Prom was once the highlight of every high schoolers experience, however, in recent years there's been a decline in the number of students attending. Why are fewer high schoolers skipping prom when not too long ago it was a universally anticipated event?

One of the most popular responses from students when asked why they’re not attending prom was the cost. From expensive tickets, clothing attire and other costs such as transportation, the total cost can quickly rise. For many students and their families, the cost of prom simply doesn't fit their financial limitations. For some students spending a large sum of money on a single night may be challenging to justify, especially when considering other financial priorities like saving for college or covering essential expenses.

In addition to financial concerns, another significant factor contributing to the decline in prom attendance is the feeling of not having anyone to go with. For many students, prom is seen as a social event to be enjoyed with friends or a date. However, not everyone may have a date or a group of friends to go with. The feeling of being left out can take a toll on students, making them question whether prom would truly be enjoyable without anyone else. As a result, some may choose to not go rather than risk feeling lonely or awkward.

Many students have stated that they have other plans on prom night. Some were throwing their own parties, using their prom money to go on a trip and many other activities. For these students, prom isn't the only option for creating memories. They prefer alternatives that align more with their interests instead of the traditional prom experience.

Aaliyah Mckenzie, a senior, believes that fewer students attend prom because they feel they lack a companionship or enough friends to enjoy the event with. The fear of going alone or feeling left out can discourage students from attending. 

Despite this Mckenzie expressed her excitement about attending prom, "I wanted to go because this is my last year of high school, and planning with family and friends has been really fun so far." 

She believes that schools could encourage attendance by involving students in prom planning and offering affordable ticket options to those who need it. Additionally, Aaliyah acknowledges the impact of costs on decisions by saying "The expense of things can add up and get really expensive."

What is self-expression? Do you listen to music? Do you style yourself according to mood? Self-expression is how an individual chooses to display their particular personality to others. It can take many forms, depending on the person. Anything that helps people outwardly represent their thoughts, feelings, and interests can be a form of self-expression.

 I love fashion. That's how I express myself. I love dressing up; it's almost as if I'm an empty canvas. I get to paint myself with clothes. Pink honestly would be my happiest color, and black would be my tired color. I started paying attention to what I put on in middle school. It wasn't until high school, when I gained more financial freedom and stability that I started loving myself and my clothes. 

Another standpoint of self-expression comes from Richard, a UHS senior.

 “ The way I express myself is through working out. I enjoy the journey of disciplining myself and achieving certain goals.” Richard started working out two years ago, and since then, he has seen major physical and mental progress in developing his character. 

“Ever since that change, I've noticed I can express myself  and conduct interactions better.” It isn’t easy, though. Richard said, “ My biggest challenge was consistency and dedication to caring for my body. It’s a struggle initially, but you'll see the changes once you get past the mental barrier of not believing in yourself  and through passion.”

Another viewpoint on self-expression comes from Jocelyn at UHS, “I engage in self-expression through a variety of ways. Creatively, I lean towards writing and music. Writing allows me to articulate my thoughts and feelings in a structured yet imaginative way, providing a sense of clarity. On the other hand, music offers an emotional outlet, where the melodies and lyrics can convey what words alone cannot.”

How I express myself to others, and consequently how I appear to them, varies significantly. I strive for openness and honesty in personal relationships, believing genuine connections are built on transparency. However, I might adopt a more reserved demeanor in more unfamiliar settings, examining the environment and the people around me before revealing more of my thoughts and feelings. Mostly general conversation and how I can get to know the other person is how I express myself.”

The final year of school is often considered the highlight of one's education. It's a time filled with anticipation for what lies ahead and the excitement of embarking on a chapter in life. Nevertheless, overlooking the sparks of this period also exists an underlying and frequently overlooked cause of anxiety for a variety of senior students.

One of the sources of stress during the year is the constant uncertainty about what lies ahead. Applying to colleges, meeting scholarship deadlines, and making life-changing decisions can be stressful and overwhelming. 

As students navigate through the selection process of finding a career path that interests them, plus finding a college, there is a crucial fear of making mistakes that will jeopardize their future, leaving them in disarray. On top of that, the expectations from parents, teachers, and even peers can also add tons of pressure, making many students feel like they are walking on a tightrope where each step can shape their future. 

Johanna Alvarado, a senior, said, " The process of applying to a college is an anxiety-inducing experience that can take a toll on your well-being.” 

Additionally, senior year presents a level of challenges, a few of which are Advanced Placement classes, honor courses, and attempting to increase GPA as colleges examine transcripts. The pressure to excel academically and distinguish oneself in an applicant pool can ultimately result in restless nights and a constant sense of not measuring up. The anxiety of being rejected by colleges intensifies the stress of what should be a period of growth and discovery into an intimidating and unnerving environment of pursuit of flawlessness.

Social pressures also significantly increase pressure during senior year. The desire to keep and maintain friendships while navigating the unavoidable changes that come with graduation can be emotionally draining.

 Additionally, the fear of missing out on unforgettable experiences and the pressure to participate in every senior tradition can contribute to needing more time or money to engage in those activities. Balancing academic responsibilities with social commitments can become very hard, further adding to the stress that most seniors experience.

The pinnacle of these adverse effects and stress can have a significant impact on mental health. Increased anxiety, depression, and burnout are habitual among seniors as they navigate through these challenges of their final year in high school. Recognizing the signs of mental distress and seeking support becomes crucial in reducing the long-term impact on a student's mental health and well-being.

Senior year in high school is often romanticized as one of the best years in a teenager's life. While there are many good moments in senior year, such as self-discovery and preparation for adulthood, there is also a lot of stress that comes with this year, often leaving many students feeling overwhelmed.

Dating in high school is a rite of passage for most students. Many may need help understanding the responsibilities that come with it. There are several reasons why being in a relationship may have adverse effects, making it hard for a teenager to navigate. 

 According to Medium, "There is a lot of pressure in school for children to enter into relationships to fit in with their peers and maintain a certain social status." 

Relationships can pressure teenagers to act in ways that may not be who they are. When the arrow of love pierces some teens' hearts, it can make them forget the people who are important to them. Changes can involve personalities, eating habits, and neglect of family and friends. 

Another reason to avoid a relationship is commitment. According to Medium, "At this stage of development, teenagers are still figuring out who they are and don't have a strong sense of identity." 

Finding love at a young age can become an obstacle for people who are  looking for an answer about what type of career would be most comfortable. And if a relationship goes wrong, it can lead to a breakup. Although some people would say, "At least you now have experience for the next one," not everyone can easily forget the past. 

Medium explains that after a relationship ends, young people "resort to risky behavior" as a way to cope, which is not a healthy path. Examples based on Google would be "drinking excessively, doing drugs, overeating, self-harming, gambling excessively, or becoming a workaholic." 

High schoolers' behavior may not even show affection to one another but instead show a sign of insecurity. Jealousy can lead to paranoia, such as what type of people the boyfriend or girlfriend talks to. And then it would lead to unnecessary control of one another, or worse, violence. 

However, starting a relationship could be a great choice with all the cons out of the way. One can learn from his or her mistakes at a young age, and then, as an adult, you can avoid them. Some people can result in becoming more open with others. Another pro that can be found when you're in a relationship comes from Your Teen Magazine, a publication for parents and teens, which says, "Spending romantic time with another person reveals… who they are as human beings."

Although handling a relationship can become burdensome, treating it carefully will bring positive results to your life.

Uniondale High School definitely has a strict dress code. The codes are implemented to keep students presentable and focused and maintain a "better working environment." Most of the rules target females, which can be frustrating for us girls, especially during the warmer months. 

Nonetheless, almost every day, girls still show up in crop tops and shirts that show their bellies, with some showing more skin than others. Most of the time, they can go the whole school day without getting in trouble. However, don't get your hopes up because you might get dress-coded. One student wanted to share their experience with the UHS dress code.

"Two weeks ago, I got dress-coded for wearing a long-sleeved black tee that was slightly cropped and black leggings. I also got suspended for it. I wasn't showing as much skin as I've seen other girls show.  The student said that when she returned from suspension, she saw a girl walk by in a cropped corset with thin spaghetti straps, but no one said anything. She said that her frustration was at an all-time high. 

Some adults pick and choose how to enforce the dress codes. If you do not believe me, just take a stroll around the school. You will notice girls wearing cropped tees and showing too much skin—some more than others. The odds of getting dress-coded are 50/50. If it has ever happened to you, you may feel targeted and mistreated–especially when you see people wearing the same thing you are and not getting in trouble. 

When students were asked what they thought about the dress code, most said it was " unfair" and "wrong." A commonly repeated statement students hear is, "If you have a body, you will get dress-coded." Some feel that your figure has to do with it. One student stated, "I feel like it doesn't apply to all girls.'' Nonetheless, students feel targeted and picked on regarding dress codes. 

Jasmine H., a senior at U.H.S., said, "I think the dress code applies to all girls, especially the ones that aren't cool with the security guards." She feels that the security guards who are friends with students won't dress code them or call them out on it. 

The dress code rule is understandable. What's not is how they enforce it and how it can ultimately lead to females feeling targeted, mistreated, and frustrated.

The Uniondale High School dress code will always be discussed. However, we must discuss how it's enforced and whether it's fair. 

Many students at Uniondale High School play multiple sports. Most sports involve specific skills, such as footwork, strength, jumping, and speed, which makes them competitive, especially in high school. 

Teams rely on team athleticism to compete and win. The top five most played sports in high school are football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. Three of these sports are played in the same season: soccer, football, and volleyball.

Are these sports truly maximizing the potential of athletes? It does not make sense. Volleyball and football players are known for their athleticism. In every position, participants must be fast and jump high. In volleyball, it's the same thing. Their sport is who can be the quickest to the ball and jump the highest to gain an advantage, hit the ball to the ground, and score a point. Wouldn't it be much more competitive if football players were allowed to play volleyball? 

      Mr. Coppola, UHS head football coach, was asked if volleyball should be moved to the spring. He believes that UHS has some of the most athletically gifted students on Long Island, and the question was challenging to answer. 

When asked if basketball and football players should be allowed to play volleyball together, Coach Coppola said it would be difficult to know. He believes that it would work for some schools but not for others. 

The question we have all been waiting for. We asked if Mr. Coppola would have moved volleyball to the spring season. He had heard about this topic of discussion. He said that it's a tough decision that depends on the school. He believes some schools would benefit, but others might not. As he said before, different schools have different athletes, and the level of competition would depend on the school.

The belief is that volleyball would be more competitive if the seasons did not overlap. Having more athletes come to volleyball would definitely improve the game. 

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives in today's digital age. Technology has influenced many aspects of society, including the lives of young children. While technology offers numerous benefits, its long-term impact on young children has been debated. Technology has positive and negative effects on the development and well-being of young children. 

It provides young children access to various educational resources and interactive learning tools. Educational apps, websites, and digital games can enhance cognitive skills and promote problem-solving and creativity. Technology also facilitates communication and social connections, allowing children to interact with peers and family members, even from a distance. These digital interactions can contribute to developing social skills and emotional intelligence. It offers opportunities for exploration and discovery. Virtual reality, augmented reality apps, and interactive simulations provide better learning experiences that can spark interest in various subjects, from science and mathematics to art and history. 

However, excessive screen time and dependence on technology can negatively affect young children's development. Over-exposure to screens has been linked to obesity and sleep disturbances in children. Excessive use of digital devices may lead to attention problems and difficulty focusing, affecting academic performance and development. This does not allow children to develop patience. While children pass their time on their screens, they delay the development of critical thinking skills and creativity, as children become accustomed to receiving information passively rather than actively engaging with it. 

The long-term impact of technology on young children depends on how it is integrated into their lives and the balance between screen time and other activities. While technology can provide valuable learning opportunities and enhance specific skills, limiting screen time, encouraging other activities, and promoting face-to-face interactions are essential. Parents and educators are crucial in guiding children about technology and modeling healthy digital habits. By setting boundaries, providing guidance, and making a balanced approach to technology use, adults can reduce the potential adverse effects and maximize the benefits of technology for young children's development and well-being. 

Technology positively and negatively impacts young children, influencing their social and emotional development. To get the benefits of technology while minimizing the disadvantages, it is essential to balance and promote mindful and purposeful use of digital devices among young children. By doing so, we can ensure that technology enriches us rather than distracts us from our actual lives. 

Some people can push themselves to the level they need in order to strive. At the same time, others might need a gentle push. There are different levels of being pushed to achieve success. Forcing someone too much will not do anyone any good. Such is the case with the AP for All initiative. 

 AP is an advanced placement class, in which students have to meet certain requirements in order to be enrolled in such a class. This will change with the AP for All initiative. Enrolling  a student who either doesn't meet the requirements for AP or is not ready for an AP class doesn't make sense. Forcing a higher-level class on a student who is still getting prepared for it can cause some real issues for the student and make a student insecure about whether he is smart enough for the class. 

Moving students from regular classes to honors classes would be a better stepping stone to getting used to a more challenging class, but having students in regular classes assigned to AP classes is too much of a stretch. Students who play sports or have extracurricular activities after school can struggle to juggle the extra work for their AP classes or classes. What also makes it hectic is that some students who play sports also have work, so while they're not playing for the school or an outside program, they're working. This can be challenging for students even if they aren't taking AP classes.

The AP for All initiative is unfair to students who have earned their spot as AP students. Multiple students are in various classes, and they know that some of the work is challenging. Some take AP classes because they look good on their transcript, some take them to get accessible college credits, like photography classes, and some take them to better themselves for their future career. 

AP for All should be reconsidered. The district's intentions are, for the most part, good. The administration wants all its students to succeed and be prepared for college, but forcing them to partake might not have or show the intended results. Pre-AP classes might be the best option for helping students get accustomed to the work while not being as demanding as a regular AP class. Either way, AP for All might be the push some students need while not benefiting others.

Most teenagers are nocturnal by nature. They often stay up to all hours of the night and then struggle to stay awake in their classes. So, just how important is sleep?

  Many may feel like it's more fun to stay up late into the night by playing video games, watching TikToks, or chatting with our friends. In reality, this means our bodies are sleep-deprived, which causes us to feel lazier. Lack of sleep can make our bodies tired, and we tend to be unmotivated and unable to perform our tasks as we expect. 

Plus, lack of sleep disrupts function, which can hinder concentration and ability and lead to behaviors such as laziness.

 One can argue that lack of sleep actually makes individuals lazier. The reason for that must be that it was like that. First of all, getting enough sleep is the most effective tool to make us feel better mentally and physically. In reality, feeling fresh and energetic during the day depends on the quality of our night's sleep: when we sleep adequately, we are ready to face all the challenges of the day. 

So, do not forget about proper sleep planning, as it is one of the components of an active and effective life.