Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections The Compliments to Shape and Color By Nehilah Grand-Pierre November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections RBG By Keren Dial November 24, 2020 Colored Pencil Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Heckscher Back to Sections Reflection Entry 2 April 14, 2022 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 6

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections UDA College Nationals Giavanna Quagliata Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Varsity TV UDA College Nationals UDA College Nationals is an event that has been all over social media; however, some may have watched it live on Varsity TV. Varsity TV is a website dedicated to exclusive live videos of cheer and dance competitions. UDA happened from January 12th to January 14th. Small fragments of each dance genre were posted to popular social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram. This increased publicity emphasized how hard each dancer and team worked to perfect the impeccable choreography they performed. What are the UDA College Nationals? UDA stands for Universal Dance Association. Most refer to this competition as, “The Super Bowl for Dancers,” which occurs every January at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex despite this year's “Dance Super Bowl” taking place in Orlando, Florida. The UDA was split into divisions. These divisions consist of the different genres of dance, including Hip Hop, Jazz, and Pom. For example, division 1 would be Hip Hop, and it continues. Each college had to choreograph for each genre and perform in front of judges, and thousands of spectators. The colleges that performed are from all over the world! Worldwide, people watched UDA, and many people had their opinions on who should have won. My two favorite colleges that competed were Ohio State and Minnesota! These two colleges excelled and didn’t miss a beat. They both had emotion and confidence. See for yourself on YouTube! To find the two videos just search up, “UDA nationals Ohio State,” or “UDA nations Minnesota.” If you don’t want spoilers don’t read! So, are you ready? Let’s see the results! Division IA - Hip Hop Results Louisiana State University, 97.2222 University of Nevada- Las Vegas, 96.4921 University of Memphis, 95.9365 San Diego State University, 95.0635 University of Central Florida, 90.6349 University of Cincinnati, 89.9206 Florida State University, 89.127 University of Michigan, 87.254 Washington State University, 85.9524 Division IA - Jazz Results Ohio State University, 98.9206 University of Minnesota Spirit Squad, 98.4286 Louisiana State University, 96.7778 University of Tennessee, 95.5556 University of Michigan, 94.6349 Texas Tech University, 94.1111 Florida State University, 93.9683 University of Alabama, 93.2857 University of Central Florida, 92.4444 Rutgers University, 91.5714 Washington State University, 91.2857 Division IA - Pom Results University of Minnesota Spirit Squad, 98.4762 Ohio State University, 97.7143 Pennsylvania State-University Park, 96.4762 Texas Tech University. 96.1429 University of Tennessee, 96.0317 University of Cincinnati, 94.9048 University of Memphis, 94.2222 University of Iowa, 93.127 Division I - Hip Hop Results University of Delaware, 90.6825 Utah Valley University, 89.9683 St John's University, 87.5714 Grand Canyon University, 86.0794 University of Saint Thomas, 85.1587 Saint Joseph's University, 84.9365 College of Charleston, 83.7302 Lindenwood University, 83.2381 Northern Arizona University, 81.2857 Division I - Jazz Results Cal State University Fullerton, 95.2063 Hofstra University, 94.2381 Utah Valley University, 93.8413 University of Saint Thomas, 93.0952 University of Delaware, 92.4921 Grand Canyon University,92.4444 UC Santa Barbara, 91.1111 University of Nebraska Omaha, 88.9683 Southeastern Louisiana University, 87.6825 College of Charleston, 87.6349 Division I - Pom Results Hofstra University, 96.0317 UC Santa Barbara, 94.6508 Cal State University Fullerton, 93.6508 Quinnipiac University, 93.0317 Saint Joseph's University, 92.746 South Dakota State University, 92.746 University of Northern Iowa, 90.381 North Dakota State University, 90.1429 Cornell University, 90 University of Nebraska Omaha, 90 Central Connecticut State Univ, 88.4127 Open - Hip Hop Results Northwest Community College, 88.2381 West Chester University, 85 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 81.0159 Stockton University, 80.9206 Rowan University, 80.1429 Univ of Puerto Rico RÃo Piedras, 79.6508 Worcester State University, 77.9683 University of Scranton, 77.4603 Open - Jazz Results Minnesota State University, Mankato, 94.2381 University of Minnesota-Duluth, 91.8889 Orange Coast College, 89.6667 St Cloud State University, 89.5397 Stockton University, 89.4762 Endicott College, 88.0952 College of St Benedict, 87.2222 Northwest Missouri State University, 87.1429 Adelphi University, 86.7619 The College of New Jersey, 86.381 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 85.0476 Univ of Puerto Rico RÃo Piedras, 84.746 St. Joseph's University New York, 83.9683 Rowan University, 82.4762 Open - Pom Results Minnesota State University, Mankato, 95.4921 Endicott College, 94.3651 University of Minnesota-Duluth, 92.1746 Orange Coast College, 90.5079 St Cloud State University, 90.3968 Northwest Missouri State University, 89.2698 College of St Benedict, 88.5556 The College of New Jersey, 86.6032 St. Joseph's University New York, 86.5238 University of Central Missouri, 86.1111 Adelphi University, 84.873 BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Perspective Back to Sections Cianna Nadal - Perspective By Cianna Nadal December 16, 2020 Digital Art Volume 1 Issue 3

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Without Her Face 3 By Nora Chery Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Original artwork by Aleeza Dhillon Far East, in the outskirts of Snow Valley Square, resided a lovely opening. Spring had already arrived in the region and swept through the town. It made its fame justified, as the plants grew rich and rapidly. They bloomed with vivid colors dotted around. A breeze gently swayed the grass. The sun shone bright, reflecting its rays all throughout. Birds sang as they fluttered under the warm sheet of heat. The place was popular amongst the townsfolk, many visited for the flowers and scenery alone. The area had an appeal, anyone can swim through the green seas of grass looking to find a flower to gift to their partner and find the perfect fit. In the midst of it sat a modest white cottage. The windows were small and left open, letting the wind made the beige curtains dance. The paint on the cottage's walls was faded but still presentable, and most importantly, the roof didn't leak. It wasn't as fancy as some other houses in the town. Infact, the only things that stood out about it was the flowers growing around the house, mainly in front if the porch. Many of the flowers were pink, yellow and orange blossoms. There was also a porch that creaked quietly, due the footsteps of a woman swiftly making her way to her rocking chair. Her hair, which was normally tied in a neat bun, was worn down to an untidy ponytail. Quick and edgy, she straightens her long summer dress, protecting her skin from the wood of the chair and plopped down. Her breathing, even with all of the sweet warm air surrounding her, was quivering as she stared down that the letter. A red envelope was discarded, left alone on the threshold of the door. The flush-colored letter had a somewhat fancy feminine theme to it. Along the margins were lipstick marks, in an almost mocking way. The letters were, of course, cursive, a darker shader for contrast. Anita scanned through the cursive letters over and over like a malfunctioned factory machine. The gripe of the edges of the paper tightens, as she hoped she must’ve misinterpreted something, a word or a sentence, after all it’s been at least a week since she picked up a book. But no. The more she repeated her reading cycle, the more her reassuring self disappeared. “Mama.” The edges of the card were jagged and disjointed, slick with sweat. “Mama.” She massaged her left temple with her left hand, relying on the small comfort as her headache began to straggle her. “Mama!” Her brown eyes weakly shifted her focus on the horizon to the voice of her 5-year-old son. His hair of which she spent 30 minutes combing was tussled, his clothes of which she spent one hour washing were stained with dirt and grass. With his equally brown eyes, he looked at her with a pale pedal on his chubby cheek, daisy on his left hand and action figure on the right. “What is it, sweetheart?” she asked weakly. Her son responded to her question by turning his head behind him, presumably staring at the distance. In the distance, bestows a dark brown path along the hills. It had been beaten hard by the tires of cars that belonged to people who would much rather drive than walk to gawk at the tree and pluck the flowers. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion; she followed the child’s gaze standing up to get a better look. The wind suddenly grew strong, enough to snatch the empty envelope from the threshold and fly it to the very same direction, the two-person family were looking at. Then, the letter soon joined alongside it, as the hand that was holding it felt numb. From the inside of her mind, everything was mute and tight. The sound of an engine growling, faint due to the distance. A hot pink spot was seen in the heather grew into a roadster car as it traveled near its destination. Managing to climb out of her state, she tramped down the stairs, racing towards her son. With grass slamming against the hem of her dress, too preoccupied to pick up it up like a lady, she extended her sweaty hands to him and plucked him up. The small boy grip on the things he was holding had loosened, abandoning them near the lilies. The boy frowned and fought with whines as he extended his small hand over his mother’s tense shoulder. The woman only responded by caressing his head making her grip on him firm as she ran to the entrance of their tiny house. The brown door that was slightly ajar was struck by the woman’s hip, swinging open, the knob jabbed the wall. She plopped her son on the oak floorboards inside, outside she stands over him still on the porch. “Go to your room.” she whispered with urgency. The boy tried to step outside, he pointed at the direction on his toy lost within the grass but his mother grabbed his small paw. “Go to your room and don’t make a sound.” She grabbed the other paw, cupping them like they were one fragile baby bird and placed her lips on their knuckles. She closed her eyes, long eyelashes joined together quickly and tightly as she lingered for a bit. She prayed and lifted her eyelids. The boy pouted in frustration. The wheels of the vehicle rolling against the ground could be heard like a whisper. The woman pushed the boy inside and closed the door. Her knuckles were white when she held onto the knob. The pink vehicle rolled in it a gentle hold. The click and squeaky sound of the car door opening could be heard like a whisper in her ear. She released a short breath through her barley unlatched lips against the door. She turned finally, brown eyes meeting blue piercing eyes. The car was there in front of the cottage, next to the mailbox. The driver was already out and was leaning against one of the front doors, her red lipstick curled into a small smile. Her designer rose heels crossed over the other, titling her head. Black-coloured silk-gloved nails rhythmically tapped against the side view mirror. Anita stood straight and polite with her hands tightly woven together, her left thumb gentle rubbing the other. She opened her mouth to inhale, her shoulders lifted with the action, and then exhaled along with her greeting. “Good evening, Catherine.” Catherine straightened her head with a snort along with a bright beam. She took her hand from the mirror and used it to wave her hand, “A fine evening to you to, it’s a pleasure to see you, Anita dear, it’s been a while.” She adjusted her tilted hat than paused, eyebrows lifted “...Has it been awhile?” she asked affably Anita gazed down at her pumps, they didn’t seem as pretty anymore, “Yes.” she answered. Catherine shrugged and playful patted her purse at the side of her hip as she giggled “Well - you know we’re living in a busy world, and I’m a busy girl, so time seems to fly fast, I tend to lose track.” Her patting stopped “...I know you wouldn’t.” “I suppose I wouldn’t.” “I hope you weren’t expecting me to drive by, say ‘hello’, give you a hug and a kiss, and drive away soon after.” Anita whipped her head up, “Of course—of course not!” “Well, I'm accepting that you would invite me inside your home and we could may have a discussion like fine women, talking is what women do best, Anita.” Anita quietly shuffled to the side of the door, she lifts her hand toward it, “Please make yourself at home.” Catherine crossed the distance of grass between her and porch with long elegant strides with her hips swaying. She climbed up the stairs and slicked her long blond hair over her ear, revealing a strikingly red earring. She sides eyes Anita before swinging the door open. “How polite of you.” She steps over the threshold; she scans the cottage’s interior “This house is just what I remembered, it looks quite lovely inside, though I've seen better” she remarks as she takes off her leather jacket and hat. Anita nods, taking notice of her empire dress, the material was light with dark floral designs that trailed around her torso and waist. Catherine sets her things aside on the coat rack next to the door. She sighs and turns to give Anita that warm looking smile, it never left her beautiful face, but in the gram scheme of things meant nothing. A mask she didn't have to wear but chose to for the fun of it. Catherine pulled out a humanoid-shaped item, it was wrapped with pink parchment. She displayed the thing up to Anita’s face, “Littering is a no no.” she jested, “Especially if it belongs to your son.” She wrapped the paper and separated the item from it. The item was the boy’s action figure. Anita lifted her hands to take the toy, but hesitated. When Catherine tilted the figure towards her, giving her permission, she slipped the toy out her hold. She stared down at it, the toy once withered by the elements of the world and the abuse from a child, now looked brand new. Shiny with each colour popping with quality. Anita looked up to Catherine swiftly making her way to the dining table, she sat down on one of the chairs to then flip the paper, other side was the letter. “But most especially if it’s one of my letters.” Anita felt her heart against her ribcage, “I didn’t mean to throw it away, I swear I would never throw it away,” she managed to squeeze out, “It just slipped out of my—” “May I please have some wine?” “I beg your pardon?” “Would you be so kind as to get me wine, red would be preferable.” Anita, obliged, she walked to the kitchen to make the drink. She reached over to the wine crate, grabbed a bottle of “Flordames Amiable” and poured a wine glass of the crimson liquid for the woman. Soon she was back with the drink, she walked towards the opposite of the table, reached over and placed the drink in front of Catherine. She sat down at the opposite and watched anxiously as Catherine lifted the glass to her lips. She drained it in one swallow, only leaving a puddle at the bottom. She let out what sounded like a sigh, putting the glass back on the table. She looked over at Anita, her smile deepened. She refocused her gaze to the paper in her hand. “All of my clients, as far as I know, have been loyal to my polices—except for you.” To be continued... BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Sophia Song - Nostalgic Musings - 1 By Sophia Song February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections NFL Playoff Predictions By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Sporting News The NFL Postseason is among us and the wild card and divisional rounds have already started a spark on the path for one team to become Super Bowl LV Champions and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The hunt is now down to four teams, two representing the American Football Conference (AFC), two representing the National Football Conference (NFC). The new playoff format only allowed for one team in each conference a bye for the first round, giving their players and staff more rest. This past weekend, it was time for the Packers and Chiefs to show what they’ve got this postseason. First, let’s take a look at what I thought about the Divisional Round and how my predictions stacked up with reality. Rams at Packers I am sure I am not the only one surprised by the Rams’ win over the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Seattle didn’t play their best, and the Rams capitalized. Now, they have to face the #1 seed Packers, who have a solid team all around, supported by great coaching and veteran leaders. Rams QB Jared Goff has shown he can be shaky in key games in the playoffs; luckily for him, he had a great supporting cast to take him to the Super Bowl two years ago. Now, that team has to face the Packers, a tougher challenge, and a bout I don’t think they can win. I take the Packers at home, 34 - 21. Result: Packers, 32 - 18 Ravens at Bills Lamar Jackson and the Ravens showed last week that they can rise to the occasion in January, when every game matters much more than the last. The Bills, on the other hand, eked out a win against the Colts. Buffalo, known for its cold and harsh environment late in the season may prove to be a problem for the visiting Ravens, or it can show off their strong running game with a quadruple-threat backfield of J.K Dobbins, Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and Lamar Jackson. Both QBs have never been farther in the postseason, but I believe the Ravens are on a roll, and can go into Buffalo and take a win away from the Bills. 27 – 20 Ravens. Result: Bills, 17 - 3 Browns at Chiefs The Browns had an impressive showing against the Steelers in the first round scoring 48 points. The Steelers dug themselves a huge hole going down 28 - 0 in the first quarter. However, the Steelers fought to score 37 points in the last three quarters. The Browns have proven to be resilient this year, but the Chiefs present a formidable challenge with a high-powered offense and a defense that keeps improving. The Chiefs have been dominant all year, and I think they take the win at Arrowhead Stadium. 37 – 20 Chiefs Result: Chiefs, 22 - 17 Buccaneers at Saints Tom Brady and the Bucs have displayed their offensive weapons in the past few weeks, scoring an average of around 41 points each game for their past three games, winning all of them. However, the Saints boast one of the most explosive running backs in Alvin Kamara. In a battle between two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Brees and Brady, pass rush will be crucial to try to get these QBs off their game. In that regard, I give the edge to the Saints. With that box checked off, along with home field advantage, I’m predicting the Saints to win a close game, closing it out in the waning minutes. I would not be surprised if this game goes either way. 31 – 28 Saints Result: Buccaneers, 30 - 20 Going forward, I think the Chiefs and the Packers will go on to the Super Bowl. Both teams were dominant all year long with great teams and minimal weaknesses. It comes down to the game plan and surprising players coming up clutch to make big plays when it counts. In the big game, I think we will have repeat champs with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs getting the glory in Super Bowl LV! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Completion of Winter Sports at Valley Stream North By Joseph Garofalo Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Original photo from VSN Spartans Instagram With winter sports on Long Island ending, Valley Stream North had a strong showing from all teams and athletes. From the track to the mat, the court to the range, our athletes fired on all cylinders to complete the season on a high note. The original sports beginning on January 4th included Winter Track and Field, Rifle, Bowling, Fencing and Gymnastics. Although VSN did not have any athletes participate in Gymnastics, our district team finished with two gymnasts performing at the County championship. In bowling, junior Tiffany Wong completed the year placing 5th Overall out of 21 in the Nassau County Championship. In Rifle, junior Nicholas Cavaliere led his team to another Nassau County Championship win. Our Fencing teams did not participate in County Championship; however, they had a strong senior campaign from Irene Quintero. Finally, Winter Track and Field, led by Coach Frazer and Coach Boyens, concluded their season in their first head-to-head meet against Mineola. Strong efforts were shown from seniors Ahmya McMillan, Malachi Lewis, Jake Cresser and Danielle Phillip as they hope to win another county championship come spring. In the second wave of sports that began on February 1st, Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling and Competitive Cheer were permitted to begin their seasons. Though the new normal made the resumption of high-risk sports harder than normal, our teams were able to persevere and finish their shortened seasons. Under Coach Achatz, and the strength of juniors Godwin Eyiuche and Malcolm Harrington, the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team completed their season with a win against Plainedge High School. Our Varsity girls team lead by Coach Karahalios, had a strong outing as well with the help of seniors Justice Gordon and Emmy Saracino. Our Wrestling team completed the season with a match against Mineola and Island Trees. Strong performances were shown by senior Noah Gonzalez, and junior Daniel Amin. Finally, the Competitive cheer team closed the winter season with a performance at Cold Spring High School. Many student-athletes like myself now look to the “relocated” fall season, now being hosted in the spring. Those begin March 1st and include Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball, Football, Cross County, sideline Cheer, and Girls’ Tennis. Good job by all of our winter athletes, and good luck to all of those participating in our fall season. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Standing On the Ledge: VSN Mental Health from a Student Perspective By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by Ohio Department of Education When I first entered South Side High school to take my ACT in December, I found myself bombarded with posters and signs advertising their mental health resources. I saw the faces, names, and locations of guidance staff, school psychologists, and various other student support services professionals, just by walking in the front door.  My first thought was: Something must have happened here. Sadly, I was right. A quick google search showed two students had committed suicide in 2019. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the students who died. It is not uncommon for schools and other institutions to respond to mental health issues after a crisis. Studies show that teen suicide rates are on the rise and have more than doubled since 2007. [1] The global pandemic has amplified this particular issue. Students are hurting for so many different reasons. Here is my story: The lowest point I remember came at the beginning of my sophomore year. I dangerously teetered on the edge of an emotional cliff I felt would have been impossible to climb back up. I was sad, anxious and depressed. Despite the helpful efforts of my teachers, my grades were falling lower than they ever had. I was sleeping erratically, either 2 or 12 hours a night. I could not eat; I lost 8 pounds from skipping meals. By November, I was too focused on seeing the next morning to care about whatever work I had been assigned the night before. I sat there, cold, tired, and apathetic to it all, and worse, I refused to ask for help. My talkative and happy demeanor created an easy mask for the problems I was facing. Every potentially concerning thing I said was passed off as “just a joke.” Despite how difficult it is for students to talk about their emotions and problems, I have supportive parents to whom I could turn for help, and I was ultimately able to receive help outside of school. I began treatment, and I can happily say, I am doing better than ever. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students across the country is well-documented, but difficult to see happening to young people all around us – some who are on our screens only during the school day. Many students have spoken out to their friends or in extra-curricular club settings, saying the pandemic has “sent their mental health down the drain,” or otherwise negatively impacted their well-being. Students around me are voicing deep feelings of loneliness, even writing to the advice column in the North Star to ask about making friends virtually. As a school community, we have to check in frequently with each other because we are not okay. There are many steps a school can take to publicize and destigmatize mental health services at school. Signs around the school communicating facts about how common mental health challenges are can help to take away the shame that I and others feel when they experience symptoms; studies on a national scale show small steps like signage actually work. [2] Small changes or additions can actually have a significant impact. What We Can Do: Some examples of dispensing information widely might include: Posts on teams with the names and locations of student support services personnel to take the place of in-person signage for the many students who are virtual or hybrid right now. Well-documented and well-known protocols outlining the steps students, parents, and teachers can take to get access to school resources in a transparent, simple and confidential way. Increase in overall mental health awareness by holding more, and well-advertised, events to provide support. The Student Wellness Forum over the weekend of March 6th was a good start, and the second in that series is March 13th. We also can introduce a “SAFE” club. “SAFE” stands for Suicide Awareness and a Friendly Environment, this club may also focus on mental health in general, instead of just specifically suicide prevention. This is similar to what was done by students at Southside after both suicides had taken place. [3] A focus on Mental Health Awareness Month this May. We could hold a hallway decoration competition similar to Red Ribbon Week (THIS WEEK!) for drug awareness. We could ask each club to bring up Mental Health as a meeting topic during a meeting in May. For my part, as a leader in The Alliance club here at North, I’ve been engaging with the club’s members in discussions which helped me construct this article, and I feel like if we all work together as a school, every small step we take can add up to a big positive impact on students. BACK TO TOP