take Charlie Baker’s recent election, for example. In his campaign mission, he advocates the expansion of charter schools in Massachusetts. This can mean different things for different people - his plan to “remove the arbitrary restrictions” on who can attend charter schools, according to his campaign website, might mean more opportunities for students. On the other hand,
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
spending money on expanding charter schools risks existing funding for mainstream schools like Malden High, which has already seen enough budget cuts. A more visible example is Question #3 on the Massachusetts state ballot. In sum, the casino being built in Everett has the legal OK to continue construction. What does this mean? Time will tell, but it could mean anything from traffic and rapid expansion in surrounding cities like Malden to a rise of local business and jobs. Take a step back, dissociate yourself from political party, and ask yourself: Would you have voted to retain the tranquility of semi-urban life or taken a chance at bringing more business to Malden? Again, many students would look at this issue and turn their heads indignantly, saying they do not care. But I implore you to ask yourself exactly why. Voting is not about supporting some tyrannical scheme that will continue to oppress you. (In fact, voting is literally the opposite by principle.) If it helps, think of voting as a means of rebellion. It’s a statement on the current order - this part of government is good, this part isn’t, this part needs changed. I should acknowledge at this point that I am actually not eligible to vote yet; I am still seventeen years old. However, I joined the congressional campaign for Katherine Clark, who is now our current district representative in U.S. Congress, in 2013. Not only did I get to meet candidates like Clark, Edward Markey (our Senator from Malden), now-state congressman Steven Ultrino and state senator Jason Lewis; but I also have the privilege of saying I had a hand in sending a proud woman with three children in public education in our district to Congress. Bragging is not my intention here, so let me point out why this is something students should think about participating in, other than the fact it looks great on a college resume. Age does not mean you are incapable of having an opinion. Naivety is not a label that sticks to you until you have acquired a job and had three children; no, it is the state of lacking exposure to the world around you. By engaging yourself with people who care and are willing to explain to you why certain issues are important to your community, you nullify any claim to such words. The only prerequisite to participating and discussing politics is understanding of the issue, and that part is surprisingly easy. (That is, unless you’re asking a politician who doesn’t want you to know he’s more naive than you are. And in this day and age, this is not as rare as you may believe.) What if you have a strong belief about something that is not on the ballot? As a minor you are also capable of starting a petition online or in person. This sounds rather tedious, but the end result of a successful petition can be stunning. This newspaper accepts lettersto-the-editors. Most importantly, who’s to say you are too young to talk with your representative or senator of your state? Country? The president? Young people are said to have poor voting habits, and unfortunately, this proves true after every election. But the right to vote is not reserved for the students with a GPA above 3.5, the AP Government attendees, the debate team kids - it is for the ones who have an idea of what is best for themselves and their communities. And even if you are not a citizen or cannot vote for whatever reason, you have the power to help justice occur. It matters, Malden High. Your views are only valid if you make them valid. Next year at the school committee election, come to the booths with an idea of who can make Malden schools an even better place. I hope to see you there.
James Mazarakis James Mazarakis Editor-in-Chief Class of 2015
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Interactive
3
maldenblueandgold.com
November Crossword Puzzle
SPIRIT WEEK Instagram Contest
Post your outfits over Spirit Week on Instagram with the hashtag #theblueandgold to submit them to our Instagram contest! Winners will be featured on our December edition. Good Luck!
“Pay Attention”
Uses for High School Level Math in Everyday Life
Four Squares: Use the images below to guess at the word or phrase associated with all four.
Hint: “If we burn, you burn
with us.”
Hint: “ONIONS. HAVE. LAYERS.”
Opinion
4
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
“just be happy” “ ”
Nicholas Bramante Head of Opinion
W
e have all been there: a terrible day and a negative outlook on life. Maybe you just got out of a rough breakup, woke up an hour late for school, or are just finding it hard to find anything in life interesting. In any case, you have not even woken up on the wrong side of the bed; you woke up on the floor. As you are grumbling down the hallway, you are approached by a good friend of yours. Maybe they can help! They would never steer you in the wrong direction. After becoming aware of your situation, your savior comes up with that fateful oneliner we have all heard; “Maybe you should just think more positively!” Ugh. In people’s defense around the world I am sure most have good intentions when puffing out this tired phrase, but “thinking more positively” does not make a solution. This does not mean one should not always be looking to further their journey to happiness, but it does however mean that this journey is
Happiness is a challenge, a puzzle at best... There is no definitive equation nor is there a specific right answer, but trying to solve a rubiks cube as if it is a simple toddler’s shape-to-hole toy is going to get no one anywhere. a challenge at the least and cannot be navigated (usually) with such a simple solution. Can you imagine if Lewis and Clark attempted to navigate the Americas with no tools or equipment and went off the ideal that if they “thought about it in a positive light,” that everything would fall together perfectly? To say the least, Lewis and Clark would not have made much progress. And that is exactly how many may feel about their journey towards happiness: lost and without tools. Now anyone who is experiencing unhappiness towards the level of clinical depression or any other mental health disorder should seek qualified help as soon as possible; I am not a professional and I can not advise people to take any actions in this area. However, I can draw upon my own life experiences and offer some advice to both those who tell those to just be more positive, and those who are not quite as happy as they would like to be. Happiness is a challenge, a
puzzle at best. At times it may even seem like an impossible task to some. There is no definitive equation nor is there a specific right answer, but trying to solve a rubiks cube as if it is a simple toddler’s shape-to-hole toy is going to get no one anywhere. To those who are still struggling with this issue, do not be discouraged. I know, it is easier said than done. But I have been there and I have done that. What works for someone else may not work as well, or even at all for you. It is easy to chalk unhappiness up to a natural-born inability to be able to “think positive,” but the easy way is usually not the most effective way when it comes to happiness. Baby steps are still steps, you may be surprised with how much happiness simple things can bring. My one absolute outlet? Comic books. No matter how much of a downer day I may be experiencing, those little three-dollar adventures always manage to cheer me up. Finding your own little niche can be
crucial in your own personal happiness “equation.” Telling yourself that the answer to your unhappiness is something as simple as “smile more” or “be positive,” is letting yourself fall lower into that rut you would like to climb out of. And for the friends or family around the world giving an answer like that it is most likely because you are not sure of what else to say, and that is okay! We are not all professionals and we can not always have all the answers. The important part is staying supportive and staying open to what others do that makes them happy. Happiness is one of life’s great mysteries and it is one that has a different solution for everyone who encounters trouble in achieving it. Treating a terribly complicated situation as if it is a simple equation is a good way to get nowhere; but with this understanding and a will to keep on trying, anyone can accomplish the level of happiness and positivity they aspire to. Anyone.
Double-Edged Intelligence Andrew Cogliano Head of World
I
magine the wonders of ignorance: the wonders of simply not knowing enough to make you sad. Imagine rolling out of bed and thinking not of advanced placement classes or college exams, but of the color of your socks or which perfume you’ll wear. Imagine getting C’s and B’s and being happy. Imagine not being stressed over stuff because you don’t know about it. Ignorance, my friends, is truly bliss. Science shows that, ironically, the IQ of a person and their risk for depression are directly proportional. In other words, the smarter a person is, the more at risk they are to be depressed. Why, you ask? Isn’t intelligence the cornerstone of success? The crown jewel of achievement? Take it from me; it isn’t. Being smart means knowing things and knowing things means knowing what you don’t know, which puts things at a loss. You realize that there is an ocean of facts and theorems to memorize, of equations to solve and balance, of papers to write and poems to analyze (because what purpose does poetry serve if it is not being analyzed?), of dates to remember,
“
Intelligence is the perfect definition of a double edged sword. Intelligence brings with it the promise of a good job, of success, of financial security, but also the risk of depression, of substance abuse, and of massive college debt.
and of general things to know. Intelligence is the battle between the left and right sides of the brain, the former wanting numbers and letters and order while the latter wants creativity and art and color. Unfortunately, the left side is usually the only thing schools care about and what society as a whole generally cares about. The little boy who wrote a cute novella has nothing on the girl who knows how to solve rational trinomial equations. Chances are, this girl will probably end up with depression later on in life merely because she is aware that there are so many more rational trinomial equations to solve, too many to count. The left brain (that idolized blob of neurons that sits in your skull) has a horrible tendency to drain all passion and amusement from life. The color red? No, no, that isn’t red; that is merely a beam of
electrons that are being energized a few energy levels higher than they should be. Architecture? Oh, you mean the careful, calculated planning of where each and every brick is laid. Marvelous! How did this become what we hold so highly in society? Does being the alpha species mean having to deal with all this boring stuff? I am sitting here writing this, and my hair is falling out of my scalp and into the cracks in my keyboard. It is midnight; I still need to do my honors trigonometry homework, and I still need to update my lab report for advanced placement chemistry. When I say I am stressed out over these classes, the most common response (at least from adults) is “You knew what you were getting into when you signed up for these classes!” What if I never wanted to take any of them in the first place? Let’s be honest, who actually wakes
”
up and thinks “Hey, I want to make my life ten times harder!” Nobody, that’s who. In all honesty, I am taking these courses just because colleges like them. I could care less about the Abbasid empire, or electrochemistry, or the author’s purpose of a haiku. I don’t care, but I need to care about it because it looks good to colleges. Intelligence is the perfect definition of a double edged sword. Intelligence brings with it the promise of a good job, of success, of financial security, but also the risk of depression, of substance abuse, and of massive college debt. My message to you is to simply live. Live like that lab report isn’t due in the next five hours, live like you didn’t just fail your math test, live like you are “stupid,” because only the “stupid” people have any fun. I know for a fact that I would rather be blissfully ignorant than be painfully aware.
Opinion
The Blue and Gold November 2014
5
maldenblueandgold.com
What Are We Preparing For? Sumya Mohiuddin Editor-in-Chief
F
ear has a nasty ability to cloud our judgment. What happens to students who are afraid of failing? Certain students perform well because they are under copious amounts of stress, not because they have a burning desire to acquire
“
vanced Placement classes to take, but rather academic interest. Because students are worried that their GPA may be too low for colleges, they feel pressured to take harder classes to not only raise their GPA, but impress colleges. The race to improve our “academic portfolios” is ongoing, with minimal rest points. Many students find a balance
We prepare endlessly for college, but when did we prepare for high school?
knowledge and grow intellectually. All of our lives, we pursue acceptable grades to the best of our ability because our parents want us to. Some students develop helpful study habits and carry them throughout their academic career. However, a majority of students struggle with the transition from childhood to adolescence. Many individuals grow with the belief that they are intelligent, and can conquer any academic task. However, what happens when they cannot? In retrospect, middle school curriculums seldom challenged students -- academic duties certainly never reached a high school difficulty. Yet, upon entering high school, the concentration on Advanced Placement classes is obvious even to freshmen. We prepare endlessly for college, but when did we prepare for high school? Freshmen do not enter high school without hearing that “the next four years are going to fly by,” which was said by anyone who endured all four years of high school. Perhaps that is why high school students prepare for college so diligently. However, the sudden onslaught of material can be overwhelming. Students may believe that because of their past success, they will strive in Advanced Placement classes not necessarily because the material is doable, but because the students cannot imagine a potential failure. It is not the fault of the students that they believe they will succeed in all academic endeavors, no matter the odds. Confidence should not be a factor when considering which Ad-
”
between their academics and their extracurriculars because of their past routine. It may be harder for students who never played a sport or worked a day in their life to adapt to vigourous schedules. Some want to focus solely on their GPA and improve it without worrying about the “extras.” Arguments about the validity of GPA scales within schools systems fall onto a widened spectrum. Believers in the scale think grades represent the academic lives of students appropriately. School is meant to educate students, and an efficient way to record the progress is through the scale. However, opposers of the scale argue that grades are not a full representation of a student, and it should not be judged so harshly. Of course, those who do achieve academic success deserve recognition -- landing a spot in the top ten within a class of 450 students is not only difficult, but impressive. Without taking away from those who do exceptional work, we should not judge students if they find themselves in foreign academic situations, and by foreign, I mean receiving lower grades than those in middle school. Grades, by no means, should be disregarded. Did society glue binoculars to its face to focus on our grades and academic merit? Perhaps, but note that our grades are not a reflection of our potential. Students should not feel discouraged if they see themselves falling into a dark hole. School goes on. Grades are marked. You survive.
“A Day In The Life” Documentaries COMING SOON
We had senior reporters Roberto De Oliviera, Katie Mai, Julio Da Silva, and Amanda Nguyen follow Dana Marie Brown’s AP U.S. History Class and Boyle House Principal Christopher Mastrangelo for a week to see what their job is like behind the scenes!
Visit our website soon to catch the experience!
International News
6
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
! s k c a t t A " g u a m When "S Sam Martinez Reporter
F
or years China has dealt with high levels of pollution in some of their cities such as Beijing, Linfen, and Urumqi. The pollution has reached an all-time high when the smog over China went 20 times over the safe level. People are wearing masks daily because they’re becoming more and more concerned with the quality of the air. China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang says that they will, ”declare war on pollution” and try to reduce levels of smog in areas near Beijing. Smog has become so thick that it is hard to see the tops of buildings anymore. On October 19th, around 30,000 runners gathered in Beijing to run the 34th annual Beijing International marathon. That day, the smog covering Beijing was hazardous to human health. The marathon could not be cancelled because many people came from distant countries to participate in this race. To protect themselves, the runners were forced to wear protective gas masks. Many runners dropped out of the race because they were concerned for their health as well as the other participants’. After the race, over 40,000 sponges were handed out to people whose skin had been exposed to the air. The prime minister of China has made it his top priority to defeat the country’s environmental crisis. Most of the country’s pollution comes from factories that burn coal in order to generate electricity. Mr. Li has promised that 50 thousand small coal furnaces will be shut down and 6 million highemission cars will be taken off the roads by next year. China is also the place where most of the world’s steel is smelted which has also caused large quantities of pollution to be released into the air. The prime minister has also promised that they will cut 27 million tons of steelmaking capacity this
Dictator Ditches
Smaug photo and milk carton created by Nick Bramante and Sam Martinez. Photos from Wikimedia.
Duties
Samuel Martinez Reporter Above: Kim Jong Un appears at a conference for the first time, now with a walkng stick in hand. Photo by Wikimedia. year. So far there is no sign that China has reduced the footprint that it’s steel industry has created. China has suffered through a thick haze of smog which has caused visibility and health problems. All of this pollution has been pushed 20 times over what the World Health Organization deems as safe. Around Beijing, concentrations of pollutant particles called PM2.5 have reached over 500 micrograms per cubic meter. WHO considers the healthy limit to be 25 per cubic meter. If levels of PM2.5 are between 301 and 500, they are considered hazardous and can cause many respiratory issues. These particles are dangerous because they lodge themselves deep inside the lungs. This is why people who must go outside should be wearing a gas mask or they’ll breathe in the harmful particles. The smog becomes more intense around the fall and winter times because cold, heavy air traps pollution near the surface. People are flying in bags of fresh air to China to help the citizens of China breathe. The PM2.5 particles are so tiny yet very toxic to human health. Something must happen about the copious amounts of pollution being produced by factories and coal furnaces. We hope that what the prime minister promises to occur by 2015 is true and pollution decreases so life can return to normal.
After 40 days of speculation, Kim Jong-un finally reappears in the public
A
fter 40 days of speculation, Kim Jong-un finally reappears in the public. It is reported that he was giving guidance to the new Wisong Scientists Residential District and visiting the Natural Energy Institute of the State Academy of Sciences in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-un is known from the period in which he threatened to start a nuclear war with the United States and South Korea in April of 2013. He is also known as the man who executed his own uncle because of his attempt to start a military coup. The leader had not been seen since he attended at a concert with his wife in early September. Since then, he has missed an important anniversary of the Korean Worker’s Party and the Foundation Day of the North Korean State. These missed events have caused lots of speculations concerning either a terrible health issue or a political coup. Before his disappearance, he had been limping with a cane in many photos but with no evident cause of pain. This fueled speculations about his health such as diabetes, a broken ankle, an issue with his hip, or possibly gout, but it appears that he has not said anything about his condition. The Korean Central News Agency has been working hard at to update Kim Jong-un’s current state with photos of him in public. They say that all has returned to the usual daily business in North Korea with no mention of the possible reason why he was not present at the important events. Since North Korea has a history of editing publicly released photographs, many still believe that the nation is hiding the true nature of his going missing.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
National News
7
maldenblueandgold.com
two heroes, one prize Felicia Fallano Reporter
O
From left to right: Collage of Kailash Satyarthi, taken from his website; image of Malala Yousafzai from Wikimedia.
n Oct. 14, 2014 the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi for their outstanding contributions to peace. Satyarthi and Yousafzai were praised for their, “struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” Two years following the Taliban’s attempt to assassinate Yousafzai, she has become the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and the only Pakistani to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize. Yousafzai is from Swat Valley in Pakistan, where the Taliban have banned girls from attending school on multiple occasions. When she was 11, Yousafzai wrote a blog for BBC World Service under a pseudonym instead of revealing her identity in which she described her experience and the hardships as a young girl attending school in Pakistan. A year after posting her first blog entry, a journalist named Adam B. Ellick produced a New York Times documentary about Yousafzai’s life and experience during the culmination of the Pakistani military during the Second Battle of Swat. After the documentary, Yousafzai’s was
interviewed by many journalists and news stations. Although her promotion of education for the girls in Swat Valley was gaining international attention, she also caught negative attention, especially from the Taliban. On Oct. 9, 2012, gunmen from the Taliban stormed Yousafzai’s school bus and shot her in the head. She remained in critical condition following the attempted assassination, but was able to recover. The attack on Yousafzai not only captured international attention, but also an immense amount of support. The United Nations petition called “I am Malala” helped make Pakistan’s first Right To Education Bill possible in 2012. She was also feature on the front page of Time magazine in 2013 as one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” and the first winner of Pakistan’s National Youth Peace Prize, which was subsequently named the National Malala Peace Prize in her honor. Yousafzai also co-wrote a memoir with a British journalist, Christina Lamb, called
I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. Like Yousafzai, Satyarthi has also promoted his beliefs of human rights. Satyarthi is an Indian human rights activist who has been a leader in the vanguard of ending child labor. He left his job as an electrical engineer to expose the acts of child labor as a violation of human rights. Satyarthi has since helped rescue over 78,500 child slaves. In 1998, Satyarthi became the leader of an organization called the Global March Against Child Labor. He has made it clear that he believes, “child labor is responsible for the perpetuation of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, population
Presidential Power Struggle
Felicia Fellano Reporter
T
he candidate in Brazil’s general election both received less than 50% of the votes at the beginning of October, resulting in a second-round runoff later in the month. Dilma Rousseff, the current president of Brazil, and Aécio Neves, a former governor of Minas Gerais, Brazil, are the two candidates running for president. Marina Silva, who was in third place with 21.30% votes after the preliminary election, is apart of the Partido Socialista Brasileiro (Brazilian Socialist Party). Silva joined the race to replace Eduardo Campos, a former socialist candidate and her running mate, died in a plane crash.
The Brazilian Socialist party had recently gained more supporters and it was predicted by many that Silva had a better chance than campos did at beating Rousseff because of a poll held before the election began. Rousseff, a candidate for the Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers’ Party), is running for a second term. The Workers’ Party is a party that was launched in 1980 and promotes the practice of a new type of democratic socialism. She was able to make access to electricity more common for the people of Brazil. Rousseff has been known for her effort to reduce federal taxes on the energy bill and taxes on consumer goods. Although she has been a popular candidate, Rousseff has been
explosion and many other social evils.” The organization’s goal was to protect and promote children’s rights, especially their right to education. Both Yousafzai and Satyarthi’s acts of bravery have impacted children in Pakistan and India. They have helped keep them from enslavement and from being denied the right to an education. Because of this, the two Nobel Peace Prize winners and their common fight for education against extremism have left an impact on not only their hometowns, but on people all around the world.
Left: Presidential candidates Dilma Roussef and Aécio Neves in front of the Brazil flag. Collage by Felicia Fallano; use of photos from Wikimedia.
criticized for the amount of money that went towards the 2014 Fifa World Cup, held in Rio, Brazil. Some of Brazil supported this decision, but some may argue that the money should have gone towards infrastructure projects. Even though the issue of spending money on the World Cup has worried many people, Rousseff herself has said that she has helped Brazil rise out of poverty. Neves won 30.60% of the votes in the preliminary election, putting him in second place to Rousseff who won 41.56% of the votes. He was the 17th governor of Minas Gerais and is also related to Tancredo Neves, who was elected to be the president of Brazil in 1985 but died before he was able to take office. Neves is apart of the Partido da Social Democracia Brasileira (Brazilian Social Democratic Party. The party has grown faster than any other party in Brazilian history and has gained popularity because it promotes the defense of democracy, wealth distribution, and economic growth. The fight in this election has been tough, especially when it comes to advertisement. Like any other election, there have been false
accusations. Rousseff was reported to have falsely accuse Silva of trying to take down a anti-poverty program that Rousseff had created to help the country rise from poverty and have a higher number of middle-class people in Brazil. Many believe that the advertisements are a big part of the reason why Silva came in third. The two Minas Gerais-born candidates will go head-to-head in the second-round runoff on October 25th. Many say that Rousseff is likely to win, but it may be a close race. The preliminary election had been in Rousseff’s favor and her advertisement tactics have helped her get ahead in the race. It has been said that her strength is debating, but her public speaking is a weakness. Even though she was first in the preliminary election, Neves and Rousseff have been statistically tied when it comes to the polls. Some people have said he race was mostly in Rousseff’s favor for multiple reasons but many people believe that they are uncertain of who will be the next president of Brazil at this point, and are eager to see the end results of this election. Dilma Rousseff was re-elected as president of Brazil after a runoff election on October 26th, 2014. Rousseff had 51.59% of the votes, beating Aécio Neves who had 48.41% of the votes.
Local Politics
8
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
2014 Midterm Elections Jasper Haag Reporter Candela Diaz Reporter
Maria DaSilva Reporter
This year, the Republican party was victorious in the Midterm Elections. The Republicans gained control of the Senate for the first time since 2006, and grew as a majority in the House. Also, the party won most gubernatorial elections along with individual state elections. The Republicans also obtained seats in governor races. The cost of the elections this year was the most expensive in history, spending a total of around 3.7 billion dollars. During the 2014 Midterm Elections, in the House of Representatives, all 435 seats were contested, along with 36 out of 100 in the United States Senate. Also vied for, were 46 state legislatures except Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia, 4 territorial legislatures, and several other local and state races.
National Results O
n Tuesday, citizens around the country went to their local polling places to vote for a multitude of local and national offices, and as the results become finalized, it is now clear that the Republicans have kept a majority in the house of Representatives, which at the time of writing is 244 to 182, and have taken enough seats in the Senate to gain a majority, which is at the time of writing this 52 to 44. This victory on the part of the Republicans is being touted as a game changer for congress, the Obama Administration, and the landscape of legislation in the United States. On the surface, there will no doubt be a flood of Republican focus legislation pushed through both houses, with this new majority being used to its fullest potential by the party. Legislation regarding some of the highly contentious topics today such as immigration and birth control will likely be on the horizon of Congress. But the effects of this, and the action that will be taken by the Democrats in response, is highly debated. Some believe that in the face of a united congress, Obama and the Democratic party will bend under the pressure and begin to compromise with Republicans on previously polarizing topics. Conversely, others believe that Obama will work to prevent Republican action, vetoing any legislation that they move forward, a plausible route as the Republicans don’t hold enough seats in the Senate to overrule a presidential veto. Along with this, they believe that Obama will take advantage of his ability to sign into action executive orders, which they say he could use to advance the legislative agenda of the Democratic party. Beyond Pure legislation, this represents a massive shift in the political leadership of the United States, and will be a turning point for both the Republicans and Democrats. If Republicans are able to make significant positive progress in the next two years, or if Obama becomes a thorn in the side of the American people through continued vetoing, it will further support the Republican party and could lead to even more victories in 2016. If, however, they drop the ball, or go against the wishes of the American people, they could squander the support they currently have, returning support to the Democrats and swinging the pendulum back to the left.
Steven Ultrino
M
alden born and raised Steven Ultrino was announced as the 33rd Middlesex District State representative, defeating Democrat Neil Kinnon and taking the place of Democrat Christopher Fallon. For over thirty years, Ultrino has been known to fight for the
Above: Senatorial election results. Bolded areas undetermined at the time of writing; white areas were not up for election. Edited by Jasper Haag.
Ballot Questions I
n Massachusetts, most of our citizens took part in voting yes or no on the ballot questions for the state. The first question out of four is on gas taxes. This question focuses on repealing 2013 law that automatically increases gas taxes according to inflation. Massachusetts’s result was yes, or for this repeal, meaning that the tax on gas will no longer rise automatically, but will stay at 24 cents per gallon until the legislature votes to change it. The second question is on the environment. This questions asks about expanding the state’s beverage container recycling law to include all non-alcoholic containers. Massachusetts’s result was no, against this act, meaning that nonalcoholic, non-soda beverages won’t have a deposit, and people won’t recieve money back if they bring them to a recycling center. The third question is on casinos. It asks about repealing a 2011 law allowing resort casinos. Massachusetts’ result was no against getting rid of casinos, meaning that the casino law and the casinos in the state remain. The fourth and final question is on paid sick days. It asks about entitling certain employees to earn and utilize paid sick days. The result in Massachusetts was yes, for it, meaning that workers have guaranteed sick time.
rights of the children, being a member of the School Committee for over eight years. Ultrino has helped improve Malden’s infrastructure, raising millions of dollars to help improve Ward 2, where he is the city counselor. Ultrino’s goals include equal pay for women, and sustainable wage for all workers accross the state. Ultrino also wants to secure fundings for many transporation infrastructures and Public Safety Officials, making it a safer place for firefighters and police officers. Malden Catholic graduate, Ultrino has received his B.A in U.S History and Secondary Education from Suffolk University, and e.d.D in in Education Leadership Skills and Governance from Nova Southeastern University that later allowed him to serve as principal and business manager of St. Mary’s Parish school in Winchester, and as business and economics teacher at Malden Catholic.
State Elections
Dark Shaded area: Martha Coakley - 46.58% of the votes. Light shaded area: Charlie Baker - 48.46% of the votes.
M
assachusetts continues to count on Democrat Ed Markey as senator. Serving 37 years as the US representative, Markey stepped up against Republican Brian Herr and took 61.96% of the state votes. The race for governor resulted in Republican Charlie Baker taking 48.46% of the votes against Democrat Martha Coakley who took 46.58% of the votes to result in a very close finish race. House Representative Democrat Richard Neal sweeped the whole state, for he counted with no other competition than himself.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Advertisements maldenblueandgold.com
9
10
Advertisements maldenblueandgold.com
The Blue and Gold November 2014
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Local News
11
maldenblueandgold.com
remembering thomas menino On Oct. 30, 2014, Massachusetts lost its capital’s longest-serving mayor, Thomas Menino, to an deadly unknown form of cancer at age 71. His private funeral mass was held on Nov. 3, 2014, at Fairview Cemetery. Meghan Yip Reporter
O
n Nov. 3, 2014, the residents of Massachusetts bid farewell to Boston’s longest serving mayor, Thomas Menino, at Most Precious Blood Church, the parish where the former mayor was baptized and attended grammar school many years ago. The 53rd mayor of Boston, Menino completed his service the same year that he had passed away. Those who spoke at the funeral fondly recognized Menino’s legacy of bringing Boston together and his irreplaceable leadership at the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombings. He was known as a man who presented himself as not the mayor of Boston, but a man of Boston. A life-long resident of Hyde Park, Menino was a staple in the city’s political system, being a city council member before he was mayor. “Today we come together to celebrate a great man, a history-making mayor, and a life of accomplishment -- Thomas Michael Menino, the relentless, the big-hearted, the peopleFrom top to bottom: Menino speaking at the Reggie Lewis Center loving urban mechanic has gone to in 2013 ; Mayoral portrait of Menino taken in 2004. All photos fix potholes in heaven,” stated curfound on Wikimedia Commons. rent mayor Martin Walsh at Menino’s funeral. “Tom Menino saw the core of people and believed in them ... Tom Menino believed in underdogs,” added Walsh regarding Menino’s optimistic mindset. A selfless and caring man, Menino was diagnosed with an unknown and advanced form of cancer that traveled to his liver and lymph nodes. On Oct. 23, 2014 he announced that he would suspend his cancer treatments in order to spend more time with family in his final days. A week later, he had succumbed to the brawn of the disease and passed away on Oct. 30, 2014. A handful of the funeral attendants were Bill Clinton, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Menino’s former chief of staff, Mitchell B. Weiss, Menino’s family, and Governor Deval Patrick. Patrick, who was a close friend of Menino, spoke at the beginning of the mass and closed his speech thanking Menino “for being [his] friend, for making time for the meek as well as the mighty, for coaching this newcomer as [he had] so many others, and for the exceptional example of honorable public service not just as the job [he] did, but the man [he was]. May God rest [his] soul and give peace and comfort to us all.”
“The reason that Tom Menino is so beloved by so many … is because he recognized that each of us is blessed by God with the gift of life. A life to be lived and cherished each and every day.” - Rev. John J. Connolly Jr. on Menino at his funeral mass
12
Local News
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Get Ahead Day: From a Freshman’s Perspective On Oct. 15, 2014, MHS freshmen visited various colleges while sophomores and juniors took the PSAT’s and seniors prepared for college. Meghan Yip Reporter
Scan this QR code to view a video on Pine Manor College!
A
s the rest of the school tested themselves through the PSAT’S and learning CPR skills, the majority of Malden High School freshman piled into buses and headed off to various colleges for a glimpse of what is yet to come. Such colleges included Framingham State University, Worchester Polytechnic Institute, Fitchburg State University, Wheaton College, Anna Maria College, and Pine Manor College. “It’s good for us to start looking at our options now,” Freshman Luana Machado remarks, “that way when it’s time to actually applying for colleges, we have some possible choices.” As it is their first year in high school, not all freshmen have had the opportunity to get a look at what college will be like and be able to start considering ideas for their future.
Holland house freshmen exploring Pine Manor College, led by a college representative. A group of about forty Holland house freshmen made their way to Pine Manor College, a former all women’s college in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. “I don’t think you should think about it too much,” Freshman Javier Regis states, regarding the small
time gap between being a high school freshman and being a college freshman. “It should be somewhat of a thought.” As they roamed the school and learned more about college, it’s evident that the exciting yet bittersweet reality came falling on them.
Judi Allen Bids MHS Farewell
Photo courtesy of the Maldonian. Roberto De Oliveira Contributing Reporter
F
rom attending Malden Public Schools to retiring this past year as an administrator in Malden, Judi Allen has come a long way in her impact on the Malden community. After graduating from Malden High School, Allen attended Salem State College and majored in Business. There, she also received her Masters in Education from the Salem State College in Guidance. Allen was very excited to come back to Malden Public Schools as a teacher after graduating. She began teaching at the former Lincoln Jr. High School and then transferred to Malden High School soon after. She described how “many of [her] former teachers became [her] mentors and took on the daunting task of developing [her] teaching skills”
as well as teach her “the importance of teaching the “whole child,” long before it was an educational trend." As her teaching career progressed, Allen had the opportunity to work with many student teachers and interns, one of which was Gregory Hurley, a current MHS history teacher. He was a student teacher at MHS about ten years ago, and worked closely with Allen. Even after their time as student teacher and teacher was up, Allen and Hurley stayed in touch. As the director of social studies, Allen made important changes and impacting alterations to what is taught in History classes today. Hurley claims “everything you like about your social studies class, it is because of what Ms. Allen did." These developments include Generation Citizen, National History Day, Model United Nations, and many more. Through her ideas and planning the students became better writers, speakers, and learners. Her passion for history is apparent, along with her goal to demonstrate the importance of studying history to students. Allen has worked with other history teachers and supported a shift from “a teacher centered classroom to one that is driven by inquiry and students are at the center of their learning." She outlines some of these changes such as “in-
tegrated project-based learning, and the continually use of technology to captivate and involve all students in their learning." Her influence on the education system in Massachusetts, however, is not limited to Malden Public Schools. As an administrator, she has “changed the way and importance of social studies teaching across the state and is way too modest to admit it, but she has” according to Hurley. However, Hurley also emphasized how above all, she was as a teacher. She “still loves hearing and talking to students” and truly loves teaching. As for MHS, she will most miss the people. She speaks of how she has worked with students, teachers, and administrators alike and has developed many close friendships through these interac-
tions. She will also miss how “as soon as you step in the door at MHS there is a buzz of excitement about what you hope to accomplish for the day, week, or even the year.” “There was always a sense of “accomplishment, and very often exhaustion” at the end of the day. In terms of her work in the history department, she claims that they “have made some strides in achieving [their] goal, but [they] are not there yet” and passes “the touch and the challenge to the rest of the outstanding educators at MHS!” Allen also described–– that she will miss working with the MHS community -and the MHS community will surely miss working with her as well.
Local News
The Blue and Gold November 2014
The Candela Diaz Reporter
T
-bilities Are Endless!
maldenblueandgold.com
A Firefighter’s Memorial, Jasper Haag 49 Years Later Reporter
Tenzin Dorjee Reporter
he Posse scholarship is a scholarship meant to foster leadership, help students pursue their academic goals, and promote cross-cultural communication on college campuses. Colleges partnered with the Boston branch of the program include Bryn Mawr University, Bucknell University, Centre College, and Denison University. Several students have applied for a chance to become a Posse Scholar this year in hopes to be able to attend these schools. Posse sites can be found in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and other major cities throughout the country. “Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students.” as said by the Posse Foundation website. One of the main goals Posse has is to train these scholars in a way that they will address diversity in the campuses, creating a safer and more comfortable learning space for those of different backgrounds. For eight months, these students are trained through a process called Pre-Collegiate Training Program to endure their leadership abilities as well as learning how to face social, academic and personal challenges that might be presented to them throughout their college years as well as after that. “The application process to Posse is very different than those of schools given the fact that they look not as much into academics as they look into leadership and how well one is able to work as a member of a team, as opposed to how the normal college application is a very solo process,” said Senior Posse nominee Long Nguyen. The first stage consisted of the scholars showing their leadership skills in a non-familiar environment. Things such as “build[ing] a Lego “toy” by memory, as well as inventing a PSA within 10 minutes,” explained Long, were part of the group projects. After being observed, a select group of nominees get chosen for a one-on-one interview. The second stage is much more intimate as it evaluates “who [you are], and questions ranged from how would [your] friends describe [you] to what [are some] of [your] lowest moments,” explained senior Posse nominee Jonah Kirumira. SAT scores, school transcripts and examples of leadership skills are what the Posse overseers looked for. Senior Posee nominee Mandy Cheng added though that even with the possibly life-changing circumstance, “the moment [she] walked in, they were all smiles so it was easy for [her] to get comfortable in that situation.” As time passes, the nominees go through different rounds, resulting in fewer and fewer nominees left and the rounds come to an end. As a finalist, a college or university is assigned to you. Your final round is an interview with the other finalists for the same college/university as you for a final competition to attain the scholarship. Malden High School would like to congratulate the following finalists: for Centre College, senior Aryzona MacDonald. For Hamilton College seniors Michelle Menesses, Jonag Kirumira, Jasmine Nguyen, and Tristar To. For Union College senior Katie Harbeck. And for Denison University, Senior Blue and Gold Members Julie Lam and Sumya Mohiuddin. The Posse Foundation is a great organization that increases the feasibility of students attending college, and helps those with great leadership skills apply them in their every day life. Luckily, Malden High School is part of this program that has given many of its past students scholarships as well as current and upcoming students.
13
O
n Oct. 10, 2014, the city of Malden dedicated the intersection of Highland Avenue and Pleasant Street to Lieutenant James “Skip” Doherty, the last Malden fireman to perish in the line of duty. Lt. Doherty was responding to a fire alarm at the Malden Hospital in the open cab of Ladder 3, when at the intersection of Highland and Pleasant, a collision occurred between his truck and the Deputy Chief’s car, leading to his death. The dedication took place at 2:30 pm, the time of his death, at that intersection. Fire Chief Jack Colangeli “felt it was long overdue for us to recognize one of our own who died in the line of duty,” but that the ceremony “went extremely well with a large turnout,” transcending the span of 49 years that separated Doherty’s death and his me-
morial. Chief Colangeli and members of the Malden Fire and Police Departments were joined by local Maldonians as well as Mayor Gary Christenson, former Fire Chief John Garrity, and Commissioner Tom Denehy. Medford, Everett, Revere and Saugus firefighters were also in attendance. Flanked by the Malden Fire and Police Honor Guards, Chief Colangeli addressed the crowd, followed by remarks from Mayor Christenson, Commissioner Denehy, and former Chief Garrity, with Garrity remarking that “it was one of the saddest days of [his] life.” As the ceremony approached its end, a gleaming plaque was revealed to the crowd adorned with the Malden Fire Department crest, Lt. Doherty’s name, and the date of his death. While Lt. Doherty’s plaque will remain a reminder of his death and life for years to come, it will also serve as a
testament to the standards and practices of the Malden Fire Department. Riding in an open cab and likely without any of the safety measures taken today such as wearing a seatbelt, his life was in danger to begin with compared to what is faced en route today. Improved communication and navigation systems allow “firefighters [to] know which routes fire apparatus are responding to from an emergency call,” commented Chief Colangeli, preventing the sorts of collisions that Lt. Doherty was involved in and protecting the lives of the brave men and women who serve to protect ours. For people walking by the green grass and dignified patina of that intersection and memorial in years to come, they may not know of the history behind that place or the man who died there, but today, everyone remembers the name and the sacrifice made that sunny afternoon in May of 1969.
Alexander Technique Expert Visits MHS Maria DaSilva Reporter
On Oct. 8, 2014 an Alexander Technique expert visited Malden High School’s Choral Arts Society to help them perform without tension or stress. Left: Alexander Technique expert demonstrating to the choral arts society how the method is learned and how it impacts posture, breathing, and muscles.
R
ecently at Malden High School, an Alexander Technique instructor came in and gave a demonstration to the choral art society members. The Alexander Technique is a way to feel better and move in a more relaxed and comfortable way, “the way nature intended.” It helps them be more comfortable in their own body; teachers and instructors help people identify and let go of harmful habits that result from stress. The technique originally stemmed from actor Frederick Matthias Alexander, but is really for all walks of life and professions. Choral Art Society’s instructor Todd Cole has been aware of the Alexander Technique for many years, but this year he decided to “take an aggressive approach and get an expert in to work with [them].” The technique essentially relieves body tension and gets rid of any harmful habits in a person’s daily life. It teaches posture correction important breathing methods used to get rid of stress that causes body tension. In an Alexander Technique class or work-
shop, a teacher most importantly observes their students’ posture and movement patterns and also uses his or her hands to get more refined information on breathing and moving patterns. To examine movements, he or she will ask her student to perform simple things that are directed at certain parts of their body that they are focusing on. As the teacher gathers information, they will convey all of their inferences to their students and use their hands to help release muscular tension. Classes are not very long, although to completely adapt to the technique, a student must be consistent with their classes. Though Alexander Technique is helpful to everyone, it is a great advantage for musicians. It has a long history of helping singers and instrumentalists “perform with less stress and likelihood of injury.” The technique releases tension from their bodies, enhancing their musical performance, which can be used in any situation. The Alexander Technique has the potential to change the lives of the students that were able to experience it here at Malden High School. It will help them “move mindfully through life.”
Local News
14
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Nedlam’s 55th Birthday
The 2014 annual Homecoming Luncheon was hosted at Malden High School in Cafe Desano on October 19, 2014. MHS alumni attended the event with visits from Principal Dana Brown and Mayor Gary Christensen.
Candela Diaz Reporter
N
Maria Da Silva Reporter
edlam’s 55th birthday was celebrated by Malden High School’s Alumni Association in Cafe Desano at MHS. Many generations of students that grew up in Malden came to enjoy this event and their brunch. David Haskell, class of 1954, stated, “Our roots are in Malden [and that makes it fun to visit the school and reunite with old classmates].” Several alumni, when asked, described the biggest change to be the diversity in the school. MHS Principal Dana Brown, class of 1977, explained, “When [he] attended the school, most of the students looked just like [him].” It was a mainly Protestant school, “some [Jewish] and very few minorities.” Mayor Gary Christensen also mentioned, class of 1986, MHS is “one of the most diverse schools in the state of Massachusetts,” which has changed since they attended the school 30 or more years ago. All the former students of the school love revisiting, seeing, and hearing about the school’s progress. Christensen gave a speech addressing the several accomplishments of
MHS. He mentioned the dropout rate decreasing from seven percent to two percent as well as addressing the boys varsity soccer team’s undefeated season this school year. A great change noted by some of the alumni is the physical progression of the school. Haskell stated that the school has been, “renovated
scribed it in one word: “awesome.” For many of the alumni, visiting the high school brings back memories. Many of them enjoy attending the events and meeting different generations and classes of MHS because they all “share a common bond,” Brown added. All of the Alumni had different
beautifully,” and all changes are for the better. Beverly Aronson Visnick from the class of 1948 believes the school is much “more lively” and adds that it was “a quieter school when [she] attended.” The overall atmosphere of the event was comforting. Barbara Keniston Pelosi, class of 1954, de-
experiences at Malden High, but came together as one because they all have roots in Malden. Alumn Aronson Visnik worked with bookkeeping and went into accounting, and mentioned that “[she] always liked school.” Mayor Christenson took part in bowling and baseball, and was mainly involved in class
Top photo: MHS Principal Dana Brown and Mayor Gary Christenson posing with alumni. Clockwise, from above: Snapshot of the homecoming luncheon; MHS Alumni Barbara Keniston Pelosi (Class of ‘54), Anna Puleo Lombardi (‘54), and Margaret Margaret Keniston Clary (‘55); excerpt from the Malden Evening News; President of the Alumni Association George Holland; Mayor Gary Christenson; Principal Dana Brown. Center: Photograph of past alumni. All photos by Maria Da Silva and Candela Diaz. Scan this QR code to watch a YouTube video on the Homecoming Luncheon!
politics. He was elected for class president his junior year, and reelected his senior year. In fact, that is where he developed his idea and desire to become mayor and involve himself in public service. Former generations of Malden have watched everything grow and develop into what it is today. Jordan Shapiro, class of 1960, was born in the Malden hospital and expressed that he is “sad that it is gone.” Shapiro attended MHS when they had their first Junior Varieties, and the first Nedlam mascot of his class. Shapiro has always been an active participant of the progressive improvement of the city. He worked as a lawyer for Malden through 1978 to 1988, and experienced the building of five schools in Malden. He also took part of the renovating and building of MHSl, along with 30 other people in the committee. Malden has grown into an incredible city. The Alumni Association has experienced all of the great changes that took place. Every year, they enjoy coming to the brunch and reminiscing on memories and reuniting with old friends. Their homecoming is a great reminder that they all share a “great past and a strong future.”
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Local News
15
FOOGI’s 5K Annual Haunt Jaunt Race maldenblueandgold.com
Jasper Haag Reporter
F
riends of Oak Grove Incorporated (FOOGI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving “the community bounded by Oak Grove and West End” as well as inspiring positive change across Malden both directly, through many of their initiatives, focused on improving their local neighborhood, and indirectly, through events such as the FOOGI 5k Haunt Jaunt. However, being a non-profit organization means that money for such events and initiatives must come from somewhere, and so things like the Haunt Jaunt are used to create a positive feedback loop in which residents donate money to partake in some community or city wide event, and in turn, that money is put back into the community. While it may have began as a fundraising idea, the annual Haunt Jaunt has become much more for the people of Malden, as well as residents of neighboring cities who participate. FOOGI has been hosting the Haunt Jaunt for 9 years, a 5K race around Malden in which competitors are encouraged to, in the spirit of Halloween, dress in a costume for the event. While not mandatory, it is one of the things that differentiates this race
from many others, and this is not foreign to those who participate. Many of the runners and those holding signs or offering encouragement were decked out with some very creative and elaborate costumes, showing off not only their running but also artistic prowess.
Beginning with registration at 10:30, the race was preceded by a performance of the National Anthem and a spectacular Lion Dance performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy. After the performances had finished, the clock was started and the runners were
Clockwise from top left: Wah Lum Kung Fu Dragon Dance Performance; Runners approaching the finish line; Costumed runner approaching the finish line; Group approaching the finish line; Runners beginning the race.
off, rounding the corner of Mountain Ave. and Main St. and heading towards the meat of the course, a lap around Forestdale Cemetery. While the first place finisher, James Deluca, clocked in at just under 20 minutes, the majority of the participants came in a steady flow over the following 40 minutes, being cheered on by fellow competitors and bystanders alike. While finishers waited for the race to end and the award ceremony to begin, they were left to socialize in front of the Malden YMCA, the venue for the event. Once all of the participants had crossed the finish line and the times had been recorded, President and Vice President of FOOGI Karen Colon-Hayes and Jackie Bouley began giving awards for best times in the represented age brackets, male and female, as well as best costumes in each of those age brackets. While the race did lose steam towards the end compared to the beginning, with some of the runners leaving early to escape the chilly October air, FOOGI coordinators felt that, like previous years, this years race was a massive success, and an improvement on last years race and those before it, urging anyone and everyone to come next year and help to continue its growth.
YMCa halloween spooktacular family night
Jasper Haag Reporter
F
or the 5th year in a row, the Malden YMCA has hosted the Halloween Spooktacular Family Fun Night, an event meant to, as Jose Mendez, the coordinator of the party stated, “give families an opportunity to grow and learn through shared interests.” Beginning at 5 pm, families started showing up to take part in the festivities, dressed in their costumes and ready for fun. With face painting, arts and crafts, and candy crafts to take advantage of as well as a festive dragon bouncy house and
a basketball area, the kids were not without entertainment. The main attraction, however, was the haunted house, an experience just scary enough for most of the people who dared to go through it, but worth it for the candy at the end if nothing else. The night was finished off with a costume contest in which all attendees could compete in their age bracket for best costume, going one at a time in front of the panel of judges to explain what their costume was and to show off not only to those judging them, but also to the rest of the audience and their competitors. However what many said was
more memorable than the costume contest or the activities set up for the party was being able to spend time with and meet new friends. Whether playing tag or basketball or discussing their plans for trick-or-treating that year, everyone was mingling and learning about the other people there. This process was facilitated by the fact that, as Mendez noted, “almost 200 people” came to the party, “the largest attendance [they’ve] ever had.” The Halloween Spooktacular was not only a night for local kids to come and enjoy an early taste of Halloween, it was also an opportunity for Malden High School Students to
volunteer in the community, with the Key Club working hand in hand with Mendez to coordinate the entire event, and the YMCA Leaders Club providing a helping hand in staffing it. Once the doors had been closed and the event ended, Mendez made sure to remind the volunteers that “this happens because of you guys,” further emphasizing the fact that the event was focused on strengthening the community. With the success seen this year, Mendez hopes that future years will bring even more people come Halloween time, and that it will continue to serve as a community event.
From left to right: Costume contest line up of the youngest age bracket; Friends dressed up for the event; Young girl dressed as a witch posing for a picture; Arts and craft station. All photos by Jasper Haag.
Local News
16
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Ending Family Homelessness In Malden
Mhs Key Club: Unlocking OPPORTUNITIES
Felicia Fallano Reporter
H
ousing Families Inc (HFI) is a non-profit organization in Malden that is working to keep families housed as well as provide emergency shelters, tutoring and counseling for homeless children and parents, and help increase the number of low income housing opportunities. Their goal is to end family homelessness and expand opportunities to those in need. The organization was created in 1986 based on concerns from the communities of the Greater Boston cities, such as Malden, Medford, Everett, Revere and many other cities. Since their first shelter in 1987, HFI has come a long way and has advanced in their ability to change the lives of many families. HFI not only works towards helping families have housing opportunities, but also recognizes the importance of providing counseling and education for the children in these families. They offer an after-school tutoring and summer enrichment components. Paul Collins, a former Malden High School student, is a volunteer in the Administrative building and also a Commonwealth Corps Member serving in the Children’s Program building. Collins is currently involved with the tutoring program along with many other people who “put in many hours helping children get the education they deserve,” Collins stated. His personal goal is to, “make a positive impact for families while [he is] here.” The organization is also involved in many events to promote awareness and raise funds towards ending family homelessness. In a recent event, Rodman Ride For Kids, a few of HFI’s members participated in the non-competitive cycling tour through South Shore communities. Rodman Ride For Kids raises funds for youth-based social service agencies that support kids who are at-risk. Also, in May through June, HFI holds a backpack drive, where they collect school supplies for the children to pick out. The backpack drive helps ensure that the children are prepared for the school year. In autumn, HFI has a Holiday Gift Drive where people can donate items so that families are able to enjoy their holidays. HFI also works with Birthday Wishes to make sure that every child has a happy birthday. Housing Families encourages volunteers and donations from anyone. If you are interested in donation or volunteering you can find more information at Housing Families on 354 Cross St, Malden, MA.
Meghan Yip Reporter
MHS Key Club Officers and members after a weekly Tuesday meeting in the Desano cafeteria.
W
hen over a hundred Malden High School students gather in the Desano cafeteria every Tuesday eager to sign up for volunteering opportunities, there is no doubt that Key Club is one of the most successful clubs MHS has to offer. Derived from helping out at both local and out of town events, club members dedicate themselves to provide assistance to those in need of it. Not only does Key Club make volunteering an enjoyable experience, but it helps students in the long run by developing leadership skills, building character, and taking on activities outside of their comfort zone. The club is led exclusively by juniors, with President Matthew Le, Vice President Hillary Tan, Historian Michelle Chung, Treasurer Allen Liang, and Secretary Trisha Truong. So far this fall, the group
has volunteered at over ten events; a majority of them being walks. Truong expressed that, “There are a lot of new members and we are excited for upcoming events and community service projects.” The year was started with the American Heart Association Heart Walk which took place on Sept. 6, 2014. Truong also added, “For our first event of the year, it was really successful. We had around 120 members attend and assist with the walk.” Another event included the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sept. 21, 2014. Volunteers gathered to hand out food and drinks for participants in the walk, cheer them on, and get everyone excited. The club also took part in the Walk to End Diabetes, the Jimmy Fund Walk, and others alike. Besides walks, MHS Key Club lends a hand at local events in Malden, such as Family Night at the YMCA and
the FOOGI Haunt Jaunt. Whatever the occasion, Key Club does it in a polite, tasteful, and enthusiastic manner. With such a big group of members, Key Club packs a punch on the events that help out at and that number is continues to grow each year. “[The large amount of returning members] makes me happy to see that this many people want to continue their Key Club experience.” Three year member and now President Matthew Le observes. “As for the new members, it also makes me really happy because it shows that more people want to experience it as much as the [returning members] do.” As the year goes on, we’re looking forward to seeing Key Club continue serving our community and others with optimism and finesse. There is no stopping this club.
Suffolk Downs: Put out to pasture Katie Mai Contributing Senior Reporter
F
or about 75 years, Suffolk Downs horse track has been a special place to the people of Revere who have cherished memories and long, deep-rooted history at the track. Starting in 1934 by the Eastern Racing Association -- after the State Racing Commission was created and pari mutuel wagering was legalized -- it was built in 62 days, on 200 acres of mud flats in East Boston and Revere at the price of $2 million. Suffolk Downs eventually branched off from just being a horse track and became more involved with Revere. On Aug. 18, 1966, The Beatles arrived and performed at the track -- a highlighted historic moment for Suffolk Downs. The Beatles performance was one of their last they had together as a group. Years later, there had been other appearances by musical
groups such as Aerosmith and Elvis Costello. In addition to hosting cultural attractions, the horse track associated themselves with the Hot Dog Safari, the Joey Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. It remained a beloved place brimmed with hope, pride and determination. Unfortunately, Suffolk Downs has headed towards its end due to its failing bid in developing a casino resort. According to the Boston Globe, an article issued by Yvonne Abraham stated Suffolk Downs’ last live race was on Sept. 29, but will officially close down somewhere in the month of December. Hard-working men and women who have been part-time to full-time workers at Suffolks Down were devastated by the news. “It was a very difficult meeting,” Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer at Suf-
folk Downs, stated in the article, “As you can imagine a lot of people have worked here a lot of years.” The track had experienced an economic fall for quite a while. In another article by Nestor Ramos, Michael Levenson and Travis Anderson, stated that saving Suffolk Downs “was one of the prime motivations behind the 2011 casino bill signed into law by Deval Patrick.” The gaming revenue would have benefited to economic development, such as funding local aid and capital projects. As a result of the gaming panel choosing Everett’s rivaling proposal over the casino to save the game track, 800 people are soon to be out of work and one of Boston’s prized establishments will be lost. Without a doubt, Suffolk Downs, with its colorful characters and horses, will forever secure a special place in the hearts of Bostonians.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Local News
17
maldenblueandgold.com
MHS Enters a New Dimension
Katie Mai Contributing Senior Reporter Roberto De Oliveira Contributing Senior Reporter
A
t Malden High School, through Holland House, down the stairs to the basement, in the old woodshop room, a space will be found where all forms of creativity and free-flowing ideas are encouraged and welcomed. “It is a huge playground for us to make cool things,” Daniel Wise, a teacher from Tufts University, stated in the midst of the room, humming with liveliness from the students who come after school for a chance to experiment, invent and build. Tufts and MHS have worked on many projects together, including one from 2005 in which Malden High School students built a giant trebuchet with the assistance of an engineering graduate student from Tufts University. Also, many Tufts students have been MHS student teachers, as well as many of them going on to become hired teachers here at the high school. Last winter MHS Principal Dana Brown discussed with Brian Gravel, full time lecturer at Tufts University and Director of Elementary Education, about converting the woodshop into a makerspace. Students from Tufts applied for and received a grant called “Engineerings Inquiry for all in Nedlam’s Workshop.” Gravel described that “the goal of this grant is, turn the
wood shop into a makerspace- with digital technology like 3D printer, robotics, simple circuits, woodworking tools (like some of those that already exist), sewing machines and other textiles.” From this conversion the people at Tufts, according to Gravel, “hope this new makerspace becomes a place where students and teachers at Malden High learn to make things of personal interest or that make the Malden community better.” Gravel mentioned that ultimately they “hope to run small workshops on specific things- like making musical instruments, or creating an interactive painting- and focus on group projects- like growing vegetable hydroponically for a winter’s farmer’s market- to generate “buzz” about the makerspace”.
in a digital program (i.e Tinkercad), process it, and physically create the desired design. On average, most items take about an hour to be produced, however it also does depend on the complexity and how large the
Riley Meehan from Tufts University demonstrating the cartridge which holds the plastic that the printer uses.
MHS’s 3D Printer located in the Holland House basement. The highlight of what is down in the woodshop is the 3-D Printer. It is a device worth $3,000
design is. With the desire to broaden this after school makerspace into something more, Wise and his assistant Riley Meehan, a graduate at Tufts University, had been working
-- which is considerably fair for what it can do -- that has the ability to take a 3-D graphic design created
on the details into making an engineering elective class that would hopefully take off for next semester. The goal of the class is aimed towards “build[ing]” solutions; that is, have people find problems in their daily lives or in other peoples’ lives and come up with a solution they could physically make in order to solve it. Gravel hopes there will be a lot of excited and interested MHS students who want to take the class, and believes “the students at Malden High School are amazing” and anticipate “[they] are excited to see all the things [they] can learn together this year.”
Making a MARC on Malden Emma Ceplinskas Head of Local
D
ressed as witches, ghosts and ghouls, members and volunteers of the Eastern Middlesex ARC (EMARC) attended the annual Halloween Dance organized by EMARC at WS Parker Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts on Oct. 25, 2014. EMARC is an organization that works with people with developmental disabilities and helps to involve them in their communities. The organization also works with members of local high schools including the Helping Hands club at Malden High School. Upon arrival at the dance, EMARC members entered through cobwebs and streamers to what would usually be a cafeteria but what was transformed into a dance floor for the evening. The walls and windows were decorated with skeletons, webs, and other Halloween inspired decorations. Volunteers from Malden High School’s Helping Hands club, Reading Memorial High School and North Reading High School arrived before EMARC members to set up for the dance.
A disc jockey provided the music for the night, playing songs from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Becky Siok, Assistant Director of Recreation at EMARC, expressed that the dances are a “great opportunity for Emarc
dances] bring out the similarities in people, not the differences,” mentioned Siok. Helping Hands club member Kevin Irungu commented that “the best part [of the dance] was seeing the creativity of the members
From left to right: Senior Blue and Gold members Piero Pocobene, Amanda De Moraes, Meagan Sullivan, junior Blue and Gold member Emma Ceplinskas, sophomore Yining Mao, sophomore Xingting Lin, freshman Alyssa Ardai, junior Kevin Irungu. teens to practice their social skills that created really great costumes.” with peers, get some exercise and be Siok also informed that the a part of their community.” Volun- “dances were started about 10 years teers and members danced together ago by a mother of a teen who has and made sure that everyone was special needs [who] wanted her son included in the festivities. “[The to be able to have the same social ex-
perience that teens have when they go to proms or other social functions [while also] making sure that there was enough support available to help the teens with special needs with their social skills.” Through the dances Siok hopes that “all teens gain more confidence in their social situations.” Irungu added, “[He] enjoyed dancing with all the members and volunteers from the other schools.” The annual costume dance is one of the many events hosted by EMARC. Other dances held during the year include the Winter Ball in January, Spring Fling in May, and the Summer Sizzler in July. At the YMCA in Malden, adapted swim programs are offered to members by the organization as well. Helping Hands members volunteer to help EMARC members with their aquatic skills in the aquatic program because drowning is a leading cause of death for people with autism. Each year EMARC sends between 14 and 17 teams to the Special Olympics that is held in the spring. EMARC helps people with and without disabilities to gain a greater sense of confidence through the programs they hold.
entertainment
18
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
‘Fall’-ing For You Playlist Fireproof, One Direction
To Build A Home, The Cinematic Orchestra
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Release Date: November 5, 2007
Lay Me Down, Sam Smith Release Date: February 15, 2013
This song is on The Cinematic Orchestra’s album, Ma Fleur. To Build a Home describes an actual home where they actually feel safe to be in. It compares the house to someone they love. The composer also wrote that he built a home just for him and his lover, to live forever in. But things did not work the way he wanted to.
Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran
This song is one of the tracks on One Direction’s new upcoming album “Four”, written by Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, John Ryan, Jamie Scott, and Julian Bunetta. The song is about being “fireproof”; in a perfect relationship where the couple are in love, any problem can be solved.
Release Date: June 23, 2014 This song is written by British singer and song-writer Ed Sheeran, and is on his new album “X”. This is one of our favorite love songs of the year because of its meaningful lyrics and Sheeran’s beautiful voice to compliment them. Recently on October 8, 2014, the Thinking Out Loud music video was released. Professional dancer Brittany Cherry stars in the music video alongside Ed Sheeran.
This song was written by British singer and song-writer Sam Smith, on his debut album “In the Lonely Hour”. This yearning love song is about missing someone so much that you wish you could relive the moments that you had with them. Smith’s amazing vocals in this song will definitely make you want to hear the rest of what this talented new artist has to offer.
Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe From Sally’s Cooking Addiction: You will need… ~1 and ½ cups of any kind of cold coffee ~1 and ¼ cups of any type of milk ~¼ cup of pumpkin puree
~ Brew 1 ½ of coffee and chill it.
~6 tablespoons of maple syrup ~1 teaspoon of cinnamon ~¼ cup of nutmeg ~Whipped cream ~Vanilla ice cream. ~Blender ~Ice cube tray
~While chilling your coffee, combine your milk, pumpkin puree, spices and maple syrup, then whisk.
~Once everything is all mixed, you pour your mixture into ice cube trays, put it in the freezer.
Review: For the fall season, we saw positive reactions towards everything pumpkinflavored. So, we decided to make our own pumpkin-flavored drink. We found the recipe online from Sallys Baking Addiction. Overall the fall drink turned out very well! We added a few more things to the recipe to make it sweeter. We added: ~2 extra tablespoons of pure maple syrup ~ 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream (also to make the drink thicker) I would recommend this recipe if you are looking for a drink full of fall flavors!
~Combine chilled coffee and ice cube mixture in a blender.
~Then blend, and test to see if you want to add anything.
~Pour your Pumpkin Frappuccino into a fancy glass, and top it with whipped cream.
Congratulations to Our Instagram Halloween Costume Contest Winners!
Scariest Danielle Lauritzen (Zombie)
Most Creative Erin Mulcahy (OITNB)
Funniest Dominic Papagallo (Horse Face)
Cutest Samantha Drapinski (Minion)
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Entertainment
19
maldenblueandgold.com
W h a t To We a r Fo r Fa l l Ana Kerr Reporter Anna Powers Reporter
This outfit is great when you want to be more casual, but still comfy for school.
If you don’t feel like dressing up, wear a simple bow sweater. I’m sure it’ll tie your day together.
If it is a cold fall day, don’t worry if you still want to be a little dressed up.
Outfit: Denim Shirt- American Eagle Leggings- Forever 21 Sperrys- Journey’s
Outfit: Sweater- Macy’s Leggings- Forever 21 Boots- Macy’s
Whenever it is gloomy out, just remember that you can never go wrong with a cardigan and a cute pair of boots. Outfit: Shirt- T.J. MAXX Cardigan- Forever 21 Leggings- Forever 21 Boots- Journey’s
Outfit: Floral Dress, Leggings, and Leotard- Forever 21 Boots- Macy’s
Ana Kerr and Anna Powers posing while wearing fall inspired chic styles. All photos by Ana Kerr and Anna Powers
Spirit Week Ideas Ana Kerr Reporter
Anna Powers Reporter
Caramelizing Apples Ana Kerr Reporter
The 1st day of Spirit Week is PJ Day! Bring your A-game for PJ day, whether it be your favorite PJ pants, fuzzy animal onesie, or your most comfortable robe.
The 2nd day of Spirit Week is Wacky Tacky Day! Make sure to wear your most crazy and outrageous outfits, from neon tutus, and leopard print spandex. Just throw on anything wacky and make your class proud.
The 3rd day of Spirit Week is Blue and Gold Day! A day like no other to truly show your school spirit. As long as you show off your blue and gold stripes, you will be sure to impress not only your class but your school as well.
You Will Need: ~ One Dozen Apples ~ Topping (caramel, sprinkles, cherry syrup, etc.) ~Sturdy Popsicle sticks
~Start by washing all the apples. ~Begin to prepare the toppings. ~Put cherry syrup in a pan, then heat it up to 375 °F for 25 minutes; continue to stir until it melts. ~Heat up caramel in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then wait until it bubbles. ~While person is preparing toppings, begin to stick popsicle sticks into the tops of the apples. ~Then when everything is all set up, take your apples and decorate them anyway you want. Make sure they are creative and yummy. Have Fun!
Anna Powers Reporter
entertainment
20
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
The Giver by Lois Lowry A Book Review
Anna Powers Reporter
M
ost likely you have heard of the title “The Giver”, once in your lifetime, whether you remember reading it in middle school, or your younger sibling is reading it now. The 1993 novel written by Lois Lowry is a popular American novel often read by young adults. The Giver has sold more than 10 million copies and won the 1994 Newbery Medal. The book is about an utopian society, following a boy named Jonas through his 13th year of life. In this society, they have eliminated all emotions such as pain, happiness, sadness, and love because society leaders felt that the idea of uniformity would be the most safe for their people. When children turn 13, they are assigned the jobs that they will have for the rest of their lives. Jonas is chosen as the Receiver of Memory. In this position, Jonas has to receive all the memories of their society before there was “sameness”, given
to him by the current Giver. Jonas learns the truth about his society as he struggles to realize that his entire life has been a lie. I really loved this book, as it was one of my favorite books that I read in middle school. It is a great novel to read if you are looking for a story about trust, courage, and love. Towards the end of the book, I felt myself getting attached to many of the characters such as Jonas and Gabe, the child that lives with Jonas’ family. It really made me think about the world that I live in, and how different it would be to live in Jonas’ world. It also made me realize how awful it must have been for Jonas to figure out how he was missing emotions his entire life. I truly loved the ending of the book because it left the reader to create their own idea to what happened to the characters you had grown so close to. Available for sale in most book stores.
The Giver Ana Kerr Reporter
A Movie Review
T
he movie “The Giver” has been talked about for the past few weeks. For people who haven’t read the book, the movies was spectacular. Those that read the book then later watched the movie were surprised with how the movies turned out. Director of “The Giver”, Phillip Noyce, shows more of a vague story in the movie rather than digging deep on what it’s really about. There were various scenes that were added and various scenes that were not included. For example, if you watched the movie without reading the book you would describe “The Giver” more as a love/adventure movie rather than it being a book with a purpose. For example in the book Jonah has these “stirrings” for Fiona after being chosen as the next giver, but in the movie it’s taken to a different level. They actually have physical contact (kissing). The movie did show many scenes with purpose and actual events from the book, but not entirely. Of course you have to keep the movie alive and
Interested in this movie? Watch the trailer linked in the QR Code above!
interesting, but you can also do that by including the important scenes from the book. One thing that was important that was mentioned in the book and the movie was Jonah’s memories of the sled and many other parts as well as the first colors and objects he saw, like the apples, and books at the giver’s home. Another very important part is the choosing ceremony for their job selections. These scenes create the book and start to build off from it. In my personal opinion the movie was very entertaining to watch, the only thing that really angered me were the unmentioned events in the book that gave the book purpose. I would recommend to watch “The Giver” but only if you haven’t read the book, but if you only have the benefit of watching the movie, having an actual visualization of the events that take place in the book. Overall, both the movie and book were amazing and I’d read and watch both again whenever I could.
Best way to deal with a long distance relationship? -Hopeful Dear Hopeful, Congratulations! Not only are you in a relationship but you’ve now found someone that won’t give you the same gut wrenching, “long distance relationships never work out,” speech. In my opinion long distance relationships or relationships where you won’t see someone for a long period of time are the truest tests of a relationship’s strength. Love is not easy, and when you are in a long term committed relationship with a person, there will be a time where you and that person will be apart no matter what. Personally, I think a long distance relationship depends on it’s permeameters. For example, how long will you two be apart and how long you have been together. If it’s only a long distance relationship for a short while (aka a few months) then honestly, it shouldn’t be too bad. Just write each other it text each other everyday, FaceTime, etc. Even if it’s painful at least you know you will see them in a few months. However, if this long distance relationship is over a few years then I’d advise having a serious conversation with the other person about where you can see your relationship going in the future. If you believe it’s meant to last then work at it and keep it alive. Plan visits and future dates where you two can be together ahead of time, set up hours where you can call or FaceTime each other and discuss your day, plan fun romantic surprises to keep it interesting like sending a care package, etc. The reason why long distance relationships get a bad rep for not working out is because either the couple wasn’t willing to accept that it was going to be hard and it would take work, or that they just didn’t realize earlier that they were not in it for the long haul. My best advice would be for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend to make that’s decision, and if you decide to keep trying, that you plan and are ready to put in the effort and are ready to deal with being apart from someone you love for awhile. Hope this helps! Good luck! Disclaimer: Any advice given does not represent the views of the entire Blue & Gold staff. Use advice at your own discretion. Remember this is a public advice column therefore be advised that some questions will require the adjustment couselor.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Sports
21
maldenblueandgold.com
Tornado Warning hits State Tournament
Mark Ortiz
P.J. Montezuma Lead Sports Writer
S
P.J. Montezuma Lead Sports Writer
F
or the first time in Malden High School history the boys Varsity soccer team finished the regular season undefeated with an outstanding record of 16-0-2, now with a 2-0 record in the state tournament they plan on continuing to be the first MHS soccer team to win states. Being led by senior captains Vinicius Silva and Blue and Gold member Julio Da Silva, the team shows no sign of slowing down the pace they started the season with. The bond this team has is like no other, constantly striving for success. The team has grown this season by everyone playing for the team and not for themselves. Senior Mark Ortiz said “ [they] have all built [their] passion for the game and our energy makes [them] much more hungry.” On Oct. 20 MHS defeated long time Greater Boston League rival Sommerville, who knocked MHS out of the state tournament semifinals last season. The final score being 3-1 allowed MHS to win the GBL title for only the second time in history, the first time was in 2006. Finishing the season off with a 1-1 tie against Medford by a last minute goal by junior Bruno Da Silva kept the perfect record intact. Their hard work and dedication this season led them to be ranked 10th in the state. Outscoring their opponents 54-5 throughout their 18 game season. The end of the regular season marked the end for 11 seniors who are playing their final few soccer games as a MHS student. Ortiz was in net this season for varsity for his third year. This season Ortiz had a total of 13 shutout games, a MHS record. Ortiz feels that “the way [they] got knocked out last year’s tournament made [them] want it even more.” Da Silva led the team with 12 goals scored, followed by senior Felipe Calad with 10 goals, then Bruno Da Silva and sophomore Joshua Crespo with seven goals apiece during the regular season. Making their third straight appearance to the state tournament, MHS was the first seed in the Division 1 North bracket giving them a bye game in the preliminary round. In the first round MHS faced off against Lowell high school for the third time this season, and for the third time Malden defeated them.
Top to bottom: Junior Mateo Ruperti passes the ball to senior Felipe Calad. Senior Kingdolph Julien dribbling the ball into the box. Senior captain and Blue and Gold memeber Julio Da Silva atempts to chip the ball over the goalie. Junior Bruno Da Silva passes the ball to the MHS defense. All photos by Piero Pocobene. This time with a final score of 6-1 with goals scored by Da Silva, Calad, and seniors Matteus Silva and Kingdolph Julien. MHS advanced to the quarter finals against Framingham on Nov. 8 at MacDonald Stadium. The game came down to a nail biting penalty
kick for Crespo with under 7 minutes remaining in the game, leaving the crowd ecstatic, giving Malden the 1-0 lead to end the game and Ortiz his 14th shoutout. MHS advances to the semi-finals on Nov. 11 against St. Johns Prep at the Manning Bowl field in Lynn, MA.
enior Mark Ortiz is a key contributor to the success behind the Malden High School boys, having 13 clean shutouts during the undefeated regular season. The team finished their season 16-0-2, being MHS first ever undefeated boys soccer season. Born in Cambridge, Ortiz resided there until the age of seven where he moved to Malden and enrolled into Ferryway elementary school in second grade. Ortiz’s passion for soccer started when he was in sixth grade. He likes the “fun you can have as a team,” and its ability to bring everyone together. Ortiz stated, “You spend so much time together and you go through highs and lows.” and the bonds he’s made through high school soccer is something he will never forget. After high school ends in three quarters, Ortiz plans on attending a four year college and study in the science fields. Interested in schools that have a good chemistry or biology program. Ortiz is indecisive about where he will be attending in the fall but some of the schools on his list include Clark, Brandeis and Wheaton. He would not mind playing soccer in college either, but is unsure if he is going to. Ortiz is the Treasurer for the class of 2015 and has been since freshman year. He took Advanced Placement chemistry last year which was his favorite class he took while at MHS. This year is in AP Calculus, Government, and Environmental. Ortiz volunteered last year at the special olympics, and plans to do so again this year. Besides soccer, Ortiz played baseball freshman and sophomore year as well as indoor track every year and outdoor track his junior year too. During indoor track and outdoor track, his event is the shot put in which he qualified for the state tournament both sophomore and junior year. Ortiz’s advice for underclassmen is “once you commit to something, do not give up. Even if you think you are getting nothing out of it, you are. Spending time with people in high school is something you will never forget. So make them good memories.”
For coverage of the teams progress in states go to www. m al d e n b lu e a n d gold.com
Sports
22
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Clearing The Field
Senior Profile Sara Mini Julia Parker Reporter
O
fficially, the end of the girls soccer season has come, and the games pause until next season. While the team may have had a rough start to the year, the season still came with some amazing wins, often winning by more than five goals over the opposing team. Senior captain Samantha Drapinski states that the girls “are still a team,” despite the end of the season. Along with Drapinski, senior captain Betty Yascavilca and junior captains Alexandra Lombardi and Sabrina Barreto led the team this year. Many girls of the team seemed to have one thing to say about their performance throughout the season: it improved tremendously. The team “played to their highest standards,” as said by Barreto. The girls had a chemistry with each other that no one seemed to be able to come between, especially given that the girls had been playing together for years, for most of
them, even when they were young they played together in the Malden Youth Soccer program. As a team, they expected as a whole to work together, to communicate, and to compete heavily against their opponents. Yascavilca believes that during their season they “worked for that expectation” as much as possible. Hopeful thoughts in mind, the girls pulled a great success on Oct. 15, 2014 over Everett with a final score of 6-0. The goals scored made huge potential for the team in the Greater Boston League ranks. What had made the team successful was the formation change set up by the coach, Rick Caceda, pointed out by Drapinski. In the game against Somerville on Oct. 20, 2014, the girls had another win of 6-0. All of the goals scored were made by sophomore Felicia Lombardi, who has been named the leading score in the GBL
for girls soccer. Another impressive aspect of this game was the shutout by Malden’s goalie, junior candidate Carly Amos, and the efforts from the defensive line, consisting of: Barreto, junior and Blue and Gold member Lucia Quesada Nylen, and sophomores Brynn Kankel and Desiree Delgado. For the title, the girls needed to score over Medford in order to get the co-championship. Alas, the girls did not win the game, but just the chance of getting the championship was an accomplishment to the team. As the senior players return their jerseys for the last time, they leave the rest of the time with positive attitudes towards next season. Barreto says that the girls have had “much improvement over the years” and, due to the depth in talent the team has among their underclassmen, are only going to continue improving in the upcoming seasons.
Top to bottom, left to right: Junior Jaqueline Smith races after the ball led by two Everett players. Senior captain Betty Yascavilca looks to stop an Everett player from dribbling. Junior Kristina Gilbert runs after the ball while surrounded by Everett players. The team huddles before the game starts. All photos taken by Julia Parker.
Julia Parker Reporter
T
his year marks senior Sara Mini’s final year as a Malden High School girls soccer player. Mini, a midfielder for the girls soccer team, has been playing soccer since she was about seven years old, but started playing for MHS as a sophomore. Nothing specifically got her interested in the sport, just more of an urge to play. “Even though [she is] homeschooled,” Mini expresses that she feels blessed “with this amazing opportunity to play soccer in high school.” When Mini finally started playing for the high school, playing on the team became a huge part of her life. Having the chance to practice and socialize with people outside of her usual surroundings in school was a “great experience.” Outside of soccer, however, Mini finds herself interested in studying media communications, which encompasses marketing and business. She hopes to attend the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, a private college for business. While Mini holds on to this hope, she is open to other options as she goes further into her college research. After school altogether, Mini is the most interested in some kind of career specializing in graphics and media, particularly graphic design, a job that has many opportunities in a world of rising technologies. Even though the soccer season has ended, Mini wants to focus on getting the schooling in order to achieve the goals she has set for herself in order to attend Valley Forge. While being apart of the MHS girls soccer team has been a great experience for her, it saddens her to leave. Mini’s aspirations for what life after high school has to offer her will surely keep her busy now that soccer season has ended.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Sports
23
maldenblueandgold.com
Spiking the Competition KAITLYN WENG
Leila Greige Reporter Top to bottom: Malden High School varsity volleyball team huddles during their game againist Lawrence. Junior Victoria Tortora blocking the ball. The back rows waits for a pass from Lawrence. All photos by Leila Greige. Leila Greige Reporter
I
t is without a doubt the girls volleyball team’s best year as a team and as victors. It is the very first year ever that the volleyball team has earned the title of Greater Boston League champions and have made it to the second round of the state tournament. The seniors of this year’s team had a great impact on the successful turnout. This group of girls includes: Monique Knight Bailey, Kaitlyn Weng, Aryzona MacDonald, Diamond Jones and Samantha French. In their detrimental times of playing volleyball together, the team has used new strategies and different techniques to become better as individual players and resplendent as a whole team. Bailey says that she always tells the girls to just stay calm and to not get nervous before games. “When we get nervous we don’t play well, but when we’re positive with each other we’re fine,” says Bailey. Although the team’s biggest weakness is the stress they undergo during games, whenever they lose their momentum, Weng assures that “it brings [them] down” while also “[pushing them] back up.” Having played a really close game against Peabody, in the first round of the state tournament the girls lost the first match to them and then used their whole strength to come back up and beat them with a final score of 3-1. “We all worked so hard,” says junior Sabrina Harrath, “we get to prove ourselves in games and to show all of our ability.” Having confidence that they would eventually bounce back up and pull it together, the girls worked a whole lot to have a successful outcome in that game. “We came in thinking we had a small chance of winning be-
cause [Peabody was] seeded second and we were seeded 15th, but they underestimated us,” says Harrath. Some highlights of their games were all their big wins like the one against Salem on Oct 27th with a final score of 3-0. Matthew Sadowski, coach and MHS guidance counselor, played volleyball in high school and also played in college. “He has a lot of skill,” says Weng, “and he uses it to teach us.” Bailey says that all the girls enjoy it when he plays and interacts with them during practices because not only is it enjoyable for the team but it is also a way for the girls to learn more in depth about
the sport. “A lot of coaches don’t do that,” she says about Sadowski joining the girls in occasional practices, and saying that they have a really good time with him when he does. Before games, the girls practice their serves, sets, hitting lines, and communicating positively with each other to thrive in future games. “Our relationship has grown since the beginning of the season” says Harrath about all of the girls on the team. With ending a triumphant season and hoping to be as successful next year were as they were this year, or even more successful, the varsity girls go home entitled to achieving greatness and prosperity.
I
n the process of applying to colleges, senior varsity volleyball player Kaitlyn Weng enjoys her last games and memories in high school. One of the greatest memories Weng shares with Malden High School is her interaction with the special needs programs. “I really enjoy working with special needs [kids],” says Weng and has a desire to work with them after she graduates high school. Weng also takes great pride and enjoyment in teaching volley to children who participate in the Malden Recreation Department. Weng has been looking into colleges such as Simmons College, Stonehill College, and Salem State University, saying that “education is wide open.” She first started playing volleyball in 7th and 8th grade while in middle school and then continued when she became a freshman she signed up, expanding her journey through hard work and devotion to the sport. Weng thinks she will play intramural volleyball in college. Senior volleyball players Aryzona MacDonald and Monique Knight Bailey, who have supported and have been playing with Weng since middle school, stated that “[Weng] is very close with all the girls on the team.” As for people new to the sport, Weng advises that they “just go for it.” Weng uses her younger sister as example: “She’s not the best player on the team but she works hard everyday to become better and better.” Weng even admits to her struggle of how her coach didn’t think she was the best player but now Mr. Sadowski says she’s “one of the best defensive players on the team.” After a memorable season that consisted of the girls becoming Greater Boston League champions and making it to the second round of the state tournament, Weng is sad to be leaving the team behind. While she prepares for college, Weng cherishes the time she has left with the MHS community.
Sports
24
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Swinging in the Right Direction Karina Matos Reporter
T
his season has been filled with many great triumphs for the Malden High School golf team. One being that they qualified for the State tournament for their fifth year in a row, tied a game, a rare occurrence, with Medford, and won the Greater Boston League championship title. The team was led by senior captains Tristar To and Blue and Gold member Piero Pocobene. Coach Rick Malatesta says that he is not only “very pleased that [the] team surpassed expectations this year in making States by winning their last two matches,” but also that the “game of golf has been embraced and inculcated into the athletes’ everyday lives.” As for their biggest competition this year, senior captain Tristar To believes that it was Medford. But for a satisfying climax and ending to the season they “tied to them in [their] first match, lost in [their] second match with them, and then beat them in [their] last match to clinch a spot at the state tournament.” To also was the player who won the GBL match for the MHS golf team. The team itself, according to senior player Daniel Valente, “gets along very well, [although] most of [them] are fairly new to the sport over past couple of years.” He also
commented that this year was “a huge rebuilding year” because they “lost a lot if seniors last year and they were all starters.” The loss of last year’s six starting seniors may have shown in this year’s teams performances more than they would have liked. However, Malatesta believes that individually, “each of [their] remaining golfers [have] improved tremendously with a strong desire to get better.” The team has still managed to succeed even in the midst of these changes from last year. When asked what motivates them, To answered that it is “the fact that we cannot take anything for granted.” He attests that, “every shot is important and can determine whether [they] win or lose the game and the season.” This might add a lot of pressure to the team but to says that for them, “ pressure is a privilege.” Although golf is a fairly new sport for most of the players, a great deal have never played professionally until MHS, they all enjoy the sport very much. Valente says that the team, “wants to do well and try and improve each and every match,” which motivates them. Coach Malatesta also loves golf because of the, “tradition, honor and integrity of the game and the fact that it is a game for a lifetime.” He also feels that, “golf is a metaphor
Cheering Into the Competition Lucia Quesada Nylen Head of Sports
T
he Malden High School cheerleading team has been doing a great job cheering alongside the Golden Tornadoes this fall season. Lead by senior captains Olivia Verdone, Rebecca Mccabe, and junior candidate Santina Solis, along with coach Diane Buonopane the girls are ending the season on a strong note. Throughout the season, the team was able to maintain all 40 girls that they started with, Buonopane stated how “the girls are still motivated and looking forward to the end of the season events that
occur.” Such events including the Greater Boston League championship competition that will be held on November 9th, the pep rally, and the annual Malden vs.Medford Thanksgiving football game, where they’ll be on the sidelines cheering the Tornadoes on. The first competition that the girls participated in was on Nov. 1, 2014, in Dracut, MA. Even though the competition were tough, with some of the top teams in the state participating, and did not place, Buonopane explained how the “team definitely made their mark.” With a mix of new and old faces on the team, “the competition allowed [the
Charlee Ruddock Lucia Quesada Nylen Head of Sports
A
s the end of the fall season comes along, so does senior Charlee Ruddock’s last cheerleading season here at Malden High School. Ruddock has been a cheering since the age of 10, and for the Golden Tornadoes since her sophomore year. Cheering has always been an important aspect to Ruddocks’ life as she stated that “throughout high school cheerleading has always been [her] favorite thing to look forward to.” Since the sport is one that requires rigorous training, Ruddock’s dedi-
cation shows through her “always looking forward to each practice, game, or competition.” Being a two season athlete, Ruddock also plays lacrosse in the spring, which she also started her sophomore year. In addition to
enior Kierra Sweeney has great sentiment towards golf and respectively, the Malden High School golf team. She joined the sport because she used to play in fifth and sixth grade at the Billerica Country Club, but also because it was a way to spend “father-daughter time,” with her father. Coach Rick Malatesta speaks very highly of “respect” and that is an attribute of the game Sweeney values just as much. Her favorite part of golf is the, “respect the play-
ers demonstrate,” and that it is a sport about “honor.” She says that Coach Malatesta is very, “sweet and caring.” That he is also, “willing to help you and be there for you,” but only if you, “show him that you want it.” He also cares as much about, “truth,” as he does about, “honor.” Sweeney plans on continuing playing the sport in the future, but not necessarily on a team, just for her own enjoyment. Sweeney expresses that she is “sad to be leaving” because she “loves the team and coach.” However, after high school, Sweeney plans to go to a “four year college” and also hopes to succeed in either a “physical therapy program or athletic training.”Golf has helped influence her desire to go into a related field of study, and her dedication to the crew team in the spring, of which she has been a part of here at MHS since freshman year. Heartily, Sweeney encourages other students to “go ahead and join [the golf team].” She says that it is “okay if you’re not good,” because “that’s what the coach is there for.” She stresses that he is, “there to help” and “he will” help. Personally, she shares that he taught her “little tricks to have a better swing.” Sweeney will forever remember the MHS golf team and the experiences she has been through and the people she has met while being a member.
girls] to what range [they] would be scoring in” explained Verdone. Solis also commented how “[the team] did a whole lot better than [they] expected to.” Due to the fact that cheerleading is a team sport and requires dedication from everyone, the girls look beyond themselves as just a team, and more of a family. Solis explained how “being able to compete with this team makes it all the more fun, because they aren’t just teammates to me, they’re sisters.” In addition to bonding off the field, other highlights include the football games, according to Verdone. She stated how “[they] would not
choose to spend our Friday nights anywhere else.” The girls made a huge accomplishment on Nov. 9, 2014 at the GBL championship, winning the GBL title. The girls brough the title home for the first time ever in all of MHS history. Beating the other GBL teams, such as Everett, Medford and Somerville, the girls competed hard and were rewarded in the end. As the season comes to a close, the girls are still looking forward and anticipating the pep rally and other upcoming events, where they’ll be able to show the school what they’re made of. And as always, cheering alongside our Golden Tornadoes.
sports, Ruddock thoroughly enjoys her senior math class- AMDM. Taught by MHS teacher, Sarah Jones, Ruddock appreciates “[how Jones] always has something new every class and keeps it interesting for everyone.” Though MHS has brought Ruddock various memories that she will keep forever, her favorite was her junior year pep rally during Thanksgiving time. It was then where “it was [Ruddock’s] first time ever doing the cheering competition routine in front of the whole school” as one of the various acts that occur in the gymnasium in order to energize the entire school for the annual Medford vs. Malden football game on Thanksgiving day. Ruddock explained how “it was so exciting to show [the school] what my team and I could do” and described the
schools’ reaction as a “great feeling, to see them all cheer for us.” As a role model in her senior class as well as on her cheerleading team, Ruddock recommends to younger classmen to join a sport or club team while at MHS. Ruddock admits that “getting involved really is a lot of fun, and you meet a lot of new people that you never thought you would be friends with.” Ruddock prepares to finish her senior year here at MHS, she is planning on joining the army when she graduates. Ruddock explains how she would “serve and explore” rather than go to college. As the cheerleading season comes to a close, Ruddock leaves her final farewells to being on the sidleines at the Friday night football games and looks forward to the rest of her senior year.
for life,” and like life it can be, “fun, frustrating and humbling.” The entire MHS golf team is pleased with this year’s season and the results of all of their hard work. Coach Malatesta wants to encourage returning players to “play golf as much as possible in the off-season and to recruit new golfers.”
KIERRA SWEENEY
S
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Sports
25
maldenblueandgold.com
Running towards Victory
Nahom Ghile Karina Matos Reporter
W
ithout fail, the boys cross country team continues to deliver another amazing season for all of Malden High School to be proud of. David Londino, boys and girls cross country coach and MHS English teacher, is extremely pleased with the amount of “effort the boys put in” which resulted in them winning the Greater Boston League championship title, along with a lot of individual achievements that the boys should be proud of. This year will be the team’s last year with the seven senior runners: Timur Berilo, Blue and Gold member Jonathan DeCicco, Josue Quispe Almendro, Jackie Wang, Derick Yu, and captains Jonathan Ye and Nahom Ghile. Berilo expresses that he is extremely proud whenever he and his teammates get to “run at invitationals,” because it is the MHS team against dozens of schools who all trained throughout the season to get a “qualifying time,” to participate in that meet. In order to prepare for big meets, such as invitationals and States, and in order to meet Coach Londino’s hopes to achieve goals, such as to become GBL champions and to “set a new team best at the state meet,” a lot of training is required. Wang describes practices as varying from “jogging long distance for forty plus minutes” and “speed workouts where you [push yourself to] run fast.” While the cross country
course is a 3.1 mile race, endurance and speed building are both necessary in order to have a successful season. According to Berilo, the hard work put in at practices, which are held Monday through Saturday, is “to build up endurance and muscle strength for all the meets.” Also, according to Londino, the team does “about 20% more volume than the girls,” but that is “the only difference” in their training regimes. A big aspect of the team that is very clear to see is the strong bond they share with one another. The fact that they’ve all been “running together for so long,” seeing how most of the team runs indoor and outdoor track as well, is what has created this family bond among the team, expresses Berilo. Wang agrees that being apart of the team has provided him with a “second family.” In the center of all of the quickly exchanged inside jokes, harmless teasing, and impish smiles that make the team so family-like is Coach Londino. Not only is he the glue that holds the successful group of runners together, he is also greatly respected by them as well. Berilo referred to Londino as “one of the best coaches in the school” and said that he “definitely knows what he’s talking about.” As for Londino, he “loves working with such a dedicated group.” A great display of their success is the fact that the team won the
GBL championship meet on Oct. 25, 2014. Their immense dedication and rigorous practice also lead them to finish the season undefeated. For the GBL meet Senior Nahom Ghile scored in second place with a time of 15:46, junior Angus Mo scored third with a time of 15:49, junior Jonathan Solomon scored fourth with a time of 15:50, Wang scored fifth place with a time of 16:40, and junior James Ao scored eighth with 16:29. Coach Londino believes that the team’s “guys in the top five have worked hard” and have “improved their depth at the top.” Through all of their hard work, dedication, and strong relationships with each other the team continues to improve and hopes to keep on doing so. Already, Londino feels they improved so much because “rather than relying on a couple top guys, [the] 3,4,5 guys have stepped up to really close the gap,” and it provides the “team with more depth.” Although the team will continue to improve the departing seniors are sad to be leaving. Wang commented that being on the team made him think, “running isn’t so bad,” which is what “a lot of people think.” He, along with Londino, also encourage others to try out for the team. “cross country is a fun sport,” Wang encourages, “all sports are good [to try],” because you never know, “you might [end up liking] it.”
Top to bottom, left to right Senior Josque Quispe running past the MHS girls cross country team warming up. Junior Timothy Nsubuga running in lead of a Medford runner. Sophomore Brian Tran continuing the race.
S
enior Nahom Ghile holds the number one spot on the Malden High School boys cross country team. He joined the team “his freshman year during the activities fair,” when Coach David Londino persuaded him to join. Ghile accepted thinking “it would be fun” and “then [he] met a lot of good people” on the team and “felt like continuing on and on throughout the years,” because of the, “nice people there” and the fun atmosphere. After the great amount of dedication and hard work he has displayed of the past four years, Ghile has been named captain of the boys team this year. Since the team is such a tight-knit family, Ghile will certainly miss all of them. He says he also will miss “the great experiences” and “values [he] was able to learn through the time [he] spent [there].” Ghile is very proud of his team and their season especially since they were “finally able to become GBL champions.” They were champions, “not just in indoor last year,” but also in “cross country this year,” and even though things were a bit rocky before, they are now back on track and better than ever. Over the course of his high school running career, running has become such a big part of Ghile’s life that the action of running itself is what inspires him to keep doing it. He says that “when he goes for runs,” and not “just competitively but in general,” he feels calm. For college, he is hoping to receive a “POSSE scholarship for Union College which is just outside of Massachusetts.” At Union College he hopes to study in the field of engineering, although he is not entirely sure on what type of engineering exactly. Although this is his last year as an MHS runner, Ghile hopes to continue to “go out for jogs” during “his free time.” While Ghile plans for what is to come for his after he graduates MHS and goes on to college, he continues putting his focus and hard work into his running and his academics. Now that the cross country season is coming to a close, Ghile and his teammates are anxious for indoor track.
26
Sports
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Helen Chin
Striding to Success Megan Downer Reporter
T
he Malden High School’s girls cross country team is delivering an impressive season, yet again. For the fourth consecutive year, the girls have won the Greater Boston League championship title. This year, the team is being led by senior captain Victoria Hannafin, along with junior captains Gillian Willcox and Deborah Kibazo. On Oct. 15th, 2014, the girls cross country team had a meet with Everett during which they rested Willcox and Kibazo. Even with two of their top five runners resting, the team managed to take the top four places to secure a powerful win. The scorers for that meet were senior Helen Chin coming in first place, Hannafin in second place, sophomore Phuong Nguyen in third place, junior Marly Loreus in fourth place, and junior Wentana Ghile in sixth place. After running against and defeating each team in their league, the team headed to Everett once again on Oct. 25, 2014, where Malden met with their competitors to run in the GBL championship closing meet. At this meet, the top seven finishers automatically become GBL AllStars. Several of the Malden runners gained an all star title by landing in second, third, fourth, and sixth place, and six of the girls placed in the top ten. At the GBL championship closing meet, junior captain Gillian Willcox landed in second place with a time of 18:58, and in third place only by the difference of a second was Hannafin with a time of 18:59. Landing in fourth place was junior Deborah Kibazo with a time of 19:05, coming in close with a time of 19:16 was Chin landing in sixth place. Sophomore Phuong Nguyen also placed in the top ten, landing in eighth place in 20 minutes and 13 seconds. The MHS cross country girls team claimed the title of GBL
Megan Downer Reporter or the past four years, senior Helen Chin has been running cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and the summer training for cross country. Chin’s cross country team feels like a family to her, which emulates a wonderful atmosphere to be surrounded in. Chin says that she “really [enjoys] the confidence the girls team has because of a fouryear championship streak”. “The fact that everyone knows they have to keep training hard is what I like most”, Chin expresses as her favorite thing about cross country. While Chin was a junior, she struggled a bit through school and running. Chin openly describes her junior year as a “downward spiral”. Although that year was rough, Chin encouragingly says “it was nice because after hitting rock bottom you can only go up.” Going into college, Chin plans on becoming an active part of a cross country club, at the very least. For Chin, running has turned into somewhat of a lifestyle, after a while she feels “it begins to feel weird to not run and keep in shape.” She also expresses “it was difficult to balance academics with sports in the beginning [for her] because [her] junior year was [her] first time taking so many advanced placement classes and [she] ended up having no time for sleep ever.” However, to Chin “it does get easier with time and senioritis.” Along with her tremendous interest in running, Chin also finds pleasure in studio, video games, and going out with her friends. As her time as an MHS runner is winding down, Chin is valuing the time she has left with the team.
F
champs with a score of 23 points, beating their nearest opponent by over twenty points. This marks the four-year winning streak for the girls cross country team. “The girls win at the GBL championship meet capped a four year undefeated run in which [their] record is 24-0 in dual and league meets.” voices coach Londino. Coach Londino says the team is “really something else” and ended the great race with words of wisdom, telling his team to “take the positive and build on the positive.” Londino stated that “the seniors graduating undefeated is really special. So many girls have contributed to the streak over the past four years, and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to coach them all.” Hannafin, stated that “[they] are not just teammates but [they are] like a family.” “[Cross country] means a lot to me,” expresses Hannafin, “I love the whole vibe I get from the team.” The team trains a lot during the season to help the runners build up their speed, endurance, and overall fitness. Hannafin states, “it takes some time for the new runners to adapt to how things work but by mid season [they] were running like
a well oiled machine.” Saturday, Nov. 11th was the day the team ran at the statetournament The girls did not do as well as they could have. Willcox says that “the race didn’t go as well for me as I hoped it [to].” Willcox found the meet “difficult for [her] because the course was hard and [her] legs were not in the best condition.” Although the team did not do their best, “[they] will use states this year as a lesson and try to perform better next year,” expressed by Willcox. In preparation for the states meet, as well as other major meets, the team undergoes a considerable amount of rigorous training. The team focuses on the importance of staying hydrated and eating well. Sleeping a lot is another action of great importance to the team to be at their best each and every meet. Despite the sadness that comes with graduating for the three seniors and leaving behind a sports team, the are immensely proud of all they have accomplished during their four years on the team. The team continues to grow in numbers and talent, and as the cross country season comes to a close, most of the team is preparing to deliver an impressive season in indoor track.
Top to bottom: Junior Chenee Quessa; Senior Victoria Hannafin leading the team; Sophomore Phuong Nguyen running to the finish line. Photos taken by Meagan Sullivan.
The Blue and Gold November 2014
Sports
27
maldenblueandgold.com
ENDING THE SEASON WITH A HIT
Casey Arsenault
Tatyanna Cabral Reporter
S
From top to bottom: junior Megan Gilligan makin a pass to junior Haley Hoffman. Gilligan stealing the ball from Melrose. Senior Jillian Powers making a pass to Gilligan. All photos by Tatyanna Cabral. Tatyanna Cabral Reporter
A
s the field hockey season comes to a close, the girls believe that they have had a successful season. Senior captain Robyn Santo states that “[their] hard work and dedication made the team successful this year.” This year the team had a record of 2-17, and the girls are still working hard to meet their goals and improve for next year. The girls had their two wins against Salem and Revere. Santo’s favorite memory was their win against Salem, it had been their first win of the season, and it gave the girls an extra push. Santo explains that, “although [their] record was not where [they] wanted it to be, [they] were able to find motivation for each game and practice, which helped [them] improve individually on and off the field.” This year, the girls have gotten much closer, and they are more like a family. The team is always looking out for each other, and encouraging each other to do their best. Sophomore Aigula Fitzgerald expresses that, “[they] all love the game and [they] have such a nice bond with one another.” As a team, they all want to better themselves and their skills on the field. One main focus the team has for next year is to work on communication skills, junior Katie Howe believes that is most important, “[they] can not get better as a team if [they] don’t work well together and trust one another to complete a play.” Coach Kimberly Barber believes that, “[they] do not pin ourselves on our wins and losses,” they also focus on the skills and lessons that the girls can use for the rest of their lives. Senior captain Jillian Powers expresses that, “[she] [has] learned to never give up and to try your hardest.” The girls not only
learn the skills of field hockey, but also skills such as leadership skills, especially for the seniors. Senior Casey Arsenault explains that, “it’s [her] job to be patient and help everyone else learn and improve,” the seniors are who the whole team looks up to since they have had the most experience. The field hockey team will be losing six great seniors this year. Those seniors, along with the two captains, are Arsenault, Alana Burdine, Samantha Dorazio and Brianna Duffy. All of the girls believe
that, the team will do great next year, they have all of the skills they need to succeed. Some advice that Powers gives to the players that will continue with this sport next year is “not to let this year’s record get the best of them,” she also advises them to keep a positive attitude. Santo admits that, “[she] [has] so much faith in them and [she] [knows] that they will be in good hands.” With the positive attitudes left behind by the seniors, next year’s team is determined to improve.
enior Casey Arsenault expresses that high school has gone by very fast but she has tried to make the best of it. Arsenault is seen as a role model to her teammates and many others, and “[she’s] glad [she] could be that for them and that [she] could help them grow.” Throughout her years at Malden High School, she has had many experiences with her teammates, and with the Unified Sports Program. She has been playing field hockey since 8th grade and has continued playing throughout high school. Arsenault states that “[she loves] the sport very much and [loves] representing Malden on the field.” With each activity she has participated in, she has seen herself grow and slowly found out who she was. As a senior, Arsenault has the responsibility of helping others improve and learn on the field. Senior captain Robyn Santo expresses that “[Arsenault] is one of [their] strongest, most aggressive players.” Santo had also stated that there will be some “tough shoes next field hockey season to fill” for Arsenault’s position. For the future, Arsenault is looking hoping to attend UMass Dartmouth. She has taken a look at their education program, which has interested her very much and she has insisted on attending. Arsenault wishes to be a high school history teacher, “specifically a Malden High School teacher.” She would also like to continue playing field hockey, but she is not sure that she will with the busy schedule she will have. Arsenault is “excited to leave and start the next part of [her] life, but [she] will definitely miss the high school and the people [she’s] close to here. Even though high school had been a struggle for her at times, her friends and the faculty had helped her get through it. She says that, “[she believes] that it is a great school with great staff and [she] wouldn’t want to have gone anywhere else.” Arsenault will be leaving MHS with a sense of feeling accomplished, she had taken part in many programs and has made many friends along the way. Though Arsenault will miss a lot of people, she is excited to start the next chapter of her life.
Sports
28
The Blue and Gold November 2014
maldenblueandgold.com
Approaching The Endzone Cassandra Reyes Head Of Sports
JODENS DIDIE
T
he Malden High School football team, one of the sports that attracts the most school spirit, is approaching the end of their season. The team holds a record of 5-4 and their improvement from previous years cannot be questioned. This season was the first season since 1990 that the boys had a five game winning streak. The team is being led by senior captains Jarad Accardi, Joshua Bessey, Anthony Boulay and Isaac Bethea, along with head coach Joseph Pappagallo. Pappagallo expresses one of his goals as a coach is to “teach them life skills by using football which needs the student to be committed, dedicated, organized, polite, focused and most of all disciplined.” After being recognized as High School Football Coach of the Week by the New England Patriots on Sept. 23, 2014, Pappagallo described this as a “humbling” experience, while the “student athletes are the performers and deserve all the credit.” During their five game winning streak, the team defeated Methuen with a score of 14-10, Oliver Ames with a score of 27-15, Revere with a score of 14-7, Malden Catholic with an impressive score of 40-21, and Somerville with a final score of 3514. On Oct. 17, 2014, the team went against Catholic Memorial. After going into overtime, the team suffered their first loss with a final score of 17-14. On Oct. 24, 2014, the team played Everett, one of their biggest competitors, and despite their loss with a final score of 42-27, it was clear that Malden has improved since their last face off with Everett. For the second year in a row, Malden and Everett have gone against each other two weeks in a row, one game being a Greater Boston League game and the second being the first round of states. On Oct. 31, 2014, the two teams went head to head once again, and Malden walked away with only their third loss of the season. Despite the setbacks the team has faced, the tremendous support being given to the MHS football team continues. At their second game against Everett, both games which were played on Everett’s field, a group of Malden fans spelled out “Malden!” across their chests. At the most recent game, on Nov. 7, 2014, the boys versed Lexington. Malden walked away with a difficult loss of 41-0. A main concept that has been embedded into the football team is the concept of “family,” says Pappagallo, and so, despite the end of the season record, this concept will remain. The team’s next and final oppo-
Cassandra Reyes Head of Sports
A
Clockwise from the top: The Malden High School football team faces off with Catholic Memorial. The football team tackles the runner. The team huddles during a timeout. Senior captain Jarad Accaardi communicates with his teamates. Junior Lincoln Ibanda getting a play from the sidelines. All photos taken by Lucia Quesada Nylen. nent of the season will be the Medford Mustangs. This year marks the 127th year the Golden Tornadoes and the Mustangs will go headto-head for the annual Thanksgiving Day game. Last year, Malden
walked away with the win, so the team is surely working towards making a comeback from their last few games and ending their season with a defeat against their long-time rival.
s the Class of 2015 approaches the end of their time in high school, senior Jodens Didie is ending his four year long journey as a Malden High School football player. Didie plays cornerback and running back for the team. Along with football, Didie is a member of both the indoor and the outdoor track team. Since his freshman year, Didie expresses that “the team has grown very close to each other.” Among the pre-season training, daily practices, and games, win or lose, the boys have become “one big family,” says Didie. Whether the boys come off of the field with a win or a loss, Didie assures that “[they] always have one another’s back.” Football is a sport that demands determination and discipline, which is why the MHS football coaching staff strives to have an impact on the team both on and off the field. Didie expresses that from his time on the team, he “[has] learned a lot about...life and responsibilities.” This season, the team went on a “five game winning streak,” which Didie says was the peak of his season. The first thing people are told as they enter high school is that it flies by. Once freshman year is over, this statement is sure to be proven true. Being a role member to many members on the team, Didie advises the underclassmen, football players or not, not to “take [high school] for granted, it only gets harder from here.” As he debates between majoring in architecture or physical therapy, Didie is sure that after high school, he wants to go “off to college” although he may go in undecided on his major. With football season’s end near, Didie is looking forward to the rest of his senior year at MHS. After being a student at MHS and a Golden Tornado for four years, high school has had many memories to offer Didie, as will his journey in college.