Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 6, 2026 PROGRAM | FROM PAGE 1 lege,” LeBrun said. Before working at the YWCA, LeBrun worked as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Employer Engagement at Northeastern University. Even though LeBrun enjoyed her work at Northeastern, she slowly realized that she preferred working one-on-one with students. “[I am] very community oriented and driven” and because of that, “this role had the best of both worlds,” where she still got to connect with employees as well as students. LeBrun manages the program and Malden High Guidance Counselor Kristy Magras also helps coordinate and recruit eligible students to participate. For the past three years, Magras has been connecting with students and helping them build skills “beyond the classroom,” which “helps them be successful in life.” “I think that Malden High School is great at getting our stuwork with patients, bring things to doctors and everything and that actual connection building between me and Winchester is 100 percent going to be beneficial later on in my life and much more,” explained Naceus. To provide such wonderful A WorkSmart student from Malden High School works on her laptop. (Courtesy/Blue and Gold/Beatriz Oliveira Photo) dents through high school and into college, but there’s a piece of that about, ‘what do we do after we graduate?’” said Magras. So far, the WorkSmart program has provided many students with internship and volunteer opportunities. For example, senior Leica Naceus wants to go into the medical industry when she graduates, and with this program she was introduced to a Winchester Hospital program. “I get to work at a hospital, Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 2.67 3.37 3.77 $3.47 Full Service ULS $3.649 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! opportunities, WorkSmart has tight funding in collaboration with MassHire, meaning that to apply there’s a specific criteria you need to fit. Magras said she hopes that students “utilize every opportunity that’s given to them, because it’s a program that is only offered to a select group of students. Again, these are things that would be beneficial to all students, but based on the grant funding, we can only approve a barrier.” Although WorkSmart focuses on building your individual career identity, many students as well as staff learn valuable lessons in their time. “I learned that you should start thinking about your future even if you’re not totally sure about what you want to do … simply writing it out or thinking about it helps … to prepare you even better,” mentioned junior Keira Celicourt. “I learned so much from them, and they make me so proud, because I think they also taught me to go for it as well. Just even at my age, seeing them, that’s exactly how I was,” emphasized LeBrun. “I was doing all those things, but seeing them now, do those things now, and how they show up for themselves in these workshops, I’m just like, ‘wow,’” she continued. M Community Educational Forums Scheduled to Discuss Proposition 2½ Ballot Initiative alden residents are invited to attend a series of five educational forums focused on the upcoming Proposition 2½ ballot initiative special election taking place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Each session will cover the same material, allowing residents multiple opportunities to attend at a time and location convenient for them. There will be one online forum as well. Proposition 2½ is a state law that gives voters the power to raise additional funds for City services through property taxes. Last year, facing a significant budget gap that could greatly reduce City services, the Mayor and the City Council worked together to put a Proposition 2½ question on the ballot. The forums are designed to provide residents with clear, factual information about Proposition 2½, explain how it affects local government services and school funding, and outline what the ballot question would mean for the community. The forums are intended to be informational only and will offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the issue before the March 31 Election Day. The educational forums will be held: 1. Wednesday, February 11th at 6 PM: Salemwood School Auditorium, 529 Salem Street, Malden 2. Saturday, February 28th at 10 AM: On-line forum (TEAMS) 3. Thursday, March 5th at 6 PM: Beebe School Auditorium, 501 Peasant Street, Malden 4. Monday, March 16th at 6 PM: Ferryway School Auditorium, 150 Cross Street, Malden 5. Wednesday, March 25th at 6 PM: Linden STEAM Academy Auditorium, 29 Wescott Street, Malden Presentations will be made by Mayor Gary Christenson, City Councillors, and City Finance employees who will discuss Proposition 2½, and the potential implications of the proposed ballot initiative. “Understanding Proposition 2½ is critical for voters,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “The forums are designed to ensure residents have accurate, factual information so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.” The forums are open to the public and accessible to all residents. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Luise, ADA Compliance Coordinator at mluise@cityofmalden.org or 781-3977000 Ext. 2005. For more information, please visit cityofmalden.org/override. EVERETT ALUMINUM SUPPLIES 67 Years! — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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