Homecoming Honors Sara Maloney

OLIVIA CHEUNG
ELLEN LI
News Editors

On Oct. 14, during the halftime show of the Homecoming Game, AHS’ late Choir and Color Guard director Sara Maloney was presented with the honor of being the Homecoming Grand Marshal.
As a tribute to her memory and to thank her for her years of service and dedication to the school, her daughter and son, Brianna and John, accepted the honor on her behalf.
Prior to starting her career at AUSD in 1992, Maloney was always involved in the visual and performing arts (VAPA) community in Alhambra.
She had the opportunity to play in the world-renowned Carnegie Hall, before later going on to record her own album.
Later, at AHS, she put much time and effort toward improving the school’s VAPA programs.
“It’s nice to see Ms. Maloney being recognized for all the things she did for everyone. She was always very understanding, and she tried to help everyone of us individually with any problem we had,” junior Color Guard member Hannah Hall said. “Band and the other performing arts groups will never be the same without her.”
Unfortunately, Maloney’s time at AHS was cut short in May 2011, when she lost her battle to cancer.
“It was memorable to see Maloney’s [children] accepting this honor for her. Ms. Maloney had touched many hearts and she truly deserves this award,” junior Jasmine Hsu said.
The Homecoming football game against the Mark Keppel Aztecs took place at Moor Field, with the Moors winning 32-7.
Similar to previous years, service clubs presented floats before the game. The Best Overall Float award went to LEO Service Club.
During pregame and halftime, there were scheduled performances from Drill Team, Orchesis, All-Male, Cheer, Band and the presentation of the Homecoming Court. Grand Marshal was also presented and honored during the halftime show.
“I was surprised but honored that my mom was given the award. […] The award was so sweet and I wish she could have been here to accept it,” Maloney’s daughter, Brianna Maloney, said.
On the following night, the Homecoming Dance was celebrated at AHS’ newly renovated Large Gym. This year’s theme was “Written in the Stars,” with the colors of midnight blue, pearl and gold.
“[The theme’s meaning] has to do with every aspect of Homecoming. First, Executive felt like it was ‘Written in the Stars’ that we were to beat the Mark Keppel Aztecs on Oct. 14. Then, as for Grand Marshal, we feel that Ms. Maloney is watching us from above, writing in the stars and seeing AHS have a successful Homecoming,” Executive President Amy He said.
Preparation for this event had begun during the third week of school, due to the early start of the school year.
Traditionally, the Homecoming Dance includes a Homecoming Court with five princes and five princesses who are elected by the student body, two of whom become the king and queen.
The Homecoming Court’s five princes and five princesses were: Princes Osvaldo Cuevas, Eric Leung, Ken Lin, Justin Luu and Jonathon Tong. The five princesses were Mimi Chan, Amy He, Fian Peng, Christina Vuong and Sally Yu.
After the top five were announced, another round of voting commenced to determine the Homecoming King and Queen: King Osvaldo Cuevas and Queen Christina Vuong.
Together, as Homecoming royalty, Cuevas and Vuong danced on Saturday night. Many attendees agreed that they had a good time at Homecoming.
“It’s a nice break from the hectic schoolwork right now. It’s one night where we could have fun with friends and enjoy what Executive had prepared for us,” sophomore Norman Hsieh said.