Back to Articles News Back to Sections Valley Stream 2023 District Science Symposium Cody Sung Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Michael Frazer On April 26, 2023, the Valley Stream Central High School District hosted its yearly science symposium. It was held at South High School, with last year’s being held at Central and next year’s at North, following a cycle that goes through all three schools with the Science Research programs. At the symposium, North had the largest number of students participating in the program. How did our Science Research program grow so big, and what happened at the symposium? The science research program was picked up by Mr. Michael Frazer in 1999, after former North science teacher Ed Gruber started it in 1996. Mr. Frazer is the head of the program. Since then, it has grown to be the largest science research program of the Valley Stream Central High School District, with fourteen seniors who completed this challenging program in the 2022 - 2023 school year. A very successful course we have at North! However, it is very challenging, and takes much hard work to succeed, since it involves doing research and writing a full scientific paper in three years. The symposium had all sophomores, juniors, and seniors display their poster board of their research, with guests viewing them and with the students explaining their research to them. Every board was unique and informative, showing the best of our program and the hard work of our students. After the poster board presentation, Mr. Frazer and North Science Department Chair Mr. Pandolfi gave awards to the fourteen seniors who completed this three-year course to recognize all the hard work they have done and their dedication to their research, with a quick speech made by the head of each school’s program about each senior on South’s stage. After the award ceremony concluded, the seniors had an opportunity to present their research process and results in the South Library. All the presentations were interesting and educational and were fantastic to culminate their three years of hard work, research, and dedication. Here are last year’s fourteen seniors and their general topic of focus. Samantha Altieri – Political science Morgan Buly – Audiovisual science Valentina Castillo – Marine biology (with Christina DePippo) Christina DePippo – Marine biology (with Valentina Castillo) Naila Hashimi – Environmental science Sukhpreet Kaur – Urban science Zara Khan – Plant biology (with Jessica Sehjal) Joseph Marrone – Sport science Gabriela Mensah – Sport science Janine Olivencia – Medical science Ariel Reyes – Medical science Jessica Sehjal – Plant biology (with Zara Khan) Kira Sherman – Plant biology Neha Singh – Dietary science Congratulations to all of them for their success in this challenging but rewarding course over the past three years! And the sophomores and juniors should continue to work hard – North can’t wait to see what the program has in store for us this year! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections UDA College Nationals Giavanna Quagliata Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Varsity TV UDA College Nationals UDA College Nationals is an event that has been all over social media; however, some may have watched it live on Varsity TV. Varsity TV is a website dedicated to exclusive live videos of cheer and dance competitions. UDA happened from January 12th to January 14th. Small fragments of each dance genre were posted to popular social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram. This increased publicity emphasized how hard each dancer and team worked to perfect the impeccable choreography they performed. What are the UDA College Nationals? UDA stands for Universal Dance Association. Most refer to this competition as, “The Super Bowl for Dancers,” which occurs every January at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex despite this year's “Dance Super Bowl” taking place in Orlando, Florida. The UDA was split into divisions. These divisions consist of the different genres of dance, including Hip Hop, Jazz, and Pom. For example, division 1 would be Hip Hop, and it continues. Each college had to choreograph for each genre and perform in front of judges, and thousands of spectators. The colleges that performed are from all over the world! Worldwide, people watched UDA, and many people had their opinions on who should have won. My two favorite colleges that competed were Ohio State and Minnesota! These two colleges excelled and didn’t miss a beat. They both had emotion and confidence. See for yourself on YouTube! To find the two videos just search up, “UDA nationals Ohio State,” or “UDA nations Minnesota.” If you don’t want spoilers don’t read! So, are you ready? Let’s see the results! Division IA - Hip Hop Results Louisiana State University, 97.2222 University of Nevada- Las Vegas, 96.4921 University of Memphis, 95.9365 San Diego State University, 95.0635 University of Central Florida, 90.6349 University of Cincinnati, 89.9206 Florida State University, 89.127 University of Michigan, 87.254 Washington State University, 85.9524 Division IA - Jazz Results Ohio State University, 98.9206 University of Minnesota Spirit Squad, 98.4286 Louisiana State University, 96.7778 University of Tennessee, 95.5556 University of Michigan, 94.6349 Texas Tech University, 94.1111 Florida State University, 93.9683 University of Alabama, 93.2857 University of Central Florida, 92.4444 Rutgers University, 91.5714 Washington State University, 91.2857 Division IA - Pom Results University of Minnesota Spirit Squad, 98.4762 Ohio State University, 97.7143 Pennsylvania State-University Park, 96.4762 Texas Tech University. 96.1429 University of Tennessee, 96.0317 University of Cincinnati, 94.9048 University of Memphis, 94.2222 University of Iowa, 93.127 Division I - Hip Hop Results University of Delaware, 90.6825 Utah Valley University, 89.9683 St John's University, 87.5714 Grand Canyon University, 86.0794 University of Saint Thomas, 85.1587 Saint Joseph's University, 84.9365 College of Charleston, 83.7302 Lindenwood University, 83.2381 Northern Arizona University, 81.2857 Division I - Jazz Results Cal State University Fullerton, 95.2063 Hofstra University, 94.2381 Utah Valley University, 93.8413 University of Saint Thomas, 93.0952 University of Delaware, 92.4921 Grand Canyon University,92.4444 UC Santa Barbara, 91.1111 University of Nebraska Omaha, 88.9683 Southeastern Louisiana University, 87.6825 College of Charleston, 87.6349 Division I - Pom Results Hofstra University, 96.0317 UC Santa Barbara, 94.6508 Cal State University Fullerton, 93.6508 Quinnipiac University, 93.0317 Saint Joseph's University, 92.746 South Dakota State University, 92.746 University of Northern Iowa, 90.381 North Dakota State University, 90.1429 Cornell University, 90 University of Nebraska Omaha, 90 Central Connecticut State Univ, 88.4127 Open - Hip Hop Results Northwest Community College, 88.2381 West Chester University, 85 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 81.0159 Stockton University, 80.9206 Rowan University, 80.1429 Univ of Puerto Rico RÃo Piedras, 79.6508 Worcester State University, 77.9683 University of Scranton, 77.4603 Open - Jazz Results Minnesota State University, Mankato, 94.2381 University of Minnesota-Duluth, 91.8889 Orange Coast College, 89.6667 St Cloud State University, 89.5397 Stockton University, 89.4762 Endicott College, 88.0952 College of St Benedict, 87.2222 Northwest Missouri State University, 87.1429 Adelphi University, 86.7619 The College of New Jersey, 86.381 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 85.0476 Univ of Puerto Rico RÃo Piedras, 84.746 St. Joseph's University New York, 83.9683 Rowan University, 82.4762 Open - Pom Results Minnesota State University, Mankato, 95.4921 Endicott College, 94.3651 University of Minnesota-Duluth, 92.1746 Orange Coast College, 90.5079 St Cloud State University, 90.3968 Northwest Missouri State University, 89.2698 College of St Benedict, 88.5556 The College of New Jersey, 86.6032 St. Joseph's University New York, 86.5238 University of Central Missouri, 86.1111 Adelphi University, 84.873 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections LIFSA By Manal Layachi Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Original artwork by Hannah Lee On Saturday, February 5th, 2023, the 67th annual Long Island String Festival Association concert took place at Uniondale High School. Long Island’s best orchestra players performed beautifully on stage. Seniors Elyas Layachi (12th grade) and Hannah Lee (12th grade) were selected to participate in this festival. I interviewed both of them about their experience of playing in the LIFSA orchestra. Elyas’s Responses: What made you choose your instrument in elementary school? “I originally wanted to list the trumpet as my first choice, followed by the violin, and then percussion, but my dad convinced me that the violin should be my first choice because ‘it can play a wide range of songs.’” How did you feel when you got selected for LISFA? “I was very excited! I’ve heard of the festival since the fifth grade, and knew it was very hard to get into, so being selected was an absolute honor.” How did it feel to have five-hour rehearsals? “They were tiring, but by the second rehearsal I was used to it. I found it fun to work on music with people I did not know, and I was able to make some cool friends.” How did you feel when you were performing on stage? “It felt amazing. I felt very connected to the music and the group as a whole, and I had so much fun!” Did you like the music selections? “Yes, they were great selections and so much fun to prepare and perform.” What was your favorite part of LISFA? “My favorite part of LISFA was the performance for sure.” Do you plan on playing your instrument for the rest of your life? “I most certainly do! I hope to join an orchestra in college and continue taking lessons, as well as hopefully playing in a community orchestra after college.” What does music mean to you? “Music is a way of expressing myself in ways other than verbally and physically, and I find learning and playing music fun, challenging, and rewarding!” Hannah’s Responses: What made you choose your instrument in elementary school? “Honestly, I didn’t choose the violin in elementary school. I actually chose the flute in 4th grade. I had been taking private lessons for the violin and continued to play it in the school because the music teacher, Ms. Shannon, offered for me to join the elementary school orchestra.” How did you feel when you got selected for LISFA? “I was really excited when I was chosen for LISFA. It hadn’t been held since I was in ninth grade, since before COVID. I was so excited because to me it meant two things. The first is that the world was slowly returning to the state it had been in before COVID. The second was that I would be able to see people I had met in prior years at LISFA.” How did it feel to have five-hour rehearsals? “The five-hour rehearsals were so tiring. It was very draining to have the rehearsal for that long of a time period. However, I think it was worth it, as we sounded really great afterward! I also bonded with my stand partner during both rehearsals, which was nice!” How did you feel when you were performing on stage? “Performing on stage was wonderful. The exhilaration of playing in front of an audience and producing music that I had practiced for weeks on end and spent hours on was amazing. It was very exciting and a lot of fun!” Did you like the music selections? “I liked the music selections a lot. They chose good music; it gave interesting parts to all sections of the orchestra. My part was not too difficult, but still fun to play.” What was your favorite part of LISFA? “My favorite part of LISFA was talking to my stand partner in between section rehearsals. When the conductor was talking to other sections, I would whisper to my stand partner, which helped us get to know each other and bond a lot!” Do you plan on playing your instrument for the rest of your life? “I don’t know if I plan on playing it for the rest of my life. I will definitely play in college and join the orchestra there. However, beyond that I’m not sure if I’m going to continue to play. Perhaps I will for the fun of it, perhaps I won’t. Only time will tell!” What does music mean to you? “Music is a form of release. It’s always a good way to get rid of pent-up emotions. Transferring them into your playing is a wonderful way of creating expressive music and having an outlet for your emotions. I love music because it’s a sanctuary where I can let my emotions flow through the piece I’m working on.” The performance was incredible and breathtaking. Be sure to congratulate Elyas and Hannah on their amazing accomplishment. GO SPARTANS! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Foundation of My Tree By Arielle St.Amand Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by the National Tropical Botanical Garden We were planted in the fertile soil adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico. Our roots extend through the fruitful land of Cap Haitien, And in between the cracked crevices of the concrete jungle. As our trunk emerges from the terrain of Port-Au-Prince. We prevailed from the bondage of slavery, without a wince. In awe of the horizontal blue and red stating, “Unity is Strength,” we overcome our obstacles, highlighting our bravery. Our branches lengthen and grow with time, from Doret, St. Cyr, to Dominique. Names of great sublime; we continue to expand our legacy, so eloquent and unique. We were planted in the fertile soil adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, and now produce flowers ready to reproduce. Paired with Painson, Bernard, and St. Amand, I begin to be woven, excited for my journey and ready to be put to use. I carry the pain of discrimination. From the beautiful isles of Haiti and in this “United” nation. I reminisce of the smells of liberation found in the soup joumou, the vigor of my predecessors I relay from me to you. I am thankful for my ancestry, for providing me with insight of my great destiny. My story begins with the seed planted in the depths of the roots, the foundation of my tree. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Fun Day! By Samantha Altieri Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Augustine Magapan On Thursday, October fourteenth, the Valley Stream North Class of 2027 participated in a Fun Day. Seventh graders played a variety of outdoor games from periods one to three. The activities allowed the students to bond with each other and create memorable team-building experiences, while also providing them a chance to destress. Members of SPO helped facilitate the event, with some members participating in the games as well. With games from Jenga to kickball, the seventh graders had a great time! On Fun Day, the seventh graders were split into groups of eight to 15 students. Two to four SPO members were assigned to each group and guided the seventh graders through the activities, like a camp counselor would to their campers. There were a variety of activities the seventh graders participated in, including: Kickball – two groups faced each other off in this sport, with SPO members watching and pitching. Lawn Games – several groups participated in games such as Kam Jam, Spike ball, Connect 4, and a modified version of Badminton. Potato Sack Race – three groups versed each other in this fast-paced hopping race. Cup Pyramid – two groups faced off in this fast-paced building competition. Racing against the clock, the group that built the tallest cup structure won. The wind and other environmental factors added a nice twist, raising the stakes of the activity. Steal-the-Bacon – six to eight groups faced each other in this intense version of Steal-the-Bacon. Students on each team were assigned numbers, and those who had the same number (one on each side), when called out, had to race to retrieve the pin and bring it back to their team to earn the point. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Sophia Song - Pop Art Sophia Song January 14, 2022 Acrylic Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections Kimberly Shrestha - Contemplation By Kimberly Shrestha June 8, 2021 Mixed Media Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Marissa Nardone - Lights On for Education - 1 By Marissa Nardone April 22, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections An Interesting Situation By Victoria Niksa Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Pexels How could Cirice end up in this situation? Her in the same room with her crush, Jacob. Jacob: “Ugh, why are you here?” Cirice loves him. He hates her. Why? Nobody knows. Not even Jacob knows why he hates her either. Cirice: “Oh, uh- hi! Sorry, I’ll just go-” Jacob: “Stay.” Cirice could feel her face burn up. No way in the name of ghost would he want her in the same room as him. Cirice: “I can go-” Jacob: “I told you stay.” Cirice: “Ok but what if I don’t want to stay?” Jacob: “We both know you want to stay so just stay put.” Cirice: “O-okay…” She did as he told her, and she sat there. A few minutes had passed and not a word left either person’s mouth. The silence was so loud. Cirice: “So, how’ve you been?” Jacob: “Really? Small talk? Fine, I’ve been good, I guess. You?” Cirice: “I’ve been… better.” Jacob: “Why so blue? You’re not as outgoing as you were last year.” Cirice: “I’m alright. I’ve just been going through something with my kind-of-friends.” Jacob: “Well… Do you wanna talk about it? Not like I care or anything, but I’ll listen.” Cirice felt her eyes burn, her throat swell up. Cirice: “You’d actually l-listen to me…?” Her voice started breaking. She’d started praying that she wouldn’t start crying in front of him. She’d rather fail one of her classes than have that happen. Jacob: “Yeah… Are you okay?” Cirice: “No… I’m not okay… I-I’m sorry I d-don’t wanna cry i-in front of you… This i-is so embarrassing-” Jacob: “Do you want a tissue?” Jacob asked as he brought her a box of tissues. Cirice: “This is the nicest thing someone has ever done for me in a while… Why are you being so nice to me? II thought you hated me…” Jacob: “Hard to hate you when you’re clearly in need of a friend.” Jacob had a slight smile on his face. Cirice had quite the opposite expression. Within seconds tears started to form and fall from her eyes. She felt so embarrassed. Crying in front of her crush. She felt so weak. Jacob: “Your… Your eyeliner-” Cirice: “My eyeliner is the least of my problems! C-can’t believe y-you’re seeing me c-cry…” Jacob: “It’s not the first time… All those times in orchestra last year, in the hallways-” Cirice: *hic* “You’re not m-making this a-any b-better…” Jacob: “Sorry- I didn’t mean to-“ Before he could say another word, she began sobbing. Hands covering her face, eyeliner streaming down, her lipstick smearing, this was the most vulnerable Jacob would ever see her. Cirice: “D-don’t look *hic* at m-me…” Jacob: “Do you want a hug…?” She nodded her head slightly. He slowly wrapped his arms around her. She felt warm and fuzzy. Him hugging her wasn’t enough, instead she was crying even more. After hearing her sobs, he knew how he could calm her down. He pulled away from the hug. Jacob: “Hey… Can you look at me for a second?” She slowly began to look up at him. The two having eye contact for a few seconds. Jacob knew what he had to do, and he got it done and over with. He leaned in to kiss her. He knew it would calm her and it did. It did only for a split second. Cirice: “W-what!? Why- What- How did you get this idea-” Jacob didn’t want to deal with her questions, so he did the only thing he felt he should do, and he kissed her again. For a bit longer this time mostly so he could think of an answer for any questions she might have for him. Cirice: “If the point of you kissing me was to calm me down it worked. You’ve taken my mind off my friends.” Jacob: “I say that you ditch them.” Cirice: “You don’t even know them or what happened.” Jacob: “Doesn’t matter. Clearly if they’re making you cry then they did something to hurt you.” Cirice: “They did… one of them has been my friend since we were in kindergarten…” Jacob: “Don’t start crying on me again… I know you most likely don’t want to let her go but you’re going to have too eventually.” Cirice: “My mom told me that we’d be friends forever…” Jacob: “I don’t wanna sound cliché but forever is a long time and your friendship is going to fade away eventually. You’re not even going to notice when it happens.” The two had sat in silence until another question came up. Cirice: “Wait… why are you in here in the first place because Kae told me to meet him here-” Jacob: “Kae told me to meet him here too…” Cirice: “Did he-” Jacob: “I think he did…” Cirice: “That is one bold, bold move… I am so going to yell at him tomorrow morning and I cannot wait for it…” Jacob: “Relax… This was an interesting situation …” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections K-pop By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Channel Korea Music is always around us. There are many genres to choose from and many to listen to. Many people listen to rap, pop, and R&B. However, more genres are taking the world by storm. One of them is K-pop. K-pop is Korean music that consists of Korean and English or only Korean. This music genre is taking over the music industry. Most K-pop music is made by groups. Some popular groups are BTS, NCT U, 127 and Dream, Twice, Itzy, Enhypen, Tomorrow x Together, Ateez, Stray Kids, Blackpink, and more. Even some solo artists like IU, Kang Daniel, also fit into this category. This musical genre is very inspirational. Most songs send global messages and inspire their listeners to come together as one. At the beginning of the school year, I talked to two seventh graders. They both told me that they liked K-pop, and ever since then, we always say “Hi” to each other whenever we see each other in the hallways. In that example, I connected with two kids that are three years younger than me because of K-pop. This shows how K-pop can bring many people together. Also, K-pop artists aren’t all Korean. Some are Japanese, Thai, American, or French. Musicians of various races sing K-pop, and all races should feel comfortable listening to it. I recommend K-pop to everyone because it is a unique and diverse music genre. You may be hesitant at first because the lyrics are not sung in English; however, you should go for it because it is a fantastic experience. Have fun listening! BACK TO TOP