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Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Jodi Vaison - What is Line By Jodi Vaison November 1, 2020 Marker Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Purpose Back to Sections Kimberly Shrestha - Purple Yellow Study By Kimberly Shrestha November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The History of Valentine's Day and its Tradition Mya Hans Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by HOLA Chocolates, cards, flowers, teddy bears, and hearts. A day to express your love and affection for your family, friends, and/or partner. Valentine’s Day. This is a highly favored day of the year because it’s an emblem of love, and it’s an especially wonderful day to appreciate your loved ones. But what if I told you the origins of this holiday are vastly different from what we know today? What’s the history of it? And who started Valentine’s Day and its traditions? Well, as with most holidays, there are many ways that people believe Valentine’s Day started, but this one starts in Ancient Rome. During the time, the emperor was Claudius II, and he decided to ban marriage because he thought single men were better soldiers, rather than men who were married. However, a priest named St. Valentine disagreed with the emperor’s new rules and married couples in secret. When the emperor found out what St. Valentine was doing, he was put in jail and eventually executed, this happened on February 14th, the day we now refer to as Valentine’s Day. So now that you know the tale behind Valentine’s Day, you may wonder how the traditions began. One gift everyone gives not only for Valentine’s Day but for every holiday is cards. The tradition of giving cards on Valentine’s Day also connects with the legend of St. Valentine. Following the path of the legend, after St. Valentine was put in jail, he befriended the jailer’s daughter, Julia, and some even say he healed her blindness. Before he got executed, he wrote her a goodbye letter and apparently signed it saying, “From your Valentine.” Another gift many people receive on Valentine’s Day is flowers, specifically roses. Roses, especially red ones, signify romance, love, and passion. According to writer Ashley Paige, “The flower's connection to Valentine's Day hearkens back to the 19th century when Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver a message to love interests.” The history of roses goes back to the 19th century! The traditions of Valentine’s Day have been around for the longest time and continue to have an impact on the holiday we know today. Although all the legends and stories about it may not be completely accurate, it’s still interesting to think about how people believe it began. As you celebrate this Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s about celebrating your loved ones and showing your admiration for them. When you’re thinking of what to give your loved ones, remember these traditions that date back hundreds of years ago, or maybe even start your own! Sources: The History of Valentine's Day Cards ( scrapbook.com ) The Real Story of Cupid (and other Valentine’s Day Traditions) - Cincinnatus Insurance LLC The History of Valentine's Day Gift Traditions ( streetdirectory.com ) Valentine's Day 2024: Origins, Background & Traditions | HISTORY BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections The Road By Arunima Roy June 8, 2021 Oil Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Sophia Rhall - Memory Project By Sophia Rhall March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections Nature’s Gentle Touch By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Elaine Ching By the ocean's edge, Seashells scattered on the sand, Nature's gentle touch BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Peer Diversion Court By Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by Nassau County Are you interested in law and criminal justice? Perhaps you have an innate desire to help other teenagers in Nassau County? Peer Diversion Court, a restorative justice program that offers a second chance for young criminal offenders, creates a unique experience for the entire courtroom.  A decade-long special youth court program run through Nassau County’s District Attorney’s Office, the Peer Diversion volunteers and adolescent offenders all are under eighteen years of age. The young malefactors, charged with a real crime, face two options from a family court judge: face a real trial with the possibility of being found guilty with jail time and, in turn, have a permanent criminal record, or face a jury in Peer Diversion Court. If young offenders choose the latter, they admit guilt, but face a much lighter sentence, and a record that will not affect their futures. Nassau County’s Peer Diversion Court Coordinator, Michael Jasmin, and the Special Counsel for Adolescent and Juvenile Justice, Arianne Reyer, divide the program into two parts, the volunteers/interns and the defendants. The volunteers and interns apply for the program and undergo an extensive screening process. If accepted, these volunteers attend training sessions to understand court proceedings. After successfully completing the training, the volunteers can serve as either a bailiff, court clerk, defense advocate (a simpler version of a defense lawyer), or community advocate (a simpler version of an adult court prosecutor). The defendants, or the criminal offenders, are briefed before their assigned court date by Mr. Jasmin and Ms. Reyer and begin community service to ensure their commitment to the program. A typical court case takes two days during a week. Tuesday, the preparatory day, focuses on the defendants and the advocates. The advocates read a police report that provides personal information about the defendant, the crime committed, and any evidence or witness statements. After reading the police briefing, the defense and community advocate sit with the offender and begin to discuss the case. This provides a chance for the defendant to explain their story without a police report that can possibly consist of vague information or a biased witness statement. Thursday, the trial day, emphasizes an environment about the defendant. While many youth courts may focus solely on the volunteers and their criminal justice experience, Peer Diversion Court highlights the adolescent offenders. The court proceeding begins with an explanation of the case by the judge, usually a former volunteer that has outgrown the program, the bailiff, and the clerk. After the defense and community advocates make opening statements, the defendant is called to the stand to testify. After questioning from the defense and community advocates, the court gives the jury and witnesses in the room the opportunity to ask questions. The jury consists of former defendants who must complete a certain number of jury duties as part of their sentence. This, in turn, forces the jury members to reflect on their own case and engage in other cases that may have similarities to their own situation. After the questioning from all parties, the court goes into recess and the jury begins their deliberations, which may take anywhere from five minutes to over thirty minutes. Once the jury enters a decision, the court resumes its session and a jury member reads the disposition. Regardless of the sentence, the defendant will have to serve a number of community service hours and jury duties. In addition, the community advocate often asks for more requirements, such as a letter of apology or therapy. After the jury announces a decision, the court comes to a close, and the defendant must immediately begin their sentence. The exhilarating experience at Peer Diversion Court makes all parties, whether volunteers or offenders, connect through the restorative justice system. As a volunteer for Peer Diversion Court, this program has changed my perspective on the world as I have participated in cases on marijuana possession, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and assault. However, whether I work on a case with a defendant from East Meadow, Garden City, or Hempstead, a commonality exists among all the offenders, the desire for a second chance and to improve on their lives. If you have an interest in Peer Diversion Court, you can fill out this application and contact Arianne Reyer at areyer@nassaucountyny.gov .  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