ART | FROM PAGE 11 “This openness to cultural exchange is what makes [the United States] unique. It is why you can find sushi restaurants next to taco stands, hear different languages spoken on a single street, and see people from all backgrounds celebrating holidays that are not their own.” Tse wrote, “I remember how, through something as simple as a holiday, I found my place in a new area, not by abandoning my roots, but by planting them in new soil and watching them grow alongside others.” The full text of the essay and a video of Tse’s reading are available on The ILC’s website: www. ilctr.org Malden High School artist Jason Juan, a sophomore, told the audience it was liberating to be able to express his emotions through his art. “My art is, personally, I feel like it’s more about how you feel about it. It’s not about how you use language to describe it. The emotion is like the part that I feel is SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 12 3-year contract [since 2022],” she added. “They continue to provide excellent service to our district with a lot of great reviews.” The Vice Chair noted that Malden’s 6,300-plus students receive universal free breakfast and lunch through state and federal programming. Ward 5 School Committee member Elizabeth Hortie asked a question regarding serving sizes, specifically if middle school 8th grade students, for instance, were getting the same servings as younger students in the K-8 schools. “We’ve researched that; the Superintendent and I were recently at the Salemwood School and we observed the meals and some of the students eating the meals,” Vice Chair Spadafora said. Malden Public Schools Director of Finance and Operations Toni Mertz came to the podium at that point and explained that many of the food service protocols – right down to the serving sizes – “are determined by the federal government” and pointed out, when asked, that “seconds” are not allowed as free distribution, that students must purchase an additional lunch serving if they desire. most important about it,” Juan, a native of Taiwan, said. A Malden High School stuTHE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 16, 2025 All of this year’s submissions dent also took First Place for category of Best Video. The award went to Hana Wanas, who is just a 9th grader in her first school year at MHS. Wanas said what she wanted to portray in her video is “to help people understand how important immigrants are to America, economically but also culturally.” “Instead of staying quiet, I thought it would be even more powerful to speak up about how I feel about immigration, and I wanted to use my voice to help others,” Wanas added. This year’s judges: Carmel Salhi, Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences; Jodie Zalk, Malden Reads; Anna Thai, Anna Thai Embroidery; Bitho Faustin, artist; Pam Shanley, Arts Collaborative Medford; Ed Rocha, Rola Corporation; Anne D’Urso-Rose, Urban Media Arts; Seth Bender, videographer; Michael Sheridan, Community Supported Film. as well as previous winners can be seen on The ILC’s website at https://www.ilctr.org/for-teachers/teen-perspectives/ *** About The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (The ILC) of Malden, Mass., is a not-for-profit organization that gives immigrants a voice in three ways. The English Language Program provides free, year-round English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes to help immigrant and refugee adults in Greater Boston become successful workers, parents and community members. The Public Education Institute informs Americans about immigrants and immigration in the United States, and the Institute for Immigration Research, a joint venture with George Mason University, produces valid, reliable and objective multidisciplinary research on immigrants and immigration to the United States. Page 19 CONTEST | FROM PAGE 11 taught me that cultural exchange is not just about holding onto the past, it’s about shaping the future. Lunar New Year in my old neighborhood transformed from an unknown tradition into a shared celebration, demonstrating how immigrants do not just assimilate into America – they redefine what it means to be American. This openness to cultural exchange is what makes the country unique. It is why you can find sushi restaurants next to taco stands, hear different languages spoken on a single street and see people from all backgrounds celebrating holidays that are not their own. Years later, when I look back on that first Lunar New Year in America, I no longer feel the sting of isolation. Instead, I remember the red banners that stick to the wall with written blessings, a testament to the power of cultural sharing. I remember my mother’s determined smile as she bridged a gap with nothing but kindness and broken English. And I remember how, through something as simple as a holiday, I found my place in a new area – not by abandoning my roots, but by planting them in new soil and watching them grow alongside others. ~ APARTMENT FOR RENT ~ SAUGUS - 3 small rooms, 400 Sq. feet, first floor perfect for 1 handicapped person, ramp, very large roll-in shower, washing machine and electric dryer. Off-street parking. Hoyer lift and hospital bed. $2,400 Mo. includes heat and hot water. References and CORI check. (781) 727-5870 Your Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $200 per paper in-town per year or $225 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149
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