Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Who will be the Men's Singles Winner of Australian Open 2024? Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Miami Open Australian Open is a tennis tournament that takes place every year and is the first of four tournaments in which players win Grand Slams. It is hosted in Melbourne, Australia, and this year it began on January 8th for singles, January 15th for doubles, and January 18th for mixed doubles. It is played on hard courts and features the greatest male and female tennis players from across the world. Players advance through rounds to compete in the final when they earn the trophy and Grand Slam championship. Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev (Semi-final) Daniil Medvedev, destined for greatness, has emerged as the finest athlete of his time. He just advanced to the Australian Open final with a superb 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev. It is Medvedev's third Australian Open final, and sixth grand slam final overall, and will be his first against someone other than Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal. Medvedev's win against Zverev demonstrates the enormous mental advantage he has developed over his opponent. Even though Zverev controlled their first four games, Medvedev has steadily reversed the trend, winning 11 of their last 13 matches. Medvedev survived both tiebreaks by playing tremendous tennis. Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic (Semi-final) Jannik Sinner won against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals; it is Djokovic's first loss at this position in a competition. Sinner, a young 22-year-old Italian, dominated Djokovic early and saved a match point by forcing him to hit a forehand into the net. Djokovic could have surrendered peacefully, but he used a lunging backhand and a stunning topspin lob to keep the match alive. Sinner's strength was enhanced by Djokovic's failure to perform even basic Djokovic things early on, such as stretch games until his opponent's play collapsed or utilizing his serve to trap Sinner at the back of the court. Sinner broke Djokovic five times, the final one coming shortly into his final set. Sinner clinched the victory with one final beautiful forehand down the line. After the thrilling wins in the semi-finals against their opponents by both Sinner and Medvedev, they will fight on Sunday for the title and the trophy at Rod Laver Arena. Why could Jannik Sinner win? Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis player, feels confident despite playing just 19 full sets in the competition, compared to Medvedev's 25. He ended two long-running streaks in late 2023, including victories against Djokovic at the Nitto ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals. Sinner has won over three matches with Medvedev, all occurring around the close of last year. Medvedev's energy levels might also be a concern because he has won two five-set matches in a straight, whereas Sinner has only played one set. Sinner, on the other hand, performed admirably in the semi-finals in terms of groundstroke control and serving. Regardless of his tennis experience, Medvedev could find himself having to shorten points and be more aggressive. In the end, Sinner is projected to maintain his momentum and win his very first Grand Slam championship after defeating the number one. Why could Daniil Medvedev win? Medvedev, with his remarkable resilience, has demonstrated tenacity in defeating Ruusuvuori and Zverev. He is predicted to come out on top over a skilled but inexperienced opponent, Djokovic, who is recovering from his emotional high after getting eliminated and losing the chance of the 11th championship. Sinner hopes to make history as the first Italian to win a Grand Slam since 1976, and his expertise at the highest level is minimal but will be critical. However, nerves may play a role in Sinner's first Slam final, as Medvedev is notorious for his ability to make life difficult for his opponents. Medvedev currently leads their rivalry 6-3, with outdoor hardcourt matches drawn 1-1. “I absolutely admire Daniil Medvedev, but I hope Jannik Sinner wins his first-ever Grand Slam. He really does deserve it a lot, going against number one is no easy thing. He is extremely talented, and his past performances show it. According to the stats he has less of a chance of winning, however, I believe he is playing like he has never and has become the crowd favorite!” - Rehmat K. Sources: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/medvedev-zverev-australian-open-2024-sf https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/26/daniil-medvedev-stuns-alexander-zverev-in-five-set-australian-open-epic-tennis https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/39391142/jannik-sinner-ends-novak-djokovic-australian-open-reign-semifinals https://theathletic.com/5229189/2024/01/26/jannik-sinner-novak-djokovic-at-the-australian-open/ https://www.atptour.com/en/news/medvedev-sinner-australian-open-2024-final-preview https://www.nittoatpfinals.com/en/scores-centre/head-to-head/singles/mm58/s0ag BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Stretching Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Yoga Kaitlin Kehoe Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by VSN Wellness Center Have you ever felt overwhelmed by schoolwork, sports, or just the daily responsibilities and expectations of being a student? Imagine a practice that not only helps you relax and de-stress but also boosts your concentration and focus, improves your physical health, and makes you feel more confident. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, or just looking for a new way to stay active, yoga offers something for everyone. Its adaptability and flexibility in practice makes it accessible to anyone and everyone! Let’s dive into the practice of yoga and discover how it can transform your life, both inside and outside the classroom. What is Yoga? Yoga is a workout for both your body and mind. Yoga practice involves doing different poses and stretches that help you become more flexible and stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. There are many different types of yoga “flow” (series of poses, or asanas ), including but not limited to: Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or find a moment of Zen, there’s a yoga style for YOU ! However, practicing yoga isn’t just about physical exercise. It also includes breathing techniques and meditation that help you relax and feel less stressed. Benefits of Yoga Practicing yoga is a great way to enhance your physical fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, and build focus and self-esteem. Here are some ways yoga can be beneficial to everyone: Improves Flexibility and Strength : Practicing yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, which can improve your performance in sports and daily activities. Reduces Stress and Anxiety : Yoga helps with relaxation and staying present in the moment, which can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Tip: You may want to give it a try during exam periods or when feeling overwhelmed by your school responsibilities and expectations. Improves Concentration and Focus: The breathing techniques and meditation practices in yoga can improve your concentration and focus, making it easier to stay attentive in class and while studying. Boosts Self-Esteem : Engaging in yoga can boost your confidence and support a positive self-image. It promotes self-awareness and encourages self-acceptance. Promotes Better Sleep : Practicing yoga can stabilize and improve your sleep schedule, helping you achieve a good night’s sleep, which is important for maintaining your overall health and academic achievement. Tip: Restorative Yoga is a great type of practice to do before bed. “ Legs Up the Wall ” pose can help with sleep, activate relaxation and improve digestion. Click the link for a video example! Tips for Getting Started Start Slow : If you’re new to yoga, begin with beginner-friendly poses and you can advance in difficulty as you continue to practice. Wear Comfortable Clothing : Choose clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably. (ex. Leggings, t-shirt, sweatpants, or any type of athletic wear that you feel comfy in) Build the Habit : Like any other skill, consistency and practice is key. Try to do yoga regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day. Listen to Your Body : It’s important to pay attention to how your body feels while doing yoga. If something hurts, stop and adjust your pose, or move on to a different one. Sign up for a Class : If possible, join a yoga class at your school, local studio, or online. When first starting, having a teacher or someone to assist you can help ensure you’re doing the poses correctly and safely. Tip: We offer yoga classes throughout the year at the Wellness Center with a certified Yoga Instructor. It’s a great way to start practicing yoga and learn the basic skills and movements to ensure your safety. You can also check out our VSN Virtual Zen Den under the Exercise & Yoga tab for some quick and easy yoga videos. Even Celebrities Practice Yoga! Jennifer Aniston : Credits yoga practice for her toned physique and mental clarity David Beckham : The soccer star practices yoga to maintain his flexibility and overall fitness. Beyoncé: Incorporates yoga into her fitness routine to stay in shape and manage stress Reese Witherspoon : Uses it to maintain her physical strength, feel energized and support her well-being How Do North Students Feel About Yoga? Student Wellness Advisory Committee (S.W.A.C.) members were asked to try some yoga poses and then give their thoughts and experiences on practicing yoga. Here is some of their feedback: Olivia (Senior High) – “ The yoga pose I practiced was incredibly calming and relaxing, making it an enjoyable experience overall. I found it not very difficult, which allowed me to focus on my breath and let go of any tension. It was a great way to clear my mind and unwind, providing a refreshing break from daily stresses. This pose is perfect for anyone looking to release their thoughts and find a moment of peace, making it a wonderful addition to my routine. ” Aikam (Senior High) – “I spent some time practicing yoga. I focused on soothing poses like shavasana and bridge pose. It was incredibly relaxing, and I felt a surge of energy as well as a deep sense of relaxation. The gentle stretches and controlled breathing helped me release tension and destress.” Jassica (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose and it actually helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Khloe (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose last night and it helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Zo (Senior High) – “After trying the ‘Legs Up the Wall’ pose, I found my transition into sleep faster that night. In addition, it gave my body a break from the stress-filled week I'd been having and has now become a part of my settling down routine before bed.” Ms. Kehoe (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “I practice yoga regularly, about 2 to 3 times per week. I also do morning stretches for about 15-20min each day before work. I’ve had this routine for the past two years and I could write a book on how beneficial it has been to me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I love doing it when I have had a long day or feel stressed out because it really helps me to relax. One of my favorite poses is ‘Legs up the Wall’ as it is good for digestion, relaxation, and helps me sleep better. I encourage everyone to give it a try!” Dr. Byrne (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “Our yoga sessions at the Wellness Center appeal to students and staff, who all seem to enjoy taking the time to relax their bodies, as well as their minds with our yoga instructor. Whether you are a beginner or have taken yoga classes before, these sessions offer something for everyone and are a nice way to quiet one's mind when things may seem stressful or overwhelming. It also helps your body loosen up and release tension you may not even know you were carrying.” NORTH STAR extends much thanks to Ms. Kehoe and the S.W.A.C for contributing this article. Sources: https://www.insightstate.com/spirituality/27-celebrities-who-practice-yoga/ https://www.brettlarkin.com/celebrities-who-practice-kundalini-yoga/ https://blog.calm.com/blog/types-of-yoga https://www.yogalineshop.com/blog/types-yoga BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Benefits of Reading and how phones are harmful By Manal Layachi Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by Pinterest People think about why reading is important, and they might think reading is boring, or that it will help them with nothing in life. That’s where they are wrong. There are a lot of benefits to reading a few pages a day. Reading books can help with mental stimulation. Studies have shown that having a sharp mind can slow or prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Another benefit is stress reduction. When you are reading a story, you forget about what is happening in your personal life, and you step into a different world. Reading can also benefit your knowledge such as with learning new words and reading about things you’ve never heard of that might come in handy later in your life. When you read a book, you remember the characters, setting, and images. As a result, reading can improve your memory. Some other benefits that come with reading are stronger analytical skills, improved focus and concentration, better writing skills, and tranquility. Studies have shown that reading spiritual texts can lower blood pressure and help people dealing with disorders. Reading is good, but not many people take the opportunity to sit down and open a good book. Most people are on their phones or other technological devices. Phones are harmful in a lot of ways. For example, they give off radiation that is harmful to the nervous system. Also, using your phone too much can have a risk of giving cancer, and the light can damage your eyes. In my opinion, phones are helpful, but they cause harm to the brain, so it is better to read books. In conclusion, use your phone less, and read books because they help your knowledge get stronger. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Sports & Clubs By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by the New York Times Q. Dear Ala, I have some questions about the clubs and sports here at North high school. One of them is when will all of the clubs and sports open up. Another is what are some that you think are interesting. The last one is what are some of the early morning clubs and sports and some late-night clubs and sports. Sincerely, King of clubs Q. Dear Ala, I have a couple questions about the sports. I want to know about when the baseball team starts, how many people do they let on the team? Also, when do we also get the details about the season? Thank you for your help! Q. Dear Ala, I've been waiting for the sports and heard they're coming soon so I wanted to ask when the exact date sports are coming back like track, basketball, and many more. Thank you, 7th grader who's going to bring many championships to North. Q. Dear Ala, I play sports. I feel like sports are never going to come back at North. Do you know when sports are coming back? Thanks. Sincerely , Want Sports, 12 A. Dear Readers! I have received a few emails regarding sports and clubs at North this year, so I decided to answer them collectively right here. 😊 Regarding sports this year, the 7th and 8th grade sport seasons do not have any season dates, so for the younger grades I am sorry to say that as of now, there are no sports. For the 9th-12th graders, winter sports started on January 4th and are set to end on February 26th. The winter sports approved for this upcoming season are winter track and field, boys and girls bowling, rifle, girls’ fencing, and girls’ gymnastics. If you have any more questions about sports, you can check out the articles below to see more information or contact Mr. Frazer. http://www.vschsd.org/Assets/Athletic_Links/092420_Fall_2020_Athletic_Update_2.pdf?t=637365445779900000 Valley Stream Central High School District (vschsd.org) Clubs did start this year, though they have been altered accordingly to the new public health circumstances. An Online Club Fair came out on December 4th on the North High School Team page to showcase and advertise all clubs offered by the VSN. You can check it out and see what clubs interest you. These videos will explain the premises of each club, how they work and when they meet. You could also contact Mrs. Italiano, North’s Student Activities Director, for an updated list of clubs and activities. I hope this helps! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Cool Creatures: Episode 3 - The Anglerfish By Matteo Somma Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original artwork by Kimberly Shrestha Down in the deepest depths of the ocean lies a creature out of a storybook called an Anglerfish. These creatures live 2,000 meters below the surface of the ocean in complete darkness and rely solely on adaptations to survive. A few cool adaptations are the Anglerfish's ability to lure in other fish and its tooth position, both of which help it survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth. The Anglerfish's teeth help it survive and stay fed. They are large, razor-sharp structures that help them snag their prey, and they are pointed inward to make sure prey does not escape. Both adaptations help it to stay fed after it catches its food. The second (and coolest) anglerfish adaptation is its large glowing orb above its head. This bioluminescent orb attracts all types of prey such as small fish, snails, and crustaceans. Think about it as a bait on a hook: the orb acts as the bait, and when animals come close enough, the anglerfish strikes to kill and devour its prey. Then, its teeth come into play and snag the fish before it can escape the anglerfish. This is a keen example of “survival of the fittest,” or Darwinian theory. Anglerfish must be both physically tough and mentally strong to catch their next meal and survive. A FEW FUN FACTS: - Anglerfish are endangered and even recognized and protected by Greenpeace, a worldwide organization that protects endangered species. Due to the recent mass consumption of these vitamin-rich fish coupled with ocean pollution, their population is decreasing rapidly. - Though Anglerfish often drift in the currents of the deep ocean, they can swim extremely fast if in danger. If they do decide to swim, they can reach speeds of .24 body lengths per second. - Male Anglerfish are smaller than females and do not have a glowing orb. Rather, they fuse with females losing their organs as a way of reproduction. Thanks for tuning in to Cool Creatures: Episode 3. I hope you find the mysterious Anglerfish just as cool and crazy as I do. Hopefully, you learned something new, and next time you go swimming in the ocean, take a second and remind yourself about what is deep, deep down, lurking in the waters below... BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Spiral of Ants by Lemon Demon By Stephy Varughese Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by Onedio Spiral of Ants - YouTube Over and over The pheromones, the overwhelming harmony Consuming the colony The Circle rules your life Chop, chop! Don't want to be late Lift up and carry your weight You've got no choice but to dance in a spiral of ants True bugs might laugh in your face Don't fret, you're leading the race Don't let the bastards step on your hands in a spiral of ants You can't remember where you came from (In a spiral of ants) You can't remember where you're going (In a spiral of ants) You can't remember knowing You are one ant Over, it's over The pheromones, the self-avoiding odyssey Consuming the colony The Circle rules your life Now, now! Don't run out of breath Don't feel surrounded by death, no Take the wheel, this could be your chance, in a spiral of ants False bugs, you'll soon be alone See how they drop like a stone You're free now forever to dance in a spiral of ants. Now you remember where you came from (From a spiral of ants) Now you remember where you're going (To a spiral of ants) You've got to keep it flowing. You are one ant (Over, over, over) Over and over The pheromones, the overwhelming harmony Consuming the colony Creating its own gravity Before we knew it, we became a hurricane. And the bugs who laughed got blown away. As we proclaimed: The Circle rules your life _______________________________________ Lemon Demon is a band made by internet star Neil Cicirega. Cicirega had been on the internet making funny videos like “The Harry Potter Puppet Pals,” Ultimate Showdown, random skits, and of course, Lemon Demon, since the late 2000’s and as a teenager. The song “Spiral of Ants” comes from one of his more recent albums, Spirit Phone , which focuses on strange phenomena in history, mixed with a story. I highly recommend listening to his music if you like weird indie songs and overall randomness with upbeat tunes. Spirit Phone is a great starter album if you are interested. The title “Spiral Ants” is a natural phenomenon that happens in real life to a certain species of ant. There are ants called Army Ants who, unlike other species of ant, are completely blind. This is because of their compound eyes that are used to sense light activity instead of sight. However, because of this, these army ants have a tough time sensing each other out. The solution to this problem is releasing specific pheromones so that the ant before them can sense their pheromone and vice versa. When the scent of the last ant gets lost, the ant before that ant gets confused and get cut off from the main pack. The ants then look over and over, following the wrong trail which makes them walk in a never-ending spiral. Because they aren’t aware that they are walking this spiral, they keep walking thinking that they are reaching their destination. This leads to them walking till they eventually die. This is called the Death Spiral or, in this case, the Spiral of Ants. The speaker is never mentioned in the song, but we can assume that the speaker is a high being or just a disembodied figure. This is proven by the speaker speaking directly about you especially in line 20 “Now, now! Don't run out of breath” and the constant use of “you’re” in the chorus. Repeatedly in the song, the speaker tells “you” which is to assume is the listener. Also, in the song, they refer to the listener as “one ant”. This would mean that we are considered “ants.” The tone of the song sounds repetitive, mysterious, and collected in the beginning then goes into a very upbeat tune while still keeping the same unsettling vibe. “Before we knew it, we became a hurricane” is a metaphor that compares ants to a hurricane. This whole song in itself however is a metaphor in itself because it's comparing us people the spiral of ants. The song’s theme or the message is that despite living in and endless death loop, you’ll always be part of society. What I mean by this is that the “spiral” represents society, and the ant, you. The song starts you off with an omen-type tone as if you were not there at all, yet everything is still in shape. In lines five though eleven, the song hurries you up as if to say, “Come on, it's time to start your life!” Everything in the tone feels like you are new, unfazed by death or harm. This is supported in the lines when “you can’t remember where you are going” or “you don’t know where you came from.” This proves that at this stage, you simply are naïve about how the “spiral” is. Like how they, “you are one ant” like, you are only just a person existing. Then when it says “true bugs might laugh in your face”, they are referring to people outside of your life or people who try to weigh you down. This is confirmed later in the song where it says, “And the bugs who laughed got blown away.” This shows that despite people weighing you down and making fun of status, they aren’t in a worse situation as you. This also shows the change you felt before about the outside bugs changed when you got more engulfed into the spiral for in the beginning, these bugs were called “true bugs” while later in the song, these true bugs were now called “fake bugs.” By the second verse, the sudden realization that you are being controlled by society kicks in. Especially when the speaker says, “don’t feel surrounded by death.” You are now realizing the reality of it all, yet you try to get ahold of yourself and be a leader since “it could be your chance in the Spiral of Ants.” Later on, as stated previously, all the true bugs become false bugs as you realize that the true bugs you looked up to aren’t the same bugs anymore. The chorus of the song, however, brings this statement farther up by saying that you know where you are going and doing yet all in all, you are still just an ant. Yet you work and work to keep that spiral going. Then the repetitiveness of “over” really hits hard on this sad outcome of life. Then reaching the last chorus, we see the noticeability of the destruction of life. The overwhelming harmony of society that “consumes” the colony still goes on and on from the moment you were born till now. The remaining lines reflect how chaotic and crazy everything is to you as even society makes “its own gravity.” Everything is swirling around like a hurricane and all scattered in a mess. However, in the last two lines, it shows that despite it all, the circle still rules your life and repeats itself over and over again. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The 2024 Valley Stream Challenge Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Junior Manal Layachi, clearing her next steeple barrier during the steeplechase race. Image Provided by Elitefeats. The 19th Annual Valley Stream Challenge took place on Saturday April 13th, 2024, at Valley Stream North High School. This is one of my favorite meets of the Spring Track season. There were over 2,000 athletes at Valley Stream North. Although the weather was not the best, everyone performed really well, and it was a fun meet. I competed in the steeplechase, where runners must jump over steeple barriers, including a water pit. It was very fun, and I got a faster time than I thought I would. Elyas Layachi, a Valley Stream North graduate, was the DJ for this event, and he did an amazing job. 38 schools competed: Bayside High School Blind Brook Chaminade Clara Barton Deer Park Division Avenue Eagle Academy for Young Men III Elmont Memorial Ethical Culture Fieldston School Friends Academy (LI) General Douglas MacArthur George H. Hewlett H. Frank Carey Kellenberg Memorial Long Beach Manhasset Massapequa Medgar Evers College Prep Midwood New Hyde Park New Rochelle Oceanside Oyster Bay Paul D. Schrieber/Port Washington Plainview-Old Bethpage/JFK Roslyn Sanford H. Calhoun Seaford Sewanhaka South Side Spring Creek Campus Tri-Valley Valley Stream Central Valley Stream North Valley Stream South W. Tresper Clarke Wantagh West Hempstead Young Women’s Leadership Jamaica Order of Events: Girls 1500 Meter Race Walk Girls 400 Meter Hurdles Boys 400 Meter Hurdles Girls 2000 Meter Steeplechase Girls 1500 Meter Run open Girls 1500 Meter Run frosh/soph Boys 3000 Meter Steeplechase Boys 1600 Meter Run open Boys 1600 Meter Run frosh/soph Girls 400 Meter Dash Girls 400 Meter Dash frosh/soph Boys 400 Meter Dash Boys 400 Meter Dash frosh/soph Girls 100 Meter Dash Girls 100 Meter Dash Un-Seeded Boys 100 Meter Dash Girls 100 Meter Hurdles Boys 110 Meter Hurdles Girls 1600 Sprint Medley Girls 1600 Sprint Medley frosh/soph Boys 1600 Sprint Medley Boys 1600 Sprint Medley frosh/soph Mixed 4x400 Meter Relay 2 boys/2 gir ls Girls 4x100 Meter Relay Boys 4x100 Meter Relay I had the pleasure of interviewing the coach of Valley Stream North’s track team, Mr. Frazer. VSN Track Coach Mike Frazer What is the history behind the Valley Stream Challenge? “This was the 19th annual Valley Stream Challenge. We held it every year starting in 2004, except 2020 due to Covid. Mr. Boyens and a I have a lot of pride in VSN and like to host meets that highlight our facility and students to the [scholastic] track community.” What do you love most about running this meet? “I love to see our students work together to put on a great event.” What is your favorite thing about being a coach? “My favorite thing is when kids get committed to track and start working hard to get PBs (Personal Bests). It takes training and running on weekends to improve, and when kids understand that they see results.” How long have you been coaching North’s track team? “I’ve been coaching VSN track since ’99.” Do you think the meet was successful? “This year’s meet was a success! There were many great performances, including the top 4 boys steeplechase times in NY this season. Many of the VSN students got PBs and many medals. In addition, the Spartan club was able to raise lots of funds by selling food from their new snack shack!” What is your connection to running? “I ran track in high school and college. I was the NY State champion in the 1600m in 1992 and then ran for Clemson University.” How do you think North performed at the meet? “It was not a team scored meet, but North won many medals!” What advice do you have for North’s girls’ and boys’ team for the rest of the season? “As the weather gets warmer, performances will improve if the athletes lock in and get that practice in! Remember, it’s a team sport, so support your teammates and lift them up.” Below are photos from different events throughout the Challenge. Lastly, I interviewed Elyas Layachi, a Valley Stream North graduate. He was the DJ for the meet. What was your favorite part about DJing for the meet? “My favorite part about DJing for the meet was keeping the crowd entertained. Not only did I love seeing people dance and sing along to the music I was playing, but I loved seeing them smile and have fun despite the weather conditions.” Do you miss running for North’s track team? “I do miss running for the team! It was like a family for me, and I miss my teammates and coaches equally. Having the opportunity to help out at this meet made me feel connected to the team once again, and it was almost as if I never left, other than the fact that I wasn’t running the steeplechase.” What was your favorite memory when you were on the track team? “My favorite memory when I was on the track team was running the 2-mile at the Divisional Championship in 2022 with one shoe. It was a defining moment in my high school running career and an exhibition of the strong mindset distance running instilled in me. It was also nice to score for the team at a championship meet, and we won the meet!” What was your favorite event to run and why? “My favorite event to run was the 3000m Steeplechase. I love that event because of how dynamic and strategic it is, as well as how important form is when jumping off the barriers. I’m glad it was the last race I ran as a high schooler at the 2023 State Qualifier meet.” Will you DJ for the meet next year? “If Frazer will have me, I would be more than happy to DJ again at the meet, this time with more experience and practice beforehand.” Do you run for Syracuse or just on your own? Why? “I currently run and work out on my own as I am currently too busy to run with the running club there, but I am planning on making the running club a priority next fall so I can get back into some racing.” What advice do you have for runners who are not confident in themselves? “If you go to practice every day and work your hardest, you have nothing to worry about at meets and competitions except to run your hardest.” This year’s Valley Stream Challenge meet was a success. I cannot not wait for next year’s. Both the boys’ and girls’ track team have championship meets coming up, so be sure to come out and support them. GO SPARTANS! The results for the Valley Stream Challenge meet are available on Elitefeats: https://ny.milesplit.com/meets/591495-valley-stream-challenge-2024/teams BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Into Bondage By Aaron Douglas February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Oil on Canvas, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Kimberly Shresta - Memory Project - 2 By Kimberly Shresta March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

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