Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Space Junk and the Moon By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by MIT Introduction Every year, thousands of spacecraft are launched into Earth orbit, whether they be satellites, telescopes, or rocket tests. These spacecraft have been accumulating since the launch of Sputnik 1 (the first artificial satellite), and many are now either broken or retired. Known as space junk, these dead spacecraft have nowhere to go and remain in Earth orbit until they near the Earth’s atmosphere, posing the threat of collisions with other, active spacecraft. Such collisions produce even more space junk that becomes lethal to both active satellites and astronauts. In some rare scenarios, space junk can exit Earth’s orbit and impact our distant neighbor: the moon. SpaceX and Space Junk One of these rare scenarios is about to occur with a SpaceX rocket. One of SpaceX’s rockets that launched several years ago is on a collision course with the moon and is scheduled to impact it very soon. This rocket, the Falcon 9 booster stage from a SpaceX mission launch in 2015, was supposed to return to Earth, but it did not have enough reserved fuel to do so. As a result, it remained in its orbit, which was chaotically placed between the gravitational forces of the Earth, moon, and Sun. With so many sources of gravity acting on the booster stage, its orbit became chaotic, and the moon’s gravity began pulling it towards the surface. This anticipated collision with the lunar surface could be the first documented rocket collision with the moon. It is expected to hit the far side of the moon on March 4th, 2022, at about 5,771 miles per hour, exploding on impact. Conclusion Despite how interesting and rare this event is, space junk is still a great problem and poses a threat to both spacecraft and astronauts working in Earth orbit. With space junk increasing with every collision and space launch, action must be taken. If we continue to ignore the space junk problem, Earth orbit might become so crowded that leaving it to travel to the Moon and beyond will seem dangerous and impossible. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections M'oreal By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by Wikipedia The year is now 2053, and now memories along with consciousness can be saved and transferred They can be transferred to new and improved bodies Memories and conscious Downloaded into chips that’ll be placed in bodies. Ones that are artificial, but well-crafted People can now be clever than they were before People can be better looking than they were before People can be faster and lighter than they were before. Nobody will have to be stuck with bodies they despise, With looks they despise; with skills they despise. Anyone can be who they wish to become. Of course, this costs money. For those with enough money to modify To give the company, L'Oreal. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Danger of a Single Story By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Shuttershock stories sculpt our very souls they fill in all our empty holes whether it be true or not that’s another story to be told as soon as we get trapped into the plot that’s when stories start to mold fills us up with one perspective failing to address what reality holds sends us to different lives ones we just can’t grasp cushions us with just one story Showing us what they want us to know single stories are just like half-truths both are simply incomplete one perspective can tell a tale but multiple can show us a whole new world stories sculpt our very souls they fill in all our empty holes whether it be true or not that’s another story to be told how can we leave this endless cycle? where the half-truths come out to play stop our children from learning only one side to embrace reality with pride single stories are just as dangerous as half-truths they never tell the entire story we need to educate our youth so that they’ll know everyone has their own moment of glory BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Culture Night By Everton Prospere Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by Eva Martinez On April 1st, 2022, Valley Stream North High School hosted its annual Culture Night. Celebrating the diverse community within North, students, staff, and the local community experienced the cultures of countries from various parts of the world. Events throughout the night ranged from food tasting, showcases on unique countries, and live performances. The night began with a food experience in the mathematics hallway. Although the dismal weather prevented this event from occurring outside in the courtyard, a brilliant display representing many different countries was created inside the school. Throughout the math hallway, booths were set up with foods from around the world and informational tri fold boards. Visitors experienced delicious dishes from countries such as Italy, Poland, Haiti, India, Pakistan, China, Guyana, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and El Salvador.  After experiencing diverse cultures in the school, the attendees shifted to live performances in the cafetorium. Students first competed in a fashion show, representing traditional clothing from India, Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Poland. Two students, Carolina Caraballo and Lucy Wu, won the competition and each received an Amazon gift card. Following the fashion show, the audience watched singing and dancing performances. The String Quintet, the Spartan Steppers, and many more groups and individuals participated to make for an entertaining night. Students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the entire night: “The teamwork between advisors and students helped provide an enjoyable experience for all audience members with strong performances all around.” -Craig Papajohn-Shaw, (MC for Culture Night) “I found the Culture Night to be a very eye opening and diversifying experience from the food to the fashion show and the performance overall. I think it displayed the large variation of North’s culture.” - Daniel Ellis “I loved the food, the food was great, and I really loved the food.” - Ashrita Seelan “I was exposed to so many different cultures and experienced so many different tastes, sounds, and visuals.” - Joshua Hunt “I was appreciative of seeing the diverse community that is not always portrayed in everyday life.” - Anonymous “It was a wonderful day; I had a great time.” - Anonymous  “An even better ‘Class Acts’.” - Anonymous After a hiatus from the event due to the pandemic, Valley Stream North hosted a very successful Culture Night, 2022. A special thanks goes to the custodial staff, Language Honor Society, Culture Society, and the Audio-Visual club for helping put together this amazing event. Be ready for the next Culture Night in 2023! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Lemonade Stand in the Rain Shea Flanelly Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Pinterest Lemonade Stand in the Rain So… It rained. Not a dramatic downpour. Just enough to soak the cardboard sign and blur the marker right through the word Forever . I had set up my little stand on our special corner, pitcher glistening in the sun, cups lined up like promises. Freshly squeezed. Extra sweet. Two straws. And then the clouds decided they had other plans. There was no lightning strike. No evil villain plotting this downpour. Just weather doing what weather does, showing up uninvited and staying longer than anyone hoped. Now I’m standing here with damp boots and diluted lemonade, watching the sugar settle stubbornly at the bottom. I’m not okay! Let’s not exaggerate. I keep glancing down the street like maybe you’ll drive back, asking if we can do this all over again with an umbrella this time. But the forecast is the forecast. And you’re somewhere learning how to build better shelter. So here’s what I’ll do: I’ll wring out the sign. I’ll redraw the letters. Maybe not Forever this time… Maybe just Today . I’ll taste the lemonade even if it’s a little watered down. I’ll add more sugar if I have to. Because the thing about me is that I like making things sweet. I like setting up stands. I like believing the sun will show up eventually. And maybe tomorrow I’ll be ready with my pitcher in hand! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Holiday Season and Representation By Alain Deen Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Elaine Ching The modern holiday season occurs during the months of November through early January. Most notably, the holiday season encompasses Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving. It is also associated with a rigid increase in shopping, sales, and marketing. Furthermore, the holiday season has faced immense commercialization throughout the years, with industries developing a stark desire for profit. The film and media industry are primary culprits of this concept, often prioritizing profit margin in contrast to producing films which appeal to a variety of audiences, especially in the United States. This is ironic, especially considering the diverse populace of modern United States. With various races, ethnicities, and religions inhabiting the United States, it is utterly crucial to adhere to the representation and portrayal of minorities within these groups In a 2018 Variety article, the Motion Picture Association of America conducted a study to identify the spread of racial demographics in terms of movie-going. The MPPA’s report highlighted that Latinos, which represent about 18% of the U.S population, composed 24% of consistent moviegoers. Additionally, Asians fall not too far behind, accounting for 8% of frequent moviegoers. It is worth noting that Asians represent only 6% of the U.S population, as well. Caucasians, comprising 61% of the U.S population, amounted to 54% of consistent moviegoers. The study also demonstrated the ever-growing popularity of film culture among minority audiences across the United States, with the number of frequent African American moviegoers doubling to 5.6 million in contrast to the year prior. Of particular interest, film culture is only expanding across marginalized audiences within the United States, as the film industry begins to implement representational techniques in writing, casting, and directing to efficiently entertain the U.S populace. Therefore, there seems to be an increasing need for the film industry to represent and depict stories regarding the lesser-known holidays of the holiday season. To properly evaluate the necessity of representational films regarding minority-based holidays, it is best to analyze specific examples and determine their ineffectiveness in providing audiences with memorable content and even nostalgia. Specifically, seasonal films most often involve Christmas with subtle Hanukkah sublots to ensure a sense of “inclusivity.” However, to actually represent and appeal to the Jewish population, it is crucial to include the cultural values of Hanukkah itself. When most people think of Jewish holiday films, their minds might drift to Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights. In short, the film involves Davey Stone, a 33-year-old party animal who finds himself in trouble with the law. For one last chance at redemption, the judge allows Davey to the spend the holiday season performing community service as an assistant referee for a local youth basketball league, or else he heads to jail. With a severely underwhelming IMDB rating of 5.3/10, Eight Crazy Nights proves to be a massive flop for Jewish audiences across the nation. Rotten Tomatoes reviews are no help either, with critics calling the film distasteful, stereotypical, unwatchable, and offensive. This is a prime example of the necessity of the film industry to develop rich, authentic, stories regarding Hanukkah, effectively and sensitively representing the Jewish population. A similar sentiment is present with Kwanzaa, as about 12.5 million people in the United States celebrate the holiday. It is crucial to represent cultures of all kinds, especially through the medium of film. Most modern films regarding Kwanzaa are documentaries, namely The Black Candle (2008). Even so, the film yielded an underwhelming 6.6/10 rating on IMDB. It is also worth noting that I could not find any fictional films with Kwanzaa-related themes, plots, or even sublots, demonstrating the sheer need for films regarding the lesser-represented holidays of the holiday season. Overall, the lack of representational holiday films demonstrates the ever-growing need for compelling, rich, and nuanced stories to be told through a holiday-oriented lens. However, it is not too late. Film culture is always growing among “minority” audiences in the United States. Therefore, young filmmakers, writers, and creatives alike may join forces to create a new, diverse era of holiday classics. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Usman- Anonymous Artist Anonymous Artist February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections A Drive into the Archive of New York’s License Plates Akilan Subramaniyan Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Akilan Subramaniyan   You are on a road trip, the type that is excruciatingly long and mundane. The sort that makes you investigate license plates that hang behind cars. You scan through traffic, analyzing unique license plate designs. Out of nowhere, you gawk at an SUV bearing an iconic NY license plate. A plate that incorporates hues of yellow and blue, featuring Niagara Falls to the Montauk Lighthouse and everything in between (“Excelsior Plates | NY DMV”). A simple yet stunning license plate. However, you ponder how the state of New York ended up with this marvelous design. What is the history behind it?              Before we dive into the historical aspect, let us first comprehend what license plates are used for and their significance. The first was introduced in the late 1800s (Search Quarry). The first state that mandated the use of plates was, ironically, New York. Nevertheless, this state never issued these plates. Nor did they express any strict regulations on whether the plates should be visible. During those times, people created their own license plates by hand, using initials and materials such as metal or leather. Despite that, in 1903, Massachusetts was the first state to hand out plates directly to its citizens. Did you know the first license plate manufactured by this state only had the number “1” on it! (Rosenberg) Promptly, states across the United States began distributing license plates to residents. This action enables the police to effortlessly interpret license plates. This marked the beginning of vehicle enrollment laws in the US (Search Quarry). After years of evolution, the Department of Motor Vehicles administers license plates in the US (Rosenberg). Current plates abide by standards but include elements that support state patriotism. This includes iconic slogans or symbols, stunning or dazzling designs, and more. It also has niche roles. For example, allowing police to locate a suspect’s car, showing the ownership of a vehicle, and having taxes, tolls, or rules all tied to the license plate registration (Search Quarry). As already discussed, New York was the first state to mandate license plates. On the other hand, the state had not distributed the license plates itself. Relying on people to make license plates made the license plate system unorganized and messy. Observing this, New York started to provide license plates for uniformity and organization. In 1910, the state of New York distributed state-made license plates, which became the first standardized license plate. This 1910 license plate design, made of steel with a porcelain coat, was selected for durability on roads. It was composed of white lettering and “NY” written vertically on the right-hand side behind a dark blue background. This massive leap was met with a few challenges. Manufacturing these plates in mass production, dealing with organization, and distributing them to an increasingly large population was demanding. Spreading awareness to folks about “Requirements and ensuring widespread compliance,” according to the New York State Blog, was another grueling task. Additionally, another hurdle was that while officials adapted to this new system, they also needed to find vehicles that were still using owner-made or no license plates at all. The good news is that this change laid the vital path for advanced vehicle identification soon ( Newyorkstate.blog ). As the 1920s rolled around, plates became more uniform, made of steel, and often simply had “N.Y” on the side with the year and numbers. Throughout the 1930s to 1940s, license plates were practical and sophisticated in design due to materials’ availability after World War II. Moving on, the 1950s introduced multi-year-old plates and saw the making of the renowned 1957 orange lettering on a black background. Post 1960, New York evolved to use aluminum for their license plates. This material has anti-corrosion, lightweight, and easy recycling qualities. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). All of New York’s license plate designs keep practicality and looks. When it came to practicality, designs committed to contrasts like the 1929 and 1930 plates. In addition, the state embraced sharp contrasts to increase the visibility of the plate. On the other hand, attractiveness stemmed from the utilization of colors that represented, “…the evolving visual identity of New York's roadways,” as stated by the New York State Blog. An important event was the inclusion of the famous slogan, “Empire State,” in 1951. This slogan was both historically significant and contributed to state patriotism, as it was the prediction of New York’s future by George Washington. It was subtle but still powerful. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Now, after a profound investigation of New York’s license plate history, we surface back to the present day. New York License plates in the present day still prioritize practicality and security while steered by modern technology, and an ever-changing appeal of different beautiful plate designs. The 1900s and early 21 st century advanced toward standard and famed designs that would be etched into New York as a distinctive icon. Starting with the 1986 plate design, which contained dark blue on a white introducing the symbolic Statue of Liberty. It developed such a strong identity that it became a benchmark for two decades. The following was the 2001 plate, which had blue lettering on a golden yellow before switching back to the original blue-on-white. In 2010, a famous updated, “Empire State,” plate was revealed to be often connected to the concrete jungle of NYC. Finally…the most recent license plate is none other than the 2020 “Excelsior” plate. It continues with the blue text on white, has a detailed background, and the slogan, “Excelsior.” This design will continue to be a staple on New York roads around the state ( Newyorkstate.blog ). The final aspect of the current New York license plate is to do with modernization. Modern plates employ a highly reflective coating and are embossed (imprinting the letters for a raised look). This increased readability during the nighttime. Security elements implanted into the seal in the middle of the license plate deter counterfeits. All these measures make the modern plate more secure and functional than older counterparts ( Newyorkstate.blog ). New York State, just like the rest of the states, started out small in the system of license plates. After decades and centuries of development, from owner-made handicrafts to symbolic plate designs, New York has been through a long journey. All this work has not just been forgotten in New York’s interstates and streets. Instead, it turned into a staple in New York. With state loyalty, it hangs behind New York yellow taxis, lengthy MTA buses, flashing and bright NYPD patrol cars, enormous FDNY ladder trucks, and even behind an ordinary New Yorker's car. This piece of metal will follow behind wherever New York is headed, serving as a reminder of New York’s proud license plate ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Excelsior Plates | NY DMV The History of License Plates in the U.S. The History of License Plates in the United States - Fun Facts to Know Journey Through New York License Plates History: A Reveal! - Newyorkstate.blog License Plates of New York US_NYXX_GI4.jpg (598×392) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Tomato Tomâto- NYSSEF Finalist Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Mrs. Mansfield Commonly, “tomato/tomâto” expresses the idea that two things are essentially the same thing despite minor, inconsequential differences. In the case of Ismaela Andre’s research project, this idiomatic expression is far from applicable. Ismaela Andre, a senior Advanced Science Research student, earned her spot as a New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) finalist through her 3-year tomato research project which broadly focused on distinctions between two tomato types. Inspired by her study of Stevia and Splenda sugar in Science Research 9A alongside Mr. DiSclafani, she decided to continue studying sugar. Her freshman-year sugar research concluded that natural sugar, like cane sugar, is the healthiest, and maintained an interest in natural sugars. In Science Research 10, she concentrated on articles related to natural sugars including that of nectar, sunflower seeds, honey, and most notably, fruits. So, how did this well-known household ingredient become the focus of Ismaela’s research project? Peaches and tomatoes were the final contenders for the focus of her research. Her mentor Dr. Samuel Hutton, Associate Professor at the University of Florida, specialized in tomatoes, resulting in her tomato-focused research project. Ismaela followed an elaborate process to successfully carry out her research. Her mentor shipped indeterminate and determinate tomato seeds from Florida; indeterminate tomatoes continue to produce until the first autumn frost while determinate tomatoes only produce once. Assisted by Cold Spring Harbor research manager Blaine Fitzgerald, she put the seeds through germination for two weeks at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory greenhouse and transplanted them in Uplands Farm; by mid-September, she had fully grown tomatoes to work with. She measured the brix level, or the sugar content, of the tomatoes using a digital refractometer, which measures exactly that. Using a statistical test called a “t-test”, she found the statistical significance of her data when comparing indeterminate and determinate tomatoes. From her work outside, she began her work inside writing her senior paper. Her paper details significant findings: miniature indeterminate tomatoes had a higher brix level, and the green shoulder effect, a common disorder during the ripening stages of a fruit, does not affect a tomato’s sweetness. Her latter finding clarified a misconception about the relationship between the green shoulder effect and a tomato’s quality; although the abnormality affected tomatoes’ appearance, it does not mean they are “bad.” Full interview with Ismaela Andre: What was the biggest challenge? "I would say the biggest challenge of this process was definitely the connection part…the process of working with your mentor who's in Florida while working in Cold Spring Harbor. The communications were hectic because of the distance, but my professor was good at ensuring I had everything I needed.   What did you enjoy most? “I definitely enjoyed the experience of doing the project…when I would go down to cold spring harbor, plant the seeds and the process of watching the tomatoes grow.”   What did you take away from the experience?   “I did get learn how connections are very powerful...if I hadn’t gotten to know my mentor, I wouldn’t have been able to get into the Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Another thing that was equally important was learning the vocabulary of journal articles and annotating them.” Ismaela’s research delved deep into a common produce item and produced outstanding results that earned her an honorable mention at NYSSEF. Her hard work distinguished her from the many high school scientists across the state. Naturally, Ismaela will continue to pursue scientific studies as she focuses on chemistry as part of her pre-med track as an aspiring gynecologist. Ismaela shared, “The most valuable lesson for me was the learning experience itself and knowing that no matter where you go, you’ll always learn something new.” Congratulations, Ismaela! You are continuing to make North proud. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Aboard the Linguistic Train Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Noa Cordova This Spring, the Culture Fair, movies in language classes, music in the halls, and paper flowers officiated Foreign Language Month here at North. Foreign Language Month celebrations are meant to foster a deeper appreciation for all our various cultures and most importantly, their languages. “Learning languages promotes friendships” was this year’s Foreign Language Week theme. What else do languages promote? According to an article from the University of North Georgia, languages also promote an understanding of abstract concepts and better communication skills. As we move toward next school year, as the language learners many of us are, we should pledge with ourselves to continue our language studies; a pledge to continue pursuing the study of language is a pledge to enhance your academic and personal journey. I spoke to Ms. Scaglione, nicknamed “Scagz” by the North community, to get her perspective on languages as an Italian teacher; it is not a surprise that she believes that through language, “the world is yours; you conquer it.” Conversation Starter Ms. Scagz firmly believes in “the power of the word” regardless of the language. While having only Spanish and Italian to choose from may seem limiting, as someone who has studied both, the benefits of learning them are limitless. A point of emphasis of Foreign Language Month is that languages expand your worldview and foster an appreciation of diverse cultures. Studying the way a language flows, the expressions, and its idiosyncrasies, enhances your understanding of the members that speak it. Regardless of the language, learning a foreign language stimulates your brain in a way that cannot be underestimated. As highlighted in an Ithaca College article, studying a foreign language “increases analytical abilities” and aptitude in working with “abstract concepts” which sharpens cognitive abilities. During my interview with Ms. Scagz, she expressed that with foreign languages “you have control of everything you need to communicate effectively.” Effective communication in either Spanish or Italian can help form friendships. As a Spanish speaker, I have expanded my social circle significantly by putting myself out there and using my language skills. The ability to communicate with new people is an invaluable part of the language-learning experience and by far one of my favorites. Ms. Scagz shares, “Whether I was sitting in an airport or office, I would find that knowing different languages would somehow commence a conversation.” By the end of foreign language week and my interview with Ms. Scagz, it is reasonable to establish that knowing a foreign language is a big conversation starter. Interview Pleaser From what I have observed as a language student, job opportunities motivate students to learn a foreign language, and with good reason. It is without a doubt knowing a second language can prove useful in a future career and can make you more marketable when it comes to interviewing for a job. Based on Ms. Scagz’s experiences, knowing a foreign language is a big “interview pleaser”, and found that she was hired for virtually every job she applied for. Of course, knowing a second language does not guarantee placement in a field, and the demands of certain careers may vary, but it will not be disregarded in an interview. Linguistic Train Ms. Scagz’s students are familiar with her infamous concept of the linguistic train which occupies the back bulletin board of her classroom. The linguistic train represents the journey languages will take you on; they will take you far. As Ms. Scagz emphasized, “Knowledge of languages is power. You’re either on a linguistic train or you are not and if you’re on it, the more well-rounded you will be." Telling by the undeniable benefits of learning a language, boarding this theoretical linguistic train, will provide you with concrete skills that will shape your future. Bonus interview questions with Scagz:   How long have you been teaching? “30 years…I started teaching at 23 in college.”   Why did you become a world language teacher? “I was kind of pushed into it by my professors. They kept throwing scholarships and positions at me and I couldn’t say no. I wanted to open up my restaurant. I also wanted to be a translator; I was thinking of working in tourism in Europe.”    Has learning languages promoted friendships in your life? “And that’s another thing whether it is sitting in an airplane, airport, or office I would find that knowing different languages would somehow commence a conversation. Even on a train… a lot of times I was asked because I was watching a foreign film, watching an Italian or Spanish film and that would start a conversation. It was amazing, I made friends.”   Are there any challenges that come with speaking more than one language? “I don’t know if I could say there are challenges there and more opportunities. More ability to understand things. Sometimes I’m bewildered as to how I can connect things. You could put me in a room with the pope or the president and I could end up having a conversation where I could give my knowledge and get that respect back. It's more opportunistic than challenging.”   Is there anything I didn't ask you that you would like to talk about?  “I have found in languages something I can’t even explain. I zone in on words…my biggest objective in life, even though I didn’t want to be a teacher, is to give my students the same experience and knowledge and have them love the language instead of having them turned off to them...for them to see the power in language even if it’s hard." Sources: Why Study a Foreign Language? ( ung.edu ) Why You Should Study a Foreign Language | Ithaca College BACK TO TOP