Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Forward By Varshanie Naitram Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by LorenZemlika 2021 came without warning, Time moves faster than it did before. The year ends and I barely get a thought in. Where will I be in 20 years? What does the future have in store for me? Who will I become? Is it my choice to decide my future? Or could it be my fate or destiny? 18 is the age I turn, But I'm still a child. Growing up happened kind of fast. I wonder how the world will change. Will I have kids? Will I be lonely? Who could I have lost? Should I be thinking about this? I guess I'll just have to wait and see. - Varshanie Naitram BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Happy Park By Luiginna Frederique January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Art Guild- Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Mansir By Arunima Roy March 28, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 5

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Political Violence: An Editorial Leah Ally Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Political violence is defined as acts of terrorism by individuals or groups to display public distaste for opposing viewpoints. Typically, those committing such violent acts have an agenda or political goal in doing so. Whether they are world wars or individual conflicts, political violence has unfortunately proved itself to be very prevalent in history and does not show signs of stopping today. The most recent and prominent example of political violence was the Charlie Kirk shooting that occurred on September 10th, 2025. The right-wing political activist was shot while making an on-campus appearance at Utah Valley University. Immediately, social media sparked controversy surrounding the assassination. Some mourned the death of the 31-year-old, while others expressed their widely differing views with Kirk. Differences in political opinions strongly contributed to the quite strong reactions expressed by individuals online. I strongly believe that this expression of political violence is less about politics and more about ethics. When I discuss ethics, I am referring to morality or behaviors that are typically regarded as good or bad. In this case, I believe that supporting political violence is no better than the act of committing political violence itself. To be clear, this opinion does not only apply to Charlie Kirk’s assassination but also large-scale political violence such as those led by oppressive governments. We are living in a world that wants to censor beliefs and quickly shut down opinions without the opportunity for debate. When I refer to debating, I am not referring to the idea of winning an argument, but rather open-mindedness between and among parties. While this may seem contradictory, the idea behind debates is to express one’s beliefs and support it with evidence in hopes of persuasion. However, effective debate requires the participants and the audience to consider every statement or idea expressed, even if that means not agreeing with the opposing party at all. Either way, the ideas behind debates exemplify the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the freedom of speech. This is significant to the context of political violence, especially when considering the long-lasting impacts such conflicts bestow upon the future of humanity. Political violence not only contributes to censoring politicians or activists, but also to children. This is because political violence becomes more than politics; it unfortunately serves as an example of the cruelty that an individual may be faced with when on the opposing end of a disagreement. Allowing politics to reach this amount of discourse and determine life or death is precisely why people are less likely to share their opinions. Therefore, political violence unfortunately teaches our youth that disagreements are dangerous and should be avoided. However, without differences in opinions and disagreements, there will be no advancement in our country moving forward. We cannot rely on constant agreement and consensus to survive. This not only goes for politics but also science, mathematics, the medical field, creative pursuits, and innovation. As a society that runs on humans, functional stagnation and lack of creativity will not serve the future well. Now that a societal implication of political violence has been identified, let us not forget the human side of political violence. It is a simple concept, yet a struggle for many to grasp when dealing with politics. It is the idea that we are all humans with families and loved ones, regardless of our political opinions. Contrary to widespread belief, empathy is not an on and off button, used whenever it is most convenient. Instead, empathy is a concept that individuals should constantly strive to achieve even in challenging contexts, in this case, politics. Regardless of the political party, group, or organization we adhere to, we are of the same species. We are all human. If this statement appears to imply that humanity is more important than political opinion, then that is the correct interpretation. Humanity is our foundation while politics and social life are merely building blocks that have bolstered themselves off humanity. While, yes, these building blocks are crucial, we cannot disregard the foundation nor sacrifice it. After all, without the foundation, in this case, humanity, our building blocks or politics would also crumble. While this interpretation may appear philosophical, it is currently in effect without many being aware of it. There are solutions. The most effective solution is to lead by example. This solution implies that current politicians, everyday adults, and those in powerful positions hold the responsibility of demonstrating the benefits of differing opinions. Classroom learning may appear to be another effective method; however, it does not compare to education from real life events. We must make it a safe world to ethically argue and debate if our hope is for our country to succeed. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Blackened Beige & Bleached Beige By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by Khoudia Diop Blackened Beige To this world I am blackened-beige , nothing more, nothing less. Too black to have red bones. Too burnt to be bronzed light. Not black enough to speak her native tongue. When I look at magazines, the girls staring back at me, Blackened-beige , they are “Pretty, ” if slathered with oil, sauteed naked, and served for the tasting She’s not regal, never classy , but a trend, a fetish, nothing more, nothing less. I’m supposedly scraped from the bottom of the barrel. Too rough to caress. Too tough to hold. Not sexy, curvy, thick enough to fit the “preference.” I long to be a brown girl In a rainbow of shades and hues, Where all can blend happily too... But our vision is fading duller We keep wasting colors. Fates decided The same people divided. If all’s said and done, if MY melanin’s a curse, My ugly must be the absolute worst. Bleached Beige My America is bleached beige. Her hands are discolored, dark splotches defame face, and fair streaks sully the person that once was. She has claimed to stop bleaching, observing her poached cowhide skin Eventually, some parts of her skin returned to its original color, but many fair spots linger --- only to relapse. She still smears her afflictions with the very substance that cages her from self love my America perceives skin color in microscopic gradients or obvious shades of difference BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Coiffure By Lorna Simpson February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: 3 Gelatin Silver Prints and 10 Engraved Plastic Plaques, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections My Favorite Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe By Carolina Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Taste of Home The winter season is here, and there is no better way to put you in a good mood than by baking a warm, homemade, delicious dessert. My personal favorite dessert during the cold months would have to be pecan pie! Homemade pecan pie is a classic, rich, old-fashioned, Southern dessert that has the best combination of sweet and salty. It is perfect to share and enjoy with your family and friends. The gooey, dense combination of the mixed ingredients of sweet filling and delicious pecans fill your mouth, leaving you wanting more. Pecan pie tastes best when served warm, giving you a cozy sensation. It is very easy to make, and here is my favorite pecan pie recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup Karo brand Light OR Dark Corn Syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter (melted) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecan nuts 1 (9-inch) unbaked OR frozen deep-dish pie crust Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract using a spoon. Stir in the pecans. Pour the filling into the pie crust. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 60 to 70 minutes. (The pie is done when the center reaches 200 degrees F. Tap the center surface of the pie lightly – it should spring back when done). Cool for 2 hours on a wire rack before serving. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and preheat the oven as directed. Pour the filling into the frozen crust and bake on the preheated cookie sheet. Pecan pie reigns supreme on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it is so easy to make that some families make it a year-round dessert. Pecan pie is classified as a “sugar pie” and is often served warm with whipped cream or cold vanilla ice cream. There have also been additions to the traditional pecan pie, like bourbon whiskey, shredded coconut, chocolate, and butterscotch. Pecan pie was created by French people who had settled in New Orleans years ago and is now the official state dessert of Texas. Pecan pie is an all-time favorite dessert of mine, packed with a nutty and sweet filling nestled inside a savory pie crust! Enjoy! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Rushana Jailova - Memory Project By Rushana Jall Iova March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Déjà Vu? Speculation Rises of a Return to Remote Learning By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by NBC News First identified in South Africa on November 24th, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has quickly spread globally and reached Long Island in the first week of December. The state of New York has been severely affected by the new variant, despite the fact that 72% of its residents have been vaccinated. Cases have seen a 283% upward trend in the last fourteen days (as of January 3rd). The week before winter recess, confusion struck the faculty and staff as districts across Long Island were opting for remote learning in response to either staff shortages or an uptick in COVID cases. Local districts, such as the Sewanhaka Central High School District (SCHSD), went remote for select schools before and after the break due to the outbreak and staffing shortages; the neighboring H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square opted for remote learning before the break. The Valley Stream Central High School District addressed the sudden rise in cases by announcing on Tuesday, December 21st, that the district would cancel all after school meetings and activities on Wednesday, the 22nd, and Thursday, the 23rd. As students and faculty return to in-person learning with a continued outbreak, there is a strong indication that the district remains determined to deliver in-person learning for students. Principal Dr. Small addressed the debate and her commitment in her administration to provide a safe learning environment: “As an educator, I value the experience students receive when they learn in person. Technology use is a necessary facet that our teachers adopted flawlessly at the height of the pandemic that we deem essential in preparing our students for global society. However, a seven-hour school day provides a level of structure many of our scholars look forward to as a constant in their lives. The safety and health of our faculty/staff and scholars is our number one priority that we never want to compromise. So, we have to continue following the safety precautions in and out of school because no one wants to quarantine for ten days and miss vital classroom instruction. Hopefully, this uptick is only temporary, but we will continue to support our students' academic learning without jeopardizing their safety, health, and social and emotional needs.” A research study conducted by the Institute of Labor Economics published in May of 2021 found that online learning negatively affected students' ability to concentrate on coursework and caused them to feel less connected to their classmates and teachers than students taking classes in person; in addition, the study found that students’ overall GPAs were lowered on average by 0.2 standard deviations. The reluctance to temporarily return to a period of online learning as Omicron surges comes with suitable reasoning due to the negative repercussions it has shown to have on adolescents. An upperclassman at North commented on the district’s current decision to opt for in-person learning: “Personally, I’m glad that district decided to stay in-person for the moment. I feel like learning online caused many students to fall behind academically and suffer mentally because of the lack of social interaction. I think administration is doing everything they can, having frequently touched surfaces (tables and doorknobs) cleaned frequently and reminding students to wear their masks. They’re really trying, and I think now a large part of the burden lies on student to do what they need to do to be safe and take care of themselves and others.” The district continues to observe the COVID uptick carefully, with each school monitoring student and staff cases and informing the community via email. It looks like the district will need to keep discussing the safety of students and staff members, as projections show the Omicron variant will continue to surge over the next month. BACK TO TOP