Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Enjoy the Silence Jasmine Roberts Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Kantonsbibliothek Appenzell Ausserrhoden A peculiar quote was spoken into the atmosphere one day with no true origin or genesis to explain its magnitude in the understanding of the role that art plays in the modern world. The quote said softly on one unspecific day, during an unspecific time: “Books were made for reading, music for hearing; films for seeing; a silent film must stay silent.’’ This quote pertained to the evolution of the film and the fears of those who saw it roar into the modern-day beast it would become. Birthed in the silence of nitrate film stock and negative film, it grew into what was deemed “The Talkies” around 1927 with the introduction of early sound demonstrated by the 1927 silent film “The Jazz Singer.” Although an avalanche would roll down the snow hill that is film, one by one descending together a series of events which would bring CGI, VFX, and digital video into modern films. The silent film has been arguably forgotten in modern day discourse on what makes beautiful cinematography, what makes a film intriguing, unnerving , and most importantly, what makes a film, not a book, or a song, or a stage play, or even a perfectly framed photo, but instead a series of photos stitched together to tell a tale made to both exist within the time of the viewer, but also supersede it all the same. To explain the type of stock and film that silent films were shot on, it is to also describe the physical appearance of silent films themselves. To a keener eye, or a zealot of the art form. A silent film is not simply what was once colored, turned black and white, having its vibrant color suffocated out of our vision. Instead, it captures the world turned monochrome, until it embodies both light and shadow. However, neither is this definition definitive; instead, the idea that silent films are solely monochrome, is a misconception. For instance, in the film Waxworks (1924) , a story narrating the imaginative ways in which a nameless poet schemes stories to bring historical wax figures to life, simply cannot be considered black and white, neither can it be considered a reflection of how color is shown in modern day film. In fact, a tint is applied to each scene to set the mood and tone. When the scenes are set in the hot, swarthy, arid Arabian desert, the tint takes an orange appeal, when the scenes begin in the icy winter of the Russian lands, the tint takes upon a blue to reflect said winter storm. The 1907 short film, Le Spectre Rouge , is one of the closest examples of color made diverse. White for bone, yellow for gold, and purple for granite caves within the unfolding scene. Even in the realm of black and white, progress had been made from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. For example, not only had the sound system slowly begin to develop prominence, but also end the need for intertitles, or printed text, spliced between shots to convey dialogue or action, while derailing the studio system or a method in which actors were signed to a specific studio such as Warners or MGM and would exclusively work with said studio on films. Around the 50’s, the freelance actor arose, or the system mostly used in the modern age. The silent film would soon be lost, as with many things, by its own evolution. Although, there might stand a modern-day director, such as director, Denis Villenueve, best known for his modern adaptation of literary work known as Dune, might profess a desire to film a movie in complete silence, only using narrative, physical and environmental storytelling to convey plot, tone, and message of a film, stating to the Times of London that, ‘’movies have been corrupted by television.’’ It is warranted to suspect that the context in which olden silent films were curated was also a lighter to the spark they had which allowed them to be completely absent from audible dialogue but not absent from humanity. Weimer Germany, the roaring 20’s, the infancy of film, the exploration, testing, trial and error, imperfections, all followed into the creation of the silent film. The grainy film and stock, the theatrical stage like acting, the bare film stages and imperfect faces smothered in camera correcting makeup in shades of yellow and blue. Without these things, both little and small, can there ever be a silent film, or more likely an uncanny imitation, taking the nose and eyes of the medium but never the heart and the mind. Fixing the superficially understood aesthetic upon a mannequin who poses in what feels human but is known to be unnatural. With modern advancements in technology, silent films have truly been allowed to die. But unlike The Golden Age of Hollywood or the peepshow shock value which carried on into the modern age, there is no detective to arrest its murderer: Time. The rawness of early films was its charm. There were no billionaire corporations to ensnare, nor were there large franchises to milk dry. Later, the Hayes Code would arrive, limiting what could be shown on screen, and while that might be a different story. One can only wonder if technology has killed film. Had CGI, digital camera, streaming, and years and years of film history both grown film to what it is, but also stunted its lifeblood from running freely and warming its body with the unbridled oddity of the silent film? As it seems, the silent film might be without a detective to cause the jailing of its executioner; it might stay rotting in a black and white alleyway, of pale skies and black markings. It might wither away and be called upon when intellectuals must signal their intellect, and directors desire to draw attention to the madness in their minds. Nonetheless, film must be seen, not heard, and therefore it needs a lawyer, and advocate for its remains. This article is simply evidence to be given to discovery; a cold case finally gone warm for this piece of film history. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Anonymous - Who Am I? - 4 By Anonymous November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Purpose Back to Sections Isabella Somma - Purple Yellow Study By Isabella Somma November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: How to Manage Stress By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by The New York Times Q. Hi Ala! This year has been so crazy, and it just seems to be getting worse. How do I manage stress? A. Hello and thank you for asking! This is such an important question to ask, especially now, when everyone is put under even more pressure than during any other school year. Stress can come from many different sources. Getting to know the source can be a good first step in starting to manage the pressure life brings upon us. Even though that sounds easy, the process can become quite complex because stress can come from a mix of categories like personal, family, social, academic, and economic, though now we have been presented with an addition to the list - a global pandemic (Darity 1).  We can also be affected by the “unwanted, random, uncontrollable, and close together in time” type of events (Darity 1). Trying to keep a track of when your emotion changes occur and analyzing the events beforehand can help pinpoint the roots of the stress. Some people practice recording their day as it passes. Writing can help you unravel your thought patterns and recognize what triggers you. It’s important to take this process little by little, to have patience, because this is going to make it possible to work on your problems later on. As I mentioned before, this is a rather complex process, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You can share your problems with a professional and get yourself on the right path to figuring things out and learning concrete methods for dealing with all of the ways stress and anxiety affects you. It is important to know what influences you and address the source directly if possible. It is hard to make up scenarios that would answer everyone’s questions due to the intricate nature of stress, however I will try to provide you with as many resources as possible. In this article, Six surprising sources of stress -- and how to do away with them, Erinn Bucklan presents the readers with six sources of stress (such as your surroundings, relations with others, social media, or your attitude) and simple ways to go about dealing with them healthily. Maintaining “[s]trong healthy relationships with supportive friends and family are beneficial, and support groups and social activities, such as clubs … [and] [v]olunteering also provides benefits'' to your self-worth and self-confidence and gives you the validation many seek (Mental Health 2). Writers also recommend to cope with stress by exercising, enjoying nature, writing in a journal, and participating in other activities” (Mental health 2) They deem “[s]kills such as meditation, prayer, and relaxation exercises are also useful in dissolving stress” (Mental Health 2). Washington Post journalist Elizabeth Chang even suggests watching cute animal videos to calm down and feel happy. That definitely works or me! Her uncomplicated way of communicating coping ideas are perfect for high school students and adults during these difficult times. If you are ever dealing with something you can’t handle on your own, please reach out to others like your family, your friends, your guidance counselor or teachers, or even a hotline. You can always visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to learn more about mental health. Additionally, don’t be afraid to call 211 or visit 211.org to get help. You are important, and there always is someone to help you, so you must reach out for such help. You made a great choice reaching out to me, and I appreciate your trust. What you did may just help one of our readers recognize ways to manage stress or ask for help themselves. Everyone could use some help today during this extra-stressful year! Works Cited Life Events, Stress." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences , edited by William A. Darity, Jr., 2nd ed., vol. 4, Macmillan Reference USA, 2008, pp. 443-444. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3045301354/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=c5a14ce2. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Six surprising sources of stress -- and how to do away with them." Washingtonpost.com , 25 Feb. 2015. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/A403143888/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=5f9fc7da. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Mental Health." Gale In Context Online Collection , Gale, 2019. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/ULXUHX033802376/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=a7062c8e. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Feeling election anxiety? These 12 articles about coping with covid stress may help." Washingtonpost.com , 4 Nov. 2020. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/A640616471/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=680f56b4. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. Nami Website: https://www.nami.org/Home BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Usman- Ava Strojan Ava Strojan February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections College Application Advice Sahar Ali Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Elaine Ching College applications can be overwhelming during senior year, especially while trying to manage work, school, sports, and maintaining a high GPA. For me, navigating the Common App and completing applications has been a struggle. Through my own experience, I’ve learned how to better approach the college application process which can help future seniors feel calm and relaxed while completing their applications. #1 - THE SAT/ACT The SAT is an exam many students take before going into college; however, some students opt for the ACT or take both. The SAT, composed of English and mathematics, is scored out of 1600 points, while the ACT, composed of English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing section, is scored out of 36 points. Most students, according to the College Board, tend to take the SAT more than the ACT due to its many benefits such as more time per question. Although the SAT may appear frightening at first, practice can help students with understanding how questions are asked to become accustomed to the exam. I recommend taking an SAT course, either offered in school or from another organization, especially if you are aiming for a high score above 1300 because SAT questions get more complex with each module, so getting the right coaching can help chances of scoring higher. Aiming for a high score is possible for anyone, but it can be difficult to achieve if there is no practice involved. Fortunately, I was able to have the experience of receiving SAT prep outside of school; however, many people are unable to have the same. If you are unable to fit the SAT prep course offered at North in your schedule or are unable to receive prep outside of school, Khan Academy has a free SAT prep course with practice questions and videos on SAT topics. The Princeton Review also has textbooks with a QR code that provides five practice exams. The SAT is not simple English or math, rather, the questions test your deeper understanding and application of diverse concepts. Practicing for the exam can take months, which is why I recommend starting to practice before or during your junior year. Just remember: practice, practice, practice! #2 – STARTING THE COMMON APP The Common App is not something North students will start in class. Instead, they have to start the application on their own time over the summer. I recommend starting it around the start of August, which gives students enough time to answer the surplus of lengthy questions required by Common App. Depending on what schools you apply to, there will be more essays than just the college essay that you work on during English class. Starting the Common App early during the summer can help students jump start supplementals and reduce stress during the start of the school year. However, I believe the essays are the hardest part. #4 – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Letters of recommendation are also a vital aspect of your college application as they show a student through the lens of other people, like high school teachers. During the end of your junior year, take some time to think about which teachers you would like to write your letter of recommendation. Keep in mind that you should find two teachers to write a letter on your behalf, unless otherwise stated by a specific school or program, like CUNY’s Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, which requires five letters of recommendation. Think about teachers who you have created a bond with and are aware of your strengths and capabilities. It is recommended that you ask a teacher in person rather through Teams Chat, or email, in an extremely polite manner; writing a letter of recommendation takes time and thought and is no easy task. Ask your teachers at the end of junior year or at the start of senior year, so they have ample time to create a well written letter. Your teachers will upload your letter from Naviance. Guidance will help students navigate through the website during senior year. Common App has a unique feature for most, if not all schools, where students can add additional recommenders besides high school teachers. Select a school, and on the left-hand side bar where it shows the specific parts of the application, you will see “Recommenders and FERPA.” Scroll down until you see “Other recommender.” Over here, all the extra recommender types that are allowed by the school will be shown (Ex. Arts Teacher, Coach, Employer, Peer, Other). Some schools allow students to choose from a lot of recommender types, while other schools may only allow some recommender types; some schools may only allow one additional letter, while others may allow up to three – this solely depends on the school itself. Then proceed to add your recommender, and Common App will send them an email where they can upload your letter. In my own experience, I have asked a peer and an employer to write me an additional letter. Asking a peer to write a letter of recommendation is beneficial in my opinion since it shows admission counselors who you are outside of school and how you resonate with people; I personally love the fact that some schools, like Dartmouth, allow the peer recommendations as it sheds light on an applicant from a different perspective. I have written a peer recommendation for a friend and had found it to be quite interesting, yet fun at the same time. Remember, if you hope to ask a peer recommendation, choose wisely! Additionally, you are unable to see your letters of recommendations and are heavily encouraged to waive your rights. This will be done in the “Recommenders and FERPA” section of each school’s application on Common App. #3 - ESSAYS For many students, writing supplemental essays along with the main essay is one of the hardest parts of a college application. AP LIT students must write a draft of their college essay over the summer as an assignment; however, English 4 students write it during the school year. When writing your essay, you want to focus solely on yourself. That does not mean that you cannot write about others in your life. Focus on a specific event in your life and how it has impacted you. Or think about something that is special to you. It’s important to take some time to think about your essay, especially since it is a reflection of you as a person to admissions counselors. Even if you do not like the first draft of your college essay, do not panic! North’s 12th grade English teachers provide some of the best outlooks and will take time to help you brainstorm ideas. From my own experience, talking with my teacher and revising it with her has made my essay extremely unique; with her coaching, I was able to transform an unlikeable first draft into an exceptional final draft. Supplemental essays for certain schools, however, are not the main focus of 12th grade English classes. The number of supplementals a student has to write depends on the colleges they choose to apply to. Some students may have more essays than others, while some students may not have as many. Although you may not have your teacher to help with these specific essays, students may feel more confident writing them after writing their personal essay. Yet, many students, like myself, still have trouble writing supplementals. This is where I recommend you begin to look for a private writing instructor. My experience with a writing instructor has been immaculate, especially since the instructor has helped me get my thoughts down on words. Preply, a website where students can find tutors, has helped me find a highly qualified instructor for a reasonable price per hour. Even though it is not necessary to have that help, it certainly will help make your essays stand out more. Not only that, but certain supplementals can be reused if essay prompts are similar to one another. Just keep in mind to fix certain sections to make it specific to the school. Always do some research about the school and include it in your essays; whether it be classes, the campus’ environment, or even clubs, showing the school that you are aware of what they offer and showing your interest in the school, which is always favorable. Finally, if you ever need help with college applications, do not hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor, any of your teachers, or even upperclassmen who are completing their applications. College applications can be overwhelming, but don’t forget that there are people who are willing to help. All you have to do is reach out, keep on top of your deadlines, and work hard. SOURCES: SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should I Take? - College Board Blog BACK TO TOP

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR WELCOME TO VOLUME 4 January 3rd, 2024 For the 2023-2024 school year, we are pleased to introduce Volume 4 to our readers. I am sure that on par with the previous North Star volumes, this edition will demonstrate the hard work and creativity my peers and I have to offer. Although I am a recent addition to North Star’s leadership team, I have genuinely enjoyed working with the talented writers and artists who make having a publications club here at North possible. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our advisor, Mrs. Mansfield, who dedicates her time to guiding us all in our writing endeavors. Without her leadership and the cooperation of our writers, we would miss the valuable experience of running a publications club. As a publications club, we strive to uphold the standards of modern-day journalism and ensure our readers a diverse selection of articles. From the poetry of POLARIS to the reporting of student news, there is something for everyone. As I see it, journalism holds significance in a school community as it allows us all to share our ideas, passions, and opinions in our ever-changing world. As the Editor-in-Chief, I get to read about numerous events, cultures, people, history, visual arts, and various perspectives; I hope our readers enjoy the reading and learning experience as much as I do. I find that I have become increasingly open-minded as I learn about others' experiences through writing, and I think that is the power of journalism; we get to see a little bit of everyone. We are incredibly fortunate to have the freedom to express ourselves through writing, whether through poetry, film reviews, or a lengthy article. I believe I write on behalf of all our members when I say that part of the reason, we write for North Star is to foster an appreciation for journalism here at Valley Stream North in both the students and the staff. The names “North Star,” and “POLARIS,” and the star names we give each issue, all enhance our prominent astronomy-themed student newspaper. It is a perfectly suitable theme in my opinion. Much like space, the world around us is so vast and impossible to discover entirely; however, sharing our ideas through written works may be our best shot at understanding our dynamic world. For our readers who may be interested in journalism, I encourage you to share your ideas because, like all our current writers, you also have something to contribute. With the right amount of dedication, willingness, and support, we can all find a way to make our voices shine. This year, I hope to work effectively with the other editors and writers to provide plenty of content for our readers, and much like the actual North Star, or Polaris, our student newspaper can always be found in the same place, at any time. Thank you to all our readers and staff for the support they have demonstrated this school year, and I look forward to seeing all this year’s thoughtfully crafted art and editing the thoughtfully written pieces. Stellar regards, Noa Cordova Editor-in-Chief

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections A Dive into the Pop Music of 2024 Mya Hans Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 This year has been big for the music industry, with many songs and artists breaking records and receiving nominations for Grammys. Artists released new albums and started viral trends that will leave an effect on the years to come. Let’s look at some of the most memorable albums and events that took place in the music industry this year. Guts Tour: Olivia Rodrigo Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour started in February and will end in July of next year. Her tour brought a lot of excitement to Gen Z, with many clips of her concert being posted on TikTok and YouTube. She sang popular songs from her discography like “Driver’s License” and “Vampire.” Her songs include slow songs, rock, and pop, with heartfelt, relatable lyrics to people in this generation. Her show in Los Angeles was filmed and released on Netflix, which was titled: GUTS World Tour , and takes fans into the exciting experience of being in the concert. The Eras Tour: Taylor Swift The Eras Tour was a highly successful tour that started last year in March and just ended this December. Taylor Swift, one of the most successful singers of this generation, has managed to have the highest-grossing tour of all time, surpassing musical legends like Michael Jackson and Beyonce. According to Business Insider, “The tour stretched for 149 dates, visited 21 countries, and grossed over $2 billion in ticket sales.” Eternal Sunshine: Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande was released on March 28 and includes beautifully written songs ranging from hip-hop, pop, and ballads. Her album was highly anticipated by the public, considering she hasn’t released one since 2020. This album gave Grande three Grammy nominations and debuted number 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Hit me Hard and Soft: Billie Eilish Hit me Hard and Soft was Billie’s Eilish’s third studio album and released on May 17th. This album release was popular, and trending on TikTok. Her songs “Birds of a Feather,” went viral on all platforms, especially TikTok. “Birds of a Feather” was number 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, reflecting its huge success. Brat: Charli XCX The hit album Brat went extremely viral, starting many trends, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It came out on June 7th and immediately started gaining popularity. The song “Apple” became a TikTok dance. And Gen Z, started using the term “Brat Summer” to describe the summer of 2024 and trends. Brat was also used for Kamala Harris’s campaign during the election. Kamala HQ, the official X page for Kamala Harris’ campaign, made her banner Brat themed. Moreover, on TikTok many edits of Kamala have went viral with songs from the Brat Album, and Charli XCX called Kamala Harris “brat” which many seem like an insult, but in Gen Z terms, it’s an extreme compliment, meaning she’s iconic and confident. Short N’ Sweet: Sabrina Carpenter The album Short N’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter was released on August 23rd including hit songs like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Her tour was also trending on TikTok for its catchy songs and her cute outfits, which changed colors every show. The tune of her song “Espresso” was also used in a very popular SNL skit called “Domingo.” This album also hit number one the Billboard 200 and solidified her name in the music industry and in the world, giving her many opportunities like her own Christmas special on Netflix, her own drink at Dunkin, and more. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections The Orb Part 3 By Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Editor’s note: This piece goes along with the previous two pieces I have written. All three are part of the same series. Despite the task at hand, Richard could not help but gawk at the room before him. His hatred for the king flared as he took in the grandeur before him. It was grander than anything he had seen in his life, and it was only one room. Yet despite this, most of the people of the kingdom lived as peasants, with only the top 10% living in comfort. A huge statue of Jerry Movius, the famous merchant, was centered in the room. Jerry was a huge part of developing the kingdom’s economy. The legends say that with his cloak, named the Cloak of Tharion, he was able to travel through time and space allowing him to know what and when to buy and sell. One day he never showed up to his stall and he was never heard from again. The kingdom, however, continued to prosper from the information left behind by Jerry. Richard shook his head, clearing his thoughts of ancient legends. He had a job to do, and no time to look at all the things he couldn’t have. The bandits did not give him a list of what he needed to take. All they had said was ‘something expensive’. Knowing that it was his brother’s life on the line, Richard endeavored to take the most expensive seeming items he could. Heading through the door to the right, Richard entered a display room. There were exhibits lining the wall, minor artifacts in everyone. The main piece of the room, however, was the circular display case that displayed a rather unassuming shield. It was red and circular, with a metal rim and obvious signs of wear. The description read “The Shield of Ragnor - An artifact from XXXX. It is said to protect its owner from fire and harm.” Richard eyed it warily. It seemed that it wouldn’t be used, but it seemed risky to take something in a central display case. Taking a last glance around the room, he moved on to the next room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He had been through multiple exhibits now, and he still had not found something he could steal. The amount of time was dwindling, the longer he stayed the higher his chance of being caught. The current exhibit displayed a beautiful sword. There were intricate designs along the pommel and grip, yet they were burdened by rust. The improper care was obvious, despite the beauty of it. Once he looked at the display case, he understood why. “The Sword of Elora - A sword reclaimed by the king after stopping riots caused by a rogue princess.” Richard scoffed at the description. The lack of date and the poor quality of the sword made it obvious the king had nothing to do with ‘reclaiming’ the sword or stopping riots. The sword was not even used in recent years but in history. The whispered tales told from village to village did not talk about a ‘rogue princess’. The legends told of a princess who was beloved by her subjects but the daughter of a cruel tyrant. Elora sided with her people and personally led the rebellion and overthrew the cruel ruler. Once they reached the castle, she took on her father but was dealt a fatal blow by him before he died. The people buried her body under her favorite willow tree, which had withstood the fires that burned throughout the day, and her sword was hung above the throne, as a reminder of their princess and what she did for them. The story of Princess Elora was his favorite legend. He aspired to have the courage and bravery she did. Some courage he was showing now… As tempting as it was to take the sword and hold a part of his favorite child story, the security wouldn’t allow an easy escape. Additionally, he wouldn’t want to give the sword to the thugs. They did not deserve to hold it. The king didn’t deserve to hold it either, but at least here it was safe. Uncared for, but safe. Richard was about to move on to the next exhibit when something caught his eye. Turning back towards the corner of the room, he saw a door that he had previously missed, hidden from view. Richard crept closer, taking note of the faded label on the door. ‘Staff only?’ he pondered, weighing his options. ‘Maybe I can find something here that won’t be missed.’ He pushed the door open and entered the room. The room itself was rather unassuming, with grayish-beige walls and a ceiling of a similar color. A dingy window let in just enough light to see the room, but not enough to be considered proper lighting. The light displayed the main focus of the room, boxes stacked on top of each other. Most were covered in layers of dust, indicating the length of time they had remained untouched in the room. The floor was also coated in a light coat of dust except for a long trail of the floor, where something must have been dragged over recently. Richard began his search for an object of value he could steal. With the amount of dust, nothing would be reported missing for weeks. He couldn’t explain why, but he felt drawn to the back of the room. He followed the clearer floor and found another box. Unlike the others, there was barely any dust covering the box. Despite this, Richard felt compelled to open the box. He looked around and found a crowbar hanging on the wall. He grabbed it and put the end underneath the top of the box. He pushed down with all his strength, managing to pry the top off. Peering inside, Richard found an orb. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Thank You! Cody Sung Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching It has been an amazing five years at my fantastic school. I truly enjoyed my time here and I will miss North dearly. I would like to thank everyone for their support and made my educational career a success so far. I started at North going into eighth grade at nine years old. I was very confused, but thanks to many people, I am graduating from North a bit less confused. I want to start my appreciation first by thanking Dr. Small, the principal, Mrs. Buonaspina and Mr. Jara, the assistant principals, Mr. Brodsky and Ms. Bloeth, my guidance counselors, and the Valley Stream Central High School District for all their support during my high school years at North. I would also like to thank all my amazing teachers and club advisors who always offered their guidance and support and always made me feel welcome. I could always stop by and discuss any questions or difficulties I had. They helped make my experience at North unbelievably special. Thank you to the security guards, maintenance crew, and other staff for helping me whenever I needed assistance – especially the security guards, they handled a lot of pretzels. Thank you to my wonderful classmates, peers, and friends – those who have graduated before me, those who are graduated with me, and those who are graduating after me – for all your support. Thank you for helping me when I couldn’t open my locker, or when I dropped my books and water bottle down the stairs, or when I didn’t know where my classes were. Thank you to Mom and Dad for supporting me and always pushing me to the next level – and to my brother, I love you. Finally, I would like to thank everyone at Willow Road, where my educational career started, for all their support. Congratulations and good luck to the class of 2024. -Cody Sung BACK TO TOP