For immediate release
Oct. 11, 2011
Muriel Cosgrove’s
100th highlights
MHS Homecoming
Malden High School’s fourth annual Homecoming was marked by an exceptional showing of energy
and enthusiasm, and a very special birthday.
Sunday’s all-class reunion was highlighted by the celebration of the 100th birthday of retired longtime teacher
Muriel Dinneen Cosgrove, and serves as the springboard for future gatherings of graduates from years past.
The MHS Alumni Association, which sponsors the homecomings, is already making plans for its next big event, a
March 31 concert by 1990 graduate and celebrity impressionist Joey “Voices” Noone, and the milestone
fifth Homecoming next fall.
Sunday’s Homecoming was “another successful day,” said Principal Dana Brown, Class of 1977.
“To celebrate Muriel Cosgrove’s birthday was a joy as well,” Brown said. “The conversations she had with
all of the guests were remarkable. She is still so sharp and gracious.”
Mrs. Cosgrove, who graduated in class of 1929A, had taught at the Lincoln and Holmes elementary schools,
and was married to the late Thomas Cosgrove, former principal of the Belmont School.
“I am very glad to be here,” Mrs. Cosgrove said. “It’s really been terrific. I can’t believe it.”
City Counselor and mayoral candidate Gary Christenson, Class of ‘86, presented Mrs. Cosgrove with
proclamations from the Malden City Council and from the Massachusetts Legislature.
Brown was particularly pleased with the dozens of current students, members of the Key Club, who helped
set up the cafeteria for the Homecoming and with MHS cheerleaders acted as escorts and
servers to the many graduates.
“I thought the students brought more energy and enthusiasm this year,” he said. Also praising the commitment
of the MHSAA volunteers, Brown said, “They represent all of us with class.”
“The event was a tremendous success,” said MHSAA President George Holland, Class of ’55.
“The celebration of the 100th birthday was the highlight of the afternoon. All in attendance
were touched by the moment.”
Homecoming organizer Patty Doucette Kelly, Class of ’80, agreed, “A great day was had by
Malden High Alumni of all ages. To honor Muriel Cosgrove for her years of service to the students of Malden,
and to celebrate her 100th birthday as a group made the day even more special.”
Kelly expressed particular thanks to Anthony’s Restaurant, which catered the event, and to Malden attorney
and 1960 grad keyboardist Jordan Shapiro, who provided musical selections accompanied by his son, David.
Kelly also thanked Malden businesses that provided raffle prizes – Cookies by Miss Jackie, Piza Pizza,
Dom’s Sausage, Applebees Restaurant, Stop ‘N Shop, Kappy’s Liquors, and Bobby C’s Restaurant.
A special raffle prize – a wide-brimmed decorative straw hat bedecked with bright flowers --
was fashioned by Anna Puleo Lombardi, who along with 1954 classmate Barbara Keniston Pelosi,
chaired the MHSAA raffle committee.
That hat was won by 95-year-old Marshall Soderblom, Class of 1933.
“I’m going to wear it,” he said, beaming, “everywhere I go.”
More information is available at www.maldenhighalumni.com, from Homecoming organizer Patty Kelly,
Class of ’80, at 781-665-2543 or pkelly6385@aol.com, and from MHSAA President George Holland,
Class of ’55, at 781-321-4217 and bmw0324@msn.com.
Follow us on Facebook, Malden High School Alumni Association.
Contact:
David Haskell
Class of 1954
781-324-2725
Dhaskell2@verizon.net