October 2009 Blue & Gold Malden High School

WORLD NEWS page 5 LOCAL NEWS page 7 ENTERTAINMENT page 13 SPORTS page 14

Laura Botero and Girl’s Volleyball article on page 18

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Malden High School Volume 95 Edition 1

Our 95th Year September-October 2009

Déjà Vu Star Quarterback Marcos Almieda Suffers second consecutive Injury

Dispelling Renovation Rumors Alex Mathieu Online Editor

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Malden High Football Team huddles and prepares for the game Dan Holmqvist Copy Editor

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XPECTATIONS FOR the Malden High School football team this year were set high by players as well as new head coach, Joseph Papagallo. However, after beginning the season with a 1-3 record, the team is not only looking to rebound from

a lackluster start to the season, but also from another season-ending injury to their star quarterback, Marcos Almieda. Preparation for the season began this summer when an entirely new coaching staff, led under the direction of Papagallo, introduced an entirely new style of play. This

philosophy required the football team learn a new modern-day spread option offense that focuses more on passing than a traditional option offense. This spread offense, naturally, has more receivers than the “I Pro Opcontinued on page 14

EFORE THE SCHOOL year even started, students wondered about the future of their high school lives, lives which include the three and a half year renovations on Malden High’s school buildings. In an interview with Principal Dana Brown, many of the questions and misconceptions about the renovations project were cleared. The following is a list of the misconceptions and questions, along with a summary of Mr. Brown’s responses. 1) The renovations are only being done on the auditorium. -False. The renovations are focusing on the interiors of the the three main buildings. In addition to a new auditorium, students can expect new classrooms and bathrooms in all buildings, as well as improved heating and air conditioning throughout the school. The auditorium’s renovations are occurring first because they are in the Jenkins house, not because it’s the only remodeling being completed. The gym and cafeteria will also be remodeled, however this process will have to be done during the summer so they can be used during the school year.

New Boyle House Principal

Article on page 11

Photo of construction in the MHS courtyard Photo by Lynn Tran

continued on page 10

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Malden High School

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EDITORS-IN-CHIEF David Riemer Ayoub Kourikchi MANAGING & DESIGN EDITOR Lynn Tran COPY EDITING DIRECTOR An Holmqvist ONLINE EDITOR Alexandra Mathieu HEAD LOCAL NEWS WRITER Nidale Zouhir HEAD ENTERTAINMENT/ OPINION Brittany Foley HEAD SPORTS WRITER Alfonse Femino HEAD OF BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION Barbara Jerome-Athis COPY EDITORS Dan Holmqvist Brittany McFeeley Omar Khoshafa REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Adams Lauren Benoit Kayla Bramante Christopher Brown Haley DeFilippis Freddie DiPhillipo Natalie Fallano Alexander Gennigiorgis Megan Kelly Joshua Kummins Johanna Lai Sharon Lee Xavier Leo Brea Marshall Joao Nascimento Cristina Peters Catherine Poirier Brenden Provitola Reginah Sanyu Joel Stevenson Alicia Young Paige Yurek Nidale Zouhir ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://alexandram6.webs.com/

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trial cost of $105 million, an unprecedented 30 percent success rate, and innumerable scientists scratching their heads—yes, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) vaccine has made quite an impression. In a group of 16, 000 Thailand citizens considered “at risk” for contracting HIV, a three-year long experiment tested a miracle: a cure for the incurable. There, a thriving sex industry puts a great deal of the population at risk for contracting the disease. The United States Army, the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Thailand's Ministry of Health, in a colossal joint effort, have created an unparalleled 30 percent effective vaccine for HIV, the pestilence of the modern world. Since the virus was first identified in the 1980s, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the resulting condition of carrying HIV for prolonged periods of time, has killed of 25 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it infects upwards of 33 million people today, 75 percent of who live in Sub-Saharan Africa. With such tremendous efforts by the United Nations, Peace Corps and Red Cross organizations underway in Africa itself, scientists in laboratories thousands of miles away seek to destroy the root of the problem, rather than merely continue to deal with the effects. It is a pandemic, but does this vaccine spell an end to the suffering of millions? Scientists think not. Many studies have taken place over the last three decades in an attempt to devise a cure for HIV, with relatively no success. The virus is a notoriously crafty

one, attacking the very immune system which would try to exterminate it. Living and breeding in antibodies, symptoms of the virus can lay dormant for many years, escaping the notice of the body’s natural defenses. Creating a traditional vaccine, in which the immune system is exposed to a diminished or dead version of the virus, is implausible with HIV, as such direct human exposure to the virus is too dangerous, and no known strain is noticeably less harmful. Although this new vaccine has a promising future, its development is shrouded in irony. Using over five different versions of the virus spliced together, the concoction confounds its creators. "Additional studies are clearly needed to understand how this vaccine regimen reduced the risk of HIV infection," stated Dr. Jerome Kim, a leader of the study from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Maryland to the Washington Post. Researchers are baffled by the lack of correlations in their results. Though 30 percent of the test group resisted infection over the course of three years, the virus appeared to progress entirely unhindered in those who contracted the virus despite the vaccine. There is great potential in this vaccine—if scientists can figure out what makes it work, refine it, and increase its affectivity. The current threshold of effectiveness for a vaccine to be distributed to the public with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval, however, is 80-85 percent, meaning that there is still a ways to go before a certified vaccine is viable. Unhindered. Unstoppable. Invincible? HIV was indestructible 30 years ago, now a prospective third can be prevented. It is only a matter of time before modern medicine and scientific ingenuity can eradicate this plague.

David Riemer

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Letters to the Editors Send you letter to the editors to: [email protected] Editorial Policy The Blue and Gold is an open forum for student expression. It is produced by students for the school and the community. The views presented in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor or the school administration. The views presented in the editorials are those of the editors-in-chief or guests. The goal of The Blue and Gold is to inform and entertain students as well as the community regarding issues that we feel are important. We strongly encourage readers to respond to material printed in the form of signed letters to the editors. No libelous, malicious, defamatory, obscene, or unsigned material will be printed. The Blue and Gold reserves the right to edit the letters. Names may be withheld upon request. Not all letters will be printed. Although The Blue and Gold appreciates the support of advertisers, we may refuse any advertisement that violates the above policy or that promotes products questionable to student use. Any correspondence concerning this publication should be directed to Mr. Ryan Gallagher’s room in A103 or to his mailbox in the main office.

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The Maldonian pre-order sale of the 2010 book at the reduced cost of $60 is BEFORE or AFTER school in B217 with cash or a check or online using the link on the Malden High homepage to pay by credit card. Time is running out on the discounted price. The sale price ends on 10/19/09, so order as soon as you can.

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Healthcare too Hard To heal? An Holmqvist Copy Editing Director

How much do we really know? Nidale Zouhir Head Local News Writer

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OME PEOPLE may say that New England had a gloomy start to the summer. It was rainy and it was cold, but town halls across the country were on fire last June when the healthcare debate began, and Capitol Hill is still smoking away without any agreement. During the summer, President Barack Obama finally began to address the issue of getting universal healthcare coverage for the country, one of his main promises dating back to last year’s presidential campaign. But presenting the idea across to Congress and to the American people has been one tough job. The issue is very complicated – almost too complicated for the average person. Here is a simple, easy-to-understand run-down by Malden High School senior Jack Tat: “Health insurance is expensive here in the U.S. Not everybody can afford health insurance. Democrats want to create a government-funded health care system where everybody is covered… Republicans argue that universal healthcare would cost the government a lot of money and would decrease some people’s coverage… At this point, the debate is at a stalemate. There is a lot of talk, but no action. We just have to wait and see what will happen.” And so we have “waited” all the way into the fall, with politics continuing to brew slowly as usual. Up until now, politicians on opposite sides of the political spectrum have been arguing to and fro on the issue of healthcare and have come no consensus. Democrats argue that all other industrialized countries have effective systems, whereas America is run by a corporate structure that often leaves millions without healthcare when they need it most. On the other side of the debate, Republicans are trying to push the question over a cliff, continuing to claim that universal coverage would lead to corrupted government takeovers and financial ruin for the country. Quite apparently, neither side can possibly agree with the other. On this issue, Republicans and Democrats on either side of the spectrum seem to be eating each other alive. Democrats have had healthcare on the political agenda since the days of the Clinton administration in the 1990s. Among the champions of healthcare reform at the time included the recently deceased Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who considered universal healthcare coverage for Americans to be one of his lifelong political ambitions – a legacy to be continued by President Barack Obama. The GOP, however, has a different take on the issue of continued on page 4

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Oklahoma has some interesting test results

SKING SOMEONE who the first president of the United States was might seem like a pointless thing to do; one may initially assume that George Washington’s name is drilled into our heads from the day we are able to understand it. After all, it is a question that many citizenship applicants are tested upon on a daily basis. They are asked ten questions about US government and history and are expected to get at least six out of ten correct; 92% of them pass. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, only 2.8% of the 1000 random high school students given the test passed it (Arizona did slightly better, with a pass rate of 3.5%). Only 23% of Oklahomans got the question about George Washington correct. None got over seven questions right. In fact, 18% of them thought the first president of the United States was Abraham

Lincoln, and another 5% answered Barack Obama. Even more disturbing is the fact that 58% of the students tested said they did not know what the two parts of the US Congress are. Another 15% answered incorrectly, with answers varying between the president and other parts of the government. 57% did not know the names of the two major political parties in the US, with 11% answering Communist and Republican. But to be honest, can anyone really be shocked? After all, citizenship applicants have motivation for learning basic civics; they want the rights all citizens have, such as the right to vote or the right to own an eagle-embellished blue passport. Where is the motivation for high school students? With a world of information literally at their fingertips, any student who cares enough to bother can easily get by cheating on tests via text message or a Google Blackberry application. So really, what would the

point of learning be? Teenagers tend to see celebrity gossip, video games, and parties as being much more fun and beneficial than a silly thing like school. Their attention spans often do not last long enough to even flip through a history book, let alone actually remember anything. Many students assume that graduating from high school is basically synonymous with working a high-paying job. If that is true, America’s future does not look very bright, which brings to light the founding fathers’ belief that the general population would not be well-enough educated to govern itself. Unfortunately, it seems that many high school students do not know who the founding fathers are; only 14% of those asked who wrote the Declaration of Independence answered Thomas Jefferson. The most common answer? Abraham Lincoln.

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Afro-Mexican minority Underrepresented Mexico making strides in civil rights

Joel Stevenson Reporter

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FRICAN AMERICANS have worked hard to come as far as they have, but in Mexico this minority is still not respected as equal citizens. What will it take to end the racism? It is sad to think that in the 21st century human beings still propagate have racism, prejudice, and discrimination. Racism against African Americans has dulled for the most part here in America, but in Mexico things have scarcely changed. This demographic is still looked down upon and not given the rights they deserve. Right now, the Afro-Mexicans are working to improve their education and to

obtain proper democratic equality. Although the Afro-Mexican population is nearly one million, they have no political representatives. These people are not respected amongst their Mexican neighbors. Their history is not taught nor are their ways respected. It is said that these people are left out of established programs. “We no longer want to be detained by security agents in our own country, who say that in Mexico there are no blacks,” stated by Rodolfo Prudente Dominguez. What can these people do besides protest? With all this rac-

Cartoon corner Christopher Brown Reporter

Jeri Scibelli Freelance Contributor

ism comes the stereotypes. For instance, many Mexicans think that Africans are accustomed to simple lives and that is how they prefer to live. Africans are people too, and they have dreams and goals just like everyone else. Not all of the Afro-Americans are striving for help, but that does not necessarily mean that they do not need any. It is one’s duty as a person to lend a helping hand when needed. In theory, one day people just might be able to patch a hole in the spot where all come together as one—as human beings.

Healthcare continued from page 3

healthcare reform. Most GOP leaders firmly claim that universal coverage would only lead to government corruption and economic downturn. One of the climaxes in the past month on the topic of healthcare includes South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson’s vicious reaction to President Obama’s speech, yelling out “you lie” in the middle of the council chamber. Since the conservatives have such a strong view that universal healthcare goes against all of the ideals that America holds dear (i.e. “free trade” and “no government control”), very few, if any, of the Republicans will hold any support for reform. Yet, the Democrats have the majority hold on Congress as of now, and will very likely pass the bill regardless of whether they can manage to get any bipartisan support at all. This is probably why most MHS students are evenly split on this topic. In one of their first discussions on healthcare, Ms. Johnson’s period 3 Global Issues class was asked whether or not the President would be able to follow through with the health reform. Only about half of the students timidly raised their hands that day. The other half voted with little confidence in the success of the bill. But President Obama has a clear stance. On the White House homepage at www.whitehouse.gov, the president has strongly expressed that comprehensive healthcare reform has to be passed, and needs to be passed quickly. And there is real reason for everyone on both sides of the political spectrum to be on his side. Not everybody is getting healthcare, aside from the people who are covered by private health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veteran Administration (VA). Most Americans may rest easy each night knowing that they are somehow taken care of should they awaken with a stroke or a heart attack, but many millions simply cannot. Even the people with insurance cannot always be guaranteed care in the worst of emergencies. Insurance companies across the board in America have a notorious reputation for denying people coverage for preexisting conditions and grave illnesses such as cancer. People are often told that their health comes first; it comes before one’s career, it is always top priority. There is something wrong with the extreme delay that this particular debate has taken. A democracy needs to be able to take control just enough to offer all of its citizens their most basic liberties. Therefore, it is absolutely outrageous for a country as rich as the United States to get this issue wrong. The legislature needs to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. The bureaucratic America needs to turn itself around. If fellow Americans are left in the dust because of this bungle, what kind of a united people are we? Really, why should anyone be denied the simple human right of being healthy?

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Ted Kennedy, A Legacy To Be Remembered

The President addresses America’s Schoolchildren

Megan Kelly Reporter

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OR OVER 45 YEARS Senator Ted Kennedy was a Democratic Senator in Massachusetts . A month ago the icon lost his year long battle against brain cancer; both President Obama and Vice President Biden were saddened by his passing as well as many United States citizens. Biden quotes: “Today we lost a truly remarkable man.” Kennedy was Ted Kennedy through the years born on February 22, www.edwardkennedy.com 1935 in Dorchester Massachusetts , into a wealthy IrishAmerican family. Before his brothers John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were assassinated, Kennedy’s oldest brother Joseph Kennedy died fighting in World War II when he was nine years old. After graduating from high school in 1950, Kennedy attended Harvard University and played football as an offensive and defensive end. Later his freshman year, he moved into the Winthrop House alongside his brothers, though after being caught cheating on a Spanish exam, he was expelled. One year of good behavior would have granted Kennedy readmission to Harvard, but instead of waiting for that period, he enlisted in the army. Following basic training, Kennedy was shipped to Paris where he worked at the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers in Europe. In 1952 he was readmitted to Harvard and joined a fraternity while improving his study habits. When he graduated, Kennedy enrolled in the University of Virginia School of Law. He was admitted Kennedy to the Massachusetts bar following his completion of law school. During his 45 years as a Senator Kennedy worked for three main causes: mental health, children’s health coverage and cancer research. The Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 allowed people with mental illness to stay home while being treated Kennedy through America’s community mental healthcenters. Kennedy’s interest in mental illness was triggered by his sister, Rosemary, who was given a lobotomy when she was 23. The lobotomy left her mentally handicapped for the remainder of her life until she died in early 2005. In the following decade Kennedy established the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP allows children of low income families to have health insurance. CHIP was expanded in 2009 to allow four million children, including legal immigrants to not have to wait for health care coverage. Kennedy noticed three years after he established CHIP that minorities have much higher percentages of deaths related to cancer, heart desease and other severe health issues. Afterward, he introduced The Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act. The act informed the public about the main issues with disease and poor health. It also created plans to meet health needs in susceptible neighbourhoods. Even though he is now buried next to his brothers in Arlington National Cemetery, there are still some problems to sort out. Who will be taking his seat? Campaigns are taking place with candidates such as Martha Coakleyand, Kennedy’s nephew, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. After he lost the 1980 presidential campaign Kennedy quotes “For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” Kennedy’s dream for better health care has never died and his hopes for a better America will also live on. Though Kennedy is not here anymore most of us will remember what he has down for the United States.

“...If you quit on school -- you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.” - Barack obama, Sept. 3, 2009 Natalie Fallano Reporter

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N TUESDAY Sept. 8, 2009 at Wakefield High School in Arlington Virginia, President Barack Obama made a motivational speech pertaining to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade about taking responsibility for their own education. The “National Address to Schoolchildren of America” was watched by students in schools all over the country from New England to California. Obama’s main purpose of the speech was to encourage students to stay in school, to set goals, and to work hard. Obama gave his speech on a day that, for many students marked the first day of the school year. He then shared his own personal experience about living in Indonesia, and how his mother could not afford to send him to the school privileged American children attended. According to the White House’s Office of the Press Secretary he stated ”...but she thought it was important for me to keep up with an American education. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday.” Obama also focused on the speech’s main prupose. He explained that in order to be successful, every student must take responsibility for their own education. “But at the end of the day we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world--and none of that will make

a difference, none of it will matter unless you fulfill your responsibilities,” said Obama, according to the Office of Prees Secretary. The next part of his speech explained how an education is needed to achieve new goals and aspirations. He explained that skills learned in school can be used to resolve crises such as AIDS and develop creating environmental friendly technology to help save the planet. Obama also mentioned in his speech, according to the Office of Press Secretary, “but at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life...none of that is an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school.” He honored students in difficult situations who have faced obstacles such as brain cancer and moving from one foster home to another. He talked about failure and how one can learn from it and how asking questions can open doors. As the last remarks of his speech, Obama threw the big questions that every generation faces, “What’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries are you going to make?.” ultimately, Obama made students think about the future of this country and how our generation must control the future of America. What we do will not only affect the future of America, but the future of the world.

Obama greets America’s schoolchildren. www.barackobama.com

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9/11: Just Another History Lesson? Malden High School students reflect upon where they were during September 11, 2001 Alicia Young Reporter

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EPT. 11, 2001 was eight years ago. Nearly three thousand people died in the aircraft-hijacking suicide attack, and there still are people who do not know what the event was even take it seriously. They know about what happened in Arlington, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York that day, but not what happened to them. According to some, knowing that is just as important. Freshman Shannon Wallace from Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School was at a loss for words when asked to describe the day events of Sept. 11th. Wallace knew of the minor details, but what actually happened to her, and how it affected her remained ellusive. When the collapse and crashes happened, she was only 6, and not expected to remember anything but the actual facts. When asked where the planes crashed she exclaimed, “the Pentagon and Twin towers,” forgetting that there was a third plane. When thinking about these events it is best to remember the saying, “Those that do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.” Lisa Rios, a senior at

Malden High School remembers the day perfectly. She experienced Sept. 11th at the age of 8, and to this day she cries on every anniversary. She may not have had family out in Boston at the time, but her father was at work. She remembers crying to her mom, who picked her up from school early, about how she hoped he was okay. It was a devastating experience for Rios. As a young girl, she could not quite grasp why people would want to kill her, or any other innocent person. Illustration by Alicia Young All she could hear was the television at full volume, and the fighter planes above her is important that at some point house rushing to the scenes of the they do. Hurley’s best friend died attacks. Now she knows the facts, as on American Airlines flight 11. He well as her personal reaction to the thinks the most important thing is events, and there is no way she will never to forget the event. Never let the memory fade, because then it ever forget any of it. History teacher Greg does not mean anything. He believes Hurley, talks about how he does not that we should not let this turn into mind children not knowing much just another page in the history book, about Sept. 11th right now, but it and that is where his job comes in.

Hurley informs his students about noth his experiences on that day, as well as the facts of 9-11 because it is important to know both. It was a huge mass murder, and should not be over looked.

Swine Flu, Savior or SetBack? Chris Brown Reporter

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Swine Flu Vaccine Faces Extensive Criticism

S THE FLU SEASON is about to start, health officials have become more worried about another outbreak of the H1N1 virus, or “Swine Flu”, as it is commonly known. Vaccines are about to be released to protect people from both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. However, despite the Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of the vaccine, many are nervous and skeptical about it, but is there anything to worry about? Some would say that the vaccine was rushed and there may be many mistakes due to the speedy creation. Others claim that the vaccine is injecting the live virus into the body, which may actually give recipients the virus. Also, some skeptics are worried about deadly side effects that the vaccine may have. Proponents of the vaccine trust that it was created by the same makers of the seasonal flu vaccine, which is working fine and it is necessary to protect the world from the H1N1 virus, which is predicted to infect about

half of the country this flu season. The FDA’s recent approval is also a valid argument that proponents are making. There are five groups of people who are first in line to receive the vaccines this October: pregnant women, healthcare workers and emergency medical responders, people caring for infants under six months of age, children and young adults from six months to twenty four years and people from twenty five to sixty four years with underlying medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Combined, these groups make up approximately 159 million individuals. MHS Tenth grader Michael Bartlett believes healthcare workers, children and anyone in a dense population should get the vaccine first. However, Bartlett is feeling uneasy about the quickness of the vaccine’s creation, “I would have liked to see more extensive testing done first,” Bartlett stated. He knows that the seasonal flu vaccine has been ap-

proved, but he isn’t sure about the H1N1 vaccine. However, there are factors that changed his opinion on the vaccine, “The FDA’s approval makes me want to get the vaccine. Also the fact that the same people who made the seasonal flu vaccine made this one,” Bartlett said. He believes the government is using scare tactics by predicting that so many people will get the virus but he isn’t worried about dying from it. Another voice in Malden High School has a different opinion however. Health teacher, Kathy Devito says she isn’t skeptical about the vaccine. “ There are risks of any inoculation and this one won’t be different. They have worked on it for years and the other vaccines work fine. One dose will be enough and it will be out fast, and I don’t think they will put the live virus in your body,” Devito stated. Devito said she will definitely get the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine, which she gets every year. She believes that people should take everyday precau-

tions, the virus won’t be a problem. “Washing our hands and couching and sneezing in our sleeves is all it takes,” Devito said. She also says the government isn’t using scare tactics and they have no reason to. She is in no way scared of getting the H1N1 virus. “My son got it when he was in Florida. We were extra careful around him and no else in the house got it”, Devito stated. She says we can prevent it if we keep our immune systems healthy. Students are urged to stay home if sick, and can return to school if their fever is down within 24 hours without the aid of medicines like Tylenol. The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to the seasonal flu so it may hard to distinguish which person is infected, so it is imperative to quarantine suspected cases to prevent the flu from spreading. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says most infected individuals won’t even need to see a doctor, they just need to wait it out, avoid spreading it and stay healthy to prevent illness.

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High Lunch Prices Reflect Recession Haley DeFillipis Reporter

Paige Yurek Reporter

MHS Bulletin

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UE TO THE ECONOMY, lunch prices for the 2009-2010 school year have permanently skyrocketed because of the increasing cost of food. Malden High School is not the only victim, as the entire Malden school system has been forced to raise their prices. MHS cafeteria staff member Terri Tusa-Pelosi explained, “The prices rose two years ago, but we’ve held off on raising them until now.” Food distributors do not lesser their prices once they are raised. For some who receive their lunch money from parents, affording new prices has been a struggle and frustration. Junior Geneva Decobert has to make four or five dollars a day last through bus rides and lunch everyday of the week. With the student cost to ride the bus being 60 cents, and the average lunch approximately three dollars, four or five dollars is insufficient. However, students who pay reduced lunch are not required to pay more. Decobert argues “if our prices went up, theirs should too”. She also believes more students will be getting reduced lunch now because it will be difficult to endure the latest prices.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Debbie Ly, Jonathon Sit, Mandy Lao eating lunch

Senior College Planning Night Saturday, October 10, 2009 Homecoming Brunch and concert Monday, October 12, 2009 Columbus Day-No School

continued on page 12

Girls eating their lunch

Getting Paid for a Good Grade Omar Khoshafa Copy Editor

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HE MASSACHUSETTS Math and Science Initiative (MMSI) granted Malden High School with an Advanced Placement class Grant covering English, math, and sciences. This grant gives students who passed their AP tests with a score of 3 or higher a check for $100. Malden is among the initial cohort of 11 Massachusetts public high schools selected by the MMSI for a program that will make its graduates more ready to succeed in college by increasing the number of students who take AP classes and pass their exams. AP classes are college-level courses offered to high school students. Students who take the course are eligible to take AP exams, which are graded on a 1-5 scale. Students scoring 3 or better can earn college credit in the subject area, depending on the college. The MMSI aims to increase the number of students who take AP classes and score 3 or better on math, science or English AP exams. As Malden Public Schools Superintendent Sidney Smith stated, “This program fits perfectly with the goal

set by our school committee for every high school junior and senior to take at least one AP class.” Schools achieve the goal by partnering with MMSI in an intensive AP teacher training and support program. On average, the program will bring almost $400,000 in training, support and resources to each of its partner schools over five years. MMSI officials expect to increase the number of Malden students who pass AP math, science and English tests by almost 70 percent in the coming academic year alone. They expect the number to rise by nearly 250 percent within the next five years. In addition to receiving cash awards and saving money on college, earning college credit while still in high school gives students confidence that they can do college-level work. Although Massachusetts is the national leader in K-12 public education, it still falls below the national average when it comes to the number of African American and Hispanic students per 1,000 high school juniors and seniors that pass AP math, science and English

President of Mass Insight Education Morton Orlov and MHS Principal Dana Brown holding a graph tracking the number of future students in AP classes. exams. The program also aims directly at one of the nation’s central economic challenges: the declining number of students prepared to succeed at rigorous math and science colleges. A recent study by the Massachusetts Board of Education and Board of Higher Education criticized the high number of Massachusetts public high school graduates who

require remedial services at the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities. The MMSI is part of the Mass Insight Education and Research Institute. Massachusetts is one of seven states that has launched similar programs thanks to this generous grant from the National Math and Science Initiative.

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Flea Market Flies

St. Joseph’s Feast Satisfies Nidale Zouhir Head Local News Writer

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Flea Market attendees browse the selection. Photo by Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee Reporter

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HANKS TO ALL the students, staff, and the entire community this year’s Giant Flea Market was better than ever. On September 26, 2009 Ferry Street was packed with crowds of admirers. “Look at all this great stuff!” said a Malden resident browsing the many items to offer. At the Giant Flea Market one could find just about anything, from a variety of toys to a kitchen sink. Thankfully, MHS has teach-

ers and students who gladly contributed when it came to donating items. In fact, many people took this day as an opportunity to clear closets and recycle used items that another person may cherish. Not only could one find many items, but one also found many great volunteers, including active participants in clubs such as Interact Club, Key Club, Latino Club, and Biology Club. This grand event was hosted by Malden High’s very own Fine Arts Club, Karen Razzino of the MHS Business Department, Maryann Seager, the advisor of the MHS Fine Arts Club, and all the participating clubs and classes of MHS.

Another great addition to this year’s Giant Flea Market was the very first sophomore car-wash. All the money raised by each individual club or class will directly benefit them. “It’s just a wonderful day and it’s nice to see all these people coming to help out the kids and even kids themselves getting involved,” said Maryann Seager and Arlene Ceppetelli, the class advisor for the Class of 2011. Due to everyone’s exceptional efforts Malden High School’s third annual Giant Flea Market was a great success and now all are looking forward to next year’s event.

Hunger Comes in Last in the Walk for Bread Amanda Adams Reporter

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HE 17TH ANNUAL WALK for Bread took place on Oct. 4, 2009 at Pine Banks Park. The 5K Walk or Run started at 1:00pm. This event was something the whole Marie Gonsalo (above) a volunteer, and Tom family could enjoy and could have participated in. The Bread of Life—a non-profit organization started in 1980 which Faguely (below), a worker for the Walk for provides food for unfortunate families, senior citizens, disabled, Bread homeless and people without a job in Malden, Everett, Medford, and Melrose—hosted the event. “The Walk for Bread is Bread of Life’s single largest fundraiser,” the flyer stated. The Bread of Life not only provides food, but they also have other benefits like the Share Wood Project and the Clothing Ministry. The Share Wood project allows the unfortunate to receive health care for free. The Clothing Ministry gives out clothes, jackets, blankets, foot wear, and items needed around the house. On the web site, it states, “We provided the equivalent of over 310,000 meals to the hungry, homeless and isolated people in 2008.” Many supporters and organizations like churches, schools, synagogues, and even Malden High School, participated. Over $1,000 was raised. Full- time staff and volunteers also made an appearance. The money will go towards main food programs and food pantries.

Kayla Bramante Reporter

URING THE WEEKEND of Sept. 18-20, 2009, St. Joseph’s Parish celebrated its 28th annual Feast of St. Joseph. The feast raises money for the church, which then trickles down to the many societies and charities that the church donates to and to volunteers throughout Malden. This year, the feast was held in September for the first time, due to June’s tumultuous weather. “It feels weird that it’s in September,” Malden High School junior and regular feast attendee Daniel Amerena stated. This feeling was shared by many; however, “[The move] kind of got the excitement back in there,” one of the feast’s original founders, Louise Mallett, stated, adding that fall is the “Getting back into the spirit time of the year.” Entertainment coordinator Al Sablone expressed agreement, saying, “Win, lose, or draw, we try to keep going.” Sablone added that having the feast in the fall gave it a new edge and created new possibilities, such as the Star of the Feast competition, an American Idol-style karaoke contest. This optimism and dedication to the feast is evident in all of the feast’s many volunteers and organizers. “I love working here, I’ve worked here every year since eighth grade,” junior Amanda LaFauci explained. “For over 28 years, we’ve had family and friends throughout Malden who donate their time and services to help us consistently bring a first class feast to a local neighborhood,” Sablone added. Mallett felt similarly, stating, “We do the planning and the brainwork behind the scenes, but all the people out here are what make it possible...[St. Joseph’s Feast] gets everybody working together like a family...and I’d like to thank the city of Malden and all the different city departments for all their help and support.” Sablone summarized all of these overwhelmingly positive feelings when he added, “It’s a great place and a great opportunity for family, friends, and local parishioners to get together and support the parish and enjoy great food, entertainment, games, and rides for the kids.” These rides included the Zipper, which has an oblong frame and rotates, taking the benches its riders are strapped into with it. Also popular were the more childfriendly Crazy Bus and giant slide. “I had so much fun,” MHS senior Thomas Langdale expressed. “I’m just sad that it’s going to have to end after this weekend.” These sentiments were echoed by many, who were sad to see the rides and food stands packed up and put away for next year.

The Blue and Gold September-October 2009

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Reginah Sanyu Reporter

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HE HARVEST MOON Festival is a combination of the traditional harvest festival and the Chinese moon festival. The Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated to welcome autumn, however in the Chinese culture where the festival originates, it is attributed to the legendary romantic story of Chang Er. There are many versions of the story, but the most famous is when Er takes a pill and becomes a fairy, and flies to the moon to escape from the pursuit of her husband. Many people say that Er is seen on the moon when its at its brightest around mid autumn, the time of the year when families get together eating moon cakes while watching the moon. In Malden, the festival is celebrated by blending Chinese and American customs. this has been going on for the past five years, young

and old come ,the community comes together. On September 19, 2009 Fellsmere Pond was yet again the beautiful site where the many activities and inviting, sweet aroma of different foods beckoned. Among the activities were: face-painting, raffles, lion dances, free stress tests, a farmers’ market, fingerprinting by the Middlesex sheriffs, pumpkin decorating, and pony and train rides to mention only a few, The Oak Grove Association was among the biggest volunteers who made the festival possible. This organization has been around since 1897 helping the community. They started preparing for the festival last spring, bringing about changes such as the stage where some local bands like the Bad Rabbits entertained the crowd. According to the organizers of the event,

the percentage of volunteers has increased by about fifty percent over the last five years. Among the people in attendance who I had the opportunity to talk to were; Cary Scarborough, the treasurer of The Oak Grove Improvement Association who called the festival ‘ a dream he might wake up from.’ Janet Jonathas a junior at Malden High who attended last year’s festival thought this year’s festival was more fun. Andrew Chen, secretary of the Key Club thought that this year was more fun because everybody was working together. One of our own students who was in attendance Sabrina Azar was surprised how much Malden High is involved in.she said ‘stuff like this is good to the community, I wish more people could volunteer.’ The sight of

The annual Harvest Moon Festival at Fellway Pond Photos by L.ynn Tran

the excited people of all age groups which a biggest percentage were High School students vibrantly chanting made the ceremony as colorful as its own name .children riding ponies, teenagers painting faces, elders telling stories, not to forget the eye catching robot ambulance and lion dances, the weather was calm and beautiful, the sun was sweet to the skin and a wind of peace, joy and harmony seemed to be hovering people’s faces. Indeed one wonders why the Harvest Moon Festival was named so, but there is one sure thing about it: it is a date worth saving.

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Renovations Revealed

Photos by Sharon Lee, Katherine Poirier, and Lauren Benoit

Images of the renovations Photos by Lynn Tran continued from page 1

Carrie Anne DeDeo

Lorraine Croft

Nancy Green

Thi Rome

On the Malden High School web page, new features are listed to include: - Updated science labs - State-of-the-art computer labs - New equipment throughout the school - More room to expand/add new programs (i.e. Engineering and BioTech) - New security and fire alarm systems - New carpeting in auditorium and media center - Exterior door replacements - New window shades - New electronic school sign - Rebuilt exterior staircase to Brunelli building 2) The blocked off portion of the Jenkins and Brunelli houses will not be used in the future. -False. The portion that is walled off is already being renovated. These classes are expected to be finished in February, after which work will begin on those classrooms in both houses that face the courtyard. Teachers that have classrooms stationed on the courtyard side will be expected to flip and occupy the new classes. 3) There will not be a Fear Fest or a Junior Varieties this year. -Half true. Fear Fest will happen this year, however, not only will the National Honor Scoiety not play a role in it, but the event will be celebrated in a different method. This is due to the large portion of the “horror house” that goes through the auditorium and the basement of the Jenkins house. The renovations on that building will not be completed in time for Fear Fest, however the same cannot be said for Junior Varieties. Unless notified otherwise, JVs will occur at its usual time. Practices will have to be done in either the gym or the cafeteria until the auditorium is completed, but once it is finished, rehearsals can move to the auditorium. On that hopeful note, Brown proudly states, “We’re on schedule and under budget.” His aspirations for the renovations remain optimistic. “Based on the renovations I’ve seen so far, I’m really looking forward to more work being done and the completion of the project.”

The Blue and Gold September-October 2009

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Shadeed Shields Freshmen Cristina Peters Reporter

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FTEN FOUND in the library, or in her D House office on the fourth floor, one can find Nicole Shadeed. Shadeed is the guidance counselor for over 400 freshmen, and has a lot of work on her plate. She wantes to make sure to meet every freshman and let them know that she is there for them whenever they need her. Before teaching at Malden High School, Shadeed taught English at Lawrence High School to mostly ninth graders, which is also the school she graduated from. She enjoyed teaching there but is also enjoying her first year here at MHS. When asked what made her want to be a teacher, she responded saying, “People have told me since the second grade that I should be a teacher but I never really understood why. Then in college, I realized that’s exactly what I wanted to be.” Loving her profession, Shadeed said that she wants to continue working as a teacher for the rest of her life. Looking ahead, and planning to do more than just change schedules or help students whenever its needed, Shadeed is hoping to develop programs in the future that will help eighth graders transition into ninth grade. “Communicating with the middle school counselors over the course of this year can to hopefully develop more programs, such as shadowing or high school events, that will help students get a sense of high school in the spring of their 9th grade year.” Ashley Vital, a MHS freshman stated, “[the program is] unnecessary. I think I was prepared so I don’t think that we need this.” On the contrary, Vivian Vo stated, “I think we could use this program, however I think they could have helped us learn more about how to get from class to class on time, and about the workload. Ms. Shadeed hopes to create a formal program and build on this past year’s freshman orientatopm program.

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Brenden Maney

Mastrangelo Meets MHS Brittany McFeeley Reporter

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HRISTOPHER MASTRANGELO, former Peabody High School assistant principal, is taking the place of Fred Feldman as the new B-House principal. Mastrangelo grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts and attended Wakefield High School. After high school, he attended Springfield College to major in Physical Education and proceeded to go to Cambridge College for his master’s degree. His main inspiration to pursue his dream to become a physical education teacher was from his own gym teacher and soccer coach from his high school. Mastrangelo then became a gym teacher at Peabody High School for 14 years prior to becoming an assistant principal. Mastrangelo also coached the boys’ basketball team for 11 years at Peabody and his first win as a coach was against the Malden High School basketball team. After many years of being a physical education teacher, Mastrangelo became an assistant principal for two years. Mastrangelo has never worked in such a large and diverse city like Malden before, so

Paul Mouratidis when the job opened up he decided to give it a shot. When Principal Dana Brown first saw Mastrangelo he stated that he first reminded him of Feldman. Other than resembling Feldman, Brown said he stood out from all the other applicants because of his confidence and experience. He looked fit for the job, and he had many good ideas. Mastrangelo plans to build relationships with the staff and students at MHS and do anything he

can to help with the progress of the school. Sophomore Hakima Missabah stated, “I think he looks very nice, and I’m sure he’ll do a good job.” Students at MHS are very excited for the new principal and Mr. Brown is too. “I hope he has a long and productive year at MHS,” Brown commented. Meaghan Lemli

Jennifer Rogowics

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Continued from page 7 Students in dispute over lunch prices

Karamcheti Embraced At MHS Nidale Zouhir Head of Local News

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The Lunch Staff

mong with renovations atMalden High School. There have been additions to the teaching stuff. In January, MHS was privileged to have Manjula Karamcheticome on board as the new Director of Guidance to the Malden Public Schools. Karamcheti has much experience in the Guidance field.When she realized that helping people was what she wanted to do, she went on ahead to the University of Massachusetts in Lowell to pursue a Masters in Community and Social Psychology. She later became the Director of Internerships and Career Services at Pine Manor College. After two years as Director ,she decided to widen her scope in the field of psychology by joining the Harvard Risk Prevention for Adolescence, where she attained her Masters in education. With her academic achievements, she joined Stepping Stone Academy as the counselor, where she served for two years before joining Framingham High School as the Guidance Counselor, a position she held for six years. Her colleagues had nothing but great things to say about her. Karamcheti is a positive hardworking person who has a passion for what she does. Thomas Mahoney called her “a phenomenon,” saying Karamcheti “thinks outside the box

Behind the scenes at lunch

Junior Andrew Terenzi, who earns his money from his job, has the opposite opinion on the changed prices. Terenzi was not surprised the lunch prices have raised, because prices have been raising everywhere outside of school as well, “we’re in a recession; everything is going up. I was expecting it,” he stated. It affects him because he has less money to spend elsewhere. Terenzi feels it is fair to keep reduced prices down because their parents make less money. Lunch prices have even begun to lead seniors to buy off-campus lunch more often than normally. Senior Ngoc Doan thinks it has become so expensive at MHS, that it makes more sense to buy a bigger amount of food for a lower price elsewhere. However, senior Samuel Warton disagrees, “I still get more food at school.” Warton says school lunch is worth the price depending on what the person orders. For example, he believes the taco salad is filling enough to satisfy his hunger and is worth the price. On the other hand, he believes “A small wrap for two dollars and twenty-five cents is not worth it.” Seniors who do not have the privilege of off-campus lunch are stuck paying the school prices. In order to be eligible for off-campus lunch, the student must meet certain expectations. This means an 80% grade average within all classes, less than three absences, and good behavior. Overall, the increase of lunch prices has become an aggravating challenge for students at MHS.

Ms. Karmacheti

and is a great addition to the high school.” To Craven, Karamcheti is a hard working member who is bringing the Guidance Department to another level in Malden Public Schools. Limpiski calls her very student centered, saying Karamcheti is very professional and posses impeccable capabilities in the field of counseling. Slattery refers to her as very hardworking, easy to work with individual and the changes she is making will benefit the students. MHS Principal Dana Brown refers to her as a rare gift he stated “we are very excited to have her on board and we are looking forward to benefiting from the ideas that she will be implementing.” Enjoying all types of music especially The Beatles ,Karamcheti with an Hernuring trait as a mother, cemments the passion for guidance and growth of new and young talent. “The morning sun never lasts a day.” The new Director of Guidance brings with her a full spirit of empowerment and tremendous goals such as a college in career center and a peer tutoring program running. However your full support and co-operation will be of great help to the success of implementing Karamcheti’s goals.

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9 Scores A TEN! Nidale Zouhir Head of Local News

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ITH STUNNING GRAPHICS and a soundtrack boasting Coheed and Cambria and Danny Elfman, Shane Acker’s post-apocalyptic 9 is a film worthy of consideration not only as a spectacular animated feature, but also as a serious motion picture. Based on Acker’s 2005 short film, 9 is set in a world that was destroyed by science after the fictional government of a totalitarian state commissioned an unnamed scientist (Alan Oppenheimer) to research artificial intelligence. Once the scientist developed a “brain,” the government seized it to build the “Fabrication Machine,” which was used to create artificially intelligent machines for war. The Fabrication Machine eventually goes insane and beings programming its machines to destroy life of all forms. Torn apart by guilt, the scientist creates nine ragdolls, called “stitchpunks,” to preserve his—and all—humanity, giving each of them

a piece of his personality. After creating 9 (Elijah Wood), the scientist dies, leaving 9 the task of destroying the Fabrication Machine. 9 goes on to find the rest of the stitchpunks, first meeting the idiosyncratic 2 (Martin Landau). 9 proves to be the catalyst in the story, sparking a stitchpunk revolution of sorts that eventually leads to a bittersweet ending. Wood, who has acting experience in animation from 2006’s penguin musical Happy Feet, demonstrates more maturity than in some of his recent films as he combines elements of both an innocent penguin and the fiercely brave hobbit he played in 2003’s The Lord of the Rings. He flawlessly displays his character’s strange juxtaposition of youthful purity and rebellion, showing both desperation and fear at appropriate times. His love interest, 7, a heroic and headstrong warrior, is played by Jennifer Connelly (of He’s Just Not That Into You and The Day the Earth Stood Still). 7 seems to always appear in the film just before 9 or another stitchpunk is hurt; she con-

sistently saves many of them from a machinedriven death. Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of the power-crazed and cowardly stitchpunk leader, 1, is vaguely cliché, but still enjoyable. Meanwhile, Crispin Glover’s crazy artist, 6, and Reilly’s quirky engineer, 5, are e m o t i o n - p r o vo k i n g and lovable. Despite the lovable characters, however, the film’s themes Movie Poster for 9 are definitely very mature. It is full of chilling scenes involving wild (Corpse Bride) and Timur Bekmambemachines and the end of the age of tov (Wanted), 9 is a visual explosion, humanity, giving it a PG-13 rating. with stunningly vivid animation The film’s only flaw is its cryp- and unbelievably detailed graphics. tic and unexpected ending, which Not an appropriate movie for chilsparked endless amounts of discus- dren, 9 is worth viewing in theaters sion on the internet—which admit- purely for its display of optical and tedly may have been the makers’ cinematic effects, with its politically intent. charged story and memorable acting Produced by Tim Burton offering extra incentive.

Surrogates StealS Silver Screen claiming that it was blasphemy for one to trade in their humanity for some machine. All the while, Greer’s own surrogate is destroyed, but instead of a replacement, he tackles the case ‘in the flesh’ and begins to appreciate the wonders of experiencing life for himself once again, much to his wife’s discontent. Finally being exposed to the outside world, Greer realizes what an atrocity modern society had become. It is true that racism, sexism, and crime had mostly vanished, but in their place came widespread obesity and a truly fragile society.

Xavier Leo Reporter

In a not-sodistant future, “Surrogates” have become as universal as cell phones and computers. Any person who owns one of these life-like androids has the capability to live their daily lives from the comfort of their own home and, for the most part, the world is better because of it. Surrogates allow their operators to feel any sensation imaginable, living through physically perfect specimens without the worry of disease or aging. Crime has become a thing of the past, and activities such as smoking or doing drugs no longer cause bodily damage. The world has become perfect— that is, until a new weapon designed by the military gets out into the public. This new weapon, unlike anything ever seen before, has the ability to completely destroy a “Surry”

Greer investigates further and uncovers a plot that could quite literally eradicate humanity. With billions of lives at stake and what could be the end of the innovative Surrogate revolution, Greer must go to extreme measures and save humankind from ultimate destruction. With nonstop action and a surprisingly interesting plot, director Jonathan Mostow and renowned actor Bruce Willis collaboratively deliver a memorable performance in the adaptation of the graphic novel by author Robert Venditti and illustrator Brett Weldele.

MALDEN HIGH’S VMA FAVORITES Movie Poster for Surrogates and simultaneously melt the brain of their human puppeteers. Lieutenant Harvey Greer (Bruce Willis) is hot on the case, and all assaults seem to be linked to The Prophet (Ving Rhames), a religious radical who once led a violent but unsuccessful rebellion against the Surrogates,

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Sports

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New Coach, New Philosophy, New year

Malden High School Football Team lines up at the lines up at the line of scrimmage.

continued from page 1 tion” offense that the team ran last year. Papagallo made a distinction between his coaching philosophy and last year’s by stating “Last year’s coach took a more conservative approach… this year we’re running a spread option offensive with an aggressive, college-style defense.” The team opened their 2009-2010 season with a solid 33-12 win against Haverhill, with senior Nick Hoyt running for two touchdowns and Almieda being the leading rusher. The homecoming game was played against the Metheun High School Rangers, with Malden unable to replicate the success that they had against Haverhill; Malden went up 6-0 on a 1 yard run by Almieda, but eventually lost the game 23-6. The homecoming game was followed by another two losses against Austin Prep (16-13) and Bedford (13-6). Before the first home game against Methuen, Papagallo compared this year’s team to the MHS team from 2005, which ranked 9th in all of eastern Massachusetts with a record of 9-2. He stated that if “[the team] avoids injuries, we can have some fun this year.” However, the team was unfortunately

unable to avoid any injuries; Almieda, quarterback and captain of the team, tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the second quarter of the homecoming game against the Methuen High School Rangers. This was the same exact injury that he suffered in the first game of last year against Lawrence. Last year, Almieda was forced to sit out the rest of the season and undergo extensive surgery and rehabilitation; this year will not be any different. Senior Shakarus Semexant is once again filling in Almieda’s quarterback role. Marcos Almieda is still looking to play football after this year, whether it be with a preparatory school or with a college team. And when speaking about his replacement in Semexant, Almieda said, “To tell you the truth, I think he’s better than me.” Malden is now preparing for their next games against North Quincy and Lynn Classical, looking to improve upon their record of 1-3.

Photos by Catherine Poirier

MHS Defense makes a tackle.

Next Four Games: Friday, 10/09 at North Quincy Saturday, 10/17 At Lynn Classical Friday, 10/30 At Somerville Saturday, 11/14 Vs. Everett

Malden High School Football Team drives and defends the ball.

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Boys Soccer Sees The Light At The End Of The Tunnel The Malden Boys’ Soccer Team had a great game this week after a tough start to the season Katherine Poirier Reporter

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LTHOUGH THE BOYS varsity soccer team has had a bit of a tough start to their season, the players are keeping their hopes up, with a record of 3-1. Last year, the team came up one game short of making it to the state tournament. After getting the chance to talk with the head coach, Jeremiah Smith it was evident that he was very optimistic about the season. “I think the team should make it to states every year, and this year in particular. We have a lot of seniors with plenty of talent and experience on the team” says Smith. One senior is Captain Sam Warton, who has participated in an impressive 48 seasons of soccer in his 12 years of playing the sport for multiple teams. Warton is on the same page as the coach as he believes the team can make it to the tournament this year. “Even though we are off to a rough start, I see loads of potential with our gameplay” notes Warton. “Last year we also did a lot of dribbling and little passing. Now we're moving the ball around more, and our team is really connecting with this style of play.” says Warton, “What we need to do to get to our highest level is to start games strong and uncover the opponent's weakness quicker and capitalize on those so we can relieve some pressure off the defense.” One game everyone is looking forward to is on September 29th against Cambridge High School. Last year, the team lost to Cambridge in the Greater Boston League Cup; however, the team is anticipating winning big this year using their new strategies.

Boys Soccer schedule and records Saturday, 9/12 at Gloucester – 10 a.m. Monday, 9/14 vs. Quincy – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 9/16 at Catholic Memorial – 6 p.m. Friday, 9/18 at Everett – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 9/21 vs. Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 9/23 at Medford – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 9/29 vs. Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 9/30 vs. Everett – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/2 at Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/5 vs. Medford – 3:45 p.m. Thursday, 10/8 at East Boston – 3:30 p.m. Friday, 10/9 at Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/12 at Quincy – 7:55 p.m. Thursday, 10/15 at Dracut – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/16 at GBL Cup – Time and Location TBA Saturday, 10/17 at GBL Cup Championship – Time and Location TBA Monday, 10/19 at Brookline (Skyline Field) – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/23 vs. Andover – 4 p.m. Monday, 10/26 vs. Dracut – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 11/4 vs. Lynnfield – 3:45 p.m.

Abdelkader El Adlouni, Sebastian Gill, and Nelson Mendoza. Photos by Catherine Poirier

Sports And Steroids; A Love Story Alfonse Femino Head Sports Writer

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n today’s world of professional sports, it is difficult for fans to comprehend how many hours of work athletes do based on watching a game. On average, professional athletes work four to six days a week of weight training, plyometrics, and practice in the off-season, while working everyday in the season. With all this stress and strain on their bodies, many player through out Major League Baseball have recently found a solution to steroids. When athletes take steroids, the process of building muscle is drastically shortened, making it an incredibly tempting alternate route to building muscle purely. Red Sox fanatic and Malden High School Spanish teacher Theresa Morano feels strongly about the use of steroids in the game of baseball, stating “it should be totally illegal,” and th at those found guilty of steroid use should be removed from the team. Some players infamous for steroid use include Barry Bonds, Mark Maguire, and Roger Clemens. The newest member of this group is Red Sox designated hitter and hometown hero David Ortiz. On Aug. 8th, 2009, Ortiz’s name came up on a list of people found guilty of steroid use in 2003. Ortiz, as many other pro athletes, stated that he unknowingly used steroids. “I definitely was a little bit careless in those days when I was buying supplements over the counter…” stated Ortiz in an interview with the press at Yankee Stadium. Though many have turned the cold shoulder on Ortiz because of the incident, Red Sox Nation is still behind him. “It is possible he made a mistake and if he did he should be honest,” quoted Morano. More and more people are seeing athletes that were once looked up to and served as role models for young kids being caught cheating by using steroids and other illegal growth enhancers. It seems as though, every other player has a cork in his bat, syringe in his arm, or criminal lawsuits in his cabinet. Sports have changed greatly over time, and are not played or advertised as they were 100, 50, or even 10 years ago. However it is getting to the point where the purity of professional sports must be questioned.

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Slow Start Doesn’t Slow Cross Country Xavier Leo Reporter

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aving graduated the majority of last year’s top runners, the boys cross country team is unsure of what to expect this season. While this year’s roster consists of mostly underclassmen, the team did return two seniors, Ayoub Kourikchi and Henry Wong, who were both named captains. When asked about this year’s team, Wong acknowledged, “The team looks pretty good so far, despite the lack of experience. The underclassmen are picking up the slack.” Malden is not the only team missing its former seniors. According to Coach David Londino, “The best team in the Greater Boston League will be the one with the best underclassmen. All the major talent from the GBL has graduated, and now the entire

Boys CROSS COUNTRY league is up for grabs.” For those who do not know, the scoring in cross country is unusual. When a runner finishes their race, that runner adds points equal to their place in the race. For example, the first runner adds one point to their team’s total, and the ninth place finisher adds nine. Only the first five finishers from each team count in the scoring, and the team with the lowest number of points is victorious. Malden has high hopes for the season, with a solid showing at the GBL Open meet, finishing third behind Cambridge and Somerville respectively, but also overtaking Medford and Everett by a significant margin. Freshman Dawit Aynalem really opened eyes throughout the GBL with his photo finish in the freshman race. Although he did finish second, Dawit made an immediate impact, and the team looks forward to his growth in the future. Among the top ten varsity finishers were juniors Andrew Terenzi and Patrick Keough, who finished third and sixth respectively. Terenzi, who just began running competitively last outdoor track season, is off to a phenomenal start and is definitely a well known threat throughout the GBL. Coach Londino stated modestly that Terenzi “experienced some success in the mile last year.”

In reality, Terenzi was ran a sub five minute mile, something most GBL runners cannot do, at least not without a few months of intensive training. Terenzi kept at it during the offseason, running 45-50 miles a week and bringing his time down to 4:40 at the Bay State Games, a time that would have qualified him for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Eastern Mass State Meet. Expectations for Terenzi soared this cross country season, and he has not disappointed. When asked about all the buzz surrounding his performance, Terenzi stated,

“I take each day as it comes. I know what people expect from me, but thinking about any of that will just worsen my performance and make my nerves worse. Cross country is an entirely new sport; the races are three times longer than I am accustomed to. I just need some more practice to get everything down.” With some of the top competitors in the GBL and a solid base in their underclassmen, Malden is looking forward to a successful season.

Girls CROSS COUNTRY

The Cross Country Team stretching and on the line. Photos by Catherine Poirier

Alexander Gennigiorgis Reporter

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he Malden High School Girls Cross Country team is in pursuit of creating a huge impact on the season, despite the the loss of several key upperclassmen. The pre-season began with just six runners. Because of this, head coach Mitch Abbatessa was “at one point, worried about not having a team” because there must be at least five runners on the roster

for the MHS cross country team to be considered a team. As the preseason went on, five more students joined, which was very important as they avoided MHS’s withdrawl from the season. Also, there are no seniors on the team, and only one junior, Captain Jessica Vo. Vo stated, “I definitely do see a lot of potential in the group of younger runners,” showing that even without seniors, the team can still be successful. Vo expressed her role as captain after

the Malden and Somerville meet stating, “I told them after the Somerville Meet, I was in their shoes two years ago, and I did not realize the things I was able to achieve. I’m trying my best to encourage them as much as I can.” The underclassmen need some experience under their belts before they can become exceptional runners. Without seniors this year, the team must, “Keep moving forward” and work with what they have. Abbatessa stated that the team strategy

is to “run long and hard” and hopefully members of the cross country team will join indeed the indoor and outdoor track teams. Another key factor in the team strategy is improvement. The good thing about underclassmen is that they can always improve and learn which will really help the team in the long run. After they have all had experienced what it is to be a cross country runner, they will be very much prepared for whatever comes at them.

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Abber’s absence drives team

Soccer team plays in Arlington. Photos by Sharon Lee Brendan Provitola Reporter

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he Malden High School 2009 girl’s varsity soccer team has started this year’s season off strongly. Despite three non-league game losses, the squad has won two Greater Boston League games this year, the first being against Everett. Head coach Laura Bryson said, “So far the team has played excellently against some outstanding competition, including in today’s home opener against Everett. Strong team play, and excellent goalkeeping by Erica [Marangos], led to a shutout win, 1-0, with the goal being scored by junior Kerri Shuman near the end of the first half”. The Golden Tornadoes have been adjusting with the loss of last year’s excellent goalie, Annie Abber. Abber has started for all of the four years that she attended Malden High school and has now moved on to Boston College where she plays girl’s rugby. After being questioned about the big loss of Annie Abber, Coach Bryson said, “No matter how

good any one player is on a team, she is only one person, especially on a soccer team. While we were lucky to have Annie on our team, it was as much because of the person she is and her joy in the team as because of the position that she played that we will miss her and all of the other seniors who have graduated”. Despite losing Abber, the team has many returning starters, including, tri-captains Jenny Wong, Rachel Kirchner, and Thamara Eler. It is clear that Bryson is very confident in her new goalie and her team. Marangos has shown that she can fill Abber’s position after shutting out Everett and Somerville. After losing to Somerville three times last season, Malden has started this season off with an undefeated 2-0 GBL record including a win over Somerville. Malden will fight this entire season to win this year’s GBL title.

girls soccer schedule Friday, 10/2 vs. Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/5 at Medford – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/9 vs. Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/12 at North Quincy – 1:05 p.m. Wednesday, 10/14 at Fontbonne – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/16 at GBL Cup – 3:45 p.m. Saturday, 10/17 at GBL Cup Championship – Time and Location TBA Monday, 10/19 vs. Lowell – 4 p.m. Tuesday, 10/27 vs. Fontbonne – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 10/28 at Shawsheen – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 11/2 vs. Shawsheen – 3:45 p.m.

See Ms. Eby by Friday (10/09) for your senior sweatshirt

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The Blue and Gold September-October 2009 http://alexandram6.webs.com/

Varsity Volleyball Victory Lauren Benoit Reporter

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N PREVIOUS SEASONS The Malden High Volleyball team had struggled with their rival: Cambridge. The teams newly acquired talent proved to be successful when Malden (whose record in the league stands at 3-4) defeated Cambridge this year. When captain Laura Botero was asked what makes this year different from the previous season, she stated “The new coaches are supportive, we’ve been training extra hard, and the team became more united.” “This year we have been playing more on Cambridge’s level,” agreed captain Jillann Ceplinskas. The Malden High Volleyball team has constistenlty been playing more on their rivals level. On Oct. 2, the team beat the undefeated Cambridge. Captain Ceplinskas exclaimed “The win was unbelievable! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the team so happy! It’s amazing that for the past few years Cambridge has been undefeated till now. I think it just gave the team more confidence as a whole and proved how much we improved.” Malden fought till the end of game 5 against Cambridge winning by a mere 2 points. Next time the Tornadoes play Cambridge, it will be away. Captain Ceplinskas believes, “Cambridge was playing their hardest. You could definitely tell they wanted to win. They’re not known to just go easy on a team.” Her thoughts are, “The next game against Cambridge is going to be extremely [intense]. We’re going to be on their court so they’re definitely going to want to win against us. I think its safe to say both teams are going to be playing their hardest on the 19th.” Alumni players agree that the team has become a stronger unit. “We are definitely closer than last year, we include everyone. So its not just varsity going off with only varsity. And we do a lot of team bonding.” assured Botero.

Above: Thanh

Nguyen Below: Thanh Nguyen and Deana Kovacev

Malden High hands Cambridge their first loss in a while

Above: Evelyn Lopez strikes Below: Laura Botero

After the game against Medford High, it was very clear that the team had made progress. One of the teams goals is to work on getting better at their jump serves; their philosophy is that if they get better at jump serving will better their game as a whole. Ceplinskas thinks the team has a good shot at winning the Greater Boston League competition this year, especially because they beat their once undefeated rival. “Once we get our routine down perfectly, we will be untouchable. My goal is that we will be the team to beat each year,” concluded Ceplinskas.

Photos by Lauren Benoit

vOLLEYBALL schedule and records Friday, 10/2 vs. Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/5 at Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Friday, 10/9 at Medford – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 10/13 vs. Lawrence – 4 p.m. Friday, 10/16 vs. Everett – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/19 at Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 10/21 vs. Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/26 vs. Medford – 3:45 p.m.

The Blue and Gold September-October 2009 http://alexandram6.webs.com/

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Putt Putt to Victory Freddie FDiPhillipo Reporter

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olf, the game for a life time, is a sport where you have to start out young and build up your experience in order to play at the high school level,” head coach Rick Malatesta of the Malden High School Golf team stated. Malatesta believes that having mostly underclassmen is beneficial to the team as a whole because they are acquiring their experience earlier. He also said that some of the problems with high school golf is that most people think that they can just start playing in high school, without any experience whatsoever. Malatesta stated that he will never allow an unprepared athlete to play in a game if they are not ready because he does not want a player to be embarrassed. Malatesta’s goal for this season is to get more wins. after beating Everett’s golf team on September 15th. After interviewing Ryan Dono-

van, he expressed that he too wishes to win more matches, but believes that the team has undergone significant improvements from the previous season.

Golf schedule and records

The Girl’s Field Hockey Team Photo by Lauren Benoit

Tuesday, 9/8 vs. Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Thursday, 9/10 at Medford – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 9/15 vs. Everett – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 9/23 at Cambridge – 3:45 p.m. Thursday, 9/24 at Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Thursday, 10/1 at Everett – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/5 at GBL (Location TBA) – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 10/6 vs. Somerville – 3:45 p.m. Thursday, 10/8 vs. Medford – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/19 at D-1 Sectionals (Location TBA) – 3:45 p.m. Monday, 10/26 at State Championship (Location TBA) – 3:45 p.m.

Cheerleaders Keep Their Spirits Up Jaoa Nascimento Reporter

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alden cheerleading has kicked off this season in an optimistic fashion with a new set of captains and members. Despite their optimism, this season is plagued by an unusual football schedule, and above all, a rigorous routine. The squad does have, however, experience on their side. This year is different because most of our team are seniors and the majority of us have all cheered before, so that makes a huge difference for our routine,” stated captain Elaine Tam. Tam went on to say that Coach Coleen Leshane is “very experienced” and has definitely contributed to the formation of a stronger team. “This isn't our coach's first time coaching,” Tam commented, “and we're definitely more prepared and ready than last year.” Recently, Malden High School changed the classic Friday night games to Saturday morning games, and this adjustment, according to Tam, has severely affected the turnout. Tam rants, “I hate the new game times. I think the Friday nights were really nice, not just for the football team being more pumped, but for the crowd turnout.” Tam also affirmed that “it's easier to get the special-education kids to come after school than on Saturday mornings.” Captain Tainara Giaconomo, on the other hand, has different feeling towards the matter. “The earlier time doesn't bother me at all. I actually like it a bit more,” she expressed. With two more new senior captains this year, Nicollete Tallent-Maldonado and Amanda Benoit, and returning coach, LeShane, Malden High School’s cheerleading team is under excellent guidance for their Greater Boston League performance. The captains hope that this experience will lead to an improvement on the execution of their difficult routine. “At competition we need all the tumbling points possible,” claims Tam, who also admits that the problems she “face[s] personally deal with stunting.” With four hard-working new captains, an experienced coach, and a talented group of athletes, mastering a challenging routine seems like a very reasonable goal for the cheerleading team, and the GBL title an achievable goal.

The Girl’s Volleyball Team Photo by Lauren Benoit

The Football Team Photo by Catherine Poirier

MORE PHOTOS ON THE ONLINE NEWSPAPER GO TO: http://alexandram6.webs.com/

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The Blue and Gold September-October 2009 http://alexandram6.webs.com/

Joshua Kummins Reporter

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ESPITE A WINLESS start, the Malden High School field hockey team is looking to rebuild under their new varsity head coach, Susan Famiglietti. Although it is her first year coaching varsity players, Famiglietti is no stranger to the sport, as she spent a year coaching at the freshman level and two years at the helm of the Junior Varsity squad. This year, the team lost fifteen seniors and has only six returning players coming into the 2009 season. Famiglietti, along with senior captains Jillian Dervishian and Marissa Gould said that they all have similar goals for the new season,

including “[scoring] some goals and improving upon their skills.” Dervishian is a three-sport athlete, as she competes in field hockey, softball, and basketball. She said that playing multiple sports helps an athlete “learn how to play with a team and get in shape [for the next season.]” Malden is also looking to build upon their young team and teach the members the necessary skills to be successful in the sport. It is difficult to gain interest and keep girls involved in field hockey, because there are limited youth programs in the United States to take advantage of before high school and college. According to Famiglietti, the captains have done a great job leading the team. They have received significant contributions from their junior goaltender Shannon Howe and from senior wingers, Casey Wilcox and Cristina Valente. Malden looks forward to having a promising future in field hockey, as Emily Hoffman and Stacey Sousa show terrific potential, even as sophomores. With a young core, the MHS field hockey team certainly has a bright future ahead.

Girl’s Field Hocley Team, Patricia Aguinaldo (right) Photos by Lauren Benoit

NEXT GAMES: 10/9 @ Home vs. Dracut 10/12 @ Home vs. Everett 10/14 @ Home vs. Danvers 10/16 @ Away vs. Methuen