Malden High’s Blue and Gold student newspaper staff were finalists in four ‘First Place in NE’ awards

New England Scholastic Press Association bestows ‘First Place in New England’ award for Best Social Feed

By Steve Freker

    The accolades have been many for the Malden High School student-run newspaper— The Blue and Gold— through the many years it has been in existence.

But this time around, the honors rose to an even higher level.

Ryan Gallagher, longtime MHS English teacher and advisor for the second-oldest public high school newspaper in the nation, announced on Wednesday that Blue and Gold staff members were finalists for four First Place Awards bestowed annually by the New England Scholastic Press Association (NESPA).

Malden High’s student staff did take home one First Place “Best in New England” award for “Best Social Feed,” Instagram: @theblueandgold, run by student staff member Jaslie Fang.

“Congratulations are in order for some student journalists, artists and photographers from Malden High School!” Gallagher noted. understatedly, in an email to Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo and the Malden Public Schools district leadership, including Mayor Gary Christenson, who also serves as chairperson of the Malden School Committee and Superintendent of Schools Timothy Sippel,

   Gallagher announced Wednesday The Blue and Gold were First Place Award finalists in the following categories:

‚—Best Newspaper Story of the Year (chosen from among the first-place winners of the writing categories in the Individual Achievement contest):
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” by Mack Keating, Malden High School

This entry was Winner of the Bylined Column Category
—Best Design of the Year (chosen from among the first-place winners of the design categories in the Individual Achievement contest):
“Teen Daze” by Richie Cortese, The Blue and Gold, Malden High School

This entry was Winner of the Editorial Cartoon Category
(From Mr, Gallagher: Special thanks to Jessica Depaula, who works with Richie as his Educational Support Professional, and introduced us to Richie’s work.)
—Best Photograph of the Year (chosen from among the first-place winners of the photo categories in the Individual Achievement contest):
“Leica Naceus and her teammates try eagerly to guess the word to gain a point.” By Chelmie Hyppolite, The Blue and Gold, Malden High School (MA)

This entry was Winner of the Feature Photo Category

—The Blue and Gold also took 1st place in all of New England for its Social Media Feed:
Instagram: @theblueandgold, run by Jaslie Fang.

Gallagher also announced that Blue and Gold staff members also noted that Blue and Gold staff members were also honored with Honorable Mention Awards in the following categories:

• Artwork/cartoon: “Homework’s a Hassle: How to Hack It” by Abyan Ali
• Feature Story: “MHS Nerves around Midterms” by Fatima Husain
  • News Story: “Senator Ed Markey Sparks Malden High With a Call to Action” by Mack Keating
  • News Story: “Play Pro Enchants MHS with Magical ‘Pippin’ Production” by Chouaib Saidi
  • News Story: “Exploring Genetic Editing: AP Seminar’s Field Trip to the MIT Museum” by Chelmie Hyppolite
  • Personality Profile: “Blue and Gold Alumnus Daniel O’Toole Returns to Malden High as New Field Hockey Assistant Coach” by Mack Keating
  • Video: “The Cultural Impact of Immigrants on American Society” by Hana Wanas
  • News Photo: “Sister Edwidge Celestin leading the service” by Chelmie Hyppolite
  • News Photo: “Eun Han helping out a student” by Maliya Kazadi

“Congratulations to the individual winners and the staff, especially the editors, for the well-deserved recognition of their teamwork and the seriousness with which they train their staff to honor the legacy of the Malden High students who have served as editors and student journalists for over a century to provide impactful reporting for their community,” Gallagher said in the email announcing the recognitions by NESPA.

“This has become a bit of a tradition. Great students, great program, great teacher. Congratulations to all involved for ‘Making it Happen,'” Malden High Principal Mastrangelo said in response to the award announcement, in an email.

“Congratulations, Mr. Gallagher! This is wonderful news– and the recognition is very well deserved! Go Malden!” added Superintendent Sippel.

” I not only want to join Superintendent Sippel in congratulating you all but also say thank you for making MHS as well as our community proud! Our motto is Strong Past…Proud Future and your recognition is why that is so. Again, hats off to you all!” Mayor Christenson stated, in response to the announcement.