Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 21, 2025 ‘DESPICABLE ME-JUNIOR VARIETIES HEIST’: a ‘Minion’ reasons for Malden High Class of 2026 show’s success Two tremendous shows held this past weekend for 85th Annual Junior Varieties show By Steve Freker T here were a “Minion” reasons for its success and once again the student performers “stole” the show– literally, this year, with the title theme of “Despicable Me: Junior Varieties Heist.” This past weekend the 85th Annual MHS Junior Varieties talent show was held in the historic Thornton Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High, and once again, it was two nights to savor, another pair of memory keepers. With “Despicable Me’s” “Gru” and his Minions ruling the roost, it was another revelation and “showout” for many talented Malden High School students. The host of the evening was Malden High Class of 2026 officer Oscar Luc as “Gru,” and assisting him as cohosts were Gabriella Lemus (Margo), Fiona Youmell (Edith), Rashmi KC (Agnes) and “Minions” Audrey Nguyen and Ashley Mejia Serna. Vocal acts, dance troupes, musical performances by three rock bands and some combined vocal and instrumental efforts added up to a fantastic mix. (Full cast list in separate story) Malden High School educator Nancy Wentworth and longtime staff member Jeanne Marquardo are the advisors of the Junior Class of 2026 at MHS and with dozens of members of the Junior Class worked for several months to prepare and then put on this event. The Junior Varieties show is THE biggest fundraiser for the Junior Class each year. Each graduating class at MHS works for all four years to raise funds to help defray the cost of the Senior Prom in their senior year. “This was a great show, one of the best ever, and all of those who worked so hard to plan Natalie Keating performing “They Just Keep Moving The Line” by Smash Cast Frequency (photo of guitarist Stephanie Wong sings “Fictional” by Khloe Rose MHS Principal C hris Mastrangelo takes the stage in a cameo appearance and fends off the Minions with some of their favorite food, bananas! (Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) and then coordinate the performances – from on stage performers, to back stage help, the advisors – anyone and everyone who contributed their time and effort, deserves huge congratulations,” said seventh year Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo. “Hats off to everyone. It was a fantastic show and weekend for our school.” Head Class of 2026 Advisor Nancy Wentworth said she and her Junior Class members are forever grateful for all the support they received from the Malden High School administration and staff toward making this year’s Junior Varieties show such a tremendous success. Wentworth also thanked all of the sponsors who supported the event in the ad book for the evening’s program. “It is so important to help these students down the road so they can all have the opportunity to attend their Senior Prom down the road at an affordable cost,” said Wentworth. Wentworth also penned this personal note in the Junior Varieties program book: “To the Amazing Class of 2026 Student Council: I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible group! Their dedication, leadership, and hard work never cease to amaze me. Somehow, they juggle school, jobs, sports and still give their all to our class and school community.” “Even though I didn’t get to cast a vote, I couldn’t have handpicked a better team. Their passion, teamwork, and drive make everything they do truly special, and their efforts in making Junior Varieties a success are just one example of that. It’s an absolute privilege to work with such Nicholas Li) performing “American Idiot” by Green Day. (Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) an outstanding group, and I’m beyond grateful for all they do!” Wentworth added. Jinh Tran of Bald Ensemble gets hyped up. Rusty Screw – Sean Retotal, Heitor Soares, Slade Harding (right to left) perform “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr. Hosted by (right to left ) Aubrey Nguyen, Ashley Mejia Serna, Oscar Luc, Gabriella Lemus, Fiona Youmell, Rashmi KC (Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) The Bald Ensemble performs “FE!N” by Travis Scott The entire Junior Varieties cast takes the stage to celebrate at the end of the job.
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