Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Valley Stream TOPSoccer: End of Fall Season Party for Players By Many Layachi Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Manal Layachi On November 19th, 2022, the Valley Stream TOPSoccer Team had their last practice and end-of-the-fall season party. This program was founded by my father, Azzedine Layachi, in 2014 for my brother Zak. My brother, Elyas, as well as other buddies and I, teach kids with disabilities how to play soccer. This year, many new kids joined which was exciting. It was a chilly fall day, and the event was held at Firemen’s Field. First, the players went to play soccer outside. Then, every player had an individual picture taken, and later, a group picture was taken. After, my father gave out medals to every player and took a picture with them. Lastly, the kids’ favorite part was all the snacks and goodies. Everyone had an overall good time. While the fall season coming to an end is sad, we can all look forward to the spring season. I interviewed Azzedine Layachi , Zak Layachi, Elyas Layachi about this event. Zak : Are you sad that the soccer season is over? “Yes, because I am going to miss my friends and playing my favorite sport with them.” Did you have fun this season? “Yes, because I was able to teach my friends how to play soccer and I loved the drills and scrimmages that we did.” What did you think of the party? “The party was amazing because the coach handed out awards to everyone and there was a lot of delicious food.” Are you looking forward to the spring season? “Yes, because I look forward to seeing new players and making new friends.” Azzedine: Are you sad that the soccer season is over? “Yes, a little because the kids did not want to stop playing. It was great seeing them getting into it and loving it. However, since this is just a break until the next season, it is OK.” Did you have fun this season? “The fall season was great because many new kids joined the program and most kids made remarkable progress in playing the ball and following the coach's instructions. The parents were elated by the existence of this program which gives a unique chance to their kids to play the ‘beautiful game,’ as soccer is known.”   Why did you find the TOPSoccer program at the Valley Stream Soccer Club? “The reason is quite simple: I was looking for a club with such a program for my son Zak who has a disability. After trying many clubs in surrounding towns and found no fit, I asked my soccer club if I could create a TOPSoccer program in Valley Stream. After a while, I finally received the agreement and support I needed to create it. That was in Fall 2014. As soon as it was created, a good number of kids with disabilities joined. It became a very popular program almost overnight.”   How does it feel to make a positive impact on the community? “It is great to see many kids benefit from the program. These kids may never have had the opportunity to learn and enjoy playing soccer because they just could not be accommodated in regular soccer teams and programs. I consider this a duty we owe the kids with special needs.” Are you looking forward to the spring season? “Absolutely!  I cannot wait to welcome the kids back in the field and help them have fun. However, I am looking for ways to have a winter session if I can find an indoor space that can accommodate us, like I used to do before the pandemic.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Nature By Elaine Ching June 13, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 7

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

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Anonymous - Who Am I? - 4 By Anonymous November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Lillian Dolan - What is Line - 4 By Lillian Dolan November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1 This picture is of a dish. I used a lightbox and it was taken around 1pm.

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Victoria Scarpa - Prism By Victoria Scarpa November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Closing to Fall TOPSoccer Season: Changing Lives Through the Joy of Soccer Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Images provided by Manal Layachi TOPSoccer stands for “The Outreach Program for Soccer.” It is a soccer program for young adults and children who have physical/intellectual disabilities ranging from ages four to nineteen. TOPSoccer was founded in 1978, and there are now twenty-six LIJSL clubs with this program. My father, Azzedine Layachi, founded the Valley Stream Soccer Club TOPSoccer program in December of 2014. There were no soccer programs that fit the needs of my brother Zak, so my father created it for the Valley Stream community. In addition, Azzedine was named TOPSoccer Coach of the Year in 2016 by the LI Herald. His son, Zakarya Layachi, is the cofounder of this program. As the daughter of Azzedine Layachi, I have been volunteering as a “buddy” in this program for seven years and I greatly enjoy it. It feels good helping kids in my community learn and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer, a sport that I have played and loved since I was four. Furthermore, my brother Elyas, who is now in college, has been volunteering since he was nine. He also enjoys playing soccer and spending time with children, as he is a camp counselor during the summer, and has been playing soccer since he was four. Working together with my family to benefit the community makes our bond stronger and makes us feel good as we are changing the world through the joy of soccer. Every Saturday since 2014, we have held the TopSoccer practice at Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. We first start off by helping the children warm up and get ready to play. My father always likes to count ten in the wrong way. For example, one, two, four, nine, a hundred, two hundred twenty, ten. He would ask the kids, “Did I count right?” They would laugh and reply “No!” Building connections with the children creates a positive and peaceful environment while also making the experience more fun. After the warmup, I lead some of the aerobic exercises and then my father asks the kids to chase me until they tag me. I always look forward to this part as I love seeing if the kids can run fast enough to catch me. It’s always fun! Next, we do some foot drills such as hurdles and the ladder. Then, we set up two stations for a drill where the players have to dribble between the cones and then shoot the ball in the goal from far away. After this comes the best part of all, the parachute! Everyone holds one handle and then a ball is put in the middle. We all have to get up and lift the parachute and our goal is to get the ball in the air and out of the parachute. This is the kids’ favorite part. In addition, we lift the parachute high into the air, and then we move in a circle and sing “Ring Around the Rosie.” When we get to the part “We all fall down,” we bring the parachute to the ground and collapse. Lastly, we play a scrimmage. All the players are congratulated when they score a goal. The volunteers help the players that are on their team. At the end of the scrimmage, we all sit down and reflect on the session. My father asks the kids questions such as “How many goals did you score?” and “What was your favorite part about today’s session?” For our last practice of the 2023 fall season, we met up with the players at Fireman’s Field, the Valley Stream Soccer Clubhouse. We did the usual warmup, aerobic exercises, chasing of one of our volunteers, hurdles, dribbling through the cones, and the parachute. During our scrimmage, the players got to play with a jumbo-sized soccer ball. The kids had a lot of fun as it was intriguing playing with a huge soccer ball. I enjoyed watching and helping them play. It’s amazing seeing some of our veteran players’ growth and development over the years. My father, Elyas, Zakarya, and I are extremely proud of their hard work and dedication to the sport. As it started to get cold, we decided to head inside and give out the awards. Every player received a medal and took a picture with coach Azzedine. It was heartwarming seeing the smiles on every kids face. After that came the best part, the snacks, and drinks! We had a great season, and I am glad the kids had fun! I cannot wait for the spring season! Additionally, I interviewed Azzedine Layachi, the founder of the Valley Stream program. What motivated you to create the TOPSoccer program in 2014? “Having a son on the autism spectrum who expressed an early interest in the "beautiful game of soccer" I started searching for a suitable place or program for him. I found none for him in regular soccer programs in Valley Stream and surrounding towns until I discovered The Outreach Program for Soccer, commonly known as TOPSoccer, for special-needs youth in West Hempstead. After a year, I decided to ask the Valley Stream Soccer Club where my other two kids were enrolled if I could create a TOPSoccer program in the club. This is how Valley Stream acquired its first TOPSoccer program in 2014. Dozens of kids with special needs have enjoyed it since then.” What is your favorite part about TOPSoccer? “The whole program is a favorite weekly activity, including seeing these wonderful kids attend a sports activity that caters to their own needs and interests with open arms, respect and consideration. Seeing them slowly acquire soccer skills, learn to play with others, and become independent in the field brings a lot of joy for me and their parents.” Do you love teaching kids how to play soccer? “Yes, very much. I fell in love with soccer at a very early age when we did not have the luxury of grass fields or modern sports facilities. I often played with friends in the street, using “balls” made of bags stuffed with rags. That passion for the sport never left me and I decided to pass it on to the next generations by coaching.  Besides TOPSoccer, I have also coached, at the same time, a Travel team for girls and another one for boys. Both teams ended up winning the championships of their respective divisions and the girls team won the 2019 Long Island Cup.” Will you continue to hold this program in the future? “Yes, for as long as I can, with the hope that younger coaches will also acquire interest in getting involved and maybe one day lead this and other sports programs for children with special needs.” I interviewed Zak, the cofounder, and a participant of this program. What led you to cofound this program? “I wanted to provide myself and other kids an opportunity to play soccer.” What is your favorite part about TOPSoccer? My favorite part of Top Soccer is giving people with disabilities an opportunity to grow and mature and to develop an enjoyment for soccer. What is your favorite thing about soccer? “My favorite thing about soccer is that it brings people together no matter the race ethnicity or religion.” What do you recommend the program adds in the future? “A couple of advances I would add to the program is an organized routine to keep everything organized.” Elyas Layachi, a “buddy”, was interviewed. How do you think the fall season went? “Even though I wasn’t at every practice, I think the fall season went very well. At the practices I attended, I noticed many new faces, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.” Do you feel that everyone made progress? “I definitely feel that everyone made progress. Even if they didn’t necessarily improve at soccer, I know the players definitely improved their social skills or even started loving soccer, which is definitely progress in my book.” Do you love spending time with kids and teaching them how to play soccer? “I do love spending time teaching kids how to play soccer - it's one of the main reasons why I’m an education major. I love helping the players learn how to play soccer, and when they learn a new skill or even get out of their comfort zone, I find such accomplishments very rewarding for both the player and myself.” What do you enjoy most about volunteering in the TOPSoccer program? “The thing I enjoy most about TOPSoccer is the sense of community it creates for its volunteers and its players. It is an opportunity for everyone in Valley Stream to come together, play soccer, and help the community, which is beautiful.” What would you like to see more of? Why? “ I would definitely like to see more players and volunteers at TOPSoccer, especially because it’s a great experience for both and the program is meant to serve the entire community.” Are you excited for the spring season? Why? “Yes, I am very excited for the spring season, especially since it means new volunteers and players could join the program!” I interviewed Bouchra Zerhouni, who has been coming to support her family since the start of the program and is Azzedine’s wife and the mother of Elyas and Zakarya. How long has Zakarya been a part of the Valley Stream TOPSoccer program? “Zak has been a part of the TOPSoccer program since he was five years old. He used to go to the Hempstead TOPSoccer program, then Azzedine created the Valley Stream one for him.” What is your opinion on the program? “The program is nice and engaging for the kids with disabilities. However, we need more volunteers to assist the kids and the coaches.” How has TOPSoccer impacted you and your children’s lives? “TOPSoccer has given me a different perspective on life. I have become more grateful for what I have. My children are more responsible and compassionate as a result of participating in this program.” What is your favorite thing about the program? “My favorite thing about the program is the sense of community that it brings to the players, volunteers, parents, and coaches.” Romi, one of our veteran players, and her mother were also interviewed. Romi: Do you love to play soccer? “Yes, she absolutely loves it.” Why? “It's fun.” What is your favorite thing about TOP Soccer? “Seeing the volunteers and players each week and socialize.” What is your favorite activity that we do during practice? “The parachute activities.” Are you excited for the Spring season? “Yes!” Ms. Lilach Koch: How long has Romi been a part of the Valley Stream TOPSoccer program? “For 6 years.” How did you hear about TOPSoccer? “Through a community member.” What is your opinion on the program? “Very inclusive and accommodating. Everyone is truly nice and supportive.” How has TOPSoccer impacted you and your children’s lives? “Helped keeping Romi physically and socially active.” What is your favorite thing about the program? “That Romi gets an ‘off’ time from her cellphone.” In essence, TOPSoccer not only helps build relationships with children but also changes lives through the joy of soccer. Remember, you do not need experience in soccer if you would like to participate in this program. If you want to become a “buddy,” experience is also not needed, so if you are interested, join us in creating memories that will last a lifetime and help us provide kids with disabilities with lifechanging opportunities. Coach Azzedine Layachi’s Contact information: Email: layachi77@gmail.com Phone number: (718)-66-7420 If you know any young person who could benefit from this program, please contact. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections I've Only Known a Western Halloween By Laney Ching October 8, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Global Food Crisis: The First Move By Raj Singh Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by WFP Ten weeks. The media and experts generally say we have ten more weeks until a global food shortage. Americans eat 3600 calories worth of food in a day, and the average Indian eats 2200 calories a day. Livestock alone in America eats enough food to feed 800 million people on Earth. We eat a lot, and the same is true for Europe, Oceania, and other North and South American countries. We live in a society that consumes extreme amounts of food, and that will not fare well in the future shortage. The Russo-Ukrainian War is a major cause of the upcoming crisis. Ukraine and Russia produce a huge portion of Earth’s wheat, and with the war going on, production in Ukraine is limited. As soldiers take land, crops cannot be planted. Crops that are planted go nowhere since Russia blockaded the Ukrainian ports. This has a direct effect on Africa in particular as they cannot produce enough wheat to feed their massive, growing population. The fertilizer shortage is not as famous as the food shortage right now, but it is much worse. China and Russia control the global fertilizer production, while America and India produce their own fertilizer for their farming industries. But for the rest of the world, they have to buy from China and Russia. Since sanctions have been implemented on Russia, they and China have postponed the export of fertilizer. Despite what history class tells you, most people on Earth still practice monoculture, planting the same plant year after year, so their soil is poor, and they rely on fertilizer. In particular, Central Asia’s former Soviet states, such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, rely on Russian wheat and fertilizer exports that have been withheld from them. It is probable that many citizens will become refugees and go to Europe, causing problems and potential destabilizing in the West, which would be a victory for China and Russia. China has been hoarding every resource it can get near itself. For the past couple of years, China has been stocking up on Ukrainian wheat to keep. In addition, with their current zero-Covid lockdowns, China has kept thousands of cargo ships off the shore of Shanghai as storage. China seems to have been preparing for a global food crisis for a long time, and when the crisis hits, they won’t be affected as badly. This problem was caused by the new Cold War going on between the West (America, Europe, and Oceania) and the Chinese-Russian alliance that has been solidified by a recent pact that openly declares to be the new world order to challenge the West. This upcoming global crisis is a move of a pawn by the Chinese and Russians; therefore, this means that a new Cold War has not only arisen but will affect the lives of billions of people globally. We have to depend on our government and ourselves to steer the world away from this crisis, and we have to act now if we want to avoid a refugee crisis. Millions, if not billions, could starve. Sources: https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/average-calorie-intake-human-per-day-versus-recommendation-1867.html https://www.india.com/lifestyle/diet-of-average-indian-lacks-protein-fruit-vegetables-4066766/ https://www.reuters.com/business/sanctions-bite-russia-fertilizer-shortage-imperils-world-food-supply-2022-03-23/ https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/russia-and-china-unveil-a-pact-against-america-and-the-west https://www.fox29.com/news/world-wheat-supply-food-shortage-un-security-council-sara-menker BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Nightmare Before Christmas - A Reaction Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Tim Burton and Rick Heinrichs As the spooky season rears its ugly head and Halloween draws closer and closer, people are starting to rewatch older Halloween movies to get into the spooky mood. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most well-known Halloween movies to date and is still very popular. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion film not directed by Tim Burton contrary to popular belief but by Henry Selick who also directed Coraline . Although he didn’t direct the movie, Tim Burton produced and wrote its story. Production of the movie started in 1991 and was finally completed in October 1993. That Halloween season marked the first of many years of merchandise, costumes, and the movie’s popularity. The Nightmare Before Christmas takes place in Halloween Town. A dark, scary place where its residents prepare for Halloween each day. Our protagonist, Jack Skellington, is the representative of this town. He is respected and revered, but something is missing. We follow Jack as he travels outside Halloween Town for the first time and discovers Christmas. He feels as if he has discovered a part of him that was missing. We watch as he tries to introduce Christmas to Halloween Town and even attempts to replace Santa Claus himself. He kidnaps Santa Claus and takes over Christmas, trying to deliver presents all over the world. While Jack tries to prepare for Christmas, Santa is taken by Oogie Boogie, an evildoer in Halloween Town, and is held captive. Despite his efforts, Jack’s attempts to replace Santa fail and he is unable to deliver all the presents. Through his failure, Jack realizes that he doesn’t need to take over Christmas when he can fully appreciate Halloween Town and what it has to offer him. He returns to Halloween Town to free Santa Claus from Oogie Boogie so Santa can save Christmas. Overall, the movie is an enjoyable watch and great for a comfortable Saturday in autumn. The stop-motion animation creates a cozy feeling that, despite the movie’s Halloween theme, makes it feel a lot more Christmas-y. Stop motion is a difficult animation style that requires each scene of the film to be shot photo by photo, with someone moving each figure after every picture. Knowing this, I have such a large amount of respect for the people who were a part of the production of this film. This animation style fits the movie perfectly and helps create the nostalgic feeling the movie has today. Not only is the animation impeccable but the compositions are just as great. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a musical and each musical number was masterfully crafted by Danny Elfman. Each song is so catchy; I found myself humming them for weeks after I rewatched the movie. Even the background music makes every scene so impactful. Each song fit the scene it was in and made me enjoy the movie even more. The Nightmare Before Christmas is an amazing movie that I would highly recommend to anybody who hasn’t seen it. Valley Stream North recently hosted a movie night showing the movie with snacks and a dark spooky atmosphere for you to enjoy. Even if you missed the showing, watching this movie is definitely worth your time. Whether you see it as a Christmas or Halloween movie, one thing is clear. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a movie that will invoke nostalgia and Halloween joy for years to come. BACK TO TOP