Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Equality By Anonymous Contributor Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Grand Rapids Pride Center They tried to take it Equality and love Of those who want the same as you, Of those who were created the same as you, Of those who are the same as you, Of those who love same The same as you do BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Learning about Sikh and Indian Weddings By Elaine Ching Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Pinterest As a member of the Culture Society, I have the opportunity to learn about many cultures. The way they celebrate specific events and how different it is from my own is a very interesting topic to me. One of my favorite meetings was when we learned about Sikh and Indian weddings from Navrosedip Kundlas. For someone whose family holds rather simple weddings, it was a shock seeing how long (2-3 week minimum) and complex Sikh weddings can be. Of course, it was a good shock. The way Navrosedip described how much thought and effort is put into the engagement was amazing. Starting at the beginning, seeing how serious the engagement is taken was inspiring. The way religion is intertwined into the marriage is lovely since it is done in such a beautiful way. After the marriage has gained family approval and the future spouses have met in a place of worship, they move onto the Engagement Ceremony. While there are many different rituals due to Indian culture being so diverse, in the ritual I saw this is the time when the bride has to decide whether she will go through with the marriage. This is not a private event, and many people will see it. After the Engagement Ceremony comes the Engagement After-Party. The After Party seems to be the one of the most fun parts of the wedding in my opinion! People wear festive and beautiful outfits while they celebrate with dancing and drumming (it should be noted there are beautiful and festive outfits in all parts of the wedding). There are many celebrations and preparations to do other than those during the engagement phase. Firstly, the bride will receive beautiful Bengals, bracelets made of glass, which are light colored and thin. Also, the bride’s hands cannot be bare until the wedding ends. Traditional songs are played as well as applying henna to the brides and other guests. Similar to American Weddings, there is a bridal shower, bachelorette parties for the groom and bride, and a reception. However, no white is allowed to be worn for Indian events since it is worn for deaths. As a result, the bride usually wears red with gold balls on her bracelets. There is also lots of extravagant jewelry like Tika, jewelry for the head. With the bride in red and decked out in jewelry, the groom will sometimes wear a turban but change into a suit later. Later at the reception, the groom has to listen to the bride while she is choosing her outfit. Even after all this, there are still more parties to take place! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Sisters By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Vector Shock My sister shines so bright Whenever we step out on a night She glows like a firefly I love how she isn't shy Because she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Brighter than the sun My sister always makes sure we have fun Her writing makes people wonder Why their writing doesn't bring that thunder She's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Tennis and badminton are her favorite sports She owns all the courts Her kindness touches everyone's hearts Everyone is astounded by her smart After all, she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her Shine BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Enigma That is STRANGER THINGS By Alain Deen Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Stranger Things A Cultural Phenomenon Figure 1 – Stranger Things Viewership In relation to Netflix Subscription Rate – Business Insider Stranger Things rose to prominence in July of 2016, gaining massive popularity throughout its years on the popular streaming service, Netflix. The show’s 80s and melodramatic nature are its most pertinent appeals. The series seems to appeal through a generational lens, as adults fawn over the nostalgic instances of 80s culture, underscoring their sheer nostalgia for that era. In terms of youth, the series presents a compelling rendition of 80s culture, allowing teens to explore their parents’ culture. While most teens cringe at their parents blasting The Clash’s 1982 hit, “Should I stay or Should I Go” at 11 PM on a random Thursday, Stranger Things broke this trope, presenting this song to a new generation of listeners in a smooth, introspective fashion. In short, the series proves to be an integral portion of late 2010s and early 2020s culture, as its levels of popularity have set a new standard for digital streaming surface. To further preface this feat, the show’s third season reached unprecedented levels of popularity. Within four days of release, 40.7 million Netflix accounts viewed Stranger Things 3 , amassing global popularity in a matter of days. It broke the record for Netflix’s largest-ever audience for a movie or TV series in a four-day window. Ironic Success Stranger Things has risen to be the fourth most popular Netflix series ever. Stranger Things 3 has been streamed over half a billion times, demonstrating its global appeal across a generational lens. However, with all of this success, it is worth noting that the series may evolve into a victim of its own success. The Duffer Brothers crafted something astute in nature. The show’s witty dialogue, heartfelt character interaction, and compelling subplots account for its success. Furthermore, the series has reached record feats of popularity due to its lovable characters, introspective acting, intricate cinematography, and retro aesthetic, underscoring the notion that replicating such success may prove very challenging for the Duffer Brothers. Many fear that the fourth rendition of the series may ruin the unique and compelling nature of the earlier seasons. In other words, one bad season may tarnish the Duffer Brothers’ million-dollar franchise, along with the young actors put on a pedestal due to the show’s success. After the third season, it was widely believed that there was no further direction for the series to head, even though it left viewers on a rigid cliff hanger. Why a Season 4? In most cases, audiences tend to remember the one lackluster rendition of a series in contrast to the artistic prowess facilitated by the more successful installments. Interestingly enough, this occurred with the Shrek Franchise. While Shrek 1, Sherk 2, and Shrek 4 were critically acclaimed films by audiences alike, Shrek the Third ruined the franchise for many, proving to be a cheap money grab in contrast to a compelling, structured story as seen with the first two films. This generated a lot of resentment toward the creation of a fourth film. However, DreamWorks created the fourth with the intention to promote well-structured storytelling, highlighting its success. Stranger Things might face a similar fate. Due to the record-breaking success of the third season, along with the slew of profit generated, many fans fear the Duffer Brothers announced a new season on the basis of profit in contrast to genuine storytelling. In my opinion, I believe the Duffer Brothers have another great season of supernatural storytelling in store. My Rationale As season four, was set to release on May 27th, 2022, fans had been awaiting the new season for about three years. Interestingly enough, the Duffer Brothers have taken a different approach this season in their debut schedule. Within season four, there are two volumes. Volume I was set to release on May 27th, 2022, while Volume II was set to release on June 1st, 2022. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production, creating a sense of restlessness among fans and viewers. However, due to the artistic prowess and creative integrity that the first three seasons provided, I believe it is very unlikely for the fourth season to be merely a money grab. If the Duffer Brothers prioritized profit over artistic integrity, Stranger Things 2 would not hold up in 2022. Overall, I believe season 4 will be something straight from the upside down. I expect plot-twists, shock, and of course my traditional binge watch session. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Shadow By Huan Evo Alipio Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Bustle A shadow creeps up behind While the wind hits the chime It may appear at any moment in time Day or night it might come But you’ll never know where it’s from Don’t be stunned by its shape As it will follow you with a big cape Even though a shadow is quite simple It should never be underestimated like a quick ripple Because it goes wherever you are and is within your body Or sometimes that shadow can be your own Rocky A shadow can be a positive and a negative A shadow can also be seen from many perspectives It must be remembered that a shadow is not a willing element The same reason why it's housed inside your body making him a resident Even though a shadow cannot speak That same shadow is undoubtedly unique BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Athletes Supporting Athletes at VSN By Joseph Garofalo Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Original image by Joseph Garofalo Valley Stream North Athletics is known as a strong dark horse program in Nassau County with stealthy good sports teams across the board. From volleyball to soccer, track and field to baseball, each program has seen its success rates rise over the past few years, even as players and coaches come and go. As the captain of the reigning Conference Champion Boys Volleyball team, I have seen the strong mentality, determination, and resilience needed to grow a program within our sports programs. My experience as a high school athlete has been one like no other; coaches support coaches, athletes support athletes, and the leadership on each team has been a large part of growing these programs. Starting September 13th, the first Girls Volleyball game of the season, the senior class had produced a plan to support our Lady Spartans as they took on conference rivals, Mepham. We wanted to create a true home-court advantage for our girls, an energy-filled atmosphere to help boost them to victory. As my practice was over, my teammates and I waited in the stands as the visitors arrived. Quiet at first, our girls began to turn up the pace, and the fans became more involved. A student section that started with just the 13 boy volleyball players evolved into a section packed with three varsity teams and two Junior-Varsity teams’ players within thirty minutes. This was only the beginning, as the girls went on to sweep Mepham in three sets, who were at the time second-place team in their conference. A dominant effort by the girls, supported by a crowd of over 100 kids, continued throughout the season and trickled into other sporting events. The student section began to grow for each game; VSN’s athletes were there for each other. When you weren’t playing or practicing, athletes were in the stands. As our fall season ended and playoffs loomed, our section was the largest it had ever been. Home or away, volleyball or football, we supported each other. With the backing of our student body, Valley Stream North sports has hit another level of extreme. Now, we hope to carry the energy into the upcoming winter and spring seasons and lead our Spartan athletes to more successful winning seasons. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections I Don't Know By Elaine Ching November 19, 2021 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Reasons Behind Fans By Isabella Menjivar Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original image by Eva Grace Martinez Question: Who’s your favorite music artist and what about them makes you their fan? “My favorite artist is Maren Morris. She’s my favorite artist because she was passed on from many TV shows such as The Voice , but she never gave up and achieved so much.” -9th grade student “My favorite artist is Whitney Houston. I’m a fan of Whitney because her lyrics mean something, they tell a story. I love her songs that I relate to because they have a meaning. Not only are they entertaining but I learn something from Whitney’s songs.” -7th grade student “If I had to choose, my favorite artist would be Demi Lovato because she’s just a genuine down to earth person. She has songs saying to keep going, always have confidence in what you do, and never give up.” -10th grade student “While I enjoy music from a wide range of artists, I love listening to Mac Miller because he combines the best elements of rap, jazz, and soul with his lyricism in his music.” -11th grade student “My favorite artist is YOASOBI. I’m their fan because I like the way the person sings and the upbeat music.” -8th grade student “My favorite artist is Tame Impala because I find that Kevin Parker is a great songwriter. Not only does he write great melodies, but also great lyrics. Though it’s hard to categorize his music, this is actually an advantage because there’s something for everyone.” -12th grade student. I’ve learned from most of these interviews that what can make us admire a musician is the way they convey their message through song lyrics. We all can find lyrics we relate to, or ones that have given us a new message to live by. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections P.S. I Love You Day: “Purple Day” Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Noa Cordova The week of February 12th, the main hallway was decorated in purple; purple streamers adorned the ceiling, a purple paper tree flourished and purple post-its occupied lockers. So, why did the color dominate the hallways? February 9th marks P.S. I Love You Day; it is a day dedicated to removing the stigma around mental health issues and spreading love to others. P.S. I Love You Day was founded by Brooke DiPalma, a fourteen-year-old girl who lost her father in 2010 due to suicide. Her father’s notable last words, “I love you,” inspired the name of the day we recognize every February. In honor of P.S. I Love You Day, North’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club (SADD) organizes an annual weeklong campaign. As indicated by the main hallway, purple is the color associated with this campaign. Because Brooke decided to make light of a dark situation, many schools and individuals recognize P.S. I Love You across the state. Mental health advocacy serves as one of the S.A.D.D. club’s main initiatives, so P.S. I Love You Day gets carefully planned out and executed. The club’s advisor, Mr. Moniaci, the officers, and the club members work together to ensure the campaign’s success. The main hallway decorations help bring S.A.D.D. campaigns to life and require a great deal of collective effort. Club members divided themselves into committees for posters, the main office window, the display case, and streamers. The main display case was meant to reflect this year’s theme of “love is meant to be given.” To do this, club members created an array of gifts, bows, and hearts to convey the idea that love is meant to be given like a gift. Additionally, members Navrosedip Kundlas and Wesley Pang crafted a tree that served as a symbol of the growth many experience on their mental health journey. As the vice president, I can attest to the great deal of effort the club members contributed to the decorating process. Working around BSU’s artwork, S.A.D.D. members effectively brought honor to P.S. I Love You Day’s ideals. S.A.D.D. members’ duties were not fulfilled on Monday; Thursday afternoon S.A.D.D. resumed its P.S. I Love You Day activities with post-its in hand. One of the most memorable aspects of P.S. I Love You Day for most students is finding special purple notes on their lockers upon their arrival at school. As involved as S.A.D.D. members are, covering every locker in the building is not a one-club job, so S.A.D.D. enlisted other clubs to assist. A total of ten other clubs assisted and were each assigned a hallway. Each club wrote positive messages on the purple post-its and taped them onto each locker in the hallway. The next day, February 16th, was North’s P.S. I Love You Day when purple-clad students were greeted by some written encouragement on purple-post it notes. P.S. The day is much more than “wear purple day;” it is a reminder we should prioritize mental health and spreading love in any way we can. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections 2024 Presidential Candidates Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Commonwealth Fund It is finally 2024, which means that during the month of November, eligible United States citizens will cast their vote for the next president. The presidential election takes place every four years and consists of candidates that come from the two major parties in the United States: The Democrats and Republicans. Currently, Democrat Joe Biden is President of the United States, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman in the history of the U.S. elected Vice President. As citizens of the United States, it is especially important to know who our presidential candidates are. Being the president of the United States is a big responsibility, which is why all eligible voters must think deeply and consider all the reasons why they are casting their vote for a certain candidate. In this article, you will be getting an idea of who the 2024 presidential candidates are. DEMOCRAT – JOE BIDEN Joe Biden, the current president of the United States, will be running for a second term in the 2024 election later this year. Political experts argue that Biden is the most probable democratic candidate to defeat Donald Trump, the most influential Republican candidate. For over 50 years, Biden has worked in the realm of politics and runs a platform that includes gun reform, health care, and abortion rights for women. Joe Biden is the oldest President in the history of the United States at 81 years old. Before Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, he was the 47th Vice President from 2009 until 2017 under President Barack Obama. Not only that, but Biden was a U.S. Senator, representing Delaware from 1973 up until 2009. DEMOCRAT – DEAN PHILLIPS Dean Phillips, a former CEO, and a three-term congressman from the state of Minnesota, is the second Democratic presidential candidate. Phillips challenges Biden by asserting that the next generation should have the ability to lead the country. Not only that, but Phillips has also brought up multiple issues regarding Biden’s old age; being the oldest president at 81 takes a significant toll on Biden’s role as President. According to NBC News, Phillip’s campaign positions include enhancing public safety, supporting immigration reform which includes improved security at the United States border, and believing that patients should have the freedom to make decisions about any aspect of their health. DEMOCRAT – MARIANNE WILLIAMSON Marianne Williamson is the third democratic candidate. After making her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show , Williamson gained popularity as Winfrey’s spiritual advisor. In the previous 2020 presidential election, Williamson was unsuccessful as she ran for a presidential candidate. Earlier in 2014, Williamson also sought for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, but this attempt was also deemed unsuccessful. Marianne Williamson was also the first to announce that she would be a democratic candidate challenging the current president, Joe Biden. Unlike her opponents Biden and Phillips, Williamson has never held a position in any political office. According to NBC News, Williamson’s campaign positions include an effort to restrict or diminish the reproductive rights granted by the notorious case, Roe v. Wade, limiting gun violence, legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, and reaching 100% renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. REPUBLICAN – DONALD TRUMP As you may recall, Donald Trump is the former president of the United States. He is also the top Republican contestant in the 2024 election. Donald Trump is the first former president who has had to face criminal charges, along with federal charges for violation of the Espionage Act. Not only does Trump face criminal charges, but he has also been impeached twice. Donald Trump has also made false assertions by stating that he won the 2020 presidential election against his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. According to NBC News, Trump’s campaign positions include pardoning a large group of people after they faced federal offenses for participating in the January 6th riot at the Capitol, eliminating medical programs that focus on sex/gender transitions, and working on the exceptions for a federal ban on abortions. REPUBLICAN – NIKKI HALEY Nikki Haley is the second Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Before becoming a presidential candidate, Haley was South Carolina’s governor from 2011 to 2017; this was where she began her work in politics. In order to serve as the US ambassador to the United Nations, Haley ended her second term early. Previously, Nikki Haley had stated that she would not run against Donald Trump; however, she was the first Republican to announce that she would run against the former president in the 2024 presidential election. If Haley wins the 2024 presidential election, she will become the first woman in the history of the United States to be President, along with being the first US President of Asian descent as she is the daughter of Indian immigrants. According to NBC News, Haley’s campaign positions include finding a “national consensus” on abortion, preventing illegal immigration, and limiting the term for members of Congress. SOURCES Who’s running for president in 2024? The Republican and Democratic candidates | US elections 2024 | The Guardian The 2024 presidential candidates: Who’s running from both sides ( nbcnews.com ) BACK TO TOP