Aundrea Cifuentes also contributed to this article.
As we mark the final day of the graduating senior class of 2025, June 1st was Malden’s dedicated sentiment to the seniors, held at MacDonald Stadium.
Graduation began with speeches from authority figures and was followed by some notable students who left an academic impact on their class.
A lot of the speeches resembled each other, all ultimately agreeing that Malden High School was a major factor in their success. It shaped the pathway that is going to lead them to their adult years.
Although Malden High was a place for all these students to experiment and learn new things, they left just as much of an impact on this school and its authority figures as they left on them.
Principal Ewald Charles opens up about their class: “Well, the kids have been with us for about four years, for the whole four years here, and so it was pretty special. So it was a mixed feeling. I was happy to see them going and doing better things, going to college and other things that they are interested in.”
This was a specifically hard-working class who displayed kindness and many hardships, as they had to go through a pandemic and still persevered on the other side. “I think they’ve gone through a lot of challenges. And of course, most of those kids who go have to deal with the pandemic, and they’ve survived the pandemic, and they have had a chance to recover,” explains Charles.
This was a specifically hard-working class who displayed kindness and many hardships, as they had to go through a pandemic and still persevered on the other side. “I think they’ve gone through a lot of challenges. And of course, most of those kids who go have to deal with the pandemic, and they’ve survived the pandemic, and they have had a chance to recover,” explains Charles.
Many ups and downs were inevitable for these seniors. They found growth, challenge, and happiness. Rest assured, the wind shifted because many were able to share their experiences and describe how it was for the greater good, and were able to gain wisdom from it instead.
Senior year was a rocky road for a lot of these seniors; it was something new for them, being their last year of childhood. They had to start filling out applications, applying to colleges, and figuring out what they wanted to do in the future. “Senior year was very different. I was constantly busy with college applications, sports, and clubs. I felt like I never had a break,” senior Ashley Benfield stated.
Their senior year was a bittersweet time to reflect on the nostalgia of their childhood. “It was stressful at times, but it also made me appreciate the people around me more,” senior Taisha Balan explains.
A lot of the students appreciate how many lessons they learned throughout their experience. “I grew into who I am through both the good and the bad moments,” senior Olivia Ivy expressed. This changes a lot of their perspectives on their experiences.
A lot of the seniors and teachers have agreed that students should take advantage of the opportunities that are given at Malden High School, as it provides a plethora of electives that gear towards supporting you in possible careers. “And then I think the vast story of courses that we have in the arts is also a great thing for kids, because some kids, that’s their passion, and that’s what brings you, brings them here so they have a reason to be here and study and I think the specialty classes, we offer here are great,” emphasizes Charles.
It’s also important to mention that students should take advantage of asking for help and make sure they’re prioritizing their academic life. “Seriously, ask for help when you need it,” highlights senior Soleil Mathurin. “If you’re a student athlete, make school a priority,” stressed senior Samara Perez.
