Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections A Drive into the Archive of New York’s License Plates Akilan Subramaniyan Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Akilan Subramaniyan   You are on a road trip, the type that is excruciatingly long and mundane. The sort that makes you investigate license plates that hang behind cars. You scan through traffic, analyzing unique license plate designs. Out of nowhere, you gawk at an SUV bearing an iconic NY license plate. A plate that incorporates hues of yellow and blue, featuring Niagara Falls to the Montauk Lighthouse and everything in between (“Excelsior Plates | NY DMV”). A simple yet stunning license plate. However, you ponder how the state of New York ended up with this marvelous design. What is the history behind it?              Before we dive into the historical aspect, let us first comprehend what license plates are used for and their significance. The first was introduced in the late 1800s (Search Quarry). The first state that mandated the use of plates was, ironically, New York. Nevertheless, this state never issued these plates. Nor did they express any strict regulations on whether the plates should be visible. During those times, people created their own license plates by hand, using initials and materials such as metal or leather. Despite that, in 1903, Massachusetts was the first state to hand out plates directly to its citizens. Did you know the first license plate manufactured by this state only had the number “1” on it! (Rosenberg) Promptly, states across the United States began distributing license plates to residents. This action enables the police to effortlessly interpret license plates. This marked the beginning of vehicle enrollment laws in the US (Search Quarry). After years of evolution, the Department of Motor Vehicles administers license plates in the US (Rosenberg). Current plates abide by standards but include elements that support state patriotism. This includes iconic slogans or symbols, stunning or dazzling designs, and more. It also has niche roles. For example, allowing police to locate a suspect’s car, showing the ownership of a vehicle, and having taxes, tolls, or rules all tied to the license plate registration (Search Quarry). As already discussed, New York was the first state to mandate license plates. On the other hand, the state had not distributed the license plates itself. Relying on people to make license plates made the license plate system unorganized and messy. Observing this, New York started to provide license plates for uniformity and organization. In 1910, the state of New York distributed state-made license plates, which became the first standardized license plate. This 1910 license plate design, made of steel with a porcelain coat, was selected for durability on roads. It was composed of white lettering and “NY” written vertically on the right-hand side behind a dark blue background. This massive leap was met with a few challenges. Manufacturing these plates in mass production, dealing with organization, and distributing them to an increasingly large population was demanding. Spreading awareness to folks about “Requirements and ensuring widespread compliance,” according to the New York State Blog, was another grueling task. Additionally, another hurdle was that while officials adapted to this new system, they also needed to find vehicles that were still using owner-made or no license plates at all. The good news is that this change laid the vital path for advanced vehicle identification soon ( Newyorkstate.blog ). As the 1920s rolled around, plates became more uniform, made of steel, and often simply had “N.Y” on the side with the year and numbers. Throughout the 1930s to 1940s, license plates were practical and sophisticated in design due to materials’ availability after World War II. Moving on, the 1950s introduced multi-year-old plates and saw the making of the renowned 1957 orange lettering on a black background. Post 1960, New York evolved to use aluminum for their license plates. This material has anti-corrosion, lightweight, and easy recycling qualities. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). All of New York’s license plate designs keep practicality and looks. When it came to practicality, designs committed to contrasts like the 1929 and 1930 plates. In addition, the state embraced sharp contrasts to increase the visibility of the plate. On the other hand, attractiveness stemmed from the utilization of colors that represented, “…the evolving visual identity of New York's roadways,” as stated by the New York State Blog. An important event was the inclusion of the famous slogan, “Empire State,” in 1951. This slogan was both historically significant and contributed to state patriotism, as it was the prediction of New York’s future by George Washington. It was subtle but still powerful. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Now, after a profound investigation of New York’s license plate history, we surface back to the present day. New York License plates in the present day still prioritize practicality and security while steered by modern technology, and an ever-changing appeal of different beautiful plate designs. The 1900s and early 21 st century advanced toward standard and famed designs that would be etched into New York as a distinctive icon. Starting with the 1986 plate design, which contained dark blue on a white introducing the symbolic Statue of Liberty. It developed such a strong identity that it became a benchmark for two decades. The following was the 2001 plate, which had blue lettering on a golden yellow before switching back to the original blue-on-white. In 2010, a famous updated, “Empire State,” plate was revealed to be often connected to the concrete jungle of NYC. Finally…the most recent license plate is none other than the 2020 “Excelsior” plate. It continues with the blue text on white, has a detailed background, and the slogan, “Excelsior.” This design will continue to be a staple on New York roads around the state ( Newyorkstate.blog ). The final aspect of the current New York license plate is to do with modernization. Modern plates employ a highly reflective coating and are embossed (imprinting the letters for a raised look). This increased readability during the nighttime. Security elements implanted into the seal in the middle of the license plate deter counterfeits. All these measures make the modern plate more secure and functional than older counterparts ( Newyorkstate.blog ). New York State, just like the rest of the states, started out small in the system of license plates. After decades and centuries of development, from owner-made handicrafts to symbolic plate designs, New York has been through a long journey. All this work has not just been forgotten in New York’s interstates and streets. Instead, it turned into a staple in New York. With state loyalty, it hangs behind New York yellow taxis, lengthy MTA buses, flashing and bright NYPD patrol cars, enormous FDNY ladder trucks, and even behind an ordinary New Yorker's car. This piece of metal will follow behind wherever New York is headed, serving as a reminder of New York’s proud license plate ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Excelsior Plates | NY DMV The History of License Plates in the U.S. The History of License Plates in the United States - Fun Facts to Know Journey Through New York License Plates History: A Reveal! - Newyorkstate.blog License Plates of New York US_NYXX_GI4.jpg (598×392) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Questionnaire With Football Seniors Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Sophia Song What was your most memorable moment playing football? Imran Paul : “My first game as a freshman. That was my real first ever tackle game. We lost but still a fun experience.” When did you start playing football? Who introduced you to this sport? Imran Paul: “I started playing 7th grade and who introduced me was Terry (Senior 2024). It was 6th grade summer going to 7th grade, Terry said I should come to the clinics, and I have been playing ever since.” Who have been some of your toughest competitors? Imran Paul: “Wantagh, Bethpage, Plainedge when they used to be in our conference.” What are you looking forward to in your senior year? Imran Paul: “Just having fun with the guys... it’s the last year, so having fun.” Favorite sports team? Nathan Smith : “Pittsburgh Steelers” Favorite movie? Nathan Smith: “Whiplash , no explanation, love it.” What coaches influenced you the most throughout your high school career and why? Nathan Smith: “All of my football coaches. They have pushed me a lot the past three years.” What advice do you have for up-and-coming football players? Nathan Smith: “Just push through with all the yelling because most of the time coaches are doing this not because they think you are bad but because they think you can do better.” Who have been some of your toughest competitors? Antonio Casoria: “Definitely in the past, Bethpage. Week one Saturday is gonna be a big game, kinda predict the way the season goes.” Do you have any regrets from playing football that you want to make up as a senior? Antonio Casoria: “I don’t think I have any regrets. If I was to do all this again, I would probably do the same way; wins or losses.” What are some of your hobbies besides football? Antonio Casoria: “Hanging out with my friends, going to the gym and going to work.” What are you hoping for as a senior this year for your team? Antonio Casoria: “ Take the team to the playoffs, get some more wins, and bring North some pride.” Who were your football heroes growing up and who are they currently? Jayden Gonzalez: “Definitely OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr.), Jalen Ramsey and right now, it’s Tank Dell.” What other sports are you part of and how did you do in them? Jayden Gonzalez: “Track and Field and received All-County for high jump.” What are you looking forward to as a senior this year? Jayden Gonzalez: “Make it to playoffs and try to win everything.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Samuel Vega: “I started playing in 9th grade, no one really introduced it, but in some way Luke Tartamella (Senior 2025) a little bit.” Are there any regrets playing football that you wish to make up as a senior? Samuel Vega: “Not really, maybe enjoy my year more, have more fun playing with all the people.” What is your best advice for any upcoming highschoolers? Samuel Vega: “Enjoy the time that you have because soon it’s gonna go away.” What is your favorite sports team? Muhammad Haseeb: “The Patriots” Favorite TV show? Muhammad Haseeb: “Cobra Kai” When did you start playing football? Muhammad Haseeb: “I started playing football back in 7th grade.” What are your goals for this football season? Muhammad Haseeb: “To win as many games as possible with my team.” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Muhammad Haseeb: “Just listen to Coach and if you don’t know something just ask questions, work hard in the offseason and just get better every single day.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Steeve Delma: “I started playing in 8th grade and Imran Paul (Senior 2025) introduced me to the sport.” What are some of your other hobbies besides football? Steeve Delma: “Sleeping.” Do you have family that played before you? Steeve Delma: “No, I’m the first.” What are your goals for this football season? Steeve Delma: “Score as many touchdowns as I can.” What are some of your memorable moments playing football? Christian St. Amand: “Having my best game against Lynbrook in 10th grade.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Christian St. Amand: “I started playing in 7th grade and my dad introduced me to the sport.” Do you have any other hobbies besides football? Christian St. Amand: “Playing basketball for North.” What are you hoping for as a senior this year? Christian St. Amand: “Get All-County in both sports.” Do you have any advice for upcoming and future football players? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Work hard, make plays on the field specially on a scout team.” How much does it mean for you to represent our school colors when you go to different schools? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “It means a lot.” What have been some of your core memories over the years at school? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Messing around in AP Environmental Science instead of doing work.” What are you most excited for as a senior this year? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Graduating and getting more free periods in the spring.” Favorite sports team? Luke Tartamella: “The Falcons” Favorite athlete? Luke Tartamella: “Julio Jones” Favorite TV show? Luke Tartamella: “ SpongeBob ” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Luke Tartamella: “I started playing when I was four and my brother introduced football to me.” What are your goals for this football season? Luke Tartamella: “Hopefully win all our games and blowout every team we play” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Luke Tartamella: “ Make sure you work hard and keep your grades up.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Jasson Innocent: “I started playing football as a kid and in my sophomore year in school and my dad got me into this sport because we both like football.” What has been your most favorite sports memory? Jasson Innocent: “Last game sophomore year because everybody was getting emotional. It just brought everybody as a team to get better and work harder.” Favorite movie? Jasson Innocent: “ Home Alone definitely. It’s such a tough movie 10/10!” What has been your most favorite memory playing football? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “Watching my teammates play and getting amazing touchdowns in games.” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “Just be comfortable and trust the process.” What is your favorite movie? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “ Chucky ” Danial Haq: Favorite sports team? Danial Haq: “Jets” Favorite athlete? Danial Haq: “Demetrious Johnson” Favorite movie? Danial Haq: “ The Batman ” Favorite TV show? Danial Haq: “ Avatar: The Last Airbender ” What are some of your most memorable moments playing football so far? Danial Haq: “The practices are always pretty fun” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Danial Haq: “Just do your thing and don’t let losses get to your head” Coach Paolillo What are your goals for the seniors this year? Coach Paolillo: “My goal for the seniors would be to make sure that they leave our program as respectable members of society. Football has so many lessons each day and we always stress to them that being a good person is the most important lesson to learn from football.” I thank everybody for answering the questions and being so polite. I hope this season welcomes the team with fun memories and great achievements. What a team. GO SPARTANS! (with special thanks to Sofia Songveeratham) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Editorial: To Fear or Not  By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by iStock The human psyche is made up of complex structures of thoughts, actions, and emotions which make up the human conscious and unconscious. As the human psyche influences a thought, an action, and certain behavior, the emotion of fear also similarly influences the human psyche. Humans and nonhumans alike experience fear, one of our strongest and most primal emotions. Whether it be arachnophobia or pogonophobia, fear causes everyone to act a certain way when dealing with situations. Fear affects the human psyche for it influences abnormal behavior and responses from an individual. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on humans not only financially but mentally as well. Amid the outbreak, people started to panic buy and loaded up on supplies. As Americans faced the possibility of a lengthy stay at home, toilet paper demand increased dramatically and so did their fear of a supply shortage. In the face of fear, individuals turn to different behavioral patterns than normal such as panic buying. This fear influences abnormal behavior such as the unnecessary buying and overloading of toilet paper. This abnormal behavior caused by fear can also be seen in other situations such as natural disasters or storms. When the news channel broadcasts that there is going to be a superstorm or hurricane hitting a person’s town, that person and along with many will run to the nearest grocery store to load on water, bread, canned goods, etc. News channels will often show empty grocery store shelves and aisles with a single person with 3 carts full of supplies. These situations demonstrate how fear, can drive a person to do abnormal things such as load up on abnormal numbers of food and supplies. The process of fear starts with a frightening stimulus and ends with the body preparing for its own protection. There's nothing more frightening than hearing a door slam in an empty apartment, sensing a knife pressing against your neck, or for some, seeing a spider. For some people, a fear of a spider may trigger abnormal responses. For instance, a person who has arachnophobia jumps in fear as they see a spider skittering across their bedroom floor. Now, that same fear response will trigger every time the person comes into their room, fearful of that spider. The person will make sure they don’t enter that room until they are sure the spider is gone or every time, they look at their bedroom floor, they will confuse other things for the spider. Some individuals who suffer from extreme arachnophobia are so afraid of spiders that they cannot even go into their basements or garages for fear of finding one there. In order to avoid dealing with spiders, they will actually leave the house when they encounter one. This may seem abnormal to some, however, the person who suffers from this fear, has this fear not only affecting their behavior but other aspects of their psych emotions as well. Fear is an aspect of life where the human psyche can either be positively or negatively affected. The constant fear causes abnormal thoughts and behavior which can lead to negative impacts on the human mind. The psyche of an individual is very sensitive and complex and the simplest thing as fear, can affect it to major extents. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Nayab Raja - Portrait By Nayab Raja January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Voting: Your Right, Your Power Noa Cordova Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Max Ching In the words of Former President Obama, “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.” Obama’s words reflect an insufficiently acknowledged truth among young American voters. Election season is among us, and while the majority of high school students won’t be 18 by election day, we should remind ourselves of our constitutional right to vote. The upcoming generation of voters should concern themselves with the fact that the age group from 18 to 24 tends to vote less than others (OurWorldInData). As the next voting generation, it's crucial we understand these patterns and work to break them. Every vote counts. Hectic schedules, intimidation in casting a ballot, and lack of interest in voting significantly contribute to the voting trend among the 18-24 age group (Holbein). College students make up the majority of the 18-24 age group and deal with the busy, hectic reality of college life. With assignments, projects, extracurriculars, studying, and other college-age responsibilities, making it to a poll may not make it on the priority list. Fortunately, states provide an alternative to in-person voting on election day: mail-in voting. Mail-in voting allows voters to cast their vote remotely and includes Early Mail Ballots and Absentee Ballots. For college students caught up in hectic schedules and overwhelmed by the prospect of voting, Early Mail ballots serve as a suitable option. Registered voters can apply for an Early Mail Ballot online and exercise their right to vote remotely. College students residing outside of their state may apply for an Absentee Ballot as another form of mail-in voting. Voting remotely may help voting stress and anxiety for inexperienced voters; the mail-in alternative aims to increase voter turnout, so take advantage of its convenience. The lack of interest in voting presents an additional reason for lower voting numbers among 18-24-year-olds and an issue attributed to the underestimation of the importance of voting. Our democratic government grants us the fundamental right to vote; we shouldn’t overlook this right. Making up 12% of the population, young voters can significantly influence the results of elections, including presidential elections (U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division). Education, news channels, articles, and social media provide valuable information on candidates and their political policies. Especially when you reach voting age, educating yourself ensures ignorance does not hinder your interest in voting and that you’re more motivated to vote. Voting as an 18-year-old citizen is your 26th Amendment right; don’t wait until you’re 26 to use it. Efforts to augment interest in younger voters have grown in popularity in the U.S. Social media campaigns target younger audiences, in hopes of appealing to them to secure their vote. Social media serves as a useful tool for encouraging others to vote as a citizen as well. Sharing information about your voting experience or method may inspire others to take political action themselves. Postcards to Voters, an organization seeking writers to mobilize citizens to vote and inform them about Vote By Mail, serves as an example of efforts others can make to encourage others to vote. “I voted” should be more than words on a red and blue pin, we should announce them proudly as members of a democracy. As high school students, educating ourselves and learning about different policies will help in future voting whether it’s local or presidential. 16- and 17-year-olds can preregister to vote online and get a head start on contributing to our democratic nation. Every vote counts, so count yours in. The constitution grants us voting first as a right, but secondly and more importantly as our power to influence our government. When you’re eligible, use your voice, share your vision, and cast your vote. Sources: Adult population by age group | KIDS COUNT Data Center Request a Ballot - Early Mail or Absentee Ballot | NYC Board of Elections Most young voters support Kamala Harris − but that doesn’t guarantee they will show up at the polls Young people are less likely to vote than older people — often considerably so - Our World in Data BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections No World By Kara Walker February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Color Etching, Drypoint, and Aquatint with Sugarlift and SPitbite on Hahnemühle Copperplate Wove Paper, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

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Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections February 14th has a Playlist Shea Flanelly Volume 6 Issue 3 Image Provided by Whether you are having a blast slow-dancing with your romantic partner, or you are screaming heartbreak songs in the car with the windows rolled up, music has a way of speaking to our hearts - especially on a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a notorious holiday for big feelings on both sides of the spectrum - some feel pure love and joy, while others may feel loneliness and sadness. In moments like these, many teens turn to music not just for entertainment, but for comfort and validation. Hearing lyrics that resonate with your situation can fuel a sense of understanding within yourself. For some people, this means choosing songs that match their joy and energy! Upbeat and fun love tracks are the perfect way to amplify excitement about a relationship or crush. Sharing headphones, posting a photo of you together on Instagram with a cute song in the background, or sending them your defining relationship song can all become ways of saying “This is how I truly feel about you,” without having to find all of the correct words. For others, Valentine’s Day means more… complicated emotions. Sad or reflective songs can create space to process difficult feelings of grief, jealousy, or disappointment. Instead of pushing these emotions away, music allows listeners to sit with them in a safe, non-destructive way. Hearing an artist to describe similar struggles can make one feel understood, and it can set a reminder that they are not the only ones navigating tough struggles. Be careful of over-indulging into this type of music, though – songs with negative emotions involved can trap teens into a negative headspace, reinforcing negative emotions instead of reassuring them. Even outside of love and heartbreak, music can be a confidence booster! Songs about self-love can help students reclaim Valentine’s Day and view it more as a day to treat themselves. Instead of wallowing on what they do not have, teens can shift the focus on what they DO have – what they value about themselves and their relationships. So, why does music carry so much weight on a holiday about love? Part of music’s power comes from its ability to put language to the indescribable. Emotions are often messy and hard to define, especially in adolescence. A song can organize that havoc, giving a metaphor, line, or melody that makes everything make sense. A three-minute song can say what would otherwise take pages and pages. What someone cannot text or say face-to-face might feel possible through a pair of earbuds. By the time February 14 th arrives, students will walk the hallways, each person experiencing a different version of the day. Some will be listening to love songs, others to Mitski , others to songs about self-love and acceptance. In any of these emotions, each student has the same instinct – press the ‘play’ button. Music meets students where they are – and while Valentine’s Day may mean many things, there is always a song ready to tell the story! Sources: How teenagers use music to deal with emotions  – BOLD Love, Heartbreak, and Hits: Why Valentine’s Day Is Music’s Favorite Holiday - Artist Uncut BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports, Feature Back to Sections TOPSoccer: Valley Stream Soccer Club Looking for Volunteers Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Valley Stream Topsoccer/Valley Stream Soccer Club BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections History of Badminton Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Navrosedip Kundlas Have you ever wondered about the history of your favorite sport(s)? Growing up, I always played badminton; I recall waiting for the weather to get warmer to go outside, pull out my racket and hit shuttlecocks with my father or sister. After playing the sport for so long, and daily during the spring season for North’s Girls Varsity Badminton team, I sat at my desk pondering about how the sport came to be: Where did badminton originate? Who created the sport? What types of people played it? Let’s get into the basics of the sport. Badminton is typically played either on a court or lawn with a racket along with the shuttlecock, often called a “birdie”. Historically, the first rackets made for the sport were composed of a piece of wood and strings made of animal guts. To make a player comfortable while holding a badminton racket, a piece of cloth was wrapped around the handle. The racket was modified and made lighter with the use of aluminum or steel until the 1950s when carbon fiber completely changed the production of rackets. The shuttlecock is better known as a “bird” or a “birdie.” When the game first came to be, the shuttlecock was composed of unrefined bird feathers, weighing only around 5 grams. Now, many shuttlecocks are made out of synthetic materials, but many players continue to use goose feather shuttlecocks. The sport can be traced back 2000 years; however, the most modern version of badminton is traced back to 1873, England. The Duke of Beaufort is said to have brought the sport to England from India. Britain had many colonies including India, which resulted in the mixture of cultures and ideas. The sport is said to have roots in ancient Greece, China, and India and is similar to battledore and shuttlecock , an old children’s game. During Britain’s rule in India, English army officers began to play Poona while stationed throughout the colony in the 1860s; this is where badminton was derived from. As the sport diffused from South Asia to Europe, badminton gained severe popularity in England. In 1899, the first men’s badminton championship was held, which was further followed by a women’s tournament in 1900. Later during the 20th century, in 1934, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), was formed; it was formerly known as the International Badminton Federation and is the world administration for the sport. Badminton tournaments ranging from regionals to nationals take place in many countries, but the most famous includes the All-England Championships. More international badminton tournaments include the Thomas Cup, the first international badminton tournament for men, which took place 14 years later in 1948 after the creation of the BWF. Following in 1956, the Uber Cup took place, which was the first international badminton tournament for women. Badminton has gained popularity in Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and in European countries such as Denmark. The rules of the sport have evolved. Until 2001, players could score only up to 15 points, however, the scoring system has changed, requiring players to score up to 21 points in a rally in which a lead of two points is needed to win a game. The rules for serving have changed since 2006 as well; players were allowed to serve overhead in 1983, but in 2006, the serve was required to be below the server’s waist. Like all things, badminton too has evolved, all the way from rackets and shuttlecocks to the rules and regulations of the game. SOURCES: Badminton | History, Rules, Equipment, Facts, & Champions | Britannica Badminton, A historical glimpse into the sport’s changing face over the decades ( olympics.com ) BACK TO TOP