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Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Lord of the Flies by William Golding Book Review By Leah Ally Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Amazon When a plane crashes on a deserted tropical island, this leaves a group of schoolboys to fend for themselves at the start of a global war. Initially, their new, unsupervised way of life is something to rejoice over, distant from the civilization they once knew. As they attempt to rebuild their society, they begin to face the horror, sense of immortality, and evil the unfamiliar independence brings. As order collapses and night brings its reign of terror, the desire of expedition appears as far as the prospect of rescue. Lord of the Flies is the Nobel Prize-winning British novelist William Golding’s first novel, published in 1954. Initially, Golding began writing his novel to share the evils he witnessed fighting in the Royal Navy in World War II, as well as his experience of teaching rebellious young boys. For good reasons, Lord of the Flies is a timeless classic, as its analogies to society and governance are still relevant and accurate today. The classic work of William Golding portrays the complexity and tendencies of civilization, portrayed through the eyes of a small group of boys. The absence of adult supervision is essential to the plot since it allows Golding to explore the power struggles between the boys’ efforts at government and how well they can get along. The war between order and savagery is a recurring theme throughout the book, most often seen through the conflicts between the two protagonists. Overall, I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy the mystery and adventure genres. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 By Manal Layachi Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Warner Brothers Studios Subject of review is wizardry. The perfect coffee mug for any Potterhead. Espresso Patronum. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is the last “Harry Potter” movie of the series. Harry Potter and his friends are trying to kill Voldemort and destroy the horcruxes. This story takes place in London in the United Kingdom during the 1990s. The main characters are Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore, Dobby the house elf, Severus Snape, Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, and Professor McGonagall. This story about a boy named Harry Potter who survived getting hit by the darkest wizard Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter is now trying to kill Lord Voldemort once and for all. This terrible wizard killed his family, and some of his friends. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) did a great job acting because he really conveyed the emotion, and he looks exactly like his character described in the books. Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) did a good job as well because of her expressions and how she portrays her character. Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) did a good job because his expressions were funny to watch. Also, I like how he acts petrified when he sees spiders. I don’t think any character did a bad job at acting. I loved this movie and I read the books. My favorite scene was when Harry Potter faced Voldemort. I liked how dramatic it was and how everyone was depending on Harry to save them. My least favorite scene was when I saw people injured and how some of my favorite characters died. I felt sad and emotional during that scene. Another scene I liked was when the movie showed Harry Potter and his friends with families and children. This part gave me a nice feeling because Harry Potter and his friend’s survived great adventures. I am sad that the series is finished, but I love this series. A lesson I learned in this movie is that there is no ‘I’ in team. I think that others will learn that working together is better than working alone. Also, there are benefits when you work together. People of all ages will love this movie. I would recommend this movie to people who have a wild imagination and love action and adventure. I would not recommend this movie to people who like Non-fiction and calm movies. The film rating is PG-13. My final word on the film is GOOD. I would give this movie five stars. Manal Layachi is a thirteen-year-old girl who loves reading books. She read all of the Harry Potter books and has watched all of the movies. Her favorite sports are soccer, karate, and tennis. BACK TO TOP

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

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Fitness in a Global Pandemic By Alain Deen Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by ProRedhadb PC Exercise. Mankind’s social construct to maintain both physical health and even mental wellness. Although you might not exercise daily, it is certain that you have before. With that said, after the pandemic first hit, many of our fitness tracks came to a halt. Whether we found pleasure in it or not, it’s safe to say that many left fitness behind at one point. Along with this, the importance of fitness during a time of COVID-19 shines through our extra belly fat and random spikes of unwanted laziness. However, it should be noted that there are various ways to keep fit during these strange times. Whether through a one-minute “Flipgrid” video or a daily routine, it definitely could be done. The Benefits of Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic Although we may not want to exercise, it sure is necessary, especially while we’re at home binge-watching our favorite cheesy Netflix originals that happen to be very captivating. Anyway, studies show that levels of anxiety have greatly increased in the past year. Surprisingly enough, a few minutes of exercise a day can aid in preventing an anxious mindset. According to Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan’s department of health and wellness, strength training has indicated a reduction in symptoms of anxiety for individuals without any type of anxiety disorder. This research highlights the importance of exercise for not only our physical health, but mental health as well. Michigan Medicine’s research further highlights the psychological benefits of exercise. For instance, it promotes positive feelings; “For children and adolescents, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and exercise during the day are associated with elevations in self-esteem, improved concentration, reductions in depressive symptoms, and improvements in sleep”. With all of that said, there are a plethora of easy-to-perform exercises you can do at home…some you might even recognize from your gym class. How has fitness changed? As I mentioned before, fitness during these times has seen rapid and immense change. This is greatly evident in your very own gym class. I had the privilege of interviewing North High School’s PE instructor, Ms. Abbate, about the benefits of fitness, physical education during the pandemic, and her very own exercise routines. What are some of the exercises you've assigned to you students? “We assigned our students more fitness concepts rather than actual exercises. As a department we felt it helped students to understand WHY certain exercises are done and how they benefit the body rather than just giving them a list of workouts to do. Plus, not being able to supervise them while doing exercises at home is a safety concern. Physical fitness is something that will always be part of your life and understanding how you have to modify based on your current fitness level is important to everyone.” How has your teaching style changed for both Health class and physical education? “UGH. How hasn’t it changed? PE was super limited in the beginning and we were not permitted to use any equipment at first, which is kind of critical in PE. I think just having the break from sitting in front of a screen for students who came in person gave PE that glimmer of light that other classes couldn’t offer. But it’s not the same at all; whether you all realize it or not, PE is more than just getting activity in. You’re meshed with students of other grades, some probably not your tight group of friends, working together and breaking social boundaries that aren’t always offered in other class settings. As Ms. Zovich often says, you learn the history of some of the activities we do that ‘might come in handy if you’re ever on Jeopardy! one day!’ and the light-heartedness of PE now is just overshadowed by restrictions. As far as health, a lot of what we do is based on what is called “skills based learning”, meaning we teach through activity. For example, a lesson I love in the Drug and Alcohol Unit involves making everyone jog in place in the classroom and see how they feel. Then they try again but this time I give them a straw (usually I’m able to snag a bunch from Starbucks in the morning) and have them jog in place only breathing through the straw. The point being that it is more challenging, representing how it would feel to have lungs that were damaged from smoking cigarettes/e-cigarettes. While I could probably do that with my in person students, what about those who are fully remote? That was a big challenge I found with revamping my lessons, I would get it to work but then remembered there would be students that I would never have in the classroom. Which brings me to another point, there are students I’ve genuinely never met; this is only my second year at North so most of my students are new to me regardless. Having only met them through a screen is wild to me. So much of health class deals with that quality in person face-to-face experience that this year is lacking. It is quite a challenge to facilitate that same quality connection to fully remote students. It breaks my heart to see you all going through your days like this. To end on a positive note, I’ve improved with my technology use, which is cool. “ What are some exercises YOU do at home to stay fit? “I love to run the boardwalk in Long Beach where I live. If I put on a good playlist or podcast I really get to escape and just go, the views are great too! [I use a] Peloton login, so I have that app with tons of different workouts, not just cycling. I recently started seeing a personal trainer too who is great; it’s 1 on 1 which makes me feel really good with COVID safety protocols and it’s a workout catered just to me”. Do the exercises you assign have both psychological and physical benefits? “Again, like I said we didn’t assign specific exercises we assigned fitness related concepts, but generally speaking if students were to apply those concepts the benefits both physically and mentally are huge. When you exercise, like even something super simple as taking a 20-30 minute walk, is enough to get your heart working enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and decrease body fat. As far as mentally, exercise increases your memory (more blood flow to the brain), helps you sleep more restfully, and over time can make your mood elevated and lower stress levels. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to get quality exercise in and reap these benefits, start small and consistency is key!” Although it may be hard to find the motivation to exercise, it is definitely worth the try. From psychological benefits to physical outcomes, performing a 20-30 workout everyday proves to have its perks. Whether it’s learning why fitness holds such great importance, or simply the desire to stay fit, exercise and fitness will always be of great importance in our daily lives. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections The Fashion Industry By Ava Sloane Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Kristin Glenn History of Fashion Fashion started with the birth of civilization. Originally, clothes were made from plants, animal skins, and bone. Clothing was usually patterned, sewn, and made within the household. However, during the last three decades, fashion has evolved a great deal. As culture changes, fashion changes with it, looking at clothes as recently as 20 years ago to the tremendous change of fashion during our daily lives. In the beginning era of fashion, it was simple since it was more about practical function than the way it looked. In the 15th and 16th centuries, fashion was influenced by high class society and the European kings and queens (Wikipedia). The new industry focuses on businesses or fashion houses owned by independent designers. The first man to have a mark sewn into his clothes was Charles Frederick Worth in the 19th century (Wikipedia) . Today, social media has had a substantial impact on fashion and how we view it. It provides a platform for fashion-related businesses to create an image for themselves and connect better with their consumers. As social media evolves, so does fashion and the industry. The Advantages and Disadvantages There are many advantages and disadvantages to fashion. For example, some of the disadvantages of fashion and the industry are that many people develop poor body image and bad self-esteem, believing they should dress or look a certain way. More disadvantages of fashion include the environmental perspective. In other words, the fashion industry is one of the major polluting industries in the world. Many landfills all over the world are overflooded with supplies the designers did not use. A few ways fashion is an advantage is that it has the potential to bring different people together to celebrate their own individuality. The best way to enjoy fashion is to wear what you love and be yourself. Fashion, a way to express yourself through clothing, was created a long time ago. Fashion enhances human life because not only does it allow you to dress fashionably, but it also gives an opportunity to be independent in your thinking. These are just a few examples of how fashion has many advantages and disadvantages. How to Learn More The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City hosts an annual fashion show. This year's show is entitled About Time: Fashion and Duration, presenting a timeline of different fashion styles, the exhibit highlights the past, present, and future of the fashion industry. Displaying designers such as Alexander McQueen, Gabrielle Chanel, and Christian Dior, the exhibit truly emphasizes the comparison of fashion styles over the last centuries. However, the exhibition closes on February 7th, 2021, and one does need timed tickets for entry due to social distancing guidelines. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Halloween Traditions Around the World Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by History | A+E Networks Halloween, celebrated on October 31st each year, is a holiday that is primarily associated with the United States and Canada. However, Halloween traditions can be found in various forms across the globe. From Mexico to Ireland, different countries have their unique customs and rituals that add a touch of cultural diversity to this international holiday. A country that notably has its own distinct Halloween tradition is Mexico. In Mexico, the holiday is known as Día de los Muertos , or Day of the Dead. Rather than being a day of fear and fright, it is a joyful celebration of deceased loved ones. Families create altars in their homes, adorned with photographs, candles, and marigolds, to honor and remember their ancestors. They also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves, leaving offerings of food, drinks, and personal belongings for the spirits to enjoy. The Day of the Dead is a colorful and vibrant celebration that showcases the Mexican culture's unique perspective on death and the afterlife. In Ireland, the birthplace of Halloween, the holiday is known as Samhain . It is believed to have originated from ancient Celtic traditions. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Irish people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits. They also believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam freely. To appease these spirits, people would leave food and drinks outside their homes. Today, Ireland continues to celebrate Halloween with bonfires, costume parties, and traditional Irish music. Moving to Asia, we find the country of Japan, which has its own unique Halloween traditions. Halloween has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among young people. However, the Japanese celebration has a more commercial and playful nature. Halloween parties and parades are common, with people dressing up in costumes inspired by both Western and Japanese pop culture. Many shopping centers and amusement parks decorate their premises with Halloween-themed decorations, and children go trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods. While Halloween in Japan may not have deep historical roots, it has become a fun and exciting event for people of all ages. In Germany, Halloween is celebrated with a mix of traditional customs and modern influences. One of the most notable traditions is the carving of turnips or beets into lanterns, similar to the jack-o'-lanterns made from pumpkins in the United States. These lanterns, known as "Rübengeister," are placed outside homes to ward off evil spirits. German children also go trick-or-treating, but instead of saying "trick or treat," they say " Süßes oder Saures ," which translates to "sweets or sour." This playful twist adds a unique touch to the Halloween experience in Germany. In addition to these countries, Halloween is celebrated in various other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Each country puts its own spin on the holiday, incorporating local customs and traditions. However, the common thread that runs through all these celebrations is the spirit of fun, creativity, and community. So, Halloween is not just an American holiday; it has become a global phenomenon with diverse traditions and customs. From the joyful remembrance of ancestors in Mexico to the playful trick-or-treating in Germany, Halloween traditions around the world showcase the rich cultural tapestry of our global community. Whether it's carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, or participating in festive events, Halloween brings people together in a spirit of fun and celebration, transcending borders and uniting us in the joy of this spooky holiday. Sources: Halloween in Mexico: How Do They Celebrate? - JoinMyTrip Blog Samhain (Samain) - The Celtic roots of Halloween ( newgrange.com ) Halloween 2023 in Japan: Traditions and Where to Go | JRail Pass Halloween in Germany: Traditions, customs & events ( iamexpat.de ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The 2024 Valley Stream Challenge Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Junior Manal Layachi, clearing her next steeple barrier during the steeplechase race. Image Provided by Elitefeats. The 19th Annual Valley Stream Challenge took place on Saturday April 13th, 2024, at Valley Stream North High School. This is one of my favorite meets of the Spring Track season. There were over 2,000 athletes at Valley Stream North. Although the weather was not the best, everyone performed really well, and it was a fun meet. I competed in the steeplechase, where runners must jump over steeple barriers, including a water pit. It was very fun, and I got a faster time than I thought I would. Elyas Layachi, a Valley Stream North graduate, was the DJ for this event, and he did an amazing job. 38 schools competed: Bayside High School Blind Brook Chaminade Clara Barton Deer Park Division Avenue Eagle Academy for Young Men III Elmont Memorial Ethical Culture Fieldston School Friends Academy (LI) General Douglas MacArthur George H. Hewlett H. Frank Carey Kellenberg Memorial Long Beach Manhasset Massapequa Medgar Evers College Prep Midwood New Hyde Park New Rochelle Oceanside Oyster Bay Paul D. Schrieber/Port Washington Plainview-Old Bethpage/JFK Roslyn Sanford H. Calhoun Seaford Sewanhaka South Side Spring Creek Campus Tri-Valley Valley Stream Central Valley Stream North Valley Stream South W. Tresper Clarke Wantagh West Hempstead Young Women’s Leadership Jamaica Order of Events: Girls 1500 Meter Race Walk Girls 400 Meter Hurdles Boys 400 Meter Hurdles Girls 2000 Meter Steeplechase Girls 1500 Meter Run open Girls 1500 Meter Run frosh/soph Boys 3000 Meter Steeplechase Boys 1600 Meter Run open Boys 1600 Meter Run frosh/soph Girls 400 Meter Dash Girls 400 Meter Dash frosh/soph Boys 400 Meter Dash Boys 400 Meter Dash frosh/soph Girls 100 Meter Dash Girls 100 Meter Dash Un-Seeded Boys 100 Meter Dash Girls 100 Meter Hurdles Boys 110 Meter Hurdles Girls 1600 Sprint Medley Girls 1600 Sprint Medley frosh/soph Boys 1600 Sprint Medley Boys 1600 Sprint Medley frosh/soph Mixed 4x400 Meter Relay 2 boys/2 gir ls Girls 4x100 Meter Relay Boys 4x100 Meter Relay I had the pleasure of interviewing the coach of Valley Stream North’s track team, Mr. Frazer. VSN Track Coach Mike Frazer What is the history behind the Valley Stream Challenge? “This was the 19th annual Valley Stream Challenge. We held it every year starting in 2004, except 2020 due to Covid. Mr. Boyens and a I have a lot of pride in VSN and like to host meets that highlight our facility and students to the [scholastic] track community.” What do you love most about running this meet? “I love to see our students work together to put on a great event.” What is your favorite thing about being a coach? “My favorite thing is when kids get committed to track and start working hard to get PBs (Personal Bests). It takes training and running on weekends to improve, and when kids understand that they see results.” How long have you been coaching North’s track team? “I’ve been coaching VSN track since ’99.” Do you think the meet was successful? “This year’s meet was a success! There were many great performances, including the top 4 boys steeplechase times in NY this season. Many of the VSN students got PBs and many medals. In addition, the Spartan club was able to raise lots of funds by selling food from their new snack shack!” What is your connection to running? “I ran track in high school and college. I was the NY State champion in the 1600m in 1992 and then ran for Clemson University.” How do you think North performed at the meet? “It was not a team scored meet, but North won many medals!” What advice do you have for North’s girls’ and boys’ team for the rest of the season? “As the weather gets warmer, performances will improve if the athletes lock in and get that practice in! Remember, it’s a team sport, so support your teammates and lift them up.” Below are photos from different events throughout the Challenge. Lastly, I interviewed Elyas Layachi, a Valley Stream North graduate. He was the DJ for the meet. What was your favorite part about DJing for the meet? “My favorite part about DJing for the meet was keeping the crowd entertained. Not only did I love seeing people dance and sing along to the music I was playing, but I loved seeing them smile and have fun despite the weather conditions.” Do you miss running for North’s track team? “I do miss running for the team! It was like a family for me, and I miss my teammates and coaches equally. Having the opportunity to help out at this meet made me feel connected to the team once again, and it was almost as if I never left, other than the fact that I wasn’t running the steeplechase.” What was your favorite memory when you were on the track team? “My favorite memory when I was on the track team was running the 2-mile at the Divisional Championship in 2022 with one shoe. It was a defining moment in my high school running career and an exhibition of the strong mindset distance running instilled in me. It was also nice to score for the team at a championship meet, and we won the meet!” What was your favorite event to run and why? “My favorite event to run was the 3000m Steeplechase. I love that event because of how dynamic and strategic it is, as well as how important form is when jumping off the barriers. I’m glad it was the last race I ran as a high schooler at the 2023 State Qualifier meet.” Will you DJ for the meet next year? “If Frazer will have me, I would be more than happy to DJ again at the meet, this time with more experience and practice beforehand.” Do you run for Syracuse or just on your own? Why? “I currently run and work out on my own as I am currently too busy to run with the running club there, but I am planning on making the running club a priority next fall so I can get back into some racing.” What advice do you have for runners who are not confident in themselves? “If you go to practice every day and work your hardest, you have nothing to worry about at meets and competitions except to run your hardest.” This year’s Valley Stream Challenge meet was a success. I cannot not wait for next year’s. Both the boys’ and girls’ track team have championship meets coming up, so be sure to come out and support them. GO SPARTANS! The results for the Valley Stream Challenge meet are available on Elitefeats: https://ny.milesplit.com/meets/591495-valley-stream-challenge-2024/teams BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art Back to Sections The Art of Photography By Sahar Ali Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Original photography by Rehan Kumar Photography is the art of capturing light to create an image. It’s a form of visual art, which includes art forms that are mostly composed of visual images. It may not seem like it, but photography adds a lot of value to our lives. Photography gives us the ability to record special events, people and places and helps us make memories. Photography is a hobby that provides individuals with many possibilities for creative expression, which is being able to use our minds and our imagination to create something that portrays ourselves. A freshman at Valley Stream North, Rehan Kumar has a passion for photography. Thanks to him, I was able to interview him. Below are his responses to the questions. Q & A: Q: Why did you start photography? A: “I started photography because I was bored.” Q: At what age did you pick up photography? A: “13.” Q: What are some of your favorite things to photograph? A: “Cars.” Q: What type of camera do you use? A: “Sony a7c.” Q: What are some tips you would give to anyone who wants to start photography? A: “Equipment doesn’t matter.” Q: Why do you have a passion for photography? A: “The photos look very cool.” Go check out some of Rehan’s photos! You can visit his Instagram page: @photos_by_ree, where he has posted some of his amazing photos. There is no specific age to start a new hobby, so if you have an interest in photography, give it a shot. Simply start off by taking photos with your phone. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Gilana Etame - Lights On for Education - 2 By Gilana Etame April 22, 2021 Digital Art Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections OPERATION GREEN LIGHT JUST AHEAD! Chris Cavaliere Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Turner Publishing, Inc. Valley Stram North Spartans proudly wear green, their school color. Green is the color of hope. We wear it to show school spirit for our sport teams, clubs and for the pride we have for our school community. How about we shine green for our veterans this month? Did you know that November is National Veterans and Military Families Month? Veterans Day is November 11th. Respecting veterans and their families on a day or a month needs more recognition. Greenlight a Vet is a campaign of recognition, support and appreciation for our veterans and their families. It’s simple: change one lightbulb at your home to green. Just think of driving through our community at night during the month and seeing homes with green lightbulbs shining bright. We could start a great conversation and message of gratitude. Lightbulbs symbolize ideas. We can plan assemblies and share ideas on how to continue honoring veterans though our Student Council, National Honor Society, students and teachers. We can expand appreciation by participation at Wreaths Across America. It happens in December and May for remembrance during the holidays and for Memorial Day. I have placed wreaths at veterans’ gravesites at this event and it gave me a feeling of pride. I was also lucky enough to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington Cemetery. Veterans should never be forgotten. Do you know the significance of folding the American flag and how it should never touch the ground? Do you know how to retire a flag? I am a Boy Scout, and I’ve learned many protocols that symbolize respecting veterans. Let’s learn and honor our veterans together. Participation in Operation Green Light will continue the Spartan spirit in a way that has never been done before. Think of this, one night a veteran or a family member of a veteran drives through the Valley Stream community and sees streets of homes with green lights shining! I have had one in the front of my house for many years. This will be an incredible “Thank You” for them all to receive, so let’s start the conversation and let’s make it happen. Sources: https://www.nysac.org/issues/veterans-affairs/operation-green-light/ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/media/toolkits/service-provider/national-veterans-military-families-month/ https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagdisplay.pdf BACK TO TOP