Malden High School Alumni Serve Up New Holiday Tradition

By David D. Haskell ‘54

Maldonians like a good party, as was obvious at an event Nov. 28, 2015, that promises to become a new holiday season tradition.

The Saturday night affair was the first holiday pasta supper sponsored by the Malden High School Alumni Association, held at Anthony’s of Malden.

“Everyone is having a good time,” said Dr. George Holland, Class of ’55, president of the MHSAA, as he looked out upon the gathering of alumni, civic officials and friends enjoying the festivities.

The words “Success” and “next year will be even better” were heard discussed around the hall.

The turnout was gratifying to the organizers because back in the planning stages there was an element of the unknown about doing something for the first time. Would anyone attend? Would it be overwhelmed? There was no way of knowing.

Holland estimated some 150 people, including children and students, came to the ticketed event, which raised funds for the Student Need Fund at MHS. Makes one proud to be from Malden.

Much excitement centered around an array of gifts that were displayed to be raffled off. Some lucky people won more than one prize, prompting some good-natured comments from the audience.

Another popular activity was a “photo booth,” where participants would put on various costumes to have their pictures taken. Thanks to ’05 classmates Adam Weldai, Rachael Timmons and Lilah Rossi for the idea and the setups.

That booth became even more popular, especially with the youngsters, when Santa Claus made his entrance and the kids hastened to have pictures taken with him.

There was also a bit of excitement when Mayor Gary Christenson appeared. The Class of ’66 grad was just in from the holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony in front of city hall.

The holiday and pop music played during the saucy pasta and meatball meal was provided by DJ Anthony Papagallo, ’06.

Holland, former superintendent of schools, thanked all those who came to support the event, including many elected officials, and in particular those members of the MHSAA who “made the evening a great success.”

The pasta supper was just one of the events the MHSAA runs during the year to raise funds to provide scholarship awards to deserving students and to help students who find themselves in difficult economic situations.

Since the awards program was established in 2012, the MHSAA has presented $24,000 to MHS students.

The year 2016 promises to be as eventful for the alumni group as it continues to find ways to benefit the school, its students and faculty, and the city of Malden. Among the events that should generate much interest will be a new class of inductees into the MHSAA Hall of Fame in the spring and the traditional Homecoming in the fall.

For more information about the MHSAA, please visit our website, www.maldenhighalumni.com, and find us on Facebook.

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Contact: David D. Haskell

781-324-2725

Dhaskell2@verizon.net