VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6 March 18, 2021 "COSMODROME" ARTICLES 2021 MLB Preview By John McCarthy Sports Read More And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street: What I Saw By Lucy Wu Editorial Read More COVID-19 Vaccine: Ever-Changing By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More Creating a Kinder World Through Art By Alena Moreira Art & Culture Read More Dead Inside By Isabella Burmann Polaris Read More Drug Abuse During the Pandemic By Everton Prospere News Read More Fitness in a Global Pandemic By Alain Deen Science & Technology Read More Intersectional Feminism By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Editorial Read More Meatless Monday! By Samantha Altieri Feature Read More National Issues Interconnecting Locally By Cody Sung Feature Read More Pianotime By Quinn O'Connor Art & Culture Read More SPO Club Presentation By Carolina Figueroa and Rachel Ezeadichie News Read More Standing On the Ledge: VSN Mental Health from a Student Perspective By Eva Grace Martinez Feature Read More The History of Rosa Parks By Manal Layachi Feature Read More The Ocean Amulet By Alanna Tieschmaker Polaris Read More Video Games and Quarantine By Augustine Magapan Entertainment & Media Read More A Change in Pitch By Kayla Duvert Art & Culture Read More Ask Ala: How to Manage Stress By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Completion of Winter Sports at Valley Stream North By Joseph Garofalo Sports Read More Culture Society Celebrates Chinese New Year By Barnit Kaur Art & Culture Read More Depop: How I Made over $200 by Cleaning my Room By Olivia Neuner Entertainment & Media Read More Dulcetta By Nora Chery Polaris Read More How to Skate – from an Amateur Figure Skater By Olivia Neuner Sports Read More L.W. Album Review By Charles Posada Entertainment & Media Read More My Favorite Anime/Manga (By Women!) By Zoie James Entertainment & Media Read More Perseverance: A New Addition to The Martian Robotic Family By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Powerful Women throughout Culinary History By Christina Ossa Feature Read More Spiral of Ants by Lemon Demon By Stephy Varughese Entertainment & Media Read More The History of Myanmar and Their Coup By Cody Sung News Read More The Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Feature Read More The Serena Williams By Shinedip Kundlas Feature Read More Women Who Have Dominated the Grammys By Isabella Menjivar Feature Read More THE MEMORY PROJECT LOAD MORE

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

ARCHIVES VOLUME 3 2022 - 2023 VOLUME 1 2020 - 2021 Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 "PERIASTRON" Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 "SIRIUS'S SCINTILLATION" Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 "KUIPER BELT" Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 "THE GREAT CONJUNCTION" Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 "COSMODROME" Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 "RED GIANT" Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 "FRIENDSHIP 7" Volume 1 Issue 1 November 1, 2020 "PROTOSTAR" VOLUME 2 2021 - 2022 Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 "PERIHELION" Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 "ARCTURUS" Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 "PARALLAX" Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 "PROXIMA B" Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 "ANTIKYTHERA" Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 "EXOMOON" Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 "MONOCEROS"

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections NASA’s Recent Announcement of The Artemis II Crew By Elyas Layachi Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by nasa.gov (Artemis) On the morning of November 16th, 2022, NASA successfully launched its Artemis I mission to test out the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System. On this mission, the Orion spacecraft was unmanned and spent several days making its voyage to the moon and back to test its many systems, including propulsion and life support systems. Orion made it back to Earth on December 30th, 2022, after a successful mission. Artemis I was the first of four planned Artemis missions to the moon. After Artemis I, NASA began planning the Artemis II mission in which four astronauts will man the Orion spacecraft around the moon for a flyby to further test its capabilities. In Artemis III, NASA will send four astronauts to the moon once again, but this time to land on the lunar surface and establish a permanent presence, and Artemis IV will include the construction of the lunar space station Gateway to facilitate astronaut transportation between the surface of the moon and Earth. On April 3rd, on a YouTube livestream, NASA announced the names of the four astronauts who will be manning the Orion spacecraft on Artemis II: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist 1 Christina Hammock Koch, and Mission Specialist 2 Jeremy Hansen. Here are some brief biographies of each crew member: Commander Reid Wiseman (NASA): Wiseman was a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station for Expedition 41, conducting important research in human physiology, medicine, physical science, Earth science, and astrophysics. He was also Chief of the Astronaut office before receiving his position of Commander of Artemis II. Pilot Victor Glover (NASA): Glover served as an astronaut aboard the Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon mission and conducted a long-duration mission above the International Space Station. Furthermore, like Wiseman, Glover was also a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station, but for Expedition 64. Mission Specialist 1 Christina Hammock Koch (NASA): Koch received her position of NASA astronaut in 2013 and was a flight engineer for International Space Station missions Expedition 59, 60, and 61. She also set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with 328 days in space, and she participated in the first all-female spacewalks. Mission Specialist 2 Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency): Hansen’s flight experience spans almost his entire life, starting with joining 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. He obtained a pilot license at the age of 17 and graduated from Royal Military College Saint-Jean with a bachelor’s degree in honors space science. He is the first Canadian to traveling to the moon. Artemis II is scheduled to liftoff sometime in late 2024, and, similar to Artemis I, the whole world will be watching and anticipating the success of this mission, which will mark humanity’s return to the moon for the first time in over 50 years. To keep up with Artemis II’s status and the astronauts, be sure to visit www.nasa.gov . Furthermore, you can follow NASA, Artemis, and the Canadian Space Agency on social media (Instagram and Youtube). Sources: NASA: Artemis II Crew Astronaut Jeremy Hansen's biography | Canadian Space Agency ( asc-csa.gc.ca ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections New Music in our Hallways? Express yourself! By Stephy Varughese Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Elaine Ching For years, Valley Stream North High School has been playing music in the hallways for special occasions such as spirit week. Our student body and teachers do not necessarily favor or notice the chosen music being played in the hallways. The music selection is generally lackluster and not loud enough to be heard. The current random selection of songs does not provoke the interest of the students, nor does it uplift the students emotionally. A student-based music committee, responsible for selecting the music that should be played in the hallways, may resolve this issue. The committee should follow basic school guidelines, such as the nonuse of inappropriate language and acceptable innuendos. However, multiple students regardless of their class status, should have an influence on what music should be played in hallways and classrooms. Music is an art form designed to evoke emotion in whoever is listening and the music in the hallways should reflect that. Students should listen to music that makes them feel energized and confident when going to class. Studies show that listening to music can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health. It can also lift the mood of the person who listens to it. When listening to the current songs in the hallways, students often feel unenthusiastic because it holds no significant resonance to them. Why not give our fellow students the self-confidence they need to face their next class with the help of the music they love? Our international students should also be able to express their opinions on the music selections. It is better to listen to authentic cultural music of different backgrounds rather than Disney songs in different languages that are currently being played. Let's face it, we are all not fans of Disney music. A better variety of music would generate a greater understanding and interest in music that people of various cultures are accustomed to. This isn’t limited to traditional songs. If students can listen to modern songs from other countries, then they can get interested in the cultures of other ethnic groups and enjoy the new variety of music. ____ I interviewed several students to ask what they think about the music that plays here at North. Commentators are left anonymous per their request: “There should be a designated group of students that will monitor the music played. There are many times where there are difficulties or poor music choices throughout our current process.” “I think a music committee should be established in North because it can help and further connect the students of North by choosing enjoyable songs for the students to listen to in the hallways. I feel that it is best for fellow students to pick these songs out because it allows for proper song choices that students will actually enjoy, rather than having an older staff member pick a song choice that students wouldn’t find enjoyable. Students will listen to these song choices picked up by their peers and feel better motivated while walking to their next class.” “Music is cool, and I love music and we should open up everyone to all genres to appreciate music as it is.” “There should be a designated group of students that will monitor the music played. There are many times where there are difficulties or poor music choices throughout our current process.” “I believe that we should create a music committee because it allows music from other cultures to be played which makes people feel more included. Also, I think that the speakers in the hallway were too quiet so barely anyone can hear the music.’ ___ Of the students I interviewed, 92% agreed that the music in North needs improvement in the choice of music and the need for a music committee. Most students say that they would like to hear better pop songs, rap, indie, K-pop, and other types of music. It seemed to agree that “less cringy” music, such as songs from movies and musicals, should be played in the halls. What can be done: The music committee shouldn’t be a club or part of a club, but an optional meeting for students interested in deciding what music should be played. Discussions, polling, and active communication would be beneficial to unite students and introduce new songs to them in the process. All music can be filtered through the teacher/advisor’s approval process and can be decided/voted upon what top music students would like to hear. This way, both teachers and students have a firmer acceptance of the choice of songs. Do you want a music committee in North High school or does the current music not affect you? Let us know! E-mail: varughes@vschsd.org BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Ocean Amulet By Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by Obscured Oddities Spread out and look for her!" the lead guard commanded, sending out the other guards he had brought with him. "That traitor cannot have gone far. We need to find and secure the amulet! He ran in a direction the rest of the guards had not gone in, searching for the traitor himself. Little did he know the very person he had been searching for was right above him. "No one ever thinks to look up" she whispers to herself, climbing down from the tree she had perched in. She looked around for a moment, trying to decide where the best place to go would be. "I need to get to the ocean" she mumbled. She looked down at her prized possession, which she had hidden in a bundle of cloth to prevent the reflection of the sun from giving her position away. Assured it was still safe, she set off south full of hope, toward the ocean. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She broke out into a sprint after seeing the light before her. She had finally made it to the end of the forest, and she could see the ocean. It was a beautiful dark blue with hints of light blue beneath and waves crashed down on themselves for as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately, she was not alone. In her rush to make it out, she had become careless and stepped on multiple twigs alerting the guards that she had tried to so carefully to avoid. "There she is!" cried one of the guards, as he reached for something on his back. He pulled out a long horn and blew into it. A loud noise blared from the horn as the air passed through his lips. The rest of the guards would be here soon. The other guards that were in the original group pulled out the swords that they had sheathed on their hip. Seeing what was happening behind her, the runaway tried to push herself even faster. ' Get to the ocean, get to the ocean ' she chanted to herself. The guards quickly started to advance as they saw what was ahead of her. 'So close...' the traitor thought as the mesmerizing waves in front of her drew closer and closer. 'Wait...' Her eyes widened in realization and she quickly dug her heels into the ground, to stop her momentum. The sight of the ocean had caused here to become reckless, and it had almost cost her life. It was not a straight shot to the coast. Instead, she had almost run off a cliff. She turns around sharply, hoping to go another way, but the guards had advanced again, preventing any chance of passing them. "You have nowhere to go! Surrender!" a voice bellowed. The growing crowd of guards parted to reveal the head guard. He pulled his sword out, a sharp, pristine silver blade that reflected his status. Looking at her with contempt in his eyes, he read out: "Andrea Taylor, you are charged for treason against your kingdom and thievery from the queen. You shall return the stolen amulet and return to the palace where you will face your punishment." "You think I'll return this?" she cried as she held up the uncovered amulet. The sun reflected off its surface and it seemed to shine. "You think I would let that treacherous queen have what is not hers?" "If you do not stand down, we will be forced to kill you and take the amulet by force." Andrea locked eyes with the captain. She could tell he was not bluffing. He was prepared to kill her in cold blood. She knew she could not allow that to happen. So, in one quick movement, she turned on foot and used the gained momentum to throw the amulet as far into the ocean as she could. "NO!" the captain cried, realizing what she planned to do too late. He charged forward and tackled her to the ground, but it was too late. The amulet flew and straight into the water. There was no way they could get it back as they were. The ocean was deep, and his men lacked diving gear. The amulet was gone. " Huh. .." Andrea huffed from where she was pinned. She had done what she had set out to do. She had gotten the amulet away from the queen and to the ocean. It was safe from them. The captain swiveled to look at her, horror dawning in his eyes. "What have you done? You've domed us all to her wrath!" The queen would not be happy with him for losing her prized possession. He could be sentenced to death with this. "I have given everyone else hope," Andrea replied. The guards quickly surrounded her. They pulled her to her feet and tied her hands together. As she was marched back to the castle to face her surely unjust trial, she smiled. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Xi and Putin: Two Peas in a Pod By Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Financial Times On March 20th, 2023, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, of China and Russia, respectively, met in Moscow for bilateral talks between their two countries. The leaders of both countries, which are remnants of their former communist selves, sought to improve their relationship. Although a strongly criticized move by the United States, the diplomatic visit allowed Xi Jinping and Putin to emphasize China and Russia’s continuing cooperation with each other to counteract the Western powers. The visit itself focused on two main discussions: military power and the economic status between both countries. According to CNN, both Putin and Xi are distressed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) alliance. As a war continues to rage in Ukraine, Putin worries about the further encroachment by NATO closer to Russian territory. For example, Finland, recently approved by all member states to join NATO, will be one of a handful of countries bordering Russia, if the process finishes. For Xi, the AUKUS pact between three Western powers will play a critical role in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, this alliance will help Australia obtain nuclear powered submarines. Therefore, both leaders feel as if the sovereignty of their countries has been threatened immensely through these alliances. In order to combat this, both countries agreed to “further deepen military mutual trust,” through joint military exercises. These demonstrations highlight the commitment to strengthening the unity through military force between the two nations. With the grand exodus of companies from Russia in response to the war in Ukraine, Russia’s economy has plummeted in recent months. In addition, Europe seeks to halt its dependence on Russian oil to cut ties with the country. However, as per CNN, Russia and China agreed to “build a closer energy partnership,” with hopes of a gas pipeline being built through Mongolia to provide resources and connect both countries economically. This would effectively replace the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which has not begun operations in response to the war effort. Evidently, China and Russia will forge a closer economic bond, pushing away the Western powerhouse in an effort to dismantle the domination of the United States. As Russia and China grow a stronger bond, the two men in charge, Xi and Putin, clearly pull the reigns on both states. Both leaders, effectively autocrats, have clearly shown their desire to reach new heights together. Their indistinguishable personalities and actions have made them two peas from the same pod. Xi Jinping in Moscow: Five takeaways from China-Russia talks | CNN Analysis: How Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin's new friendship could test the US | CNN Politics BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Cross Country Wraps Up the Season By Aleeza Dhillion Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Original photography by Elyas Layachi North's Cross-Country team had their last meet of 2021 at Bethpage State Park on Saturday, November 6. The boys' team ranked fourth at state-qualifiers, with senior Captain Craig Papajohn-Shaw, Jack Schwabe, David Pinos, Elyas Layachi, and Matteo Somma running. Senior Captain Samantha Szabo, Melissa Innocent, and Emily Dahl represented North in the girls’ race. It was the last race of the season for everyone, except junior Melissa Innocent, who qualified for the State Championships after placing fourth in her class. This meet was an exciting and emotional one with it being the last cross-country race for the seniors on the team. Our beloved seniors for the season were Craig Papajohn-Shaw, Samantha Szabo, Jack Schwabe, and David Pinos. Craig and Samantha were the outstanding captains this year; they confidently led the team all season, pushing everyone to do their best to improve. Here is what Craig and Samantha had to say in a joint statement about their experiences as members and captains of North's Cross-Country team: Q: How long have you been on the team? A: We have been a part of the team since our freshman year. Q: What is your favorite memory from this cross-country season? A: One of our favorite memories from this cross-country season was the North Shore v. South Shore 4K Invitational. With personal best times all around, it was a moment when we could clearly appreciate the results of our daily hard work. The moment of pride, for not only our own achievement but that of the underclassmen as well, bonded us as a team. Q: What are you going to miss the most about North's cross-country team? A: We greatly appreciate being challenged both physically and mentally and will miss this most about our team and sport. The lessons we learned carry over into various aspects of life and help us become strong, well-rounded individuals. Furthermore, our intensive training has taught us how to push through any adversity. As senior captains, it has been our pleasure to guide the underclassmen to reaching their fullest potential and instilling in them the lessons we have learned through our coaching, past captains, and experience. Q: What was the best part of being on this team? A: The best part about being on this cross-country team is easily the family we have built. We are a close-knit group who are always genuinely there for one another. Cross-country is an exceedingly difficult sport that requires immense amounts of dedication and hard work; however, it is all worth it when you have your family to support you every step of the way. Not only are we co-captains and teammates, but more importantly, best friends because of the four years on this team. Our bonding with Coach Boyens has led us to appreciate his motivational speeches and guidance; from teaching us about "cerebral fortitude" to perseverance, his speeches shaped us from young freshmen into the All-County and All-Conference athletes and individuals we are today. As a team, we have all spent an extreme amount of time together during the best and most difficult experiences alike, which is a testament that being a team is by chance, but being a family is our choice. Not only were the senior captains motivational, but so were the senior team members. They were supportive and looked out for the newer runners to the sport, making sure everyone was included and safe. Here is what senior teammate Jack Schwabe had to say about his experiences on the team: Q: How long have you been on the team? A: 3 years. Q: What is your favorite memory from this cross-country season? A: My favorite memory from this cross-country season would have to be the County meet. The rain, the mud, and the overall horrible weather conditions made it a race of strength and determination to overcome adversity and succeed. Q: What are you going to miss the most about North's cross-country team? A: I will miss my coach, Mr. Boyens, and all the hard work he puts into the team. I also will miss the family that is the Cross-Country team. The team is small, so everyone gets close to one another, and it becomes more than just running. Q: What was the best part of being on this team? A: The best part of being on the team was my fellow teammates through the years. If cross-country were just running and practicing on your own, I would have never thought of doing it. The friends and memories I have made on the team will be ones that I will never forget. The team will miss the seniors and their leadership next year but wishes them the best of luck in their futures. Coach Boyens and the seniors have shaped amazing runners on the team for the future team. Whether someone was the fastest runner or joined to stay in shape, Mr. Boyens and our seniors helped them not only achieve their goals but set new ones for the future. Although the seniors are leaving next year, their impact on this team will remain long after they are gone. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Rabbit’s Foot Nathaly Zavala Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Ugonna Okwu “Swyneth.” A woman’s voice, like an echo underwater. “Wake up.”   Chaos. Sirens. Static.   “911, what’s your emergency?” When did my life become this?   I used to think fate had me on speed dial. That I was born under the right star. It was always about who was lucky and who wasn’t. I thought I was the lucky one.   I guess I was not. Flashback   “Has anybody seen my purse?” I’m half-dressed, cleats in one hand, eyeliner in the other.   “Let’s go, girls. Field in one minute!” That’s my sister. Also my coach. Also the reason I’m here. I was the youngest. The “lucky” one. My two older sisters swore our family was cursed — bad grades, bad boyfriends, bad timing. But not me.   The popular boys liked me. Girls wanted to be me. I was THE GIRL.   Athletic, straight A’s, never had to try. I didn’t need luck. I was luck. It was like fate carved out a special lane just for me and greased the wheels. Until my sister took it.  Literally.   But I’ll get to that. Game day. Three years ago.   “Swy, you ready?” My sister’s eyes didn’t match her smile.   “Always.” I tossed my purse into my locker. Didn’t lock it. Why would I? Nothing bad ever happened to me.   We won. MVP. After, my purse was on the bench. Unzipped. My lucky rabbit’s foot, (the one I’d had since I was seven) was gone.   That’s when the losing started.   Torn ACL. Scholarship gone. Boyfriend gone. Friends gone.   Meanwhile, my sister? Promoted. Engaged. Happy. She started wearing a little fur keychain on her whistle. White. Worn. Familiar. I confronted her.   She just laughed. “Swy, it’s a rabbit’s foot. Maybe you were never that special. Maybe you just ran out of luck.” So I proved her wrong.   For two years, I worked like hell.   5 AM rehab sessions when my knee still screamed. Showing up to open gym when nobody knew my name anymore. I iced, I studied, I bled.   No charm. No shortcuts. Just me.   And it started working. I walked again. Then ran. Then played. D2 colleges sent letters. Not the dream, but mine. Earned, not given.   I finally understood: maybe I was never lucky. Maybe I was just good. And maybe that was better.   Until last week. I saw her whistle. That stupid fur keychain. And I snapped.   I stole it back. It reminded me of everything I’ve suffered. I put it in my pocket and walked out of the gym feeling invincible for the first time in years. Like the old Swyneth. Like fate was back on my side.   But what would I know that while walking home. The girls I used to call friends would try to steal what was mine. My luck. All I remember was Sandra the person I used to call my best friend told everyone about the stupid rabbit foot and how I got the luck from there. So, Gabriella the girl who wanted to be me the most. Saw me taking the rabbit’s foot from my sister’s. Deciding she also wanted to be the lucky one. Try to scare me by following me home with her car until I gave her what she wanted but I ran so she speed up and in a sudden impulse I stop and she ran over me. Present   “Ma’am, can you hear me?” The paramedic’s flashlight stabs my eyes.   Metal tastes like pennies. My leg is at the wrong angle.   “911, what’s your emergency?” the voice repeats from someone’s phone. The EMT digs through my pockets for ID. He pulls out three things and sets them on the gurney beside me:   Lip gloss.   Lip balm.   And a rabbit’s foot.     BACK TO TOP

BACK TO ALL ARTICLES BACK TO SECTIONS ADVICE Junior Aamna Raja - Advice Columnist Hello there, lovely, lovely readers of North Star! I'm Aamna, and it's my pleasure to welcome you to our advice column. In this cozy corner of the paper, I'll be your trusted companion on the rollercoaster of school life, offering my insights, and perhaps a sprinkle of humor along the way. Whether you're wrestling with perplexing math problems, navigating the maze of teenage friendships, or struggling with college applications, I'm here for you. It's all about you, and about what you want to know or share. I've made it super simple for you to send in your dilemmas. Just head to the Microsoft Form below, fill in your query, and hit "submit". The best part? It's completely anonymous. Your secrets are safe with me, and I'll do my best to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and, of course, friendly advice. Remember that you’re worth it, even if times start to get rough. Grades, popularity, clothes, and friends don’t define you. Be your own person, and never be afraid to stand up for yourself. Always strive to keep yourself and those around you positive. You got this, and I’m proud of you! So, don't hesitate, ask away, and together, we can make the North Star shine even brighter! ASK AAMNA FOR ADVICE Issue 4 Advice North Star Advice ADVICE Aamna Raja Read More SENIOR ADVICE Senior Advice By Tiffany Wong February 10, 2022 Read More Senior Interview with Shubhdip Kundlas By Shinedip Kundlas June 8, 2021 Read More College Advice from a Senior By Shubhdip Kundlas December 16, 2020 Read More A 1600 SAT score is amazing! But, it's the person behind that SAT score that truly makes "amazing" come to life. Your story is not meant to be an exact carbon copy of another individual's storybook. You don't have to be the most intelligent, or the most innovative, or even the wealthiest. You just have to be genuine and unapologetically yourself. It sounds cliché, but truthfully, it's an imperative factor in the writing portion of the college application process: your personal essay. The essay/short answer process is simply a time to address yourself, your interests, your successes and failures that you progressed from, your dreams and aspirations. So, talk about yourself. It may seem arduous, but it makes all the difference in the end. - Danae Thomas Class of 2021 College advice for 11th graders: Make sure to be in contact with admissions counselors at schools you’re interested in. They are always kind, helpful, and willing to answer all your questions, whether you are wondering about the application process, sports, activities, academics, or anything else! Their contact information is always easily accessible on the college website’s admissions tab. Good luck! - Sara Lombardi Class of 2021 First of all, please do not overstress your daily lives. Just take it one day at a time and do not leave today’s work for tomorrow. If your deadline is tomorrow but you have other assignments to finish that day, don’t add another burden; finish it or start some of it. Secondly, you are still young. Well, we all are, but you are never going to be 17 again, or maybe 16, so value your age. Have fun! I know I did, but don’t overdo it. Remember that a number does not necessarily define you as a person. School and youth are two separate, but equally, important parts of your lives. If one of them is affecting the other one, reconsider it. Youth is the only thing that you can’t replace. By youth, I mean health as well. Please take good care of yourself and know that you matter as much as anyone. You may be a straight-A student or an average student, like me, but in either case, your grades have nothing to do with who you are and your personality. You are beyond your grades and test scores, and if the colleges cannot see the awesome person you are, let them be. - Kubra Beskardes Class of 2021