Annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony held at Malden High School

Over 300 students, Malden Public Schools staff participate in event; One of only ones held in Mass.

  It is an event built on joy, one that is awaited all year long by Malden High School students and the local community.

    On Thursday, yesterday, the students of MHS, Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy, Principal Chris Mastrangelo, Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin, MHS Haitian Club Advisor Paul Degenkolb and over 300 students joined in a celebration of joy and love in front of the high school.

   It was the Annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony where the National Flag of Haiti is raised in front of the school, signifying the declaration of Haitian Independence from France in 1804.

    After an introduction by Supt. Noriega-Murphy and the MHS principal, speakers from the very active MHS Haitian Club detailed the history of the Flag and of Haitian independence.

   Another member sang the Haitian National Anthem, “La Dessalinienne” to the delight of the crowd, who joined in.

   The students then listened to the story of MHS House Principal Ewald Charles, a native of Haiti who emigrated to the United States from Haiti at the age of 18. He now has two daughters entering Columbia University this year, an Ivy League institution.

    Music followed and lots of dancing and the morning event was a big success. “Everyone had a tremendous time and most importantly, we were able to honor the nation of Haiti and the many Malden High students of Haitian descent,” Mastrangelo said. “It is always a highlight of our school year.”