Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Valentines’ Sweets By Christina Ossa Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Original photo by Christina Ossa With Valentine's Day creeping closer and closer, why not take initiative and bake something sweet for you and your special someone? If you have a valentine, whether it be a significant other or a friend, and you’re wondering what you could give them or do for them to show some love, it could be a good idea to put in some effort to bake them something. Valentine's Day is the day of the lovers or even just special connections with others, so I’ve compiled two recipes for that special someone that you can bake. While it may not be the easiest task, baking can be an amazing way to show someone that you care. Even if you don’t have a valentine, why not treat yourself and bake these sweets for yourself! “Sweetheart” Vanilla Cookies: Similar to its sister cookie, sugar cookies, this cookie is a buttery-delight that would easily please that special someone. These vanilla cookies are a treat for anyone who eats them, as they’re crisp and crunchy on the outside but have a buttery and soft texture when you bite into them. Also for an extra “touch” if you want to add some decoration to your cookies, I added a drizzle of melted white chocolate dyed red. If you want to wow your valentine or even just treat yourself, these cookies will leave you more than satisfied even if it seems like quite a bit of work at first. But, once you have your finished product of a beautiful vanilla cookie, you won’t be unsatisfied with the amount of work you put into them, and neither will your valentine! Ingredients: 3 ⅓ sticks butter 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar 1-2 large eggs 3 ¼ cups flour 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract A pinch of salt 3 oz white chocolate melts 3-4 drops of red food coloring Directions: Either wait until your eggs and butter are room temperature and the butter is softened, or put each stick of butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds Add your butter to a large bowl and slowly add your powdered sugar and mix with a hand mixer, whisk, or kitchen aid if you have one Add in the eggs one by one, mixing each time you add an egg Just as you mixed in the powdered sugar, pour in the flour little by little and mix it together until fully incorporated (batter should be sticky but not so much that it fully sticks to hands) Add in the salt and vanilla extract then transfer to either a piping bag to pipe the cookies or take about a golf ball size of batter and roll it in your hands into a ball Place or pipe the cookies onto a baking sheet and bake at 340°F for 10-15 minutes *OPTIONAL* Once the cookies are done and cooled down, melt 3 oz of melting white chocolate in a medium-sized bowl and dye it red with red food coloring once melted *OPTIONAL* drizzle the chocolate onto the cookies with a spoon and enjoy! “Cupid’s” Red Velvet Cake Pops Cake-pops are similar to cake since it’s the same as baking a cake only without the more complex icing aspect of it. These valentine red velvet cake-pops are especially delicious, as they’re covered by a hardened-layer of delicious white chocolate or candy and clumped together with decadent buttercream. If you’re deciding whether you want to bake a special treat for your valentine or just to treat yourself, then baking these cake-pops could be an amazing idea. The cake is airy and soft to bite, and the hint of chocolate from the red velvet flavor may be subtle, but is always an amazing touch. If the cake is a bit too much work for you, just substitute it for a boxed cake mix and follow the instructions on the back. If you’re looking for another recipe to bake for that special someone, feel free to wow them with some delicious Valentine themed cake-pops! Ingredients: Cake: 1 ½ sticks butter 5 tbsp sugar 4 egg yolks 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract ⅛ cup milk 3-4 drops red food coloring ¾ cake flour 4 tsp cocoa powder 2 tsp baking powder 4 egg whites ¼ cup sugar OR Substitute with boxed cake mix Buttercream Frosting: 3 sticks unsalted butter (softened) 3 cups powdered sugar 1 tbsp vanilla extract 2-3 tbsp milk Chocolate Coating: 12 oz white chocolate/candy melts 1 ½ tsp coconut oil (or substitute any other flavorless oil) Toppings of choice (sprinkles, candies, etc.) Cake-pop sticks *OPTIONAL* styrofoam Directions: Follow instructions on the back of the boxed cake mix OR Make sure the butter and eggs are room temperature and the butter is softened Separate the egg yolks from the whites Add the butter to a large bowl and mix with a hand mixer, whisk, or kitchen aid until it turns a light yellow and seems airy Once the butter is whipped, add the sugar and mix until combined Add the egg yolks one by one, mixing with every yolk you add-in and add in the vanilla extract Pour in the milk and red food coloring then mix Use a sift to sift in the CAKE flour (a type of flour made to make an airy cake), cocoa powder, and baking powder then use a spatula to fold it in or mix it in then set aside once combined In a separate, medium-sized bowl, pour in your egg whites and use a hand mixer, whisk, or KitchenAid and whisk until the egg whites become frothy/bubbly on the top Once the egg whites look frothy, add your sugar in ⅓’s and 30-second intervals into the egg white mixture (meaning once the whites are frothy add in about ⅓ of the ¼ cup sugar every thirty seconds and mix in between the thirty seconds) until the egg whites form a meringue (or when you take out the mixer they’ll form hardened peaks at the tips of the whisk or mixer attachment, if still confused look up “how to make meringue” on YouTube or Google) Once the merengue is complete, add it in thirds with a rubber spatula into the cake mixture until combined Prepare 2 cake tins with butter or PAM spray and bake the cake at 335°F for 30 minutes Combine the ingredients for the buttercream in a medium-sized bowl while the cake is baking, mix the butter and the sugar together for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy then add the rest into the mixture Melt the white chocolate/candy melts with coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds each time you place it into the microwave until smooth and fully-melted then add either red, pink, or white food coloring Once the cake is out of the oven and cooled, take it out of the tin and into a large-sized bowl and mash it until it’s crumbled, and set it aside Add the frosting into the bowl with the cake until combined Form about a golf-ball sized ball of cake for each cake pop and place a cake pop stick into each ball Dip the cake-pop balls with the sticks on them until it’s fully covered then add decorations of your choosing Either place the cake pops on a baking sheet to dry by smushing the top part onto the baking sheet so that it’s flat or stick the cake pop stick into the styrofoam Place the cake pops in the freezer/fridge for 20-40 minutes until dried, and once dried, enjoy! 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Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Story Behind the Shot 01 By Garrick Neuner Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original photography by Garrick Neuner (top left), Eva Grace Martinez (bottom left), and Olivia Neuner (right) Welcome to the first article in our newest segment, Story Behind The Shot ! (Thank you to Samantha Altieri for the title.) This segment serves to highlight the purpose and artistry behind Valley Stream North students’ use of social media. I’m the first author for the column, so here I’ll share 3 pictures from my Instagram account that best explain my purpose on the platform. Before I begin, I should address the large beaked animal in the room. In all my posts, I don an eerie, realistic, yet silly rubber bird mask. I bought the covering at a Halloween store as a simple yet evocative costume – me, but with a pigeon head. The acclaim from my fellow trick-or-treaters and unsuspecting homeowners alike gave me a unique and strange surge in confidence, allowing me to play out an eccentric character with almost no repercussions. Following that day, unfortunately, the mask sat collecting dusk in my closet, leaving all my Halloween fun behind. A few months later, feeling a nostalgic pang for the holiday and a desire to revive my character, I strove to share my concealed self once again. This time, though, I knew to record the experience for the entertainment of myself and my friends. Anonymity This picture in front of my mirror was the first I captured while wearing my mask, so it holds a special place in my heart. The inspiration for the photo came from my curiosities about social media, including why people post pictures of themselves on a consistent basis. Having rarely used Instagram before that day, I didn’t see the appeal. Eager to try new things, though, I planned to post a new image that day. The mask both metaphorically and literally hid my face from view, which I suppose could portray my ideas as deeply as a viewer sees fit. In a funny yet ironic commentary, along with my plain camera shyness, I posted the image with a simple caption: “Feelin pretty cute today”. The Likes flowed in, bringing me a hit of dopamine that finally made me realize why people post like this - and that I’d need to keep my own posts infrequent. (Photo credit Garrick Neuner) Adventure This photo represents the most effort I have put into a post. With careful planning, multiple accomplices, and even extra props, the hunt was on for the perfect snapshot of my day in Manhattan. One of my group's many destinations on that hectic day was the Vessel, an interactive tourist attraction and the symbol of the new Hudson Yards. This location was quite literally built for photographic opportunities, so it seemed natural to prepare to produce an amazing picture. Navigating the Vessel proved tiring after an already grueling walk through the city, with its gritty stone stairs providing no rest for exhausted legs. Nonetheless, we marched to the middle of the bronze tower to search for the perfect image. With props in hand and a spotter to make sure our coast was clear, I posed and the photo was captured by the camera (of THE NORTH STAR’s own Grace Martinez!). (Photo credit Grace Martinez) Awareness The photos I took in Vermont add one last facet to my Instagram experience. On my (pre-COVID) travels, I made it my goal to document my journeys with the crow mask in order to diversify the content on my account. Instead of lazily staring out the window on a long car ride, I actively sought out photo-ops. Even when arriving at a destination, I would search for the best places and angles to take a picture from. My increased awareness for my surroundings brought me more in touch with the environments I have encountered, both natural and manmade. My sister Olivia suggested I hide behind the flowers at our friends’ scenic Vermont home, and I loved the picture so much that it became the profile pic I use to this day. (Photo credit Olivia Neuner) If you’d like to write the next Story Behind the Shot , message me or our adviser, Mrs. Mansfield! BACK TO TOP

< Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Brian Chung This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left.

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Mrs. Rieger, Class of ‘22 By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Original photography by Elyas Layachi Introduction Mrs. Rieger is a mathematics teacher here at Valley Stream North High School, and she has taught a wide range of courses, from 8th grade mathematics to AP Computer Science A. This year, along with a few other teachers, she is retiring, or “graduating with the class of 2022.” This article features Mrs. Rieger, along with an interview with her regarding her experiences at North and her thoughts about retirement. Interview with Mrs. Rieger I decided to interview Mrs. Rieger regarding her thoughts on her time at North, as well as her feelings about retirement. The following questions were drafted by Mrs. Mansfield and the North Star staff. Her responses are below: When were you hired, and how many years have you worked here? I was hired in 2002, so this is my 20th year working at VS North. What was your most memorable moment at North? When my former student Giovanni Mascetti got a perfect score on his AP Computer Science Principles exam. A close second was when 94% of my AP Computer Science Principles classes passed the AP exam. What will you miss the most? All the friends that I made working at North. What are you most looking forward to in retirement? We are moving to be closer to my two daughters, and I am looking forward to being a part of their lives, and my grandchildren. What was your favorite student age group to teach and why? My favorite age group to teach is 11th and 12th grade because the students are mature enough to have an adult conversation. They are open about their lives and where they want to go in the future. What was your favorite course to teach and why? AP Computer Science A is my favorite course to teach because it is demanding and interesting to me. Students often feel like it is learning a new language. Tell a funny story about another teacher who still works here. When we went out with Covid in March of 2020, no one knew what to do. All the math teachers started talking to each other and one teacher had created their own YouTube Channel for their class videos that year. That teacher took an extremely popular song and revamped it for her Calculus BC class (yes, I mean Ms. Fomina). Ms. Fomina knew that students were struggling during COVID, as was everybody else, and used her talent for creating music to cheer everyone up during those hard times. Every year since she has written songs for her class and math teachers who retired. We handed out song sheets last year so the teachers could sing the modified song for Ms. Barbara. The students do not know how talented some of their teachers really are. Watch Mrs. Fomina's farwell song here: My Math Will Go On If you would travel, what destination is top on your list? Walt Disney World Resort with my daughter Kimberly. It is something I need to do with her because she did not come with us when she was a baby. After that is written off my list, I would like to explore the USA. I love history and want to visit places like Charleston, SC. Other places I would love to visit are Yosemite National Park. There are many wonderful places to go, and while I am there, I can visit relatives and friends. How do you feel now about your career choice? I made an excellent choice to become a teacher. It has been extremely rewarding, and I plan to work part-time as a teacher down in South Carolina, teaching math and computer science. Farewell Mrs. Rieger has contributed about two decades of her life to teaching in this building, helping students expand both their knowledge and their interest in mathematics and computer science. Personally, she helped me realize that I can do more than I think I am capable of. I originally was hesitant to join AP Computer Science A this year since I had no previous knowledge of the Java coding language. However, she inspired me to try my best and helped me do well in the class. Without her and other teachers like her, this building would not be the same. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Rieger, and enjoy your graduation! Be sure to come back and visit! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections The Road By Arunima Roy June 8, 2021 Oil Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Friends By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Infared Q. Dear Ala, I am in seventh grade and I don't have many friends. I had a lot of friends in elementary school, but most of them went to Memorial. That on top of Covid-19 is making it difficult for me to talk to the ones that are in North. It is hard for me to socialize because we have to wear masks and socially distance. Do you have any advice to help me make new friends? Sincerely, “Too” Socially Distant A. Hello and thank you for the question! Making friends in this new environment is definitely something we have to get used to. Firstly, I would advise you to try to still talk to your friends that went to Memorial. You already have a connection, and it would be a shame to just let that go without trying. To make new friends at North, I would join some clubs that interest you, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the people who attend them. You can check out the Virtual Club Fair channel on the North High School Team and see what clubs you might like. Hope this helps! Q. Dear Ala, My friend and I are starting to fight a lot more often, and it usually ends with us not talking to each other for a while. I always try to avoid arguing, but sometimes we just start to disagree, and disagreeing turns into arguing, and arguing turns into not talking to each other for days on end. How do I avoid fights with my friend so that we don't engage in passive-aggressive bickering almost every day? From, Arguing Friend A. Hello and thank you for the question! It seems to me that you and your friend have to realize having different opinions is not bad thing. Everyone has different viewpoints on situations and topics, and disagreeing is inevitable. Additionally, when you realize that the “disagreeing” is turning into “arguing,” that might be a good point to take a moment for yourself and calm down. Taking time to sort things out is also not bad, it is actually crucial. Keeping up a relationship, any type, requires work and patience such as talking things out and taking time for yourself. If you are not in the right space, keeping up a friendship is off the list. Hope this helps and good luck! Q. Dear Ala, I'm angry at one of my friends, but I don't know how to let her know. I've tried giving her subtle hints, but she either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Since she can be sensitive sometimes, I'm afraid that if I tell her, she'll take it too much to heart. I just really don't want to ruin the friendship. Thanks for your help, Sensitive Friend A. Hello and thank you for the question! The best option would be to just confront her about it. Be straightforward with what is bothering you. If the matter is important to you, it will also be important to her. I’m glad you are trying to look out for her and consider the fact that she is sensitive. However, after this much effort, you can’t keep sacrificing your emotions for her. This will be a little bit of a wakeup call for her to pay closer attention to what you are trying to tell her in the future. Good luck! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Zaiden Jackson - Prism By Zaiden Jackson November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Adiós, Señora Berg Mikayla Aziz Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Lauren Berg Adiós, Señora Berg Growth and new opportunities are exciting, yet they can leave a hole in the heart of what you outgrow. Señora Berg, a former student at North High School, now becomes a former North Spanish Teacher after 8 memorable years. As a versatile educator teaching classes from Spanish 1 to Spanish 3, and a forward-thinking leader who helped to create North’s accelerated Spanish program, Mrs. Berg has most definitely left her mark on this school. In her leaving, it is a good time to appreciate and reflect on her time at Valley Stream North. Mrs. Berg grew up in an environment that shaped her into the understanding and caring teacher she is today. Being the eldest of 4 siblings and around 20 cousins, she was a natural with kids. In fact, she never expected to teach high school at all, but she rather had her mind set on teaching elementary level children. Her career path altered while taking Spanish classes in high school. Mrs. Berg reminisces about these times stating, “In high school, I fell in love with language.” Because teaching Spanish was not as popular of an option in elementary schools, her college education veered more towards middle and high school, subsequently leading to new experiences during her schooling such as her “life-changing” trip to Spain. Living in a small town with a new family where everyone solely spoke Spanish for an entire college semester may seem nerve-wracking, but Señora Berg rose to the challenge. She ended up loving her time there and believes it helped her to develop as a Spanish speaker and person, even going as far as to say she “would highly recommend studying abroad to anybody, even if [they’re] not pursuing a language,” purely because of the exposure to new cultures and people it offers. Once finishing the necessary schooling, Mrs. Berg became a teacher at a secondary school outside of the VSCHS District, and from there is where her career really took off. Prior to teaching Spanish at North for eight years, she taught at Memorial Junior High School for six years and two other schools for two years, making this 2024-2025 school year her 17th year teaching. While a majority of that time was spent at VSN, it was certainly not her first experience with the school. Mrs. Berg attended North in seventh grade, eventually making her way back to the environment she feels is welcoming and unique. Based on her experiences as a student, and later as a teacher, Señora Berg concludes that “every school has its own culture … shaped by different administrators, colleagues, and students,” furthering this point by bringing up North’s large age range. In North’s hallways, you may pass a 12-year-old tween in seventh grade one second, and a legal 18-year-old senior the next. This school’s diversity is better put into perspective when one also takes into account that students and teachers come from so many backgrounds, ethnicities, home-lives, and even different countries at times. All these unique people come together to create a one-of-a-kind community. All these unique people come together to create Valley Stream North High School, a school with the ability to form a lasting impact. Another unforgettable experience from Mrs. Berg’s time at VSN besides its atmosphere was the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid was a notable point in everyone's career, student, and teacher alike. Yes, society has, for the most part, resumed as normal since the start of the pandemic over four years ago; however, Mrs. Berg recalls this time, stating, "[I] evolved a lot as a teacher, especially during Covid, because it forced me to figure out ways to differentiate and present information in different ways … [and] embrace technology...I think that that's changed me...permanently." After spending such a large portion of her teaching career at this school through a time that changed the way we learn during and following the COVID-19 pandemic as well as learning and becoming a part of North’s complex yet open community, it’s hard to leave. Señora Berg perfectly summarizes her transition to her new job as “bittersweet.” She is, of course, looking forward to the path that lies ahead of her in her new position as a language chairperson in a new district, as well as the opportunities this position brings professionally. Now that she has more of an administrative position rather than her former role as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Berg is eager to take control, stating, “I’m excited … [to] help shape the language department, encourage teachers, share what I’ve learned, and share what I know.” While this is all very exciting, there is much to miss. Mrs. Berg could never forget all of the friends she has met and students she’s met during her time working here, but she has proven that she will do extraordinarily wherever she is through the impact she has made during her time at North. For example, her support for the new accelerated program implemented at the start of the last school year demonstrates her dedication and willingness to take initiative. She says that when approached about the new idea, she “volunteered to basically spearhead that program [accelerated Spanish].” Her efforts are clear to even her students. Maxximus Estrada, for example, a tenth grader at North who had Mrs. Berg for Spanish 2.3 last year, notes “she made that Spanish class easier for me even though there was a lot of information within the course.” He also mentions her “innovation and creativity” with her use of her sticker system in which students who receive high test grades get a sticker on their test that they can collect and trade in for rewards such as a homework pass, extra credit points, or something more fun like Jibbitz for their Crocs. This kind of carefully crafted system makes it clear that Mrs. Berg keeps her students in mind, and she encourages them in their academic and personal lives. Liliana Ossa, another North student who had Mrs. Berg for Spanish 3, says “I will miss Señora Berg a lot because she was one of the best Spanish teachers at North! … [She] has made me feel more comfortable with Spanish as a language and helped me feel proud of my [Hispanic] heritage.” After getting a Spanish award at the end of ninth grade, Liliana says she was “overjoyed and continued to work even harder in her class and this year of Spanish,” showing that involved teachers like Mrs. Berg make a difference. She is even remembered by students who have already graduated, such as Marcos Aziz who graduated 2021, who said “Even though I already knew Spanish going into her class, Mrs. Berg helped me to further my knowledge and my formal Spanish.” Breeana Bernabe, a student who had Mrs. Berg for Spanish 1 in eighth grade after transferring schools, recalls “She's good at teaching especially because I was new to Spanish class.” Between Marcos’ and Breeana’s testaments, it is evident that Señora Berg is a flexible and versatile teacher who can adapt to teach at all levels. Outside of these amazing qualities and more, one of Mrs. Berg’s best characteristics is that she truly cares for her students. When asked about her legacy at North, she responded, “I know that not everyone loves language, but I hope that I've made it enjoyable.” Mrs. Berg’s tenacity, adaptability, and big heart are what made her a memorable teacher, and what will help her to become a great leader. She will be missed, but there is no doubt that she will excel in her new position. Adiós Señora Berg, we’ll miss you. 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

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections The History of Christmas By Leah Ally Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Christmas, observed on December 25th, is a holy religious event as well as a cultural and economic phenomenon. The public has been celebrating it with customs and rituals both religious and secular in nature for two millennia now. Christmas Day is marked by Christians as the anniversary of the birth of the spiritual figure, known as Jesus, whose teachings serve the foundation of their faith. Around the world, the middle of winter has traditionally been a festive period. It began with early Europeans as they celebrated light and birth in the deepest winter days centuries before the arrival of the man known as Jesus. When the worst of winter was over and longer days and more sunlight could be looked forward to, the winter solstice was celebrated. In most of Europe, the end of December was the ideal period for festivities. Most cattle were killed at that time of year so they would not need to be fed throughout the winter. Many people only had access to fresh meat during that time of year. Also, much of the wine and beer produced over the year had finally fermented and was ready for consumption. As a result, people began to see the winter season as a rewarding time of year fit for celebration. The main holiday on the early years of Christianity was Easter as opposed to honoring the birth of Jesus. Church leaders made the decision to make the birth of Jesus a holiday in the fourth century. Church leaders boosted the likelihood that Christmas would be widely accepted by timing it to coincide with traditional winter solstice holidays, but they also relinquished control over how it was observed. Christianity had largely displaced pagan religion by the Middle Ages. On Christmas, believers went to church before having a wild celebration in a drunken carnival-like setting much like Mardi Gras today. Throughout the centuries, Christmas was considered one of the most joyous times of year, yet it did not become a national holiday until June 26th, 1870. The United States did not widely celebrate Christmas until the 19th century, yet it was America that had reinvented Christmas and its traditions. It was turned from a boisterous carnival festival into a day focusing on families, serenity, and nostalgia. Why was this transition made? Early in the 19th century, there was turbulence and class struggle. Unemployment was prevalent at the time, and the disenfranchised classes frequently rioted around the Christmas season. In reaction to a Christmas riot, the New York City Council established the first police force in the city in 1828. This inspired some upper-class citizens to start changing how Christmas was observed in America. Christmas has faced numerous reforms throughout its history, yet the basic idea of the holiday has remained: a time for family and friends to be with each other and celebrate the winter season. BACK TO TOP