Recently 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 workshop, 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, students 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.”

Malden offers several different programs that can involve each and every one of its residents in the community. One of these organizations is the Malden Reads program. Malden Reads: One City, One Book is a reading program for the community that strives to bring the community together by having as many people as possible read the same book.

Each year, the Malden Reads subcommittee of the Steering Committee directs their book selection committee. Any member of the community is allowed to join in on this process. They must posses a great love of reading, be willing and able to read the books being considered, and attend meetings. Suggestions for books from the general public are considered and encouraged.

For cost reasons, the books selected need to be available in the paperback version. The committee wants to promote a book that can be easily accessible to an average reader in the community. Also, they want to call to a large portion of the Malden community, and put forward ample and applicable themes to explore throughout the program. Going into their fifth year of the program, the Malden Reads committee tries to select books that contrast previously selected books.

Last year, Malden Reads chose the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The program offers a great selection of different activities that pertain to the book being explored. Book discussions are held, along with film screenings that showcase films relating to the subject. More events held are community dinner series, children and family events, and cultural and social events. Lectures and panel discussions add on to the various different events held by the Malden Reads committee. These wondrous events are open to the community and it is not required for people attending to have read the book.

Malden Reads sparks conversation amongst the community. The tremendous value of books and literature is highly expressed through this program. Co-founder and co-facilitator of the Malden Reads program and Associate Director of Malden Access Television, Anne D’Urso-Rose said that “[the program] provides opportunities for the community to meet, interact, and come together through a wide range of programs and activities.” The program supports their mission also by raising money that is used to provide schools and learning centers around the community with books.

The people that volunteer with Malden Reads develop a broader understanding of their own community and discover new ways of adding extra value to the community around them. Volunteers are always welcome to join and youth involvement is encouraged greatly. The program is constantly  looking for youth-generated ideas.

Nedlam’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 as well. David Haskell, class of 1954, stated, “Our roots are in Malden [and that it is fun to visit the school and reunite with old classmates].”

When asked, several alumni described that the biggest change in the school was its diversity. 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, that 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 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.”

Barbara Keniston Pelosi, class of 1954, described the event 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 stated.

All of the Alumni had different 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 politics. He was elected for class president his junior year, and re-elected 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 MHS, 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.”

Here are the answers for the October crossword puzzle!

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!

The Key Club posing after a hard day of volunteering.

When 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 were walks.

The year started with the Heartwalk which took place on Sept. 6, 2014. Volunteers handed out food and drinks for participants in the walk, cheered them on, and got 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 [him] 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 [him] really happy because it shows that more people want to experience it as much as the [returning members] do.”

As the year goes on, MHS is looking forward to seeing Key Club continue serving the community and others with optimism and finesse. There is no stopping this club.

Looking to spice up your fall wardrobe? Here are some ideas!  

Descriptions for What to wear for Fall:

(ANA) For a cold fall day, and you still want to be a little dressed up. This is the perfect look!

Floral Dress, Leggings, and Leotard- Forever 21

Boots- Macy’s

(ANNA) This outfit is great when you want to be more casual, and want to stay comfy for school.

Denim Shirt- American Eagle

Leggings- Forever 21

Sperrys- Journey’s

(ANA) This outfit it perfect for a chilly day but perfect way to feel comfortable and presentable.

Sweater and Pants- Forever 21

Boots- Macy’s

Bow- Claire’s

(ANNA) Whenever it’s gloomy out and you don’t know what to wear, you can never go wrong with a cardigan and a cute pair of boots.

Shirt- T.J. MAXX

Cardigan- Forever 21

Leggings- Forever 21

Boots- Journey’s

(ANA) If you don’t feel like dressing up, go with a simple bow sweater. I’m sure it’ll tie your day together.

Sweater- Macy’s

Leggings- Forever 21

Boots- Macy’s

(ANNA) Missing your summer dresses? Put a warm cardigan and rain boots to give it the fall vibe.

Cardigan- Kohls

Dress- Forever 21

Boots- DSW

With spirit week coming up, you should start to think about what to wear in order to dress to impress. Here are some suggestions of simple ideas to get you started on your spirit week outfits. Feel free to change them up and to help them fit your personality best.

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 onsie, 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’ll be sure to impress not only your class but school as well.  

Senior Helen Chin posing for her profile for Cross Country.

For the past four years, Senior Helen Chin has been running cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and also 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 four-year championship streak.” And also “the fact that everyone knows they have to keep training hard is what I like most,” is what Chin likes most when asked about her favorite aspect of cross country.

During Chin’s junior year, she struggled a bit through school and running which she openly described as a “downward spiral.”  Although that year was difficult for her, Chin encouraged that “it was nice because after hitting rock bottom you can only go up.”

Entering college next fall, 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 and learned that after a while without running “it begins to feel weird to not run and keep in shape.” She also feels that it “was difficult to balance academics with sports in the beginning [for her] because [her] junior year was [her] first time taking so many AP classes and [she] ended up having no time for sleep ever.” However, to Chin “it does get easier with time and senioritis.”

The athletics aspect of Chin’s high school experience has placed a lot of unforgettable highlights in her mind. These highlights vary from moments of someone stepping it up or out sprinting another person at the finish line. The dearest and most humorous memory Chin has is of “Joviana Morin (a 2014 graduate) stepping in some form of fecal matter at least once a season, for both cross country and track.” Chin mentioned that “it became something of a (kind of gross) running joke” that will “probably be the first thing that comes to [her mind] when [she] thinks back to high school running.”

Cross country has been an important part of high school for Chin, however along with that tremendous interest in running, she also finds pleasure in studio, video games, and going out with friends.

Junior, Victoria Tortora hitting the ball over the net.

The Girls Varsity Volleyball team posing for a group photo.

Coming off incredibly strong this year, it is without a doubt the girls best year as a team and as victors. It is the very first year ever that they have become Greater Boston League champions and have made it to states. 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. Senior player, Monique Knight 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 were positive with each other we’re fine,” senior Kaitlyn Weng says. Although 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.”

Matthew Sadowski, coach and Malden High 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. “A lot of coaches don’t do that,” she says about Sadowski joining the girls in an occasional practice, while also including that they have a really good time with him when he does. Before games, the girls practice their serves, sets, hitting lines, and communicate positively with each other to thrive in future games. Although the girls lost during the state tournament, the girls finished strong and are ending on positive note, stay tuned for an update on the girls final game. 

Image from Wikimedia.

Thanksgiving may be one of the best holidays but it can be easy to lose track of what your digesting. Here is an easy and fun way to maintain what you are eating during the holidays while staying fit through some fun workouts.

MEAL PLAN:

Monday: Breakfast: Toast (2 slices of bread max), orange juice & yogurt. Lunch: Chicken Breast with asparagus and water. Dinner: grilled haddock fish and spinach.

Tuesday: Breakfast: Omelet and sliced grapefruit. Lunch: Chicken noodle soup and a break stick on the side with any juice less than 200 calories. Dinner: 2 cups of salad and a slice of steak no bigger than 5 oz with juice or water.

Wednesday- Breakfast: 2 toasted bread slices, grapes and a cup of milk (1%) with coffee, and no more than 2 sugars. Lunch: 1 slice of mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of salad, with water or juice. Dinner: 1/2 cup of rice, with grilled chicken and juice or water.

Thursday- Breakfast: A portion of any fruit, yogurt and water. Lunch: a chicken sandwich(grilled chicken & lettuce) with juice or water. Dinner: 1/2 cup of rice, grilled fish with juice or water.

Friday: Free day! Have any combination of delectables you desire, just do not go overboard.

Saturday & Sunday: Anything, but no more than 4 meals a day and no more than 1,000 calories in total for each.

*NOTE* When you are not too hungry but want a snack, drinks a lot of water and eat a portion of fruit but not too much that it will make you want to skip lunch or dinner.

WORKOUT PLAN:

Monday: 3 sets of 10 each

-Sit ups

-Mountain climbers

-Jumping jacks

Tuesday: 3 sets of 10 each

-Jumpings jacks

-Run 0.5 of a mile (alternative: run in place for 7 min)

- Crunches

Wednesday: 3 sets of 10 each

-Run for 10 minutes

-Sit ups

-Any leg tone workout

Thursday: 4 sets of 10 each

-Crunches

-Mountain climbers

Friday & Saturday: Create your own workout.

Sunday: Take the day off!

“An Orbital Antares rocket that was bound to bring cargo to the International Space Station exploded at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.”

Just seconds after liftoff, an Orbital Antares rocket that was bound to bring cargo to the International Space Station exploded at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Fortunately, the rocket was unmanned, and none of the ground crew were seriously injured.

The spacecraft was carrying 5,050lbs of cargo, but no crucial cargo was lost during the explosion. The cargo that was lost is being replaced, but it will be weeks before NASA knows when it will be sent to the space station. The total cost of the cargo, spacecraft, and rocket is about $200 million, and it could be more if there has been extreme damage done to the launchpad.

NASA is aware that they cannot repair the spacecraft and rocket, and believe that the event is an example of how difficult it is to deliver cargo to the space station. Many people who witnessed the incident were confused and shocked at the sight of the explosion because there were no technical issues before the launch.

Although the environmental impact has not been determined residents around the Wallops area have been asked not to touch any of the debris from the incident because it may contain hazardous materials. The remains of the incident are being collected by the authorities for investigation.

The remains of the spacecraft and rocket fell back to earth, causing even more flames during impact. NASA has yet to evaluate the cause behind the explosion or the damage of the launchpad. The launchpad is going to be repaired in the near future, but NASA does not plan on launching any Antares rockets until the cause of the problem is identified.

The aftermath of the explosion.

The space station has enough supplies to last about a year, and NASA is still looking to send out cargo. If Orbital can’t resupply the space station, there are many other companies who can get the job done. SpaceX and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft have planned to resupply cargo for the space station crew.

The failure of the rocket had raised questions of whether the rockets that NASA is launching are reliable. The explosion has caused many people to become worried about NASA’s plans to send astronauts to the space station in 2017. NASA recently signed contracts with companies that are similar to Orbital, such as SpaceX and Boeing.

Senior Kaitlyn Weng.

In the process of applying to colleges, senior varsity volleyball player Kaitlyn Weng started helping out with special needs kids ever since sophomore year. “I really enjoy working with special needs [kids],” says Weng and has a desire to work with them after she graduates high school.

Looking into colleges such as Simmons College, Stonehill College, and Salem State University, Weng says that “education is wide open.” She first started playing volleyball in 7th and 8th grade while in middle school and then when she became a freshman she signed up, continuing her journey through hard work and devotion. Weng thinks she will play intramural volleyball in college and likes to teach volleyball for the Malden Recreation Department.

Seniors 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.”

“Even if you don’t know volleyball you can always try out” says Weng as advice to anyone who wants to join the volleyball team. Weng uses her younger sister as example: “Shes not the best player on the team but she works hard everyday to become better and better…”. She even talks about her struggle and how her coach didn’t think she was the best player but now Mr. Sadowski says shes “one of the best defensive players on the team”. “Just go for it,” she says because if you never try then you will never know.

Mayoral portrait of Menino taken in 2004. Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons.

On 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 mayo  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 cel- ebrate a great man, a history-making mayor, and a life of accomplishment– Thomas Michael Menino, the relentless, the big-hearted, the people-loving urban mechanic has gone to fix potholes in heaven,” stated current 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.

Menino speaking at the Reggie Lewis Center in 2013. Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons.

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.”

Senior soccer plater Mark Ortiz posing for his profile picture.

Senior 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 hes 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.”

The members of Malden High School’s Helping Hands club posing for a picture after the dance.

Dressed 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 teens to practice their social skills with peers, get some exercise and be a part of their community.” Volunteers and members danced together and made sure that everyone was included in the festivities. “[The 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 that created really great costumes.”

Siok also informed that the “dances were started about 10 years ago by a mother of a teen who has special needs [who] wanted her son to be able to have the same social experience 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.

Participants on the dance floor having a good time. 

December is the season of great holiday spirit. All around there are decorations being put in the perfect position to bring joy to this world. Trees are standing in homes with garland and ornaments hanging on it. Lights are twinkling, but the walls are otherwise empty. Get friends together to create a garland-like decoration with snowflakes hanging down. The paper snowflake is a classic, and everyone loves creating their own paper snowflakes around this time of year. There are many ways to make these paper snowflakes. Snowflakes are special because of their unique shapes, no two snowflakes are the same. The process is simple and this project is overall not costly. The materials needed are ribbon, a needle and thread, blank paper (preferably white copy paper), and scissors. To add even more to your snowflakes use art supplies such as glitter glue and markers to decorate your snowflake.

The Spirit Week Instagram winners!

Pajama Day Winners: Adrian Munyon and Senior Paula Armentor looked cozy in their spirited attire.Wacky Tack Day Winners: The boys soccer team dressed up as the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers. Blue and Gold Day Winners: Senior boys showed their spirit at the pep rally.

Thank you to those who submitted to our Instagram contest. Congratulations to the winners and to the class of 2015 for their spirit week win!

The Malden Delegation at its first pre-legislative session. Photo by Ryan Stranz; submitted by Michelle Chung.

 Developed in 1936, Youth in Government (YiG) has been a guiding factor to thousands of young adults, helping them become informed and involved on the workings of their country’s government. By attending weekly meetings with their delegation, monthly sessions with other delegations, a multi-day conference held at the State House, and even a national conference upon acceptance, this student government allows teens to experience the processes and protocols exemplary of a true government.

Delegates are first given a choice of what branch they want to be involved in – legislative, executive, judicial, or a press component. Step into a room named “Mock Trial” and you may be bombarded with fierce arguments for either sides of a case. Step into a room named “Bill-Writing” to see delegates collaborating together to create their own actual legislative bills, that eventually result in presentations and controversial debates between other delegates. Step into any room filled with a YiG member to see how empowering a young adult can be, simply by being given vocal opportunity.

The Malden Delegation is one of the many in the state, formed in 2012, and has been growing ever since. By attending meetings at the local YMCA, students from schools such as Malden High School and Mystic Valley Regional Charter School are able to come together to better their public speaking and leadership skills. Delegate and junior Patricia Luong began in her freshman year of high school, and believes that it has allowed her to “develop not only academically but personally as well. [She] has gained public speaking skills that have helped in school, interviews, and other endeavors…[meeting] so many new people, [making] friendships, and [experiencing] life-changing opportunities.” She has also held many high positions and even participated in the national conference of the program.

Recently, the Malden Delegation attended the first of three pre-legislative sessions at Springfield College, where more than 300 young adults (and even a few middle schoolers) came together to officially kick start the YiG year. The delegates engaged in networking activities, public speaking and leadership workshops, as well as group activities, meeting people from all over the state and indulging in the college’s great food. First-year delegate Allysa Tuon considered it to be a “fun and nice way to meet new friends from other cities, especially allowing you to interact with new people.” She is one of the many excited newcomers that has joined the program this year.

In the end, Youth in Government feels nothing like a Government or Political Science course. It is much more than memorizing definitions or taking tests – instead, it is a series of life lessons that teens can use for years on end after being encouraged by a welcoming family from all over the state. The experiences, skills, and bonds as a result of the program come from people of entirely different backgrounds, states, and nationalities, helping teens grow as individuals where they are no longer onlookers to their country’s government, but actual participants, fighting to make a change.

This letter to the editor was submitted by Michelle Chung.If you have an opinion or an idea of something to cover that you have intimate knowledge about, or if you simply want to communicate with the school, submit a letter to the editor to J387 or talk to a member of the Blue & Gold staff for a chance to be featured in our next edition!