Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Beads for Water Event By Kashmiraa Pandit and Lucy Wu Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original flyer by Kashmiraa Pandit On Tuesday, November 24th, The Culture Society hosted a special joint event with Georgia-based international nonprofit, Just One Africa, to share the clean water initiative with students at North. We invited national guest speaker Ms. Christina D. Hightower, Program Director at Just One Africa and presenter extraordinaire, to introduce the organization and explain the mission of Just One Africa in helping communities in Kenya. With 30+ attendees and a fun Nearpod presentation, we were able to communicate these ideas and inspire others to act towards aiding the Global Water Crisis directly from their homes. What is Just One Africa? Put simply, JOA is an international nonprofit organization located in Alpharetta, Georgia to provide sustainable solutions for families in Central and Southern Kenya through the combination of a Clean Water Fund and partnerships with local leaders and communities. Founded by wife and husband duo Amy and Clay Churchill, JOA has gradually gained support and volunteers from family, friends, community members, local organizations, and now schools across the United States. Upon visiting the country with her family years prior, founder Amy Churchill met families throughout rural Kenya. Though their trip only lasted a short while, the story of one woman ran through her mind for months following their visit. Under a straw roof, the woman had shown Ms. Amy her child and their urgent need for access to clean water. As she returned to the United States, Amy Churchill believed that although she could not provide clean water to all, she could help provide access to clean water to just that one woman, thus establishing the international organization and their central phrase, “Just One”. One of the most beautiful parts of JOA is that they not only help address the water crisis through their Beads for Water program, but they also partner with locals in Kenya, such as John and Dorcus, to rescue young girls from child marriage and FGM (female genital mutilation), empower and educate Kenyan women, and encourage students and volunteers within the United States to create direct change through a plethora of possibilities. What is the Beads for Water program? One of the largest issues JOA seeks to address is the Clean Water Crisis, which, according to the World Health Organization, prevents over a third of people across the world from accessing clean drinking water. In Kenya, this problem is only exacerbated as 40% of the population uses dirty lakes and wells as their water source, fueling the rampant spread of diseases including cholera and malaria. In effect, hundreds of Kenyan children face a lower quality of life, as the lack of access to clean water prevents young girls from attending school, reduces economic opportunities, and creates a higher infant mortality rate and a lower life expectancy. To combat these problems, JOA purchases the recycled paper bead jewelry and crafts handmade by local artisans and Maasai women. In turn, many Maasai women learn the fundamentals of economics, such as price setting and the laws of supply and demand. After importing the handmade crafts, the Just One Africa organization sells the pieces throughout the US. 100% of all the proceeds raised are contributed to the organization’s Clean Water Fund, through which Uzima water filters are purchased and provided to rural communities in Central and Southern Kenya, in regions including Amboseli and Nairobi to provide clean water. The Uzima water filters effectively eliminate over 99% of contaminants in each water supply. Each filter can process over 1 million gallons of clean water! The last and most important step occurs when they work with local leaders to distribute filters and educate each community on the importance of sanitation. Why did the VSN Culture Society partner with Just One Africa? Over the past two years, The Culture Society has grown to encompass a myriad of initiatives, from performing cultural choreography to hosting monthly events celebrating ethnic festivities. While the platform and method of The Culture Society have meandered over the years, the purpose has always remained the same: we wish to share one culture while learning of others. This year, The Culture Society decided to broaden its scope to learn about other cultures while finding ways for students at North to transcend borders and provide aid to children abroad. The Culture Society aims to welcome people of varied backgrounds and educate others with their experiences and perspectives. Upon the onset of COVID-19, we sought to benefit not only those in our community, but also those across the world. JOA’s goals of sustainability and cooperation fit perfectly with everything we were looking for in a nonprofit and meeting the passionate founders and volunteers there has only reaffirmed our beliefs. One of their most influential sayings is “it takes just one to make a difference.” That mantra has resonated with us, as we know it can be difficult to feel that our actions make a real difference, but even just by sharing their story and mission, we can increase awareness and take a step toward solving global problems. What can you do to help? To everyone that participated in the event, bought a handmade item, or shared the JOA story: thank you for taking the initiative to improve the lives of others outside your community. If you didn’t get a chance to help yet, there are still so many ways to make a difference. Take the time now to share this story with your friends and family, raise awareness of this issue, and stay on the lookout for our next event. Remember: all it takes is just one to make a difference! Purchase handmade jewelry and support the clean water initiative today! Learn More: www.justoneafrica.org Shop: www.Shop.justoneafrica.org Follow their Instagram: @justoneafrica or www.instagram.com/justoneafrica/ Be One for Someone! BACK TO TOP

Mikayla Aziz MANAGING EDITOR Hello North! My name is Mikayla Aziz, and I am the managing editor of North Star. I enjoy creative writing and commenting on pop culture. Outside of North Star, I love drawing and updating myself on current events. Feel free to contact me with any questions through my VSN email, and I look forward to working with you all! Welcoming Mr. Bracco! Mikayla Aziz Feature Read More Except from Eve Mikayla Aziz Polaris Read More The Artist Mikayla Aziz Polaris Read More Adiós, Señora Berg Mikayla Aziz Feature Read More I love you Mikayla Aziz Polaris Read More

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections My Lifeline During Finals Week: Running Manal Layachi Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Manal Layachi Study Work Study Six hours' worth of Quizlets and practice tests When will the exams end? I need a break Where do I go? A place called home: the local park I lace up my favorite running shoes, tie my hair into a perfect bun Then, I start running As I listen to my favorite music, the sun shining brightly on my face the breeze cooling my body, my mind begins to clear I feel refreshed and new As I get home, I am ready to study again The next day, I ace the chemistry regents Running is truly a lifeline during finals week BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Heart By Nora Chery Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by CNN I remembered our Wedding Day and how wonderful it was. It was indeed the lantern of my adulthood. I remembered how in awe I was when I saw your beauty; your gown only served as a compliment. I knew you felt the same way when we locked eyes, brown meeting brown; I hoped no one found a key. When we both honored our vows without hesitation, your hands slipped out of my grasp and used your beringed hand to sink into your chest. You pulled out your heart for me. Your stained cupped hands extended towards me; it throbbed wildly for me, so I took it. The seat was warm and lively; I could only stare at the striking red color and functioning veins. I peered over to you, and you only stood there, still looking fabulous as ever, even with a gaping hole in your chest. You covered the hole with your hand and gave me the most loving smile. I felt as though I, to show my love, was obliged. That was ten years ago, and we now live together in a clean, modest house. It was a Saturday morning, and I was in the living room; it was about an hour since you left. It was only an hour, yet I already missed your presence, despite having your heart with me. As an hour turned into almost several, I kept your heart close to me, it being warm filled with your blood and love for me. But this was when I found something odd; I looked down to realize the heart wasn’t beating anymore. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Beyond The Pool: Interview with Varsity Swimmer Sarah Flynn Melanie Cevada Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Sarah Flynn In 2023, Valley Stream North was proud to announce a new addition to the fall sports season lineup: District Girls Swimming. Among this new team, junior Sarah Flynn is one of the first students to compete. In this interview, Sarah shares her experience both personally and with her team. When did you begin swimming? Flynn: “I started swimming when I was around 4 or 5 years old. It's always been a sort of constant in my life, but it didn't get serious until they started a team here at Valley Stream. I've swam on other teams for the past 12 years, but having the varsity experience is far more significant. With a varsity team, I now have the ability to compete for my school at bigger competitions such as divisions and counties, and I have a better chance of getting seen by college coaches.” What or who inspired you to begin swimming? Flynn: “I would say my family was the biggest inspiration to me and the reason why I began swimming so young. I would always watch my sister's practices and meets and wanted to be just like her. My parents were also very involved in the team, so I always felt comfortable in that environment.” How was your experience with the team this past season? Flynn: “My experience with the team this season was really fun. The coaches are so nice and encouraging, and the girls on the team are so friendly. This season, we got to compete at the county championships and made finals which was very exciting for all of us. The bond that we have as a team is very rewarding!” What is your routine? Flynn: “This past season, our schedule was a bit erratic. We typically had practice for 2-3 days and had one meet each week. When we get to the pool, we warm up for about 20-30 minutes and then get into our main set.” How do you balance school and sports in your schedule? Flynn: “At first, I found it hard to balance swimming and schoolwork, but it was something I got better at throughout the season. I always made sure to note when I had practice or meets so I could leave myself enough time to complete my work without rushing at the last minute.” How have you handled high-pressure situations during meets? Flynn: “Some meets can be stressful for me, so I try to remind myself that I'm doing it to see improvements in my own times rather than trying to beat my opponents. I focus my energy on getting a personal best time and use the stress to push myself harder.” How have you improved your performance this season, and what would you do differently for the next season? Flynn: “This season, I was able to improve my performance by focusing on more specific goals. Last season, I didn't really have a goal in mind for myself so I couldn't reach where I exactly wanted to be. This season, I set myself on getting a time to make it to the counties meet, and I was able to accomplish that. Next season, I'll try to work on becoming a more well-rounded swimmer and focusing on other events.” Share a moment when the advice from your coach significantly improved your performance. Flynn: “My coach was very good at giving advice and constantly reminded us how much the little things mattered. She told us how our starts and turns are and where we can make small adjustments that will improve our races. Most people focus only on the stroke, but focusing on those little details was much more beneficial to me and to the rest of the team as well.” What conflict(s) did you encounter this season, and how did you resolve this? Flynn: “Toward the end of my season, I was a bit conflicted because I didn't think I would make the Counties cut. It was my goal, but I decided to not be too hard on myself if I didn't make the cut. Instead of focusing on the fear that I might not reach my goal, I focused on swimming as best as I could, and I ended up making the cut!” What advice would you give to any students interested in joining the team? Flynn: “I would recommend this team to anybody who is willing to put in the work. The girls and coaches are so friendly to everyone, and I think it's such a good environment. Swimming could be of the harder sports to pick up, but we are welcoming to people of all skill levels! Everybody starts somewhere, and there is no reason to be discouraged. We are always looking for more swimmers to build the team!” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Goodbye Ms. Suarez! By Elaine Ching Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Original photography by Mrs. Mansfield From being the advisor to multiple clubs to teaching in the Special Ed department and co-teaching in many subject areas, Ms. Suarez is wrapping up her North High School career, which began in 1988, this year. During recent years here at North, Ms. Suarez has served as the sole advisor to the Culture Society since the club was created just a few years ago. It is dedicated to exploring and teaching about different cultures. She has brought in speakers and special guests to share at club meetings. Due to her involvement and dedication, she helped multiple North students with the ability to experience new cultural foods and celebrations, along with registering the club with UNICEF to help those in need further as North pilots our first-ever chapter. As well as organizing multiple events over the years, this year’s International Night tickets were sold out, with students lining up after school to see if they could somehow still buy one and attend. That event is usually a big hit and includes food, dancing, and a fashion show contest. Ms. Suarez has proven herself to be a fantastic and hardworking advisor. Furthermore, Ms. Suarez also serves as co-advisor to the National Junior Honor Society at North. She helped with the beautifying of the courtyard alongside many NJHS members, as well as helping provide many NJHS members with service opportunities that helped them keep up with their service hour commitments. Not only this, but she cared about the NJHS members outside of their service at North, as she offered many activities and support for them. After speaking with a student who had Ms. Suarez as a teacher, they described her as a wonderful influence who pushed them to be their very best at math. In addition, the student said that they did try harder after being pushed. They said that this year was a difficult one for their academics due to the previous years with the coronavirus, so having a good teacher truly helped them. Also, they were saddened to hear that this would be Ms. Suarez’s last year as a teacher at North High School. This positive feedback demonstrates that Ms. Suarez is a wonderful advisor and a motivational teacher. Some quotes from North students who were thankful for having Ms. Suarez as a teacher/advisor: “She is motivated and enthusiastic when learning about other cultures, I’m really going to miss her” “Ms. Suarez was a wonderful advisor; I don’t know what I’m going to do next year without her!” “It’s a shame that she’s retiring, but I wish her all the best!” Some quotes from her North co-teachers: “After one of my colleagues inherited my co-teaching class with Ms. Suarez, I warned her: ‘She makes you work harder than you can ever imagine!’ She’s that dedicated to every aspect of her work and is always advocating for her students.” “She is a ROCK STAR co-teacher and an inspiration. She never stops working or thinking about her students and their needs, both academic and social-emotional. I never would have survived quarantine or hybrid teaching without her. She keeps in constant contact with her kids and their families and teachers – never accepting anything less than their best. And she gets it from them, and they succeed and move on. Her students and co-teachers are so fortunate to have her working for them, and I don’t know what we are going to do around here without her!” While the North community is saddened to see Ms. Suarez leave, we wish her all the best in her future adventures! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Portfolio - Argelina Jeune - 2 By Argelina Jeune June 13, 2022 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 7 This piece is the depiction of what it is like to lose someone you loved. Their remains and belongings are still with you but slowly you forget until you can’t picture their face anymore.

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The 2024 Presidential Election Sahar Ali Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching The 2024 Presidential Election The moment we wait for every four years is on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, when all eligible Americans can cast their vote for the next President of the United States of America. This year’s candidates are Republican Former President Donald Trump, and Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris. The 2024 presidential election is going to be a close one. According to 270toWin, many states are closely split between the Republican and Democratic candidates. Although both candidates have a good shot at winning the election, they have many different views about key issues including abortion and immigration. To better understand Trump and Harris’s opinions on these issues, it is vital to understand the political backgrounds of their parties. The Republicans Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, represents the more conservative ideals. Essentially, the Republican Party is not as liberal when compared to the Democratic party in terms of social policies. However, the party favors a laissez-faire economy, in which the government is more laid back and does not interfere as much by regulating the free-market system. The Democrats Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who replaced President Joe Biden in the race, represents a more liberal aspect of democracy. Historically, the democratic party has supported government intervention in the economy and continues to stand today as a part of the Democratic Party’s policies. Abortion During his time campaigning, Donald Trump has been inconsistent with his point of view regarding abortion. The Republican Party is more conservative with 57% of its members asserting that abortion “should be illegal in all or most cases” (Pew Research Center). His opponent, Kamala Harris, claims that Trump will enforce a nationwide abortion ban, which Trump claims he will not do. According to CBS News, Trump favors abortion in the cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk. Trump also claims that his “administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights” (CBS News). Trump does face backlash from conservatives when he claims he is somewhat in favor of abortion; therefore, understanding his stance on abortion is muddy. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has made the issue of abortion a major aspect of her campaign as she stands for women’s choice regarding their bodies. Harris stated during her campaigning, “Ours is a fight for the future and it is a fight for freedom, like the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do” (CBS News). Harris’s stance on abortion is obvious as she claims that she would not allow an abortion ban to be signed into law; she also claims that when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive rights throughout the nation, she will sign it. Immigration After the inconsistencies with immigration policies in the Biden Administration, Trump, if elected, intends to make immigration stricter and plans to carry out “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history” (Peterson Institute for International Economics). Trump also plans to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants; this means that if undocumented parents have a child in the United States, the child will not automatically be a citizen. He also plans to deport pro-Palestinian student protestors along with their visas and abolish humanitarian parole. Trump also plans to extend his wall at the border between the United States and Mexico to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the border (Peterson Institute for International Economics). Like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris acknowledges the fact that the American immigration system has holes in it which require patching. She claims that the US immigration system “needs to be repaired, and we are working on that in a way that we establish a safe, humane and orderly immigration system at the border” (Peterson Institute for International Economics). According to the Peterson Insititute for International Economics, Harris differs from Trump in that she hopes to increase asylum eligibility as well as increase pathways to legal immigration. Although both candidates differ in their thought processes, it is up to Americans to make their choice on who they hope to see in office for the next four years. Remember to conduct research on the candidate you are voting for; not only does it increase an individual’s knowledge of current events, but understanding why you are voting for a certain candidate makes one a smarter voter. After all, the presidential election comes every four years, giving us citizens the ability to voice our opinions through our ballots. SOURCES: 2024 Presidential Election Polls: Harris vs. Trump - 270toWin Republican Party | Definition, History, & Beliefs | Britannica Trump and Harris' views on abortion and IVF access, explained - CBS News Trump vs. Harris on immigration: Future policy proposals | PIIE Public Opinion on Abortion | Pew Research Center\ Trump vows to end birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants if he wins in 2024 - CBS News BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Jillian Ostrow Jillian Ostrow November 6, 2023 Colored Pencil Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview With Football Managers Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Rehmat Kaur with Rehmat Kaur, Paul Amato, Marcia Salinas, Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson and Thomas Vendome, (not pictured: Sophia Song) I had the opportunity to interview the managers of our varsity football team. Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson, Marcia Salinas, Thomas Vendome, and Paul Amato are among the managers. They were highly intriguing individuals, and it was amazing to learn more about their experiences. They wanted to be managers so that they could participate in more school events, which would keep them engaged. “My brother was a manager before me; he did it for four years, so I followed the way” Thomas Vendome shared. Most of them are in their first year, but Thomas has been a manager since eighth grade. The most difficult aspect of being a manager is understanding everything. “I’m still learning to this day,” said Marcia Salinas. There is always more that can be done and learned to contribute and have a positive impact. Their greatest skill as sports managers is their incredible relationships with the other managers. They are the best choices for this position since they are eager to learn and contribute in any way they can. They assist in bringing out the water, putting equipment away, and doing anything the coaches ask of them to provide or support the team. In addition to loading the jugs, bottles, and carts into the buses for away games, “I help with the sound like music during the games, and I set up headsets for the coaches” Vendome said. Through their experiences, they learn more about football and the effort that goes into winning games to improve their sports management abilities. According to our managers, outstanding leaders can guide where and what everyone needs to do. Their relationships with the coaches, players, and other managers are good, as they all work together to build a talented team. “We’re friends outside of being managers, so it’s even better” Salinas added. They deal with negative environments when the team loses by not mentioning the loss: “We would not want to think more negatively than what has already happened. All that is possible is to keep your head up and continue” she said. According to the managers, the trips are fun. There are always two buses, and they can usually pick which one to go on and whom to sit with. There is no risk in becoming a manager, but it’s definitely a commitment. They must be committed to showing up to delayed games, going to every practice, and especially being on time. “You really should not be doing any other clubs or sports while being a manager. (Not saying do not do more for the year but wait till the season is over!)” Salinas advised. Managers do not help with any medical injuries when a player gets hurt. As managers, they do not have first-aid kits. The great athletic trainer, Jen, brings all the safety equipment in case of any injury. They definitely recommend being a manager. “It opens room for more relationships to form and helps students be more sociable. All grades are welcome!” Salinas said. According to the managers, there are no other requirements besides handing in your physical to participate. Someone looking for a manager position can always chat Mr. Paolillo on Teams. BACK TO TOP