Garden City Echo Fall-Winter 2022-23

ECHO 2022-2023

FALL - WINTER

Cover by Elaine Wang

Table of Contents Editors-in-Chief Emma Rathgeber Elaine Wang World/National News (page 4) Daniel Butt, Editor Community/School News (page 12) Riya Katriyar, Editor Student Spotlight (page 17) Maria Santos, Editor Reviews (page 18) Julia D'Aloisio, Editor Ana Gaztañaga, Editor Maria Gaztañaga, Editor Faculty Advisor Mr. McAuley NOTE: The opinions expressed in the following articles do not represent the opinions of the administrative staff at GCHS, merely those of the writers themselves.

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A Note From the Editors Dear Readers, As the school year gets back into full swing, it is evident that we have made great strides towards a return to pre-COVID normalcy: no more mask mandates, eight-minute passing periods, or canceled midterms. However, the world is still not in the clear. Since Thanksgiving, there has been a dangerous spike in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

Cases of the flu are also on the rise, taking a toll on communities across the nation, including Garden City. If we further analyze events on a global scale, it becomes evident that the world is constantly changing and evolving, and circumstances can often prove contradictory. While some parts of the world are experiencing treacherous droughts, for instance, others are simultaneously suffering through massive flooding.

In this edition, we delve into some of these issues and more. However, we must also assess the positive changes taking place around us. To accompany the start of the new school year, we take a look at the school’s updated library, clubs, and this past September’s Spirit Week. This issue also reaches beyond our school, to events such as NASA’s Artemis I Mission and the invention of the James Webb Space Telescope. To wrap up the paper, the Reviews section delves into the wonderful world of books, movies, and music.

We are very excited to take up the positions of co-editors-in-chief of the ECHO student newspaper this year. It is an honor to be able to continue this tradition, and we look forward to leading ECHO and watching it continue to grow. As we head into the Christmas season, we hope everyone stays safe and has a lovely winter break. Happy Holidays, and enjoy this Fall/Winter issue!

Sincerely, Emma Rathgeber and Elaine Wang

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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

Communities Around the World Devastated as Flood Levels Rise

By Hunter Maguire

4

This year, the wettest July in sixty years saturated soils, causing large parts of Pakistan's Sindh and Balochistan provinces to flood. Hundreds of

curse, wordd since with heavy rains like these comes flooding, stressing poor-quality housing and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, closer to home,

landfall in Western Florida and the Carolinas. Ian practically destroyed coastal communities such as Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva as a

villages and towns across the Indus River Valley were submerged, and over 1,500

floods have also devastated many of Eastern Kentucky’s towns and valleys this year.

Category 4 storm, and clocked in as the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the United

people have died across the

Between July 26th and July

States. Up to 15 feet of storm

country. Millions more have been displaced from their homes and are either marooned in their

29th, over a foot of rain fell in localized areas, causing severe damage and dozens of

surge pushed onto land in Southwest Florida, sweeping some houses all the way out to

villages

fatalities.

sea

or

staying

in

Due

to

the

and

killing

dozens.

overcrowded displaced people’s camps. The rural poor have

mountainous terrain and thin soil, Appalachian states like

Rescuers and aid workers are still determining the death toll,

been hit hardest, unable to flee

Kentucky

are

extremely

but at least 103 people have

and more likely to be affected

vulnerable

when

intense

died, the majority in Lee

by water-borne diseases. And, as the Indian Ocean warms,

storms hit. Strip mining and economic exploitation by

County, Florida. Dozens are likely still missing or

destructive flooding events like this year's will become increasingly common.

Every summer, like clockwork, as the land warms relative to the ocean, sea breezes blow torrential moisture and rain toward South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This weather feature is called the monsoon season, and it provides farmers with most of the water they need to grow crops and survive.

However, these monsoons are a blessing and a word

mining companies have also worsened the impact of flooding, preventing the hillsides from absorbing water, and leaving poorer Appalachians (many of whom work for these same companies) to live on floodprone land. As a result of July's floods, 38 people were killed, including one family with four young children.

Furthermore, from September-October 2022, a major disaster rocked our nation as Hurricane Ian made worddddd

unaccounted for.

Even though New York luckily isn’t prone to flooding, it can and does happen, even at “safe” elevations. Just last year, flooding killed a dozen people in Queens, and caused extensive damage to countless homes (All of the basements down the block from my grandparents' house, which sits atop a hill, severely flooded).

As climate change worsens, flooding will continue to turn from a remote possibility to a reality for many people.

WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

Here are some tips from experts to ALWAYS follow in case of a flood.

NEVER drive through flooded areas: Your car will probably hydroplane or suffer some sort of damage, and there’s no real way of knowing how deep floodwaters are. If floodwaters surround your car, abandon it

rush to save family heirlooms and other possessions. Having some sort of emergency box or kit ready will help protect you and save time for other preparation.

were contaminated with sewage, toss all furniture/fabric and plush objects. Wash all fabrics until any scent comes out, and freeze books, photos, and documents to prevent further damage.

If you’re at risk, try to flee and weatherproof your home beforehand: If you have the ability and warning to flee, do it! When people wait because they don’t feel like leaving or

Evidently, flooding is an extremely dangerous and destructive natural disaster that, unfortunately, is becoming more and more common. Just

Learn your risk levels in case of flooding: Many cities have

want to protect their valuables, they put themselves in mortal

six inches of moving floodwater can knock a person down.

maps available online detailing . word flood risk, and you should be

danger. Try and bring your valuables and heirlooms with

Floods can rip away family homes or generations of

aware of the landscape around you. If you live in an area with thin soil or a valley, you will be

you if you want them to stay safe.

memories, and can even kill a person within a matter of minutes. With climate change

at risk if a flood hits your area.

Know what to keep, what to throw away, and how to salvage

showing no signs of stopping, and sea levels slowly rising,

Have some sort of emergency kit and a flashlight ready if

objects: Preparing in advance and acting quickly will help you

many people’s homes and towns might be “swimming

storms are expected: Oftentimes, when disasters like floods strike, people tend to forget basic necessities in the word

save more of your possessions.

Always throw out food and medications contaminated with floodwater. If the floodwaters word

with the fishes” sooner than we think.

and seek safety yourself!

Residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan use rafts to navigate a flooded street.

Courtesy of aljazeera.com

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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

An Arid Era is Upon Us

By Elaine Wang

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In 2022, many parts of the world have suffered extreme weather, from droughts to floods.

This year, the western United States has been hit especially

Drought). In July, more than a third of the land in western states was classified as D3 or D4.

In California, more than 660 wells dried up by early August,

West will meet at the Colorado River Forum on October 17-20, 2022, in Henderson, Nevada to discuss strategies for cutting water use.

hard with droughts. Although California experiences annual droughts during the summer and

resulting in running water shortages. Since 1990, the Colorado River’s flow has

The dry weather has also facilitated the spread of forest fires. As of late September 2022,

early fall, recently there have

shrunk by about 20% and no

a total of 6,473 fires have been

been exceptionally severe swings between wet and dry weather.

So far, the 21st century has

longer reaches the sea. On August 16, the US Department of the Interior announced for the

recorded in California, which have burned over 365,000 acres of land. Over Labor Day

been the driest 22-year stretch in

first time in history that the

weekend alone, 3 major fires

over 1,200 years, and climate change is likely the main reason

Colorado River will operate in a Tier 2 shortage condition. This

were reported. The biggest of these– the Mosquito Fire–

behind

means

New

burned for 46 days straight and

droughts, according to multiple

Mexico, and Arizona will have to

destroyed nearly 80,000 acres

studies. Droughts are classified into D0 (Abnormally Dry), D1 (Moderate Drought), D2 (Severe Drought), D3 (Extreme Drought), and D4 (Exceptional worddddd

significantly reduce their usage of Colorado River water by January 2023, with Arizona, for example, facing a 21% cut.

Legislators from states in the wordd

before it was fully contained in late October. Smoke from these fires has resulted in unhealthy air quality and mass evacuations.

the

severity

of

the

that

Nevada,

The dry, cracked bed of Lake Oroville in California, Courtesy of cnn.com

WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

2022 US Open: New Brooms Sweep the Courts Clean in Flushing

By Maria Gaztañaga

Most people who watch the US Open have a favorite player that they have been supporting for many years, but sometimes a player's time on the court comes to an end.

Although it is sad, it makes room for more tennis champions to emerge.

"I'm happy, not sad,” expressed the Swiss tennis legend. Both tennis champions will be missed on the court, but with loss comes gain.

Some players were able to prove their worth to the world, one of them being Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz won the 2022 US Open at the

Tennis fans were devastated to hear that Serena Williams, the winner of 23 Grand

age of nineteen. The young Spaniard won one of the biggest tennis events in the world fresh

Slams and four Olympic Gold medals, and Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion and one-time gold medalist, said

out of high school. On the last day of matches, fans rooting for Alcaraz were practically biting their nails out of nervousness. Luckily for his

goodbye to their treasured sport. Williams

supporters, Alcaraz didn’t disappoint and was

started playing tennis professionally at the age of fourteen and has impressed audiences with her mastery of the sport ever since. The

able to beat Casper Rudd, a more experienced, but still young Norwegian tennis player. When he got the winning point, Alcaraz was so

American legend decided to announce her retirement after losing her third match to

overwhelmed with emotions that he lay crying on the court. Then he climbed up to his box

Australian Ajla Tomlijanovic. Similarly, Federer amazed crowds with how effortlessly he played the game. Yet, he retired at the end of September after playing alongside Spain's Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London. word

where his family and team were to hug and thank them.

Another player who took audiences by storm was Iga Świątek, the female winner of this year's US Open. Świątek started playing tennis at age five in Poland, where she grew up. Since starting, she has had many notable moments in her career. Along with her victory at the US Open, she also won the French Open in 2020 and 2022.

This year's US Open certainly had many surprises in store. With that in mind, it has still been bringing people together from all over the world to marvel over the amazing men and women that compete every year in one of tennis's premier tournaments.

Courtesy of TIME Magazine

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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

The Death of Queen Elizabeth II

By Ella Pocock

On September 8th 2022, at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom died of old age. Elizabeth II was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Princess of York, on April 21st, 1926. She served as the late Queen of the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death at age 96.

Born in Layfield, London, under the reign of her paternal grandfather King George V, her parents were Prince Albert, Duke of York, second son to the King and great-grandson to Queen Victoria, and Elizabeth, Duchess of York, the youngest daughter of the affluent Scottish aristocrat Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Originally not a direct heir, Elizabeth’s father succeeded the throne to become King George VI after his elder brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne after less than a year as monarch when he left to marry Wallis Simpson, an American commoner and double divorcée, which left Parliament in great scandal.

An older Queen, taken at a royal banquet in Berlin. Courtesy of Sean Gallup, Getty Images

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A young Queen Elizabeth, during the first years of her reign.

Courtesy of Bettmann Getty Images

At age 4, her younger sister and only sibling Princess Margaret was born, and during the Second World War the late Queen served as a mechanic, namely in Mechanical Transport. In 1947, she married Phillip Mountbatten (10 June 1921-9 April 2021), Prince of Greece and Denmark, with whom she had four children: King Charles III (b.

1948), Princess Anne (b. 1952), Prince Andrew, Duke of York (b. 1960), and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar (b. 1964).

In 1952, at age 25, she ascended the throne following her father’s death, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her 70-year reign, Elizabeth saw her silver, gold, and platinum jubilees, was served by over 170 prime ministers, met with 5 popes and 13 U.S. presidents, and became the longest reigning British monarch.

Her eldest son, Charles, will be crowned on June 3, 2023, and will be the oldest British monarch to ascend the throne.

WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

The James Webb Space Telescope: Peering Into the Cosmic Past

By Elaine Wang

On December 25, 2021, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), named after the scientist who led NASA during the Apollo

diameter, the biggest ever launched into space. This mirror contains plenty of cutting-edge technology– including microshutters to

the Big Bang, which proved to be a new record for the most distant astronomical observations. JWST broke its own record the next month,

missions. JWST reached the Second Lagrange Point, which it orbits as part of a larger solar

remotely block out stray light, and Wavefront Sensing and Control algorithms to align the

observing galaxies as they were just 200 million years after the Big Bang (the

orbit, in January 2022. On July

18 segments of the mirror–

distance is not yet confirmed).

11, JWST sent back its first picture, an infrared view of the universe and the deepest view to

allowing it to see 13.6 billion light years away.

Since July, many images

On September 9, JWST discovered an exoplanet similar to Jupiter, but 20 times

date,

galaxies

produced by Webb have been

bigger and located 72 light-

dating back over 13 million years.

displayed to the public. One of these images portrays a

years from Earth. To this day, Webb continues to produce

This telescope specializes in

stunning infrared view of the

stunning

Carina

universe,

making

showcasing

observations

with

Nebula,

and

has

images

of

the

particularly

of

infrared light, whereas the older Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

revealed new insights about the impact and process of star

exoplanets and deep space, and is expected to continue

specializes in making observations with ultraviolet and visible light. JWST has a foldable mirror 6.5m in wordddd

formation. Furthermore, in late July, JWST spotted two galaxies that looked as they did just 300-400 million years after worddddddd

working for many years to come.

Courtesy of nasa.gov

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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

NASA's Artemis I Mission Heads for the Moon

By Emma Rathgeber

The Artemis I mission, carried out by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was a planned uncrewed expedition to the Moon. Launched at 1:47

took place. The mission ensured that these systems are able to safely perform the operations necessary for future crewed missions to space.

During takeoff, tremendous

Houston mission control. The spacecraft took several days to get to the Moon, during which engineers analyzed the rocket’s systems and made any necessary corrections to its

AM, November 16 of this year, it sent the Space Launch System

amounts of lift were produced by the SLS rocket in order to

trajectory.

Upon reaching the moon,

(SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft roughly 280,000 miles to orbit the Moon. This

carry Orion into orbit. After approximately ninety seconds, the boosters, service module

Orion carried out a close flyby within 62 miles of the lunar surface. In this way, Orion

mission is the first part of

panels, launch abort system,

NASA’s Artemis program. The goal of this program is to explore the lunar surface and set

and core stage separated from the spacecraft. Orion exited Earth’s orbit with a boost from

gravitational force and entered into a retrograde orbit (i.e., an orbit in the opposite direction of

up a base on the Moon, which will ultimately aid in sending

the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), which

the Moon’s orbit around Earth).

It stayed in this orbit for several

crewed missions farther out into the solar system. In addition, the Artemis program will send the

separated from the craft about two hours later. With this last major push, Orion was on its

days, collecting data while mission control examined its performance.

first woman and person of color to the Moon.

Artemis I was the first integrated test of NASA’s SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems at Kennedy Space Center, where the launch word

way to the Moon.

Aided by a European service module, Orion zipped past communication satellites orbiting Earth. From that point forward, it used the Deep Space Network to communicate with word

In order to initiate its return home, Orion performed another flyby to accelerate towards Earth. After reentering the atmosphere at about 25,000 mph, it landed off the coast of Baja, California, where wordddd

Courtesy of cnet.com

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harnessed

the

Moon’s

WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS

members of the US Navy and NASA were waiting for recovery. In total, Orion traveled over 1.4 million miles by the end of its journey.

The Artemis I mission is just the first step in advancing deep word

space exploration. It has proven to be a vital step in preparation for manned tests of Orion and the SLS rocket. With further testing and improvements, more people and cargo can be sent to the Moon and beyond. As word

space travel becomes less reliant on Earth and more reliant on the lunar surface and orbit, it will become possible to explore deeper into the depths of space than ever before.

Courtesy of nasa.com

Courtesy of nasa.com

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOL NEWS

New Changes to GCHS Library

By Joaquin Seneque and Daniel Butt

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As I'm sure many of you have already noticed, massive changes have been made to the school’s library these last few weeks. Over the past two years, Mrs. Calemmo, the school’s

productive. Upon entering the library, you immediately notice the detachable tables that can be moved and reattached with ease, allowing you to study wherever you please. As stated

was ready for students on the following Monday, September 26th. Changes included the introduction of booth seating, detachable tables, and chromebook charging stations,

library media specialist, has worked tirelessly to implement a new multi-phase layout that

previously, learning commons found in local universities were a major inspiration for these

which are extremely helpful, considering that schools across the country are slowly

merges the traditional library

changes. Not only are the new

transforming into a digital

format with the flexibility of a learning commons found in most universities. Plans for the

seating arrangements comfortable, but they also give students a feel for what the

academic landscape.

In addition, Mrs. Callemo plans to upgrade the computer lab,

new and improved library were first drafted in 2019 and would

learning environment will be like on most college campuses.

located on the left side of the library, by adding multiple

have been implemented sooner if not for the pandemic. Now

GCHS took direct inspiration from local high schools as well,

media tables. The inclusion of said media tables, which serve

that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, the finishing touches have been made and we’re excited to detail the new improvements to the school library.

When first establishing the new library, staff wanted to place primary emphasis on flexibility. A flexible learning environment gives students the impression that they are able to be comfortable while also being w

such as Great Neck South High School, which had a library transformation in 2019. Great Neck South’s booth-like seating was an incentive for social interaction and collaboration among students; GCHS has adopted these principles with its booth seating areas, located on the right side of the library.

Work on the recent changes officially begun on Saturday, September 24th, and the library wordd

as large horizontal touchscreen structures, would prove to be one of the biggest technological improvements made to the library in recent years. All things considered, the recent changes made to the GCHS library have not only inspired more social learning practices, but more potential plans for the future.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOL NEWS

Spotlight on Clubs

By Tara Kerimian

At Garden City High School there are about sixty clubs.

Some are academic, some are creative, some are social, and some are a combination of the

Ms. Young. The club is dedicated to doing community service to better our community.

The German National Honor Society, which

space. Towards the end of the year, Inkspots accepts submissions for the magazine, so if you have talents in writing or art, feel free to

three. I will be spotlighting some of the clubs from each

I belong to, works hard to bridge the gap between

submit something. Another creatively oriented club is this

category, with a special look into the clubs I am involved in.

Academic clubs include the

different generations of Germans and to keep the language alive with the younger

publication, Echo. It gives students a chance to review events and media that interest

honor societies: there is the

grades. It usually meets once a

them and to test the waters as a

overarching National Honor Society and then there are language specific ones. You

month after school with Frau Rupes on Wednesdays in room 110.

journalist.

One social club is GSA, the Gay-Straight Alliance.

It

apply to both in the beginning

.....One

is

allows students who identify as

of junior year and you are inducted towards the end of

Inkspots, the school’s literary magazine and creative writing

part of the LGBT community to have a safe space, and it is

junior

a

club. It meets once a week on

also a great place to just go and

requirement of a GPA of 92 or above, and for National Honor Society, there is an additional community service requirement of 55-60 hours. This community service includes volunteer work performed after graduating from middle school. This club meets once a month before school in the auditorium and is run by word

Mondays after school in the writing center. It is run by Ms. Oriani, as well as by the editorin-chief, myself. This club is open to all grade levels and all skill levels. We usually write based on a prompt, but there is no obligation to follow the prompt. The club is a very supportive and freethinking word

make friends, even if you are just an ally. It meets in room 210 on Tuesdays after school and is run by Mr. Dunleavy.

While I only highlighted a few clubs, there are plenty more at GCHS. If you want a full detailed list, there is one on the school website. I hope you join some and have fun. word

year.

Both

have

creative

club

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOL NEWS

Hope Club, Courtesy of Mr. Wiedenhoft

The Chemistry Club grows crystals for the US Crystal Growing Competition, Courtesy of Dr. Foley

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOL NEWS

Garden City's Got Spirit!

By Ana Gaztañaga

GCHS celebrated an extended Spirit Week this year, spanning from September 23rd to September 30th. Once again, this year's spirit week did not disappoint.

Many GCHS

classic maroon and gray school colors, including wearing their sport uniforms and merchandise.

Each class also came up with themes for spirit week, including ‘Fresh’ Minions

opening performance, rallying the students with energizing music and a color guard display.

Afterwards, varsity kickline and varsity cheerleading performed their respective dance routines,

students took part in this eventful week that culminated with a thrilling pep rally. Due

(Freshmen), ‘Soph’ Wars (Sophomores), Fabulous Juniors (Juniors), and Kanye West’s

unleashing splits, kicks, and impressive dance moves in the process. The traditional display

to the lack of a week solely

Graduation

The

of the other varsity teams' skits

dedicated to spirit week because of Rosh Hashanah, it was extended to begin on the

Junior class ultimately emerged victorious in the decorating competition, in which each

then followed. The most memorable skits included those of the varsity football team,

Friday the week before. Hence, spirit week kicked off on

grade decorated the gym according to their pep rally

where an impassioned noodlepool battle was reenacted, the

September 23rd with the much beloved “Pajama Day”, where

theme.

Seniors on the football team

boy’s varsity soccer team, who danced to Shakira’s "Waka

the hallways were flooded with kids in onesies, slippers, and sleeping masks. Then followed “America Day” on Wednesday the 28th where everyone was decked in red, white and blue.

“Color Wars” took place on Thursday, where each student dressed in their grade’s designated color- freshmen in white, sophomores in gray, juniors in blue and seniors in the traditional black. The week culminated with “Spirit Day” on Friday, on which students dressed in Garden City’s wordddd

and other varsity sports made appearances at the primary, elementary, and middle schools to get the younger grades excited about homecoming.

Back at the high school, upperclassmen poured into the gymnasium at the end of ninth period where they could watch the pep rally in-person. Anna Cooke opened the event with a wonderful rendition of the StarSpangled Banner, which was met with enthusiastic applause from everyone. The school’s Marching Band then gave the word

Waka" in onesies and costumes, and the boy’s varsity cross country team, who opted to host a hotdog-eating contest instead of the traditional skit, which was ultimately won by junior William Morgan. Towards the end of the event, seniors Elle Basile and Ryan Krieg were crowned homecoming queen and king.

Without a doubt, spirit week and pep rally will go down as one of the most unforgettable events during this school year! word

(Seniors).

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOL NEWS

Homecoming King Ryan Krieg and Queen Elle Basile stand side-byside. Courtesy of patch.com.

Varsity Kickline offered a stunning performance at this year's Pep Rally. Courtesy of patch.com.

The Cheerleading squad soared high in the air to show off their school spirit. Courtesy of patch.com.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Student Spotlight: Isabella Fuertes

By Jisha Samuel

Isabella Fuertes is a freshman at Garden City High School.

While Isabella may only be fourteen, she's done things that few fourteen year olds have done. Shortly after the 2021-

and made it her goal to fold 1000 cranes. Sadly, Sadako died on October 25, 1955, having folded 664 paper cranes.

Although she did not achieve her goal, Sadako left a legacy of

Cancer is to raise awareness for leukemia patients and their needs. She hopes to make positive change in the world.

Her beginning goal was to raise $1000 by folding a string

2022 school year started, she founded the Cranes for Cancer organization.

persistence and optimism that grants hope to all patients battling cancer.

of 1000 origami cranes. After reaching her goal, she planned to go further, raising even

In fact, this September marked

After hearing Sadako’s story,

more money. She has folded

the first anniversary of Cranes for Cancer. Isabella was inspired to create Cranes for

Isabella stated, “cranes, for this project, represent hope and comfort. Cranes equal peace.”

around 400 cranes so far.

Isabella says that she has more things planned for the future,

Cancer because of the story of Sadako Sasaki. Sadako was

Cranes for Cancer first gained publicity at the GC Cares-A-

and she's not finished yet. She needs as much support as

born in Hiroshima, Japan just around the time the first atomic

Thon, held at the Middle School in January 2022. She

possible! The project can only succeed if the community joins

bomb was dropped. She was diagnosed with leukemia, a lifethreatening cancer, at the young age of eleven. Due to the limited access to treatment, doctors believed she wouldn’t survive it. However, Sadako remained strong throughout her illness and believed in a Japanese tradition, which held that if an ill person folds 1000 paper cranes, the gods will grant them one wish.

Sadako was determined to achieve this feat word

shared Sadako’s inspiring story and taught listeners how to fold cranes. After that, she was interviewed by a popular news network, spreading Sadako’s story further. Isabella became even more inspired when a Japanese mother told her that she was very grateful for the project. She said that the more people fold the cranes, the stronger and higher the wish will be carried. Isabella’s ultimate goal for Cranes for word

together to support those fighting leukemia.

Fun Fact: On a memorial arch for Sadako, there is an engraved quote that reads, “This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.” If you wish to donate to St. Jude's, whose mission is to find a cure for pediatric cancer, you can do so using the following QR code:

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REVIEWS

Midnights: The Latest Taylor Swift Album

By Maria Santos

Taylor Swift is entering yet another era: Midnights. Swift emerged onto the music scene nearly two decades ago with wild blonde hair, cowgirl boots

with actor Jake Gyllenhall.

Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of her new album.

includes: "Lavender Haze," "Maroon," "Anti-Hero," "Snow on the Beach," "You're on Your Own, Kid," "Midnight Rain,""Question…?,"

and hats, and a Nashville twang.

Since then, Swift has practically

On August 28, 2022, Taylor Swift announced the release of

"Vigilante S---," "Bejeweled," "Labyrinth," "Karma," "Sweet

rebranded herself with each new album. Most notably, she adopted an edgy bad-girl

her 10th studio album. She tells fans to “meet [her] at midnight” on an Instagram post with the

Nothing," and "Mastermind."

Swift has also announced the release of four vinyl

persona for her sixth studio

following

records

album, Reputation. She quickly shifted into a softer, calmer style with Lover, which is

stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life, will be out October 21.” Since

configured together, form a clock. Between the album and vinyl covers, fans speculated

depicted on her album cover

the announcement, fans have

that Midnights would have a

with pastels. Then, during the pandemic, Swift released two

been tirelessly searching for easter eggs giving clues about

60s-70s sound much like the Carpenters and the Mamas &

more albums, Folklore and

the new release.

the Papas.

Evermore, both with a mistyfall feel depicting cardigans, messy braids, and forests.

Shortly thereafter, Swift announced that she would rerecord her first six studio albums after losing masters to Scooter Braun, who bought her previous record label. Fans sang and cried along to songs on Red (Taylor’s Version), in particular the 10 minute version of “All Too Well”, about her breakup with

Swift has amassed nearly 83 million views on TikTok, after beginning a series entitled “Midnights Mayhem With Me”, in which she reveals one by one the names of the 13 tracks on the album. The official tracklist word

Although Swift hasn’t announced tour dates yet, official sources confirm that she will have a combined world tour with Lover, Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights. Swifties, get ready!

description:

“the

which,

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when

REVIEWS

Duel

By Julia D'Aloisio

Debuting in 1971, Duel marks the beginning of Steven Spielberg’s illustrious career as a director. This thriller not only showcases Spielberg’s genius in

we later learn is David Mann, creating unbearable suspense.

And thus, the game of cat and mouse between the driver and the truck begins.

they are on the road. And through the use of differing angles and placement from the driver’s perspective, the audience becomes immersed in

directing but his innate knack for storytelling.

The film begins with a focus

This game continues through a gas station, a school bus with children, and a diner, but all the

the scenarios Spielberg creates.

In one scene, after pulling over to a diner, David notices

on a business commuter, with a

while the truck driver’s face is

the truck is parked in the lot!

seemingly mundane introduction. There is no dialogue, no interactions with

never revealed. Spielberg only gives the audience glimpses of his shoes and jeans. This

In this scene, David’s inner monologue clues in the audience to his thoughts and

others, and no suspense. Just a

mysterious

on

his suspicions of the other men

man driving on the road. This measured approach to create

Spielberg’s part only adds to the tension in the film. While

in the diner. But, since he does not know who the driver is, he

suspense pays dividends when

watching, one can only wait in

ends up confronting the wrong

the intensity begins to increase.

nervous apprehension for what

man. This is but one instance

After a few scenes featuring the arid scenery of what appears

will befall David.

This character, who on the surface

of the paranoia he feels, which is imparted to all who watch.

to be Southern California, the audience is introduced to the antagonist -- the truck. The interactions between the car's driver and the truck begin in a conventional manner. When the truck, greasy and beat up, appears, the driver thinks nothing of it and passes it.

However, the truck continually catches up to the driver, who wordword

does not appear complex, is later revealed to have difficulties in his personal life, which is illustrated through phone calls with his wife and an inner monologue.

Adding to these elements, the film's cinematography contributes to its overall impact.

The camera often pans over the truck and the driver’s car while wo ordd

Through this style of storytelling, Spielberg creates not only excitement and anticipation, but an underlying sense of terror for the entire audience. And here, this simple ninety-minute film titled Duel, is where the world-renowned director's career all began. word

brilliance

The decrepit truck shown charging ahead on a villainous quest (Duel, 1971).

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REVIEWS

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

By Emma Rathgeber

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How would you go about prodding a murderer for an explanation of his actions? That may be a loaded question, but it’s exactly the dilemma Theo

only refused to offer an explanation: she has not spoken a single word.

I had the privilege of reading this book over the summer.

different elements and characters would come to fit together. However, I believe it is this confusion that made the twist so shocking.

Faber faces in The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides. Ever since

Before I began, I had high expectations, due to the many

Although I read it a couple of months ago, I still get the

Alicia Berenson murdered her husband, she has not said anything in defense of her

commendatory reviews I found online. And I must say, I was not disappointed. While the first

chills when I think about this part of the novel. Rarely have I felt the need to put physical

actions, nor has she explained

fifty to one-hundred pages were

distance between myself and a

her motivations.

As a psychotherapist, Theo is tasked with bringing to light these

not as exciting as I might have liked, they provide detailed background information that is

book in order to allow myself to process what I’ve just read, but this was one of those times.

unspoken details. However, his

essential to the development of

An added bonus is that, after

challenge is more complex than what it may seem. This is

the plot. This part also adds a whole new level of intrigue to

all the pieces are fitted together and the big picture is revealed,

because, in the six years since

the rest of the novel. As the

the plot deescalates at just the

she stabbed her husband to death, Alicia Berenson has not word

plot progressed, I grew a bit confused as to how all the plot's word

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right pace to wrap up the story and tie it with a bow.

Released in February 2019, The Silent Patient is Alex Michaelides’ debut novel. He has said that because of this fact, he did not feel immense pressure while writing, as there were no expectations to meet.

However, the novel’s debut at #1 on the New York Times Best-Seller list, its three Goodreads Awards, as well as my own humble opinion, serve to demonstrate that The Silent Patient has cemented itself as a staple in the psychological thriller genre.

REVIEWS

My Year of Rest and Relaxation

By Hunter Maguire

“Reva was my only friend, but I hated her. I popped another bisphenol and faded back into unconsciousness.”

Throughout My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Ottessa Moshfegh makes no effort to convince us to like or sympathize with our oh-sodespicable unnamed narrator. A self-proclaimed WASP of the Upper East Side, living off her

cold and unsupportive whenever Reva needs love or support. Her only forays out of the apartment are to the Egyptian bodega for coffee, to RiteAid to refill prescriptions, and to Dr. Tuttle’s office once a month for new prescriptions.

dead parents’ inheritance, she has everything most people can only dream of, yet is absolutely insufferable. She is twenty-six, blonde, thin, and

However, as the months drone on, she starts taking a fictional, experimental medication called infermiterol. Her “rest” becomes interrupted by

rich, but she squanders her life away with bored

strange actions taken in her sleep; random AOL

apathy inside the walls of her luxury apartment.

Her only satisfaction comes from popping pills, re-watching the same old Whoopi Goldberg

messages to men online, parties and shopping trips she can’t remember, and phone calls she definitely shouldn’t be making. On New Year’s

movies, and putting down her only friend, the

Eve, she knocks herself out with the infermiterol,

lovingly anxious Reva.

As the book opens, our narrator makes her

and somehow wakes up on the LIRR headed to Reva’s for her mother’s funeral. Because of this

only firm resolution of the novel: to sleep away

misstep, she devises a new plan to lock herself in

an entire year, secluded in her apartment, with

her apartment and sleep away the weeks until her

the help of her bumbling psychologist, Dr. Tuttle. Tuttle, supremely gullible and comically stupid, is easily fooled into prescribing an alphabet of meds to the narrator, from Ambien to Nembutal to Zyprexa.

The first chapters of the novel meander through the narrator’s life events with annoying self-awareness. She begins her year “working” at a Chelsea art gallery, but she gets fired after dozing off everyday in the supply closet. Her parents– a closed-off college professor and an irritable day-drinker– never offer much emotional support. She clings to her on-off boyfriend Trevor, a pathetic thirtysomething Wall Street banker, as some sort of surrogate parental figure. Nastiest of all, she plays on Reva’s insecurities for her own validation, yet is word

infermiterol runs out. Afterwards, she emerges from hibernation and returns to life in summer2001 Manhattan in the book’s closing chapters.

Overall, I really enjoyed My Year of Rest and Relaxation. Ottessa Moshfegh is an amazingly talented writer, and is especially skilled at portraying complex characters and ideas, such as mental illness and disgust, in her writing. She successfully manages to depict the narrator as human and a result of her own traumas, without veering into romanticizing or defending her actions. Even though the medications and events within are fictional, the central characters such as the narrator, Reva, and Trevor are very much a reflection of real people, insecurities, and societal patterns. The story also successfully makes a commentary on the 1990s-2000s "yuppie" culture word

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REVIEWS in Manhattan before the sobering reality of 9/11, which I especially enjoyed, considering so many of our parents and relatives were very much a part of that demographic.

The writing strongly captures a sense of life for the young and wealthy in early-aughts New York, from the elitist art and social scene to diet culture and superficial beauty standards.

I also especially appreciated the relationship between the narrator and Reva, and the complexities of the dynamic between them. I found Reva to be an extremely sympathetic

functions, and there are several scenes that are indisputably gross. At one particular point, I even had to put down the book, close my eyes, and take some deep breaths to erase a particular mental image! Additionally, the novel doesn’t shy away from racism and other forms of prejudice, especially coming from the narrator herself. Although these aren’t condoned in the writing, it’s understandable that many people would be uncomfortable reading a book including them. Eating disorders are also mentioned in deep detail, which was

character, so desperately seeking love and comfort from those around her to distract from internal emotions of despair and worthlessness.

discomforting as well.

In sum, My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a deeply relevant and interesting book, although I

Although some may find her superficial, focusing on her appearance and social graces,

wouldn’t recommend it for every reader. If you’re passionate about psychology, social and

she only uses these as tools to ease her own suffering and feel the warmth and appreciation of society. The contrast between her and the

cultural patterns, or just love a fascinating, character-driven story, however, this book is a must-read!

narrator, who instead chooses to seal herself off from society to nurse her wounds, is very much a central element of the plot. Seeing and understanding each other’s pain makes both

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Reva and the narrator feel slightly less alone and miserable in their unfulfilling lives.

Although the novel contains serious, substantial themes, the inclusion of black comedy truly ties the book together and prevents it from becoming simply a gloomy narrative of mental illness. The narrator’s actions are definitely ludicrous, and reality is distorted just enough to add a darkly silly element to MYORAR: from the effects of the infermiterol to Dr. Tuttle’s cluelessness to the ridiculous concept art of the gallery. The book remains a relevant social commentary without ever taking itself too seriously.

Before I wrap up, there are certain elements of the book that would alienate or unnerve many readers. Ottessa Moshfegh is unafraid to write very graphically, especially about bodily woddrds

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REVIEWS

For Five

By Riya Katriyar

For Five Coffee Roasters is a chain that has already popularized itself throughout Long Island and has now opened a new location on Seventh Street. Although For Five is best known for its coffee, it also offers food: including an array of sandwiches, salads, and cookies. While deciding on my order, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the menu. Eventually, I settled on an iced coffee, a chicken-pesto burrata sandwich, and a chocolate chip cookie. As

was larger and more costly than expected, but that did not detract from the taste. I think it's safe to say that For Five is solidified as my new spot for iced coffee! Not only was the food amazing, but the ambiance of the café made it even more enjoyable. It’s a great environment to catch up with friends, enjoy a relaxing snack, or get some work done. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t done so already!

expected, the food was delicious! The sandwich w

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