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Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

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Back to Articles News Back to Sections Carnegie Hall North Star Editorial Staff Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Valley Stream Central High School District Photographers Valley Stream Central High School District Music Festival Goes to Carnegie Hall For the first time in Valley Stream Central High School District Music Festival history, ensembles had the chance to perform at the internationally renowned Carnegie Hall. In the past, the festival was typically held in the Bert Keller Auditorium at Central High School; however, through the organization of Adam Erdos and our Music Department teachers, the District was able to acquire a spot at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, the festival is traditionally composed of Orchestra, Band, and Chorus ensembles, but this year Central’s performing arts groups joined the festival. As the opportunity to perform at such an acclaimed concert hall arose, many students took to auditioning for the Orchestra, Band, and Chorus ensembles. As a result, the district had one of its biggest groups in years. After auditions, several rehearsals occurred for each ensemble, intended to truly perfect and sharpen each song and performance. After months of hard work, dedication, preparation, “practice, practice, and practice” the performance finally took place this past spring. Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the United States, let alone the world. According to the official Carnegie Hall website, the venue was founded in 1891 by Carnegie Steel businessman, Andrew Carnegie. Additionally, the venue possesses incredible acoustics thanks to architect and cellist, William Burnet Tuthill. While the Hall was a success with musicians, comedians, authors, and many more notable figures, it deteriorated in the late 1950s. Then, it was slated for demotion, but luckily the City of New York bought the Hall after major protests from musicians, most notably, violinist Issac Stern. In the years after, it was honored with a National Historic Landmark and received many renovations throughout the years. Notable musicians who have graced the stages of Carnegie include Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Judy Garland, and The Beatles. Now Valley Stream Central students join that unbelievably distinguished list. The orchestra performed four songs. Their first song was Overture to Il Signor Bruschino , originally composed by Gioachino Rossini, and conducted by Tara Zamarano. The Overture was a perfect start to the concert as it begins with a loud start but surprises the audience with quieter notes moments later. After, the orchestra played Mambo from the hit musical, West Side Story. Victoria Alaimo conducted this fast-paced and percussion-heavy piece, a direct contrast to Overture to Il Signor Bruschino. Thirdly, the orchestra played Orion and the Scorpion, composed by Soon Hee Newbold and conducted by North’s very own Mrs. Rebecca Hayden. This is a dramatic and ever-changing piece as it follows the Greek mythology hero, Orion, in his battle with the Scorpion. Finally, the orchestra performed Sing, Sing, Sing, originally performed by Louis Prima and conducted by Elizabeth Klamkin. It may have been the District Orchestra’s first time playing the piece in the halls of Carnegie; however, it was not the first time the piece was played at Carnegie. The song was performed by Benny Goodman at his 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, so District Orchestra students now share that with the famed jazz musician. Although it was not some students’ first time going to Carnegie Hall, many still had fun performing in the District Orchestra. Plus, the acoustics of the hall are amazing because even after the orchestra stops playing, there is still a beautiful resonance of the sound. Performing in this prestigious music hall increased orchestra students' appreciation for music as it allowed them to truly appreciate the beauty of their instruments. The District Music Festival Band performed selections including, Washington Post March by John Philip Sousa, Salvation by Robert W. Smith, They Solemnly Served by Rossano Galante, Burn by Roland Barrett, and Pop and Rock Legends: Stevie Wonder by Stevie Wonder. Each piece was conducted by band teachers from all four schools. While taking part in the band, the performers were encapsulated by the sounds of many talented musicians surrounding them. Carnegie Hall itself added to the performance, enhancing the group's music, making it sound heavenly to the ear. The band’s performance began with Washington Post March ; as noted in its name, the piece was a march consisting of contrasting dynamics and staccato notes. The tone of the performance transformed as the second piece, Salvation , was performed. Salvation , highlighted with repeated themes and tempo changes, differed from the opening piece of the show, Washington Post March . The third piece, They Solemnly Served , was highlighted with its inspiring, emotional, and powerful tone as it honored the country’s veterans. With its dynamics, solos within the trumpet and flute section, and runs in the high woodwinds, They Solemnly Served created a powerful, yet emotional piece that the audience could experience. Burn , the fourth piece contrasted significantly with the prior pieces performed as it was loud and bold. The piece was composed of runs in the high woodwinds and distinct dynamics such as crescendos and sforzando pianos. The fifth and final piece, Pop, and Rock Legends: Stevie Wonder , was the hit of the night as it consisted of Stevie Wonder’s biggest hits; this included parts of Sir Duke , Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing , Superstition , and Isn’t She Lovely . As the District Music Festival band performed their final piece, players could hear the audience clapping along to the songs and enjoying the piece’s entirety. Valley Stream Central High School’s Performing Arts Program staged a series of performances incorporating acting, musical theater, and dance into the program. The first group was Ms. Kristin Martine’s Day 2 Dance Concentration performing a dance to the song Pie Jesu, a piece originally composed by famed Broadway Composer Andrew Lloyd Weber. After, the Musical Theater Concentration performed Show People from Curtains. Then, Ms. Kristin Martine’s Day 1 Dance Concentration danced to Waves by Dean Lewis. Additionally, the Musical Theater Concentration performed Why We Tell the Story from the musical, Once On This Island . Afterward, the Acting Concentration executed Seven Ages of Men based on William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Following the Acting Concentration, Kristin Martine’s Day 1 Dance Concentration danced to No Roots. Subsequently, the Musical Theater Concentration performed A New World from Songs for a New World. Lastly, the Performing Arts Program closed its performance with Ms. Kristin’s Martine’s Day 2 Dance Concentration’s Walking on Sunshine. The variety of Central’s Performing Arts Program gave a different feeling at the festival compared to previous years; however, it was very much welcomed. The District Music Festival Chorus performed six separate pieces for their portion of the program. They opened with Debra Schneider conducting Hallelujah from Christ on the Mount of Olives , a classical piece originally composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven. This was an excellent opening piece as Hallelujah allowed for all vocal parts to demonstrate their vocal and dynamic range. For their second piece, the chorus performed The Ground , originally composed by Ola Gjeilo, and conducted by South’s Mr. Kyle Hayden. In this piece, the chorus demonstrated their ability to be soft and sensitive whilst building suspense through strategic crescendos. Following The Ground, Central’s Mrs. Amy Neuner conducted The Storm is Passing Over, originally by Charles Albert Tindley, with Matthew Podd on piano. This piece engaged the audience as they clapped along with the chorus. Afterward, the chorus took a different approach to their fourth song as Earth Song , originally composed by Frank Ticheli and conducted by North’s own Mr. Adam Thorn, was their sole acapella piece. This was due to Thorn being the piano accompanist for every song besides The Storm is Passing Over and Earth Song . The acapella nature of the song allowed for solely the sound of the chorus’ voices to reverberate in the auditorium, creating a heavenly feel. Succeeding Earth Song was Route 66 , a piece originally composed by Bobby Troup and conducted by Helen Kontoleon. Route 66 allowed for the chorus to get jazzy as the swing melody facilitated a relaxed mood. Finally, the chorus performed Defying Gravity from the famed Broadway Musical, Wicked. Rita DiFano conducted the chorus in their final piece. The exciting and hopeful nature of the showtune left the audience feeling content and amazed. In addition to the several ensemble and performing arts performances, an annual activity at the District Music Festival is the presentation of scholarships to three selected student musicians from each high school. This year, scholarship recipients were Layla Rutledge, from North High School, Tinatin Narimanidze, from Central High School, and Christian Crawford, from South High School. North Star congratulates these accomplished musicians on these tremendous achievements! North High School music teachers were asked to comment on the Carnegie Hall Experience. “It was an amazing experience for me. Certainly, one of the highest points of my entire career as a teacher and a musician. You can't match the feeling of playing piano and conducting at one of the most prestigious and historically significant concert venues in the world. We shared the same stage as Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and the Beatles. When you're there, that's history that you can almost feel surrounding you. I'm so proud to have performed there with our talented students.” – Mr. Thorn “All of the students involved in the Carnegie Hall concert put on an outstanding and memorable performance. From their hard work learning the audition excerpts to spending extra time at rehearsals, to using their musical talents on a world-renowned stage, they have much to be proud of. Our Valley Stream students are masters of their art and acted as true professionals both off and on the stage. I am very proud of all our musicians and hope that this is an experience they will reflect on throughout their lives. Bravo! Brava!” -Mrs. Schneider “Although there are many words to describe the feeling of being on stage at Carnegie Hall, the one I keep coming back to is: electric. The students, the hall, the audience, the music - all of it contributed to such a high-energy performance.” – Ms. Ansbacher We also reached out to North High musicians to comment on their experiences playing at Carnegie Hall. “I found the concert hall we were playing in to not only sound good but to look great as well! I know it's a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but I liked how the engravings in the hall looked from the stage. It was also fun watching the rest of the night’s performances from so high up, but I have a fear of heights, so it was a bit nerve-wracking at times!” – Cody Sung, VSN Class of ‘24 “I still can’t believe we played at Carnegie Hall. It’s something that many people wish for, so knowing we got to play there still feels surreal. I mean, I love playing in the North Cafetorium, but the acoustics inside Carnegie Hall are completely different from what I’m used to. It gave me goosebumps just to be on that stage. Oh, actually, the auditorium is beautiful. Like acoustics aside, if you told me to just stand there and look at the design of the auditorium, I could probably stay there for a few hours. Anyways, thank you so much to the North Music Department, they were so dedicated to this experience.” - Elaine Ching, VSN Class of ‘25 “Although this was not my first time going to Carnegie Hall, as I performed in the hall with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, I had a lot of fun performing in the orchestra. The acoustics of the hall are amazing because when you stop playing, you can hear the beautiful echo and resonation of the sound. Performing at prestigious music halls increases my appreciation for music and being a part of an ensemble. It was an honor performing at Carnegie as many famous individuals such as Dvořák  and Tchaikovsky performed in the exact space that we did. I will never forget this incredible experience and I cannot wait for District next year!” - Manal Layachi, VSN Class of ‘25 Of course, this amazing event would not have been possible without the extremely talented and supportive teachers who contributed countless hours of hard work and dedication that led to an unforgettable performance. While all teachers and administrators involved were essential to the success of the event, the North Star editors would like to acknowledge the efforts of the North High School Music Department. Firstly, thank you all for the long hours of practice, preparation, organization, and pedagogy that went into this performance. Secondly, thank you for assuring students’ safety regarding traveling between Carnegie Hall and North High School as well as their safety inside the building. This event would not have been successful without your constant guidance and diligence. Sources: https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/A-Short-History https://www.swingcityradio.com/2020/07/history-of-song-sing-sing-sing.html BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview With Football Managers Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Rehmat Kaur with Rehmat Kaur, Paul Amato, Marcia Salinas, Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson and Thomas Vendome, (not pictured: Sophia Song) I had the opportunity to interview the managers of our varsity football team. Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson, Marcia Salinas, Thomas Vendome, and Paul Amato are among the managers. They were highly intriguing individuals, and it was amazing to learn more about their experiences. They wanted to be managers so that they could participate in more school events, which would keep them engaged. “My brother was a manager before me; he did it for four years, so I followed the way” Thomas Vendome shared. Most of them are in their first year, but Thomas has been a manager since eighth grade. The most difficult aspect of being a manager is understanding everything. “I’m still learning to this day,” said Marcia Salinas. There is always more that can be done and learned to contribute and have a positive impact. Their greatest skill as sports managers is their incredible relationships with the other managers. They are the best choices for this position since they are eager to learn and contribute in any way they can. They assist in bringing out the water, putting equipment away, and doing anything the coaches ask of them to provide or support the team. In addition to loading the jugs, bottles, and carts into the buses for away games, “I help with the sound like music during the games, and I set up headsets for the coaches” Vendome said. Through their experiences, they learn more about football and the effort that goes into winning games to improve their sports management abilities. According to our managers, outstanding leaders can guide where and what everyone needs to do. Their relationships with the coaches, players, and other managers are good, as they all work together to build a talented team. “We’re friends outside of being managers, so it’s even better” Salinas added. They deal with negative environments when the team loses by not mentioning the loss: “We would not want to think more negatively than what has already happened. All that is possible is to keep your head up and continue” she said. According to the managers, the trips are fun. There are always two buses, and they can usually pick which one to go on and whom to sit with. There is no risk in becoming a manager, but it’s definitely a commitment. They must be committed to showing up to delayed games, going to every practice, and especially being on time. “You really should not be doing any other clubs or sports while being a manager. (Not saying do not do more for the year but wait till the season is over!)” Salinas advised. Managers do not help with any medical injuries when a player gets hurt. As managers, they do not have first-aid kits. The great athletic trainer, Jen, brings all the safety equipment in case of any injury. They definitely recommend being a manager. “It opens room for more relationships to form and helps students be more sociable. All grades are welcome!” Salinas said. According to the managers, there are no other requirements besides handing in your physical to participate. Someone looking for a manager position can always chat Mr. Paolillo on Teams. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Next Level Electives Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by The Guardian New School Year, New Electives Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Journalism, Intro to Film, and Theater are some of the many English electives offered here at North. What if students had the opportunity to take English electives that would prepare them for their English studies outside of the English classrooms here at North? For the 2024-2025 school year, the English department proposes five English electives, three that will provide North students with the opportunity to earn college credit from either Molloy College or Stonybrook University. How does will these new opportunities impact students’ future studies of English at the college level? Are they worth taking? Students should definitely consider taking these new English electives as they will encourage students to expand their horizons and delve into multicultural literature, essay writing, film, creative writing, and theater at a college level, while earning college credits before ever leaving high school. Why Take Electives to Begin With? As we go through our years here at North, our schedules become fuller, and the workload becomes heavier; it’s easy to set aside our passions to focus on core curriculum classes. Although most electives don’t have any weight to your GPA, they do carry some weight apart from your transcript. By taking electives you can “identify and develop new skills that will make you a valuable addition to any workplace” (College Raptor, 2023). Electives can essentially help you learn more about yourself and your interests. You may discover a new passion while taking an elective, and discover it as something you may want to pursue a future career in. Apart from opening yourself up to new experiences, electives provide you with the power to control what you learn about and help foster an intrinsic motivation to explore different topics (Marzano 2023). Choosing an elective because you are passionate about it or because you want to try something new may feel like a breath of fresh air in a day packed with more traditionally structured classes. It’s a common belief amongst many highschoolers that your schedule must be packed with as many AP classes as possible, but it's time to consider that electives have a different type of importance; they may lead to the discovery to new passions, help balance your schedule and motivate you to learn. College Theater and Film: Behind the Curtain and Behind the scenes Theater and Intro to Film are electives currently offered at North; however, College theater and Film will be offered in cooperation with Stony Brook University. College theater will provide students with the opportunity to play all the roles in theater; students can play the role of an actor, director, and playwright. College Theater may be the perfect elective for those that participate in the VSN Drama Club productions regularly, but it may be equally suitable for someone who’s never stepped foot on a stage. Electives are your chance to step out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight. You may find yourself surprised by what theater can do for your public speaking and performing skills. Giving up your seat in the audience to learn about the backstage goings on of theater may prove to be an enlightening experience you wouldn’t have lived otherwise. I’ll also encourage you, whether you are a film buff or not, to move from in front of your screen to behind the scenes with the college level Intro to Film elective. In this half-year elective, you will learn the various components of film, from directing techniques to the social impact of film. Taking a walk-through time as you explore the different film styles from eras will expose you to the unique perspectives of accredited film makers and deepen your appreciation for the countless themes that those behind the cameras portray. For three college credits, Stony Brook welcomes you to take a walk behind the curtain and behind the scenes. College Creative Writing: Learning the Craft and How to Draft In cooperation with Molloy College for three college credits, our English department here at North offers a college creative writing class taught in a workshop approach. For those, like me, who took Creative Writing in the past, this course offers the chance to delve deeper into the writing process touched upon in Creative Writing. For aspiring poets, or those who can appreciate strong creative writing pieces, this elective will help you master the craft of imagery, creating dialogue and analyzing the many wonders of literature. You may want to consider taking this elective as a break from the typical non-fiction pieces that take up your class periods throughout the day and focus on something a little more personally realistic, like the deep ideas conveyed through creative writing. Finding Your Voice in Literature and English College Prep: Multicultural and Multifaceted Our Valley Stream North English Department encourages you to ‘’expand your horizons’’ and immerse yourself in ‘’diverse literary landscapes’’ with the new elective, Finding Your Voice in Literature. As we’re taught in Social Studies classes we live in a globalized society, meaning we should acknowledge and try to understand the different perspectives of the world around us. Exposing yourself to multicultural literature will enable you to hear the powerful voices of people around the world through silent letters of a page. Our English Department teachers remind us of the danger of having a single story, a reminder of what author Chimamanda Adichie talks about during her TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story. You may want to think about welcoming multi-cultural literature into your world, not just in preparation for college, but for your own edification. On the topic of voices through writing, the English College Prep elective helps you learn to distinguish your voice from the thousands of other applicants through your college essay, a personal narrative. Your college essay gives you the freedom to show admissions officers who you really are, so I’d say it is worth your while if you're looking to wow the admissions officers. We all know by now that the college application process is multi-faceted and requires more than just a college essay; resumes can be equally as important. This elective will help you create a resume that will shine a light on your passions and the skills you have to offer, so that you can stand out. The transition from high school to college is far from easy, but you may decide to try this elective to help smooth your transition and make the multi-step application process seem less daunting. Will you consider giving these electives a try? If so, what will you choose? Will you explore what goes on backstage or behind the camera? Or will let your imagination wild with creative writing? Maybe you’ll learn to make your voice stand out. Whichever electives you choose to check off when Guidance comes around, you’ll surely be able to get an idea of the exciting college elective experience. Sources: College Raptor Staff. “Why Students Should Take College Electives - College Raptor.” College Raptor Blog , 23 Oct. 2023, www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/questions-answers/take-electives-electives-important/ . Marzano, Robert. “The Highly Engaged Classroom, Tips.” The Highly Engaged Classroom, Tips , www.marzanoresources.com/resources/tips/hec_tips_archive/ . Accessed 7 Dec. 2023. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections North's Annual Club Fair Wardah Khizer Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 On September 16 th , 2025, Valley Stream North High School held its annual Club Fair, an event that gives students, especially the seventh graders, the opportunity to discover a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities the school has to offer. A wide variety of clubs attended, with poster boards and flyers in hand to gather participation for the new school year. Members from each club were present to answer questions and share their club’s goals. There were around 200 students in attendance, with many signing up to try new activities and get involved in school life. There was an energetic atmosphere with students moving from table to table, curious about extracurriculars and excited to make the school community a welcoming space. North High School prides itself on its diverse activities, as the school offers something for every student. For those interested in making decisions for the school as student leaders, there are options like grade and student councils. Creative students can express themselves through Art Club, Spartan Update, Polaris , and North Star. Those seeking community will find a welcoming space in Culture Society, Black Student Union, The Alliance, and the recently founded, Muslim Student Association. Students who are enthusiastic about service and giving back have options such as Students Taking on Problems (S.T.O.P.) Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D) Club, Key Club, Ecology Club, National Honor Society, and a multitude of subject honor societies dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. Many clubs called the Club Fair a success. For example, the North Star student news and literary magazine welcomed new writers to contribute articles and share their student voices. Students can share their opinions through editorials, write about school news, give movie and book reviews, and much more. The Muslim Student Association recruited members to participate in events and activities such as Charity Week, where they raise money to build shelters and provide Islamic relief to impoverished countries, henna workshops, and the annual Eid al-Fitr celebration at the end of Ramadan. The S.A.D.D. Club has new participants for Anti-Bullying Week, Traffic Safety Week, P.S. I Love You Day, and muffin sales for the school faculty. The S.T.O.P. Club gathered volunteers to participate in school volunteer activities, such as the plant sale, bake sales, Ronald McDonald House, and Bethany House. This event continues to have a lasting impact on students. “The Club Fair is successful every year and should continue as an annual event,” said 12th grader Mariam Balde. “My first year at this school, I was not aware of the clubs and activities I could participate in, but at the Club Fair, I learned about the S.T.O.P. Club and its goals as a service organization. This is now my fifth year as a member, and I have participated in many activities such as cooking breakfast at Ronald McDonald House, serving breakfast at Bethany House, Adopt-a-Family, and making cards for veterans and the elderly!” The annual Club Fair not only introduces students to the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities at North High School but also fosters school spirit.It ’s never too late to join a club! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections To Mask or Not To Mask By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Deseret News Update 03/01/2022: On Sunday, February 27th, Governor Hochul announced she would lift the mandatory mask mandate across schools in New York State; school districts can decide whether to continue the mandate. On Tuesday, March 1st, the Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education voted unanimously to opt for a mask optional plan. Acting Superintendent Loper has amended the masking policy within his " District Reopening Plan ." Starting Wednesday, March 2nd, masks will no longer be mandated for students or staff within the district; Dr. Loper noted that the decision will now rest with each family and student. -------- In his first few weeks in office, newly elected Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-NY) already found himself embroiled in a dispute with Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY). One of Blakeman's pledges during his campaign is that he would manage the pandemic with "economic, social and mental health consequences in mind." As promised, he signed an executive order removing the mask mandate in Nassau County schools and giving local school boards discretion to decide how to proceed with regard to mandating masking. Hochul threatened to remove county board members who voted to toss the mask requirement and cut funds to those districts; the Governor claims state law supersedes local county orders. Even with the threats made by the Governor, on January 20th, the Massapequa Union Free School District Board of Education voted to end the student and staff mask mandate; districts such as Island Trees followed suit. This is not the first time the Massapequa School District attempted to drop the mask mandate; back in October, the district filed a lawsuit challenging the mandate's legality. Massapequa's Board of Education Trustee Cher Lepre emphasizes, "it can't always just be Massapequa willing to take a stand." Hochul's current executive order on the New York schools mask mandate is in effect until February 1st, and then renewed it once again until February 28th; the order can continue to be renewed at the Governor's discretion as long as the courts don’t rule it to be unconstitutional. The Governor has implied that she would decide whether to renew the order close to the deadline of the current mandate, as she will have to evaluate the severity of the pandemic at that time. The Governor is up for election in 2022, and her decision to renew may be influenced by the fact that she will first have to survive the Democratic primary prior to the general election. As New York State (NYS) sees a drop in daily cases with projections showing positive cases will be even lower in NYS by mid-February, as well as an increase in people receiving their booster shot, there is even further doubt about whether the Governor will renew the order. The issue sparked further controversy when the Nassau County Supreme Court ruled Hochul's mask mandate unconstitutional. Prior to Former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) leaving office, the New York Legislature terminated his "emergency powers," which gave the authority to the Governor's office to institute a mask mandate. When Governor Hochul took office, she renewed the order of a mask mandate without having those powers granted by the legislature. At least 25 districts opted for a mask-optional policy on January 25th; this was until the Department of Health filed an appeal, at which point Appellate Judge Robert Miller issued a "stay" until he can review the matter of the case at the appellate level. In Valley Stream North's Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics classes, an anonymous poll was conducted questioning students: "Do you agree with Massapequa school district's decision to NOT require masks anymore for all students?" The AP Government class consists of 12th graders; 77 students responded to the polls, where 27 of the students "approved" of Massapequa's decision, with 50 "against" the district's decision. The poll results implied 65% of students across the three sections of the course feel wearing masks should be mandated in schools. While the 77 students may not be a holistic view of how all students (or staff members) feel in the building, it indicates Massapequa's decision does concern the students at North. In response to the poll results, a senior in one of the sections of the class voiced, "Personally, I agree with the majority of students on this issue. Our school has a large number of students, and while some of my classes have approximately 15 students, some have approximately 30. Continued mask-wearing allows me to feel safe interacting with so many different people on a daily basis." At the time of publication, The Valley Stream Central High School District had not indicated the desire to lift the mask mandate. In the event that the Governor does not renew the state mandate during the current school year, the Board of Education will have to vote on the matter, at which time they will have to consider many factors, including the safety of staff and students. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Quarantine Feelings By Cody Sung Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by Getty Images In this quarantine I have so many emotions One for boredom One for tiredness One for sadness. I am like a cake mix All the ingredients Of emotions Are mixed into me And then baked In the oven Of social distancing. But yet still I see hope Up ahead Down the road Of quarantine. Our actions are right Our feelings are just And We have hope inside As we know We are defeating a beast. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections 2021 MLB Preview By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 No Image available at this time Spring training for major league clubs ends in a little over a week. Opening Day is April 1, when the games start to count. Many teams have made substantial roster moves that bring excitement to their teams. Opening Day is a day for high hopes and celebrating that baseball is back! So, how did teams shake up their rosters and what can we expect this year? Let's look through each team and how they stack up this year along with my predictions for the 2021 regular season. AL EAST Baltimore Orioles: Last Year (25 - 35) , This Year Predicted (59 - 103) The Orioles find themselves in a massive rebuild, where they built a strong core of young talent, but will not succeed at the major league level for a couple of years. Adley Rutschman is the Orioles’ next top prospect they hope to develop into their franchise catcher. Their last catcher prospect, Chance Sisco, has not worked out yet, having been at the MLB level for 4 years and had little production during that time. Hopefully for the Orioles, Rutschman has a better fate. If the talent wasn’t bad already, their starting third baseman Renato Nunez signed with the Tigers. This leaves Trey Mancini as their best hitter with depth level players at all other positions. It is fair to say that the pitching on this team is sub-par... very sub-par. John Means was the bright spot for the pitching staff posting below-average numbers. Boston Red Sox: Last Year (24 - 36) , This Year Predicted (75 - 87) Last year was a change of pace for the Red Sox. A very successful team in the 2010s found themselves in last place in their division. However, in the shortened season injuries plagued the Sox with pitchers Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez both losing major playing time. The Red Sox also traded away their star player Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Otherwise, the healthy Red Sox remain a solid team if J.D. Martinez can bounce back from his bad 2020 and Chris Sale can return to the dominant pitcher he was back in 2018. In a tough division, I find them falling to fourth place in the AL East as an average MLB team. New York Yankees: Last Year (33 - 27) , This Year Predicted (97 - 65) The Yankees seem to have a great team every year but haven't won a World Series since 2009. Sluggers Aaron Judge’s and Giancarlo Stanton’s big issue is staying healthy. The Yankees lost pitchers Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton, but then gained Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon. The Yankees bullpen remains dominant with anchor Aroldis Chapman, and their lineup can be scary. The Yankees re-signed superstar hitter D.J. LeMahieu, sporting the highest batting average in 2020, for 6 years. They win the AL East this year because they have an above average well-rounded squad. Tampa Bay Rays: Last Year (40 - 20) , This Year Predicted (94 - 68) Last year the Rays made the World Series led by breakout players Brandon Lowe and Randy Arozarena, and veteran pitching by Blake Snell and Charlie Morton. This year Morton and Snell are gone, a big blow to the Rays’ pitching staff. Arozarena had one of the best postseasons last October, but can he sustain his success, only a second year player? The Rays also have a great bullpen with stars Nick Anderson and Diego Castillo. Ji-Man Choi, one of the most flexible 1st baseman returns with a much bigger role with the Rays needing more offense to combat the loss of two star pitchers. The Rays will overcome their losses through great management and remain a great team, finishing a close second to the Yankees. Toronto Blue Jays: Last Year (32 - 28) , This Year Predicted (89 - 73) The Blue Jays have added so much talent in the offseason. They added CF George Springer, SS turned 2B Marcus Semien, CP Kirby Yates, and SP Steven Matz. All these players are valuable additions, especially Springer. The Blue Jays also had a solid core of young MLB talent of their own like Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays were a mediocre team the past few years, but the new additions bring attention north of the border. With all the talent the Blue Jays acquired, they need all their players to come together and perform at a high level. They improve, but not enough to make the playoffs. AL CENTRAL Chicago White Sox: Last Year (35 - 25) , This Year Predicted (92 - 70) The White Sox have an overall great roster. They have a great starting pitching trio with Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Dallas Keuchel. The dominant pitching continues in the bullpen with Aaron Bummer, Evan Marshall, and newly acquired Liam Hendricks. Hendricks is considered by many to be the best closer in the MLB and adds to an already stellar bullpen. That’s just the pitching side of things. The White Sox have the reigning AL MVP, Jose Abreu, the top AL catcher, Yasmani Grandal, and star young outfielder Eloy Jimenez. SS Tim Anderson has a big personality, but he can back it up with great contact hitting, winning the batting title in 2019. With growing talent, they bud into AL Central winners in 2021. Cleveland Indians: Last Year (35 - 25) , This Year Predicted (78 - 84) The Indians were an above-average team last year making the expanded playoffs. However, this year they lose 1B Carlos Santana and SS Francisco Lindor. They did gain promising rookie SS Andres Gimenez in the Lindor trade with the Mets. Shane Bieber comes back as one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2020. The Indians also have one of the best third basemen from last year, Jose Ramirez, runner up in MVP voting. Other than Ramirez, their lineup is lackluster this year and their bullpen is less than desirable. Past Bieber the Indians’ starters are decent with Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac rounding out their top three. The Indians are not the powerhouse they were in 2016, but they can still hold their own in the AL Central with a record slightly below .500. Detroit Tigers: Last Year (23 - 35) , This Year Predicted (60 - 102) The Tigers are a very young team with some great prospects for the future. However, they have few players that can produce at a high enough level in the majors. An interesting rookie to watch is Casey Mize, who is the Tigers’ top pitching prospect. The Tigers got a decent 3B in Renato Nunez through free agency. The Tigers bullpen does not have anyone that is reliable against any lineup. 1B Miguel Cabrera will enter the Hall of Fame one day, but when will he retire? He still bats for a high average, but doesn’t produce as much as he did when he won back-to-back MVPs in 2012 and 2013. The Tigers are in a massive rebuild and will most likely be at the bottom of their division. Kansas City Royals: Last Year (26 - 34) , This Year Predicted (73 - 89) The Royals are a typical below average team. There are exciting players, worth the price of admission, but giant holes in their lineup and rotation that leave the team performing average. The Royals acquired LF Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox in an attempt to bolster their lineup. Their main pieces are contact hitter Whit Merrifield, speedster Adalberto Mondesi, and power hitter Jorge Soler. Their real need is pitching. They don’t have a quality starting pitcher or a deep bullpen that can be relied on day in and day out. Baseball still relies on quality pitching to win games and I don’t see the Royals with adequate pitching. The Royals find themselves in 4th place in 2021. Minnesota Twins: Last Year (36 - 24) , This Year Predicted (91 - 71) The Minnesota Twins hit a record number of home runs in 2019, and the core of their team remains the same. The only major lineup change for the Twins is losing OF Eddie Rosario and gaining SS Andrelton Simmons. This is an upgrade at the shortstop position and an interesting chance for Alex Kiriloff in Left Field. He is a young prospect finally getting an everyday role to show what he can do. The already strong bullpen receives another successful arm in Alex Colome. Jorge Polanco, the Twins former SS moves to 2B, while Luis Arraez consequently takes on the utility player role, moving around defensively to give management an easier time with giving rest days. The Twins are still a solid team, but in 2021 the White Sox have a slight edge over the Twins this year. AL WEST Los Angeles Angels: Last Year (26 - 34) , This Year Predicted (81 - 81) The Angels have the best player in baseball, Mike Trout. That is a fact. Other interesting players include top third baseman Anthony Rendon and 2-way player Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is special in that he can pitch and hit at an MLB level. If he can return to the mound, the Angels get a well needed starting pitcher option. Dylan Bundy’s success has a huge impact on the success of the Angels’ pitching success. The lineup for the Angels is very top-heavy with a couple of great hitters then replacement level players rounding out the lineup. The bullpen has no players that are amazing, but should hold up against average lineups. Can the Angels finally bring Mike Trout back to the playoffs? Unfortunately, the Angels need one more decent player for their lineup and pitching staff for me to put them through to the playoffs. Oakland Athletics: Last Year (36 - 24) , This Year Predicted (95 - 67) The Athletics seem to have an average team on paper and find a way to perform really well in the regular season. Although they lost Marcus Semien to the Blue Jays, they replaced him with veteran Elvis Andrus, who may not perform as much on the field but being a leader for almost 20 years can provide a locker room presence for the club. The A’s have a two-time Platinum Glove winner in Matt Chapman at one corner infield position and Gold Glover Matt Olson at the other. The Athletics have a great defense that is also backed up by a good offense. Outfielders Mark Canha and Ramon Laureano are underrated and provide good value with the bat. While starting pitching is a struggle for the A’s their bullpen has also diminished. However, their pitching should hold up pretty well against their division, so I have them atop the AL West. Seattle Mariners: Last Year (27 - 33) , This Year Predicted (67 - 95) The Seattle Mariners are another team with some young talent, but many of whom are not ready to produce to lift this team to the playoffs. We saw CF Kyle Lewis breakout last year and show he can produce at the big league level. The Mariners also have pitching promise with lefties Justus Sheffield and Justin Dunn spending some time in the majors. The Mariners are hoping this year they can break out and post low ERAs to give an average Mariners’ lineup a chance to win some games. The Mariners’ young talent looks solid for the future, but this year might be another segment in their rebuild. Texas Rangers: Last Year (22 - 38) , This Year Predicted (72 -90) The Rangers were not good last year placing last in the division and their roster has made minimal improvements. They do add outfielders David Dahl and Khris Davis, but they lose SS Elvis Andrus and pitchers Corey Kluber and Lance Lynn. Dahl and Davis add valuable contact and power respectively, but nothing electric to turn the Rangers lineup into a dangerous one. One dangerous hitter is Joey Gallo who can always provide some power, but had a disappointing 2020. Gallo should bounce back, but his team is not ready to compete at a high level this year. Houston Astros: Last Year (29 - 31) , This Year Predicted (90 - 72) The Astros have been star-studded the past fews and last year they seemed to regress after a scandal came out regarding their 2017 World Series victory. The Astros still have a good roster, even though they lost CF George Springer. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Michael Brantley, and Carlos Correa remain star hitters and Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke return as top pitchers in the MLB. Their bullpen was above average, but since they didn’t re-sign Roberto Osuna their bullpen lost a step. Astros should remain a top team in 2021, but might lose close games allowing the Athletics to take the top spot in the AL West. NL EAST Atlanta Braves: Last Year (35 - 25) , This Year Predicted (95 - 67) The Braves have solid players at each position, a complete team that will compete this year. Freddie Freeman, reigning NL MVP, is always great at first base providing for the Braves offense. On the other side of the ball, Braves get Mike Soroka back from injury and add veteran Charlie Morton from free agency. Max Fried comes off his best year and slots in as the Braves’ ace. Their back side of the rotation is not atrocious either; they have a deep pitching staff. This includes the bullpen with Will Smith, Luke Jackson, and Chris Martin. The re-signing of Marcell Ozuna keeps the Atlanta offense potent. Ronald Acuna Jr. remains the best outfielder on the team, but can he make a push to become the best in the NL, like many believe he can be? The Braves are a solid team and may win 1st place in this division, but how will they fare in the postseason? Miami Marlins: Last Year (31 - 29) , This Year Predicted (70 - 92) The Marlins lost a playoff series for the first time last year, but it was a surprise they got in the playoffs anyway. They have a young, but inexperienced pitching staff led by Sandy Alcantara, and their bullpen does not have any notable relievers. Their lineup can have some success at times with Corey Dickerson, Brian Anderson, and Starling Marte. These players have unique skills that can show up when the time is right, but how often and how major can they contribute to wins? The Marlins are relying on another lucky season if they want to make the playoffs, especially since this season is over twice as long. The Marlins can only go so far with what they have and remain in the bottom third in the MLB in 2021. New York Mets: Last Year (26 - 34) , This Year Predicted (88 - 74) The Mets have a great team on paper this year, but can they finally put it together? They acquired SS Francisco Lindor, C James McCann, SP Carlos Carrasco who will play significant roles in the majors. The Mets have also had the best pitcher in baseball Jacob DeGrom play at his best the past few seasons. The question with their pitching staff is can Noah Syndergaard stay healthy and return to his All-Star form? Pete Alonso needs to bounce back from a poor 2020 and return to smashing home runs like he did in 2019. McNeil will get on base at a high level and score runs, but players in the middle of the lineup need to drive him and others in sufficiently. Unfortunately, the Mets have always seemed to get their fair share of injuries and bad management; hopefully this year will break that trend and the Mets have a good, winning record. Philadelphia Phillies: Last Year (28 - 32) , This Year Predicted (74 - 88) The Phillies have gone on a free agency spending spree the last few years, many players not working out the way the team wanted. The Phillies have a decent lineup headed by RF Bryce Harper, SS Didi Gregorius, and 1B Rhys Hoskins. Young 3B Alec Bohm hopes to make an impact in 2021 after making a small one in 2020. Their pitching staff has a top heavy rotation with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. The last three starters have been atrocious in the majors. The Phillies bullpen just got better acquiring star reliever Jose Alvarado on top of having a decent bullpen prior to this move. Although the Phillies have a good roster, they always have trouble turning their talent into wins, and I see them as a fourth place team. Washington Nationals: Last Year (26 - 34) , This Year Predicted (76 - 86) The Nationals have a few stars that really impact the success of the team. Trea Turner is a five tool player at shortstop and Juan Soto is already dominating opposing pitching at 22 years old. Soto’s patience early in his career sets him apart from past players. Also, the Nats acquired 1B Josh Bell and LF Kyle Schwarber to bolster the offense. The Nationals also have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball with Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, and Jon Lester all in their rotation. Plus, Brad Hand is the Nationals’ new closer in a bullpen that might finally have a structure this year. However, in a tough division they will have trouble linking wins together. NL CENTRAL Chicago Cubs: Last Year (34 - 26) , This Year Predicted (83 - 79) The Cubs aren’t as strong as they were in 2016 when they won the World Series. Their pitching staff isn’t as potent now as it was back then. The Cubs will rely on Kyle Hendricks and Zach Davies to give the team quality starts, and they need them to do so because their bullpen is not stellar. Their lineup has pieces to provide sufficient offense for some games. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez can build an exciting offense if they have a good season. None of them are coming off a fantastic season, but the Cubs need them for their offense. The Cubs’ average pitching and average hitting this year has them finish in the middle of the league. Cincinnati Reds: Last Year (31 - 29) , This Year Predicted (78 - 84) The Reds made upgrades for their 2020 roster which made them an average team finishing just above .500. Coming into 2020 however, they lost their star pitcher Trevor Bauer who won the NL Cy Young Award last year. They still have a solid 1-2 punch in their starting rotation with Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray. Their bullpen lost a top arm in Raisel Iglesias, so they regress in that department. Their lineup always produces decently. Eugenio Suarez, Nicholas Castellanos, and Mike Moustakas will most likely lead the scoring. Joey Votto is regressing with age, but still provides at a sufficient level. The Reds need everything to come together to have a chance at the playoffs and I don’t see that happening. Milwaukee Brewers: Last Year (29 -31) , This Year Predicted (90 - 72) The Brewers have solid players all around that can perform well enough to propel this team to the postseason. Although Christian Yelich had an awful season in 2020, he should bounce back with a good 2021 and revert to his elite level of play. He is the lifeblood of this offense; without him there is no Brewers offense. The pitching staff is what is going to decide their success. Brandon Woodruff has proved he is a top starter in the league, a valuable asset to the Brewers. The bullpen is above average with two of the top relievers in the MLB, Devin Williams and Josh Hader. If their pitching can hold their end of the bargain, the Brewers can sneak their way in to the postseason. Pittsburgh Pirates: Last Year (19 - 41) , This Year Predicted (68 - 94) Unfortunately, the Pirates might be the worst franchise in recent history. Losing games, trades, and players, the Pirates are in a rebuild that seems to never end. They lost Josh Bell and Jameson Taillon, and Chris Archer to free agency this year. Their pitching at all levels has no one of note and rival the Orioles and Rockies ]for the worst pitching staff. On the offensive side Ke’Bryan Hayes is one prospect that could help the Pirates in the future. Right now he should provide an alright amount for the Pirates. Bryan Reynolds has shown he can get on base at a high level and is the Pirates’ best hitter at the moment. These stars alone are nowhere near what the Pirates need to succeed in the MLB. They find themselves in 5th place in the NL Central. St. Louis Cardinals: Last Year (30 - 28) , This Year Predicted (99 - 63) The Cardinals added one of the game’s best superstars Nolan Arenado over the offseason. For how good he is, he still has to prove he can sustain his performance outside of Coors Field, an extremely hitter friendly ballpark. On the opposite side of the infield, you find Paul Goldschmidt, an all around talented first baseman whose strengths are patience, power, and fielding. The Cardinals pitching staff is led by Jack Flaherty, a young pitcher budding into a superstar role. The bullpen has reliable options like Giovanny Gallegos and Andrew Miller to sustain a lead late in a game. Rookie Dylan Carlson is predicted to star in right field for the Cardinals and fans will watch him to see how he will grow as a major league player. The Cardinals are a solid team and they win the central in 2021. NL WEST Arizona Diamondbacks: Last Year (25 - 35) , This Year Predicted (77 - 85) The D’Backs have an average roster in a good division. Their pitching consists of rising star Zac Gallen and veteran Madison Bumgarner for the rotation. Their bullpen does not have any reliable options other than newcomer Joakim Soria who is a decent relief pitcher. Their pitching needs to have a great 2021 to support their offense. The lineup has a few good hitters in superstar Ketel Marte, LF David Peralta, and 3B Eduardo Escobar. SS Nick Ahmed has been getting more recognition for his defense adding to his value to the club. The D’Backs do not have a good team if the players live up to their potential, but with the powerful teams in this division they don’t stand a chance. Colorado Rockies: Last Year (26 - 34) , This Year Predicted (73 - 91) The Colorado Rockies probably have the worst pitching staff in baseball. Besides German Marquez, a good #1 starter, every other pitcher has had a substandard career in the MLB. Jon Gray, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela are not reliable for quality starts on a regular basis. For how bad their rotation is, their bullpen did receive upgrades with Robert Stephenson and Mychal Givens. The bullpen is still average at best. The big story with the Rockies is trading away 3B Nolan Arenado who has been their franchise star for six years. This hands the reins over to Trevor Story, a young well-rounded and powerful shortstop. A below average team losing their star player only makes the Rockies worse in 2021. Los Angeles Dodgers: Last Year (43 - 17) , This Year Predicted (103 - 59) The defending champions still remain the best team in baseball going into 2021. Not only do they return their squad from the World Series victory they add Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer. Their pitching was already dominant without him, how good can they be with him? The performance of the rotation will also be a fun competition to watch amongst the Dodgers’ big three, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Bauer. The other side of the ball is just as good. They return Justin Turner reaching a two-year deal. Mookie Betts signed a huge extension to stay with the Dodgers for 12 years, a player Los Angeles would be glad to have for the rest of his career. Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Max Muncy are also stars in the middle of the Dodgers’ order. The Dodgers win the division and will be the only team to reach 100 wins. San Diego Padres: Last Year (37 - 23) , This Year Predicted (95 - 67) The Padres might be the most exciting team coming into 2021. After making significant improvements for 2020, this offseason they outdid themselves. The Padres signed pitchers Yu Darvish and Blake Snell, to make their rotation deadly when paired with Dinelson Lamet and Chris Paddack. In addition to having a top starting pitching staff, their bullpen has solid options such as Emilio Pagan, Mark Melancon, and Drew Pomeranz. The talk of 2020 baseball was the excellence of Padres SS Fernando Tatis Jr.. 2B Jake Cronenworth also had a breakout season, providing offense for the Padres. This team’s pitching staff will be fun to watch, and the great hitting potential of this team is scary. However, they don't overcome the Dodgers for the top spot in the West. San Francisco Giants: Last Year (29 - 31) , This Year Predicted (80 - 82) The Giants have fallen back in the rankings after their three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The new star for the Giants is RF Mike Yastrzemski. Sporting a .966 OPS in a short 2020 shows his immense production for this team. 2B Donovan Solano also had a breakout season with a high batting average. The pitching is average with Johnny Cueto and Kevin Gausman heading the rotation. The bullpen has added a reliable option, Taylor Rogers to shut down opponents. The Giants are an average team in a division that is tough and they slot in 3rd. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Written Prophecy Prologue By Catherine Duong Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Katie Drummond “It’s all going too fast...” Amber says as she looks at the city of Araevia. She is now ruler of the main city, after the city of Gahenna, better known as “Hell,” has attacked once again days ago. The previous king, King Lucas, offered her and little friend group Flare, Darlene, Joaquin, and Pink, some currency worth a fortune until he noticed a strange mark Amber’s face at the right-hand side. Astonished, he claimed to make her the next ruler after when he retires, which made a huge turning point of the city’s next generation. But that wasn’t his decision, it was the god/goddess who made the decision using a special book made by the first three gods/goddess (Irae, Sune, and Phaedra) called the book of prophecy. Once written down of the event, it cannot be erased and everyone from the myth realm will be affected whether it will be good or bad, but this event causing Amber to be next ruler was a mistake since a god named of Kalen wrote it down for himself and it wasn’t approved of by his partner, Selene, another goddess. The two of them always argue about their ideas for the living and mostly about Kalen’s ideas. As Selene always says, “Your ideas aren't going to impact the living as much as mine.” Enraged, Kalen went to the book of prophecy and edited the event without Selene’s permission. Once Selene figured out that Kalen edited the event, she was in a rage, but she knows that now it’s already been done, and Kalen says to her, “All we can do is observe.” Now once the event was finished, Amber’s job is to keep the city safe with the help of her friends alongside her journey. BACK TO TOP