Back to Artwork Chalk Pastel Peppers Back to Sections Chalk Pastel Peppers- Wali Ahmad Wali Ahmad November 6, 2023 Chalk Pastel Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Robert Moses Bridge By Olivia Muscatelli April 22, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles News Back to Sections MSA's Annual Eid Festival Wardah Khizer Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Afaf Aswad Valley Stream North’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) became an official club during the 2024–2025 school year, although it first began forming the previous year. During last year, the MSA hosted their first Eid Festival, with hopes of making it an annual tradition. This event was made possible thanks to generous donations from members, who contributed decorations, ideas, and other resources. The festival received strong support and appreciation from both Valley Stream North staff and the broader Valley Stream Central High School District staff. During the school year of 2024-2025, several changes were made to the MSA. Now recognized as an official club, they have gained the ability to raise funds. With that support, they were able to upgrade their Eid Festival by purchasing better decorations, catering food from local halal restaurants (while still accepting donations), buying prizes for games, and offering henna designs. The turnout was larger than expected, with around 60 to 70 people in attendance. Thanks to the combination of catering and contributions from members, a wide variety of food was offered, and it was clear that everyone was eager to try it and have fun. Co-Presidents Afaf Aswad and Anum Zafar, along with Vice President Mariam Balde, worked hard, alongside the other dedicated officers and club advisor, Mr. Disclafani, to make the festival a success. This event was of great personal importance to them, as they wanted it to have a positive impact on the school community. Balde stated, “ I hope that the Eid party encourages the other organizations at our school to be even more outspoken about their mission to provide community for us students and to host similar events to bring students, faculty, and parents together.” Aswad stated that celebrations such as the Eid Festival are necessary, explaining that “[r]ecognizing holidays fosters inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging among students from various backgrounds, which affirms students' identities and promotes cultural understanding.” Events like these provide students with the opportunity to share parts of their culture and religion that may not always be represented in mainstream school activities. By highlighting important traditions like Eid, the MSA creates a welcoming environment where students feel seen and valued for who they are. Balde agreed and added that schools that haven’t hosted cultural events like this should consider doing so because, “It is so incredibly important for students of similar [and different] backgrounds...to be exposed to events like this, as it encourages the celebration of diversity and educates them about different customs.” She emphasizes that cultural events not only support students who identify with a particular tradition but also create learning opportunities for those unfamiliar with it. By engaging in these celebrations, students and staff alike are given a chance to grow in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse community around them. Full Interview with President Afaf Aswad and Vice President Mariam Balde: Why is it important for schools to acknowledge and celebrate diverse religious and cultural holidays like Eid? Aswad: “Schools must acknowledge and celebrate diverse religious and cultural holidays, such as Eid. Recognizing holidays fosters inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging among students from various backgrounds, which affirms students' identities and promotes cultural understanding. Schools that celebrate a variety of holidays demonstrate the importance of diversity and respect, which are essential to education.” How do you hope the Eid party influences future events or programs around diversity at school? Balde: “Our school is already so diverse. We have multiple clubs and student-oriented activities, including the BSU, Alliance, and Culture Society, that all demonstrate the importance of community and visibility. I hope that the Eid party encourages the other organizations at our school to be even more outspoken about their mission to provide community for us students and to host similar events to bring students, faculty, and parents together.” What would you say to schools that have not yet hosted cultural or religious events like this? Balde: “To schools that have yet to host cultural or religious events like this, I would encourage them to start. It is so incredibly important for students of similar backgrounds to be able to gather outside of school and equally important for students other cultural or religious backgrounds to be exposed to events like this as to encourage the celebration of diversity and educate them about different customs.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Netania Muhammad - Memory Project - 2 By Netania Muhammad March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Cianna Nadal - What is Line By Cianna Nadal November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Shape and Form Study By Kimberly Shrestha April 22, 2021 Study Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections North’s 7th Grade Fun Day Akilan Subramaniyan Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Akilan Subramaniyan On Tuesday, the 26 th of June, seventh graders of North High School participated in a special event designed particularly for them: Fun Day. Fun Day was strategically placed between Monday and Wednesday, both days being off for Memorial Day and Eid, respectively. This field trip-like day is for seventh graders only. It lets them harken back to their elementary school roots where they used to experience recess almost every day. So, what activities do these grade seven students get to experience? Here is my personal first-hand account as a seventh grader, of Fun Day! Seventh graders as usual arrived at school and attend periods one through four. My first period, which happened to be gym, was fun where I played outside with my friends (although I was literally going to do just that three periods later). Next, was my English period which was honestly relaxing. My third period was Health where my class and I binged on a movie while doing work on the side. My last and fourth period was lunch. Even though I and the rest of my grade would receive lunch outside, we were still allowed to eat. After completing my “starter,” it was time for Fun Day! All grade seven students were directed to go out of the building to the field through the gym back doors, only after pit stopping to their lockers to leave or take any belongings. Soon a huge crowd of my schoolmates and I were ushered out. I was hit by sunlight and the thick, humid air outside. It was a beautiful day to be outside with an almost cloudless sky, and the field of North High School shimmered. The turf glistened, reflecting the sun’s rays. I took the time to apply sunblock, knowing it was going to be a fair day. There was some confusion, and it took awhile to get into our groups. After a bit, I was collected by my SPO leaders (more on them later) to my group: Group 16. Although it was difficult to join our groups, we were allowed to eat lunch immediately then. I had a turkey sandwich made from home which was savory and delicious. Every bite was packed with juicy turkey. In addition, I had the school’s ham and cheese sandwich. After taking a refreshing sip out of the lemonade I packed from home, I decided to socialize with my buddies. Soon enough, our first activity began. The first activity my group got to participate in was kickball. The group I was in had mostly girls, with whom I was not familiar. Despite this, throughout Fun Day, I found out that many friends were next to me in other groups that I was allowed to converse with. Kickball is not really my thing; however, I got to talk to one of my friends. During my conversation, my friend noticed a rainbow right above the softball field - the one behind the school or in front of the track. It was a small and slightly faint rainbow, but it was noticeable. Behind the light, pastel, sky, the rainbow was magnificent, almost looking magical. It glinted, its vibrant and striking colors showing off, a spectacular sight. The next activity was a chalk art session, which functioned as a cooldown in my opinion. As I talked to my buddies, I created a smooth nightscape. A half crescent moon with yellow highlights tucked behind two white smooth and silky clouds. This is how I would describe my creation. Remembering it was Memorial Day, I decided to start by adding blended red and blue streaks on the clouds. I ended up adding The United States Flag in the background. The overall appearance was phenomenal, yet I have not worked with chalk often. I felt satisfied. The next four activities are a repetition of our group going to the baseball field and to the softball field in the front of North. We started out in the baseball field where I played frisbee and spike-ball with a group consisting of peers and my SPO leaders. This was fun and comfortable. We moved onto the softball field where we played this variation of soccer or ball. This was not particularly my favorite. We switched back to the baseball field, where I picked up and peeled an orange. As I peel the orange, I can feel the citrus oils on the orange fill the air around me, spreading a sweet aroma. The first orange slice was amazingly refreshing although I was taking regular sips of water. In no time, I completed the orange leaving me with a sweet mouth and sugary-sticky and citrus-smelling hands. We played two games of Telephone in the baseball field. The second game, the schoolmates I played with somehow changed the original sentence into another completely unrelated phrase. This intrigued me. After completing our two games, we walked right back to the softball field where we played a game over and under with a foam-like ball. This game was mediocre only because many of my peers playing were not paying attention to the ball when it was given to them. Some just straight-up flung the ball out to the person behind who was inches away. Nonetheless, it was fun seeing others trying to get the ball behind. By this time, I was tired from all the activities, walking, and mostly the sun I experienced that day. We took a break in the softball field where we just sat around, passed time, and where I got to socialize some more. Now you could be wondering about what are these “SPO leaders”? SPO is the Student Peer Organization in North. It is the fancy way of saying “upperclassmen who help lowerclassmen.” SPO members were given the responsibility to lead and supervise seventh graders in each group. I got three SPO members in my group who were kind and friendly, and I had a wonderful time talking and getting to know them. Shout out to Leah, Ashley, and Lili for being spectacular SPO members for my group. All the hardworking and resolute SPO members did splendid jobs. It is not easy work to deal with all my fellow grade seven students who can be a bit of a handful. After our break, we headed to the “gym back door” area where grade seven students and SPO members could participate in Tug of War. I participated in a few games, and it was fun working as a team. It is especially hilarious when a side says they will dominate and be victorious only to get obliterated and defeated by the other team. At this point, my back was sticky from sweat and I felt as if I had been roasted and baked at the same time by the unrelenting heat. This is when me and my schoolmates were taken to the softball field in front, to get refreshing treat: ices. Although I was aware of this, I was still excited and surprised at the sight of the boxes of ices on a table. I requested a SPO member for a cherry ice. The pre-opened cherry ice looked mesmerizing under the sun, condensation over its sides. Its vibrant red syrup slushing around the tube, with tiny air bubbles drifting about. The first bite was reawakening with the sweet, cold, cherry flavors hitting my dry, flavorless, warm tongue. The slushie-like treat left me feeling cool and energized for activity, but I have already reached the end of Fun Day. Fun Day in my opinion was a great in-school field trip that encouraged seventh graders to step outdoors and socialize among their schoolmates. It is a nice break from the usual lifestyle and is a fantastic way to begin the summer. Although, I did feel some of the activities were not appealing. On the other hand, from what I have noticed, the entire grade seven student body enjoyed this event despite minor complaints. Nevertheless, the end goal was to have fun, and I and most of my peers certainly did. This outdoor event is a nice exception made for my peers who are young in comparison to upper grades. We have changed our elementary school ways, made great commitments, and became mature overall. Fun Day breaks the seventh graders’ responsible “shell” and lets us be care-free once again. Just before we venture off into eighth grade, high school, and beyond. Just before we voyage into responsible and accountable lives ahead. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Different Views of Art By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original image by Eva Grace Martinez Art is a universal language. Everyone and anyone can do art. I draw frequently and have seen many kinds of art, but anytime I see a new piece or type of art, I still feel awed and amazed. I love seeing how other people’s art styles compare to my own. Even though I feel this way, other people may not view their own art or art in general the same way I do. Art surrounds us, but each person views it differently. That is why I have interviewed a few of my peers to see how they view art. I asked the interviewees three questions: 1. What do you think about art?, 2. What types of art do you like?, and 3. What do you think of your own art? (if they were artists.) __________________________________________________________________ Anonymous Interviewee 1: Question 1 : “It’s an amazing way to express oneself.” Question 2 : “I like traditional and digital art.” Question 3 : “I don’t like it. I feel like I could do better.” __________________________________________________________________ Anonymous Interviewee 2: Question 1: “Well art, I believe, brings out the artist’s emotions to me, or their creativity.” Question 2: “I enjoy both digital and traditional art!” Question 3: “Currently, I feel my art lacks something, and I can never draw and express what I would like in my drawing anymore. I don’t enjoy drawing as I used to do.” __________________________________________________________________ Anonymous Artist 3: Question 1: “I can express my feelings in different way.” Question 2: “I really like digital art because it looks cool/cute, but I personally would use traditional art.” Question 3: “I would say I’m good for a twelve-year-old, but I am not a prodigy. I still have a long way to go until I get super good.” __________________________________________________________________ These results show that not everyone feels the same way about art and that artist don’t always feel the same way about their own art. It’s so difficult to step outside yourself, as someone else looking at your art. Maybe you should think about how you feel about art, and maybe you’ll find that you view art way differently than the people here, and others around you. These results show that even though art can mean different things to different people, but there are common thoughts about art. The interviewees all thought that art was important in helping the artist express themselves, but also commonly felt that they still have things to improve about their art. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Sasquatch: Fact oar Fake? – Homophone Edition By Alena Moreira and Lucy Wu Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Patterson-Gilmlin Original article by Matteo Somma: The Sasquatch: Fact or Fake? *Note that the original article will be temporarily inactive but will be reuploaded on Friday, May 7th, after contest results have been announced.* Contest rules are listed in the flyer in Teams and on the front page advertisements. How many homophones can you find? Fur centuries their halve bin countless sightings of the Sasquatch, moor commonly referred two as Bigfoot, do two its large foot sighs. Over 10,000 “witnesses” claimed two have scene a tall, Harry figure walking on too legs. The species Sasquatch inn question has bean spotted everywhere from awl the way north inn Alaska two the swamps of Florida. Weather it bee a person dressed up fir attention oar a failed science experiment, won thing’s fur shore: there’s something out their. The common name Sasquatch comes from the primitive ages of the Native People. Sasquatch is believed two bee a simplified version of the Salish word Sasq’sts meaning “wild man” ore “Harry man”. The Salish people, known as the Sta’ailes, claimed two have a clothes spiritual bond with the Sasquatch. The Sasquatch can bee described as tall and Harry. But if u look deeper into the Sasquatch, Yeti, Bigfoot, and other similar creatures that awl faul under the Sasquatch profile, u can c a common theme among awl of them; muscular and slim. Unlike bares, the Sasquatch is vary muscular and thin. Also unlike bares, the Sasquatch towers at an outstanding nine feat tall and is rarely seen on awl for legs, rather standing on its hind legs like humans. The Sasquatch is also reported two have ape-like footprints similar two humans but substantially larger. Inn the United States, only won state out of fifty has yet two report a Sasquatch sighting and that wood bee Hawaii. The Sasquatch has bin reported inn countries awl over the whirled such as Russia, Switzerland, Canada, and Indonesia. Why’ll naught awl descriptions match North America's description, they awl faul under the same category oar tall, muscular, Harry, and walking upright. Won of many theories on the Sasquatch is that it is a group of Neanderthals that never dyed off ore developed into modern-day human beans. A prime peace of evidance fir this is Zana. Zana was a female Sasquatch/Neanderthal that was captured inn the Russian wilderness inn the 19th century. After the Russian government captured Zana, they kept her inn a cage for the wrest of her life and experimented on her. Recently a British scientist who goes bye Bryan Skyes (a professor at Oxford University) has taken jean and silica samples of the descendants of Zana, and his findings whir remarkable. He found that Zana was a Sub-Sahara African that was probably once a slave during the ruling of the Ottomans. He also found tracings of Neanderthal inn they’re jeans, moor then the average human wood have, at leased. Billions of dollars have bean put into proving the Sasquatch’s existing but almost awl have come two a dead end. Sew that question lays on ewe, is the Sasquatch a fact oar a fake? How many homophones did you find? The answer is 92 homophones (see answer key below). Fur centuries their halve bin countless sightings of the Sasquatch, moor commonly referred two as Bigfoot, do two its large foot sighs . Over 10,000 “witnesses” claimed two have scene a tall, Harry figure walking on too legs. The species Sasquatch inn question has bean spotted everywhere from awl the way north inn Alaska two the swamps of Florida. Weather it bee a person dressed up fir attention oar a failed science experiment, won thing’s fur shore : there’s something out their . The common name Sasquatch comes from the primitive ages of the Native People. Sasquatch is believed two bee a simplified version of the Salish word Sasq’sts meaning “wild man” ore “ Harry man”. The Salish people, known as the Sta’ailes, claimed two have a clothes spiritual bond with the Sasquatch. The Sasquatch can bee described as tall and Harry . But if u look deeper into the Sasquatch, Yeti, Bigfoot, and other similar creatures that awl faul under the Sasquatch profile, u can c a common theme among awl of them; muscular and slim. Unlike bares , the Sasquatch is vary muscular and thin. Also unlike bares , the Sasquatch towers at an outstanding nine feat tall and is rarely seen on awl for legs, rather standing on its hind legs like humans. The Sasquatch is also reported two have ape-like footprints similar two humans but substantially larger. Inn the United States, only won state out of fifty has yet two report a Sasquatch sighting and that wood bee Hawaii. The Sasquatch has bin reported inn countries awl over the whirled such as Russia, Switzerland, Canada, and Indonesia. Why’ll naught awl descriptions match North America's description, they awl faul under the same category oar tall, muscular, Harry , and walking upright. Won of many theories on the Sasquatch is that it is a group of Neanderthals that never dyed off ore developed into modern-day human beans . A prime peace of evidance fir this is Zana. Zana was a female Sasquatch/Neanderthal that was captured inn the Russian wilderness inn the 19th century. After the Russian government captured Zana, they kept her inn a cage for the wrest of her life and experimented on her. Recently a British scientist who goes bye Bryan Skyes (a professor at Oxford University) has taken jean and silica samples of the descendants of Zana, and his findings whir remarkable. He found that Zana was a Sub-Sahara African that was probably once a slave during the ruling of the Ottomans. He also found tracings of Neanderthal inn they’re jeans, moor then the average human wood have, at leased . Billions of dollars have bean put into proving the Sasquatch’s existing but almost awl have come two a dead end. Sew that question lays on ewe , is the Sasquatch a fact oar a fake? BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Enemy That Should Be a Friend – The College Essay Ismaela Andre Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by BibGuru Many seniors must write a 650-word personal statement. This is usually referred to as “the college essay.” Once they hear this they think, “Oh that’s not too bad.” However, once their teacher says, “It has to be about you,” they instantly complain or get lost. Little do they know, the college essay is a gift, not a nuisance. The college essay allows students to showcase their unique personalities and experiences. Even though your grades and standardized test scores provide a glimpse of your academic abilities, the essay showcases your character, passions, and personal growth. It helps colleges paint a picture of who you are and what you aspire to become. This personal touch usually humanizes an application by transforming a set of statistics into an aspiring student. College essays also empower students to tell their own stories. Personally, it helped me dive deeper into a past incident. It allowed me to voice an aspect of myself that makes me who I am. The college essay offers opportunities for you to discuss your life experiences, challenges you have overcome, or unique perspectives on the world. In doing so, it promotes diversity and inclusion, as it enables those from various backgrounds to share narratives and enrich the campus community with their distinct viewpoints. Another positive is that it encourages you to think deeply about your aspirations and goals. Crafting a personal statement forces you to clarify your values, beliefs, and the impact you wish to make in the world. Personally, this process was transformative for me because it further showed how much I love to support my peers and others. I learned more about who I am and what I wanted while writing this personal statement. The college essay is much more than a mere requirement; it is a benefit that serves the interests of both you and the admissions committees. It offers you the chance to express yourself, share your story, and explore your narrative creativity and true goals. Simultaneously, it aids admissions officers in making informed decisions and building diverse, vibrant campus communities. Even though the college essay seems daunting, its positives far outweigh any negatives. Therefore, it should be embraced as an opportunity for growth, expression, and self-discovery, for both applicants and institutions alike. When you start writing, it can be hard to stop and before you know it, you will have over 650 words! BACK TO TOP