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

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Valentines’ Sweets By Christina Ossa Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Original photo by Christina Ossa With Valentine's Day creeping closer and closer, why not take initiative and bake something sweet for you and your special someone? If you have a valentine, whether it be a significant other or a friend, and you’re wondering what you could give them or do for them to show some love, it could be a good idea to put in some effort to bake them something. Valentine's Day is the day of the lovers or even just special connections with others, so I’ve compiled two recipes for that special someone that you can bake. While it may not be the easiest task, baking can be an amazing way to show someone that you care. Even if you don’t have a valentine, why not treat yourself and bake these sweets for yourself! “Sweetheart” Vanilla Cookies: Similar to its sister cookie, sugar cookies, this cookie is a buttery-delight that would easily please that special someone. These vanilla cookies are a treat for anyone who eats them, as they’re crisp and crunchy on the outside but have a buttery and soft texture when you bite into them. Also for an extra “touch” if you want to add some decoration to your cookies, I added a drizzle of melted white chocolate dyed red. If you want to wow your valentine or even just treat yourself, these cookies will leave you more than satisfied even if it seems like quite a bit of work at first. But, once you have your finished product of a beautiful vanilla cookie, you won’t be unsatisfied with the amount of work you put into them, and neither will your valentine! Ingredients: 3 ⅓ sticks butter 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar 1-2 large eggs 3 ¼ cups flour 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract A pinch of salt 3 oz white chocolate melts 3-4 drops of red food coloring Directions: Either wait until your eggs and butter are room temperature and the butter is softened, or put each stick of butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds Add your butter to a large bowl and slowly add your powdered sugar and mix with a hand mixer, whisk, or kitchen aid if you have one Add in the eggs one by one, mixing each time you add an egg Just as you mixed in the powdered sugar, pour in the flour little by little and mix it together until fully incorporated (batter should be sticky but not so much that it fully sticks to hands) Add in the salt and vanilla extract then transfer to either a piping bag to pipe the cookies or take about a golf ball size of batter and roll it in your hands into a ball Place or pipe the cookies onto a baking sheet and bake at 340°F for 10-15 minutes *OPTIONAL* Once the cookies are done and cooled down, melt 3 oz of melting white chocolate in a medium-sized bowl and dye it red with red food coloring once melted *OPTIONAL* drizzle the chocolate onto the cookies with a spoon and enjoy! “Cupid’s” Red Velvet Cake Pops Cake-pops are similar to cake since it’s the same as baking a cake only without the more complex icing aspect of it. These valentine red velvet cake-pops are especially delicious, as they’re covered by a hardened-layer of delicious white chocolate or candy and clumped together with decadent buttercream. If you’re deciding whether you want to bake a special treat for your valentine or just to treat yourself, then baking these cake-pops could be an amazing idea. The cake is airy and soft to bite, and the hint of chocolate from the red velvet flavor may be subtle, but is always an amazing touch. If the cake is a bit too much work for you, just substitute it for a boxed cake mix and follow the instructions on the back. If you’re looking for another recipe to bake for that special someone, feel free to wow them with some delicious Valentine themed cake-pops! Ingredients: Cake: 1 ½ sticks butter 5 tbsp sugar 4 egg yolks 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract ⅛ cup milk 3-4 drops red food coloring ¾ cake flour 4 tsp cocoa powder 2 tsp baking powder 4 egg whites ¼ cup sugar OR Substitute with boxed cake mix Buttercream Frosting: 3 sticks unsalted butter (softened) 3 cups powdered sugar 1 tbsp vanilla extract 2-3 tbsp milk Chocolate Coating: 12 oz white chocolate/candy melts 1 ½ tsp coconut oil (or substitute any other flavorless oil) Toppings of choice (sprinkles, candies, etc.) Cake-pop sticks *OPTIONAL* styrofoam Directions: Follow instructions on the back of the boxed cake mix OR Make sure the butter and eggs are room temperature and the butter is softened Separate the egg yolks from the whites Add the butter to a large bowl and mix with a hand mixer, whisk, or kitchen aid until it turns a light yellow and seems airy Once the butter is whipped, add the sugar and mix until combined Add the egg yolks one by one, mixing with every yolk you add-in and add in the vanilla extract Pour in the milk and red food coloring then mix Use a sift to sift in the CAKE flour (a type of flour made to make an airy cake), cocoa powder, and baking powder then use a spatula to fold it in or mix it in then set aside once combined In a separate, medium-sized bowl, pour in your egg whites and use a hand mixer, whisk, or KitchenAid and whisk until the egg whites become frothy/bubbly on the top Once the egg whites look frothy, add your sugar in ⅓’s and 30-second intervals into the egg white mixture (meaning once the whites are frothy add in about ⅓ of the ¼ cup sugar every thirty seconds and mix in between the thirty seconds) until the egg whites form a meringue (or when you take out the mixer they’ll form hardened peaks at the tips of the whisk or mixer attachment, if still confused look up “how to make meringue” on YouTube or Google) Once the merengue is complete, add it in thirds with a rubber spatula into the cake mixture until combined Prepare 2 cake tins with butter or PAM spray and bake the cake at 335°F for 30 minutes Combine the ingredients for the buttercream in a medium-sized bowl while the cake is baking, mix the butter and the sugar together for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy then add the rest into the mixture Melt the white chocolate/candy melts with coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds each time you place it into the microwave until smooth and fully-melted then add either red, pink, or white food coloring Once the cake is out of the oven and cooled, take it out of the tin and into a large-sized bowl and mash it until it’s crumbled, and set it aside Add the frosting into the bowl with the cake until combined Form about a golf-ball sized ball of cake for each cake pop and place a cake pop stick into each ball Dip the cake-pop balls with the sticks on them until it’s fully covered then add decorations of your choosing Either place the cake pops on a baking sheet to dry by smushing the top part onto the baking sheet so that it’s flat or stick the cake pop stick into the styrofoam Place the cake pops in the freezer/fridge for 20-40 minutes until dried, and once dried, enjoy! 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Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Jacqueline Taylor - Portrait By Jacqueline Taylor January 20, 2021 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Articles News Back to Sections As More Republicans Announce, Should Governor Cuomo be Worried in 2022? By Logan Balsan Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by RochesterFirst Ever since allegations of sexual misconduct were publicized in March 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s re-election chances have been in limbo. Would he run for re-election despite these serious allegations? Would he resign? Would he be impeached by the New York State Legislature? As of April 8th, 2021, Governor Cuomo is still seeking a fourth term in 2022 despite the political backlash by many politicians, many in his own party. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and other prominent New York Democratic politicians have called on the Governor to resign. However, Cuomo responded that he doesn’t “work for politicians” and that the people should decide. In a poll run by RochesterFirst, Rochester’s local news outlet, a majority preferred a new Governor in 2022 over Cuomo. Over the past few days, several Republicans have announced their bids against Cuomo. On Wednesday, April 7th, Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, announced his intentions to run for the Republican nomination. A political novice, he has held no other political office. On Thursday, April 8th, Representative Lee Zeldin of Suffolk County announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination as well. Zeldin currently serves as Representative of New York’s 1st Congressional District since 2015 and previously served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014. Two lesser known candidates are also vying for the Republican nomination: Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli and Businessman Derrick Gibson. Another potential candidate could be Representative Elise Stefanik, representing Northern New York in the House of Representatives since 2015, as she publicly expressed interest in seeking the office on Tuesday, April 13th. Traditionally, New York has trended to the left since former Republican Governor George Pataki retired in 2007. The last major Republican politicians in high state offices have since retired or lost re-election. Senator Al D’Amato, serving from 1981 to 1999, lost to now Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in 1998. No Republican has won the NYC Mayorship since Bloomberg in 2009. However, as Governor Cuomo is facing serious allegations and dropping approval ratings, there may be an opportunity for a Republican pickup, which would be the first since 1994 when George Pataki defeated Governor Mario Cuomo. Will the Republicans succeed in retaking the Governorship? It all depends on the long campaign trail ahead. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Why Calming Music Can Heal Your Soul By Isabella Menjivar Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Original artwork by Isabella Menjivar How many times a day do you exhaustedly sigh and feel unmotivated, tired, or say “I can’t do this?” Stress is more harmful than most expect. Finding yourself consumed with stressful emotions can lead to heart disease, premature aging, weight gain, high blood pressure, and overall a weakened immune system, which is the last thing you want during a global pandemic. In the moment, we only feel the stress, but we need to keep in mind the long-term effects are yet to come. Therefore, it’s extremely important to find ways to battle the pressure of everyday life. During stressful times we need to remember, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” -Lou Holtz Here are four soothing songs recommended by my classmates and family that may help boost relaxing feelings during your day. Westworld: Runaway - Kanye West [Piano Cover] - YouTube Twilight Soundtrack- Bella’s Lullaby Mia and Sebastian’s Theme- La La Land Soundtrack Yellow- Coldplay BACK TO TOP

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 Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Truth By Huan Evo Alipio Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by Vincent Van Gogh In search for love, may he find the right one She walked, she strolls, she arrived quarter to two One foolish man running till three But yet she’ll never budge with great power for four Almost to the middle, with not intentions of meeting The time hit six, with the sun gleaming He or she never crossed the seventh path Which the eight can be revealed with a tremendous wrath He imagines to catch her and take her for a ride Though she assured him she will be her bride The time is twelve, what a shocking sound Then he got up, there he was in bed and bound BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Mixed Feelings Regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by NY State of Health The COVID-19 Vaccine has been around for several months now, and it’s a widely available vaccine that helps your body develop antibodies to protect you from COVID. However, does the person taking it feel protected? Although I took my first dose of the vaccine, I still don’t feel safe in large, crowded areas, nor do I feel fully protected. I think that I can still be infected with COVID despite having the vaccine. I also think that other people can carry the virus whether they’re vaccinated or not. I can’t say that I liked getting the vaccine shot; however, I can’t say that I don’t like it either. Students at Valley Stream North High school also share mixed views regarding the vaccine. Amelia Avila, a 10th grader at VSN, said in an interview: I believe the Covid-19 vaccine has been a type of ‘safety net’ most people have been waiting for. There is no certainty behind it, but there is no certainty behind any vaccine during its beginning stages. Not only does it keep you safe, [but it also] keeps others safe as well. Some might argue that the COVID vaccine doesn't work because you can still get COVID, but no one has said that you cannot get Covid if you have the vaccine. Just like the flu shot, you can still get the flu, it just helps your body to prepare for the flu antibodies if they ever enter your body; the Covid-19 vaccine does the same thing. Amelia acknowledged both opinions regarding the vaccine, and I agree with her. The COVID-19 vaccine might’ve been the “safety net” that people needed from this pandemic. However, some students at VSN find the vaccine very helpful and they trust it. Syeda Zainab, a 10th grader, said in an interview that she “loved getting the vaccine. I felt protected and safer after I got it.” Some people, after getting vaccinated, felt safer than when they were unvaccinated. However, there are also some students who have no views regarding the vaccine. Jamilie Ramirez, another 10th grader from VSN, said “I only don’t like the vaccine because after I got it, it hurt for a week.” Some people liked the vaccine but didn’t like the aftereffects that came with it. There are mixed views regarding the vaccine, but each person can express their opinion about it. How do YOU feel about the vaccine? Add your opinion here! https://forms.office.com/r/TxU90u6t34 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections An Interview with Ms. Lamberti By Augustine Magapan Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Augustine Magapan Augustine: Hi Ms. Lamberti! I hope everything is going well. How are you today? Ms. Lamberti: I’m doing well. How are you? Augustine: I am doing alright… a little bit sick. So, I know that we have met each other before especially that we are in the same club along with Ms. Hixson, whom I wish to interview for the next issue. I will be asking you a series of questions for our lovely newspaper team at North Star. Ms. Lamberti: I would be delighted to answer those questions. Augustine: Firstly, what subjects do you teach? And which courses? Ms. Lamberti: Mainly I teach Living Environment and an early version of it called LE1 or “Foundation of Science”. I also teach electives such as Human Anatomy, and I will be teaching Forensics in the Spring. Augustine: Which subject do you enjoy teaching the most out of all of those? Ms. Lamberti: I may be biased, but Living Environment, since that was my first love. Augustine: What was/is so special about the subject? Ms. Lamberti: I just felt that science always spoke to me at school. I liked Chemistry, and all the other sciences, but Biology and Living Environment I’ve always found interesting. I was always more interested to learn more about it, so I pursued it in college and here I am now! Augustine: What grades do you teach for Living Environment? Ms. Lamberti: Living Environment is mainly 9th grade students and some 10th graders as well. Augustine: What about Human Anatomy? Ms. Lamberti: That class is mainly sophomores to seniors. So, they are a bit older than the kids that I have in Living Environment. There are a lot more of them than my Living Environment class, but I was not as knowledgeable on the subject than I am with Living Environment, but it is still fun to teach. Augustine: And so, when did you move into the district? Ms. Lamberti: This is my first year here, brand new here! Augustine: So why did you choose North and what made you want to teach here? Ms. Lamberti: Well, going through the job searching process is hard. I got offered here and so did a lot of research before coming here, and I thought the school had a really nice mission statement behind it. It seemed like there was a lot of success here when I spoke to other people from the department. They all seemed nice and helpful, making it a good working environment and also a good learning environment for the students as well. So, I wanted to do my best and join and contribute to that environment. Augustine: That’s so awesome! What was the most interesting part of North that stood out to you? Ms. Lamberti: That is a really good question. When I first came here for an interview, I noticed how structured and organized everything was. You guys organized everything around. I saw all the different posters and stuff at the beginning of the year. So, I said to myself that this school loves to promote diversity and all the different activities for the kids, which made me realize how student-centered it is aside from academics. Because yes, school can be rough, and all these sports and clubs can help kids alter their mindset and take a break from academics to those activities to help them get through the day and get busy. Augustine: A very good answer. Why did you choose to teach science? Ms. Lamberti: Like I said from before, I always had this interest in science at high school and college. At first, I did not know I wanted to be a teacher. I was thinking more of a lab researcher at first, then realizing in my later years of college that maybe lab work was not the best for me because there is a lot of time and effort. Obviously teaching is too, but realizing that it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, and I kept being told by a bunch of peers growing up that I was really good tutoring them in science when I was in high school and college. They said I was really good at helping people, that I had a caring attitude, and encouraged me to become a teacher. It was something that I really didn’t consider at first, but when I put more thought into it, I realized that this was something that I see I could be doing and so I started pursuing it in my master’s program and realized during my observations from teaching that I loved doing it. So, I was able to do something that I was loving to do in a subject that I loved, so it came naturally to me at that point. Augustine: That’s pretty cool. A follow up question: Do you plan on teaching on anything else in the Science section besides Living Environment? Ms. Lamberti: I may go back and pursue another- right now I am only licensed to teach Living Environment, but possibly I might go back for Chemistry. I also like Chemistry, but I like Living Environment more; however, if I were to teach another science, preferably Chemistry… or Earth Science. Augustine: And so, how do you like North so far? Ms. Lamberti: I love it! I really do, I’ve had very good experiences here so far. Augustine: What were some good experiences that you had? Ms. Lamberti: My department here, everyone is very friendly. We all seem to get along well. The students are great, kind, and respectful, but sometimes you guys don’t finish your work. Overall, you guys are wonderful students in this great environment, and I do value the student’s education and their overall success. Augustine: I agree. Sometimes, even I struggle to hand in some assignments. We all appreciate it! What is your favorite thing so far about North…any specific CLUB or Living Environment classes? Ms. Lamberti: You knew what I was thinking. Not just because it is you interviewing me, but my experience directing the Drama Club was my favorite thing so far. It was new. It was scary because that was something neither Ms. Hixson nor I did before. We were part of shows, but we never directed one, so it was brand new to us we did not know what we were doing. We took one experience we did have, hoped to push it forward working with you guys to make sure that we met whatever you guys wanted us to do and that we were meeting what you wanted to do. And we made it happen and put on a great show. It was very fulfilling and a very fun time. Augustine: We appreciate all the things you guys have done for us so far! A few more questions, some fun ones for some Ms. Lamberti Trivia. What is your favorite food and why? Ms. Lamberti: My favorite food…I always bop back and forth between my favorite food. I am definitely not a healthy eater, so I don’t like healthy food. But my favorite food in general either has to be pizza because I love pizza so much, or I guess it is more than a dessert than a food but ice cream. Augustine: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Ms. Lamberti: Cookies n' cream HANDS DOWN! Augustine; Very good choice in flavor of ice cream. Also, what is a hobby that you enjoy doing? Ms. Lamberti: Two main hobbies, when I am not busy with work and absent from the science stuff, I do are either playing video games or also, as you know, I did theater in the past and I keep up with it and so I continue to perform theater. Augustine: Interesting hobbies! I love playing video games myself. What is your favorite video game? Ms. Lamberti: I guess maybe because it was a nostalgia place holder from way back in the day, my brother used to play this game called Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney on the Gameboy: a Nintendo console, specifically an old Capcom. Augustine: Oh! The lawyer game! Ms. Lamberti: It has a big place holder in my heart. They just released a remastered version and even has its own animated show. It reminded me of all the good times I had with my brother! Augustine: Ace Attorney is one of my favorite games as well. Regarding theater though, what was your favorite production that you were part of or watched that was impactful to you. Ms. Lamberti: Favorite one I was a part of was not in high school but in college, in an outside theater company. It was called Les Miserables, which has been on Broadway for a very long time. It takes place in France, during the 1700s, where there was this guy who has been thrown into prison for stealing. The prison guard watching him was being released, which allowed the prisoner to escape. The prisoner would then start to make a better life for himself such as adopting a daughter; however, the prison guard is still chasing after the prisoner. It is a very sad play, obviously since Les Miserables translated is the Miserables, but it is a very good play overall. Augustine: Oh dear! I may have to check that out later! Well, that is a wrap for interview. Thank you, Ms. Lamberti, for this moment, it was very fun interviewing you, and I hope we are able to see each other again very soon! Ms. Lamberti: It was pleasure being here Augie, see you soon! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Deltarune: A Game Review By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by Toby Fox and Temmie Chang Since October 31, 2018, people have been waiting silently for the second chapter of Deltarune . Now it is finally here. Toby Fox has done it again and has created another masterpiece. After Undertale in 2015 and Deltarune: Chapter 1 in 2018, Toby Fox has been working very hard to get the next chapter out to the public. During his live stream on Undertale ’s 6th anniversary, Toby abruptly announced that Deltarune: Chapter 2 would be coming out a mere two days later at 8 pm. This got the fandom up and running again, with people all over the world excited for the release of the game’s latest installment. Deltarune: Chapter 1 is about a young boy named Kris and a monster girl named Susie travelling to another world inside the storage closet of their school discovered while trying to get some chalk for class. Once in the “Dark World”, they meet a goat monster named Ralsei, who says that to leave this world they need to go to the East Castle where a tyrannical king is blocking the dark fountain, which they need to close to go home. Ralsei joins the party and together they venture to the castle. On the way, they meet the king’s son, Lancer, who attempts to stop them but fails. As the group continues, Lancer continuously attempts to rattle their efforts. The game continues with a similar dynamic with Susie joining the villains for some time before returning to Kris and Ralsei, bringing Lancer with her. When they get to the castle, Lancer doesn’t want them to hurt his dad, which Susie promises not to. After defeating the king with some help from Lancer and the kingdom’s subjects, Susie, Kris, and Ralsei go to close the fountain. With a bittersweet goodbye to all the characters you met on the way, Kris and Susie leave the Dark World. When they realized they spent most of the day in the Dark World, they left the school and promised to go back the next day. The story telling in this game is absolutely amazing. There are moments that make you laugh out loud, and others that make you empathize with the characters. The score also aids in this sense of empathy. The music is so amazing that you almost don’t believe that Toby Fox composed it all by himself. Undertale was created by only Toby Fox and Temmie Chang and the same goes for Deltarune. However, they had a little more help with Deltarune considering it’s going to be much longer than Undertale . Additionally, easter eggs are done magnificently in this game. If you are unsure what an easter egg is, they are small and often-time unnoticeable messages that contain lots of meaning. For example, you can find a hidden room or two with an egg in it. There is a very big easter egg that gives a secret boss though. If you talk to the shopkeeper, Seam, after going to the basement in the castle and talking to the prisoner, Seam will talk to you about setting him free and will give you the first part of the key to his cell. If you solve all the riddles leading to the other key pieces, you unlock an incredibly hard boss battle. Deltarune: Chapter 1 is free to play on PC, Switch, and PlayStation and it is definitely worth playing. Deltarune: Chapter 2 is also free to play but is only available on PC for now. This game and the creators are amazing and talented, and I would rate this game an 11/10. BACK TO TOP