Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Hayden LaJoie - Memory Project By Hayden LaJoie March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections We Were Liars Book Review By Leah Ally Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by Amazon.com Raised in a privileged upbringing with eminent wealth, seventeen-year-old Cadence Sinclair Eastman spends her summers at the privately`-owned Beechwood Island when a tragic accident turns her elegant life into a living nightmare. Desperately attempting to put the pieces of her shattered memories back together from the night of her haunting incident two years before, Cadence struggles to mentally deal with her issues concerning romance, friendship, and her complicated family life. Blinded by deception and lies, Cadence realizes that everything she has ever known is not exactly as it appears within the tall walls of the Sinclair mansions. Author E. Lockhart’s writing style that portrays Cadence, a disillusioned teenager, adds to the notion of the story, giving a realistic narration of her mental health and the challenges she faces. For instance, the apprehensive tone used in both dialogue and her thoughts convey her anxiety throughout the story. As a reader, I enjoyed how the novel was structured, as it was in the past when Cadence was fifteen years old, yet gradually works its way up to the present, two years later, with Cadence at seventeen years old by the end of the story. The steady description of Cadence growing up helps to retrace the steps of her life as if you are following her thought process in attempting to restore her memory. In addition, Lockhart also includes a wealth of details, including the in-depth development of the characters or settings, even though certain aspects can drag out the story instead of progressing the plot. In particular, the descriptions of minor characters such as Cadence’s cousins can be repetitive and insignificant. I would recommend  We Were Liars  to middle school and high school students who enjoy psychological, realistic fiction thrillers. There are numerous themes in the novel that might easily relate to readers, such as family issues and mental health struggles; for instance, thematic notions of anxiety, depression, and lack of self-esteem are presented throughout the novel. Additionally, current social issues are used to convey the plot, for example, the brief demonstration of racism or bigotry towards Cadence’s presumed love interest, Gat Patil. There are also significant lessons from the novel, including how making decisions on impulse or with bold emotion can bring many consequences and risks. Moreover, regardless of how wealthy or how much fame you may have, money does not buy genuine happiness, even though it may appear to be the ideal life. Overall,  We Were Liars  by E. Lockhart was a fascinating read as it explores many themes, has a compelling writing style, and a fast-paced, exciting plot.                            BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Marissa Nardone - Lights On for Education - 2 By Marissa Nardone April 22, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Team Integrity Experience By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 1 Issue 1 November 1, 2020 Image provided by PinImg This year at North has started off being very different than any other school year. Wearing safety masks, remote/hybrid learning, social distancing, and limited social activities are changes that we have learned to adapt to this year. Even when facing these challenges, the VS North family will continue to remain optimistic and Spartan Strong! My experience as a seventh grader this year is unlike what I expected. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic has halted most after school activities and events, that I was looking forward to joining and participating in. For now, we will have to be creative and present some of these interests in a virtual forum until we are able to resume normal. Through these confusing times, the North community has been positive and supportive every step of the way. The Team Integrity values of honesty, truthfulness, and strong moral principles of one’s actions is instilled in everyone's daily life. Team Integrity will strive to promote social, emotional, and academic growth throughout 7th grade and thereafter. My classmates and I will stay sincere in making this year positive and productive. We will strive to achieve good grades, make new friends, and remain happy in school. I applaud my Integrity teachers, who have all been encouraging the traits of caring, helpfulness and being understanding to others during these trying times. Inspirational quotes that I have gathered from all my 7th grade teachers are: Ms. Hayden (Orchestra): "Sit up straight, make good choices, and call it a day!" Ms. Gebhard (Art): “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” -Picasso Mr. Lepanto (Social Studies): “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Mahatma Gandhi Mr. Schiavo (Physical Education): “The price of apathy towards public affairs, is to be ruled by evil men.” -PLATO Mr. Casella (Health): "I am proud how the administration, students and staff are handling the reopening of school this year." Mr. DiSclafani (Science): “Almost everything that distinguishes the modern world from earlier centuries is attributable to science." -Bertrand Russell Ms. Bonilla-Tapia (Spanish): “The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.” -Michelle Obama Ms. Barbera (Math): “Always be the best that you can be.” Ms. Restuccio (Research): “There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson Ms. Italiano (English): "If you can be anything, be KIND! Sprinkle that stuff like glitter!" I am very grateful and proud to be part of the VS North family and I look forward to what the rest of my 7th grade experience holds in store for me! Go Spartans! -Carolina Grace Figueroa BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections 'Ben' By Gabriela Mensah Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by iStock Living in a world where society messes with ya head normalizing the notion that your brother is now dead. “Mistaken” the officers said he was mistaken for someone he fit the description of a false ascription. Six foot tall he stood…damn it, I knew I should've told him to take of his hood. We live in fear knowing the end is near It’s no longer a game which is honestly quite a shame His name was Ben. He was only ten. Walking home from school on this day, his birthday was only a week away. Black hoodie, sweatpants and those brand new j’s Hands in his pocket he was just trying to get home…unfortunately he was all alone. Blue & red lights flash in his face! On this day he reached the end of his race. He had rehearsed with his parents: DO NOT CURSE NOR SHOW ADVERSE. DO NOT LIE AND ALWAYS COMPLY. “Put your hands where I can see ‘em!” he heard. Ben could not even gather his words. “Officer, Officer please don’t shoot.” The rest of the world went mute. “Get on your knees” Ben heard as he pouted in utter fear as he knew the end was near “Officer, please do I have to get on my knees?” Reaching to his belt, my fear consumed me. He pulled out his gun and at this point I could no longer run. ***BOOM! POP, POP, POP!*** Ten year old black male Benjamin Warren shot and killed we already knew the drill. The officer received one month’s probation that’s why I’ll continue to pray for this nation It’s my obligation. All withing God’s creation. We need to be awaken’ Terrence Crutcher, Samuel Dubose, Sandra Bland, and Trayvon Martin. How many innocent lives taken? How many hearts have to feel like breakin’? For us to open our eyes and realize a uniform can disguise the true lies of the gun that ended that little boy’s fun. His name was Ben, he was only ten. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Purpose Back to Sections Kimberly Shrestha - Purple Yellow Study By Kimberly Shrestha November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections New Faculty Piece By Jeselys Vazquez Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Original artwork by Jeselys Vazquez Throughout the time Mr. Chung started working at North, he helped all kinds of members of the school, including students, faculty, and staff, with various computer problems: for example, faulty touchscreens, broken keyboards, nonfunctioning microphones, and charging issues. The common issues he comes across are students needing to remember their laptops, missing styluses, and the consistency of students needing a laptop charger. He has found that our WIFI availability affected the school’s operations for many students. With all the fixing and rebooting in our school, there are so many things he loves about North, and he has many goals to make it even better with his talent and willingness to help. Mr. Chung said, “My goals at North are not only limited to the Technology Department. Initially, during the job search process, I was looking to teach Math or Computer Science in some capacity. After my corporate job, I got a teacher assistant certification so I can be in a school and be allowed in classrooms. I am open and will consider all teaching opportunities.” There are many areas he can help in, not only in the tech department. One of the things he loves about North is that throughout his day, he enjoys when he gets to communicate and have conversations normally with students about life and anything they need help with; he managed to have connected with most of the school and about 30% of the faculty members. Fun fact, he has been taking Spanish 1.2 with a class of 8th graders to communicate fluently and help those in need of translation. His goal this year is for our school community at North to have the best-running tech service department, have everything at our disposal, and ensure for all of us a smooth operational technology. Also, specifically going into details on what sprung his confidence and interest here, he says, “I got this job coming out of retirement 18 months ago from a corporate Technology job, and it still feels like I am in retirement. At VSN, I got free access to the gym, free Spanish lessons, a parking lot, wonderful community, conversations, and get paid for this.” There is no number to put the amazing things North has brought to him and what he loves about it, but it has impacted him positively. He says, “It brought a wonderful community and people into my life, and this makes being here a lot of fun, and did I mention I get paid to be here.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Six of the Best LGBTQ Manga Must reads for the Sixth (and best) Month of the Year By Alina Khan Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Biblio Commons 1. Kase-san by Hiromi Takashima This wholesome yuri manga follows the life of girlfriends Yui Yamada and Tomoka Kase as they go from high school sweethearts to lovebirds in college. With cute art and an even cuter plot, this adorable manga series seems like a gift of fluffy, warm feelings waiting to be unwrapped. 2. Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku This manga follows the life of transgender boy Ryo Watari as he navigates the world of street fashion after launching a fashion brand with his friends. The series explores his dysphoria, his frustration with the world, and the burden of his numerous secrets that threaten to take him under. A recurring theme in this manga is self-expression through art, and how clothing for him can be an instrument of love just as much as an instrument of hate. 3. Blue Flag by KAITO Blue Flag starts as what seems to be a traditional love triangle and ends in a pleasantly queer twist. Revered by manga enthusiasts in every community, this book is the kind of manga that everyone should read just because of how good it is, whether or not you are even looking for a read with queer themes precisely. The manga expands beyond romantic relationships and delves deep into the pool of friendship and the hardships that come along with it. The series finds these friends navigating the messy boundaries of their relationships with one another and learning to care for and support each other in meaningful ways. 4. Bloom into You by Nakatani Nio This yuri manga combines themes of unrequited love, loss, misunderstandings, heartbreak, and revelations to deliver at its core a truly breathtaking love story of two damaged people coming together and helping each other blossom into the best versions of themselves. It also delves deep into themes of self-discovery and the brokenness felt worldwide by LGBTQ+ youth who feel out of place for not fitting into the heterosexual norms. 5. Classmates by Asumiko Nakamura With an endearing cast of characters and a striking art style, Classmates is a lesson in patience, trust, and love from start to finish. Steeped in the sticky sweetness of first love and the earnest adoration that goes hand in hand, main characters Kusakabe and Sajo gravitate toward and collide with each other, allowing the readers to experience their honeyed, light, and airy romance up close. The true appeal of the series lies in its implicitly simple loveliness. 6. My Love Mix-Up! By Wataru Hinekure As the name implies, a slight twist of fate leads to a hilarious miscommunication in this manga, leading to the blossoming of romance between two classmates.The cast of friends find themselves in various situations, each more comedic than the last, and through these events, they find themselves growing closer together than ever. The manga starts on a witty and heartfelt note and carries a lighthearted atmosphere until the end. Fans of tropey romances and humorous misunderstandings will be greatly amused and satisfied with this series. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections My Mother's Daughter By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original image by Claudia Tremblay I am my mother’s daughter Eyes warm Will not conform Her Blue-black Midnight skin, The lush abundance of melanin Tell of lore, cuts and scratches sore. Clanking heels lull me to slumber, Yet she lays restless, casting demons asunder The resemblance, I couldn’t see Closeness felt, she can’t perceive I am my mother’s daughter Eyes warm Will not conform For she has risen as dawn, and fallen unafraid Triumphs over fear, vanquished the years, Moving mountains, soaring over seas, and touching the great heavens above Unshaken, Unchanged, Unscathed A woman like no other, Her daughter’s mother BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections North's Hidden Gems Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Rachael Ezeadichie While most students at North High School are engrossed in their studies, academics are not the only opportunities children have access to here. Students can always join one of the many clubs at our school, whether it’s B.S.U. or S.T.O.P., or something else that interests them (acronym optional). One of the lesser-known clubs at Valley Stream North is the Weightlifting Club. Recently, I have started to attend their meetings and have found a welcoming community and an opportunity to improve my strength and health. The Weightlifting Club at VSN meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the weight room (which has been moved to the wrestling room) from 2:45 to 3:30. Despite its name, the Weightlifting Club is not just for lifting weights, but for anyone who wants a place to work out after school without having to commit to joining a sport for the semester. When I first started going in early December, I was nervous as I was not used to working out using the equipment there, and I had never been in that “gym environment” outside of Phys. Ed. But, after just one session, I had already started feeling more comfortable with working out on the machines and accepting help when it came to correcting my form and technique. While I was there, I had the opportunity to interview Coach Dias, the club’s advisor, and ask him some questions about the club and its community: Who is welcome to join the club? Dias: Everyone is welcome. There are no restrictions. What characteristics and activities do the club promote? Dias: It’s a fitness and weightlifting club, so it promotes fitness, people lifting weights to get stronger for either a sport or just to look better and feel better. Do you enjoy being the club’s advisor? Dias: I think, for the most part, there’s a nice comradery among all the people that come here, it’s a good group. Everyone helps each other. Obviously, I tried to help people with how they’re doing their exercises, but it really is a nice group. What would you say to someone who is hesitant or debating joining? Dias: Well, if you’re hesitant or debating whether to join because you feel self-conscious, it’s a very good group. Everyone helps each other; there’s nobody here that’s super-advanced to where you would feel inferior. So, I think everyone should give it a chance. You’re going to feel better, you’re going to look better, and you’re going to have more confidence in everything else that you do. The Weightlifting Club is one of North’s hidden gems, a part of the school that I am glad to have discovered. Even if you’re only slightly interested, consider visiting and see if it is a community right for you. BACK TO TOP