Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Cross Country Wraps Up the Season By Aleeza Dhillion Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Original photography by Elyas Layachi North's Cross-Country team had their last meet of 2021 at Bethpage State Park on Saturday, November 6. The boys' team ranked fourth at state-qualifiers, with senior Captain Craig Papajohn-Shaw, Jack Schwabe, David Pinos, Elyas Layachi, and Matteo Somma running. Senior Captain Samantha Szabo, Melissa Innocent, and Emily Dahl represented North in the girls’ race. It was the last race of the season for everyone, except junior Melissa Innocent, who qualified for the State Championships after placing fourth in her class. This meet was an exciting and emotional one with it being the last cross-country race for the seniors on the team. Our beloved seniors for the season were Craig Papajohn-Shaw, Samantha Szabo, Jack Schwabe, and David Pinos. Craig and Samantha were the outstanding captains this year; they confidently led the team all season, pushing everyone to do their best to improve. Here is what Craig and Samantha had to say in a joint statement about their experiences as members and captains of North's Cross-Country team: Q: How long have you been on the team? A: We have been a part of the team since our freshman year. Q: What is your favorite memory from this cross-country season? A: One of our favorite memories from this cross-country season was the North Shore v. South Shore 4K Invitational. With personal best times all around, it was a moment when we could clearly appreciate the results of our daily hard work. The moment of pride, for not only our own achievement but that of the underclassmen as well, bonded us as a team. Q: What are you going to miss the most about North's cross-country team? A: We greatly appreciate being challenged both physically and mentally and will miss this most about our team and sport. The lessons we learned carry over into various aspects of life and help us become strong, well-rounded individuals. Furthermore, our intensive training has taught us how to push through any adversity. As senior captains, it has been our pleasure to guide the underclassmen to reaching their fullest potential and instilling in them the lessons we have learned through our coaching, past captains, and experience. Q: What was the best part of being on this team? A: The best part about being on this cross-country team is easily the family we have built. We are a close-knit group who are always genuinely there for one another. Cross-country is an exceedingly difficult sport that requires immense amounts of dedication and hard work; however, it is all worth it when you have your family to support you every step of the way. Not only are we co-captains and teammates, but more importantly, best friends because of the four years on this team. Our bonding with Coach Boyens has led us to appreciate his motivational speeches and guidance; from teaching us about "cerebral fortitude" to perseverance, his speeches shaped us from young freshmen into the All-County and All-Conference athletes and individuals we are today. As a team, we have all spent an extreme amount of time together during the best and most difficult experiences alike, which is a testament that being a team is by chance, but being a family is our choice. Not only were the senior captains motivational, but so were the senior team members. They were supportive and looked out for the newer runners to the sport, making sure everyone was included and safe. Here is what senior teammate Jack Schwabe had to say about his experiences on the team: Q: How long have you been on the team? A: 3 years. Q: What is your favorite memory from this cross-country season? A: My favorite memory from this cross-country season would have to be the County meet. The rain, the mud, and the overall horrible weather conditions made it a race of strength and determination to overcome adversity and succeed. Q: What are you going to miss the most about North's cross-country team? A: I will miss my coach, Mr. Boyens, and all the hard work he puts into the team. I also will miss the family that is the Cross-Country team. The team is small, so everyone gets close to one another, and it becomes more than just running. Q: What was the best part of being on this team? A: The best part of being on the team was my fellow teammates through the years. If cross-country were just running and practicing on your own, I would have never thought of doing it. The friends and memories I have made on the team will be ones that I will never forget. The team will miss the seniors and their leadership next year but wishes them the best of luck in their futures. Coach Boyens and the seniors have shaped amazing runners on the team for the future team. Whether someone was the fastest runner or joined to stay in shape, Mr. Boyens and our seniors helped them not only achieve their goals but set new ones for the future. Although the seniors are leaving next year, their impact on this team will remain long after they are gone. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Rabbit’s Foot Nathaly Zavala Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Ugonna Okwu “Swyneth.” A woman’s voice, like an echo underwater. “Wake up.”   Chaos. Sirens. Static.   “911, what’s your emergency?” When did my life become this?   I used to think fate had me on speed dial. That I was born under the right star. It was always about who was lucky and who wasn’t. I thought I was the lucky one.   I guess I was not. Flashback   “Has anybody seen my purse?” I’m half-dressed, cleats in one hand, eyeliner in the other.   “Let’s go, girls. Field in one minute!” That’s my sister. Also my coach. Also the reason I’m here. I was the youngest. The “lucky” one. My two older sisters swore our family was cursed — bad grades, bad boyfriends, bad timing. But not me.   The popular boys liked me. Girls wanted to be me. I was THE GIRL.   Athletic, straight A’s, never had to try. I didn’t need luck. I was luck. It was like fate carved out a special lane just for me and greased the wheels. Until my sister took it.  Literally.   But I’ll get to that. Game day. Three years ago.   “Swy, you ready?” My sister’s eyes didn’t match her smile.   “Always.” I tossed my purse into my locker. Didn’t lock it. Why would I? Nothing bad ever happened to me.   We won. MVP. After, my purse was on the bench. Unzipped. My lucky rabbit’s foot, (the one I’d had since I was seven) was gone.   That’s when the losing started.   Torn ACL. Scholarship gone. Boyfriend gone. Friends gone.   Meanwhile, my sister? Promoted. Engaged. Happy. She started wearing a little fur keychain on her whistle. White. Worn. Familiar. I confronted her.   She just laughed. “Swy, it’s a rabbit’s foot. Maybe you were never that special. Maybe you just ran out of luck.” So I proved her wrong.   For two years, I worked like hell.   5 AM rehab sessions when my knee still screamed. Showing up to open gym when nobody knew my name anymore. I iced, I studied, I bled.   No charm. No shortcuts. Just me.   And it started working. I walked again. Then ran. Then played. D2 colleges sent letters. Not the dream, but mine. Earned, not given.   I finally understood: maybe I was never lucky. Maybe I was just good. And maybe that was better.   Until last week. I saw her whistle. That stupid fur keychain. And I snapped.   I stole it back. It reminded me of everything I’ve suffered. I put it in my pocket and walked out of the gym feeling invincible for the first time in years. Like the old Swyneth. Like fate was back on my side.   But what would I know that while walking home. The girls I used to call friends would try to steal what was mine. My luck. All I remember was Sandra the person I used to call my best friend told everyone about the stupid rabbit foot and how I got the luck from there. So, Gabriella the girl who wanted to be me the most. Saw me taking the rabbit’s foot from my sister’s. Deciding she also wanted to be the lucky one. Try to scare me by following me home with her car until I gave her what she wanted but I ran so she speed up and in a sudden impulse I stop and she ran over me. Present   “Ma’am, can you hear me?” The paramedic’s flashlight stabs my eyes.   Metal tastes like pennies. My leg is at the wrong angle.   “911, what’s your emergency?” the voice repeats from someone’s phone. The EMT digs through my pockets for ID. He pulls out three things and sets them on the gurney beside me:   Lip gloss.   Lip balm.   And a rabbit’s foot.     BACK TO TOP

BACK TO ALL ARTICLES BACK TO SECTIONS ADVICE Junior Aamna Raja - Advice Columnist Hello there, lovely, lovely readers of North Star! I'm Aamna, and it's my pleasure to welcome you to our advice column. In this cozy corner of the paper, I'll be your trusted companion on the rollercoaster of school life, offering my insights, and perhaps a sprinkle of humor along the way. Whether you're wrestling with perplexing math problems, navigating the maze of teenage friendships, or struggling with college applications, I'm here for you. It's all about you, and about what you want to know or share. I've made it super simple for you to send in your dilemmas. Just head to the Microsoft Form below, fill in your query, and hit "submit". The best part? It's completely anonymous. Your secrets are safe with me, and I'll do my best to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and, of course, friendly advice. Remember that you’re worth it, even if times start to get rough. Grades, popularity, clothes, and friends don’t define you. Be your own person, and never be afraid to stand up for yourself. Always strive to keep yourself and those around you positive. You got this, and I’m proud of you! So, don't hesitate, ask away, and together, we can make the North Star shine even brighter! ASK AAMNA FOR ADVICE Issue 4 Advice North Star Advice ADVICE Aamna Raja Read More SENIOR ADVICE Senior Advice By Tiffany Wong February 10, 2022 Read More Senior Interview with Shubhdip Kundlas By Shinedip Kundlas June 8, 2021 Read More College Advice from a Senior By Shubhdip Kundlas December 16, 2020 Read More A 1600 SAT score is amazing! But, it's the person behind that SAT score that truly makes "amazing" come to life. Your story is not meant to be an exact carbon copy of another individual's storybook. You don't have to be the most intelligent, or the most innovative, or even the wealthiest. You just have to be genuine and unapologetically yourself. It sounds cliché, but truthfully, it's an imperative factor in the writing portion of the college application process: your personal essay. The essay/short answer process is simply a time to address yourself, your interests, your successes and failures that you progressed from, your dreams and aspirations. So, talk about yourself. It may seem arduous, but it makes all the difference in the end. - Danae Thomas Class of 2021 College advice for 11th graders: Make sure to be in contact with admissions counselors at schools you’re interested in. They are always kind, helpful, and willing to answer all your questions, whether you are wondering about the application process, sports, activities, academics, or anything else! Their contact information is always easily accessible on the college website’s admissions tab. Good luck! - Sara Lombardi Class of 2021 First of all, please do not overstress your daily lives. Just take it one day at a time and do not leave today’s work for tomorrow. If your deadline is tomorrow but you have other assignments to finish that day, don’t add another burden; finish it or start some of it. Secondly, you are still young. Well, we all are, but you are never going to be 17 again, or maybe 16, so value your age. Have fun! I know I did, but don’t overdo it. Remember that a number does not necessarily define you as a person. School and youth are two separate, but equally, important parts of your lives. If one of them is affecting the other one, reconsider it. Youth is the only thing that you can’t replace. By youth, I mean health as well. Please take good care of yourself and know that you matter as much as anyone. You may be a straight-A student or an average student, like me, but in either case, your grades have nothing to do with who you are and your personality. You are beyond your grades and test scores, and if the colleges cannot see the awesome person you are, let them be. - Kubra Beskardes Class of 2021

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Lillian Dolan - What is Line - 1 By Lillian Dolan November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1 This picture displays the lines on a manhole cover. It was taken at around noon.

Back to Articles News Back to Sections VSN Future Teacher Club By Alisson Andrea Alas Bonilla Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by District 230 Valley Stream North High School offers many clubs/activities available for students to enjoy and learn from after school. For example, the Future Teacher Club, organized by two English teachers, Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski, is a new club this school year. The club, like the name, is about being a teacher, a future teacher. If you are interested in teaching, this is the club for you. During past meetings, we’ve had guest speakers, for example, Ms. Mulkeen, from the English as a New Language Department, Mr. Jara, assistant principal, former dean, and Spanish teacher, also Dr. Small, North’s principal, Dr. Seinfeld, a dean from Long Island University Post, and Fabayo McIntosh, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in District 13. We've had speakers with dual certification (not one but two fields or subjects), which is great to have because you can hear from someone who knows about teaching and can give you any tips, warnings, and encouragement. I interviewed Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski about the club, and their answers are very easy to understand and give a thorough description of the club. 1. What is the purpose of the club? “ Future Teacher Club is to offer an opportunity for students possibly interested in pursuing a career in education.” 2. Why should students consider joining? “Students will have access to presentations and question and answer sessions with education professionals at different levels - teachers of all disciplines, building administrators, superintendents, and college professors and deans. These contacts will provide invaluable resources for interested students.” 3. Can all grades gain from this club? “The club is currently available to students in grades 9-12.” 4. What do the students learn about the educational field once joining? “The students will learn information about the certification process, necessary classes, approaches to student teaching, dual enrollment programs, and more.” I've always wanted to teach, and before joining the Future Teacher Club, I didn't think too much of it. Instead, I thought the feeling would pass and tried not to think about it. After the first few meetings, I decided that teaching is something that I would most definitely do. I've learned so much from this club and met wonderful people who advised and provided us with their knowledge, which has definitely encouraged me to not only want to teach English or History, but to go further because there's more than just teaching a single subject, or two. I would advise anyone who wants to teach to join because it's a perfect opportunity to learn from someone who is willing to guide you, meet wonderful people, learn about our teachers’ careers and how they got to where they are now, and how much effort they’ve put into studying and teaching. Not only that, but some meetings provide snacks! Even if you are in 7th or 8th grade, think of this as a club to look forward to. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections I love you Mikayla Aziz Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Annie Diep The “I” in “I love you” does not mean “people generally like you.” It means that every interaction we have is personal and always will be to me. It means that you make things fade away until all that is left is my thoughts of you. It means that though you’ve heard this phrase before, it develops new meaning after exiting my lips. The “love” in “I love you” does not mean “to be fond of.” It means that you hold an even higher place in my heart than those who I call my family. It means that I am willing to do anything and everything beyond humanly possible to keep you at your happiest. It means that what I feel for you is so strong and passionate that it is impossible for the human mind to understand. It has never been written in any dictionary or literature ever and that is why I must shorten what I am feeling into this four-lettered word. The “you” in “I love you” does not mean “the one I am talking to.” It means the one who dictates my mind. It means the one whose troublesome woe I will always run back to. It means the one who makes my life worth living and my time worth giving. This simple statement is the highest form of gratitude I can think to give. I pull these words out the depths of my soul whenever spoken. And as much as I long to hear it, please do not say them back; for I fear they will lose all meaning. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Story Behind the Shot 01 By Garrick Neuner Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original photography by Garrick Neuner (top left), Eva Grace Martinez (bottom left), and Olivia Neuner (right) Welcome to the first article in our newest segment, Story Behind The Shot ! (Thank you to Samantha Altieri for the title.) This segment serves to highlight the purpose and artistry behind Valley Stream North students’ use of social media. I’m the first author for the column, so here I’ll share 3 pictures from my Instagram account that best explain my purpose on the platform. Before I begin, I should address the large beaked animal in the room. In all my posts, I don an eerie, realistic, yet silly rubber bird mask. I bought the covering at a Halloween store as a simple yet evocative costume – me, but with a pigeon head. The acclaim from my fellow trick-or-treaters and unsuspecting homeowners alike gave me a unique and strange surge in confidence, allowing me to play out an eccentric character with almost no repercussions. Following that day, unfortunately, the mask sat collecting dusk in my closet, leaving all my Halloween fun behind. A few months later, feeling a nostalgic pang for the holiday and a desire to revive my character, I strove to share my concealed self once again. This time, though, I knew to record the experience for the entertainment of myself and my friends. Anonymity This picture in front of my mirror was the first I captured while wearing my mask, so it holds a special place in my heart. The inspiration for the photo came from my curiosities about social media, including why people post pictures of themselves on a consistent basis. Having rarely used Instagram before that day, I didn’t see the appeal. Eager to try new things, though, I planned to post a new image that day. The mask both metaphorically and literally hid my face from view, which I suppose could portray my ideas as deeply as a viewer sees fit. In a funny yet ironic commentary, along with my plain camera shyness, I posted the image with a simple caption: “Feelin pretty cute today”. The Likes flowed in, bringing me a hit of dopamine that finally made me realize why people post like this - and that I’d need to keep my own posts infrequent. (Photo credit Garrick Neuner) Adventure This photo represents the most effort I have put into a post. With careful planning, multiple accomplices, and even extra props, the hunt was on for the perfect snapshot of my day in Manhattan. One of my group's many destinations on that hectic day was the Vessel, an interactive tourist attraction and the symbol of the new Hudson Yards. This location was quite literally built for photographic opportunities, so it seemed natural to prepare to produce an amazing picture. Navigating the Vessel proved tiring after an already grueling walk through the city, with its gritty stone stairs providing no rest for exhausted legs. Nonetheless, we marched to the middle of the bronze tower to search for the perfect image. With props in hand and a spotter to make sure our coast was clear, I posed and the photo was captured by the camera (of THE NORTH STAR’s own Grace Martinez!). (Photo credit Grace Martinez) Awareness The photos I took in Vermont add one last facet to my Instagram experience. On my (pre-COVID) travels, I made it my goal to document my journeys with the crow mask in order to diversify the content on my account. Instead of lazily staring out the window on a long car ride, I actively sought out photo-ops. Even when arriving at a destination, I would search for the best places and angles to take a picture from. My increased awareness for my surroundings brought me more in touch with the environments I have encountered, both natural and manmade. My sister Olivia suggested I hide behind the flowers at our friends’ scenic Vermont home, and I loved the picture so much that it became the profile pic I use to this day. (Photo credit Olivia Neuner) If you’d like to write the next Story Behind the Shot , message me or our adviser, Mrs. Mansfield! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Winter Track By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by NYSPHSSA Keep your eyes open Run your warm-up laps Avoid getting frozen Stretches and claps That's winter track   Don't let Boyens catch you late You'll end up cursing your fate Don't forget to smile Or else Frazer will make you run a mile The racewalkers are ready to strike some poses Leaving their competitors to wipe their noses The sprinters dash to the finish line As everyone watches from the sideline The pole-vaulters launch themselves into the sky Spread out their wings ready to fly Whoosh- the distances runners take everyone by surprise Their competition mortified   Keep your eyes open Run your warm-up laps Avoid getting frozen Stretches and claps That's winter track   Long jump, triple jump, high jump The jumpers really know their stuff Making the other teams look like dump Too bad they don’t have Boyens to make them huff Watch out for the hurdlers Owning the track, they look like rulers Thump- the throwers amaze the crowd Shuffling, spinning to great lengths Leaving everyone to bow down Cuozzo knows all their strengths Diaz takes out his clock New potential to unlock Look out for the middies Their a different kind of species Every day we do core It doesn’t matter how sore Put all of us together All the other teams are ready to surrender We’re hard workers None of us are lurkers Thanks to our coaches No team dare approaches Boyens, Cuozzo, Diaz, and Frazer Shaped our team sharp like a razor As we all leave the meet We know the victory was sweet To a goodnight’s rest Knowing we did our best Sore bodies, but we don’t complain With Boyens, better to let it remain BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections C0D3 4NG3L Annie Diep Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep PROLOGUE Thirty years ago, alien beings, later referred to as “angels” -- due to their eerie resemblance to the messengers of God -- began descending and wreaking havoc on the land of Ethyst. The once peaceful and prosperous land of Ethyst became overran with monstrous beasts that are more similar to demons in nature than angels. It wasn’t clear what their intentions were. However, what was clear was that the power of these foreign beings overpowered those of Ethystians. From their ability to regenerate lost limbs, to their ability to intercept magnetic waves and perform intense light energy radiation, it was clear there was no way of defeating them, let alone eradicating them....or is there? These never-ending attacks led Ethystians to come together and use their wits to create weapons and develop technologies, as well as evolve within themselves different abilities to counteract these mystical beings. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Water God and Child By Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by Pleasanton Glass Kai’s spring was his safe place. His spring had remained undiscovered and untouched for centuries; He was happy for it to remain that way. He’s seen the carnage that followed humans like moths to a flame. He’s seen what they did to the waters, polluting them with their machines and litter. Furthermore, they never seemed to care about the damage they caused. They remained ignorant of the consequences of their actions. It saddened Kai to see the effects on ocean life. When he visited other rivers and lakes, he could hear the cries of the sea animals, suffering in the once clear, now murky waters. And so, to stop the ache that came from his helplessness, he ventured out of his spring less and less. In only a century, he stopped leaving his spring entirely. The guilt rose every decade or so, but he couldn’t stand to hear the desperate praying to end the pain they were in. No, it was best to stay here where humans were not. Sure, he hadn’t left his abode for centuries, but he knew humans. They were selfish and benighted. They would never change; That, he was sure of. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- Kedrick was bored. This was not a huge surprise, as there was never anything for him to do. Mom and Dad never wanted to play with him. Whenever he asked, Mom would say "Later" in her upset voice. When she first told him that, he had believed her. Dad would always give him the same look every time. It was a look that said, "How many times will you ask this question?" The last time he asked, his dad became angry and told him that he didn't want to play at all. He stopped asking after that. The kids in his village never wanted to play either. He tried to ask them, but the girls would laugh at him, and the boys pushed him. Other times, they would pretend he wasn't there at all. So, in conclusion, there was nothing to do! Kedrick was on his bed when it happened. Looking out the window of his room, something caught his eye. There was a pretty bird in the tree! Instead of the dull down that was usually found on birds, it was a bright blue! Kedrick jumped down from his bed and sped out the door. Sadly, as he got closer, the bird startled and flew into the woods. Kedrick, who had been chasing after the bird, skidded to a stop at the forest's edge. He's never been in it; no one has. His mom always told him to stay away from the woods and never enter them. Remembering that information almost made Kedrick turn away. But then the memory of the last denial from his mom hit him. A bitterness flared inside the small child, and he decided if his mom didn't listen to him, he wouldn't listen to her just this once. With a nod, Kedrick entered the woods. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-10 minutes later~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-    Kedrick was absolutely lost. He had run in the direction the pretty bird had gone, but then there was a squirrel that he just had to hold, and then there was something shiny at the base of that tree and… Looking around, he saw nothing but trees, trees, and more trees. Where should he go? He decided to choose a direction and just walk in that direction. He looked at the shiny thing tree (He couldn’t figure out what the shiny thing was) and decided to turn right from it. He walked and looked around with wonder and awe as he saw many animals. The thicket seemed to creep in the longer he ambled. Eventually, he came up to a cliff wall and decided to take a break. He felt like he had been walking for hours! He sat down against the wall and leaned back. The cliff face was surprisingly comfortable and … soft? Intrigued, Kedrick leaned back more and suddenly fell through the wall. Surprised, he couldn’t protect his head and hit it hard against the ground. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- There was something in his spring. When the barrier was disrupted, he felt something made its way through. It couldn’t be an animal; no animals would have a problem with the barrier. And it couldn’t be another deity; most of them were gone and the ones left wouldn’t want to visit him. Which only left one dreaded option… a human. There was a human in his spring! BACK TO TOP