Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Soldier By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Medpage Today The soldier has survived the impossible. But there’s so much going on in that little helmet of his That he smacks it away, smacking it away. Until it goes away, except it never does. The soldiers says he’s fine, but those words quickly float away Without any meaning. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Senior Send-Off Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Christy Mansfield As the year ends it is crucial that we recognize our hardworking class of 2025 graduates that have allowed North Star to grow. We thank each and every one of them for continued dedication, effort, and time invested into growing our club and school newspaper. This would not have been possible without them, and it has been a privilege working alongside them for so long. Therefore, to send-off our North Star seniors, we wrote a personal thank you to each one. Noa Cordova : Noa, ever since you took over as editor-in-chief I knew we were in good hands. I speak for everyone when I say that your work ethic is truly admirable. Not only have you run meetings, edited articles, but also provided a strong presence as the editor-in-chief that has been the driving force behind our paper. Your positive attitude and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and you’ve been a role model to me in the time that I have worked with you. Thank you for your unwavering efforts and helping shape North Star to what it is today. Rehmat Kaur : Rehmat, as our Sports Section Editor you’ve made North Star everything it aspires to be in terms of a school newspaper. You have consistently kept up with our North athletes and sport teams throughout each season and we thank you for that. Your consistency can be seen through your many interviews and analysis that not only recognized and honored our athletes but also allowed for their voices to be heard. Your time at North Star has encompassed what it means to be a reliable journalist. Thank you, Rehmat for all your work. Elaine Ching : Elaine, as our lead Layout and Social Media Designer without you, North Star would not be what it is today. You have kept up and designed every detail of our website. From uploading articles to constant updates, you allow our paper to be the best it could be. Not to mention your dedication to producing original artwork has allowed for our paper to be truly authentic and much more enjoyable for our readers. It’s your behind the scenes work that allows for our work to be seen, promoted, and displayed for all. You’ve been a crucial part of North Star , and you deserve all the credit and more for your contributions. Thank you, Elaine! Marco Alvarez : Marco, as part of our Layout Team and our spreadsheet manager, it is your work that allows for our voices to be heard and published. You have been nothing short of consistent, focused, and all around a reliable member. Your role requires hard work that deals with many technical details and organization, and you have done that perfectly which has allowed us to thrive. Not only that, but you’ve always kept the interests of others in mind and truly demonstrated yourself to be dependable. Thank you, Marco! Isabel Barret : Isabel, as our Feature Section Editor you have produced nothing short of interesting and thorough articles. Overseeing such a broad and wide-ranging section is by no means an easy task, yet you’ve followed through time and time again. Each meeting you're always one of the first to offer ideas and suggestions. It is that very attitude that makes a paper successful and why it was such a pleasure to work with you Without you our feature section would not be the same and we thank you for everything, Isabel! Sahar Ali : Sahar, as news section editor, we’ve seen you produce the most interesting current news and political articles. You’ve brought awareness and in-depth information about the most serious world issues, and you never fail to do it well. What I most admire about you is your passion. Your passion to share your opinions while delivering some of the most reliable articles North Star has to offer. It is because of you our news section was so strong the past few years and your drive has not been overlooked, thank you Sahar. Sophia Songveertham : Sophia, as our photographer, your role to North Star is a unique one and so cherished. Your talent, your dedication, and the time put into attending North’s many athletic events can all be seen by the many photos you have dedicated to our paper. You’ve contributed to our originality, sharing the achievements of our athletes, and overall making our paper stand out. Photography is not only a skill, but an art, and you encompass every aspect of that in your work, thank you Sophia. Manal Layachi : Manal, you’ve been a prominent and consistent member of North Star for many years. Over the time you’ve stuck with us, you have produced a variety of articles regarding school life and running to science and entertainment. Even while handling so much such as being an athlete and you never fail to be an active member and prioritize North Star . Your drive for writing will be dearly missed and we thank you Manal for all the time you dedicated into helping our paper bloom. Aamna Raja : Aamna, as our advice columnist you took on a very challenging role all with the goal of helping our readers and reminding others they are not alone. Your section is not only a place of help but for comfort for those who ever needed someone thoughtful to tackle any issues. By fulfilling such a role in North Star you’ve truly helped our paper shine as not only a school newspaper but one that served students in ways beyond academics. Thank you, Aamna! Each one of you has left a lasting impact on not only North Star but also everyone that got the privilege to work with you! Your work will not be forgotten, and you’ve left a legacy that will continue to be admired. We wish you all the very best and know you will all continue to succeed! Thank you, Seniors! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections How Does One Know When to Ask for Help? By Alicja Paruch Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by Ted Ideas Thank you for reaching out! Whether one is struggling mentally, has family issues or quarrels with friends, there are levels of intensity to it. Let’s also consider, everyone sees the world differently and perceives situations as normal for them, so this perception can vary. Your brain and body usually try to bring it up and signal to you that you might need help or support. Your mood may swing more, or you may be looking down more. Deep down, if something is not right; a person knows it subconsciously, but consciously blocks it. Mental health issues or toxic relationships may seem easily fixed from an outsider’s perspective, but the change needs to start with the person experiencing problems. Try to evaluate your situation. Does everything feel normal? Maybe something feels slightly off, but you just move on? Ask yourself questions and don’t be afraid to consider trying to see things through different lenses. Also, be honest with yourself: in the end you’re just thinking to yourself, and there is nobody judging you. You can compare your view to others’ as well. Maybe they react to similar situations differently? Try to gauge your input. How much of your situation depends on you? If you can try to change your perspective for one that makes you happier, give it a try. This is much easier said than done, but you’re in control of yourself, so take advantage of that. Also, remember to consider your choices. “Yes” and “No” are powerful words no matter how insignificant they may have become in problematic situations. Try to express your opinion more and say “No” to what you don’t agree with, and don’t be afraid to say “Yes” if you want something.  Is this the time to ask? If the situation is not in your hands, if you can’t control the outcomes and you are consistently getting hurt, it is time to ask. If you get overwhelmed by your emotions and can’t deal with them by yourself, ask for help. In these extreme cases, you should ask for help. If you want someone to listen to you, or just feel that someone is there, that is also the right time to ask. If your mental health starts to slip and you experience emotional distress, others continue to hurt you despite your pleas to stop, or situations that make you as a person uncomfortable or fall into a spiral of pain, then you should also be asking for help. “support” versus “help”: I wanted to emphasize that, no matter how big or small your problem may be, asking for help or support is something everyone needs, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it! People you trust will always want to help you because life is not about how much you can accomplish by yourself, but how much you can grow from your experiences.  I also asked Ms. Kehoe, one of North’s school psychologists, the same question, so you can get the opinion of a professional as well. She said, "I know the question is when to ask for help, but before I get into that, I want to make sure to start off by saying that there is never a wrong time to ask for it. The kind of help or support you need will depend on what it is that is causing you to wonder if you need the support in the first place. Support can come in all forms, such as friends, family, teachers, coaches, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and outside therapists. For example, suppose it’s your academics that you’re overwhelmed with. In that case, it may be a conversation with your teacher that is necessary and assistance with a consistent extra-help schedule. Another example is that, unfortunately, some of our students have had to experience the passing away of a family member or another traumatic family event. In this case, you can let your parent and a trusted staff member know that you are going through a tough time, and they can help get you connected to help, such as check-ins with a mental health professional in the school building, and if needed on a more regular basis, a referral for outside therapy. Sometimes there doesn't need to be a significant event to occur… to feel like you need help. For instance, maybe you notice you have had trouble sleeping, feel unusually lethargic and/or unmotivated, have lost interest in activities that you usually love, and no longer have the desire to hang out with your typical peer group. These examples are just some of many that can tell you it may be time to ask a trusted adult for support or help to access it. No problem, too small or too big, should keep you from asking for support—asking for help is a STRENGTH, not a weakness. It can be as simple as telling your friend or family member, ‘I'm having a tough time right now; I don't know what I need or what would make me feel better. Can you try to help me figure it out?’” I hope this helps! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections EGM’s Top 5 By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Car Throttle Hello everyone! It is once again the time of year when I convince myself that doing a music review won’t be death upon my sanity. As much as I could spend hours going on and on about all the music I’ve loved (and hated) this year, here is a bite-sized review of my top 5 favorite songs of 2021! Note: The songs do not have to have been released in 2021 to count towards this list; I find that my music taste would be hard to limit to a yearly format. Also, this list functions in descending order; therefore, 5 is the least favorite of my favorites.  5. Maps - The Front Bottoms Are “The Front Bottoms” the best band you’ve ever heard? Definitely not. A folk-punk band from Woodcliff Lake, NJ, it is undeniably one of my favorite bands of all time. Full of clever lyrics surrounding the idea of growing up, making future plans, and ultimately trying to achieve your goals even when your relationships become tangled because of your ambitions. This song has sunk into my bones. As a senior grappling with what feels like an infinitely changing reality, attempting to hang on to lifelong dreams and passions, and doing my best to adhere to my “big big plans,” I have found comfort in Brian Sella’s sweaty-palmed and awkward adolescence.  If you like this song, check out: Skeleton - The Front Bottoms, Redo- Modern Baseball, and Romance is Boring- Los Campesinos! 4. Wasteland Baby- Hozier Ever wanted to live out your dreams of running away to a cottage in the woods and making cookies until the warmth of the stove matches the warmth in your heart? If so, this song is for you. This song may just be the sweetest end of the world you have ever seen; as Hozier pushes a clear and warm melody over a simple plucked guitar, you might find yourself falling in love with rainy Sundays best spent in PJs with those you care about most. The lyrics paint a soft description of two people falling in love with the end of it all in the background, but is their love world ending, or is the end of the world the reason they love? Your guess is as good as mine.  If you like this song, check out: Like Real People Do- Hozier (Ala recommends this one too), Nine in the Afternoon- Panic! at the Disco, and Shampoo Bottles- Peach Pit 3. Keep It Easy- Bears Tn Trees A self-described “dirtbag boy-band” from South London, Bears in Trees is one band I am always excited for. I’ll be honest; I’m reluctant to place this band on this list because they’re my “I’ve been a fan since day one” band. Yet, my love for their new album and everyone smiled back (editor’s note, the title is stylized to be lowercase) continues to grow as I keep listening. Keep It Easy is an upbeat romp through attempting to, well, keep it easy. Its joyful tones and gang vocals make it feel like something to be screamed at the top of your lungs amongst friends. This song has the distinct feel of the first 50-degree day after a long cold winter; it’s not perfectly warm yet, but it’s getting there, and you’re overjoyed because of it.  If you like this song, check out: I’m Doing Push Ups- Bears in Trees, The Moss- Cosmo Sheldrake, and Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry- Lovejoy 2. Glitter and Crimson- All Time Low Alright, listen, this is where my personal bias starts to be increasingly apparent. With most songs I listen to, I connect with them because of lyrical witticisms, interesting melodies, or cool production choices. Not simply because I find something relatable, see the entirety of 100gecs.  But this one? This one is entirely personal. The lyrics tell the story of a hidden and closeted pair of lovers, choosing to risk it all by coming out and fighting for their right to love openly. The singer knows that if they let the “sunshine fade,” everything good they’ve got is likely to be washed down the drain. I first heard this song while learning to drive down a nearly empty highway during the early pandemic, and while tinged in the empty sadness of April 2020, I swear I can still feel the sun through the windshield when I hear it. Clover, this one’s for you.  If you like this song, check out: Backseat Serenade- All Time Low, Fourth of July- Fall Out Boy, and Voldemort- With Confidence 1. You would Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone Was Out to Get You)- Waterparks Waterparks have been the top artist on my Spotify Wrapped for two years in a row. I crowd surfed for the first time at their NYC show on November 25th, 2019, an experience I would later craft into my college essay. On November 5th, 2021, I was lucky to see them and crowd surf again. Two years later, I had learned to take every second for granted, and I wasn’t going to waste my chance.  As the crowd once again lifted me, I felt my heart swell. This song was playing loud enough to damage my hearing, I was sweaty from being crammed into the pit, and I knew my makeup must have been melting off my face, but none of that mattered. I was flying, singing, laughing, and honestly just trying not to fall. Regardless of my opinions on this artist in the future, I cannot deny the astronomical impact they’ve had on my high school career.  If you like this song, check out: Lowkey as H*ll- Waterparks, Planetary Go!- My Chemical Romance, and Choke- I Don’t Know How but They Found Me And that’s a wrap! I hope this list helps you find something new to listen to as we enter 2022 or reminds you of an old favorite. I know I can’t wait to see what next year brings!  P.S.  Interested in hearing more? Here are a few Honorable mentions (in no particular order): Sofia- Clairo, Coals- Modern Baseball, Karma- MODSUN, Perfume- Lovejoy, Alrighty Aphrodite- Peach Pit, Kenny- Still Woozy, Heatwaves- Glass Animals, Passerine- The Oh Hello’s 26- Caamp BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections History of Christmas Ornaments Annie Rachek Volume 6 Issue 3 Image Provided by Adobe If you celebrate Christmas, there is a good chance that you have hung a Christmas ornament on a tree. There are wooden ornaments, handmade paper ornaments, plushie ornaments, plastic ornaments, and many more. An ornament is defined by the English dictionary as “make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items.’’ So, if you hook something small on a Christmas tree to decorate it, that is a Christmas ornament. In this article, we will explore the beginnings of the Christmas ornament, the Christmas tree, its history, and how it became a household tradition. The first formal Christmas celebration was on December 25, 336 A.D, but Christmas trees according to the National Christmas Tree Association or NCTA were not around until the early 1500’s. The earliest records of Christmas trees the NCTA found were from 1510 and the 1530’s. At this time Christmas trees were purchased and displayed undecorated in the households of many in Alsace, France that at the time was a German Territory. As stated by NCTA, Christmas trees became popular throughout Europe, and foods like nuts and fruits were commonly used as the first ornaments. Jumping to the 1600’s as accordance with an Ourworld Christmas article, intricate glass ornaments started to be created by German glassblowers to further add to the beauty of Christmas trees. They were created in the shape of Christmas symbols like stars and angels. They also created ornaments of common items in that area such as strawberries that commonly grown in the German/French areas. These ornaments were originally called baubles and continued to be crafted and designed in Louscha, Germany by Hans Greiner in 1847 the grandson of the original glassblower Christoph Muller. According to the House of Pixen the first publicly decorated Christmas tree was in 1747. Around this time Christmas Trees and ornaments were only really a tradition of Lutheran Christians. Lutheranism is a denomination of Christianity. Around the early 1800’s, many Lutherans and many others immigrated to the Americas causing a small spread of ornaments to the Americas, but what really kicked off ornaments was Queen Victoria of England. As House of Pixen stated “Queen Victoria was said to be quite taken with the tradition of baubles and brought them from Germany to Europe in the mid late 1800’s.’’ The royals also were sketched for The London News in 1859, with a tree decorated with finest ornaments. Everyone had their eyes on the royals as these ornaments became ‘all the rage’ in not only England but in America as well. By the 1890’s German glass hand blown ornaments had sales of about $25 million in a Woolworth’s Department Store, an American department store. $25 million is worth almost $900 million in 2026 and was and still is an astronomical amount of money. Around this time ornaments became popular around the world, with Eastern European countries and Japan starting to produce ornaments to keep up with Germany and the U.S. Ornaments started to become collectible with Hallmark introducing their keepsake ornaments in 1973. Today many families around the world use ornaments to breathe life into their trees. Even with Christmas having passed, many people still collect ornaments such as hallmark’s yearly ornaments. Ornaments can be made from glass, cotton, wood, and much more and could be used to celebrate so much more than just Christmas. So, no matter what or how you celebrate consider looking into buying or making ornaments, you might just find something special. Sources Findmypast National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) Ourworld Christmas House of Pixen In2013dollars Annualoranments BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections King Tutankhamun and the Curse By Rehmat Kaur Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by The BBC This is the tomb of King Tutankhamun, commonly known as King Tut, who became Pharaoh of Egypt at the age of nine in 1332 B.C. He was granted command of his civilizations during a time of conflict with neighboring kingdoms for territory. King subsequently married his half-sister because they had the same father. During his reign, he contributed to the restoration of traditional Egyptian religion and art. He died at the age of nineteen from a broken leg, according to scientists, but in 2010, evidence of malaria parasites were discovered in Tutankhamun's remains, indicating that malaria, potentially in combination with degenerative bone disease, may have been the reason. This has debunked the widely held belief that the Egyptian pharaoh was assassinated by a blow to the head over 3,300 years ago. A curse was placed over King Tut's tomb to keep robbers and political adversaries from desecrating the burial, and the curse was invoked against offenders. His mummy was found over 30,000 years after his death by British archeologist Howard Carter and others in 1922. Mr. Carter died unexpectedly a few months after the tomb was discovered igniting the legend of the mummy's curse. Another popular victim of the alleged curse was George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who funded the excavation of King Tut's tomb. Lord Carnarvon died of blood poisoning after accidentally tearing open a mosquito bite while shaving. There is still no evidence of whether the deaths were a cause of being exposed of the alleged "curse of the pharaohs", but the deaths were quite coincidental; it is still a mystery. BACK TO TOP

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

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Zainab- Sophia Mura Sophia Mura February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Artemis I – NASA’s Return to The Moon By Elyas Layachi Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by NASA On July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first human to walk on the Moon, uttering his famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” as he exited the lunar module. Out of the 15 total Apollo Missions, seven landed on the moon, with a total of twelve astronauts setting foot on the moon between 1969 and 1972. Since the Apollo moon landing, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has focused most of its resources on Low-Earth Orbit activities, including the Space Shuttle Program (1981 – 2011), the development of various space telescopes, and the construction and use of the International Space Station (1993 – present). However, NASA is not currently diverting all its resources to the ISS. With the help of private industries such as SpaceX and Boeing, NASA is using some of its resources to create both the Space Launch System, the world’s most powerful three-stage rocket system, and the Orion space capsule, the next-generation space capsule (based on the Apollo capsule’s design) that will be used to send humans to the Moon and even Mars soon. NASA created its Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion space capsule for its Artemis 1 Moon Program to return to the moon by the end of the decade. Construction on the Space Launch System began in 2011 by NASA and was completed in 2021. The super rocket can produce 8.8 million pounds of maximum thrust during its launch and can be modified in several ways for different types of missions. According to NASA, the Orion spacecraft will serve “as the exploration vehicle that will carry the crew to space, provide emergency and capability, sustain astronauts during their missions and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.” Its heat shield is designed similarly to that of the Apollo capsule, but Orion is larger and can house four astronauts as opposed to three. Artemis 1, the first in a series of Artemis missions, will be the first unmanned flight test of both components of Artemis: SLS and the Orion spacecraft. SLS will launch Orion into Earth orbit while releasing 10 small satellites, and Orion will use its propulsion systems to maneuver around the moon and return to Earth. The launch was originally planned for August 2022, but NASA delayed the launch to October 2022 due to rocket malfunctions and tropical storm Ian. The new launch date is now November 14th, 2022, with a launch window opening at 12:07 AM Eastern. If all goes well and Artemis 1 proves to be successful, NASA will continue to work through its Artemis timeline, preparing for Artemis 2, the first scheduled crew mission of NASA’s Orion Spacecraft and SLS. It has a planned mission duration of 10 days and is expected to be launched in May 2024. In total, the Artemis program plans to have three launches, but that is subject to change depending on the results of those launches. Artemis 1 is paving the way for humans to set foot once again on the Moon. As NASA says in their launch advertisements, “We are going back to the moon!” Be sure to tune in to NASA’s social media live streams on November 14th, 2022, to witness history in the making. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Division IIIA Track and Field Championships By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Original photography by VSN (Pictured: Ryan John, Long Jump and Triple Jump winner at NYSPHAA Division 1 State Championships) On May 17th, 2022, the Valley Stream North High School varsity track team competed at the Division Championships. It took place at North, and six schools from across the county came: South Side High School, George H. Hewlett High School, Sewanhaka High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Manhasset Secondary School, and Roosevelt High School. There were a lot of events such as hurdles, jumping, running, the shotput throw, and the two-mile. The girls’ team won with 174 points and the boys’ team won with 184 points, both earning the title of Conference Champions. VSN Boys Spring Track team - 1st place VSN Girls Spring Track team - 1st place One of the coaches of the varsity track team, Mr. Frazer, answered a few questions about the Division Championships and track in general: What is your favorite part about track and coaching? “Seeing kids grow as people. Seeing kids treat each other with respect and care about how their teammates do.” What does track mean to you? “I was lucky enough to participate in track in high school and college, and I have made many friends from those teams. To me, track is a way that kids can learn life lessons about responsibility, time management, accountability, goal setting... and making new friends!” How do you think the track team will do in the County Championships? “Both teams will finish in the top 3, but I hope we win both the boys’ and the girls’ team title!” If you had any advice for a member of the track team, what would it be? “To get better, you have to train EVERY DAY and do not quit!” What was your reaction to Elyas Layachi running with one shoe on? “I knew he would keep running. He is the type of runner that does not quit.” What do you think motivated Elyas Layachi to keep going? “Elyas knew that every point mattered, and he needed to get that 6th place point. He is the type of kid that will NEVER let his teammates down, so I knew the One-Shoe Wonder would finish!” If you were him, would you have kept running? “Of course! I would NEVER miss meets or races. My teammates counted on me, and I would never let them down.” Another coach on the track team, Mr. Boyens, also answered some questions about the Division Championships. How did you feel when both the girls’ team and boys' team won the Division Championships? “Elated! Everyone has worked so hard this season.” What is your favorite part about track/coaching? “In coaching I get to help athletes meet and exceed the expectations they have for themselves. I help young people realize the value of hard work and the joy and comradery of being part of a team.” What does track mean to you? “It is an opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves and figure out what they are really capable of as an athlete.” How do you think the track team will do in the County Championships? “I think we have a chance to do very well this year at the County Championships. This year’s team is very talented and hardworking. Combined, those two attributes are hard to beat.” If you had any advice for a member of the track team, what would it be? “Compete for your teammates, not yourself, and you will achieve at a level you didn't think possible.” What was your reaction to Elyas Layachi running with one shoe on? “At first maybe a little worried, then I saw the determination in his face and stride and my worry turned to pride!” What do you think motivated Elyas Layachi to keep going? “Easy. The love for his TEAM.” If you were him, would you have kept running? “I don’t know. It takes a ton of fortitude to run 2 miles with only one shoe on.” Elyas Layachi, a junior distance runner, ran the 3200-meter race (two miles) with one shoe on! His coach, Mr. Frazer, gave him a nickname: The One-Shoe Wonder! These are some questions that Elyas answered regarding what happened: What happened at the beginning of your race?  “Right at the beginning of the race, when the gun went off, the racers behind me attempted to cut into lane one. As they were cutting in, I was already ahead, and one of them stumbled and dug their shoe into the back of mine, causing my heel to slip out of the shoe.” What decision did you make after your shoe came off? “In the few seconds I had to make a decision, two scenarios came to mind: I could either slow down and attempt to fit my shoe back on, losing my spot in the pack in the race, or I could launch my shoe off my foot and keep running to stay in the race. I ultimately decided to throw off the shoe and embrace the pain that would come when bombarding the track with one foot.” What motivated you to keep running? “The fact that the team and my friends were counting on me motivated me to keep running. Our track team is like a family: we’ve been through the toughest moments together, through training, and we were always there for each other. I felt as if I had to do it for my fellow distance runners, as well as other members of the team, to score points and lead us to victory. Furthermore, the fact that such an experience would define me as a runner motivated me and inspired me to never give up and prove myself as an athlete with tenacity.” How did it feel running with one shoe on? “I must say, it felt very odd. I’ve seen some videos on YouTube where Olympians have run with one shoe on. An example is in the 3000-meter Men’s Steeplechase (the shoeless runner ended up winning the event), and it immediately came to mind once my shoe came off. My foot felt very bare compared to the foot with a shoe (my right foot), and I could feel the unevenness of the track hitting my foot with every other step. My strides were also uneven, and I could feel my body swaying to the left with every other step as well. As we neared lap 5, my foot started to have a tingling sensation, and it felt like it was going to give out. However, on the last lap, with the help of my motivating teammates, I set the pain aside and used every last bit of energy inside me to kick to the finish line. It was probably one of the speediest kicks I’ve ever executed.” After your race, what was one feeling you had? “After my race, one feeling I had was confusion but satisfaction. Not only was I still stunned by the fact that I ran eight laps on the track without a racing shoe on, but the fact that I reacted so calmly and in control made such an experience seem unreal. However, I was satisfied since I was able to still secure a scoring spot in the race, knowing that every point counts toward a team victory.” Do you like your new nickname “The One-Shoe Wonder”? “I do like my new nickname, actually! I remember the moment in the race when my coach found out I lost one shoe and called out the nickname on the loudspeaker. It made me famous in a way!” Do you have any advice for a runner if something unexpected happens during their race? “All you have to do is keep on running. No matter what difficulties you are faced with, whether it’s a competitive race or you’re at a significant disadvantage (i.e. you lose a shoe), just remember that the moment is temporary, and temporary pain will lead to permanent success only if you embrace it and learn to control your emotions and actions regarding it. It seems really hard when discussing it, but when on the track, with the adrenaline rush and your teammates supporting you, it becomes almost second nature to keep pushing for victory and success.” After winning the Division Championships, all the members of the track team were full of pride and glad that all their hard work paid off. Everyone on the team treats each other with kindness and respect. We are a big family that cheers everyone on, and we support each other no matter what. That is what makes our team special and different from other track teams. Overall, the team did an amazing job, and be sure to wish them good luck at the County Championships! Go Spartans! Update: Both teams ended up earning the County Champions titles and Ryan John won two NY State titles for Long Jump and Triple Jump (pictured above). BACK TO TOP