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Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Fall By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by DK Findout Look around The world's changing all around Colors flying Babies crying Out of all seasons This one's my favorite for many reasons Number one And then I'll be done   Trees swaying Children playing Bouncing up and down I can see the whole town Breeze is chilly, kissing my cheek Shivering, I run to the creek Strands of hair come lose from my bun And that's when it gets fun   Red, orange, yellow That's when things start to get mellow Shhhhhhhhhh Crack! I turn around and see a pack It seems like I'm flying And then I start crying Blood's dripping everywhere Looks like the creek doesn't want visitors here   Is it me or am I hallucinating Ghosts are emerging Zombies are popping from the ground I fall, waiting to be found Excitement races through my body Even though the blood is flowing Laughter rings throughout my yard My siblings' plan worked after all Anger shoots up to my head All I can see is red   Jumping up I face them Humor isn't in my mind A rock goes sailing in the air I can't tell who began the war But I all I know, is to get revenge Ahhhhhhhhhhh My body looks like a bloody mess I knew I should have played chess Instead I went outside Not knowing I might not come back inside   Red, blue, white Lights are flashing My mother's screaming Cut! Oh, how much I love fall Making movies and all 5 stars That's what we got My father loved the movie after all Maybe we'll make another one next fall BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Fifth Ocean By Cody Sung Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Gary Bembridge via Wikipedia There have always been four named oceans on Earth – the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic – until now. Recently there have been five oceans recognized and confirmed, with the Southern Ocean added to the list. At the bottom of the globe, it surrounds Antarctica, and its currents are unique enough for National Geographic to consider it a separate ocean. The Southern Ocean is at the bottom of the Earth, below the 60-degree southern latitude line. Scientists have considered it to be a separate ocean for decades, with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names considering its categorization as a separate ocean since 1999. This is due to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current containing the cold waters around Antarctica around the 60-degree line, forming an ecologically distinct area, with thousands of species living there and nowhere else. Despite the scientific evidence to prove the Southern Ocean was distinct from the others, attempts to make it official in organizations such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) were marred in controversy. In 1937, the IHO did recognize the Southern Ocean as distinct, however, they retracted this in 1953, stating that “the majority of opinions received since… 1937 are to the effect that there exists no real justification” for labeling the Southern Ocean. The draft fourth edition does include the Southern Ocean as a separate entity; however, it has never been published due to various naming disputes. Since National Geographic generally follows the IHO with marine names, it has not recognized the Southern Ocean either. However, they have broken from the IHO in labeling the Southern Ocean as an ocean. The Southern Ocean is unique and recognized by scientists, however, it has had a long history of not being recognized on the world map. That has now changed for the benefit of the scientific world. Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/theres-a-new-ocean-now-can-you-name-all-five-southern-ocean https://iho.int/uploads/user/pubs/standards/s-23/S-23_Ed3_1953_EN.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140201213815/http://eastsea.khoa.go.kr/eng/open_content/iho/magazine.asp BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Student Spotlight: Eyslin Turcios (Interview) Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Eyslin Turcios Picture provided by Eyslin Turcios I had the privilege on interviewing our VSN’s pride Eyslin Turcios who is on her way to make history, and this is how it went: How did you get into wrestling and who introduced you to the sport? Turcios: “Both of younger siblings wrestle and they’re really good at it, which is why I decided to join last year, so now it is my second year being part of our wrestling team.” What do you love the most about wrestling? Turcios: “I love the environment our group creates; we make fun of one another all the time!” What aspect of wrestling do you think is the most challenging? Turcios: “It’s cutting weight for the weight class depending on how much you weigh and what weight class you are in. It is also how intense wrestling practices can be.” What do you want people to know more about wrestling? Turcios: “That wrestling is both fun and challenging. You will wrestle opponents that have more experience than you, but you will learn a lot from them. You will gain strengths the more you wrestle and learn.” What are some of your greatest accomplishments? Turcios: “I got first place! and I was able to get it Sunday, January 5th at Uniondale for All Girls’ Wrestling Freestyle.” How do you deal with stress before a match? Turcios: “I walk around, warm up, listen to music and I just don’t think about it too much.” What strengths do you think you have that makes you a great athlete? Turcios: “My supporters are my strength” What sport is your favorite to play other than wrestling? Turcios: “Soccer because I’ve been playing it since 4th grade” What is a short-term goal you would like to achieve at the end of this season? Turcios: “Get first place in All Girls County” Who is a wrestler you look up to? Turcios: “I look up to Naomi Gonzalez; she’s also a girl wrestler and a State Champion. She has more experience than me and I get to learn a lot from her. Also, my brothers... they’re amazing!” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming wrestlers? Turcios: “Wrestling is both a physical and mental sport so be prepared for that and just do you best.” Wrestling Team Opinions on Eyslin: What do you like the most about Eyslin? Alex Poh (VSN Wrestler): “She’s funny and she brings joy while we are conditioning.” Yonny Turcios (VSN Wrestler): “She’s energetic, caring and loving. For wrestling she would cheer you on even if you’re losing and specially when you’re winning; she’s a big supporter for other people.” Naomi Gonzalez (VSN Wrestler): “Her dedication; it’s hard being a girl wrestler. Especially as for right now when there is no one except me and her, it is a hard thing to do.” Jasraj Bajwa (VSN Wrestler) : “She’s second is the county, she’s killing it! She won her first tournament. She teaches freestyle to the people who don’t even do freestyle. I think she’s gonna win counties.” Coach Vic: “She’s tough and she wants to punish these girls on the mat and that is what we need to do, because we are here to win, then we will make friends.” What do you do to help Eyslin achieve her goals? Coach Vic: “I push her to reach her goals. I support her where she needs support. I need to get her to make her weight, and when she gets on that mat, to put it to these other girls the way she should because she practices hard, trains hard and gets what she earns and that’s a First-Place medal!” And she has done it! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Power of Your Voice Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by iStock During the midst of the presidential election of 2008, Democratic Party nominee, Barack Obama, said these resonating words: “Your voice can change the world.” President Obama’s pursuit and successful position established in the nation’s highest office was achieved solely through the use of his iconic voice. Just as the President inspired millions, your voice can equally have the same effect on others. To end this school year, the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) hosted a gun violence awareness campaign to educate students about the firearm crisis in this nation and fundraise to make a significant contribution to the appropriate activist organizations. To bring true attention to this issue, student leaders in the SADD Club, including Shinedip Kundlas, Claudia Sanchez, Barnit Kaur, Janine Olivencia, Noa Cordova, Elaine Ching, and myself, led over 300 North students to walk out at noon and protest gun violence on May 22nd. During the event, each of the leaders highlighted a school shooting and memorialized over 126 victims. Students who walked out were also invited to participate in a 126 second moment of silence as well as sign a pledge to fight against gun violence. After leading this event firsthand, I truly was able to taste the beginnings of my career in social activism. I learned through careful planning and hard work to make this a successful event that your voice can make a difference. As I grabbed the megaphone and spoke to the crowd of students that gathered, I realized that everyone present sought one common goal: to end gun violence. My voice in that moment spoke to hundreds of people to not only bring attention to the lives lost, but also establish methods for students to help combat this crisis on a personal level. My voice mattered. The voice of the leaders mattered. And the voice of the students that gathered mattered. Each student who protested was given the opportunity to use their voice. This is the epitome of journalism. To push forward and attest to a topic, even in the face of trials that may prove controversial or dangerous. After seven years, my journey at Valley Stream North High School has come to a close. As my fingers type away at this final article, I can only thank those around me who have guided me to this next chapter of my life. To my family, friends, teachers for molding me into the person I am today. However, one special thank you extends to the entire North Star. To Ms. Swinton, Ms. Hirsch, and Mrs. Mansfield for advising the club. To the current and graduated editors for being dedicated to maintaining the magazine’s prestige. And, of course, to the readers, for supporting the North Star through its years of existence. However, the doors to the next chapter of my life have opened wide. The future articles and news reports await to be made, whether about current or historical events. However, before signing off as the News Editor, I must offer this piece of advice to all those reading this article. Be confident, even as you move into new unknowns. Whether in journalism or simply, your day to day life, keep using your voice to make your newsworthy contribution to our world. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Farmingdale Bus Accident Sahar Ali, Javier Cael, and Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by ABC7 New York WAWAYANDA, NEW YORK - On September 21st, one of six buses from Farmingdale High School, located in Long Island, was involved in a deadly accident. The bus, carrying teachers and students including the color guard, dancers, and members of the Farmingdale marching band, went through a guard rail and toppled into a ravine in Wawayanda, New York, killing two and leaving many injured. The accident took place after 1 p.m. on Interstate 84. Six buses from Farmingdale High School embarked on their journey to the Pine Forest Camp, located in Greeley, Pennsylvania, for a band camping event. However, one of the coach buses ended up losing control, causing a catastrophic accident. According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the bus landed on its side 50 feet in some trees and bushes. The crash took the lives of two teachers: Gina Pellettiere, 43, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77. Pellettiere was Farmingdale High School’s band director and Ferrari was a retired teacher. The crash also left 18 people, including 2 adults and 16 students, hospitalized. THE LAWSUIT The parents of a student who was injured in the crash filed a lawsuit against Lisa Schaffer, the driver of the bus involved in the crash, and Regency Transportation Ltd., the bus company. The lawsuit accuses Schaffer of negligence; it also claims that she did not control the vehicle and drove at speeds that could have possibly led her to veer off the road. Additionally, the lawsuit asserts that Regency Transportation did not maintain, repair, and inspect their buses in a proper manner, leaving them in an “unsafe, defective and/or hazardous condition.” The New York State Department of Transportation also found that Regency Transportation had failed 5 out of 10 safety inspections during the 2023 fiscal year. Andrew Finkelstein, the attorney of the family that filed the lawsuit says, “This lawsuit is the first step in holding the bus company and their driver accountable for a crash that never should’ve happened and resulted in significant and serious injuries not just to my client, but to every passenger on that bus.” SUPPORT FOR FARMINDALE HIGH SCHOOL In order to provide support for the Farmingdale High School community, North High School’s music department started a fundraiser selling “music notes,” which were paper cut outs of a quarter note. Students could purchase these music notes for one dollar, write a heartfelt message for the Farmingdale community along with their name, and tape their notes on a wall in the cafeteria. The fundraiser ended up raising 700 dollars. North High School’s marching band also dedicated their first performance on the field to the Farmingdale High School community. CONNECTIONS WITH THE BAND DIRECTOR Gina Pellettiere, often described as an “inspiring figure,” was known for her fun-loving and community-oriented spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and bands. For those fortunate enough to know her, the band felt like a family, fostering a supportive and positive atmosphere that created a safe space for everyone involved. Her impact as an energetic and passionate musician and teacher was truly inspiring. Mr. Malizia, a former student, and North’s newest band teacher, recalls his happiest memory with Pellettiere involving playing in the pit orchestra, where she played the trumpet with enthusiasm. They shared laughter over McDonald’s nuggets, indulging in a nugget fight and discovering a lone, rock-solid chicken nugget. Band camp was filled with memorable moments, from belting out bridge solos to Christmas karaoke duets. What inspired Mr. Malizia most about Pellettiere was the profound relationship she had with her students and her unwavering passion for their success. Her dedication to music and the vibrant community she built served as a beacon for Mr. Malizia’s own journey to become a music teacher. In the realm of music and band, Pellettiere’s work was marked by a blend of professionalism and humor. She occasionally delayed practice with questions like whether to eat a muffin with a hand or fork, and she’d provide weather updates, adding her unique charm to every rehearsal. SOURCES Farmingdale school bus crash: NTSB investigation underway – NBC New York   Farmingdale bus crash: Lawsuit filed against bus company, driver in fatal New York crash | CNN   BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections Self Portrait By Noorish Atif June 8, 2021 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Carnegie Hall North Star Editorial Staff Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Valley Stream Central High School District Photographers Valley Stream Central High School District Music Festival Goes to Carnegie Hall For the first time in Valley Stream Central High School District Music Festival history, ensembles had the chance to perform at the internationally renowned Carnegie Hall. In the past, the festival was typically held in the Bert Keller Auditorium at Central High School; however, through the organization of Adam Erdos and our Music Department teachers, the District was able to acquire a spot at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, the festival is traditionally composed of Orchestra, Band, and Chorus ensembles, but this year Central’s performing arts groups joined the festival. As the opportunity to perform at such an acclaimed concert hall arose, many students took to auditioning for the Orchestra, Band, and Chorus ensembles. As a result, the district had one of its biggest groups in years. After auditions, several rehearsals occurred for each ensemble, intended to truly perfect and sharpen each song and performance. After months of hard work, dedication, preparation, “practice, practice, and practice” the performance finally took place this past spring. Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the United States, let alone the world. According to the official Carnegie Hall website, the venue was founded in 1891 by Carnegie Steel businessman, Andrew Carnegie. Additionally, the venue possesses incredible acoustics thanks to architect and cellist, William Burnet Tuthill. While the Hall was a success with musicians, comedians, authors, and many more notable figures, it deteriorated in the late 1950s. Then, it was slated for demotion, but luckily the City of New York bought the Hall after major protests from musicians, most notably, violinist Issac Stern. In the years after, it was honored with a National Historic Landmark and received many renovations throughout the years. Notable musicians who have graced the stages of Carnegie include Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Judy Garland, and The Beatles. Now Valley Stream Central students join that unbelievably distinguished list. The orchestra performed four songs. Their first song was Overture to Il Signor Bruschino , originally composed by Gioachino Rossini, and conducted by Tara Zamarano. The Overture was a perfect start to the concert as it begins with a loud start but surprises the audience with quieter notes moments later. After, the orchestra played Mambo from the hit musical, West Side Story. Victoria Alaimo conducted this fast-paced and percussion-heavy piece, a direct contrast to Overture to Il Signor Bruschino. Thirdly, the orchestra played Orion and the Scorpion, composed by Soon Hee Newbold and conducted by North’s very own Mrs. Rebecca Hayden. This is a dramatic and ever-changing piece as it follows the Greek mythology hero, Orion, in his battle with the Scorpion. Finally, the orchestra performed Sing, Sing, Sing, originally performed by Louis Prima and conducted by Elizabeth Klamkin. It may have been the District Orchestra’s first time playing the piece in the halls of Carnegie; however, it was not the first time the piece was played at Carnegie. The song was performed by Benny Goodman at his 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, so District Orchestra students now share that with the famed jazz musician. Although it was not some students’ first time going to Carnegie Hall, many still had fun performing in the District Orchestra. Plus, the acoustics of the hall are amazing because even after the orchestra stops playing, there is still a beautiful resonance of the sound. Performing in this prestigious music hall increased orchestra students' appreciation for music as it allowed them to truly appreciate the beauty of their instruments. The District Music Festival Band performed selections including, Washington Post March by John Philip Sousa, Salvation by Robert W. Smith, They Solemnly Served by Rossano Galante, Burn by Roland Barrett, and Pop and Rock Legends: Stevie Wonder by Stevie Wonder. Each piece was conducted by band teachers from all four schools. While taking part in the band, the performers were encapsulated by the sounds of many talented musicians surrounding them. Carnegie Hall itself added to the performance, enhancing the group's music, making it sound heavenly to the ear. The band’s performance began with Washington Post March ; as noted in its name, the piece was a march consisting of contrasting dynamics and staccato notes. The tone of the performance transformed as the second piece, Salvation , was performed. Salvation , highlighted with repeated themes and tempo changes, differed from the opening piece of the show, Washington Post March . The third piece, They Solemnly Served , was highlighted with its inspiring, emotional, and powerful tone as it honored the country’s veterans. With its dynamics, solos within the trumpet and flute section, and runs in the high woodwinds, They Solemnly Served created a powerful, yet emotional piece that the audience could experience. Burn , the fourth piece contrasted significantly with the prior pieces performed as it was loud and bold. The piece was composed of runs in the high woodwinds and distinct dynamics such as crescendos and sforzando pianos. The fifth and final piece, Pop, and Rock Legends: Stevie Wonder , was the hit of the night as it consisted of Stevie Wonder’s biggest hits; this included parts of Sir Duke , Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing , Superstition , and Isn’t She Lovely . As the District Music Festival band performed their final piece, players could hear the audience clapping along to the songs and enjoying the piece’s entirety. Valley Stream Central High School’s Performing Arts Program staged a series of performances incorporating acting, musical theater, and dance into the program. The first group was Ms. Kristin Martine’s Day 2 Dance Concentration performing a dance to the song Pie Jesu, a piece originally composed by famed Broadway Composer Andrew Lloyd Weber. After, the Musical Theater Concentration performed Show People from Curtains. Then, Ms. Kristin Martine’s Day 1 Dance Concentration danced to Waves by Dean Lewis. Additionally, the Musical Theater Concentration performed Why We Tell the Story from the musical, Once On This Island . Afterward, the Acting Concentration executed Seven Ages of Men based on William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Following the Acting Concentration, Kristin Martine’s Day 1 Dance Concentration danced to No Roots. Subsequently, the Musical Theater Concentration performed A New World from Songs for a New World. Lastly, the Performing Arts Program closed its performance with Ms. Kristin’s Martine’s Day 2 Dance Concentration’s Walking on Sunshine. The variety of Central’s Performing Arts Program gave a different feeling at the festival compared to previous years; however, it was very much welcomed. The District Music Festival Chorus performed six separate pieces for their portion of the program. They opened with Debra Schneider conducting Hallelujah from Christ on the Mount of Olives , a classical piece originally composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven. This was an excellent opening piece as Hallelujah allowed for all vocal parts to demonstrate their vocal and dynamic range. For their second piece, the chorus performed The Ground , originally composed by Ola Gjeilo, and conducted by South’s Mr. Kyle Hayden. In this piece, the chorus demonstrated their ability to be soft and sensitive whilst building suspense through strategic crescendos. Following The Ground, Central’s Mrs. Amy Neuner conducted The Storm is Passing Over, originally by Charles Albert Tindley, with Matthew Podd on piano. This piece engaged the audience as they clapped along with the chorus. Afterward, the chorus took a different approach to their fourth song as Earth Song , originally composed by Frank Ticheli and conducted by North’s own Mr. Adam Thorn, was their sole acapella piece. This was due to Thorn being the piano accompanist for every song besides The Storm is Passing Over and Earth Song . The acapella nature of the song allowed for solely the sound of the chorus’ voices to reverberate in the auditorium, creating a heavenly feel. Succeeding Earth Song was Route 66 , a piece originally composed by Bobby Troup and conducted by Helen Kontoleon. Route 66 allowed for the chorus to get jazzy as the swing melody facilitated a relaxed mood. Finally, the chorus performed Defying Gravity from the famed Broadway Musical, Wicked. Rita DiFano conducted the chorus in their final piece. The exciting and hopeful nature of the showtune left the audience feeling content and amazed. In addition to the several ensemble and performing arts performances, an annual activity at the District Music Festival is the presentation of scholarships to three selected student musicians from each high school. This year, scholarship recipients were Layla Rutledge, from North High School, Tinatin Narimanidze, from Central High School, and Christian Crawford, from South High School. North Star congratulates these accomplished musicians on these tremendous achievements! North High School music teachers were asked to comment on the Carnegie Hall Experience. “It was an amazing experience for me. Certainly, one of the highest points of my entire career as a teacher and a musician. You can't match the feeling of playing piano and conducting at one of the most prestigious and historically significant concert venues in the world. We shared the same stage as Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and the Beatles. When you're there, that's history that you can almost feel surrounding you. I'm so proud to have performed there with our talented students.” – Mr. Thorn “All of the students involved in the Carnegie Hall concert put on an outstanding and memorable performance. From their hard work learning the audition excerpts to spending extra time at rehearsals, to using their musical talents on a world-renowned stage, they have much to be proud of. Our Valley Stream students are masters of their art and acted as true professionals both off and on the stage. I am very proud of all our musicians and hope that this is an experience they will reflect on throughout their lives. Bravo! Brava!” -Mrs. Schneider “Although there are many words to describe the feeling of being on stage at Carnegie Hall, the one I keep coming back to is: electric. The students, the hall, the audience, the music - all of it contributed to such a high-energy performance.” – Ms. Ansbacher We also reached out to North High musicians to comment on their experiences playing at Carnegie Hall. “I found the concert hall we were playing in to not only sound good but to look great as well! I know it's a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but I liked how the engravings in the hall looked from the stage. It was also fun watching the rest of the night’s performances from so high up, but I have a fear of heights, so it was a bit nerve-wracking at times!” – Cody Sung, VSN Class of ‘24 “I still can’t believe we played at Carnegie Hall. It’s something that many people wish for, so knowing we got to play there still feels surreal. I mean, I love playing in the North Cafetorium, but the acoustics inside Carnegie Hall are completely different from what I’m used to. It gave me goosebumps just to be on that stage. Oh, actually, the auditorium is beautiful. Like acoustics aside, if you told me to just stand there and look at the design of the auditorium, I could probably stay there for a few hours. Anyways, thank you so much to the North Music Department, they were so dedicated to this experience.” - Elaine Ching, VSN Class of ‘25 “Although this was not my first time going to Carnegie Hall, as I performed in the hall with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, I had a lot of fun performing in the orchestra. The acoustics of the hall are amazing because when you stop playing, you can hear the beautiful echo and resonation of the sound. Performing at prestigious music halls increases my appreciation for music and being a part of an ensemble. It was an honor performing at Carnegie as many famous individuals such as Dvořák  and Tchaikovsky performed in the exact space that we did. I will never forget this incredible experience and I cannot wait for District next year!” - Manal Layachi, VSN Class of ‘25 Of course, this amazing event would not have been possible without the extremely talented and supportive teachers who contributed countless hours of hard work and dedication that led to an unforgettable performance. While all teachers and administrators involved were essential to the success of the event, the North Star editors would like to acknowledge the efforts of the North High School Music Department. Firstly, thank you all for the long hours of practice, preparation, organization, and pedagogy that went into this performance. Secondly, thank you for assuring students’ safety regarding traveling between Carnegie Hall and North High School as well as their safety inside the building. This event would not have been successful without your constant guidance and diligence. Sources: https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/A-Short-History https://www.swingcityradio.com/2020/07/history-of-song-sing-sing-sing.html BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview With Football Managers Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Rehmat Kaur with Rehmat Kaur, Paul Amato, Marcia Salinas, Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson and Thomas Vendome, (not pictured: Sophia Song) I had the opportunity to interview the managers of our varsity football team. Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson, Marcia Salinas, Thomas Vendome, and Paul Amato are among the managers. They were highly intriguing individuals, and it was amazing to learn more about their experiences. They wanted to be managers so that they could participate in more school events, which would keep them engaged. “My brother was a manager before me; he did it for four years, so I followed the way” Thomas Vendome shared. Most of them are in their first year, but Thomas has been a manager since eighth grade. The most difficult aspect of being a manager is understanding everything. “I’m still learning to this day,” said Marcia Salinas. There is always more that can be done and learned to contribute and have a positive impact. Their greatest skill as sports managers is their incredible relationships with the other managers. They are the best choices for this position since they are eager to learn and contribute in any way they can. They assist in bringing out the water, putting equipment away, and doing anything the coaches ask of them to provide or support the team. In addition to loading the jugs, bottles, and carts into the buses for away games, “I help with the sound like music during the games, and I set up headsets for the coaches” Vendome said. Through their experiences, they learn more about football and the effort that goes into winning games to improve their sports management abilities. According to our managers, outstanding leaders can guide where and what everyone needs to do. Their relationships with the coaches, players, and other managers are good, as they all work together to build a talented team. “We’re friends outside of being managers, so it’s even better” Salinas added. They deal with negative environments when the team loses by not mentioning the loss: “We would not want to think more negatively than what has already happened. All that is possible is to keep your head up and continue” she said. According to the managers, the trips are fun. There are always two buses, and they can usually pick which one to go on and whom to sit with. There is no risk in becoming a manager, but it’s definitely a commitment. They must be committed to showing up to delayed games, going to every practice, and especially being on time. “You really should not be doing any other clubs or sports while being a manager. (Not saying do not do more for the year but wait till the season is over!)” Salinas advised. Managers do not help with any medical injuries when a player gets hurt. As managers, they do not have first-aid kits. The great athletic trainer, Jen, brings all the safety equipment in case of any injury. They definitely recommend being a manager. “It opens room for more relationships to form and helps students be more sociable. All grades are welcome!” Salinas said. According to the managers, there are no other requirements besides handing in your physical to participate. Someone looking for a manager position can always chat Mr. Paolillo on Teams. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Next Level Electives Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by The Guardian New School Year, New Electives Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Journalism, Intro to Film, and Theater are some of the many English electives offered here at North. What if students had the opportunity to take English electives that would prepare them for their English studies outside of the English classrooms here at North? For the 2024-2025 school year, the English department proposes five English electives, three that will provide North students with the opportunity to earn college credit from either Molloy College or Stonybrook University. How does will these new opportunities impact students’ future studies of English at the college level? Are they worth taking? Students should definitely consider taking these new English electives as they will encourage students to expand their horizons and delve into multicultural literature, essay writing, film, creative writing, and theater at a college level, while earning college credits before ever leaving high school. Why Take Electives to Begin With? As we go through our years here at North, our schedules become fuller, and the workload becomes heavier; it’s easy to set aside our passions to focus on core curriculum classes. Although most electives don’t have any weight to your GPA, they do carry some weight apart from your transcript. By taking electives you can “identify and develop new skills that will make you a valuable addition to any workplace” (College Raptor, 2023). Electives can essentially help you learn more about yourself and your interests. You may discover a new passion while taking an elective, and discover it as something you may want to pursue a future career in. Apart from opening yourself up to new experiences, electives provide you with the power to control what you learn about and help foster an intrinsic motivation to explore different topics (Marzano 2023). Choosing an elective because you are passionate about it or because you want to try something new may feel like a breath of fresh air in a day packed with more traditionally structured classes. It’s a common belief amongst many highschoolers that your schedule must be packed with as many AP classes as possible, but it's time to consider that electives have a different type of importance; they may lead to the discovery to new passions, help balance your schedule and motivate you to learn. College Theater and Film: Behind the Curtain and Behind the scenes Theater and Intro to Film are electives currently offered at North; however, College theater and Film will be offered in cooperation with Stony Brook University. College theater will provide students with the opportunity to play all the roles in theater; students can play the role of an actor, director, and playwright. College Theater may be the perfect elective for those that participate in the VSN Drama Club productions regularly, but it may be equally suitable for someone who’s never stepped foot on a stage. Electives are your chance to step out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight. You may find yourself surprised by what theater can do for your public speaking and performing skills. Giving up your seat in the audience to learn about the backstage goings on of theater may prove to be an enlightening experience you wouldn’t have lived otherwise. I’ll also encourage you, whether you are a film buff or not, to move from in front of your screen to behind the scenes with the college level Intro to Film elective. In this half-year elective, you will learn the various components of film, from directing techniques to the social impact of film. Taking a walk-through time as you explore the different film styles from eras will expose you to the unique perspectives of accredited film makers and deepen your appreciation for the countless themes that those behind the cameras portray. For three college credits, Stony Brook welcomes you to take a walk behind the curtain and behind the scenes. College Creative Writing: Learning the Craft and How to Draft In cooperation with Molloy College for three college credits, our English department here at North offers a college creative writing class taught in a workshop approach. For those, like me, who took Creative Writing in the past, this course offers the chance to delve deeper into the writing process touched upon in Creative Writing. For aspiring poets, or those who can appreciate strong creative writing pieces, this elective will help you master the craft of imagery, creating dialogue and analyzing the many wonders of literature. You may want to consider taking this elective as a break from the typical non-fiction pieces that take up your class periods throughout the day and focus on something a little more personally realistic, like the deep ideas conveyed through creative writing. Finding Your Voice in Literature and English College Prep: Multicultural and Multifaceted Our Valley Stream North English Department encourages you to ‘’expand your horizons’’ and immerse yourself in ‘’diverse literary landscapes’’ with the new elective, Finding Your Voice in Literature. As we’re taught in Social Studies classes we live in a globalized society, meaning we should acknowledge and try to understand the different perspectives of the world around us. Exposing yourself to multicultural literature will enable you to hear the powerful voices of people around the world through silent letters of a page. Our English Department teachers remind us of the danger of having a single story, a reminder of what author Chimamanda Adichie talks about during her TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story. You may want to think about welcoming multi-cultural literature into your world, not just in preparation for college, but for your own edification. On the topic of voices through writing, the English College Prep elective helps you learn to distinguish your voice from the thousands of other applicants through your college essay, a personal narrative. Your college essay gives you the freedom to show admissions officers who you really are, so I’d say it is worth your while if you're looking to wow the admissions officers. We all know by now that the college application process is multi-faceted and requires more than just a college essay; resumes can be equally as important. This elective will help you create a resume that will shine a light on your passions and the skills you have to offer, so that you can stand out. The transition from high school to college is far from easy, but you may decide to try this elective to help smooth your transition and make the multi-step application process seem less daunting. Will you consider giving these electives a try? If so, what will you choose? Will you explore what goes on backstage or behind the camera? Or will let your imagination wild with creative writing? Maybe you’ll learn to make your voice stand out. Whichever electives you choose to check off when Guidance comes around, you’ll surely be able to get an idea of the exciting college elective experience. Sources: College Raptor Staff. “Why Students Should Take College Electives - College Raptor.” College Raptor Blog , 23 Oct. 2023, www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/questions-answers/take-electives-electives-important/ . Marzano, Robert. “The Highly Engaged Classroom, Tips.” The Highly Engaged Classroom, Tips , www.marzanoresources.com/resources/tips/hec_tips_archive/ . Accessed 7 Dec. 2023. BACK TO TOP