Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections It’s Okay to Have Friends Jasmine Roberts Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep Mental health problems are among the greatest concerns for Gen Z. Maintaining one's mental health is imperative to the mobility of the self; it is the self-care be fore facial soaps and painted lips. Excessive self-diagnosing and negative outlooks on life among Gen Z contribute significantly to mental health concerns. The negative moments of a person’s life are often labeled as “trauma”, even when said “trauma” does not correlate to the scientific studies of how trauma operates. Has mental illness now become trivialized from the point of view of those who are genuinely impacted by it? Is it now “normal” to suffer? Does being happy mean that there is no substance within you, that you aren’t “deep”? Realistically, the world can be bitter and disappointing, and enforcing ideas of loneliness or solitude on social media apps and each other can compound the problem. It’s vital that Gen Z young people engage with each other and find healthy ways to cope with the ever-changing world and learn to perceive the world with more optimism. If subliminal messages say much, it is known that drilling negative ideas into the core of the mind will have detrimental impacts. It's okay to touch grass and breathe fresh air, and it’s okay to be that happy person who smiles at a squirrel eating a nut. It’s okay to live in your own little world as time moves on and the flowers in your tiny garden grow. However, please stay informed about wars and famines, and question the system, but don’t forget to do it with a smile and as open a mind as possible. Entering adulthood has its challenges, so let’s not take for granted the time of gold we have now before that gold becomes iron and rusts away. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The 10 Sikh Superman & John Smyth Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Rehmat Kaur Picture provided by Rehmat Kaur – shows a kara which is one of the five external articles a baptized Sikh wears. A kara is an iron bracelet which is worn on the right hand. It symbolizes that God has no beginning or ending and acts as a reminder that a Sikh should do not that the anything that God would disapprove of. Background It was May 16th, 1915, in the trenches of northern France during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. The British army's first battalion of Highland Light infantry ran across no man's land and seized a section of the German trench. The Highlanders were isolated in a 200-yard stretch of enemy trench, separated from reinforcements by 250 yards of no man's land. The next day, another party of troops was dispatched from Commander Officer Lieutenant John Smyth's trench, and the same thing happened to them. The Germans were steadfast in their refusal to allow the British troops to send assistance. The Senior British Commander gave the order to continue the mission and dispatch more soldiers. With the orders, Smyth requested volunteers from his 4th company, 115 men, to accompany him on the exceedingly perilous mission. But every single man rushed forward and offered to accompany him. Smyth picked ten recruits and proceeded to plan their mission. The Ordeal At 3:00 p.m., Smyth and his ten Sikh men head to the frontline trench with two crates containing 48 grenades apiece. They plunged over the parapet and into a destroyed exploratory trench, gaining yards into no man's land. They were subjected to a persistent storm of German artillery fire, and a fire cascade dropped on them. However, it produced coverage as bodies and smoke were strewn across the ground. They leaped from cover to cover, attempting to reach the stream that runs through the middle of the no-man's land. However, two Sikh troops died in the mud after a shell struck them. Symth instructed the guys to continue marching through the dust caused by shell falls. He made it to the next cover, but the ground fell faster than predicted, exposing two more Sikh men to the enemy's fire. Seven soldiers remained as they lunged toward the stream and fell into the waist-deep water. Four more troops fell when gunfire struck them. Only Smyth and Sikh soldier Lal Singh remained, making progress toward their goal. They arrived at the frontline with only one box, but it was sufficient to hold the trench until dark when further supplies were sent. Smyth was eventually able to return to his trench after nightfall. When Smyth returned, he noticed his orderly, Ishar Singh, waiting for him on the parapet. Ishar Singh had sat there since the mission began, even though Smyth's death had been reported a long time ago. He was confident that his commanding officer would return. Ishar saluted and said the Sikh greeting or Warcry, “ Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Shri Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh ” which means the Khalsa (Sikhs) are of Vaheguru (God), so the victory of Khalsa as the Army of the Timeless Being – is Vaheguru’s victory. Legacy Armed with only a few tools and unwavering drive, their gallantry would be remembered throughout military history. All ten Sikh warriors were given the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. When discussing the events John Smyth stated, “What kept me going was the courage of my men. I gave them leadership and they gave me support.” The narrative of the ten Sikh Supermen is a timeless tale of bravery, sacrifice, and perseverance. It exemplifies humanity's tenacious spirit, telling us that even in the worst of circumstances, hope and bravery can prevail. Names of the 10 Sikh Supermen: Service Number 131, Lance Naik, Mangal Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 702, Sepoy Lal Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 638, Sepoy Sucha Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 962, Sepoy, Sapuran Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1255, Sepoy, Sarain Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1036, Sepoy, Fateh Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1001, Sepoy, Ujagar Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1249, Sepoy, Sundar Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1339, Sepoy, Ganda Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Service Number 1360, Sepoy, Harnam Singh, 15th Ludhiana Sikhs Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvb_S8it4C8 https://www.sikhnet.com/news/%E2%80%9C10-sikh-supermen%E2%80%9D-die-battle-festubert-1915 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-5ZMrxeIE https://www.schooltube.com/the-10-sikh-supermen-a-story-of-unwavering-courage/ BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Art of Table Tennis Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Mamba Blades What is Table Tennis? Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a fun and recreational sport that can be played at any age. In order to play this game, you need paddles, a rectangular table with a net, table tennis balls, and someone to play with. Table tennis can be played as singles or doubles. I prefer playing singles because I feel as though the court is not big enough to play with a partner. Did you know that table tennis has been an Olympic sport since 1988? I did not know that either and was surprised. Table tennis is like mini tennis and that is what I like about it. If you know how to play tennis, you will know how to play table tennis. The History of Table Tennis Table tennis first appeared in the late 19th century in England. It was inspired by lawn tennis and the first players were mainly members of the middle-class of Victorian society. The first game was played with materials such as champagne corks, cigar boxes, and books. Table tennis was a good distraction for the wealthy classes. David Foster introduced the first game of tennis in 1890. Seven years later, the first national championships took place in Hungary. Furthermore, James Gibb introduced a lightweight ball known as the “celluloid ball” in 1901. E.C. Gould introduced rubber bats or paddles that improved the playing of table tennis in 1902. During the same year, table tennis tournaments began, such as the first World Championship. In addition, table tennis organizations were founded; for example, the Table Tennis Association in 1921, and the International Federation in 1926. Some champions in table tennis include Austro-Briton Richard Bergmann, Aloizy Ehrilich, and Angelica Rozeanu. That is how the sport of table tennis came to be. Interesting history, right? The Rules of Table Tennis Games are played to 11 points and must be won by two points. A match is won based on whoever wins the most games: the best three out of five games. Every two points, the person who serves the ball alternates with their opponent. If there is a tie which is a score of 10-10 also known as deuce, the serves are alternated every point. When serving a ping pong ball, hold it in your palm behind the end of your side of the table. You must toss it at least six inches in the air for it to count; however, the ball must hit your side of the table first before going to the other side. If you miss the serve, your opponent gets the point. The serve can land anywhere when you are playing singles; however, the ball cannot bounce more than once on your side. A serve that touches the net on the way over is a “let.” If the ball is served and hits the net on the way over, that is known as a “let” and the serve must be repeated. When playing doubles, partners must alternate hitting the ball. Volleys are not allowed. You can touch the ball with your paddle hand. Touching the table with your non-paddle hand is illegal. An “edge ball” bouncing off the horizontal tabletop surface is valid and counts as a point. The vertical sides of the table are not part of the playing surface. The Honor system applies to disagreements if no referee is present during the match. Table Tennis is a Lifetime Sport: Anyone can play table tennis, no matter the age. It is considered a lifetime sport because it can be played anywhere and even when people get older. According to Danine Fruge, racket sports such as tennis and badminton have “proven to be one of the top categories of sport for increasing lifespan.” However, not everyone has access to tennis courts and others may have injuries. Table tennis is perfect for those who have injuries as it requires “no training or particular level of fitness to start playing.” Table tennis boosts longevity as it works out your brain, improves your agility, and gets your heart rate going. Overall, table tennis is an awesome sport to be a part of and I love playing this fun game with my cousins and friends! North’s Table Tennis Club: Fellow North students, have you ever heard of North’s Table Tennis Club? I joined the club this year and I am having a lot of fun. Mr. Fischer, our club advisor, has been running this club for 50 years! I decided to join the club as I wanted to have fun and stay active. I now know a lot more about table tennis than I did when I first joined. This sport has taught me to be patient and have confidence in myself. It also helps me clear my mind and distracts me from the stress of school and junior year. I also enjoy playing as I get to spend time with my cousin and make new friends. If you are interested in joining, we meet every Tuesday at 3:30 in the cafeteria unless the time has changed. Sources: The history of table tennis - Cornilleau Official Rules of Table Tennis — PongFit Why Table Tennis Is Great for Longevity and Health | Well+Good (wella BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Portfolio - Argelina Jeune - 1 By Argelina Jeune June 13, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 7

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Corkscrew Contour Line By Elizabeth Andre November 24, 2020 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Junior Year: The "Worst" Year Noa Cordova Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Noa Cordova Out of the four years of high school, junior year typically gets deemed as the hardest, most stressful year. Going into junior year, I heard many upcoming seniors claim their junior year was the most intense. It makes sense; junior year serves as a preparatory year for college applications during senior year. While the application season may be intense, you essentially highlight all the work you’ve done throughout high school, especially throughout junior year. Most juniors find that academic pressure increases, extracurriculars become harder to balance, and thinking about college gets overwhelming. As a “survivor” of junior year, I’d like to share the specifics of what makes junior year challenging and offer some tips to upcoming juniors. Courseload As you progress through high school, the courseload inevitably increases and becomes more difficult. As an upcoming junior, you have additional freedom with your schedule. From what I’ve experienced, this usually means juniors will load up their schedules with AP courses. While it's great to challenge yourself, taking these courses often means a lot of homework and studying. For many students this means busy evenings as there doesn’t seem to be enough time after school to attend a club meeting, do homework, practice a sport, and study for an upcoming exam; time management becomes the greatest challenge. If you're an upcoming junior, planning out how you intend to stay organized and on top of your schoolwork this year may be a wise choice. Don’t overlook basic tools like planners, calendars, and to-do lists to stay organized. I can attest to the fact that the reminder app on my iPhone and color coding my calendar were life savers this year. In terms of keeping up with schoolwork, take advantage of resources including peer tutoring, extra help, math labs, science labs, and library hours. Seeking out a responsible group of peers in your classes can also help with last-minute questions or sharing study materials. Having more freedom with your schedule also means that you can choose to lighten your load or add classes to balance your schedule. You may want to consider dropping an AP from your schedule to add a less intense class or even a lunch period. Every year, I add electives to my schedule for some balance. I’ve taken public speaking, creative writing, and forensics. Although I took several AP classes this year, I took ceramics and photography. Of course, these classes come with their course load, but they tend to be less stressful than academic courses. Extracurriculars As most of us are aware, colleges base applications on more than just grades. Extracurriculars help demonstrate who you are and what you're interested in. For those who are already heavily involved in clubs and activities both in and out of school, staying on top of club responsibilities can be demanding. If you’re already involved in several clubs, I’d suggest limiting yourself to those so that you can dedicate your time to them adequately. If you have several leadership positions, be sure to communicate with advisors and clubs and delegate tasks. Some students use the junior year as an opportunity to start getting involved in clubs, adding to their busy schedules which can be stressful. If you're considering joining clubs, avoid overloading yourself and stick to clubs you are genuinely passionate about; joining an activity solely to fill a resume can make your junior year less enjoyable. Standardized Tests Although not as heavily considered in college applications in recent years, standardized tests still play a role in college admissions and will increase in prominence in upcoming years. Nationally juniors and seniors, take the SAT or ACT in preparation for their college applications. Studying for the SAT or ACT throughout the school year while studying for your other classes isn’t very ideal. Fall or Summer exams may be better options as you have summer months to prepare. Online prep resources like Khan Academy or College Board review books are great for practicing on your own. Our school also offers an SAT prep course for a semester; this might be more effective than trying to dedicate time outside of school to study. The SAT and ACT are considered the same for college admissions; however, the tests differ in terms of content and timing. Taking practice versions of both exams paired with some research can help you decide which test you should focus on prepping for. Thinking About College About 62% of high school graduates enroll in college undergraduate programs, meaning that a significant portion of high schoolers are tasked with the lengthy college research process (U.S. Bureau of Labor). Understandably, simply thinking about college tends to be overwhelming during junior year. Visiting colleges, creating a list of schools, picking majors, and deciding if you want to go away or not is enough to make your head spin. The summer before your junior year, or even after, is a good time to think about all this since your mind is less occupied. While trying to figure out what kind of school best suits you is overwhelming, various resources can assist you. For example, Naviance is a college research platform that has quizzes to help you find which college suits you best or what kind of career path suits you. It’s a great place to start and can provide you with a list of schools that suit your preferences. If you have an idea of what you’d like to major in, looking into a school with good programs is a good place to start. Through the college board’s search service, colleges will send you emails with information about their school and links to webinars with useful information. Methods like learning about colleges through other experiences or using books like the Fiske College Guide are alternatives to spending time in front of a screen. As you learn about school using these resources, you can start building your college list and plan visits. On a Collegewise webinar, they suggested visiting local colleges with similar properties to out-of-state colleges you're interested in. For example, instead of taking a trip to Boston University, visit New York University to get a feel of a city campus. Of course, this does not serve as a substitute for the actual tour where you will learn about the school and the city but can give you an idea of the environment you’d like to go to school. Lastly, talk to graduating seniors about what helped them during their college research process. They’ve just gone through the process and will likely offer you valuable insight. Recently, the National Honor Society held a panel where juniors could ask seniors questions about the application process; it’s both extremely helpful and comforting to hear from others who’ve completed their applications. Although junior year is stressful, by managing your time, taking breaks, and participating in fun teenage activities you can enjoy your junior year. Generations upon generations of students have pushed through junior year. It doesn’t have to be the nightmare people work it up to be, you can manage it. At school, friends, peers, teachers, and counselors will be there supporting you along the way. Most importantly, remember you are your primary support system and to take care of yourself as you take on the highs and lows of junior year. College Enrollment and Work Activity of Recent High School and College Graduates Summary - 2023 A01 Results ( bls.gov ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Importance of Black History Month Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Texas Public Radio Black History Month is a critical time of the year that allows us to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and the immense impact that black individuals have had on shaping our society. However, racial injustice is still prevalent, regardless of how much progress has been made in the past decades. It is important that we take time to explore the importance of Black History Month in promoting education, challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for social justice. Black History Month traces its roots back decades to the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and scholar. According to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , Woodson initiated Negro History Week in 1926. It was established to ensure the recognition and celebration of the often-overlooked contributions of black individuals in shaping American history. The week was eventually expanded to a month-long observance in 1976, officially recognized by the U.S. Government. One of the primary reasons Black History Month is essential is because it provides an opportunity to educate ourselves and future generations about the often overlooked or marginalized history of African Americans. It allows us to delve deeper into the stories of black leaders, activists, artists, and everyday individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, such as science, literature, politics, and the arts. By highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans, Black History Month challenges the prevailing narrative that has often excluded or downplayed their contributions. It helps to break down stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of our country’s history. This is particularly important for young people who need to see themselves represented and empowered by the achievements of individuals who share their racial or ethnic background. Although more prevalent in the past, racism still exists in our society today. According to Forbes, modern racism can take on different forms, such as racial profiling, microaggressions, and systemic discrimination. It's important to recognize that racism is not just about individual acts of discrimination, but also about the larger structures and institutions that perpetuate inequality. For example, racial disparities in education, employment, housing, and criminal justice continue to significantly impact marginalized communities. It's crucial for us to have open and honest conversations about racism, challenge our own biases, and actively work towards creating a more just and inclusive society for all. One significant aspect is the influence of African traditions and customs, which have been preserved and passed down through generations. From vibrant and colorful traditional clothing to powerful storytelling through oral traditions, these cultural practices celebrate heritage and provide a sense of identity and belonging. Additionally, black cuisine presents a fusion of flavors that have influenced and spread worldwide with rich and varied dishes, spices, and cooking traditions. Black culture is also deeply rooted in the Arts, with remarkable contributions in literature, visual arts, dance, and theater. From the works of author Toni Morrison and poet Langston Hughes to iconic performers, black artists have left an indelible mark on the world of creativity. It's truly inspiring to see how black culture continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive, shaping the global cultural landscape. Honoring Historical Black Figures: 1. Harriet Tubman: As an abolitionist and political activist, Tubman played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, leading countless enslaved individuals to freedom. Her courage and determination continue to inspire generations. 2. Martin Luther King Jr.: A prominent civil rights leader, King advocated for racial equality through nonviolent protests and speeches, most notably his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of peaceful resistance. 3. Maya Angelou: An esteemed poet, author, and civil rights activist, Angelou's powerful writings have deepened our understanding of the human experience and the African American struggle for equality. 4. Katherine Johnson: Johnson was a pioneering mathematician whose calculations were instrumental in the success of NASA's early space missions. Her work shattered barriers and inspired future generations of women in STEM. Furthermore, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community. It honors the individuals who have fought for justice and equality throughout history and inspires us to continue their legacy. By celebrating the achievements of African Americans, Black History Month empowers individuals and communities to advocate for change and to work towards a more just and equitable society for all. Black History Month is a necessary observance that allows us to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice and provides an opportunity for education, celebration, and reflection. By recognizing and celebrating Black History Month, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paologaudiano/2021/04/05/how-microaggressions-relate-to-systemic-biases/?sh=682c8113fc6f Carter G. Woodson | NAACP BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Culture Fair: Culturally Diverse Cuisine By Christina Ossa Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Christina Ossa On Friday, March 17th, North High School’s Language Honors Society and Culture Society hosted North’s annual Culture Fair! A night filled with dance, food, and community, the culture fair was a huge hit with families and students alike. And part of the reason was, of course, the wide selection of food available at the fair. We’ll delve into the delicious creations provided by North’s very own students and families as well as local restaurants in the Valley Stream/Long Island community. Greek Corner (281 Franklin Ave, Franklin Square, NY 11010): Located on Franklin Avenue, this restaurant serves primarily Greek food, which is delicious! They provided a delicious Greek salad and Souvlaki skewers. Capo (700 A Franklin Ave Suite A, Franklin Square, NY 11010): Located also on Franklin Avenue, Capo is a restaurant that serves both American and Italian cuisine! Here they provided mac and cheese balls which were a hit at the fair. Il Corso (121 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580): Located on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream, Il Corso serves primarily Italian pastries. Here they provided an assortment of Italian cookies. Kumo (434 Dogwood Ave #3349 , Franklin Square, NY 11010): Located on Dogwood Avenue, Kumo is a Japanese restaurant known for its delicious sushi. Here, they provided an assortment of sushi which everyone at the fair quickly ate! Verdi’s of Westbury (680 Old Country Road, Westbury): Located on Old Country Road in Westbury, Verdi’s is a restaurant that primarily serves Italian food. Here, they served delectable servings of Penne Ala Vodka and Chicken Frances. And thanks to food not featured from Prince Umberto’s (721 Franklin Ave, Franklin Square, NY 11010), Tessa Bakery ( https://www.instagram.com/tessa_bakery/ ), DaQueen Cupcake Cafe ( https://daqueencupcakecafe.com/ ), and The Sweet Life Bake Shop (988 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010)! Also, a huge shoutout to everyone else who brought in food not featured for the culture fair from cultures all around the world. The culture fair could not have been such a success without these contributions from our student body and their families! A night to remember, the Culture Fair ran smoothly and was a huge success again this year. Featuring multiple dishes representing a variety of cultures, you could even try at it to recreate some of your favorite dishes from the event! And of course, a huge shout out to the restaurants that participated in food donations for the event. The event was spectacular, and if you attended or not you should definitely give a visit to the featured restaurants. Support our community by visiting these restaurants, and revel in the cultural diversity that North’s community exults! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Anonymous - Who Am I? - 5 By Anonymous November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Cage (a short story) Annie Diep Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep My mother owns a bird, or perhaps shall I say two birds? Since...I find myself resembling the dove my mother keeps in her office quite a bit. Like the dove trapped in the cage, I am confined to my room. Like the dove unable to fly because its wings were clipped, I am unable to walk because my legs are clipped. Like the dove, I used to think this was for the better. Like the dove, I thought this enclosure is supposed to protect me from the outside. Like the dove, I am punished when I ask for things that I do not deserve. Like the dove, all I know how to do is stare outside the window all day. However, unlike the dove, I am not allowed into her office. However, unlike the dove, she has not once looked at me besides when she punishes me. Unlike the dove...I am not loved. I guess now that I think more about it...I don't resemble the dove my mother keeps after all. BACK TO TOP