THE RAM'S HORN
Design by Laila Sayegh
By Gianna Maltbie, Around the Horn Editor
On April 11, young minds and budding scientists explored the activities of Clarkstown North’s annual science fair, led by Clarkstown North’s students. Elementary school students and their parents were welcomed into the fair, participating in many different labs and hands-on activities. From creating lava lamps to making delicious ice cream, all who attended had a blast, igniting interest in science in future and current high school students. Not only did students have fun, but they also learned important principles like density and fossilization and participated in robotics, derby car racing, and slime-making.
Image Courtesy of George Mampillil (Senior) featuring Aidan Dobrosielski, Mark Altman, and Gavin Cazes (Juniors)
Image courtesy of Emma Zadrima (Junior)
By Gianna Maltbie, Around the Horn Editor
During the Staff Art Show, Clarkstown North teachers and faculty members unveiled their talents in various mediums. From handcrafted sculptures to beautiful landscapes, every brushstroke and aspect of this work represents our staffs’ true dedication to their work. Inside and outside of the classroom, staff create a vibrant world of color and shape, allowing for innovation and exploration in all subjects.
By Taylor Jacobs, Staff Writer
As the regular season for the varsity girls' flag football team draws to a close, they're gearing up for the first round of playoffs. This marks the second year since the introduction of the varsity girls' flag football program at the school. The new sport has allowed students from both Clarkstown North High School and Clarkstown South High School to come together and play as one team.
Image Courtesy of The Varsity Flag Football Team Program
Image courtesy of IMDb
By Melanie Gallo, Staff Writer
The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was an iconic, engaging, and exciting film with horror and comedic elements. However, the film leaves the audience questioning Willy Wonka’s backstory and how he began his career. This prequel helps to answer some of these questions in a humorous and heartwarming manner. This musical comedy tells the origin story of Willy Wonka, a poor young man who has dreams of opening a chocolate factory.
Beyond the Animatronics: A Five Nights at Freddy’s Movie Review
By Izabella Blanco, Staff Writer
Step right up, horror fans and animatronic enthusiasts, because the long-awaited Five Nights at Freddy's movie has finally hit the screens, and it's a rollercoaster ride through the corridors of both nostalgia and sheer terror. If you're ready for a cinematic experience that will make you jump out of your seat and question your love for pizza joints with questionable mascots, then this is the film for you.
Image Courtesy of Morgan Grant
Image courtesy of Finnegan and Celeste Thompson
By Finnegan Thompson, Staff Writer
In education, specifically high schools, the issue of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has raised endless questions. How should schools regulate the use of artificial intelligence? How can abuse of these new technologies be stopped? Can teachers and students alike benefit from artificial intelligence? These questions must be answered soon in order to determine how education can continue as these new technologies continue to advance.
The Addams Family: A Creepy and Kooky Good Time
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. The Addams Family at Clarkstown North took place on March 21, March 22, and March 23, featuring our talented and hard-working students.
Image Courtesy of Heidi Peterson
Image courtesy of Angela Xu, Junior
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
Over ninety students gathered together to share their love for poetry, songwriting, and monologue writing. From “Movie Magic” and “Photo Roulette” to “Mathemagical Rhymes” and “Mastering the Melody," students collaborated to create beautifully written poetry, coming together for the end of day open-mic to share their work. Students dove into the vibrant world of poetry and writing, inspiring creativity and connection among all.
Unsung Heroes: Celebrating the Impact of Social Workers during Social Worker Appreciation Month
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
Within Clarkstown North exists a network of hardworking and dedicated social workers, improving the lives of students every single day. From touching lives to creating lasting change, social workers are the heroes of our Clarkstown community. Join us as we dive into the lives of two of North’s social workers, Mrs. Ovadia and Ms. Hernandez, in an interview between Gianna Maltbie (Around-the-Horn Editor) and the social workers, learning more about their hardwork and dedication.
Image Courtesy of Gianna Maltbie
Image courtesy of CBS Sports
By Jessica Coyle and Gianna Ruzzi, Staff Writer
Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas saw the Kansas City Chiefs overcome a 10-point deficit to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime. The Kansas City Chiefs are now the first team to win back-to-back titles in the Super Bowl in 20 years. Super Bowl LVIII unfolded as a captivating rematch of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV, with the Kansas City Chiefs seeking to defend their title against the San Francisco 49ers.
New Hunger Games Movie: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
By Ava Brigando, Entertainment and Feature Editor
On November 17th, 2023 a new movie was added to the iconic Hunger Games franchise. This movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, based off of the novel by Suzane Collins, was a prequel to the successful series and details President Snow’s upbringing and his journey to power as he loses himself in the process. The roles of Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray were played by Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler and since its premiere the film has earned 336.6 million dollars worldwide.
Image Courtesy of IMDb
Image courtesy of Justin Peralta, Senior
By Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
During the last week of Black History Month, The Clarkstown North Black Culture Club planned a very memorable week of celebration, making their mark on our school community. From planning a Tunes Tuesday Playlist to ordering African, Caribbean, and Hispanic foods for students to taste during lunch periods, North students found many avenues to showcase their unique cultures.
By Emily Savedoff, Sports Editor
The Girls Varsity Basketball team has impacted our athletic program and impressed fans for years. This year the team continued its hard work and passion, leading to another year of lasting memories. With Coach Diver as the new coach and his passion to do great things, the team proved to be a fighting force that many teams will need to watch out for for years to come.
Image Courtesy of CHSN Girls Basketball Program
Image courtesy of Entertainment Weekly
By Jessica Coyle, Staff Writer
From the heart of Texas to global stardom, Travis Scott's electrifying beats and magnetic performances have captivated audiences worldwide. With hit albums like "Rodeo" and "Astroworld" under his belt, he's not just a rapper—he's a cultural icon. And with his latest release, "Utopia," dropping in July 2023, the Scott saga continues to mesmerize fans everywhere! Vote for your favorite song.
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
The day before break, Cue & Curtain was busy with its performances of the Children’s Plays for Clarkstown’s elementary schools, bringing elementary school students great joy right before the beginning of winter break. Students loved the two performances, which hopefully have made a lasting impression on these children.
Image Courtesy of Bayani Medina, Junior
Image Courtesy of She Leads STEM website
By Hifza Ziaullah, Staff Writer
To obtain knowledge you go through experiences; as mentioned earlier, experiences lead to wisdom. If you are curious, ambitious, and willing to experience or try something new then try the She Leads STEM club. Want to know what this club is? What does the club do? What are the benefits of joining this club? If these were some of your questions, then keep reading to find out more.
Image Courtesy of ABC News
A North Alumni’s Experience Meeting Taylor Swift
By Emma Cazes, Social Media Manager
Taylor Swift, an artist known for loving her fans and treating them as new friends instead of distant admirers. Swift has a large social media presence and is consistently interacting with fans, viewing their posts on all platforms. However unlike other celebrities, Taylor has chosen to take her interactions with fans to the next level.
Amazing Animations: A Spider Man Across the Spider-Verse Review
By Ammar Shaadab, Web & Design Asst. Editor
Calling all superhero aficionados and animation enthusiasts, Spider Man Across the Spider-Verse is a thrilling journey through the multiverse, filled with jaw-dropping animation that will have viewers clinging to the edge of their seats. Get ready for a cinematic experience that exceeds expectations and challenges your perception of what a superhero movie can be.
Image Courtesy of Amazon
Image Courtesy of @ccsdschools Instagram
Regeneron Science Talent Search: Recognizing the Brightest in STEM
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
In November 2023, 10 Clarkstown North Seniors entered the prestigious Regeneron STS, a top science research competition for high school students. The competition seeks to acknowledge young scientists developing solutions for societal issues through extensive original research projects.
Science Research Showcase: Bringing Scientific Minds Together
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
Clarkstown High School North hosted its first Science Research Showcase on November 28 in a gathering of research students from across the area to recognize, celebrate, and share their work. Students came from Clarkstown North High School, Nanuet High School, Nyack High School, Tappan Zee High School, Suffern High School, and Washingtonville High School to talk about their research in various scientific fields of study.
Image Courtesy of @clarkstownnorth Instagram
Image Courtesy of Clarkstown North Homepage
Clarkstown North Sweeps Public Speaking Competition
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
On November 20, Clarkstown North’s public speakers took the Rockland County Forensic League Public Speaking Competition by storm, with nine speakers making it to finals and eight placing in the top three in the five different categories offered. We are so proud of these students for coming out on top.
Winter Concert Interviews
By Cristina Carbone, Multimedia Editor, and Emma Zadrima, Chief Correspondent
The music department and its members share their opinion on their upcoming performances and winter concert.
MusicInterview.MOVVideo courtesy of Cristina Carbone and Emma Zadrima
Image courtesy of the CHSN Boys Basketball Program
By Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
The Boys Varsity Basketball Team never fails to impress. Year after year, Coach Amparo and the “fellas” create memories, highlights, and headlines that our students will cherish forever. LOHUD is going to have to make some room for these boys this winter…
Mugen Taiko at Turkey Trot
By Ms. Uchiyama, Japanese Teacher
During the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot run at Rockland Lake, the Mugen Taiko team woke up bright and early to perform and cheer on the runners.
Copy of Mugen Taiko at Turkey Trot 23 - 3.MOVVideo Courtesy of Ms. Uchiyama
RadiumGirlsInterview.movVideo courtesy of Cristina Carbone and Lily Kaplan
Interviews of Cue and Curtain Members
By Cristina Carbone, Multimedia Editor, and Lily Kaplan, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Cue and Curtain members share their opinion on their upcoming play: Radium Girls.
By Izabella Blanco, Staff Writer
Barbie's influence on society and relationships has left a worldwide impact on women, as proven from the release of the movie, Barbie.
Image courtesy of Flixster
Image courtesy of @chsn.kindnesscrewclub Instagram
By Gianna Maltbie, Around the Horn Editor
The Kindness Crew works in partnership with the Clarkstown Family Resource Center with the goal of students helping students. Their biggest priority is giving back to the community and helping students who need extra support.
By Gianna Maltbie, Around the Horn Editor
Multiple students from our own school were honored as National Merit Honorees, displaying their hard work and dedication to learning and academic achievement. These students are surely going on to great things. Let’s dive deeper into some of their lives and interests.
Image courtesy of October 2023 Principal's Newsletter
Image courtesy of J-Club
By Katherine Hsin-Ting Hsieh, Web Design Editor
The Japanese Club made okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, at a J-Club meeting on 10/12. While the officers prepared the food, members of the club watched a video on how to make okonomiyaki and played a trivia game of Asian cuisine. Everyone was able to enjoy a small pancake with unique sauces.
By Evan Agranoff, Staff Writer
After a very successful season, the boys hockey team faces challenges with several key seniors leaving. However, with talented athletes and new players, the team is ready to continue their success.
Image courtesy of Clarkstown Hockey Instagram
Image courtesy of Mrs. Uchiyama
By Benjamin Tsung-Chun Hsieh, Staff Writer
As the restless crowd prepares to walk in support of the research and development of the cure for Alzheimer's at Boulder Stadium, the unified and passionate drumming from the students of our Taiko drumming team, Mugen Taiko 無限太鼓, which is filled with ecstatic members from both the North and the South, ripples across the mesmerizing crowd of people as they venture around the stadium.
By Finnegan Thompson, Staff Writer
Cue and Curtain recently took a sharp turn from comedies and announced Radium Girls as its fall drama. Come see a story of legal battles, feminists, shady characters, and big business secrets!
Image courtesy of Finnegan Thompson
RamsHornVolleyball.movVideo courtesy of Cristina Carbone and Aidan Dobrosielski
Interviews of North Volleyball Players
By Cristina Carbone, Multimedia Editor, and Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
Varsity Volleyball athletes share their opinion on their preparation for the sectional finals.
By Melanie Gallo, Staff Writer
Olivia Rodrigo’s second album, "GUTS," came out on September 8, 2023. Fans had been eagerly anticipating the release of this album since 2021, when Rodrigo’s first album, “SOUR," came out. “GUTS” is the 20-year-old’s second No. 1 album, which has the fourth-biggest opening of all albums this year, following Travis Scott’s “Utopia." Although “GUTS” did not share the same initial success as “SOUR," listeners have grown to adore it.
Image courtesy of Olivia Rodrigo/Geffen Records/Interscope Records
Image courtesy of Taylor Jacobs
By Gianna Maltbie, Around the Horn Editor
Seasons of Giving is a club at Clarkstown North dedicated to community service and bettering the community. In the past few weeks, they kicked off their charitable activities with multiple events.
Image courtesy of Ashley Manfredi, ASL Teacher
By Gianna Ruzzi, Staff Writer
Students drew a variety of masks during the October 19th ASL club meeting; they were instructed to draw a specific mask, but in the end, they were free to draw anything they wanted on their masks. Some of the masks are seen in the picture above.
Image courtesy of Teen Vogue
By Emma Cazes, Social Media Manager
Swifties are excited for the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to finally be released to streaming services. After Taylor’s masters were sold to Scooter Braun in 2019, she decided that it was time to take ownership of her work and begin to re-record each individual album that she had lost. Within the past two years, fans have gotten three re-recorded albums including Red, Fearless, and Speak Now.
Image courtesy of CNN
By Sara Goldberg, Staff Writer
The night: Friday, October 13. The location: movie theaters across the world. The audience: ecstatic to sing and dance along to their favorite songs. Friendship bracelets: traded. Merch: Bought. The feature? Taylor Swift’s newest concert, now taking over the big screen.
Image courtesy of the CHSN Volleyball Program
By Evan Gallo, Staff Writer
After a strong season, the Boys Wrestling team faces new challenges with key wrestlers leaving. However, with promising athletes and new wrestlers joining, they're ready to uphold their success and take on their rivals, the Clarkstown South Vikings, in the new season.
Image courtesy of Girls tennis team
By Emily Savedoff, Sports Editor
After the great season in 2022, the 2023 Girls Varsity Tennis season was even better. The girls on this team showed character, perseverance, and determination as they always fought for the last ball. Led by captain Kiki Ottenheimer, the 2023 Girls Varsity tennis had a very successful season.
By Maria Toscano, Teacher
Italian Heritage Month, beginning October 1st, celebrates all that want to celebrate their Italian ancestry. Do you have to be Italian to celebrate? Of course not. We can simply honor the numerous Italians the way we honor the many nationalities that came here to build roots and find a better way of life.
Image courtesy of Ms. Toscano
Image courtesy of Abigail Koshy
By Ammar Shaadab, Web & Design Asst. Editor
DECA, North’s dynamic business club, is on the rise. There has been an expansion of about 50 new members since last year. Here is a quick look on how the club has expanded and why it’s a fantastic opportunity for students at North.
Interviews of Varsity Athletes at Pep Rally
By Cristina Carbone, Multimedia Editor, and Emma Zadrima
Varsity athletes are interviewed behind the scenes before the Pep Rally and share their thoughts on North Athletics.
PepRallyInterviews.MOVVideo courtesy of Cristina Carbone and Emma Zadrima
Image courtesy of the CHSN Volleyball Program
By Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
In 2021, the North Boys Volleyball Team, led by captains Jacob Hernandez, Jack Guiney, Frank Bruno, and Nick Gamez, took down Suffern in straight sets to win the Section 1 Championship. In 2022, captains Matt Siegel and Matt Toplitsky led the very talented Rams to an undefeated season and a sectional chip over Yorktown. In 2023, captains Brandon Gelb, Kaden Miller, and Drew Ciganek hope to further solidify their legacy in Clarkstown North Volleyball History. And they are already off to a great start.
Image courtesy of 4th Quarter Club
By Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
After a tough start to the 2023 season, the North Rams showed tremendous grit, determination, and strength in their 26-7 victory over the Horace Greeley Quakers. Led by Aidan Pompei, Jack Kavanagh, Ryan Collopy, Jaden Bigio, and Cian Barry, the Rams got the job done in spectacular fashion.
By Aidan Dobrosielski, Editor-in-Chief
The 2023 Fall Pep Rally was a big success. Not only did it get students excited for the homecoming football game, but it allowed our varsity athletes to showcase their skills on the turf. What a great way to end a successful Spirit Week.
Image courtesy of the 4th Quarter Club
Cristina Tyrie and Madison Anish - Seniors
Image courtesy of Gianna Maltbie
By Jessica Coyle, Staff Writer
Spirit week at North is an exciting annual tradition that lights up the hallways with a contagious energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the week, school comes alive with a kaleidoscope of creativity as students and staff embrace daily themed dress-up days, showcasing their school spirit. The Student Council added many fun theme days, such as Barbie day and western day. Teachers and students went all out with an unwavering spirit, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines North.
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
On September 30, Clarkstown North kicked off their annual homecoming dance. Students had a blast as they walked the red carpet while surrounded by gold, black, red, and yellow decor. Students took great pictures in the photo booth, ate tasty treats, and danced all night to the tunes of a DJ. Some students were even nominated on the homecoming court, including Isla Pek, Kylie Marte, Lindsay Horowitz, George Mampillil, Derek Mathew, Hannah Tiell, Campbell Barrett, Summer Harris, James Deering, Aliya King, Jake Rooney, Christian Laquidara, and Zoe Abrams. George and Isla were even selected to be Homecoming King and Queen. Everyone had a blast before kicking off our spirit week.
Image courtesy of @clarkstownhsnorth Instagram
Image courtesy of Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee
By Emma Cazes, Social Media Manager
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes and honors the rich cultural contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. Schools, like North, celebrate it to educate students about the diverse heritage, history, and cultural influences of Hispanic culture, through the showcase and world language classrooms!
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
On October 4, CHSN held a Homecoming Block Party! Utilizing our brand new parking lot, which now allows students to socialize and host events in a new central location. Various groups and clubs set up tables, activities, and food for students to enjoy. Many student groups participated in the Block Party including Art Honor Society, French Club, Japanese Club, and the PE department in collaboration with sports teams! Even North’s Student Resource Officers took part in the fun, grilling up hot dogs for this new event. From cornhole and volleyball to a spooky tent and face painting by the Art Honor Society, school spirit was in full swing as we approached our Homecoming game against Horace Greely!
Image courtesy of @clarkstownhsnorth Instagram
Images courtesy Mrs. Manfredi, ASL teacher
By Mrs. Manfredi, ASL teacher
The American Sign Language 3R class has created a window display in the World Language wing to spread awareness about deafness, deaf culture, and ASL during Deaf Awareness Month. Through a series of eye-catching and informative posters, the class has beautifully captured various aspects of the deaf experience in hopes to educate their peers and also fostered a more inclusive and understanding school environment.
By Gianna Maltbie, Around-the-Horn Editor
Over the summer, North reconstructed their parking lot, creating a campus-like feel and elevating Clarkstown North High School’s appearance. This makeover would not have been possible without the Clarkstown Superintendent, Dr. Baiocco, and the North Principal, Ms. Reim. After sitting down with these leading figures in innovation, it is clear that they had a lot to say.
Image courtesy of Clarkstown North’s Instagram (@clarkstownhsnorth)
Images courtesy @clarkstownhsnorth on Instagram
By Lily Kaplan, Asst. Editor in Chief
Rammy, students, and other dignitaries were on hand bright and early before the first bell on the first day of the 2023-2024 school year to celebrate a ribbon cutting at North’s freshly rebuilt entrance and parking lot.
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MEET THE STAFF
Editor-in-Chief: Aidan Dobrosielski
Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Lily Kaplan
Social Media Manager: Emma Cazes
Web & Design Editor: Katherine Hsin-Ting Hsieh
Web & Design Asst Editor: Ammar Shaadab
Multimedia Editor: Cristina Carbone
Chief Correspondent: Emma Zadrima
Around the Horn Editor: Gianna Maltbie
Entertainment and Feature Editor: Ava Brigando
Sports Editor: Emily Savedoff
Copy Editors: Chris Anil, Jon Thomas
Social Media/ Web staff: Sara Goldberg, Renee Golan
Staff Writers (all sections): Gianna Ruzzi, Will Figueroa, Finn Thompson, Evan Agranoff, Benjamin Tsung-Chun Hsieh, Jessica Coyle, Izabella Blanco, Amulya Mandapaka, Elsa Musah
Advisors: Alina Poulos and Karen Czajkowski