Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 21, 2021 The show goes on! Malden Class of 2021’s 81st Junior Varieties a big hit Using school, city and state safety guidelines, annual tradition does not miss a beat! By Steve Freker fter the acts were performed and the hundreds of smiles and other expressions of joy and accomplishments were made, Malden High School (MHS) Principal Chris MastranA gelo summed it all up best. “What a tremendous feeling it was to see our kids just having so much fun together after such a long wait,” Mastrangelo said on Monday, after an unprecedented weekend at MHS. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Malden High Class of 2022 teamed up to present separate performances of Junior Varieties for the 81st consecutive year, “live” and in-person at the historic MHS Jenkins Auditorium. The theme of the evening was “Mystery at the Met,” and the evening was a smash hit, according to many of those in attendance. One of Malden High’s longest traditions, which is also regarded as one of the longest, continuous student variety shows in the United States, was in jeopardy, as have been most school and municipal events, due to precautions under the COVID-19 pandemic. Using guidance and instructions from up and down the ladder, including the federal CDC, state Department of Health (DPH) and the City of Malden’s Board of Health, Principal Mastrangelo and many others worked tirelessly to plan a two-night event which adhered to all protocols in place. “We truly lived the old saying, “The Show Must Go On,’“ Mastrangelo said. “We have so much to be grateful for, and so many people to thank, including Mayor Gary Christenson, Superintendent John Oteri, Health Director Chris Webb, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Maria Luise and all our staff here at Malden High School who all helped made it happen for these kids.” “The happiness and sense of pride these students showed over the two nights was just priceless,” Mastrangelo said. “They made memories that will last them their entire lives.” The MHS principal said a lot of the credit and a huge piece of the “thank yous” go to 2022 Class Advisor and MHS Physical Education Director and coach Dan Jurkowski, who guided the students’ preparation and planning for Junior Varieties for, essentially, the last six months. “We really can’t thank everyDonald Ford Gabriella Frois Micaela Henry Massimiliano Lam Alyssa Littlejohn Micaela Henry and Tivian Nguyen MHS Step Team Members Junior Varieties Lighting Crew Tony Giech A.K.A. “Tony Gieco” one enough, starting with Mr. Mastrangelo and including all our sponsors, in making sure we were able to present Junior Varieties this year,” Jurkowski said. “Not only is it the Junior Class of 2022’s biggest fundraiser, but it is a tradition that every one of our students loves participating in. They will never forget Junior Varieties, and we are so grateful we were able to produce and present the show.” Audience limits were imposed due to COVID-19, and a maximum of 250 spectators allowed, but that did not diminish the excitement and enthusiasm a bit. Hosts for the prestigious event were Whitney Jean Baptiste, Jason Ong and Tivian Nguyen, who were later joined by guest host “Tony Gieco” aka Class of 2022 Art Director Tony Giech. Junior Varieties Coordinators who oversaw the show from inception to performance were Mayada Ghia and Tivian Nguyen. The Class of 2022 Council and Officers, who oversaw operations, were President Julie Huynh, Vice President Sarah Oliveira, Secretary Christelle Jean, Treasurer Sammie Nie, Art Director Tony Giech, and Social Media Coordinator Lauren Mallett; Associate Advisor was Micaela Henry. The performers were as follows: ACT ONE: Gabriella Frois (singing “Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J); Donald Ford (on piano, performing “Pure Imagination” by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley); Leila Imani (singing “War of Hearts” by Ruelle); Micaela Henry (singing “Leave Me Lonely” by Ariana Grande and Macy Grau); Massimiliano Lam (on piano, performing “Prelude op 3” by Rachmaninoff); Lauren Mallett (“Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence); Kearah Gomes & Luana Paniago (singing “Never Enough” by Loren Alldred). ACT TWO: MHS Step Team, including Christin Pierre-Rene, Arianna Alexandre, Tianna Macharia, Gelila Lemma, Myrvline Giles, Melissa Calixte, Micaela Henry, Tatiana Pierre-Rene, Moesha Joseph, Stephanie Larrieux, Alex Boisette, Neissa Blais, Krishany Marius, Deborah Yennah and Denae Gomes; Christine Dumos and Leila Imani (singing “Minefields” by John Legend and Faouzia); Alyssa Littlejohn (on piano performing “Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op-20” by Frederic Chopin); Suiyenah Chen (dance number including “Black Mamba” by Aespa); Sarah Oliveira (“Put Your Head on Sarah Oliveira My Shoulder” by Paul Anka); Antonia Bilodeau (dance number, “Creep” by Ember Island); Isabella Geronimo (vocal) and Luana Paniago (piano) – “Falling” by Harry Styles.
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