Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Holiday Sweets By Christina Ossa Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original photography by Christina Ossa As we continue settling into the New Year, it’s always a good idea to reflect on what made our year and the passing holiday season special. Holiday desserts are a pinnacle of Christmas for me since I bake many different desserts during every winter break for my family to enjoy. Even during a more underwhelming Christmas season (in my opinion at least), I looked forward to baking different varieties of holiday-themed cookies as well as pies and other desserts. Here, I’ll share a couple of my favorite recipes you can enjoy either in passing for the rest of this cold winter season. While these recipes are perfect for the holidays, you could also cook them on a rather cold winter day, or at your leisure when you’re in the mood for something sweet! Linzer Cookies: This recipe is one of, if not my favorite cookie recipes since you’d never be able to imagine the perfect combination sweet raspberry jam creates when spread atop a buttery Linzer cookie, sandwiched perfectly between another Linzer cookie. Also referred to as a Linzer Tart, this cookie is made with two components: 2 powdered sugar-coated cookies to be sandwiched atop of each other, holding a homemade raspberry jam in the middle. The cookie itself is almost like a sandwich, its size perfect for one-serving but that slight acidity from the lemons to the raspberry jam offsets the more sweet and rich flavor the cookie itself holds. This variation of Linzer tarts contains poppy seeds which set it apart from many other Linzer cookie recipes, which I find is a beautiful touch to the cookie. When you first bite into it, the cookie is buttery and soft, almost melting in your mouth, and the addition of poppy seeds gives the cookie an extra crunch that isn’t particularly necessary but adds to the overall flavor profile of the cookie. The dough lasts up to 2 weeks when kept in the refrigerator, and can even last 1-2 months if you choose to freeze it, making it a perfect cookie to make in passing for whenever you have a craving for something sweet. Linzer cookies are a perfect, less-complicated treat to enjoy and share with your family during the holidays, and you could even make for your friends to give them a small gift to show your appreciation for them if you can’t think of any gifts to give to them. Ingredients: Raspberry Jam : -2 cups (or 1 large package/2 small packages) raspberries -½ cup sugar -1 tsp lemon juice -3 tsp lemon zest Cookie Dough : -1 cup flour (possibly more needed for kneading) -1 cup almond flour -½ cup + 2 tbsp (1 stick and ¼ stick) butter -½ cup sugar -Pinch of salt -1 egg -½ tsp lemon zest -1 tsp vanilla extract -4 tsp poppy seeds Directions: Raspberry Jam : -Take the raspberries and wash in a colander (wash your fruit before baking anytime attempting a recipe!) -Grab a medium-sized saucepan and add the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and zest to the pot -Simmer the jam for about 30-45 minutes on medium-low, stirring very occasionally and tilting the top of the pan to ensure heat releases from it (the jam will overflow if the pot is completely covered) -When the jam is finished (it should be a blood-red type color that sticks to a spoon and is slightly syrupy), transfer it to a glass container and have it chill for 5-10 hours Cookies : -Pre-heat your oven to 350°F -Once the jam is done, grab a small to medium bowl and whisk; add the almond and AP (all-purpose) flour to the sift atop the bowl and carefully sift in the flours; once combined and finely sifted, set aside -In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar and begin to whisk them together until they’re completely combined -Once combined add the salt and egg, thoroughly whisking the mixture until combined again -Add the lemon zest by zesting a lemon with a lemon zester over the mixture, and after add the vanilla extract -After the wet ingredients are combined, add the flours to the mixture and fold them in with a spatula; after the flour comes together with the wet ingredients, mix the poppy seeds in with a spatula -Once the dough is completely combined, scrap the dough (which should be slightly thick but also a bit runny) onto enough plastic wrap to cover the dough; after you’ve gathered the dough into the plastic wrap, place it in the fridge to cool for 1-4 hours, overnight, or place it to freeze (if you’d like to preserve the dough for a later time) in your freezer -Once the dough is chilled, unwrap it and spread flour across a countertop or flat surface large enough to roll out the dough; begin to roll out the dough with a rolling pin to ¼ of an inch thickness -After the dough is rolled out, take a cookie cutter and begin forming cookie shapes, placing them aside from the dough as you go (take them out from the dough so nothing smushes together, I recommend forming them at the ends of the dough and work toward the middle/top) -Once you’ve formed your cookies, grease at least two baking sheets and place parchment paper atop them; after placing the parchment, put your cookies on top and spread them out equally so they have enough space to bake without one cookie baking into the other -Next, if you want the classic Linzer tart look with a hole in the middle of the top cookie, make a small hole with a smaller cookie cutter (I use the hole end of a large icing tip) in the middle of half the number of cookies you’ve formed -Once completely formed and cut to desired shape, chill the cookies in the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes; after chilling, place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes (you’ll know they’re done once the cookies begin to brown on their surface); store the cookies away if the jam is still not finished chilling -After your jam is done chilling and your cookies are cooled, place a generous teaspoon (use a small spoon) of jam onto non-hole-cookies (the ones that don’t have the holes in the middle) and top them with the holed-cookies -Once you’ve finished spooning the jam and constructing the cookies, set a display (optional) and enjoy! Blueberry Pie: Pie is another holiday classic dessert, as many families across the world enjoy many different varieties and flavors of pie. Each year, I make this recipe for my family and myself, and each year it’s always gone in only a matter of days - even hours if my extended family is over. This pie highlights the tartness of blueberries yet that same tartness is offset by the sweetness that’s brought out of the blueberries once the pie is left to cool. This pie contains a beautifully rich and sweet blueberry filling, mixing components like acidity from lemons and accentuating the sweetness that’s hidden in blueberries with sugar and spices. It also has a buttery crust that melts in the mouth, the same crust from one of my other pie recipes ( Fresh Pumpkin Pie vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie: Is it Worth the Time? ) which only adds to and supports the sweet and sour blueberry pie filling. It’s almost like combining a sugar cookie base with blueberry jam, and in theory that sounds very sweet, but when the acidity and spice level is controlled it amounts to a perfect combination of both sugar and tart flavors that mesh beautifully on the tongue. This pie recipe is a dish any family member would be ecstatic to try when it’s placed out on the dinner table or with the other desserts many others brought. The crust is beautifully browned, and the blueberry filling is perfectly set once the pie cools, creating an elegant display of blueberry pie. So, if you enjoy pie and sweets that are not too sweet and just a little tart, then you and your family or even friends will surely enjoy this recipe. Ingredients: Filling : -¾ cup sugar -¼ cup cornstarch -1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ tsp cinnamon -¼ tsp allspice -2 pinches of salt -Zest of 1 Lemon -Half a lemon, juiced -2 lbs blueberries -1 egg whisked (for brushing) -2 tbsp butter -Cane sugar (dusting) Pie Crust : -2 cups all-purpose flour (more needed for kneading) -2 tbsp granulated sugar -Pinch (about ½ tsp) kosher/fine salt -1 ½ egg yolks -4 tbsp ice water Directions: Crust : -First add the dry ingredients, whisking the flour, sugar, and salt together -Make sure your butter is COLD or frozen and chop it into cubes -Combine the butter with your dry mixture and rub the butter into your flour mixture with your fingertips (the coldest part of your hand) -Once combined, pour about a tablespoon at a time into your dough and combine it with a fork until it forms clumps in your hand when you squeeze a piece of the dough -Turn this mixture into a ball and put saran wrap over it and let it chill for 2-3 hours (or until hardened) -Once hardened, flour a counter/surface and a rolling pin, cut the dough in half (you’ll need half the dough for the base and half for the top), and roll out your dough to ¼ in thick -Lightly fold your dough over 4 times and place the tip, lined in the middle of your pie pan -Unfold the dough and make sure it’s lined up with the pie pan correctly -Optional: once lined up, make a design of your choice for the edges of the pie shell -Once done, put in the fridge to chill until your filling is ready OR -Use a pre-bought pie shell (you’ll need the one you roll out though, I recommend Pillsbury pie crusts) Filling : -Grab the blueberries and wash in a colander (wash your fruit before baking/cooking anytime attempting a recipe!); once washed, add the blueberries to a large bowl -To the bowl, add the sugar, cornstarch, salt, spices, and vanilla extract -Zest and juice the lemon as necessary, combine all ingredients with a rubber spatula -Grab your chilled, lined dough add the blueberries inside -Preheat oven to 350°F Preparation of the Pie : -Once the filling is evenly spread across the pie, roll out the other half of the dough and begin slicing into even, long, horizontal, medium-sized slices -Take each slice and carefully lay it onto the top of the pie, place the horizontal (or vertical) ones first if you’d like to crochet the top of the pie -(Option 1: Crocheted): Once the vertical/horizontal pieces are placed, one by one place the opposing pieces along the top of the pie -Act as if you are braiding the pie, crocheting the strip over one part of the opposing slice then putting it under the next one; continue this process for each slice, if you need further clarification look up Pie Braiding/Latticing on YouTube (it’s hard to explain the technique when you see it it’s easier to figure it out) -(Option 2: Non-Crocheted): Once the vertical/horizontal pieces are placed, drape the opposing pieces atop the vertical/horizontal pieces, making sure they are evenly spaced -Once you have the top of your pie situated and covered, place the pie pan atop a baking sheet to prevent overflow staining your oven -After placing the pie on a baking sheet, whisk 1-2 eggs, grab a pastry brush or spoon, and spread with your hands the egg wash onto the edges and top of the pie shell; sprinkle cane sugar (optional but tastes very good and adds to the flavor of the crust) atop the pie shell -Put the pie in the oven for 20-25 minutes until you notice the edges of the pie beginning to brown, take it out and place onto the stove; take either silicone pie crust shields or aluminum foil and wrap it around the edges of the pie (carefully, though, you don’t want to burn yourself!) -Once the shields/aluminum foil is wrapped around the edges, egg wash the top of the pie again and add another light dusting of cane sugar (the cane sugar part is optional) -Place the pie back in the oven for another 25-30 minutes, or until you notice the pie crust has browned in the middle and the filling is bubbling -Once you see the pie is done, remove it from the oven, allow to cool for 1 to 1 ½ hour (allows the filling to set and enhances the sugars in the blueberries), and enjoy! If you enjoy desserts during the holidays and overall during the wintertime as much as I do, these two recipes would be perfect to attempt if you have a craving for something both sweet and tart. The holidays are a time for giving and sharing, and though they may have passed, it’s never too early to start thinking about the next holiday season and how you would like to give back to those whom you care about. Even as a late holiday gift, these cookies or even a slice or whole pie would be a perfect late gift that no one would mind (and would even be happy about) receiving. So, though these two recipes are time-consuming and may not be for everyone, these desserts are delicious and if you’re looking to give late holiday gifts would be perfect to give to a family member or friend! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Angelina Gonzalez - Pop Art By Angelina Gonzalez January 14, 2022 Acrylic Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Human Meaning of Life - Reflection By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Irina Koryagina I had the absolute privilege to read Viktor Frankl’s memoir Man’s Search for Meaning .  Through his experiences in the Holocaust and concentration camps, there is validity and appropriateness to Viktor Frankl's assertion that man can find meaning in all life experiences. Life's meaning gives structure and purpose to a person's existence since definition gives their lives a sense of purpose. The fact remains that humans are the only organisms able to put their lives in perspective and find meaning and validity in them. We are wired to want meaning and purpose in life, and it is an inherent part of our nature and temperament.   The meaning of life differs from person to person, day to day, and hour to hour. Life's meaning does not depend on what it means in general, but on what it means to a person at the time. Frankl connects this to a chess competition, unless one has a particular situation in a game and an opponent with a specific personality, there is no best or even good move. In the same way, human existence follows this principle. An individual should not search for a conceptual meaning of the existence of life. From this section of the memoir, I learned that everyone has their particular “vocation”- a mission in their life to carry out. As a result, every person's task is as unique as their chance to carry it out. Frankl emphasizes that throughout life, each situation presents humans with a challenge that must be overcome, which may reverse the question of meaning. I learned from Frankl that life’s meaning is constantly changing, but it never desists to be. Logotherapy (a concept Frankl explores) consists of discovering it through three different means: our actions; and our experiences and encounters. The fact that we are human means that we are always directed toward something, or someone, other than ourselves-whether we are seeking meaning or encountering another human being. A person becomes more human when they forget themselves, when they devote themselves to a cause or a person they love and actualize themself. Frankl writes that there is no such thing as self-actualization since the more one strives for it, the more one will miss it. It is only through self-transcendence that self-actualization is possible. By self-transcendence and self-actualization, we can discover the world and the meaning of life. Although Frankl mentions that the meaning of life changes, it never halts- catastrophes happen, natural disasters happen, and events happen, but it is part of human nature to move on. By moving on, one discovers how to experience something in this world, which brings me to the next significant quote. A central theme in the memoir is love - Frankl heavily emphasizes the power of love. For instance, love is shown when sick patients are being transported to rest camps. Frankl was on the list not to be sent to the rest camp due to his status as a doctor, however, there were speculations that the "rest camp" was a gas chamber. Frankl had the option of removing his name from the list, but he instead chose to stay with his loved ones, saying that he had to learn to let fate take its course. According to Frankl, one can fully understand a person only by loving him or her, since loving someone can enable one to see the potential in them. The act of helping someone find a vocation and meaning also helps one find one's own purpose in life. Throughout his life, Frankl taught that people—even those who have been suffering enormously—can, and must, find meaning in their lives. His writing is proof of how words can alter the perspective of an individual. Frankl concludes that there is no general meaning to life. Humans have different vocations, purposes, and views. However, no matter how different we are, we are all humans with different meanings of life.  “After all, man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those gas chambers upright, with the Lord's Prayer or the Shema Yisrael on his lips.” - Viktor Frankl BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Who am I Back to Sections Who am I?-Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Colored Pencil Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Turkey the bird and Turkey the Nation By Kubra Beskardes Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Boris Stroujko Turk - The word originally means “strength” though it’s not clear where it came from and it changed meaning during the time. To Persians it meant “barbarian,” but now it means “a person of Turkic origin,” so it does not only consist of “Turkish” people. In Turkey, we call ourselves just “Turks” because the direct translation of Turkish would be “Turkce” which is the language we speak, and a fun fact? It’s actually not Turkey, it’s Turkiye , the land of the Turks, so probably not many Turks would know that around the world, their country shares its name with a bird. Turkey the bird originated in the Americas and Turks originated in Central Asia and by the time the bird took this name, they were in Anatolia. This seems so irrelevant, but the story goes like this; Turkish merchants sold some wild fowls from either Africa or India to Europeans, and Europeans called the bird “Turkey (coq) Rooster” and Turkey for short. When they landed in the New World, they saw another bird of a totally different species and called it also turkey because they both looked similarly funny. So it remained “turkey.” Another fun fact? Turks call this bird “hindi” because we thought it originated from India. Eating turkey is not that common in Turkey. Not that we specifically don’t eat it, but because we are foreign to the bird or it’s foreign to us, Turks don’t want to eat something they don’t know. Personally, I only like turkey when it’s sliced and in between two breads; otherwise, I would not prefer it. But this whole story brings a question to the mind: when Europeans came to the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries, back then Turks were under the name “Ottomans” not Turkey, because Ottomans consisted of many ethnicities so I would be wrong to call it Turkey. Turkey was formed in 1923, and – well - maybe they just went with “Turks Rooster or Turkish Rooster,” then it became just “turkey” over time. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections Two Flowers By Victoria Niksa Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Elaine Ching “His eyes like a vorTeX- AHHHHHHHHHH” “CIRICE. IT HAS BEEN THE SAME ALBUM FOR THE PAST 2 HOURS!” Layla shouted as she dragged Cirice off her bed by her legs onto the cold, hard floor. Layla was Cirice’s childhood friend. They met in first grade and despite argument after argument, they were older now and more mature. “OH? YOU’RE MAD ABOUT THAT? HOW ABOUT WHEN YOU REWATCHED THAT SAME VIDEO FOR 10 MINUTES WITH THE SAME 6-SECOND AUDIO?” “OH, COME ON! I WAS SENDING IT TO FAY, YOU KNOW THAT!” Despite being older and more mature, they still argue over the dumbest things imaginable. People say that if you have different zodiac signs or almost nothing in common, you’ll clash with the other person and you guys can’t have fun. But Cirice and Layla were a perfect example of that being untrue. After a few minutes of bickering over absolutely nothing, the room held a long silence; until the two busted out laughing. “We are absolutely nuts. Fighting over nothing?” “It’s giving…” “Us in elementary school!” The two said in unison while wheezing with laughter. “Ok but I’m serious, I hear this album one more time I will burn all your CDs. Headphones exist too, you know!” “I’d use them if they didn’t give me a migraine every time I wore those dumb things.” “Ok, well please can you figure something out because I don’t wanna listen to songs about spirits in the form of heavy metal music again, please and thank you.” “Meh, yeah you’re welcome.” “Well, I did like that one at what I’m assuming is the beginning, the one in Spanish!” “Infestissumam? Layla… I hate to break it to you but that is in Latin!” “Oh…” “Yeah, you have quite a bit to learn. Also, once you find out the English translation you are probably going to hate it.” Whenever these two were together, chaos can unfold; and fast. The two girls are and have always been drama queens and sass lovers which to someone else who doesn’t know them would seem like a bad thing, but to these two and them only, it was something they could laugh about later. They can talk and talk for hours about the same subject whether or not it was interesting. Even if it was interesting for Layla and not for Cirice or vice versa, the other would be heavily invested regardless of the topic. The Next Day “Soo Ciri… How’s you and you know whoooo?” “Really? We can talk about any topic and you’re choosing him?” “Oh! I forgot… We have three to talk about now! Your pick, which boy do we talk about today?” “I regret telling you anything about this.” “Hmm…What were their names again? Ah, yes… Jacob, Ryder, and Liam!” “No way you remembered all that…” “Aww, and you think I don’t listen to you! Silly Ciri!” “Ugh, can we talk about Ghost instead?” “Yes! Once you tell me about your crushes~~” Layla doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants. She knows what she wants to know and when she wants to hear it. She’s just a little too impatient. “Ok, here, let’s make a deal. You can put on whatever songs you want. Ghost, Metallica, Nirvana, whatever. But you have to tell me about your crushes. Ok?” “Negotiation really is your middle name… ugh, fine I guess.” An Hour Later “Ok maybe I just set you up with someone, these boys suck! Ew, they’re so unromantic I can’t. It’s disgusting…” “I think you’re forgetting we’re in 8th grade…” “Tch, being in 8th grade doesn’t mean anything, if these boys aren’t at your feet, then leave!” Cirice was hoping one of her other friends would text her and get her out of this situation. She can’t even bear to listen to another word about how she deserves princess treatment from boys. She doesn’t like to think she deserves anything from anyone, especially not boys her age. She knows all she is to everyone else is, “The weird girl” or “The crazy one.” “Hello?! Are you even listening to me? I’m giving you valuable advice right now!” “Yes… sorry my mind is just all over the place…” “Sigh, well I guess I can just tell you everything later…” “Actually, there’s no need for that…” “Are you thinking what I’m thinking…?” “SLUMBER PARTY!!” The two shouted in unison. “Oh my gosh we should totally invite Alexis and Kassie!” “We should! It’s been so long since we’ve all hung out together!” “You text Alexis, I’ll text Kassie.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Chadwick Boseman By Various Artists January 20, 2021 Mixed Media Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Hair Ice Cody Sung Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Hair ice: By Vielfalt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98907791 Fungus: By Jerzy Opioła - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38872654 Have you ever heard of hair ice? It’s silky, elongated, reminiscent of hair. It shouldn’t be able to exist since recrystallization, which breaks the shape, should happen very quickly. And yet it doesn’t. When and where can you find it? How does this happen? Hair ice is a rare phenomenon to encounter. It is only found on dead wood in forests between the latitudes of 45 and 55 degrees north, encompassing the forested parts of the northern United States, such as Washington, Montana, Idaho, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Maine, southern Canada, most of Europe, and southern Russia – you can find it in a lot of places around the world, but not in New York! However, it only forms in these forests when the temperature is just below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius) and if it is humid – wet - outside. The ice produced by the wood, hair ice, is thin and silky, forming curls and waves reminiscent of its namesake human hair. Due to its unique shape, it is very brittle, more so than actual ice. Despite the odd shape and how fast recrystallization happens at the temperatures it forms at – it should happen within minutes - how does hair ice stay as it is for up to days at a time? The dead wood has a fungus, Exidiopsis effusa, usually found in hair ice. German and Swiss researchers in 2015 noted that every hair ice sample they found had the fungus on it, indicating that the fungus was the cause of the hair ice phenomenon. Interestingly enough, the possibility of a fungus making ice was proposed over a century ago by the discoverer of continental drift, Alfred Wegener. Unfortunately, the dead wood the fungus lies on cannot produce hair ice for that long; it can only do it for a few years, still an impressive period. The fungus can do this by being on a piece of dead wood and waiting until conditions are right and ice starts to grow on the wood. It can then release recrystallization blockers, so the ice doesn’t immediately recrystallize. However, this process remains mostly a mystery. As a fungus causes it, hair ice on a piece of dead wood is disabled. Additionally, the researchers found hot water has the same effect. However, this has the potential for further exploration. Sources “Hair ice”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_ice “Exidiopsis effusa”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exidiopsis_effusa “45th parallel north”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/45th_parallel_north “55th parallel north”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/55th_parallel_north BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections VSCHSD"s Newest Position Sahar Ali Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Lori Rappa-Rodriguez VSCHSD’s Newest Position Valley Stream Central High School District recently welcomed Ms. Lori Rappa-Rodriguez, the district’s first ever Work-Based Coordinator. Like her title, Ms. Rappa’s position is entirely unique and consists of a unique experience for students as she guides them through the professional world all students must experience after high school no matter the path and occupation they choose. Ms. Rappa has been kind to provide the NORTH STAR with a Q&A about her position, and herself. Could you provide us with a description of your position ? Rappa-Rodriguez: “My job is to seek out opportunities for students to explore career options and have hands on experience that will help them make informed choices about their post-high school plans. To do this, I network with businesses, organizations, alumni, and other community members in search of partnerships that will benefit students.” How do you like working in the Valley Stream Central High School District? Rappa-Rodriguez: “It’s only been a few months but so far, I am really enjoying it. Everyone is very welcoming and excited about the services and support that I will be able to offer to students.” Do you work with students specifically at one of the schools in the district? Rappa-Rodriguez: “Because the Career & Technical Education classes: Culinary, Cosmetology, Auto Tech, Medical Assisting and Certified Nurse Assisting are located at Central High School, I spend more time there. However, I am getting more referrals from guidance counselors in the other buildings to work with students interested in finding career exploration internships or part-time jobs that will give them exposure to the world of work.” What inclined you to get this position? Rappa-Rodriguez: “This is my dream job! I went back to school five years ago to get my teaching certification with the goal of becoming a Work-Based Learning Coordinator. I really enjoy helping people identify their strengths and talents and have experiences that will help them advance their career goals. When I first got certified to teach, there were no Work Based Learning (WBL) positions available, so I taught Accounting, Career & Financial Management and Computer Technology at Baldwin High School, then Hewlett-Woodmere High School. Then a position became available with Nassau BOCES, and I got it. Valley Stream was one of the schools I was assigned to at BOCES, and I just loved being here. Now I get to be here ALL the time. I also love that my commute from home is 10 minutes!” Are there any major differences for students who work with you instead of being in a traditional classroom? Rappa-Rodriguez: “The big difference is that our work is one-to-one, so I really get to know the students and can offer guidance on what they need to do to be successful, whether it’s an informational interview, a job shadow, internship, or paid work experience. I expect students to interact with me the way they would a prospective employer, and I coach them on professionalism and work readiness.” What is your favorite part of being a work-based coordinator? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I love the fact I get to do a variety of things each day. I get to meet with students one on one, I get to collaborate with colleagues on how best to support students and I get to be out in the community networking for opportunities to collaborate. Although my office is located in District Office, I travel from building to building, and every day is different.” Is there anything you dislike about your position? Would you change any aspects about it? Rappa-Rodriguez: “Since I’m the only person with this job title, I don’t necessarily have a peer group or department, and that can be hard sometimes. District administration, my supervisor, Mr. Tagliaferro, the school principals, guidance counselors and the Transition Coordinator, Ms. DeStefano, have all been very helpful in making me feel welcomed and connected.” Do you have any goals you would like to achieve with your new position? Rappa-Rodriguez: “One goal is to establish a Community Advisory Board made up of business owners, alumni, parents and others who will provide guidance on their workforce needs and opportunities for students to explore careers in their fields of work.” Has being a Work-Based Coordinator changed your perspective on anything? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I am so excited that more and more schools are understanding the value of Work-Based Learning for high school students. There are many careers that favor hands-on experience or industry certifications over college. Students should be exposed to these options as well.” Would you like to share any more information about yourself? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I’m not originally from New York. I grew up in a suburb of Boston and moved to New York City after completing two years in the Peace Corps in Honduras after college. So, yes, I speak Spanish, but I’m not a native speaker. I have three grown children who are all working in their respective fields of study: Elementary Education, Actuarial Science, and Child Life. My husband is a Pediatric Pulmonologist. Anyone interested in one of these career fields can contact me at rapparol@vschsd.org or call (516) 872-5646. I’d be happy to put them in touch.” Thank you to Lori Rappa-Rodriguez for all her hard work for our students and for giving us this interview. We appreciate you! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Results: 2020 Exit Polls By Everton Prospere Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Ben Kirchner With the 2020 presidential election concluded, exit polls in all states continue to be reviewed. Exit polls are conducted directly after voters cast their ballots that give a more detailed report to the demographics of a region. The 2020 exit polls specifically provide an important outlook to the difference between the 2016 and 2020 presidential election. It is important to note that this election has shown record voter turnout, with the most votes cast in over a century. According to NBC news, more than 150 million voters cast ballots. Due to the drastic change in voter turnout (in comparison, only 138 million Americans voted in the 2016 presidential election), the exit polls changed as well. In the 18-29 age group, the presumed President-elect Joe Biden gained five percent more votes in comparison to the 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, as stated by CNN. Furthermore, CNN reports that President Donald Trump lost the support of older voters aged 45-64 years of age by seven percent. While Democratic nominee Joe Biden performed stronger in the age category in comparison to the 2016 democratic nominee, he underperformed among Black voters. According to CBC news, Trump gained five percent more of the Black vote while Biden lost two percent of the Black vote when comparing the 2016 and 2020 election results. However, Biden still won the Black vote nationwide by a large margin. As reported by NBC news, although nationally most Latinos voted for Biden, President Trump continued to strengthen his Latino vote in battle ground states such as Florida. The 55% of the Cuban American vote, 30% of the Puerto Rican vote, and 48% of other Latinos that voted for the President largely impacted the rest of the state. For example, in the largest county by population in Florida, Miami-Dade, the President improved his total vote from 334,000 votes to 529,000. In comparison, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won 624,000 votes, while the presumed President-elect Joe Biden only won 613,000, a decrease in votes. Although Trump lost in Miami-Dade County, he won enough votes elsewhere in Florida to win the state. As stated by Jennifer De Pinto and Fred Backus of CBS news, “Florida Latinos said Mr. Trump would do a better job than Biden handling the economy”. Therefore, the economy played a major factor to the gains the president made in the Latino community. Although media outlets continue to study and report exit polls, the data clearly show a divided nation. As former President Barack Obama stated in reference to the election results, “What it says is that we are deeply divided. The power of the alternative worldview that’s presented in the media that those voters consume -- it carries a lot of weight”. With record-breaking voter turnout and a tight election, Americans continue to be divided on politics. BACK TO TOP