Embedded Files
I WILL GRADUATE is a non-profit organization and youth development program headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 2008 by J.P Taylor, who was a music industry executive but is now an educator, and Tonya Lewis, who was an educator and is now a celebrity event publicist. They started this organization and program when they found out about the dropout rates in schools in New York City. Their goal is “serving and empowering students, families, and the community by communicating the importance of educational excellence.” According to CBS New York, the program has worked with over 300 schools and is involved in the community with tutoring, music and art programs, professional workshops, college tours, and more.
On October 24, 2022, Uniondale students and thousands of others attended the I Will Graduate educational rally, an annual event encouraging students to get and stay focused on school. Many confirmed guests were not only music artists but also essential people involved in the community. Some of the notables who attended were the Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso; New York City Schools Chancellor, David Banks; Education chair, Rita Joseph; Member of the New York City Council, Eric Dinowitz; afrobeat artists Underrated Evolution; American rappers, Five Foreign, Yung Devyn, Kenzo B, Ron Suno, NLE Choppa, Phresher, and KGoddess. Some people attended virtually, like actor Joseph Sikora, and a host of student dancers performed.
The event was an interactive experience for students, especially when they saw some of their favorite hip-hop artists in person. There were dance performances by students between guests. They had mascots interacting with the audience as well. As people went to get food, there were stands in the hallways with things like the army making free dog tags, the fire department teaching CPR, and virtual reality games.
According to Mr. Jean-Baptiste, a UHS guidance counselor who also goes by JB, the idea for the trip was presented by the school’s superintendent, Dr. Akil. Part of the program was to have students go through a lesson plan before going on the trip. Since most of the students who did the lesson plan could not attend the trip, it opened up to more students. JB believes Uniondale should participate in trips like these more often because the students enjoy it, and he thinks it is good for the students to see people they look up to telling them to stay focused and graduate. His favorite part was seeing all the students so excited to be there.
Sabrina Dacelien and Gabrielle Swain, two Uniondale seniors, said they enjoyed everything the day had to offer. From the food to the music to the dancers and the inspirational speeches, Dacelin and Swain both agreed that it was a day that was well spent. They both left feeling inspired and determined to stay focused on their dreams.
Photos by C. Stallone
Poolside gets a makeover
Poolside gets a makeover
By: Brandon Reyes
breyes1@student.uniondaleschools.org
On October 15, 2022, Uniondale High School held a community get-together to paint a mural at the poolside entrance. Since this was a large project and took many hours throughout the day, many teachers, staff, and students showed up to assist. Not only was the mural painted on the inside, but there was also painting done on the outside, which took much effort and hard work from all who were involved.
The mural was a year in the making as the idea was spear-headed by the club's advisor, Ms. Stallone, who submitted the proposal to the district's board of education. The UHS Mural Club wanted to brighten the school's entrance, but knew that she could not do it on her own. Stallone began researching non-profits and soon the California-based nonprofit Project Color Corps (PCC) agreed to be a part of the project.
Uniondale High School was the first New York-based project they executed. PCC collected data intake sheets on the students' perceptions of color and what they were looking for in their learning environment. A virtual color seminar with the mural club and the CEO of PCC was held, along with other key members, to discuss and review the data and color theory and then choose color palettes that relate to the selected words the students had chosen.
In turn, this information was sent out to one of PCC's professional muralists, MagdaLove, as inspiration and direction to design the current murals for the space! The Mural Club, Magda, PCC, Behr Paint representatives, and Ms. Stallone began priming and painting out the image and invited the community to join us in painting. Behr Paint sponsored ALL of the supplies for the project.
The mural required hard work because of the sheer size it took to make it both outside and inside. Plus, specific designs needed to be made, so the people who were painting needed to be precise with their actions. It was well-planned and executed, thanks to Ms. Stallone and her team of volunteers.
The new poolside mural has made a considerable difference in the appearance of the entryway. Gone are drab walls. Enter a richly colorful work of art.
Overall, the results came out great and can be seen by everyone who works and attends the high school at the poolside to be enjoyed by many!
It's all business:
It's all business:
Uniondale students making it in the business world
By: Nachurel Mitchell
nmitchell@student.uniondaleschools.org
Most people have heard the classic saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," This statement stands true when referring to our knights of Uniondale High School. For some, they are able to capture beauty through their personal businesses.
Some students have businesses varying from cosmetology, photography, clothing lines, and even their own maintenance businesses. No matter what it is, their hard work, while also being a student here at Uniondale High, deserves to be recognized.
So without further ado, meet your fellow Knights who also capture beauty in their unique ways.
Annela Metellus (17) Hairstylist.
Angela is a Uniondale High School senior who owns her braiding business named Neladidthat. She works from home, working hard to meticulously braid and weave intricate designs and braiding patterns into her clients' hair. The hairstyles vary from regular box braids, soft locs, cornrows, and even braids with cool patterns like hearts. When asked about her work-life balance, she often takes one client a day after school, leaving her only 30 minutes to herself before prepping for her clients.
Annela aspires to own her salon, where she plans to manage and teach other aspiring cosmetologists. She grew up in a family with hair stylists and business owners, citing that her mom and aunt are hair stylists who fearlessly guide and support her through her business ventures.
Annela enjoys her job and empowering clients because "When you love something, it's easy to do it."
Social media has helped grow and expand her business, allowing her to easily connect with her clients, who she loves to see become empowered and confident after they leave her chair.
"When your hair looks good. . . that makes me happy", she stated.
Annela commented that the business math class offered at the high school has helped with building her business. She also attends the BOCES program, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services, which is a program that provides various educational programs to school districts in New York.
She plans on getting her cosmetologist license by the time she graduates high school. When asked if there is one thing she would want someone to know about her is that she is "a genuine person with everything she does."
Valeria Lopez (16) Lash Technician
Valeria Lopez is a pure light of sunshine with the brightest smile. She is also a senior and a home-based certified lash technician. She is the proud owner Angelic Lashes.
Valeria's business consists of "applying a false lash on top of a natural lash," where she uses colors, glitter, and textures to create her "art." Lopez claims that being an entrepreneur and a student is "super easy" because she enjoys it, and since she is her own boss, she gets to create her schedule.
Valeria plans to attend esthetician school and Nassau Community College for her business associate degree. She aspires to own her own lash studio and educate others interested in lash extensions. She enjoys doing volume sets and finds another lash artist, SpiceBabes, on Instagram as her inspiration for starting lashes. Valeria prioritizes sanitation and researching eye health to give her clients a satisfactory experience while getting lashes. She values the concept of patience and refuses to rush her work to deliver a beautiful, fulfilled lash look.
Valeria noted that the business management class offered at the high school has helped with her business and believes there should be more classes centered around business at the high school level. She credits the support of her family, especially her father, who built her lash studio in the basement and invested his money, time, and love for Valeria to help make her dreams come true.
When asked if there is one thing she would like someone to know about her, she said, "I take my business very seriously."
Ada Alvarez (17) Nail Technician and Makeup Artist
Ada Alvarez is a triple threat; she is a skilled nail tech, a makeup artist, and owns her own business, Ethereal Beauty. Ada is a passionate and creative person who works as a home-based cosmetologist. She is also a senior here in Uniondale but is currently enrolled in cosmetology school, where she is ahead of her older peers.
Ada has her eyes set on attending esthetician school and college for criminal justice. She has bigger dreams than just college and esthetician school; she also wants to expand her business and creativity to international levels. Ada's family roots trace back to El Salvador, and Ada intends to give back to women in her home country. She aspires to create an affordable cosmetology academy in El Salvador for interested women. She stated, "many women need a safe and affordable way to make money that does not exploit and take advantage of them." She also aims to create her own makeup product line that includes colors and shades for all. Alvarez's primary goal is helping others around her and making others feel as ethereal and beautiful as they are. Her love for makeup started in middle school, where she began practicing on herself and family members; she then started taking clients home. Ada prides herself on sanitation and organization, even going as far as separating certain makeup products just for specific returning customers. These past nine months, Ada picked up the nail artistry skill, which she practiced on herself and later started taking customers. She invests in high-quality products like brushes that retail for up to 60$ and individual acrylic powders that cost $32 individually (she currently has 40 acrylic powders). Alvarez enjoys crafting a beautiful holiday nail set and a classic smokey eye on her beauties. She even provides services for weddings and birthday parties. She thanks her old science teacher Ms.Dulvasaint for being an inspiration and a support system here at UHS. But most importantly, she thanks her mom for being a role model and inspiring Ada to work hard and never give up on herself. Lastly, I asked if there were one thing she would want someone to know about her; She playfully smiled and said, "I'm a sweetheart, I promise."
As you can see, our fellow knights are creative, hardworking, and inspirational. They have goals, dreams, businesses, and passions that deserve to be highlighted and showcased to the world. If you know someone working hard to make their dreams come to fruition, tell them you are proud of their accomplishments and always support your fellow peers, family, and friends. I am proud of you if you have not heard it by reading this article.
If you would like to support or book with any of our Knights featured in this article, you can do so below:
Annela Metellus (neladidthat)
Instagram: @neladidthat
Occupation: Hair Stylist
Valeria Lopez (Angelic Lashes)
@angeliclashes.v
Occupation: Lash Technician
Ada Alvarez
@etheralsbeautyy
Occupation: Nail Technician and Makeup Artist
League of Legends
League of Legends
By Irene Iraheta
League of Legends is a team-based strategy game in which two teams try to destroy each other's base. Recently, our Uniondale League of Legends team ranked #10 in New York.
Mr. Singh, the team's advisor, says that the team practices every day for about three hours. Most days the team spends practicing, one day is spent reviewing their matches and watching clips of other matches, and one day everyone is allowed to relax and play other games. They spend all this time analyzing the game and talking about strategy. Each player treats the game like any other sport, dedicating hours to practicing to improve their overall performance. The team is comprised of eight people, five on the main roster, and three substitutes. The team third in the Triton Cup.
Uniondale High School only has one League of Legends team, however when facing other schools with multiple league teams and rooms dedicated to using for practices, they proved that they are just as good.
Each student has put in a tremendous amount of effort on their own and with their coach. They have proved that they are a strong team and it's exciting to see them continue to get better.
Wakanda Forever:
Wakanda Forever:
A review
A review
By: Nachurel Mitchell
Since the start of November, all the rave has been about Marvel's latest movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The original Black Panther movie impacted many when it was released, and with the unfortunate passing of Chadwick Boseman, many couldn't wait to see how the film continue his legacy. With a budget of 250 million dollars, this movie did a fantastic job portraying effects, storyline, and character development. With the excitement of the film, students were lucky enough to be allowed to watch it.
On November 29, 2022, selected Uniondale High School English classes, under the leadership of Ms. Harris and Ms. Williams, took their students to see Wakanda Forever in theaters at Roosevelt Field Mall. Chaperones and 70 students, including myself, filled four rows of movie theater seats. Students were allowed to eat at the food court, gather snacks before the movie started, and then move onward to the viewing.
We watched, laughed, cried, mourned, and felt alongside the actors as they portrayed vast emotions on screen.
The trip even featured a brief mall trip after the movie was over. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic experience that can only be experienced once in a lifetime.
With Uniondale High School being a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and ethnic backgrounds, students enjoyed viewing a film that portrayed Black and Latinx culture through extensive research, comedy, grief, and representation. There is a lot to be said about the movie's plot and historical context, especially the direct relationship between African and African American history and the merging of Latin American culture. Which all ties into the viewer's opinions and overall experience with the movie.
Now, let's take a look at movie reviews from our very own students:
Michael Mendoza (Ms. Harris' Screenwriting class period 6):
Wakanda Forever is one of the most action-packed and sentimental movies that simultaneously honors the late Chadwick Boseman. The screenwriters, Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole did an extraordinary job incorporating intriguing, eye-catching scenes and anticlimactic twists. In addition, the film does a fantastic job of introducing new characters to the plot by making them a considerable component. The actors did an extraordinary job with their performances. This film gives an excellent message about how one can never be forgotten, and this film showcases it perfectly. This film is a definite must-watch for any marvel enthusiast or anyone who wants an action-packed, emotional, and heartfelt movie in one.
Diah-Mond Torres (Mrs. Harris' Screenwriting class, period 2):
Overall, from a screenwriting perspective, the movie was a 10/10. The entire film had me wondering what would happen next, and then there were the unexpected lines, scenes, and plot twists that were amazing because they drew everyone in. Screenwriters Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole wrote a beautiful dedication in the loving memory of Chadwick Boseman. This movie was significant in a way that can't precisely form into words.
Ethan Fingall (Mrs. Harris' Screenwriting class, period 2) (Huge Spoiler Alert !!)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, directed by Ryan Coogler, is an excellent movie. The movie portrays an action/thriller genre with the way it is jam-packed with fighting scenes or even just intense dialogue. The concept of the dialogue is astonishing. Throughout the film, the dialogue between certain characters conveys different types of diction. For example, when Ironheart first sees Shuri and Aneka in America, she talks in an informal and slang way. This is indicated in the scene when Namor tells his story about growing up and developing the powers that he currently has to Shuri. At the end of the movie (after the credits), there is a scene where we find out T'challa (Black Panther) has a son. This brings out a shocker and gives viewers a reason to believe there will be another movie. All in all, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a 10/10. I highly recommend it, and I'm looking forward to another if they go through making that.
Thank you to Mrs. Harris and Ms. L. Williams for their hard work and organization in successfully planning and executing a trip for over 70 high school students. An additional thank you to our chaperones, Mr. Escobar, Mrs. Owusu-Asiamah, and Mrs. Ferguson. Additionally, thank you to our bus drivers for taking us to theaters and returning us safely and efficiently. This trip could not have been more fun and engaging. It would be excellent for more school trips that allow our intelligent and miraculous students to see, express, and experience the world around them. If you haven't yet, watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. You won't regret it.
A Club's Impact
A Club's Impact
By Marjorie Martinez
Noah Cruz-Hernandez, a 2022 graduate of Uniondale High School, said programs such as GSA help teens feel welcomed and even create a home-like atmosphere for them.
He said, "Freshman year, I was quiet and uncomfortable with myself; I didn't talk with others." Yet upon joining GSA,, he said, " it allowed me to not only be myself but to become a person that I never thought I could be."
GSA is a club titled Gender Sexuality Alliance where students in the LGBTQ+ community and allies can learn more about gender and the types of sexualities. Many may doubt that a simple club such as GSA could help many people, but students at Uniondale High School say otherwise. Which brings the question, how impactful can GSA be?
Mrs. Di lorio, advisor of the GSA club at UHS, said, "Some [students] leave more empowered and educated about the LGBTQ community along with maybe knowing more about themselves as teenagers."
This is important, so students know they aren't alone. Individuals also feel more seen and heard. For members to be taught that their type of love is accepted and not seen as "unusual" allows them to be more proud of who they are and more accepting of themselves.
Community members are not the only ones who should learn this, either. In GSA, many students are there because they want to learn how to support their peers. Cruz-Hernandez told The Black & Gold, "It doesn't matter what you identify as, whether you're a part of the community or an ally. It is such an important club to have and be involved in."
Many students want to support their friends, yet how can they when they lack knowledge? Well, this is where Mrs. Di lorio comes in. She said that her friend had come out to her when she was young, allowing her to form a connection with the community.
Mrs. Di lorio said, "I was raised Jewish, and my parents preferred that I only date someone Jewish. I later started dating someone that wasn't Jewish, and my family struggled with this. My connection was that I was being told that I was not allowed to love who I wanted to share this story with my students so that they can see how I can empathize with the struggles for acceptance of people in the LGBTQ+ community that may have had to face similar situations."
The head of GSA is an admirable position, as not many would take such dedication to not only take a deeper look into the community and teach other supporters, but also help struggling students. Di Iorio said her favorite part of running the club is "the students."
GSA has impacted not only the students but the school as a whole. Mrs. Di lorio and past club president, Ruben Laureta (a 2019 graduate from UHS), left an impact on the school years ago. Due to their work, Uniondale High School implemented gender-neutral bathrooms for trans/nonbinary students to feel comfortable. They also implemented systems in place to assist transgender students and the expression of their identity through PowerSchool.
Many people in the club look up to both Mrs. Di lorio and Ruben. Cruz-Hernandez said, "Without it, our wonderful advisor Mrs. Di lorio and our past president Ruben, we would probably still be fighting for gender-neutral restrooms, which only highlights their accomplishments.
GSA may only be a club, but GSA can educate our school's general population and make our school a better environment for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals.
"I don't know where I would be today or if I would be the same person," said Cruz-Hernandez, "I can say now after graduating that I am so happy with myself, and it would not have been possible if not for my involvement in GSA. Through GSA, I've made lifelong friendships, and I met the most amazing soul ever, Mrs. Di Iorio."
The Cultural Corner
The Cultural Corner
By: Kristina Moore
kmoore@student.uniondaleschools.org
Devorah Salamca, El Salvador
Jesus Huaman, Peru
The world has an international community composed of people representing different nationalities, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Culture is very important and provides social and economic benefits and is also the combination of spiritual and emotional features in a set of people. There are many similarities and differences that exist between two different cultures, and with the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups in a society, it is important that we are introduced to different cultures that lead to a better understanding and perspective of traditions that differ from our own, In the Cultural Corner I have interviewed two students to get thier perspective on how their culture differs from where they are now.
Devorah Salamca
Q1.Where are you from?
I am from El Salvador.
Q2.How long did you live in your home country?
I've been in my home country for 17 years.
Q3.What is the biggest difference between the U.S. and your country?
The biggest difference between the U.S. and my country is the opportunities we are able to get in this country, and the people help my family and me out more than in my home country.
Q4.Why did you choose to come to the U.S. rather than another country?
I chose to come to the U.S. because my family is here and I feel more related to this country.
Q5.What do you miss most about your country?
What I miss most about my country are my friends.
Q6.What goals do you hope to achieve now that you are here?
Some goals I hope to achieve are to study, become more independent and have a career in this country.
Q7.What is a traditional meal from your county?
A traditional meal from my country is pupusa.
Q8.Do you have a favorite American food?
Yes, hamburgers.
Q9.Who did you come to the U.S. with?
I came to the U.S. with just my brothers.
Q10. How has your overall experience been here?
My experience has been good now because although I don't know English, people have been helping me out.
Q11. What do you like about Uniondale High School?
What I like about Uniondale High School is the bilingual classes because I am comfortable with them and my friends and teachers help me a lot.
Q12. What are some challenges that you face in Uniondale High School?
Not being able to speak English.
Q13. Is the schooling different from the US and from your home country?
Yes they are a lot different because here they have a more strict teaching program then El Salvador.
Q14. Do you prefer the U.S or your home country?
I like it better in my home country so I would prefer El Salvador.
Jesus Huaman
Q1.Where are you from?
I am from Peru.
Q2.How long did you live in your home country?
I have been in my home country for 17 years.
Q3. What is the biggest difference between the U.S and your country?
The biggest difference between the U.S and my country is that the schooling is very different.
Q4.Why did you choose to come to the U.S rather than another county?
I chose to come here because I have a lot of family members here.
Q5.What do you miss most about your country?
What I miss most about my country is my other family back in Peru.
Q6.What do you like about the U.S?
I like different cultures and it is very different from mine.
Q7. What goals do you hope to achieve now that you are here?
For now, I am just trying to finish high school.
Q8.Do you have a favorite American fast food?
Yes, hamburgers from McDonald's.
Q9.What is a traditional meal from your country?
A traditional meal from my country is a dish named ceviche.
Q10. How has your overall experience been in the U.S
My experience has been good.
Q11. Who did you come to the U.S. with?
I came to the U.S. with my brothers and my father. ‘
Q12. What do you like about Uniondale High School?
What I like about Uniondale High School is the teachers,and I really like the security guards here.
Q13.What are some challenges you face at Uniondale High School?
A challenge I face is just the language.
Q14.Do you like the us better or your country
I really like my home better because I am new to this country and I need to learn more about the U.S first.
Q15.Is the schooling different from the U.S and from your home country?
Yes, It is different because the schools in Peru are smaller and we don't change the classrooms, different teachers come into the class and we just stay in one class for the school day.
Athletes Helping Athletes Club
Athletes Helping Athletes Club
By:Maydelline Mejia
mmejia@student.uniondaleschools.org
Athletes Helping Athletes is a program that originated in Bucks County, PA, in 2002. The program is designed to encourage students at elementary/middle schools to play a sport. The athletes talk about how much of a positive impact joining a sport has on them and they encourage students to get involved.
Students athletes talk about how it helped them physically and even mentally, and how it helps bring confidence. Not only do they encouraging kids to join a sport it also helps kids with an early start for those who are already into sports or give them an idea/opportunity to join a sport.
The program benefits younger kids because they can get a head start in sports, become great players, and have a lot of opportunities. Even though not every kid's dream is to become an athlete, joining a sport still helps make new friends and brings confidence.
The Athlete Helping Athletes program also increases one's chances of playing college sports. Joining this program looks good on one's college resume, especially if an individual plans to play a sport in college.
The Shed
The Shed
Homegrown Band
The Shed is a up and coming school band that debuted on November 22nd, 2022. causing many to take notice. The popularity and appreciation of this homegrown band are on the rise.
The members of the group are Mr. Barker, a teacher at Turtle Hook Middle School; Cristian Ortega, president and guitarist; Vice president and vocalist, Cadence Peace; Aurorah Spencer, vocalist; Gabriel Ramirez, bassist; Amaya Grier, trumpet; and Jason Robinson saxophone, with Aleksa Raymond, Ethen , and And Edwin Louis on the drum set.
"It's like magic," said Cristian Ortiz, the group's president, "It's amazing how some students like us could just come together and have fun and make good music. I always wanted to perform on a stage, and now that I'm part of this, I get to live my dream. I think everyone in the group is very talented and has a good potential career ahead of them. Now we have to see where we go. And the group's leader, Mr. Barker, is why all of this began in the first place".
Another group member, Amaya, had this to say about being a part of the Shed.
"I really like this group. I like the fact that I get a chance to play my instrument and learn more."
The Shed's debut show was a hit, and fans seem excited to see what they will come up with next.
The founder and leader of the group Mr. Barker, and the pianist for The Shed, said, the band is an ensemble composed of talented instrumentalists and vocalists from diverse musical backgrounds and influences. We all converge at the intersections of exploration and creativity to create meaningful experiences as an instrumental ensemble. It's an honor to share the stage with these awesome musicians, and I know that I speak for us all when I say that we can't wait to be back on stage presenting our next mini-concert."
The group started with four people, and then people started adding to the group, to be able to perform someday. And now that the group has put in the effort, they can do new things and have a good time.
Fans and followers are excited about The Shed and can't wait for what they will do next.
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