Wardah Khizer NEWS EDITOR Hello! My name is Wardah Khizer, and I am the News Editor for North Star. I mainly write articles about current school news and events, but occasionally I write about global issues and politics. I enjoy writing about my interests, so you will periodically see me in other sections. Along with writing articles, I am an active member in various clubs, such as the MSA and the Culture Society. I look forward to reading your submissions, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me through email! Exam Study Tips Wardah Khizer Advice Read More North's Annual Club Fair Wardah Khizer News Read More MSA Day of Unity Conference Wardah Khizer News Read More Groundhog Day Wardah Khizer News Read More MSA's Annual Eid Festival Wardah Khizer News Read More

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Israel-Gaza Conflict: A Complex and Ongoing Struggle Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by ABC News The Israel-Gaza conflict is a long-standing and complex issue that has been the source of much tension and violence in the Middle East, and here in America. Rooted in historical, political, and religious factors, this conflict has resulted in the loss of countless lives and has had far-reaching consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict can be traced back to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Following the end of British colonial rule, Israel declared independence, leading to a war with neighboring Arab states. The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who became refugees in neighboring countries, including Gaza. Gaza, a small strip of land located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has been a central point of the conflict. Since 1967, Israel has maintained control over Gaza, although it withdrew its military presence and settlements in 2005. The territory is now governed by Hamas, an Islamist political and military organization that is considered a terrorist group by Israel and several other countries. The conflict between Israel and Gaza is characterized by a cycle of violence and retaliation. Rockets fired from Gaza into Israeli territory have led to Israeli military responses, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Israeli government argues that it has the right to defend its citizens from attacks, while Palestinians in Gaza claim that they are resisting occupation and seeking self-determination. One of the main issues at the heart of the conflict is the question of land and borders. Palestinians in Gaza, as well as the West Bank, seek the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israel maintains control over significant portions of the West Bank and continues to build settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. As a result, the expansion of settlements has further fueled tensions between the two sides. Another key factor in the conflict is the issue of security. Israel argues that it must take measures to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks, citing the frequent rocket fire from Gaza as a threat to its national security. In response, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting the movement of goods and people in and out of the territory. Critics argue that the blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. The conflict also has deep religious and cultural dimensions. Jerusalem, a city considered holy by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, has been a flashpoint for tensions. The status of Jerusalem, particularly the control over the holy sites, has been a contentious issue in peace negotiations. The competing claims and religious significance of the city have further complicated efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. According to history.state.gov , " On November 29, 1947 the United Nations adopted Resolution 181 (also known as the Partition Resolution) that would divide Great Britain’s former Palestinian mandate into Jewish and Arab states in May 1948 when the British mandate was scheduled to end," bringing the city of Jerusalem "under international governance" and giving it special legal and political status as a "corpus separatum," meaning separate body. Efforts to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Gaza have been ongoing for decades. Numerous peace agreements, such as the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have been signed, but have ultimately failed to bring about a lasting solution. The lack of trust, deep-rooted grievances, and political divisions on both sides have delayed progress towards a peaceful resolution. International factors including the United Nations, the United States, and regional powers, have been involved in mediating the conflict. However, finding a solution that satisfies the aspirations and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians remains a daunting task. The Israel-Gaza conflict is a complex and deeply entrenched struggle that has resulted in immense suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. The issues of land, security, and religious significance have contributed to the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation. Achieving a lasting peace will require political will, compromise, and a commitment to dialogue and understanding from all parties involved. Most feel only through a comprehensive and inclusive approach can a just and sustainable resolution to this conflict be achieved. Sources: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained - BBC News Israel-Palestine history: The deep roots of the Israel-Gaza conflict - Vox BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Geocaching By Carolina Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by Winchester-Frederick Country Convention & Visitors Bureau Do you love to be outdoors, solve riddles, and search for interesting things? If so, you may want to try searching for geocaches! Geocaching is a popular “fun outdoor recreational activity and hobby that feels like real-world treasure-hunting”! People participate in geocaching from all over the world by using navigational techniques to “hide and seek” compact containers at specific locations marked by coordinates worldwide. They hide small containers, called geocaches or caches, with small prizes inside, and then other people try to find them using maps and clues on their Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers or GPS-enabled mobile devices. Currently, there are more than 3 million geocaches hidden around the world for people to find. A typical geocache is created when a player hides a small-scale waterproof container somewhere in the world and then logs its exact location on the Geocaching app. Inside the container, the hider will put a logbook (or a notebook that players can sign) with a pen or pencil and sometimes small prizes, pins, trinkets, or little toys for trading. These mini toys and trinkets are usually of more sentimental worth than financial. Some geocachers may choose to use large plastic storage containers (similar to Tupperware). Next, other players try to find what has been hidden using the navigation system on the Geocaching app. Sometimes finding a geocache will be easy and straightforward, but other times they are very well hidden in their spots and you really have to look and search hard for them! To get started, you first have to download the Geocaching app on a smartphone. When you click on the app, it shows you a map of nearby or local geocaches. You can also search for geocaches in different locations. For instance, if you plan on being away, you can search to see if and where there are geocaches in that location as well. Once you click on a geocache, you are able to see a description of it and other information about it, such as how much time it may take for you to find it. Next, click “navigate” to open up the directions to guide and navigate you to the spot. You will have to ask an adult to drive you to a park that you walk around together. Some geocaches may be hidden in other public spots, like a walking path in town. Other geocaches are hidden in parks, urban areas, forest, deserts, underwater, on top of mountains – pretty much anywhere you can imagine! The rule for a hiding place is “the geocache should not be easily visible to a passerby who is not looking for the cache. It should be a camouflaged hiding spot and the cache should blend perfectly into their environment”. People use their creativity to find hard and challenging hiding places, like in a tree hollow or stump, underneath bushes, wedged securely in-between rocks, using a fake rock or small fake squirrel container, or even road signs (a magnetic geocache, nestled between the sign itself and the pole). Another rule is “ do not ever bury geocaches (do not create a hole in the ground to find or place a geocache)”. Once you navigate to the location, you will have to look at the recent activity and description in the app for any hints or signs for clues that might help you find the cache. Have fun on your search! Geocaches come in all shapes and sizes and most often they are a small tube or a medium-sized box that looks like a heavy-duty plastic container. The container could also be innovatively stored inside an object. People from around the world cleverly and creatively store and hide geocaches in fun containers. For example, hidden in the woods in Germany, one geocache is housed in a tricky wooden birdhouse covered in puzzles for finders to solve. In Spain, a plastic super-sized strawberry geocache container looks like a big piece of fruit. In Massachusetts, a geocache has its logbook hidden within a classic calling telephone. In California, a tiny tube is screwed into the back of a plastic pigeon to hold a geocache’s logbook. And in Holland, a container features a hen with plastic eggs, one of which contains the logbook! There should always be a logbook so you can write down that you found the geocache with the date. The geocacher signs the log with their established code name and dates it, in order to prove that they found the cache. Many times, “you will find small prizes called tradeables, like small toys, pins, keychains, or crafts. You can take one of them as long as you replace it with an item of similar value”. When you are done signing the log, you must place the geocache back exactly where you found it so that other people can find it! Geocaching is a fun and exciting way to spend time outdoors, explore the beauty of nature, exercise your mind and body, solve puzzles and riddles, appreciate quality time with family and friends, and enjoy treasure-hunting! It is a hobby and interest that delights and appeals to all ages. It provides fun and happiness for the whole family. You may experience new places and meet new people, and you will stay active and healthy while creating lasting new memories. You will realize that discovery, exploration, beauty, and adventure still exist in the real world. Good luck searching for cool and interesting geocaches, wherever you may be in the world! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Attacks on Women Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Imagine walking down a street in New York City. You are minding your own business when out of the blue, someone attacks you, more specifically, punches you. This was the reality for some women in New York City. Recently, there have been multiple reports of young women claiming to have been punched by a man while walking in New York City in broad daylight. This issue has gained attention through social media platforms such as TikTok, in which the women involved revealed the details of their attacks. The news of the attacks started to surface on March 17th, 2024. Women in their 20s and 30s took to social media to share their experiences. Some of the women stated that they had been on their phones as they were walking when the attack took place. One woman claimed that she was attacked while walking home. Another claimed she was attacked while on her way to work and another asserted that she was attacked while walking her dog. Two of the women who were punched described their attacker to be very similar; it is possible that the aggressor was the same in both cases. Since March 17th, a dozen women have shared that they were attacked and two of the women went as far as to file police reports. One of the women involved in the attacks, Halley Kate Mcgookin, posted to TikTok on March 25th, stating, “You guys, I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face.” Mcgookin went on to file a police report the same day. The video Mcgookin posted on TikTok had 49 million views and consisted of comments that tagged other women who experienced similar attacks. This included Olivia Brand. On March 17th, Brand posted a video stating she was also punched in the face. She goes on to say that the man said “sorry” and further went on to punch her in the head while on the sidewalk. A third victim, Mikayla Toninato, also commented on Mcgookin’s TikTok post; she too had been walking when a man approached her and hit her in the face while she was looking down at her phone. Following Toninato’s attack, Sarah Harvard was also attacked on March 19th while in the Lower East Side. Harvard did not post information regarding her attack on social media unlike the other victims; however, once she witnessed a buildup of posts about the same attacks, she explained her similar situation on Instagram and Twitter, following with a police report filed on March 27th. Selena Pikanab and Karina Dunford, two additional victims, also released posts on social media describing comparable incidents. So far, the New York Police Department has arrested a suspect: 40-year-old Skiboky Stora from Brooklyn. Stora has been charged with misdemeanor assault in Mcgookin’s attack. During his arraignment, Stora pleaded not guilty but was still in custody. Skiboky Stora has an interesting past as well. In the last three years, Stora launched long-shot bids for government positions such as governor, mayor, and city council member. On social media, it has been documented that Stora’s posts consists of pictures of him posing shirtless while appearing in front of a Donald Trump flag. On the darker side, many of Stora’s posts include videos of him harassing women as they are going about their day on the subway or street. In many areas of New York City, there has been an increase in misdemeanor assaults. Especially now, women are the main target. It is important for women of all ages in New York City to be aware of their surroundings, especially since men have assaulted many women this past month. Women should not have to worry about having to deal with such circumstances, however, everyone in New York City should take precaution in order to prevent these circumstances. SOURCES: Multiple women online say they were punched while walking around New York City ( nbcnews.com ) What we know about viral TikToks saying women are being punched in NYC streets ( msn.com ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections Noorish Atif - Contemplation By Noorish Atif June 8, 2021 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Golden Tragedy By Catherine Duong Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by TGC company (Sky: CotL), photo editing by Catherine Duong Author’s note: This short story is fan fiction based on a game called Sky: Children of the Light (Sky: CotL), made by the TGC company. In addition, the story is heavily inspired by the 9/11 tragedy, celebrating its 20th anniversary and thanking the front lines for their service, the brave citizens who stepped up to help others and mourning those who lost their lives. The battlefield terrain, being next to the Golden Wasteland temple, represents the scene when both the Twin towers were struck by two hijacked planes from terrorists, in which the dark dragons in the photo above (krills) represent the planes and the remaining pillars after the tragedy in the story represents the 9/11 memorial. Other special thanks to Butter, Estella, and Nicole for helping out with the story cover above and photo editing from Catherine Duong. Keywords: 1 Krill - A hostile creature in Golden Wastelands; also known as the dark dragon 2 Golden Wastelands - the 5th realm in the sky realm, are best known for their hostile creatures and dark plants. “You, go to the left side! And you, try to distract the krill (1) at the right!” The soldiers briefly nodded, and flew towards the chaotic scene, then disappeared into the smoke and ashes once I pointed the direction to go to. All I heard in the background were the roars of the dark dragons attacking the temple in Golden Wastelands (2) and innocent people screaming for help. It was a tragedy to remember; it felt like I could still hear the scene echoing in my ears. Yet, when hope was fading citizens, in the sky realm stepped up. I saw people going through the rubble and helping out or getting them out of the disaster safely. It showed that front-liners like us aren’t the only ones to be called heroes. The people in the sky realm are heroes too by helping one another and saving a few lives with their good deeds. Hence, the tragedy was named The Golden Tragedy, it was a terrible moment, yet the “golden” part was the moment for average citizens to be recognized as heroes. Now it’s been 20 years ever since it happened. I’ve revisited the same site every year on the same day, looking at the rebuilt temple in front of me, but the remains of the old pillars, still chipped and worn, are still there. Each post had the name of the person who died during the scene. As I scanned through each pillar, a name or two caught my eye, which I readily recognized who they were. They were one of my close friends whom I had for many years. I held back my tears, clenching my fists. After the scene and everything was resolved, I left with my friend’s souls high up in the clouds, hopefully in a better place now. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections XC By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by GWSports out of all the four seasons Fall's my favorite one for many different reasons but XC's the main one   the adrenaline keeps me going no matter how hard the race may seem it's all Boyens's doing that i managed to stay on the team   going up and down those hills really gives me chills all that running is tiring but Boyens's speeches are pretty inspiring   i've never met anyone who could be more understanding or anyone more hardworking it doesn't matter how many miles you can always count on him to crack some smiles   out of all the four seasons fall's my favorite one for many different reasons but XC's the main one   playing sports all three seasons makes me love XC for even more reasons other sports cannot compare to be honest, winter track is just a nightmare   winter track might be in the same tribe but it just doesn't give the same vibe badminton might be more relaxing but it takes a lot more adapting   out of all the four seasons fall's my favorite one for many different reasons but XC's the main one   we don't need announcements like other sports Simply for the same reason we don't need darn courts XC teaches you more than running it teaches you how to be cunning -Dedicated to Timothy Boyens, the best XC coach the world has ever seen. Thank you for everything you have done for North’s XC team. I appreciate all the hard work and effort you have put in. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Cultural Identity Done Right By Alain Deen Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by Marvel Watching Marvel’s “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was both a refreshing and vivid experience. It is a film that dives deep into the roots of Asian American culture, as well as Chinese culture in general. Interestingly enough, I am not a Marvel fan. I know of many Marvel characters, their abilities, and general story lines. However, I classify myself as an average viewer looking only for the occasional Marvel entertainment. This is exactly what the film provided for my friends and me. It serves as an origin story, making the film rather easy to follow. On top of that, I grew attached to the characters with ease. In my book, that is the pinnacle of a great film. A film with intricate fight scenes, themes of familial strife, and a stunning performance by Awkwafina (who played Katy), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings offers most attributes I look for in an origin story. The film follows Shang-Chi, who also goes by Shaun (Simu Liu), who resides in what is now present-day San Francisco with his friend Katy. While living a rather normal life, Shang-Chi is later forced to face the ramifications of his past. An epic journey ensues, during which we discover more and more about the origins of Shang-Chi as a character. Additionally, we are introduced to a wide range of characters on this epic journey, such as Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing, as well as the loveable Trevor Slattery and his Dijiang pet Morris. The film also has cinematography way ahead of its time. If I were to have a tier list of the best fight sequences of all time, the bus rodeo in this film would be up there. If there was one word to describe it: herculean. Let’s talk culture. I thought this film portrayed Asian American and Chinese culture beautifully. The subtle themes of familial bonding, accompanied with language, love, and sacrifice make the film all the better. On another note, the film was the first to have an entire Asian cast, making it revolutionary in its own sense. Not only that, but it is also the first Marvel film to contain an Asian lead. Because of this, the film has a wider appeal, which allows it to be a box-office bonanza. It has made $364.3 million at the box office so far. Overall, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” proves to be a cinematic masterpiece. I highly recommend it. It really is a beautiful showcase of Asian culture, and I am sure that there will be more greatness to come. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Memory Project Artists Creating a Kinder World through Art By Luiginna Frederique Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Original photography by Gilana Etame North’s Art Honor Society’s tradition of creating portraits for the Memory Project organization has continued with this year’s assignment being children in Nigeria. The Memory Project is an organization founded back in 2004 to create portraits for children in orphanages to create special memories crafted with love and kindness. Now it has grown into a worldwide project where artists from around the world come together to create portraits for children worldwide who are facing or have faced various challenges. As per tradition, the Art Honor Society has participated once more and created both portraits and inspiration artwork for children in Nigeria who have been displaced from their homes and left scared and scarred by the terrorism and violence they’ve faced due to a series of issues in Nigeria. All Art Honor Society members and some members of the art club and Language Honor Society have created portraits and inspiration artwork inspired by 11 children in Nigeria. Christabel by Katherine Cevada Yusuf by Elizabeth Andre Jaba by Luiginna Frederique Esther by Isabella Somma Yahaya by Ava Strojan Godwin by Kimberly Shrestha Mansir by Arunima Roy Mustapha by Gilana Etame Suwaira by Isabella Somma Happiness by Elaine Ching Art Honor Society members holding their respective portraits. (Kimberly Shrestha & Isabella Somma not included) BACK TO TOP

Jasmine Roberts EDITORIAL EDITOR If you want to know about me, you’d have to learn alchemy as well, so let’s begin with the basics, or what I like to call Jasmine 101. Firstly, my name is Jasmine Roberts, and I fulfill the ever-giving job of being editor for the editorial section of the North Star. Reasonable, as if you ask anyone about me, they’d confirm that I have an opinion on quite about everything, including that becoming editor is one of the many accomplishments that I am proud of. On my own you can find me writing fantasy stories inspired by some of my favorite works of fiction, such as ASOIAF, gardening with my black cat familiar Siouxsie by my side, listening to Bjork whilst knitting, reading the classics, trying to channel spirits, and exploring the wonderful history of your local graveyard. When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Patricia Morrison, but as I am now, I’d say I am one of the coolest people I know. I don’t bite, and Id love to hear about your opinion, so don’t forget to send in an article on your way out! Follow my Letterboxd Jasmine Roberts Feature Read More For what is fear, if fear cannot kill? Jasmine Roberts Polaris Read More I Want to Knit Jasmine Roberts Polaris Read More Party School | Jon Hart Jasmine Roberts Entertainment & Media Read More It’s Okay to Have Friends Jasmine Roberts Editorial Read More Your Local Film Nerd Reviews - The Wizard of Oz (1939) Jasmine Roberts Entertainment & Media Read More Graveyard Blues Jasmine Roberts Feature Read More Enjoy the Silence Jasmine Roberts Feature Read More The War of the Pens: George R.R. Martin Versus Brandon Jasmine Roberts Entertainment & Media Read More A James Bond Review: A Journey Jasmine Roberts Entertainment & Media Read More Choice and Voting Jasmine Roberts Editorial Read More The Ghost and Mrs. Muir – A Very Rad Review Jasmine Roberts Entertainment & Media Read More