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

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

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

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Lillian Dolan - What is Line - 4 By Lillian Dolan November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1 This picture is of a dish. I used a lightbox and it was taken around 1pm.

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

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

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Royal Annie Diep Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Mystery Behind the Gabby Petito Case By Alisson Alas Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by CNN Twenty-two-year-old Gabby Petito, born on Long Island, New York, was not heard from again since late August after going on a road trip with her twenty-two-year-old fiancé, Brian Laundrie of Florida. Before her disappearance, she sent a text her mother found very strange saying “Can you help Stan? I just keep getting his voicemails and missed calls.” Her mother Nichole Schmitt claims her daughter did not call her grandfather by his first name “Stan.” Brian Laundrie returned to his parent’s home in Florida on August seventeenth, a few days after the videotaped interaction he and Gabby had with the police on August twelfth, in Moab City, Utah. This case blew up pretty quickly, mostly thanks to social media. I saw many speculations on Tik Tok about this case; some of them proved true. One thing I noticed was that many people put their heads together on social media to figure this out by noticing tiny details. I saw and read about so many theories, and it is crazy what happens when so many people work together to figure something out. There are still so many details to this case that we do not know about. In my opinion, this case is heartbreaking, and it feels awful to know that Gabby was only six years older than me, that she went to school here on Long Island and grew up here. It is honestly terrifying how such a thing can happen to anyone in general. So many kids, women, and men go missing every year, every month, and every day. Some are found and others, unfortunately, are not. It is also very upsetting how someone so close to you, someone you trust, could be able to hurt you. Right now, we do not know what exactly happened with Brian and Gabby, what they fought about, how long it had been going on, or how bad it was. We only know of what we have seen from the police bodycam and the things their friends have told. Hopefully, her family can get more answers. I interviewed some staff and students at North to get to know their opinions about this case. What do you think about the Gabby Petito case? “I was very upset to hear about the disappearance and passing of Gabby Petito. It's always sad to see someone lose a life but it's especially sad when it's a young person with so much life ahead of her.” “I think it's sad anytime that there's someone who is so young and has their whole life ahead of them and they die and have their life cut short. It's tragic and I feel bad for her parents to see something so tragic happen to their daughter... It's every parent's worst nightmare.” “I believe the Petito case is very sad and disturbing. As a father of a daughter, I worry that this could happen to my daughter, or one of my female students. It should serve as a lesson for all that domestic abuse should be taken seriously because there could be terrible consequences if not addressed appropriately. Women and men need to know what rights they have and how to handle an abusive partner” How do you feel about the fact that her boyfriend knew she was missing but said nothing? “It's concerning that he did not report she was missing, and we always hope that people do the right thing, and if something happened between them, like regardless of the status of the relationship, we hope that as a human being he should have let the authorities know. What do you think about the fact that her boyfriend might have killed her? “We don't know that he killed her but obviously has something to do with her, and it's sad that someone so close to you can do something like this. The case won't be solved until Brian is found, but I don't feel that they will get answers from him because in cases like this the other partner commits suicide.” What could have been correct for his parents to do in this situation? “The correct thing should have been for his parents to not let him go out, to pay more attention and to have let the authorities know because if he wasn't guilty, he should have not run away. If it had been my kid, I would have checked more and I would have guessed something was being hidden, but as parents, yes, it's true we have to protect our children, but Gabby also has parents, she is a daughter and she and her parents both should have justice.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Pride By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by TED Ideas Hello dear readers! With the PRIDE month here, we want to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and show them how much we care for them. As an ally myself, I encourage everyone to support and listen to your friends, not only during pride month but every day. Here is some advice for the LGBTQ+ community from the Alliance Club: From Grace So, you've decided to come out. First things first, I'm proud of you! Coming out is a big step, and it requires tremendous amounts of effort to reach that level of comfort with yourself. However, coming out can be tricky, and while we have made progress on LGBTQ+ rights and protections, it's important to know that you know your situation best. Your safety is the biggest priority when coming out. If you feel that coming out may create threats to your safety (whether that is physical, mental, financial, or otherwise) ‒ then it is probably not the right time to come out. I know it can be painful to hide such a large part of yourself from people you love, your identity is a big part of you! It's something to be celebrated, not shunned. Nonetheless, until you feel 100% sure that it won't impact your safety, it may be best to lay low. Of course, as I said before, you know your situation best, but remember ‒ safety should be your #1 priority. From Anonymous Coming to terms with your sexuality or gender can be an incredibly difficult process, from acknowledging who you are, trying to figure yourself out and then finally accepting yourself, it can be a process filled with immense inner turmoil. First and foremost, you have to stop making up excuses and start telling yourself it’s okay to question and explore. Trying to repress your feelings only makes the struggle worse, learn to accept the fact that the feelings you have are normal and valid. Then you can try to gain a deeper understanding of those feelings. Go and research, ask others questions and take your time thinking about it! (There’s always someone in The Alliance who’d be willing to talk to you!) However, it is important to remember that you never need to label yourself if you don’t want to. This is all about what you feel, and so you decide what you get to do with those feelings. Lastly, you have to accept yourself. Besides allowing yourself to feel your true feelings, you also have to accept yourself and therefore those feelings too. Find beauty and strength in your experiences and live them out to the fullest! After going through these struggles, you deserve it! I am so proud of you for being here and for trying your best! You will find happiness, and it does get better. From Cairo “Coming out” is usually seen as this huge, one time, make it or break it event; but honestly, it’s really not. As a queer person, you’ll have to come out for the. rest. of. your. entire. life . That was a bit of an exaggeration, but the point still stands. Although you don’t owe anyone an explanation about your identity, you’ll most likely have to “come out” to new people you meet for the rest of your life; not to mention that sometimes your identities change, so you might “re-come out.” Being able to come out in the first place while keeping calm is something that takes time and practice. But if you want to make it easier on yourself, try writing some kind of script and memorizing it. So, when the time comes, it’ll be easier to explain your identity. Also try to keep track of common questions people ask so you’ll be better prepared to address them if someone happens to ask. From Joseph [Excerpt from Being a Good Ally ] First, be calm. Reacting with a surprised tone can come off as negative or demeaning during this experience. Second, be kind. From what I previously said, it's very tough and scary for someone to come out to you, so make sure that they know how much you care about them. An example of this is showing them that you still love and support them, and show them that you will stick up for them. Third, be proud. This will contribute to the aspect of being kind. By fully and openly supporting your friend shows them how proud you are of them, who they are, and the courage it took them. An example of this is how all of my friends took me to the Pride parade in NYC in 2019 to show their support. Finally, be understanding. Someone who is doing all of this is going through a lot of trauma, and they might be frustrated with other people's reactions or just the stress of coming out. So if they might be struggling at being a good friend or whatever it is, understand that they are going through something that not many people experience, and they are just struggling. BACK TO TOP