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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 February 12, 2021 "FRIENDSHIP 7" ARTICLES 2022 Midterm Elections Not Far Away: Possibility of a Polar Opposite of 2018 Results By Logan Balsan News Read More Blackened Beige & Bleached Beige By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Polaris Read More Creative Writing Review By Noah Gonzalez Feature Read More Double Standards: State Instruction Allows for High-Risk Sports but Not Performance Groups By Craig Papajohn-Shaw and Lucy Wu Editorial Read More Government, Media, and the Pandemic: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly By Lucy Wu Editorial Read More M'oreal By Nora Chery Polaris Read More North Honor Society Inductees Sworn In By Garrick Neuner and Craig Papajohn-Shaw News Read More REVIEW: John P. McCarthy takes a break from editing the Sports Section to watch (and rank) Disney Movies By John McCarthy Entertainment & Media Read More Social Media By Christiana Fredriks Entertainment & Media Read More The Amazing Kayla Santo By John McCarthy Sports Read More The History of the Iceberg A68A By Cody Sung Science & Technology Read More The Sasquatch: Fact or Fake? By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More What is Being Done About Mental Health at VSN? By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Editorial Read More Ask Ala: Valentine's Day By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Claudette Colvin, the Girl Who Made History Before Rosa Parks By Shinedip Kundlas Feature Read More Don't act, just be. By Alain Deen Feature Read More Effects of Videogames By Rachel Ezeadichie Science & Technology Read More Just Dance! By Ismaela Andre Entertainment & Media Read More NASA Artemis: We Are Going By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Painting Seashells By Carolina Figueroa Art & Culture Read More Reflections on I, Too By Sasha Smalls Art & Culture Read More Story Behind the Shot 03 By Eva Grace Martinez Entertainment & Media Read More The Excitement of Twitch Channel Point Predictions By Garrick Neuner Entertainment & Media Read More The Obesity of Squirrels By Manal Layachi Feature Read More Valentines’ Sweets By Christina Ossa Feature Read More BLACK AMERICAN ARTISTS LOAD MORE

POLARIS The Creative Student Literary Magazine POLARIS, VSN's Literary Magazine, and NORTH STAR, North's Student News Magazine, serve distinct purposes within the educational community. POLARIS is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the creative talents of the school's students, primarily focusing on literature and art. It provides a platform for students to express themselves through poetry, short stories, and artwork, fostering a sense of artistic community. On the other hand, NORTH STAR serves as the school's online student newspaper, aiming to inform the student body about school events, news, and achievements, also features and opinion pieces all written by students. Both publications are important, and our publications club sets out to ensure a well-rounded representation of the school's culture and a vehicle for our students' voices. Student Originals For what is fear, if fear cannot kill? Jasmine Roberts Read More December 22, 2025 Autumn Sees Leola Garcia Read More December 22, 2025 I Want to Knit Jasmine Roberts Read More July 5, 2025 A Story of Good and Bad Leah Ally Read More December 22, 2025 Strawberry Matcha Boba Tea Shea Flanelly Read More December 22, 2025 Goodbye Leah Ally Read More July 5, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ... 25 Featured Artist: Madison Thomas Submit Written Media Upload your original music to be featured in the next Polaris issue! Musical Media Upload your original media to be featured in the next Polaris issue! Visual Media Polaris Pod: coming soon... BACK TO ALL ARTICLES BACK TO SECTIONS

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 7 April 22, 2021 "KUIPER BELT" ARTICLES "Ghost" Artist Statement By Alena Moreira Polaris Read More Ask Ala: Maintaining Friendships By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Chemtrails Over the Country Club: Album Review By Lucy Wu Entertainment & Media Read More Goodbye Covid, the End is Near By Manal Layachi Polaris Read More Life By Joshua Lopez Polaris Read More No Swimming By Eva Grace Martinez Polaris Read More Protect Asian Lives: An Ode to Asian Culture By Christina Ossa Editorial Read More Skating at Newbridge Arena (Or: How to Fall Until it Stops Hurting) By Eva Grace Martinez Feature Read More The Banana: Everything You Need to Know By Cody Sung Science & Technology Read More The Foundation of My Tree By Arielle St.Amand Polaris Read More Traditions By Navrosedip Kundlas Polaris Read More Why Calming Music Can Heal Your Soul By Isabella Menjivar Entertainment & Media Read More As More Republicans Announce, Should Governor Cuomo be Worried in 2022? By Logan Balsan News Read More Break Dancing to Become Olympic Sport for the First Time in 2024 By Carolina Grace Figueroa Sports Read More First Song Recommendations of the Issue By Logan Balsan Entertainment & Media Read More Ingenuity: An Engineering Marvel By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Mexican Femicide By Pratiksha Kaur News Read More Numbers By Alain Deen Editorial Read More Senior Day By Olivia Neuner Feature Read More Spartan Athletes: Melissa Innocent By Shinedip Kundlas Feature Read More The Evolution of Growing Up By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Polaris Read More The Sasquatch: Fact oar Fake? – Homophone Edition By Alena Moreira and Lucy Wu Feature Read More Two Roads By Ella Cason Polaris Read More Without Her Face By Nora Chery Polaris Read More "LIGHTS ON FOR EDUCATION" LOAD MORE

Congratulations to Rachel Ezeadichie for being invited to Valley Stream's Poetry Out Loud! BACK TO ALL ARTICLES BACK TO SECTIONS FEATURE Welcoming Mr. Bracco! Mikayla Aziz Read More December 22, 2025 Enjoy the Silence Jasmine Roberts Read More December 22, 2025 Senior Send-Off Leah Ally Read More July 5, 2025 The Return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Ava Augello Read More December 22, 2025 A Drive into the Archive of New York’s License Plates Akilan Subramaniyan Read More December 22, 2025 The Ice Bucket Challenge: Does it help the Mental Health Cause? Mya Hans Read More July 5, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ... 28

NORTH STAR SENIORS VOLUME 2 CLASS OF 2022 Senior Appreciation Article: 2022 By Shinedip Kundlas, Christina Ossa, Matteo Somma, Elyas Layachi, and Everton Prospere June 13, 2022 Read More To give our senior editors a little "Senior Surprise," we clipped bits of our messages throughout the year and collected their memorable quotes and sayings. We wanted to show our appreciation for their integral role in reinvigorating North Star and making our club close-knit and fun! North Star would not be this beautiful or successful without all of your hard work and dedication, so thank you for a wonderful first year and we wish you the best in your future! Click on "read more" to view their writing, artwork, and quotes VOLUME 1 CLASS OF 2021

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 October 8, 2021 "EXOMOON" ARTICLES A Recommendation of Brahms: Op. 39, Sixteen Waltzes By William Mullin Entertainment & Media Read More Border Crisis: The Reasons Behind the Surge By Everton Prospere Editorial Read More Cool Creatures Episode 1: Water Bears By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More First Day of School Traditions Around the World By Carolina Grace Figueroa Art & Culture Read More Hispanic Heritage Month By Disha Bhalla Art & Culture Read More Inspiration 4: A New Precedent for Space Exploration By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Meet VSN’s New Principal: Dr. Robin Small By Craig Papajohn-Shaw News Read More NCOD By Eva Grace Martinez News Read More Signs for Wellness By Aleeza Dhillon News Read More The Monsters in Us By Saniyah Corbin Polaris Read More Welcome Back: A Short Guide to the Beginning of the Year at North By Ala Paruch Advice Read More “Once On This Island” is coming soon! By Rachel Ezeadichie News Read More A Tribute to Selena By Christina Ossa Feature Read More Celebrating Lin-Manuel Miranda By Alicja Paruch Feature Read More Deltarune: A Game Review By Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More Flower Lady; A Sky Children of the Light Shore By Catherine Duong Polaris Read More In the Heights: A Tale of Love, Culture, and Hair By Lucy Wu Art & Culture Read More Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Cultural Identity Done Right By Alain Deen Entertainment & Media Read More Mixed Feelings Regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine By Ismaela Andre Editorial Read More One Year of India’s Farmers’ Protest By Shinedip Kundlas News Read More The Golden Tragedy By Catherine Duong Polaris Read More The Removal of the Minute Bell By Cody Sung News Read More Without Her Face 2 By Nora Chery Polaris Read More CONTEMPLATION LOAD MORE

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4 January 20, 2021 "SIRIUS'S SCINTILLATION" ARTICLES 25th Amendment vs. Impeachment By Matteo Somma News Read More A Lack of Representation By Alain Deen Entertainment & Media Read More Ask Ala: Friends By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Ask Ala: Sports & Clubs By Ala Paruch Advice Read More EA's FIFA By Habib Rattani Entertainment & Media Read More Former New York Governor George Pataki Should Contest Incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2022 By Logan Balsan Editorial Read More Fun Winter Snow Activities By Carolina Figueroa Feature Read More In a Brown Study By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Polaris Read More LIVE Inauguration Updates By Craig Papajohn-Shaw and Logan Balsan News Read More Little Women Discuss “Little Women” By Simar Thind, Sasha Smalls, and Kamille Shrestha Entertainment & Media Read More NFL Playoff Predictions By John McCarthy Sports Read More School Times By Augustine Magapan Editorial Read More Snow: The White, Fluffy Killer By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More Sweet Treats for Cold and Cozy Nights By Christina Ossa Feature Read More The Fashion Industry By Ava Sloane Art & Culture Read More The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 By Manal Layachi Entertainment & Media Read More The Quality of Family Time By Manal Layachi Feature Read More Why Was This Song Nicknamed the Anthem of 2020 By Isabella Menjivar Entertainment & Media Read More A Frightening Welcome to the 117th Congress: Impeachment 2.0 By Craig Papajohn-Shaw News Read More A Party Divide That Can Destroy America By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Editorial Read More Ask Ala: Other Questions By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Black Lives Matter: Effects of Social Movement on Social Media By Nehilah Grand-Pierre Feature Read More En Garde! By John McCarthy Sports Read More Forward By Varshanie Naitram Polaris Read More Implications of Capitol Hill Attack By Simar Thind Editorial Read More Indian Farmers Protest By Shinedip Kundlas News Read More Life of a Teenager By Moanna Thelusca Feature Read More Morning Roast By Erin St. Angelo Polaris Read More Presidential Libraries By Cody Sung Feature Read More Show The Cameras What They Want By Nora Chery Polaris Read More Story Behind the Shot 02 By Olivia Neuner Entertainment & Media Read More The Comeback of Winter Track and Field By Joseph Garofalo Sports Read More The Great Conjunction: A Historic Phenomenon By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More The Kennedys Have Just Lost Their Winning Streak By Logan Balsan News Read More The Vice President's House By Cody Sung Feature Read More Winners and Losers – An Overview of Double Elimination Brackets By Garrick Neuner Sports Read More FACE VALUE LOAD MORE

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Zohran Mamdani: Stepping up Socialism Breeana Bernabe Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images As the New York City mayoral election drew closer, candidate Zohran Mamdani continued to garner increasing attention. Mamdani, the official nominee of the Democratic Party, has made waves nationwide as he seeks to implement socialist policies in a city that thrives on capitalism. In a country where socialism is negatively associated with communism, it is a surprise that Mamdani's candidacy has been widely embraced by New Yorkers. But what has driven Mamdani to gain his leading position in general election polls, and actually win, and how is his candidacy important on a national scale? Mamdani’s political campaign was heavily based on advocating for the everyday, middle-class individual, a premise that heavily resonates with New York City residents who struggle with affordability. Socialism is a concept that is often viewed or discussed with disdain due to its association with communism; but what sets Mamdani apart from other mayoral candidates was his promise to serve the people through bringing government driven projects to improve the everyday lives of New Yorkers. The key aspects of Zohran for New York City are to implement fare-free transportation, lower grocery prices, freeze rent, and establish a Department of Community Safety, all of which are policies rooted in socialist principles. For example, in order to lower grocery prices, Mamdani and his team plan to create "city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping prices low, not making a profit," in which these groceries, "without having to pay rent or property taxes, will reduce overhead and pass on savings to shoppers" (Zohran for NYC). Rather than having multiple corporations compete for demand and survival through passing prices onto consumers, Mamdani believes that city-owned grocery stores will help bring affordability to the everyday person. Another promising aspect of the political campaign is fare-free transportation. However, this will be difficult to accomplish because the MTA is not city-owned but a product of the state (Metropolitan Transport Authority). This means that to deliver this promise, Mamdani will require approval from the state, not just city officials. Nevertheless, the premise of fare-free transportation is to source funding from government collected tax rather than taking the MTA. Other proposals such as freezing rent and creating a new Department of Community Safety will also place the burden of affordability on the city rather than middle-class residents.  All these proposals seem enticing on the surface, but how will Mamdani draw in funding to bring these promises to reality? The answer is to raise taxes on corporations to 11.5%, and to the wealthy 1% of New York City residents with a flat 2% tax, bringing billions of dollars to fund city projects (Zohran for NYC). These taxes have become incredibly controversial among the elite, to the point where billionaires have donated millions of dollars in opposition to Mamdani's campaign. According to Forbes , Ackman has indeed put $1.75 million into political groups spending against Mamdani," and "26 [other] billionaires and members of billion-dollar families from around the country have sunk at least $100,000 each into supporting Cuomo" (Khan-Mullins). To the elite, socialism poses a threat that will confiscate a huge portion of their wealth – a value unfathomable to the everyday worker. Mamdani's campaign places emphasis on making the city more accessible to middle and lower-income households. The aggression between Mamdani’s campaign and the elite ultimately creates a battle between the people and the wealthy. Overall, socialism in a city like New York is unheard of because the city itself thrives on competition among businesses to create a lively economic scene. New York City hosts "a population of around 8.3 million that is ethnically and culturally diverse" and "its economy is the largest in New York State and among the largest in the world," (New York City – Federal Reserve Bank). This made Mamdani's candidacy incredibly important on a national scale because as a member of the Democratic Party, he continues to make headlines by pushing for what are considered Leftist policies. Therefore, Zohran's stepping up as a socialist candidate in affluent New York City is relevant throughout the country, as his campaign poses a step toward the increasing acceptance of socialist policies and ideology nationwide. Sources "Zohran for NYC." Zohran for NYC , www.zohranfornyc.com . “Metropolitan Transportation Authority.”  Budget New York , www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy24/ex/agencies/appropdata/MetropolitanTransportationAuthority.html . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Khan-Mullins, Kyle. "Anyone but Mamdani: These Billionaires Are Spending Big to Stop Him from Becoming NYC's Mayor." Forbes , 24 Oct. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/kylemullins/2025/10/24/anyone-but-mamdani-these-billionaires-are-spending-big-to-stop-him-from-becoming-nycs-mayor New York City - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK . www.newyorkfed.org/regional-economy/profiles/newyorkcity BACK TO TOP

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 November 2, 2022 ARTICLES The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa The Destructive Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa Akilan Subramaniyan Read More PORTFOLIO LOAD MORE

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 December 16, 2020 "THE GREAT CONJUNCTION" ARTICLES A Million-Dollar Healthcare Anomaly: The Hidden Costs of Rugby Injuries By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Sports Read More Beads for Water Event By Kashmiraa Pandit and Lucy Wu Feature Read More Click Click By Zoie James Polaris Read More DeBlame is on De Blasio By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Editorial Read More Family Problems By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Holiday Baking By Carolina Figueroa Feature Read More How Accurate is Wikipedia? By Cody Sung Feature Read More Join the Class of 2023 Grade Council By Samantha Altieri Feature Read More Life is a contest By Nora Chery Polaris Read More My Mother's Daughter By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Polaris Read More Perspective By Isabella Somma Art & Culture Read More Quarantine Feelings By Cody Sung Polaris Read More Should sports go on? By Ismaela Andre Sports Read More The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Records Broken By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More The Benefits of Reading and how phones are harmful By Manal Layachi Editorial Read More The Offseason By John McCarthy Sports Read More The Price of Wealth By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Editorial Read More The Reasons Behind Fans By Isabella Menjivar Entertainment & Media Read More Artistic Perspective By Olivia Muscatelli Art & Culture Read More Christmas By Christiana Fredriks Feature Read More College Advice from a Senior By Shubhdip Kundlas Advice Read More Different Views of Art By Rachel Ezeadichie Art & Culture Read More Fresh Pumpkin Pie vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie: Is it Worth the Time? By Christina Ossa Feature Read More Home for the Holidays By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Feature Read More James Webb – A Technological Precedent By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Lessons Learned in the Pool By Angelina Somma Sports Read More Montgomery Ricky by Ricky Montgomery By Eva Grace Martinez Entertainment & Media Read More Now That the 2020 Presidential Election is Over, What Comes Next For Us? By Logan Balsan News Read More Pre-season in the New Normal By Joseph Garofalo Sports Read More Should schools remain open after Winter Break? By Shinedip Kundlas Editorial Read More Story Behind the Shot 01 By Garrick Neuner Entertainment & Media Read More The Artist Perspective By Nehilah Grand-Pierre Art & Culture Read More The Future of the Supreme Court By Craig Papajohn-Shaw News Read More The Postponement of the 2020 Olympics By Rayan Bhatti Sports Read More The Quarantine By Masooma Zaidi Polaris Read More PERSEPCTIVE LOAD MORE