Back to Articles Art Back to Sections Meaning of Lines from Different Perspectives By Nehilah Grand-Pierre Volume 1 Issue 1 November 1, 2020 Original artwork by Nehilah Grand-Pierre What is line? Though seemingly a simple question, the answer may vary depending on whom you ask. To the math teacher, line is the geometric building block of polygons, the diameter of a circle, or y=mx+b. To the English teacher, line is the story, or “story line”, that guides a story from conflicts, through climax, and finally resolving in the end. Yet to the history teacher, line is time, or timeline, that we study to learn from the past to develop our future. It is evident that “line” is awfully vague, but the art teacher truly defines line. To the art teacher, line is defined by the artist, able to bend and flex at the stroke of a paintbrush or pencil. To the art teacher, line has endless meaning, and endless masterpieces that can be brought from it. This is the importance of art… exactly what the artist makes it. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Midterm Elections 2022 - Exit Poll Analysis By Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by CNN On November 8th, 2022, the United States hosted a series of elections throughout the nation. These elections, called midterms (as they fall between presidential elections) play a pivotal role in deciding the balance of power between the two major parties in the country: the Democrats and the Republicans. Midterm elections also highlight demographic trends among various groups of voters. In order to measure these developments, surveys of voters as they leave a polling station, known as exit polls, are used. Before the midterms, most of the nation expected a “red wave,” in which the Republican Party would take a majority in both houses of Congress. The media, particularly right-wing outlets, predicted this trend through partisan sources. It is factual that during midterms, the sitting president’s party is likely to lose seats, as campaign promises do not reflect their current political agenda; for example, this happened to George W. Bush, with the exception of the midterms after 9/11, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. However, a difference occurred in this election: the Democratic Party lost an extremely small number of seats compared to the predicted value, especially with Joseph Biden in office. This can largely be attributed to multiple events that occurred in the summer, including the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade and the large number of right-wing extremist candidates running for office who could not appeal to voters, such as Kari Lake, a far right extremist in Arizona. In addition, as previously stated, the media projected the idea of an anticipated “red wave.” Regardless of this perception, according to Rutgers University, the media uses “anecdotal evidence” to add “depth” and detail on reports; despite this, these outlets fail to objectively view polling, which, according to researchers, did not indicate a full Republican takeover in this election cycle. Statistically speaking, exit polls offer important insight on the performance of different demographic groups between both dominating parties. As per NBC News, 58% of White citizens polled voted for Republicans while 40% voted Democrat. In contrast, 68% of non-White citizens voted Democrat while 30% voted Republican. This trend, overall, shows a continued support of minority populations for Democrats, while the majority of Whites vote Republican. When age is used as a lens, a large percentage of young voters, ages 18-24, according to CNN, vote Democrat compared to Republican, 61% versus 36%, respectively. However, the gap between these parties decreases as age increases, with voters 65 and older voting more Republican than Democrat, 55% versus 43%, respectively. While, at a glance, these statistics show that Democrats have a large amount of support across age groups, it should be noted that young citizens have the lowest voter turnout rate in the entire country. Political scientists largely attribute this issue to difficulties with voter registration and election knowledge due to a focus on college studies rather than politics. While these polls offer a broad outlook on the outcome of the 2022 elections, these midterms also pave the way for the 2024 presidential elections. Researchers will continue to analyze these results to determine trends and voter tendencies in the coming election cycles. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Study 4 By Kimberly Shrestha April 22, 2021 Study Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Documents Found in Joe Biden’s Homes By Cael Javier Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Reuters In the U.S., the Presidential Records Act controls all the rules on presidential records and classified files of the White House. It established that presidential records are the property of the U.S. government. They must be preserved and are not the president’s private property. Before this law was passed, presidents who were leaving office just took their documents with them when they left the White House. It was considered their personal property. With this law, the records became the property of the U.S. government, and the National Archives oversee them. The law applies to the president, vice president, and some portions of the Executive Office of the President, including the National Security Council and Council of Economic Advisers. It lays out the requirements for maintaining and securing the information during and after a presidency. Starting in November 2022, documents started turning up at Joe Biden’s former D.C. house. On November 2nd, Biden’s lawyers found classified documents in an office that Biden used after he left the vice presidency. A few days later, the National Archives inspector-general contacted a prosecutor at the Justice Department to let them know that classified documents were found at the office. The FBI then began an assessment to get better knowledge of whether the information was mishandled. On November 14th, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Chicago U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. to conduct an initial investigation. The FBI conducted a search of the former Biden office. It is unsure whether any new records were recovered. The search was mutual, and a warrant was not needed. About a month later, more documents were found in Biden’s garage in Delaware. On December 20th, Biden’s personal counsel informed Lausch about this information. On January 9th, 2023, the White House revealed that a small number of classified documents were found on November 2nd in a locked closet in Biden’s former office. The next day, Biden stated that he was shocked the documents were found and that he did not know what they consisted of. The White House then revealed that more documents were found in Joe Biden’s house in Wilmington, Delaware. Garland appointed the former justice official Robert Hur as special counsel to further investigate the handling of the documents. On January 20th, the FBI conducted a thorough search of Biden’s home in Wilmington, and they found six more classified items. This search did not require a warrant. On February 1st, the FBI searched Biden’s home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Biden’s lawyers reported that there were not any classified records recovered. The investigators took materials and handwritten notes that might be related to Biden’s time as vice president. There are still updates on this situation today. The documents should be kept safe with the U.S. government and the National Archives. Joe Biden has not faced accusations of destroying documents, unlike Donald Trump. Trump has been accused of destroying documents while in office. If he were convicted of destroying documents, he would not be eligible to run for president again. Biden’s case is different. The Act requires evidence that his actions were unlawful. BACK TO TOP

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

Back to Artwork Spotlight Back to Sections The Magical Library By Kimberly Shrestha January 14, 2022 Marker Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections What I Carry By Emily Dahl June 13, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 7

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Tales Through Time: The Medici Family Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by www.history.com The Medici family was a prominent Italian banking and political family that strongly influenced Florence from the 15th to the 18th century, sponsoring artists and dominating Florentine culture. They were influenced by the wealth and importance of the burghers, who had a share in government. The Medici's rise was partly due to their involvement in civic affairs, particularly in the influential merchant guild. The first Medici left their native Mugello around 1200 for Florence, where they made a living as merchants. Ardingo de' Medici became the prior of the Florentine merchant guild in the 1280s, leading to the elevation of other Medici to Florence's ruling council, the Signoria. Their financial acumen as bankers also contributed to their political power. The true Medici dynasty began in 1360 with the birth of Giovanni di Bicci, who started his career in banking under the family name and rose to become a junior partner in the bank's branch in Rome. When his uncle retired in 1393, he was given control of the bank, securing the Medici name with a future of wealth and prosperity. Giovanni officially named and founded the Medici bank in 1397, handling the Church and branches' accounts as far as England. Despite his growing wealth and success, Giovanni worked hard to remain disconnected from the state and politics, choosing to pay fines rather than accepting positions of responsibility within the Florentine government. The early 15th century saw the Medici ascend into the highest ranks of Florentine government under Cosimo, Giovanni’s son. However, Cosimo's chief rival, Rinaldo Degli Albizzi, tried to blame him for the war with Lucca. Despite his efforts, he was exiled to Venice in 1433, allowing Cosimo to return to Florence in strength. Cosimo's popularity with the populace and his family's bank allowed him to return a year later, crushing the Albizzi's hopes for dominance. Cosimo de' Medici, the leading citizen of Florence, managed state affairs for 30 years and was a shrewd politician who supported projects with his wealth and supporters. He took advantage of events that solidified his popularity, such as the Peace of Lodi in 1454. Cosimo's passion for religion and the arts is symbolized by the famous Florence Cathedral, or Duomo di Firenze, which allowed architect Brunelleschi to complete Florence's iconic dome. Cosimo's Elder, a prominent figure in the Medici family, was associated with Donatello's statue David and Fra Angelico's artistic masterpieces. He established the Platonic Academy, contributing to the family's investment in important buildings, art, and education. Under Cosimo de' Medici, the Medici ascendancy was assured. Lorenzo de' Medici, known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent," ruled Florence from 1469 to 1492 and was as able an administrator as his grandfather. He married into the Orsini noble family, giving the Medici the support of aristocratic blood. Lorenzo's diplomacy helped secure Florence against enemies, gain new allies, and maintain his position. His success as a diplomat and politician allowed him to gain influence with the papacy, which relied on the Medici Bank for many years. His success as a diplomat and politician allowed him to gain influence with the papacy, which relied on the Medici Bank for many years. Giovanni, Lorenzo's son, became a cardinal and Pope Leo X. Michelangelo, who had found a patron in Lorenzo, began work on the Medici Chapel. Both Cosimo and Lorenzo patronized artists and humanist scholars, with Donatello and Michelozzo di Bartolommeo finding enthusiastic patrons. Lorenzo, a well-read poet, was known for sponsoring cultural pursuits and helping scholars locate and acquire ancient and medieval manuscripts. The Medici believed in education and diligence. They used their talents to gain power, prestige, and influence, improving the quality of life, sponsoring cultural endeavors, and preventing foreign domination. The Medici produced two popes, one queen of France, and humanist statesmen like Lorenzo. Their accomplishments serve as prime examples of Renaissance ideals. The Medici's contributions to the Renaissance were evident in their long tenure as public figures, their importance to art history, and their intimate involvement in state affairs. Resources: https://themedicifamily.com/ https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/medici-family#birth-of-the-medici-family https://www.britannica.com/topic/Medici-family https://www.florencetoursitaly.it/blog/who-were-the-medici-family/ BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Effects of Videogames By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by Shutterstock The article “How Videogames Affect the Brain” discusses the pros and cons of videogames and whether they either strengthen or weaken the brain. Videogames have been both antagonized and praised by the public without conclusive proof from either side. After years of research, scientists have found that videogames can change different regions of the brain. For example, studies have found that gamers have shown improvements in different types of attention, like selective and sustained attention. Parts of the brain that play a role in attention are more efficient in gamers and they tend to have greater experience focusing on demanding tasks. Though some games improve our brains, others don’t. Even some games branded as “Brain-training” aren’t as beneficial as we may think. Wally Boot, Associate Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, said “Our findings and previous studies confirm there’s very little evidence these types of games can improve your life in a meaningful way”. Researchers found that you could train the brain to do certain things with these games, but these games might not necessarily be helpful in your day-to-day life. In contrast, studies have shown that specific 3-D games can help improve cognitive function in older adults. After 12 hours of training over the period of a month, study participants aged 60-85 improved performance in a game to a greater degree than people in their 20s playing it for the first time. This also improved their working memory and sustained attention; these skills were maintained 6 months after the study. A study done by the University of California-Irvine found that 3-D games could also help the formation of memories. 3-D games are more complex and stimulate the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is important for memory. Strategy games have also been seen to improve brain function in older adults and provide protection against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, video games have more of a positive impact on our bodies than much of the public believes. My Reaction This article is extremely informative about something we use in our everyday lives. I didn’t know that videogames had that much depth to them! The fact that they affect our brains more than we thought is very interesting. Now that I know this information, I can be aware of what the videogames I play are doing to my brain. Knowing that even these things meant for entertainment can change our body makes me interested in what and how other activities affect our body that I may not know about. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Kimberly Shrestha - Lights On for Education - 1 By Kimberly Shrestha April 22, 2021 Digital Art Volume 1 Issue 7