Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Sophia Song - Nostalgic Musings - 1 By Sophia Song February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections NFL Playoff Predictions By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Sporting News The NFL Postseason is among us and the wild card and divisional rounds have already started a spark on the path for one team to become Super Bowl LV Champions and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The hunt is now down to four teams, two representing the American Football Conference (AFC), two representing the National Football Conference (NFC). The new playoff format only allowed for one team in each conference a bye for the first round, giving their players and staff more rest. This past weekend, it was time for the Packers and Chiefs to show what they’ve got this postseason. First, let’s take a look at what I thought about the Divisional Round and how my predictions stacked up with reality. Rams at Packers I am sure I am not the only one surprised by the Rams’ win over the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Seattle didn’t play their best, and the Rams capitalized. Now, they have to face the #1 seed Packers, who have a solid team all around, supported by great coaching and veteran leaders. Rams QB Jared Goff has shown he can be shaky in key games in the playoffs; luckily for him, he had a great supporting cast to take him to the Super Bowl two years ago. Now, that team has to face the Packers, a tougher challenge, and a bout I don’t think they can win. I take the Packers at home, 34 - 21. Result: Packers, 32 - 18 Ravens at Bills Lamar Jackson and the Ravens showed last week that they can rise to the occasion in January, when every game matters much more than the last. The Bills, on the other hand, eked out a win against the Colts. Buffalo, known for its cold and harsh environment late in the season may prove to be a problem for the visiting Ravens, or it can show off their strong running game with a quadruple-threat backfield of J.K Dobbins, Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and Lamar Jackson. Both QBs have never been farther in the postseason, but I believe the Ravens are on a roll, and can go into Buffalo and take a win away from the Bills. 27 – 20 Ravens. Result: Bills, 17 - 3 Browns at Chiefs The Browns had an impressive showing against the Steelers in the first round scoring 48 points. The Steelers dug themselves a huge hole going down 28 - 0 in the first quarter. However, the Steelers fought to score 37 points in the last three quarters. The Browns have proven to be resilient this year, but the Chiefs present a formidable challenge with a high-powered offense and a defense that keeps improving. The Chiefs have been dominant all year, and I think they take the win at Arrowhead Stadium. 37 – 20 Chiefs Result: Chiefs, 22 - 17 Buccaneers at Saints Tom Brady and the Bucs have displayed their offensive weapons in the past few weeks, scoring an average of around 41 points each game for their past three games, winning all of them. However, the Saints boast one of the most explosive running backs in Alvin Kamara. In a battle between two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Brees and Brady, pass rush will be crucial to try to get these QBs off their game. In that regard, I give the edge to the Saints. With that box checked off, along with home field advantage, I’m predicting the Saints to win a close game, closing it out in the waning minutes. I would not be surprised if this game goes either way. 31 – 28 Saints Result: Buccaneers, 30 - 20 Going forward, I think the Chiefs and the Packers will go on to the Super Bowl. Both teams were dominant all year long with great teams and minimal weaknesses. It comes down to the game plan and surprising players coming up clutch to make big plays when it counts. In the big game, I think we will have repeat champs with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs getting the glory in Super Bowl LV! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Completion of Winter Sports at Valley Stream North By Joseph Garofalo Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Original photo from VSN Spartans Instagram With winter sports on Long Island ending, Valley Stream North had a strong showing from all teams and athletes. From the track to the mat, the court to the range, our athletes fired on all cylinders to complete the season on a high note. The original sports beginning on January 4th included Winter Track and Field, Rifle, Bowling, Fencing and Gymnastics. Although VSN did not have any athletes participate in Gymnastics, our district team finished with two gymnasts performing at the County championship. In bowling, junior Tiffany Wong completed the year placing 5th Overall out of 21 in the Nassau County Championship. In Rifle, junior Nicholas Cavaliere led his team to another Nassau County Championship win. Our Fencing teams did not participate in County Championship; however, they had a strong senior campaign from Irene Quintero. Finally, Winter Track and Field, led by Coach Frazer and Coach Boyens, concluded their season in their first head-to-head meet against Mineola. Strong efforts were shown from seniors Ahmya McMillan, Malachi Lewis, Jake Cresser and Danielle Phillip as they hope to win another county championship come spring. In the second wave of sports that began on February 1st, Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling and Competitive Cheer were permitted to begin their seasons. Though the new normal made the resumption of high-risk sports harder than normal, our teams were able to persevere and finish their shortened seasons. Under Coach Achatz, and the strength of juniors Godwin Eyiuche and Malcolm Harrington, the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team completed their season with a win against Plainedge High School. Our Varsity girls team lead by Coach Karahalios, had a strong outing as well with the help of seniors Justice Gordon and Emmy Saracino. Our Wrestling team completed the season with a match against Mineola and Island Trees. Strong performances were shown by senior Noah Gonzalez, and junior Daniel Amin. Finally, the Competitive cheer team closed the winter season with a performance at Cold Spring High School. Many student-athletes like myself now look to the “relocated” fall season, now being hosted in the spring. Those begin March 1st and include Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball, Football, Cross County, sideline Cheer, and Girls’ Tennis. Good job by all of our winter athletes, and good luck to all of those participating in our fall season. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Standing On the Ledge: VSN Mental Health from a Student Perspective By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by Ohio Department of Education When I first entered South Side High school to take my ACT in December, I found myself bombarded with posters and signs advertising their mental health resources. I saw the faces, names, and locations of guidance staff, school psychologists, and various other student support services professionals, just by walking in the front door.  My first thought was: Something must have happened here. Sadly, I was right. A quick google search showed two students had committed suicide in 2019. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the students who died. It is not uncommon for schools and other institutions to respond to mental health issues after a crisis. Studies show that teen suicide rates are on the rise and have more than doubled since 2007. [1] The global pandemic has amplified this particular issue. Students are hurting for so many different reasons. Here is my story: The lowest point I remember came at the beginning of my sophomore year. I dangerously teetered on the edge of an emotional cliff I felt would have been impossible to climb back up. I was sad, anxious and depressed. Despite the helpful efforts of my teachers, my grades were falling lower than they ever had. I was sleeping erratically, either 2 or 12 hours a night. I could not eat; I lost 8 pounds from skipping meals. By November, I was too focused on seeing the next morning to care about whatever work I had been assigned the night before. I sat there, cold, tired, and apathetic to it all, and worse, I refused to ask for help. My talkative and happy demeanor created an easy mask for the problems I was facing. Every potentially concerning thing I said was passed off as “just a joke.” Despite how difficult it is for students to talk about their emotions and problems, I have supportive parents to whom I could turn for help, and I was ultimately able to receive help outside of school. I began treatment, and I can happily say, I am doing better than ever. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students across the country is well-documented, but difficult to see happening to young people all around us – some who are on our screens only during the school day. Many students have spoken out to their friends or in extra-curricular club settings, saying the pandemic has “sent their mental health down the drain,” or otherwise negatively impacted their well-being. Students around me are voicing deep feelings of loneliness, even writing to the advice column in the North Star to ask about making friends virtually. As a school community, we have to check in frequently with each other because we are not okay. There are many steps a school can take to publicize and destigmatize mental health services at school. Signs around the school communicating facts about how common mental health challenges are can help to take away the shame that I and others feel when they experience symptoms; studies on a national scale show small steps like signage actually work. [2] Small changes or additions can actually have a significant impact. What We Can Do: Some examples of dispensing information widely might include: Posts on teams with the names and locations of student support services personnel to take the place of in-person signage for the many students who are virtual or hybrid right now. Well-documented and well-known protocols outlining the steps students, parents, and teachers can take to get access to school resources in a transparent, simple and confidential way. Increase in overall mental health awareness by holding more, and well-advertised, events to provide support. The Student Wellness Forum over the weekend of March 6th was a good start, and the second in that series is March 13th. We also can introduce a “SAFE” club. “SAFE” stands for Suicide Awareness and a Friendly Environment, this club may also focus on mental health in general, instead of just specifically suicide prevention. This is similar to what was done by students at Southside after both suicides had taken place. [3] A focus on Mental Health Awareness Month this May. We could hold a hallway decoration competition similar to Red Ribbon Week (THIS WEEK!) for drug awareness. We could ask each club to bring up Mental Health as a meeting topic during a meeting in May. For my part, as a leader in The Alliance club here at North, I’ve been engaging with the club’s members in discussions which helped me construct this article, and I feel like if we all work together as a school, every small step we take can add up to a big positive impact on students. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Back to Sections Nora Chery By Nora Chery November 7, 2022 Volume 3 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Heckscher Back to Sections Aura of David Entry 4 April 14, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 6

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Normal By Nehilah Grand-Pierre April 22, 2021 Colored Pencil Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Sophia Song - Pop Art Sophia Song January 14, 2022 Acrylic Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Senior Send-Off Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Christy Mansfield As the year ends it is crucial that we recognize our hardworking class of 2025 graduates that have allowed North Star to grow. We thank each and every one of them for continued dedication, effort, and time invested into growing our club and school newspaper. This would not have been possible without them, and it has been a privilege working alongside them for so long. Therefore, to send-off our North Star seniors, we wrote a personal thank you to each one. Noa Cordova : Noa, ever since you took over as editor-in-chief I knew we were in good hands. I speak for everyone when I say that your work ethic is truly admirable. Not only have you run meetings, edited articles, but also provided a strong presence as the editor-in-chief that has been the driving force behind our paper. Your positive attitude and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and you’ve been a role model to me in the time that I have worked with you. Thank you for your unwavering efforts and helping shape North Star to what it is today. Rehmat Kaur : Rehmat, as our Sports Section Editor you’ve made North Star everything it aspires to be in terms of a school newspaper. You have consistently kept up with our North athletes and sport teams throughout each season and we thank you for that. Your consistency can be seen through your many interviews and analysis that not only recognized and honored our athletes but also allowed for their voices to be heard. Your time at North Star has encompassed what it means to be a reliable journalist. Thank you, Rehmat for all your work. Elaine Ching : Elaine, as our lead Layout and Social Media Designer without you, North Star would not be what it is today. You have kept up and designed every detail of our website. From uploading articles to constant updates, you allow our paper to be the best it could be. Not to mention your dedication to producing original artwork has allowed for our paper to be truly authentic and much more enjoyable for our readers. It’s your behind the scenes work that allows for our work to be seen, promoted, and displayed for all. You’ve been a crucial part of North Star , and you deserve all the credit and more for your contributions. Thank you, Elaine! Marco Alvarez : Marco, as part of our Layout Team and our spreadsheet manager, it is your work that allows for our voices to be heard and published. You have been nothing short of consistent, focused, and all around a reliable member. Your role requires hard work that deals with many technical details and organization, and you have done that perfectly which has allowed us to thrive. Not only that, but you’ve always kept the interests of others in mind and truly demonstrated yourself to be dependable. Thank you, Marco! Isabel Barret : Isabel, as our Feature Section Editor you have produced nothing short of interesting and thorough articles. Overseeing such a broad and wide-ranging section is by no means an easy task, yet you’ve followed through time and time again. Each meeting you're always one of the first to offer ideas and suggestions. It is that very attitude that makes a paper successful and why it was such a pleasure to work with you Without you our feature section would not be the same and we thank you for everything, Isabel! Sahar Ali : Sahar, as news section editor, we’ve seen you produce the most interesting current news and political articles. You’ve brought awareness and in-depth information about the most serious world issues, and you never fail to do it well. What I most admire about you is your passion. Your passion to share your opinions while delivering some of the most reliable articles North Star has to offer. It is because of you our news section was so strong the past few years and your drive has not been overlooked, thank you Sahar. Sophia Songveertham : Sophia, as our photographer, your role to North Star is a unique one and so cherished. Your talent, your dedication, and the time put into attending North’s many athletic events can all be seen by the many photos you have dedicated to our paper. You’ve contributed to our originality, sharing the achievements of our athletes, and overall making our paper stand out. Photography is not only a skill, but an art, and you encompass every aspect of that in your work, thank you Sophia. Manal Layachi : Manal, you’ve been a prominent and consistent member of North Star for many years. Over the time you’ve stuck with us, you have produced a variety of articles regarding school life and running to science and entertainment. Even while handling so much such as being an athlete and you never fail to be an active member and prioritize North Star . Your drive for writing will be dearly missed and we thank you Manal for all the time you dedicated into helping our paper bloom. Aamna Raja : Aamna, as our advice columnist you took on a very challenging role all with the goal of helping our readers and reminding others they are not alone. Your section is not only a place of help but for comfort for those who ever needed someone thoughtful to tackle any issues. By fulfilling such a role in North Star you’ve truly helped our paper shine as not only a school newspaper but one that served students in ways beyond academics. Thank you, Aamna! Each one of you has left a lasting impact on not only North Star but also everyone that got the privilege to work with you! Your work will not be forgotten, and you’ve left a legacy that will continue to be admired. We wish you all the very best and know you will all continue to succeed! Thank you, Seniors! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections My Heritage By Katherine Cevada October 8, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1