Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Elucidate By Alena Moreira November 24, 2020 Colored Pencil Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Now That the 2020 Presidential Election is Over, What Comes Next For Us? By Logan Balsan Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by the Herald As Former Vice President Al Gore said when he conceded to then-Governor George W. Bush in the contested 2000 Presidential Election, “This has been an extraordinary election!” The 2020 Elections have truly been extraordinary. Trump will join the list of single-term Presidents, and historic popular vote levels have been reached, as Biden surpassed the 80,000,000 vote mark. However, after the January Georgia Senate Runoffs between Senators Kelly Loeffler (R) and David Perdue (R) versus Raphael Warnock (D) and Jon Ossoff (D) respectively, what’s next for New Yorkers? Well, county and town elections aren’t so far away. In 2021, an off-year from normal federal and other gubernatorial-related positions, several Town of Hempstead and Nassau County positions are up, and several key races will be up for grabs for both political parties. Let’s start with the Town of Hempstead. In 2021, the positions of Town Supervisor, District Members 1 and 6 of the Town Council, and Town Clerk are up for election. A key race in this area is the Town Supervisor’s Race, as incumbent Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. (R) narrowly defeated incumbent Supervisor Laura Gillen (D) in 2019 for the position. Throughout his first term, Clavin has been seen as a strong leader during the pandemic, although he did attend a controversial event at the Plattdeutsch that was feared to be a “super-spreader” event. He has also been seen battling Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (D) over certain aid funds during the pandemic. This will be a big race to watch next November. Hempstead Town Clerk, Kate Murray, a former Town Supervisor, is up for re-election. She defeated incumbent Clerk Sylvia Cabana (D) in 2019 alongside Clavin’s win for Supervisor. Murray won by a bigger margin than Clavin won in the Supervisor’s election. Finally, District One member Dorothy Goosby, a Democrat, and District 6 member, Dennis Dunne, who had run a campaign in 2020 against incumbent State Senator Kevin Thomas, are also up for re-election. These are all races that may be close come election night 2021. Onto the Nassau County elections in 2021. We have incumbent County Executive Laura Curran (D) is up for election. She is the first woman to serve in the position and the first Democrat since Tom Suozzi held the office in the late 2000s. Curran won in 2019 after incumbent County Executive Ed Mangano (R) was exposed, tried, and convicted for committing federal crimes during his ten years in office. This will be a heated election, as Republicans have traditionally held this position over the years. Lastly, the legislature is up. In contrast to Curran’s affiliation with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party controls the legislature, which first flipped back in 2019. These elections have proven crucial for the County Executive’s election, as it foreshadows a possible winner in the end. While these Elections aren’t until November of 2021, they are the ones to watch. The vast majority of North’s current seniors will be 18 years old and eligible to vote in these elections which will likely be their first, if they get registered and decide to vote. These elections change a lot more than you might think about life here in New York and in Nassau County. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections The Luck Giver By Catherine Duong Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Sky: CotL created by the TGC company Author’s note: This short story is fanfiction based on a game called Sky: Children of The Light (Sky: CotL) made by the TGC Company. Hidden Forest (1) - The fourth sky area within the realm. It is described as a place where it oftentimes rains and has vast forests. As spring arose in the sky realm, it was as if life sprung back onto its feet; flowers started to bloom, and everything looked so colorful and vibrant! Around this beautiful season, there was one day in a year that luck would spread about by one person called the Luck Giver. On that day, they would fly across from land to land, swiftly scattering lustrous coins. It is believed that they will bring good fortunes to the sky children! Until one day, the Luck Giver ran out of luck this year. There was no such thing as infinite coins and these coins were expensive to the Giver. Standing at the ledge of the Hidden Forest (1) in front of them, they tightly gripped their staff, pondering alternative ways to keep the tradition going. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Life By Joshua Lopez Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Getty Images I try to make sense of what's going on in this thing we call life But false misconceptions lead me to a road of pain I try to understand what happens But could never find the answer Maybe pain is just a lack of understanding? But quite frankly, I find joy in the pursuit of happiness But I know I’ll never find it It's like a dream Life asked death Why do some many people love me, but hate you? And death responded with "Because you’re a beautiful lie and I'm the ugly truth". I try to make sense of what's going on in this thing we call life The pain and adversity I face Just to fall up short again I look to the left nothing is right I look to my right and nothing is left So, tell me what do I do? How am I supposed to live, Knowing this cycle of uncertainty will continue And mankind will forever suffer? Unfortunately, this is called life and we live just to die curious and never truly satisfied. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Stretching Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Yoga Kaitlin Kehoe Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by VSN Wellness Center Have you ever felt overwhelmed by schoolwork, sports, or just the daily responsibilities and expectations of being a student? Imagine a practice that not only helps you relax and de-stress but also boosts your concentration and focus, improves your physical health, and makes you feel more confident. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, or just looking for a new way to stay active, yoga offers something for everyone. Its adaptability and flexibility in practice makes it accessible to anyone and everyone! Let’s dive into the practice of yoga and discover how it can transform your life, both inside and outside the classroom. What is Yoga? Yoga is a workout for both your body and mind. Yoga practice involves doing different poses and stretches that help you become more flexible and stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. There are many different types of yoga “flow” (series of poses, or asanas ), including but not limited to: Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or find a moment of Zen, there’s a yoga style for YOU ! However, practicing yoga isn’t just about physical exercise. It also includes breathing techniques and meditation that help you relax and feel less stressed. Benefits of Yoga Practicing yoga is a great way to enhance your physical fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, and build focus and self-esteem. Here are some ways yoga can be beneficial to everyone: Improves Flexibility and Strength : Practicing yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, which can improve your performance in sports and daily activities. Reduces Stress and Anxiety : Yoga helps with relaxation and staying present in the moment, which can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Tip: You may want to give it a try during exam periods or when feeling overwhelmed by your school responsibilities and expectations. Improves Concentration and Focus: The breathing techniques and meditation practices in yoga can improve your concentration and focus, making it easier to stay attentive in class and while studying. Boosts Self-Esteem : Engaging in yoga can boost your confidence and support a positive self-image. It promotes self-awareness and encourages self-acceptance. Promotes Better Sleep : Practicing yoga can stabilize and improve your sleep schedule, helping you achieve a good night’s sleep, which is important for maintaining your overall health and academic achievement. Tip: Restorative Yoga is a great type of practice to do before bed. “ Legs Up the Wall ” pose can help with sleep, activate relaxation and improve digestion. Click the link for a video example! Tips for Getting Started Start Slow : If you’re new to yoga, begin with beginner-friendly poses and you can advance in difficulty as you continue to practice. Wear Comfortable Clothing : Choose clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably. (ex. Leggings, t-shirt, sweatpants, or any type of athletic wear that you feel comfy in) Build the Habit : Like any other skill, consistency and practice is key. Try to do yoga regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day. Listen to Your Body : It’s important to pay attention to how your body feels while doing yoga. If something hurts, stop and adjust your pose, or move on to a different one. Sign up for a Class : If possible, join a yoga class at your school, local studio, or online. When first starting, having a teacher or someone to assist you can help ensure you’re doing the poses correctly and safely. Tip: We offer yoga classes throughout the year at the Wellness Center with a certified Yoga Instructor. It’s a great way to start practicing yoga and learn the basic skills and movements to ensure your safety. You can also check out our VSN Virtual Zen Den under the Exercise & Yoga tab for some quick and easy yoga videos. Even Celebrities Practice Yoga! Jennifer Aniston : Credits yoga practice for her toned physique and mental clarity David Beckham : The soccer star practices yoga to maintain his flexibility and overall fitness. Beyoncé: Incorporates yoga into her fitness routine to stay in shape and manage stress Reese Witherspoon : Uses it to maintain her physical strength, feel energized and support her well-being How Do North Students Feel About Yoga? Student Wellness Advisory Committee (S.W.A.C.) members were asked to try some yoga poses and then give their thoughts and experiences on practicing yoga. Here is some of their feedback: Olivia (Senior High) – “ The yoga pose I practiced was incredibly calming and relaxing, making it an enjoyable experience overall. I found it not very difficult, which allowed me to focus on my breath and let go of any tension. It was a great way to clear my mind and unwind, providing a refreshing break from daily stresses. This pose is perfect for anyone looking to release their thoughts and find a moment of peace, making it a wonderful addition to my routine. ” Aikam (Senior High) – “I spent some time practicing yoga. I focused on soothing poses like shavasana and bridge pose. It was incredibly relaxing, and I felt a surge of energy as well as a deep sense of relaxation. The gentle stretches and controlled breathing helped me release tension and destress.” Jassica (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose and it actually helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Khloe (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose last night and it helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Zo (Senior High) – “After trying the ‘Legs Up the Wall’ pose, I found my transition into sleep faster that night. In addition, it gave my body a break from the stress-filled week I'd been having and has now become a part of my settling down routine before bed.” Ms. Kehoe (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “I practice yoga regularly, about 2 to 3 times per week. I also do morning stretches for about 15-20min each day before work. I’ve had this routine for the past two years and I could write a book on how beneficial it has been to me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I love doing it when I have had a long day or feel stressed out because it really helps me to relax. One of my favorite poses is ‘Legs up the Wall’ as it is good for digestion, relaxation, and helps me sleep better. I encourage everyone to give it a try!” Dr. Byrne (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “Our yoga sessions at the Wellness Center appeal to students and staff, who all seem to enjoy taking the time to relax their bodies, as well as their minds with our yoga instructor. Whether you are a beginner or have taken yoga classes before, these sessions offer something for everyone and are a nice way to quiet one's mind when things may seem stressful or overwhelming. It also helps your body loosen up and release tension you may not even know you were carrying.” NORTH STAR extends much thanks to Ms. Kehoe and the S.W.A.C for contributing this article. Sources: https://www.insightstate.com/spirituality/27-celebrities-who-practice-yoga/ https://www.brettlarkin.com/celebrities-who-practice-kundalini-yoga/ https://blog.calm.com/blog/types-of-yoga https://www.yogalineshop.com/blog/types-yoga BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Quality of Family Time By Manal Layachi Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Godvine.com Spending time with family during this Covid-19 era is crucial. Life is short, so we should spend our time wisely. People might want to indulge in videogames or gaze upon their phones, but family time would be a better way to connect. During COVID, an apparent theme among families is increased bonding and time spent together. With that said, there are a lot of ways to spend time with family. With family, you can play games, eat at the dinner table, watch a movie together, cook and bake, and even have a good conversation. Consistently speaking with family can help in building relationships and aids in expressing the way you and your family might feel. Additionally, there are many benefits in spending time with family. For instance, it improves mental health, boosts self-confidence, reduces stress, lowers risk of behavioral problems, and enhances physical health. All these benefits are important and helpful in leading a healthy and successful lifestyle. Furthermore, parents can teach their kids crucial life skills, such as problem solving and effective communication. In conclusion, spending time with family proves to be pivotal in leading a healthy lifestyle. So, the next time you think about locking yourself in your room, think twice, and explore what’s happening in the rest of the house. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Howardena Pindell - Untitled By Howardena Pindell February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Collage with Hole-Punched Paper Dots, Pen and Black Ink, Monofilament, and Talcum Powder on Oak Tag Paper, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections UCA College Nationals Sarah Velez Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Varsity TV When I say “cheerleader,” what do you think of? The majority of people imagine a girl dressed in a skirt shaking her poms at a football game, and although those activities are part of cheerleading, it is significant to note that such a sport consists of so much more. UCA College Nationals The UCA College Nationals is a competitive cheerleading event that has taken social media by storm, often showing off difficult stunts, demonstrating sharp and clean dances, and portraying the unique style of makeup and uniforms cheerleaders wear to perform and dazzle audiences. UCA stands for Universal Cheerleading Association, which has taken place (hand in hand with UDA College Nationals) for over 35 years. Both teams competed at the Walt Disney Resort in January 2024 from the 12th through the 14th. Despite all the controversy about whether or not cheerleading is a sport, it is important to recognize the hardships cheerleaders endure and the athletic abilities cheerleaders develop to perfect each routine that gets performed on the mat. The competition is separated into divisions which include… Division IA Coed Cheer Division IA All Girl Cheer Division IA Small Coed Cheer Division I Coed Cheer Division I All Girl Cheer Division I Small Coed Cheer Open Coed Cheer2 Open All Girl Cheer Open Small Coed Cheer Division IA All Girl Game Day Division IA Game Day Open Coed Game Day. Small Coed Game Day Open All Girl Game Day With over 950 teams, overall consisting of 18,500 athletes, it is important to categorize each age group within different divisions to ensure that each team gets equal treatment against one another. Who were the winners of this impeccable competition? The winners were the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and overall winner, University of Memphis. Is Cheerleading a Sport? Cheerleaders often face criticism on whether cheerleading is considered a sport. Most people often fail to realize that as of 2021, the International Olympic Committee designated cheerleading as a sport! Cheerleading combats all the sports regulations and requirements as any other sport (including physical activity, point systems, and competitions) so why would it not be considered a sport? The Factors Within Cheerleading Stunting plays a huge role in cheerleading and is usually what most girls look forward to. Stunting is a four-person activity that includes a main base, a side base, a backspot, and a flyer. A flyer is in the middle, the main base is on the right, the side base is on the left, and the backspot stays behind the flyer. Stunting is no joke, because anybody can get hurt, not just the flyer. That is why it is so important to make sure there are spotters all around, ready to save a stunt if something were to go wrong. Leg strength and arm strength are crucial in providing a strong, stable foundation for the flyer. As a flyer, it is important to stay tight and squeeze your body. Aside from stunting, tumbling plays an important and entertaining role when competing against other teams. The most important skill for cheer when it comes to tumbling is a round-off, which not only comes in handy for cheer, but also gymnastics in general! A round off is known to be the most basic skill that allows you to move from one skill into the next. Conclusions Within Cheerleading Both the UCA and UDA have competed with hypnotizing routines and dances that allow viewers to truly see what cheerleading brings to the mat. If you would like to know more about UDA College Nationals, be sure to check out the NORTH STAR Article written by Giavanna Quagliata for more information. If you are in grades 9-12, be sure to try out for the Valley Stream North’s Cheer team! Follow us on Instagram @vsncheer for the latest updates! Sources: UCA College Nationals | Universal Cheerleaders Association ( varsity.com ) 2024 UCA & UDA COLLEGE CHEERLEADING AND DANCE TEAM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HONORS TOP TEAMS ( prnewswire.com ) Cheerleading | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica The Most Important Tumbling Skill Used For Cheerleading and Gymnastics — Challenge Athletics Rochester, NY Tumbling ( challengerochester.com ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Athlete Spotlight: Kevin Beltran By Navrosedip Kundlas and Matteo Somma Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Valley Stream North XC/Track Facebook Page Junior distance runner Kevin Beltran has been making waves in the running world with his impressive accomplishments. As a four-time All-County athlete and two-time All-State athlete, Beltran has consistently proven himself an exceptional runner. His talents have not gone unnoticed, as he has been ranked #1 on the Long Island Team in Cross Country by Just In Time Racing . Beltran's achievements are not limited to the team rankings. He also holds several Valley Stream North distance records. As Beltran continues to excel in his running career, we are all looking forward to seeing what he will achieve in the future. Beltran’s Athletic High School Accomplishments (thus far): Four-Time Season All-County Runner for Indoor Track and Field (2021-22), Outdoor Track and Field (2022), Cross Country (2022), and Indoor Track (2022-23) Two-Time All-State Runner in the 5000-meter and the 1000-meter Intersectional Relay #1 Long Island Cross Country Team by Just in Time Racing School Records Held by Kevin Beltran (thus far): Junior and overall, 5000-meter School Record Holder (Cross Country 2022) with a time of 15:47.75 Junior and overall, 4000-meter School Record Holder (Cross-Country 2022) with a time of 12:52.30 Junior and overall, 1000-meter School Record Holder (Indoor Track 2022-23) with a time of 2:33.98 Junior and overall, 1600-meter School Record Holder (Indoor Track 2022-23) with a time of 4:30.33 Junior and overall, one mile (1609-meters) School Record Holder (Indoor Track 2022-23) with a time of 4:24.57 Junior and overall, 3200-meter School Record Holder (Indoor Track 2022-23) with a time of 9:41.39 Sophomore and overall, 1600-meter School Record Holder (Outdoor Track 2022) with a time of 4:20.40 As Kevin Beltran looks towards the future, it's clear he has already made a significant impact on the local world of distance running. His impressive achievements as a junior have earned him widespread recognition and respect from the running community, as well as VSN students, staff and alumni. Beltran's hard work and dedication to his sport, as well as the influence of VSN Track coaches Mr. Frazer and Mr. Boyens, have certainly paid off, and it's likely he will continue to achieve great heights in the years to come. As we have watched Beltran's scholastic running career unfold, he is a rising star in the sport, and we can't wait to see where his talents take him next. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Athlete Spotlight: Naomi Gonzalez (Interview) Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Naomi Gonzalez Naomi Gonzalez, a member of our wrestling team, is one of many exceptional athletes at Valley Stream North. She started wrestling when she was six and is now coming on ten years. I had so much fun interviewing her and getting to know more about her journey. What do you like most about wrestling? “I like the people and the environment because it’s a very nice and relatable area to be in.” Why do you want to wrestle on our school team? “I love the sport of wrestling and I have been doing it for so long and I’m good at it and I love my team!” How have challenges impacted your motivation to play sports? “I don’t stop and if something’s wrong I figure out how to work on it. I’m a perfectionist, but for wrestling.” Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past. “Last year in 9th grade I got second place in Folkstyle Wrestling State for Women. In summer I was qualified for the Fargo Freestyle Nationals for Women, and I would have become All- American, but I lost my fourth match, it was a 10-2 fall. This year I placed 6th in Folkstyle Wrestling State for Women tournament because of a medical forfeit. I have won Queen of the Mat two times in a row and last year I won the County Championship. I placed first in the Bayshore Tournament this year.” What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to 10 years? “I wish to improve and just be even better in this sport both mentally and physically as they both play an enormous part in your performance.” Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete? “I am determined and motivated to give my best. I take accountability when I’m wrong and try to improve.” Which sport is your favorite to play and why? (Other than wrestling) “Lacrosse because it’s active and fun. It’s a district sport so I can interact with other schools.” Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why? “I met Kylie Welker and I think she plays in 170 pounds criteria on the Ohio Women’s Wrestling Team. She is honestly good and cool. She placed a lot in different tournaments.” What do you look for in a great coach? “Someone who is supportive, the worst thing you can have in a coach is just telling you what to do and who’s not supportive whatsoever. I had to cut 15 pounds in a week, and I had 5 pounds to go in one more day and dropped 4.4 pounds. I didn’t make weight, and I was crying but my coach (Mr. Pingatore) held my hand and ran with me to the stadium trying to cut weight.” What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches? “If you take a shot run them into the stance, don’t care about the circle.” BACK TO TOP