Back to Articles News Back to Sections A Divided America: Can We Actually “Build Back Better”? By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by POSO It’s over. At approximately 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 7th, the state of Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes, was declared to 77-year-old, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., putting him over the 270 threshold of electoral votes needed to win the presidency. He would be announced as the future 46th President of the United States with his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, being declared the future 49th Vice President of the United States. Former Vice President Biden would only be the second practicing Catholic elected as President, and Senator Harris would be the first woman in the position of Vice President. This is not to mention Harris is of Black Caribbean and South Asian descent, which makes another first for an American VP. While this is a monumental win for Democrats, the results of the Senate and House races have made Americans, especially Democrats, question whether the country can actually “Build Back Better,” as well as whether the varying political visions of the Democrats caused the party to lose seats in the House. The infighting of the Democratic Party has been an issue over the last decade, recently exemplified when 29 Democrats, across the large spectrum of the party’s beliefs, ran to become the Presidential nominee for the party. The large spectrum of democrats includes the progressive, liberal, and centrist (or moderate) wings. In this election, the Republicans flipped 11 seats in the house for a net gain of eight, with 8 races yet to be called (As of 11/19/20). Polling suggested Democrats were supposed to gain 10-15 seats, but rather, they lost seats, putting Nancy Pelosi’s position as Speaker of the House in peril. The weakened majority in the House came as a shock to Democrats and Republicans alike. The progressive wing of the party was blamed for these losses based on polling, proving that the Democratic party is not shifting as much left as polls suggested. Many centrist Democrats pointed fingers at Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying that her self-described democratic socialist agenda caused voters to turn away from the Democratic ticket in the down-ballot races. Even some members of the progressive caucus such as California Representative Jared Huffman (CA-2) concurred, stating, “I think Republicans did get some traction trying to scare people on this ‘socialist narrative.’” The results of the House races gave implications that Americans do not agree on policies such as Medicare for All (abolishing privatized healthcare), defunding the police, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a federal job guarantee. Representative Connor Lamb (PA-17), a centrist Democrat, claimed the progressive policies are “unrealistic” and that the false promises being made, cost Democrats in key races. He further went on to say that the Biden administration should keep the progressives at arm’s length. Additionally, moderate Republican and former Ohio Governor, John Kasich, who supported the Biden-Harris ticket, bluntly stated, “The Democrats have to make it clear to the far-left that they almost cost him this election.” The multiple accusations generated a defensive response from Representative Ocasio-Cortez stating to the Times , “I don't even know if I want to be in politics.” The deflection from the Congresswoman reflected the division within the Democratic party and displayed how the many sides of the party cannot seem to be, let alone act unified. Former Vice President Biden has pledged that he will be a president for all Americans, not just those who voted for him. However, the divide within his own party might make it difficult for him to reunite the heavily divided nation. This becomes especially challenging with a divided Congress. The Democrats have a slim majority in the House, while the Republicans have a 50-48 majority in the Senate (as of 11/19/20), with two runoff races in Georgia taking place in January that will determine which party has the majority in the Senate. With President Trump refusing to concede, a smooth transition of power is unlikely to happen based on Tweets that he has sent. The lame-duck President has retweeted multiple times, “WE WILL WIN,” even though all major media outlets made the call that the former Vice President would be the projected 46th President. The former Vice-President will have adversities to overcome, no matter the circumstances in Congress. In order to “Build Back Better”, Joe Biden will need to reach across the aisle to work with both parties to amend the great divide in our country. The Biden-Harris Administration will be responsible for establishing new precedents for future generations. The former Vice President is known for his ability for working with the Republican Party, which is reassuring in our currently divided nation. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art Back to Sections UNESCO’s Updated Cultural Heritage List By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Pinterest UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) annually updates its list of unique cultural items. For 2021, 43 new item selections were announced on December 16, 2021. UNESCO is dedicated to preserving heritage and tradition around the world. Its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list now includes 630 items, events, or practices from 140 countries that help build awareness of other societies and carry great cultural significance. I would like to mention a few new and interesting selections: Haitian joumou soup : (or “freedom soup”) is known as a “symbol of freedom and liberation from slavery” after Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. This soup is made from a pumpkin called “ giraumon , vegetables, plantains, meat, pasta, and spices” and is a really flavorful dish that contains the authentic taste of Haiti. It is a celebratory dish that “promotes social cohesion and belonging among communities”. It is consumed the first of January (Haiti’s Independence Day), when it constitutes the first meal of the year, and also serves as traditional Sunday breakfast. Arabic calligraphy (knowledge, skills, and practice): this form of decorative lettering which is a sacred part of the Saudi, Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan culture. The “artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner conveys harmony, grace, and beauty”. This script provides a variety of different possibilities “since the letters can be stretched and transformed in numerous ways to create different motifs”. Palestinian embroidery (called tatreez): patterns and images are hand-stitched onto clothes, with a variety of symbols including birds, trees, and flowers. This tradition “traces back centuries and was revived in 1967, when Palestinian refugees wore the colorful designs to show their national and political identities”. Women in Palestine try to gain their family’s income and do this by creating embroidery and other artwork which is a “social and intergenerational practice”. Belgian stilt jousting: this game is played on stilts, dating back to the 1400’s. During a joust, “participants attempt to knock all the members of the opposing team to the ground”. Jousts usually take place during festivals in the streets and squares of Namur. This sport is extremely popular and many fans and spectators enjoy coming to the jousting zone, watching and cheering for their favorite teams. Italian truffle hunting and extraction: truffles are a type of fungi that are considered delicacies. With the help of a dog, the truffle hunters (called tartufai ), identify areas where underground fungus grows. “They then use a spade to extract the truffles” without disturbing the soil conditions. To be successful in truffle hunting, this task requires “a wide range of skills and knowledge related to the management of natural ecosystems”. Netherland flower and fruit parades: in Corso culture, this annual Dutch parade is a “competition of elaborate floats or boats decorated with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and people in costumes”. This practice is great for the social economy because “groups of friends or entire neighborhoods may spend months preparing gigantic floats”. The parade also includes band and theater performances. Denmark/Finland/Norway/Sweden/Iceland Nordic clinker boat traditions: these small, open wooden boats are made of “thin planks that are fastened to a backbone of keel and stems, and the overlapping planks are fastened together with metal rivets, treenails, or rope”. These coastal clinker boats are between five and ten meters long and are used in Nordic region festivities. Democratic Republic of the Congo, (Congolese) rumba: this musical genre and dance is used in formal and informal spaces for celebration and mourning. It is an “urban practice danced by a male-female couple”. The rumba is passed down through generations from neighbors, clubs, formal training and schools and is known as a integral part of Congolese identity. Peru’s pottery: pottery is an example of one’s harmonious relationship with nature. The process of preparing the pottery consists of the “collection of materials, modeling, firing, decorating, and finishing”. The process of pottery has specific stages with different meanings that leave great value to the people of Peru. The pots created are used for cooking, drinking, eating, and serving food, rituals, and ceremonies. The “pottery designs are also used as a means of expressing personality”. Ecuador’s pasillo, song and poetry: the pasillo is a “fusion of elements of indigenous music (like the yaravi) and dance genres (like the waltz, minuet, and bolero)”. The music is also played with the rhythm of other guitars and is performed in ballroom dances, public events, and outdoor concerts. The lyrics are a “musicalized poem relating to love, homeland, and daily life”. Denmark’s Inuit drum dancing and singing: “drum dancing and drum singing are traditional forms of Inuit artistic expression in Greenland”. They are featured in celebrations and social events and can be performed by an individual or group. When a drum dance takes place, “the drum is moved in different directions and its frame is struck to produce a sharp, echoing beat”. The song is a combination of lyrics that express daily life. Together, they represent a sense of community for the Greenlandic Inuit”. Austria/Belgium/France/Germany/Ireland/Italy/Poland falconry: this is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons and other birds of prey. Falconry was originally used as “a means of obtaining food but has been integrated into communities as a recreational practice and a way to connect with nature”. Most falconry today focuses on “safeguarding falcons, quarry, and habitats as well as the practice itself”. I think this cultural information is very interesting and educational, so I wanted to share my research and findings. It is wonderful that UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee recognizes and safeguards many cultural heritages and traditions from around the world. Website Used: unesco.org BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Mixed Feelings Regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by NY State of Health The COVID-19 Vaccine has been around for several months now, and it’s a widely available vaccine that helps your body develop antibodies to protect you from COVID. However, does the person taking it feel protected? Although I took my first dose of the vaccine, I still don’t feel safe in large, crowded areas, nor do I feel fully protected. I think that I can still be infected with COVID despite having the vaccine. I also think that other people can carry the virus whether they’re vaccinated or not. I can’t say that I liked getting the vaccine shot; however, I can’t say that I don’t like it either. Students at Valley Stream North High school also share mixed views regarding the vaccine. Amelia Avila, a 10th grader at VSN, said in an interview: I believe the Covid-19 vaccine has been a type of ‘safety net’ most people have been waiting for. There is no certainty behind it, but there is no certainty behind any vaccine during its beginning stages. Not only does it keep you safe, [but it also] keeps others safe as well. Some might argue that the COVID vaccine doesn't work because you can still get COVID, but no one has said that you cannot get Covid if you have the vaccine. Just like the flu shot, you can still get the flu, it just helps your body to prepare for the flu antibodies if they ever enter your body; the Covid-19 vaccine does the same thing. Amelia acknowledged both opinions regarding the vaccine, and I agree with her. The COVID-19 vaccine might’ve been the “safety net” that people needed from this pandemic. However, some students at VSN find the vaccine very helpful and they trust it. Syeda Zainab, a 10th grader, said in an interview that she “loved getting the vaccine. I felt protected and safer after I got it.” Some people, after getting vaccinated, felt safer than when they were unvaccinated. However, there are also some students who have no views regarding the vaccine. Jamilie Ramirez, another 10th grader from VSN, said “I only don’t like the vaccine because after I got it, it hurt for a week.” Some people liked the vaccine but didn’t like the aftereffects that came with it. There are mixed views regarding the vaccine, but each person can express their opinion about it. How do YOU feel about the vaccine? Add your opinion here! https://forms.office.com/r/TxU90u6t34 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Battle of Saragarhi – 21 Sikh Soldiers vs 10,000 Men Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Rehmat Kaur Background In the late 19th century, the British centered a number of stations along the Hindu Kush range. These fortifications were initially built by the great Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his Western expedition, in which the Sikhs and Afghans battled in the Battle of Jamrud in 1837, establishing the Sikh Empire's western frontier. Following the decline of the Sikh empire, the British took over these positions for the same reason. The British Indian Army attempted to manage the volatile northwest boundary. Despite their attempts, tribal Pashtuns frequently attacked British soldiers, resulting in skirmishes and confrontations with the tribes. Nonetheless, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also known as the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), was a key place for the Indian Army to hone its tactics and expertise. Afghans started a revolt through the NWFP to channel tribal rage against the British. The 36th Sikh Regiment was charged with guarding the defensive structures of Forts Gulistan and Lockhart, which were near one another. The Orakzai and Afridi tribes had launched attacks on Fort Gulistan during the last two weeks, but both had been repulsed. Saragarhi was established as a communication station utilizing heliographic signaling, a communication technology that involves reflecting sunlight using a mirror and transferring it through hidden signals. Because Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan were not in a visual line of sight due to topographical constraints, Saragarhi was critical to preserving the survival of the forts and the safety of the area. A Khanda, a symbol of righteousness, divine knowledge and charity in the Sikh faith The Battle On September 12, 1987, the 21 Sikh troops awoke and began their day by tying their turbans, doing daily meditation and prayers, and carrying out their daily responsibilities. However, another revolt began to lay siege to Fort Lockhart and Saragarhi, seeking to gain possession of the post. One of the lookouts yelled as the large bulk approached the horizon. 19-year-old Gurmukh Singh hurried to the signaling tower to operate the heliograph, which transmitted signals about the situation to Fort Lockhart. He requested that aid be provided as around 10,000 tribesmen marched towards them. The response he received was bleak, stating that if they dispatched relief, it would reach the post too late, and they could not leave their fort undefended. The defenders, operated by NWFP veteran Havildar Ishar Singh, opted to hold their base, which consisted of a tiny block house with loop-holed walls and a signaling tower. Ishar Singh instructed his soldiers to remain and fight. Despite the tense atmosphere created by the awareness that death is likely and being outnumbered by thousands of tribesmen, the Sikh soldiers refused to surrender. Gurmukh Singh returned to his signaling tower and remained there, documenting every occurrence that took place to Lieutenant Colonel Haughton, the commanding the 36th Sikh Regiment, who ordered that the events be recorded. The Sikhs began unloading ammunition at the dense multitude, which was coming down on them and storming the outer wall. A bullet from one of the guns struck Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, who died on the scene. Naik Lal Singh, although severely hurt, managed to move Bhagwan's body to the inner wall with the assistance of another sepoy. However, Lal Singh would eventually fall due to his injuries. The tribal chiefs had been arguing with the surviving Sikhs to surrender, promising them protection, and presenting rewards of riches and rank if they simply vacated their positions. But no man acknowledged the proposal because they were determined to continue fighting until the end. As the afternoon progressed, the tribesmen devised another strategy: they set fire to the area surrounding the post, allowing them to breach the wall. Havildar Ishar Singh, who had been gravely injured, shouts a piercing battle cry and surges forward with sword and pistol in hand, heroically combating the attacker before being overtaken by his severe injuries. Knowing the end is close, the few remaining Sikhs rush to confront the charging attackers. One by one, the tribesmen kill the Sikh soldiers in return for more of their dead. There remained only one Sikh defender: Sepoy Gurmukh Singh in his signaling tower. He sent one last message, requesting permission to take up his rifle. When Lieutenant Colonel Haughton approved, Gurmukh Singh packed up his heliographic equipment and grabbed his gun as the tribesmen burst through the door. The Colonel looks in astonishment via his telescope as the young detachment signaler kills man after man, a total of 20 tribesmen. The Colonel watched him in awe through his telescope as the young detachment signaler took down 20 tribesmen one after one. Smoke began to rise as instead of confronting Gurmukh Singh, the tribesmen set fire to the tower. Gurmukh Singh sat down, content with his fate, and screamed the Sikh battle cry, “Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal (Victory belongs to the ones who chant the divine name of God with pure heart).” He was the last to fall in Saragarhi. The signal post had been seized, but the valiancy of the 21 Sikh soldiers allowed forces from neighboring forts to attack the rebellious tribesmen. Finally, the British reclaimed the signaling post near the highland village of Saragarhi. Their Legacy The British Parliament gave the Saragarhi soldiers a standing ovation, and Queen Victoria commended their heroic deeds The Battle of Saragarhi was the first instance in British military history where every soldier who participated in a combat operation received the Gallantry award, the highest military honor. They also received the Indian Order of Merit Class III. Saragarhi Day is commemorated by the Indian Army's Sikh Regiment on September 12th each year. BACK TO TOP

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

Back to Articles News Back to Sections This year’s Newsday Marching Band Festival was cancelled, but not for Spartan Marchers. Why at Memorial JHS instead? By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Newsday It was October 17th, 2018, and the Valley Stream North High School Marching Band was excited to participate in the annual Newsday Marching Band Festival. However, they did not know it would be the last time any Spartan stepped onto the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York. Now, many of you must be wondering why? Well, after a bunch of research, an answer was unraveled. To begin with, what is the Newsday Marching Band Festival? The current Senior High Band teacher, Ms. Angelica Ansbacher, provides us with the following information, stating that “It is a festival that takes place at Hofstra University. At this festival, a variety of marching bands take the field. The festival occurs on a Tuesday in November every year.” An interesting thing I have learned while interviewing her is that she had taken part in the festival three times when she was in high school. Dr. Adam Erdos, the District Director of Fine and Performing Arts, says “It is the biggest event of its kind. Three nights of marching bands across Nassau and Suffolk counties performing at Mitchell Athletic Complex in Uniondale.” Now that we know what the Newsday Marching Band Festival is, it is time to see why the Spartans no longer attend. First things first, no school in the Valley Stream Central High School District attends the festival anymore. Dr. Erdos has attended the festival as a chaperone/supervisor. Although the experience is unlike any other, he says there are some downsides. Dr. Erdos’s main criticism is the setup of the festival itself; “The participating bands do not actually get to really see or hear any of the other bands’ performances. In short, they hear little of the other bands and see even less.” He says the students gain something from the experience of travelling to and from the festival. However, some negative points overpower that positive. Besides the setup issue, the weather does not get along with the festival either. Sometimes it has been extremely cold, and light rain or snow is not uncommon either. Since the festival is outdoors, these factors contribute to the negatives of the event. Ms. Ansbacher’s experience at the festival had been great. “It was a fun night on which I got to spend time with my band friends from school. Being that I was involved in extracurricular music groups, I saw my music friends from other schools as well. It was very interesting to see the other bands perform. We used to discuss other schools’ uniforms and their field shows.” Ms. Ansbacher says there are only two drawbacks: it was a long night, approximately 4 hours including travel time, and that it was often very cold. “My friends and I would bundle up under blankets and sweatshirts while we were waiting.” Both Ms. Ansbacher and Dr. Erdos prefer the new VS District Festival to the Newsday Festival. “This allows our students to see each other’s shows, takes significantly less time than going to and from Mitchell Athletic Complex, and encourages -- or at least makes it easier for -- greater audience - parents, students, and the community at large - involvement and attendance at the event itself.”- Dr. E. “It is much more intimate being that our festival is for our community only. Since the Newsday Festival was a few hours long, very few parents/community members attended,” added Ms. Ansbacher. It is time to see what a Spartan has to say about all of this. Jack Schwabe, a senior trumpet player, has been a part of the marching band since the 9th grade. Having participated himself in the Newsday festival, he says, “It’s a fun experience, getting to see what the other schools have been practicing and playing was a pleasant surprise.” This year, he reported he had fun at the District Marching Band Festival as well. Schwabe likes to hang out with his friends in the band and is disappointed that this is his last year. All in all, it seems like moving to the District Marching Band Festival might have been for the better. Although Newsday is one of a kind, the District Festival outshines it in many ways. Schwabe said “Marching band is a little treat we all get to do every year. Playing good music with friends is always a fun experience, and I'm sad this is the last year I'll be experiencing it.” Ms. Ansbacher commented “My experience with the marching band at North so far has been exciting. I have loved working with the band. Our rehearsals, Saturday football game performances, and [the] District Festival were fun and successful. I look forward to the next marching season!” Dr. Erdos felt “It was great to hear the band playing in the stands and contributing to the atmosphere of the first home game of the season. The students sounded fantastic and Ms. Ansbacher’s direction was outstanding in every way, marking a great new beginning for the North Senior High Band.” Next year, try to check out the VSCHSD Marching Band Festival. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Javoni Roberts - Nostalgic Musings By Javoni Roberts February 10, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Summer Festivals Celebrated Throughout the World Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Aesthetics Wiki - Fandom When summer was just around the corner, various countries started to welcome the most beloved season. Here are some places where the summer season has a grand entrance! KRAKOW, POLAND – WIANKI FESTIVAL This Polish festival began with an ancient pagan fertility festival. Wianki Festival originated in Krakow but is celebrated all over Poland. Wianki translates to the wreath and represents the future, good fortune, being in love, and fertility. Along the Vistula River, the Poles have special wreath-floating events, festivals, concerts, bonfires, traditional food, firework displays, and vodka drinking. Polish women also wear, and deposit garlands weaved with symbolic herbs in a river. Hiding in boats lined up along a river, boys try to catch their girlfriend’s wreaths. BARCELONA, SPAIN – THE NIGHT OF FIRE FESTIVAL OF SANT JOAN This Spanish festival celebrates the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. On the night of Sant Joan, celebrations commence when the sun is at its highest in the sky, symbolizing fertility. Representing wealth and strength, bonfires and fireworks take place all over Barcelona. Sant Joan has three symbols: water, herbs, and fire. Water symbolizes the cleansing of sins. As a result, locals often dive into the Mediterranean Sea for a late-night swim. Herbs symbolize remedy and healing. Since it is believed that thyme, rosemary, and verbena contain aphrodisiac properties, many eat these herbs on the night of Sant Joan. Fire represents abundance, purity, and fertility. On the night of Sant Joan, Barcelona lights up with bonfires and fireworks to eradicate bad- luck. JAPAN – AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI FESTIVAL One of Japan’s largest festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival (August 2 - 7), takes place in the Aomori, a prefecture on Japan’s island of Honshu. The Aomori prefecture is notable for its natural landscapes, like volcanic mountain ranges. It is also Japan’s largest apple producer. This festival originated amongst the Aomori people to eradicate the drowsiness that came over them on warm summer days. During the Japanese festival, large floats made from wood and paper are decorated and lit up from the inside. Complemented by taiko drums, flutes, and hand cymbals, these large floats parade throughout the Aomori prefecture. There is no fee to attend the festival as attendees take part in dancing as they wear the traditional Haneto dancing costume. ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – WHITE NIGHTS OF SUMMER May through July, the “White Nights” are celebrated when the sun does not fully set, leading to sun-filled days. Russians refer to this festival as Beliye Nochi. During the White Nights, people come out on the streets and visit special concerts, festivals, ballet, opera, and certain restaurants/bars that stay open all night. Additional celebrations include bridges being raised over the River Neva, best seen from an evening cruise, swimming in Lake Ladoga, and walking through the “Summer Gardens” or Letnii Sad . On June 22nd, millions of Russians gather for the Scarlet Sails as a tall ship sails to recreate a well-known children’s story with a fake pirate battle, all taking place on the River Neva. Sources: Great Summer Traditions around the World: Festivals & Celebrations ( internationalteflacademy.com )   BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections New York in Transit II By Jacob Lawrence February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Color Screenprint, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Artwork Perspective Back to Sections Sienna Munro - Perspective By Sienna Munro December 16, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 3