Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 8, 2023 Command Performance by Malden High School Chorus at State House Student singers give traditional, joyful holiday performance on Beacon Hill; Mayor, state and school officials on hand By Steve Freker I t happens every time they perform, people say. As soon as the melodic notes emanate from the group, just about everyone that walks by – in perhaps the busiest place in the Commonwealth – stops right in their tracks and just listens, usually with a peaceful smile on their face. Once again on Wednesday, Beacon Hill was filled with song when the Malden High School Chorus and Madrigal Singers – directed by MHS Choral Arts educator Todd Cole – gave still another command performance of holiday concert music at the State House in Boston. In attendance, beaming with pride, were Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo, Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden Pubchoir director Cole, and he says it is something the students look forward to each year. So do the adults from the city and Malden High School. “We mark it on our calendar with a big star every year,” said seventh-year MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo. “It’s one of my most favorite events of the year and it’s the same for Mr. Cole and the singers as well.” The event made a triumphant COMMAND PERFORMANCE: Nearly 50 students comprising the Malden High School Chorus and Madrigal Singers delivered a tremendous holiday-themed performance at the State House in Boston on Wednesday, under the direction of MHS educator Todd Cole (left side, third row at end). In attendance were Malden Mayor Gary Christenson (first row, second from left), Malden State Rep. Paul Donato (first row, first at left), Secretary of State William Galvin (far right, first row), Malden State Sen. Jason Lewis (second from right, first row). In the second row: Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo (far right), Malden State Rep. Steve Ultrino (second from right). In the third row: Malden Public Schools Director of History/Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts Gerard Tanetta (far right). (Malden Public Schools Photo) lic Schools Director of History/ Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts Gerard Tannetta and some members of Malden’s State House legislative delegation – Sen. Jason Lewis (D-5th Middlesex) and Reps. Steve Ultrino (D-33rd Middlesex) and Paul Donato (D-35th Middlesex). Performing in the grand stairway of the State House, nearly 50 members of the MHS Choral Art Society performed a holiday-themed concert that included several memorable selections, including some traditional carols. The State House performance has been a Malden High tradition for nearly 20 years under return to the State House last year, in December 2022, after being cancelled during the pandemic in 2020-2021. Last year it was one of the signature events of the whole academic year and holiday season, Mastrangelo and Cole agreed. The holiday performances are sponsored by Mass. Secretary of State William Galvin, who invites schools from all across the Commonwealth to perform. Malden High School got involved in 2006 when former state Rep. Chris Fallon and former Malden School Committee member Leonard Iovino joined up to take Secretary Galvin up on his offer. The tradition has continued with the present Malden state delegation assisting and it has become a labor of love for all involved. “It is amazing,” MHS Principal Mastrangelo said. “People are walking by when our kids are performing and everyone just stays and listens. Every time. “It’s a beautiful tradition and one that warms everyone’s heart during the holiday season,” the Malden High principal said. Malden resident inducted into National College Athlete Honor Society S aint Anselm College student Jane Harrington of Malden, Mass., a Communication major in the class of 2024, has been inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a national scholar-athlete honor society, for the 2022-2023 academic year. Chi Alpha Sigma recognizes college students who receive a varsity letter in their sport while maintaining a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA throughout their junior and/or senior years. Inductees rank among the top student athletes in the country. The National College Athlete Honor Society was founded at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, in 1996 by Nick Mourouzis, DePauw head football coach and professor of kinesiology. Saint Anselm College has been a member of Chi Alpha Sigma since 2001. Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College is a nationally ranked four-year liberal arts college providing a 21st century education in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. Located in the greater Boston region in southern New Hampshire, Saint Anselm is well known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, commitment to inclusiveness, a highly successful nursing program, and a legacy of community service.
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