Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 12, 2026 StonehamBank empowers young entrepreneurs at Malden High School Special to The Advocate B ig ideas, bold pitches and a real-world twist — Malden High School students stepped into the spotlight with their very own “Shark Tank”-style program, powered by a dynamic partnership with StonehamBank! This exciting collaboration gave students the chance to turn their creative ideas into real business concepts, pitch them like pros and learn what it takes to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. “StonehamBank’s Shark Tank competition is something that motivates business management students all year at Malden High School,” noted MHS Business Teacher Kelle Griffin. “This hands-on experience chalCongratulations Class of 2026 Graduates! Mid-grade Regular 3.98 4.45 4.95 $4.57 Full Service ULS $3.959 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! Established 1978 lenges and motivates students to design and pitch a business model that is desirable to consumers, feasible to execute, and financially viable. This unique partnership with StonehamBank provides students with a rare opportunity to transform a mundane school project into a high motivation launchpad for Malden’s next generation of business leaders.” Student -entrepreneurs pitched their products to StonehamBank team members Chris Macomber, Shawn Kelley, Jeana DiBenedetto and Rob Berkovitz, answering questions and explaining processes. “We love having the opportunity to see students present their business ideas to us,” noted Berkovitz. “I know, I truly enPictured with Malden High School students: Business Development Officer Jeana DeBenedetto (back, second from left); from right: VP/Commercial Loan Officer Chris Macomber, Asst. VP/Loan Systems Administrator Rob Berkovitz, VP/Business Development Officer Shawn Kelley and MHS Business Teacher Kelle Griffin. (Courtesy photo) joy listening to how enthusiastic and excited the students are about their ideas!” Student Ruth Mekonnen, cofounder of this year’s winning partnership — named Flora & Fabric — noted after the event, “It was nice to develop a business about something for which I was passionate and to project how it could come to life. When I got the money, I was inspired to actually start the business.” Added her project partner, student Taya Rubin-Wilson, “It was a really fun experience to learn what starting a business is all about and presenting it to people.” She also expressed an increased interest in pursuing business-focused classes in the future as a result of her Shark Tank experience. This partnership is just one example of StonehamBank’s ongoing commitment to financial literacy and empowering the next generation. By investing in programs like this — and through a similar “Shark Tank”-style collaboration with Stoneham High School — the bank is helping students build confidence, develop real-world skills and turn smart ideas into bright futures. Friends of the Malden Public Library schedule T he Friends’ last meeting before their summer recess was on June 2, 2026. Their next meeting will be in September. Please find the Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL) at the June events listed below and reach out if you would like to volunteer! • Juneteenth pop-up: Friday, June 19, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Salemwood Fieldhouse. • Summer Reading Kick off: Thursday, June 25, from 1-2 p.m. at MPL. • Malden Pride pop-up: Sunday, June 28, from 12-4 p.m. at Coytemore Lea Park. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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