Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Ava Augello Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 The Victoria’s Secret fashion show made its return once again this year on October 15 th , 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. Last October, this fashion show, well known in the past for its glamorous designs, made a return to the runway in New York after a six-year hiatus. This year the runway took place again in our state, New York, and the physical event was invitation-only. Last October, the show was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Despite this, the event is streamed live on platforms such as Prime Video, Amazon Live, YouTube, and TikTok. Involved within the fashion show are many notable guest appearances and models. Runway models, or “Angels,” included Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, and Angel Reese -- who made history as the first professional athlete to participate in the fashion show. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s focuses on women which makes this event extremely noteworthy and uplifting. The fashion show displays a platform of diverse representation of all body types, ethnicities, and gender identities. Victoria’s Secret, last year, advertised the show as something that would “reflect who we are today.” Furthermore, Victoria’s Secret had once again opted for an all-female lineup of musical guests to perform at the event. This included Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and TWICE. This event’s focus on inclusivity is extremely clear, as last year two transgender models, Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani, walked the runway. The fashion show, last year, started its revival with a bang as it pulled in a peak of above 2.67 million viewers and 1.34 million average viewers across platforms including YouTube and TikTok. This year, there was also a pink carpet pre-show hosted by Law Roach and Zanna Rossi, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. If viewers end up seeing something they like, they can shop for Victoria’s Secret pieces while watching it through the platform Amazon Live. As reported by People Magazine, over 4,000 styles from both Victoria’s Secret and PINK will be available on the Victoria’s Secret’s Amazon Fashion storefront. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s return to the runway was a powerful reflection of the world today, and the importance of inclusivity in the fashion world. Sources: VS Fashion Show 2025 is coming up. When, who is walking, how to stream Everything to Know About the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Alex Consani & Valentina Make Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show History https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiYr4-djKSQAxVhLdAFHV_qDA8QFnoECB4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeople.com%2Feverything-to-know-2025-victorias-secret-fashion-show-11828503&usg=AOvVaw2WeNYZYhxwM6Me52kkdJpW&opi=89978449 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwin_-f-hqSQAxWx38kDHUncHBAQFnoECCMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teenvogue.com%2Fstory%2Fvictorias-secret-2024-runway-show-promised-inclusivity-where-was-it&usg=AOvVaw35ZkLGIYU3Q3vIVNxUKjkI&opi=89978449 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi7_cbei6SQAxVR4skDHXRfNzcQFnoECCQQAQ&url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/alex-consani-victorias-secret-fashion-show-2024-trans-model-1236686317/&usg=AOvVaw08K4Bo8Muqua4lco-iuYJE&opi=89978449 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections My Favorite Anime/Manga (By Women!) By Zoie James Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by Amazon When quarantine first started, my passion for anime grew; I would binge-watch seasons of anime or even finish an entire series in one day. Many teens at our school have an interest in anime like myself, so I decided to write a list of anime and manga written by women since it’s Women’s History Month! Toradora! by Yuyuko Takemiya Toradora! describes the story of Taiga Aisaka and Ryuji Takasu, two high schoolers who have crushes on each other’s best friends. They agree to help each other woo their crushes while dealing with other chaotic predicaments and experiences at their high school. Will Taiga and Ryuji win their crushes’ hearts, or will they end up finding love elsewhere? Kids on the Slope by Yuki Kodama Kaoru Nishimi, the new student, doesn’t have many friends and keeps to himself often. When Kaoru first meets classmate Sentaro Kawabuchi, Kaoru is not too fond of Sentaro because of his bad reputation; however, after meeting Ritsuko Mukae, Sentaro’s best friend, she takes Kaoru to her family’s music store – where they find Sentaro playing the drums to jazz music! Ritsuko asks Kaoru to play the piano along with Sentaro’s drums, but Kaoru refuses at first. However, after playing together, Kaoru and Sentaro develop a friendship, and Kaoru slowly comes out of his shell. Kids on the Slope shows how music can bring different people together and helps others find joy during the toughest of times. Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi Kagome Higurashi, a middle schooler from Tokyo, falls down a well at her family shrine – and wakes up in Japan’s Sengoku Period. Kagome then meets the half-demon Inuyasha after she accidentally shatters the Shikon Jewel, and the shards scatter all throughout Japan. In this anime, Kagome and Inuyasha go on dangerous and mystical adventures to find all the shards of the Shikon Jewel before Naraku, an evil half-demon, snatches the jewel from them. Noragami (Stray God) by Adachitoka Hiyori Iki had a normal middle school life until she got hit by a bus while trying to save a stranger in the middle of the road - but the stranger is not human. He is the nameless god, Yato, who wants someone in the human world to make a shrine for him and hopes that Hiyori will do so when he offers to fix her body. Hiyori’s soul left her body after the bus accident; she can still use her human body, but Hiyori’s soul often leaves her body uncontrollably. After befriending Yato, Hiyori goes on many adventures with him and his friend Yukine while meeting other gods in their town. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun by Izumi Tsubaki Chiyo Sakura confesses her love to fellow student Umetaro Nozaki; in response, Umetaro gives Chiyo an autograph and asks her to work with him. He takes her to his apartment, where Chiyo later realizes that Umetaro is the manga author Sakiko Yumeno and agrees to take the job as his assistant for his latest manga, Let’s Fall in Love, where Umetaro and Sakura use students at their school as influences for the characters. Chiyo sees this as an opportunity to get closer to Umetaro, and hopefully confess her feelings to him once again – will they stay friends, or fall for each other? BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections An Ode to the Cassiopeia Jellyfish By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original artwork by Luiginna Frederique The jellyfish cannot sleep Sleep, despite all odds, requires brains The jellyfish cannot fight back Fight, unsurprisingly, requires bones The jellyfish cannot feel warm Warmth, like most other things, requires blood The jellyfish floats It may be there, it may not Simply by existing, it will contribute Brainless, spineless, heartless That, for today, must be enough BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections A Year Around the World in Four Fairs By Kashmiraa Pandit Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Original photos by Kashmiraa Pandit A bracelet for clean water, an origami Ox, a precious set of bangles, and a rose syrup. What could these four different objects have in common? Though initially a mere amalgamation of independent items, each present immense value in the context of a cultural celebration. As we travel through this past year to discover their relationship, please allow me to share the significance of each. The Beaded Bracelet: November, Nairobi, Kenya Earlier this year, The Culture Society held our first virtual school-wide event featuring our first national guest speaker, Ms. Christina, of the Georgia-based organization Just One Africa . A nonprofit which works directly with local Kenyan leaders, Just One Africa helps provide water filters to the local communities. Each filter distribution brings the people together, as they learn about its use, the process of water filtration and the importance in regard to greater health. In effect, many children, often young girls, who would spend hours retrieving water from contaminated water sources, could now study in schools built by partner organizations of Just One Africa . This past November, the Culture Society had the chance to partner with Just One Africa ’s member, Ms. Christina, to learn about how we could help. Through hosting a Beads-for-Water fundraiser, in which participants crafted bracelets made from recycled paper beads - each hand made by the Maasai women - the funds raised contributed to the new water filters. More importantly, we each learned the simplicity of kindness and making a difference to foster unity in diversity across myriad communities. On a personal note, having the chance to bring JOA to North and work with them to help children, both within North and abroad, realize their potential has proven among one of the many impactful, heartwarming, and fulfilling experiences offered by The Culture Society since its inception. [Please feel free to see JOA’s latest updates from Georgia and Kenya at: @justoneafrica on Instagram, and Facebook.] The Origami Ox: January, Shanghai, China As icy January winds blew outside our windows, the students of The Culture Society kindled the flame of curiosity as our presenters shared the symbolic meanings of Chinese New Year traditions, from the significance of the ancient Chinese zodiac to red envelopes (for luck and money), the historic lion dance, and bursts of firecrackers. As our presenters explained, the lion dance originated in the Tang Dynasty and continues to represent prosperity for the New Year. Following the guidance of our presenters, we each had the chance to create traditional Chinese lanterns and the origami Ox, symbolic of the Chinese zodiac this year. From our presenters, it was also interesting to learn the origins of the common phrases used today. A Blossom and a Bangle: March, Punjab, India With the start of spring blossoms, one student shared a presentation about Indian weddings, explaining the series of vibrant traditional events, including the jovial Sangeet ceremony celebrating the union of the two families, a memorable Mehndi or Shringaar night filled with henna for the bride, and the importance of prayer to begin the week of wedding ceremonies. Among these events, the bangles given to the bride, known as “Chooda”, serve as a memento from her parents, siblings, cousins, and family. Additionally, the color of the bangles varies throughout each state of India to represent different qualities, such as red in Punjab to symbolize vigor or green in Maharashtra for creativity. As our presenter described and displayed through personal photos and videos, the family, friends, relatives, and guests all donned in colorful attire, enjoy the week of wedding ceremonies as they celebrate the familial union. A Rose Syrup: May, Jakarta, Indonesia As the year came to a close, we had the chance to attend a presentation about Eid and Ramadan, learning of its origins, practices, and vast cuisine. The presenters explained the various routines observed during the period, from morning and evening processes to begin and break each daily fast. Among the traditional dishes, a drink made primarily from rose syrup is often used to break the fast with others during each evening, as the syrup is known for its qualities in reducing dehydration and fatigue to increase energy. Finally, our group learned of the various pilgrimages made in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Over this past year, the Culture Society grew to host a plethora of events, with each of the four focusing on a new culture, complete with presentations by speakers focused on ethnic traditions, cuisines, and handmade creations. From the Kenyan Water Crisis, to the Chinese New Year, Sikh weddings, and Eid and Ramadan practices, we had the chance to learn and experience the rich vibrancy of each nationality’s unique celebration. As each presentation progressed, interwoven similarities between nationalities became clearer. Bearing much resemblance to the practice of bestowing red envelopes during the Chinese New Year and the blessings of gift ceremonies in Indian weddings, children are given packets and presents on Eid in a manner similar to that of Christmas, for each ethnicity presented their own form of gift-giving, in effect further fostering the intertwined similarities in nature amongst various cultures. Most of all, we learned that although stemming from various regions spanned across the world, through each of the four items from each of the four fairs, a common theme of love for family, friends, and life weaved through each, bringing people together in the same way we had come together for the joy of exploring a new culture. In the end, through each of the four fairs, we enjoyed and explored the rich traditions, ancient origins, and vivid diversity of every community. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections How To: Self-Publish By Leah Tyme Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Original infographic by Shinedip Kundlas (click to enlarge) Before anything, choose a pen name Any young and aspiring writer should use an alias when publishing their first book to save some trouble later on. Whether your book becomes world-renowned, or it bombs in the first week it’s out, your real name will be forever attached to it. Everything you do from that point forward will be compared to your novel, and if your book doesn’t do very well, it could bring down your chances for opportunities in the future. When choosing your pen name, choose something that makes you sound like a real person. It may be tempting to choose something fantastical, but very few people will be enticed to read a book by “Maximus the Dragon Master”. Choose a shortened version of your name or mix together the names of friends and family, and you’ll find the name to publish your masterpiece under! Now, write your book Okay, so now you know what name you’re going to publish under, you need to write something to publish! Figure out what story you’re going to make whether it be an autobiography, a dramatic retelling of a dream you’ve had, or even just a poem. Make sure that you spend as much time as you need to really develop and explore the topics and themes that you’re writing about but don't forget to set deadlines for yourself as to not procrastinate. Once you have a final draft, make sure you go back and edit what you have! No one wants to read a book full of typos, and you won’t be happy with a novel full of mistakes. Get an external editor (aka a friend) Now, while editing and polishing up your work can be good and beneficial for you, if you keep scrutinizing your work you might end up rewriting the whole thing! Speaking from personal experience, don’t spend too much time editing and changing your draft. Get an editor to do that instead! It doesn’t matter if you hire a professional or if you send a friend your manuscript. Most people will know if something doesn’t flow quite right and will catch a plot hole better than you ever will. Peer review is one of the best tools that you can use, and I’m sure that your friends and family will be happy to read your work! Time to publish Now it’s time to publish your book. You can use Barnes & Noble Press or Kindle Direct Publishing to upload your completed book and use the platforms to monitor sales and popularity. KDP allows you to publish via eBook or paperback, and Press makes it easy to track your revenue. Marketing is everything Seeing as how you’re not going through a publishing firm to get your book out there, you’re going to have to promote your book yourself. Luckily, it’s the 21st century, and you can advertise anything through social media. A good strategy would be to make pages for your book on Twitter or Instagram, and you can even make ads on these websites to spread your book even more. And you’re an author You’ve done it! You wrote your book, you chose your pen name, you published it online, and you made sure that everyone and their mother knew what it was and where to find it. You’re officially a self-published author! References https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202172740 https://press.barnesandnoble.com/ https://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/teenagers-10-steps-to-become-successfully-self-published/ https://www.sweetmessyfaith.com/home/teens-self-publishing-the-number-one-thing-you-must-do-and-its-not-edit-more BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Who is Saint Valentine Annie Rachek Volume 6 Issue 3 Image Provided by Creazilla logo Many of us have celebrated or at least heard of St. Valentine’s Day, a Christian holiday celebrated on 14 th of February each year. But have you ever wondered who St. Valentine was? St. Valentine’s Day is often a day to give chocolates and spend time with your loved ones, but its namesake was a 3 rd century man of legends who performed weddings in secret. A saint is a person who is regarded as a good role model and must be canonized by the pope to be an officially venerated saint. There are many St. Valentines, but we will be focusing on St. Valentine of Rome or Valentinus; Valentinus was a popular name and means Valentine in Latin. He was also called Valentine of Terni. Valentine was born around A.D 226. Since this was a time when people’s lives were not well recorded, his childhood is shrouded in mystery besides the fact that he grew up in the Roman era, and a legend about him being an orphan. Saint Valentine was a doctor before becoming a priest, and he often preached to people about the meaning of true love and how to recognize love. After he became a priest, he married couples who could not get married legally due to the tyranny of Emperor Claudius II. Emperor Claudius outlawed marriages because it thought it would distract existing soldiers and saw it as an obstacle for recruiting new soldiers. Saint Valentine was sent to jail when Emperor Claudius found out. He continued to teach people about love despite being in prison and was even able to become friends with his jailer, Asterious. Valentine would read to Asterious’ blind daughter, Julia, when she went to visit him in prison. The emperor also started to take a liking to Valentine and even offered him a pardon if he renounced his faith. When Valentine refused, Emperor Claudius was enraged and sentenced Valentine to death. On February 14 th , 270 at the age of around 44 years old, St. Valentine of Rome was beaten, *stoned, beheaded, and killed. Hence, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 th . Many St. Valentine’s Day traditions arose from his life. For example, before Valentine was killed for his faith, he wrote a letter to Julia to thank her for being his friend. It was signed “From Your Valentine” and inspired the tradition of people sending letters to their “Valentine” on this day to show love to the people they care about. Some say that when Julia read the letter it cured her blindness. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love, marriages, engagements, young people, greetings, travelers, people with epilepsy (epilepsy is a brain disorder, and he is most likely the patron saint of this since he had a medical background), and beekeepers. Paper hearts and knick-knacks often occupy many people’s homes during the Valentine season to celebrate the love he showed to others. Whether this helped you pick a gift for your Valentine or, if you do not celebrate, gave you insight into this man and holiday, I hope this answered your question of, “Who is St. Valentine?” * When someone is stoned, a group of people throw rocks, often heavy, big, and sharp until that person dies. Sources Hallow History.com Dynamic Catholic FaithND Learn religions BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Indian Farmers Protest By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 No Image available at this time NEW DELHI - Tens of thousands of farmers have flooded India's capitol since November 30th and they intend to camp out for weeks to protest new agricultural laws they say could ruin their livelihoods. Farmers from states all over India, including the northern states of Punjab and Haryana - known as India’s “food bowl,” set up makeshift barricades of tractors and trailers across roads, railway lines, and highways leading to New Delhi. They have been protesting in the capitol for 6 weeks now and are met with harsh conditions such as cold weather and tear gas. On November 26, a nationwide general strike involving approximately 250 million people took place in support of the farmer unions. For five months, Indian Farmers have been protesting laws passed in September, 2020. The protest originally started in Punjab. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the new laws will liberate farmers and private investment, bringing in growth. Farmers are unconvinced, fearing that the confiscation of state protections they already deem inadequate will leave them at the mercy of corporate greed. Under the prior laws, farmers had to sell their commodities at an auction at their state's Agricultural Produce Market Committee. A government-approved minimum price was established for items and the auction was controlled by restrictions on who could buy alongside price caps on necessities. The Indian Government says the new laws give farmers a chance to decide their prices and sell directly to private businesses, like grocery chains. Others argue new laws help big companies push down prices. While farmers possibly will sell crops at greater prices if the demand is there, on the contrary, they could struggle to meet the minimum price in years to come when there is too much supply in the market. Farmers say the new rules will leave them worse off by making it easier for corporations to exploit agricultural workers. More than 60 percent of India’s 1.3 billion population still predominantly solely depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Government support to farmers, and management of the market with assured minimum prices for specific vital crops, aided India to move past the alarming hunger of the 1960s to produce a surplus of grain in current years. However, with India liberalizing its economy in recent decades, Modi perceives a huge role for the government as not as sustainable. Farmers, however, say they are grappling even with the prevailing protections. The farmers believe market-friendly laws will ultimately eradicate governing support and leave them deprived of income. India’s weakened economy because of COVID-19 gives them hardly any chance of a better livelihood. How exactly will these protests affect you? India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. Everything from turmeric to Basmati comes from Indian farmers. According to Spices Board India, India produces 68% of the world’s spices. These spices include pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, curry powder, and fennel. Not to mention, chances are some item hanging in your closet was made in India. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, India is the world’s leading producer of cotton. Organizations like Khalsa Aid, an international humanitarian relief group, have teams on the ground working with protest organizers. Farmers at the Tikri border will no longer have to jostle in a crowd in search of assistance and support. Khalsa Aid has set up a ‘Kisan Mall’ at the border to provide farmers items of daily use for free. The mall is providing blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sweaters, jackets, vests, blankets, oil, Vaseline, socks, washing soap, bathing soap, shampoo, combs, sanitary pads, and more. People around the globe have been protesting to demonstrate support and stand with the farmers because the protests are about "the people who feed all of us". From Surrey Australia, Birmingham, England, in the small town of Canton, Michigan, and to Long Island NY people have been showing support. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Learning about Sikh and Indian Weddings By Elaine Ching Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Pinterest As a member of the Culture Society, I have the opportunity to learn about many cultures. The way they celebrate specific events and how different it is from my own is a very interesting topic to me. One of my favorite meetings was when we learned about Sikh and Indian weddings from Navrosedip Kundlas. For someone whose family holds rather simple weddings, it was a shock seeing how long (2-3 week minimum) and complex Sikh weddings can be. Of course, it was a good shock. The way Navrosedip described how much thought and effort is put into the engagement was amazing. Starting at the beginning, seeing how serious the engagement is taken was inspiring. The way religion is intertwined into the marriage is lovely since it is done in such a beautiful way. After the marriage has gained family approval and the future spouses have met in a place of worship, they move onto the Engagement Ceremony. While there are many different rituals due to Indian culture being so diverse, in the ritual I saw this is the time when the bride has to decide whether she will go through with the marriage. This is not a private event, and many people will see it. After the Engagement Ceremony comes the Engagement After-Party. The After Party seems to be the one of the most fun parts of the wedding in my opinion! People wear festive and beautiful outfits while they celebrate with dancing and drumming (it should be noted there are beautiful and festive outfits in all parts of the wedding). There are many celebrations and preparations to do other than those during the engagement phase. Firstly, the bride will receive beautiful Bengals, bracelets made of glass, which are light colored and thin. Also, the bride’s hands cannot be bare until the wedding ends. Traditional songs are played as well as applying henna to the brides and other guests. Similar to American Weddings, there is a bridal shower, bachelorette parties for the groom and bride, and a reception. However, no white is allowed to be worn for Indian events since it is worn for deaths. As a result, the bride usually wears red with gold balls on her bracelets. There is also lots of extravagant jewelry like Tika, jewelry for the head. With the bride in red and decked out in jewelry, the groom will sometimes wear a turban but change into a suit later. Later at the reception, the groom has to listen to the bride while she is choosing her outfit. Even after all this, there are still more parties to take place! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Obbession By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by Green Robe Girl just tell me why It feels like you're obsessed with me Cuz you've been spreading rumors Like its butter on bread, please   Obsession ain't a good thing honey You need to drop it, please Cuz you've been painting pictures Like I'm someone that you know   We used to be best buddies, now look at us, oh Sitting on opposite sides of the room We used to gossip all day Now I can't stand the sight of you   You’re the one that wants to fight but you’re the victim too? Playing both sides of the story doesn't look too good for you After all you can't be the villain and the hero too Every story there's one main character, and that sure ain't darn you   Laughing at each other's jokes, now I just want to choke All those pictures in my room, need to burn them down Accusing me of hurting you when I actually sewed you back Wished I saw your true colors, before it was too late   Girl just tell me why It feels like you're obsessed with me Cuz you've been spreading rumors Like its butter on bread, please   Obsession ain't a good thing honey You need to drop it, please Cuz you've been painting pictures Like I'm someone that you know   Every class we had together, we were inseparable, oh Now I make sure we're as separate as can be Paring up for every class, now I run across the room Only god knows why I trusted you   Spilled all my secrets to your so called "friends" Hope they're treating you like you've treated me, facts All that staring you've been doing, isn't getting you anywhere So I suggest you drop the act, ‘cuz it looks like you're obsessed   All my friends been telling me, how you always darn ask If I've gotten another best friend or did I replace you I'm used to pain honey, so don't worry, that's right I moved on right after I blocked all your socials, oh   Stop following me around, it’s getting creepy I know you want to come back, but I'll never let you Hurt me once shame on you, hurt me twice shame on me There's no three times the charm, in friendships, sweetheart   Girl just tell me why It feels like you're obsessed with me Cuz you've been spreading rumors Like it’s butter on bread, please   Obsession ain't a good thing honey You need to drop it, please Cuz you've been painting pictures Like I'm someone that you know   It's so sad how this turned out, it could have been forever Every time I walk the halls, I think of you honey We used to be the best of friends, isn’t that right? It’s such a shame, you let jealousy, come in the darn way BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections January 2026 Winter Storm Leah Ally Volume 6 Issue 3 Image Provided by Unsplash With winter at its peak, it is no secret that the January weather is bound to bring frigid temperatures and harsh weather. However, on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, Americans nationwide were hit with record-breaking winter storms. Around 30 states were hit with what is regarded as Winter Storm Fern and suffered its heavy impact. It had roughly a 2,000-mile range and 175 million Americans affected, which is being noted as not only unique but also detrimental to numerous communities. While winter storms are often noted for their heavy impacts, it is crucial to understand their origins. Generally, winter storms form when warm, moist air is forced over a cold air mass, causing this moisture to rise and eventually form clouds and precipitation. While this sequence of events does not necessarily guarantee heavy snow, this atmospheric collision mixed with dangerously low temperatures makes for the perfect recipe for the formation of snow. Usually, these temperatures are below freezing (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the winter chills that are felt during blizzards or lake-effect storms. Regarding the recent winter storm, according to The New York Times , New Mexico was deemed the state with the largest snowfall with a total of 31 inches. Some other notable states that suffered from the storm the most include Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Contrary to popular belief, many believe that the frigid weather is a result of global warming. This is referred to as supercharging, in which the warmer atmosphere that is being caused by greenhouse gas emissions results in more moisture being held, hence more snow and extreme weather. This does not apply only to snow but also to floods, hurricanes, and, on the other end of the spectrum, heat waves. This once again brings even greater awareness of the consequences of global warming. Snow is not the only worry when it comes to winter weather, but also the risk of freezing rain, known as sleet. According to the National Weather Service, sleet is defined as “frozen raindrops and occurs when the layer of freezing air along the surface is thicker.” In other words, the snow melts, then freezes all before it reaches the ground. As it can be inferred, sleet poses severe risks, which becomes obvious as it is also referred to as “ice pellets.” Not only are these ice pellets prone to making travel more difficult because of creating low visibility, but also because sleet quickly accumulates, which, as a result, creates icy roads and walkways. With the recent winter storm, the majority of the country fell victim to extreme inches of sleet, especially in the southern states. This included areas such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, which accumulated as much as six inches of sleet. According to ABC News, the vast amount of sleet warranted the “biggest-ever deployment of ice-melting chemicals” in Mississippi. This indicates that icy roads posed a major concern among civilians, hence the record-breaking numbers. While the causes of sleet and snow have been covered and their effects on the different regions of the United States, it is crucial to understand how the home of Valley Stream North High School, New York State, has been affected. As stated by New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, “Nearly a foot of snow accumulated in parts of our city,” indicating the accuracy of the previous weather reports made regarding the snowfall the city would receive. One part of the city that proved most notable in the amount of snow it received was Central Park, with a whopping 11.5 inches. Additionally, Washington Heights reportedly received a total of 14.9 inches. In the Valley Stream area, snowfall ranged from 8 to 12 inches, where it was regarded as a state of emergency. These record-breaking numbers made for New York’s greatest snowfall in 5 years. This, of course, prompted state-wide school closures with many schools participating in remote learning on Monday, January 26th. Furthermore, many public transportation systems came to a halt, including flight cancellations from John F. Kennedy Airport and unsafe buses. Within this time, New York City was regarded as deploying more than 2,000 plows and more than 700 salt spreaders while also employing the use of snow melters. With such immense preparation, the streets of New York City were plowed in under 24 hours, ensuring the safety of its citizens. As for the following few weeks, the snow is predicted to be slow to melt, considering the frigid temperatures that the state will continue to endure as winter continues. Nonetheless, “the city that never sleeps” is back in operation. Regardless of the obvious struggles that the country endured due to the recent winter storm, it is no secret that the snow served as quite a relief to many. Whether it was out of need for a day off from work or school, or just relief that there could be such a pause in life. Sources: Winter Storm Dumps a Foot of Snow in at Least 19 U.S. States: See the Snow Totals - The New York Times Snowfall Tracker: Which U.S. cities were hit the hardest? | Reuters January 24-25, 2026: Massive Winter Storm Brings Multiple Inches of Snow With Notable Lake Enhancement Winter storm pulls away after dumping heavy snow on NYC, New York, NJ and CT | Latest forecast - ABC7 New York Winter storm updates: Dozens dead across US in wake of massive snowfall, deep freeze - ABC News BACK TO TOP