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Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Careful Souls By Willene Exinvil April 22, 2021 Acrylic Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Summer Sky Line By Kimberly Shrestha November 24, 2020 Mixed Media Volume 1 Issue 2

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

Back to Articles Fiction, Polaris Back to Sections Nature's Elegance By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Elaine Ching White flowers in bloom, Grace dark brown branches with poise, Nature's elegance BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Eisha Nasar - Memory Project By Eisha Nasar March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections 1984 Book Review Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by The Guardian War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. World war, civil struggle, and revolution wrecked civilization in 1984. Oceania’s Airstrip One , previously known as Great Britain, is one of three totalitarian super-states. It is dominated by “The Party,” which controls every aspect of Oceania. The Party watches every civilian in Oceania through devices known as telescreens, transferring sound and motion to the Party’s ominous figure known as Big Brother. The Party controls everything in Oceania, from the language spoken, to the people’s history, brainwashing their thoughts to love Big Brother. Using the “Thought Police” and continual surveillance via telescreens, cameras, and hidden microphones, the Party violently removes anyone who does not fully go along with their dictatorship. Winston Smith is the main character of 1984 and is portrayed as a man who is disillusioned with the society he lives in. He works for the government’s propaganda department, yet secretly rebels. As daring as Winston appears to be in challenging government authority, he battles his own vulnerability and possible belief of Big Brother. Eric Authur Blair, also known as George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, poet, literary critic, screenwriter, and publicist. He wrote the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four or 1984 as a social science fiction novel and a warning. It was Orwell’s ninth and final book completed during his lifetime, published on June 8th, 1949, about a year before his death. He was a man of strong opinions who addressed some of the major political movements of his times, including imperialism, fascism, and communism. The chilling tale made an impression on readers; his ideas entered mainstream culture in a way achieved by very few books. The novel’s themes include totalitarianism (a government that asserts complete control of its citizens), mass surveillance, and coercive regimentation of people and behaviors in society. The novel was modeled after real-life occurrences with Russian ruler Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin and the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler. Throughout the novel, George Orwell explores the ideas of truth and fact through politics, including the danger of propaganda. I enjoyed 1984 ; however, in my opinion, the novel was drawn out at times and lacked detailed information. Even so, George Orwell’s writing style entertained me, and so did the complexity of each character's dialogue. I recommend 1984 to readers who may have read and enjoyed novels such as The Giver or Animal Farm . Sources: Woodcock, George. "George Orwell". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Jan. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Orwell . Accessed 7 June 2022. George Orwell Biograph, Biography.com Editors, The Biography.com website, https://www.biography.com/writer/george-orwell , accessed May 7th, 2022, A&E Television Networks, last edited May 3, 2021, Published April 2, 2014 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Division IIIA Track and Field Championships By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Original photography by VSN (Pictured: Ryan John, Long Jump and Triple Jump winner at NYSPHAA Division 1 State Championships) On May 17th, 2022, the Valley Stream North High School varsity track team competed at the Division Championships. It took place at North, and six schools from across the county came: South Side High School, George H. Hewlett High School, Sewanhaka High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Manhasset Secondary School, and Roosevelt High School. There were a lot of events such as hurdles, jumping, running, the shotput throw, and the two-mile. The girls’ team won with 174 points and the boys’ team won with 184 points, both earning the title of Conference Champions. VSN Boys Spring Track team - 1st place VSN Girls Spring Track team - 1st place One of the coaches of the varsity track team, Mr. Frazer, answered a few questions about the Division Championships and track in general: What is your favorite part about track and coaching? “Seeing kids grow as people. Seeing kids treat each other with respect and care about how their teammates do.” What does track mean to you? “I was lucky enough to participate in track in high school and college, and I have made many friends from those teams. To me, track is a way that kids can learn life lessons about responsibility, time management, accountability, goal setting... and making new friends!” How do you think the track team will do in the County Championships? “Both teams will finish in the top 3, but I hope we win both the boys’ and the girls’ team title!” If you had any advice for a member of the track team, what would it be? “To get better, you have to train EVERY DAY and do not quit!” What was your reaction to Elyas Layachi running with one shoe on? “I knew he would keep running. He is the type of runner that does not quit.” What do you think motivated Elyas Layachi to keep going? “Elyas knew that every point mattered, and he needed to get that 6th place point. He is the type of kid that will NEVER let his teammates down, so I knew the One-Shoe Wonder would finish!” If you were him, would you have kept running? “Of course! I would NEVER miss meets or races. My teammates counted on me, and I would never let them down.” Another coach on the track team, Mr. Boyens, also answered some questions about the Division Championships. How did you feel when both the girls’ team and boys' team won the Division Championships? “Elated! Everyone has worked so hard this season.” What is your favorite part about track/coaching? “In coaching I get to help athletes meet and exceed the expectations they have for themselves. I help young people realize the value of hard work and the joy and comradery of being part of a team.” What does track mean to you? “It is an opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves and figure out what they are really capable of as an athlete.” How do you think the track team will do in the County Championships? “I think we have a chance to do very well this year at the County Championships. This year’s team is very talented and hardworking. Combined, those two attributes are hard to beat.” If you had any advice for a member of the track team, what would it be? “Compete for your teammates, not yourself, and you will achieve at a level you didn't think possible.” What was your reaction to Elyas Layachi running with one shoe on? “At first maybe a little worried, then I saw the determination in his face and stride and my worry turned to pride!” What do you think motivated Elyas Layachi to keep going? “Easy. The love for his TEAM.” If you were him, would you have kept running? “I don’t know. It takes a ton of fortitude to run 2 miles with only one shoe on.” Elyas Layachi, a junior distance runner, ran the 3200-meter race (two miles) with one shoe on! His coach, Mr. Frazer, gave him a nickname: The One-Shoe Wonder! These are some questions that Elyas answered regarding what happened: What happened at the beginning of your race?  “Right at the beginning of the race, when the gun went off, the racers behind me attempted to cut into lane one. As they were cutting in, I was already ahead, and one of them stumbled and dug their shoe into the back of mine, causing my heel to slip out of the shoe.” What decision did you make after your shoe came off? “In the few seconds I had to make a decision, two scenarios came to mind: I could either slow down and attempt to fit my shoe back on, losing my spot in the pack in the race, or I could launch my shoe off my foot and keep running to stay in the race. I ultimately decided to throw off the shoe and embrace the pain that would come when bombarding the track with one foot.” What motivated you to keep running? “The fact that the team and my friends were counting on me motivated me to keep running. Our track team is like a family: we’ve been through the toughest moments together, through training, and we were always there for each other. I felt as if I had to do it for my fellow distance runners, as well as other members of the team, to score points and lead us to victory. Furthermore, the fact that such an experience would define me as a runner motivated me and inspired me to never give up and prove myself as an athlete with tenacity.” How did it feel running with one shoe on? “I must say, it felt very odd. I’ve seen some videos on YouTube where Olympians have run with one shoe on. An example is in the 3000-meter Men’s Steeplechase (the shoeless runner ended up winning the event), and it immediately came to mind once my shoe came off. My foot felt very bare compared to the foot with a shoe (my right foot), and I could feel the unevenness of the track hitting my foot with every other step. My strides were also uneven, and I could feel my body swaying to the left with every other step as well. As we neared lap 5, my foot started to have a tingling sensation, and it felt like it was going to give out. However, on the last lap, with the help of my motivating teammates, I set the pain aside and used every last bit of energy inside me to kick to the finish line. It was probably one of the speediest kicks I’ve ever executed.” After your race, what was one feeling you had? “After my race, one feeling I had was confusion but satisfaction. Not only was I still stunned by the fact that I ran eight laps on the track without a racing shoe on, but the fact that I reacted so calmly and in control made such an experience seem unreal. However, I was satisfied since I was able to still secure a scoring spot in the race, knowing that every point counts toward a team victory.” Do you like your new nickname “The One-Shoe Wonder”? “I do like my new nickname, actually! I remember the moment in the race when my coach found out I lost one shoe and called out the nickname on the loudspeaker. It made me famous in a way!” Do you have any advice for a runner if something unexpected happens during their race? “All you have to do is keep on running. No matter what difficulties you are faced with, whether it’s a competitive race or you’re at a significant disadvantage (i.e. you lose a shoe), just remember that the moment is temporary, and temporary pain will lead to permanent success only if you embrace it and learn to control your emotions and actions regarding it. It seems really hard when discussing it, but when on the track, with the adrenaline rush and your teammates supporting you, it becomes almost second nature to keep pushing for victory and success.” After winning the Division Championships, all the members of the track team were full of pride and glad that all their hard work paid off. Everyone on the team treats each other with kindness and respect. We are a big family that cheers everyone on, and we support each other no matter what. That is what makes our team special and different from other track teams. Overall, the team did an amazing job, and be sure to wish them good luck at the County Championships! Go Spartans! Update: Both teams ended up earning the County Champions titles and Ryan John won two NY State titles for Long Jump and Triple Jump (pictured above). BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Jillian Ostrow Jillian Ostrow November 6, 2023 Colored Pencil Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Merab Fatima - Nostalgic Musings By Merab Fatima February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Summer Festivals Celebrated Throughout the World Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Aesthetics Wiki - Fandom When summer was just around the corner, various countries started to welcome the most beloved season. Here are some places where the summer season has a grand entrance! KRAKOW, POLAND – WIANKI FESTIVAL This Polish festival began with an ancient pagan fertility festival. Wianki Festival originated in Krakow but is celebrated all over Poland. Wianki translates to the wreath and represents the future, good fortune, being in love, and fertility. Along the Vistula River, the Poles have special wreath-floating events, festivals, concerts, bonfires, traditional food, firework displays, and vodka drinking. Polish women also wear, and deposit garlands weaved with symbolic herbs in a river. Hiding in boats lined up along a river, boys try to catch their girlfriend’s wreaths. BARCELONA, SPAIN – THE NIGHT OF FIRE FESTIVAL OF SANT JOAN This Spanish festival celebrates the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. On the night of Sant Joan, celebrations commence when the sun is at its highest in the sky, symbolizing fertility. Representing wealth and strength, bonfires and fireworks take place all over Barcelona. Sant Joan has three symbols: water, herbs, and fire. Water symbolizes the cleansing of sins. As a result, locals often dive into the Mediterranean Sea for a late-night swim. Herbs symbolize remedy and healing. Since it is believed that thyme, rosemary, and verbena contain aphrodisiac properties, many eat these herbs on the night of Sant Joan. Fire represents abundance, purity, and fertility. On the night of Sant Joan, Barcelona lights up with bonfires and fireworks to eradicate bad- luck. JAPAN – AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI FESTIVAL One of Japan’s largest festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival (August 2 - 7), takes place in the Aomori, a prefecture on Japan’s island of Honshu. The Aomori prefecture is notable for its natural landscapes, like volcanic mountain ranges. It is also Japan’s largest apple producer. This festival originated amongst the Aomori people to eradicate the drowsiness that came over them on warm summer days. During the Japanese festival, large floats made from wood and paper are decorated and lit up from the inside. Complemented by taiko drums, flutes, and hand cymbals, these large floats parade throughout the Aomori prefecture. There is no fee to attend the festival as attendees take part in dancing as they wear the traditional Haneto dancing costume. ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – WHITE NIGHTS OF SUMMER May through July, the “White Nights” are celebrated when the sun does not fully set, leading to sun-filled days. Russians refer to this festival as Beliye Nochi. During the White Nights, people come out on the streets and visit special concerts, festivals, ballet, opera, and certain restaurants/bars that stay open all night. Additional celebrations include bridges being raised over the River Neva, best seen from an evening cruise, swimming in Lake Ladoga, and walking through the “Summer Gardens” or Letnii Sad . On June 22nd, millions of Russians gather for the Scarlet Sails as a tall ship sails to recreate a well-known children’s story with a fake pirate battle, all taking place on the River Neva. Sources: Great Summer Traditions around the World: Festivals & Celebrations ( internationalteflacademy.com )   BACK TO TOP