Chika Akazi is known for her bright smile, kindness, and warm friendliness. She is also known for her skills. Akazi is a highly talented member of the Uniondale High School track team. She has received the title Number 1 in New York State for her beyond-impressive performance in the girls' 55-meter hurdles, an impressive title she feels is "surreal."

"Sometimes I think about it and just sit down like, 'Wow! I won,'" said Akazi when asked how she felt about winning. She thought that it was a "really rough race" due to her performance in the semifinals, where she came in last place with a time of 8.48 seconds. 

"I was the last qualifier into the finals," she said. Her timing meant that in the finals, she was placed in lane 8, far from where she says reporters and photographers were looking, so "I had to run my race," she said, focusing on the goal ahead of her and how to get there. 

 It was a difficult race at the beginning. Her coach, Mr. Paullet, was "on pins and needles" after her performance in the semifinals. It was a tense time.

"Both my coach and assistant coach didn't know if I'd make it to the finals," she said. When Akazi showed precisely what she was capable of and came in first at a remarkable 8.21 seconds, it was a shock for everyone. 

"Everyone wasn't expecting me to come out and just win the race," she added, though she was able to show everyone just how capable of winning she was.

       Akazi's track skills are nothing new. She has been honing her talents in track since 7th grade. Due to COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, she could not run track in 8th grade, but she signed up again in 9th grade and has been running every year since then. A lot of her time is spent practicing. 

"It's a lot of repetition and speed drills over hurdles," she said. She trains hard with her three coaches, working on speed and practicing hurdles. She works hard in practice so that her races go smoothly. "It's almost like building up muscle memory in your legs so that when you actually hurdle the race, it just feels natural."

A large part of Akazi's life is her dedication to her faith, something she feels got her through the race. "No matter how many awards I win, it's not fulfilling, but if I win the awards for God's glory, it's more fulfilling," she said.

 She loves to honor God with everything she does. "I really do want to thank God first," she said. Her dedication to God and her sports help her achieve her goals. Her motivation to run track is just as strong as ever, and with a state title under her belt, Akazi's track career is just beginning. 

"I plan to pursue another state title for outdoor track and continue running in college," she said. Uniondale High School will cheer her on every step of the way.

On February 10, my friend Jocelynn Cornejo Enamorado asked me if I wanted to do the annual Polar Bear Plunge with her at Long Beach. Without much thought, I said yes. I planned to dip my toes and my entire body into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean the following day. 

I am someone who loves a good challenge. I did not realize just how challenging it would be. I got my mother's approval with a I-don't-know-why-you-want-to-do-such-a-crazy-thing look from her. I went to bed that night feeling excited but also extremely nervous. 

The next morning, I picked up Jocelynn and headed to the beach. The car was filled with nervous chatter. Even though it was a chilly 44 degrees, my hands were sweating as I gripped the steering wheel. My sweating intensified when Jocelynn reported that the water temperature was a frigid 32 degrees. 

After we grabbed a quick bite to eat at a local diner, we continued to head toward the beach. We found a parking spot and made our way to the sand. 

There is something that goes against the grain of nature when one is standing in her bathing suit on a beach when it is 40-something degrees out. Jocelyn and I stood there shivering and waiting to take the plunge. I could feel the numbness work its way up from my feet to the top of my head. 

The chill in my bones disappeared when I thought about the money being raised for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Founded in 1980, the foundation grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.

The thought of how I was making a difference in a sick child's life is what allowed me to move my frozen bones to head to the shore. Jocelynn and I held hands as we jumped into the freezing water. I never knew that water could be so painful, but it was. We screamed and threw ourselves deeper into the dark ocean. I could not bring myself to go entirely under, but as I turned and ran toward the shore, I knew it did not matter. We were proud that we accomplished what we had set out to do.

Nearly 20,000 people journey to Long Beach yearly for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Of those 20,000 spectators, 5,000 will be brave enough to plunge into the icy water. The foundation raises an average of $500,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year, they raised nearly $750,000.

Semia Cicerone is a senior at Uniondale High School who is a nail artist. She specializes in photography and nails. At 18, she owns Pefercted by Semia, a business that runs out of her house in Baldwin.

Cicerone claims she has been in touch with her creative side for as long as she can remember. Her mom tells her how her kindergarten teachers would gush over the drawings she created in class. 

Her journey as an artist was not always easy. She knew she was creative but struggled with what venue to share it. It was not until high school that she realized she could express her creativity through nail art. 

Cicerone would find herself going for weekly manicures to study her craft further. She would go to the manicure salon on purpose to study how they did nails so she could use what she saw to further her learning. When she was not in school, she was practicing nail designs. Eventually, she was able to perfect her craft, and Perfected by Semia was born.

 It has been seven months since her business was founded. Cicerone said that business is thriving and that the demand for her artistic abilities makes her heart happy. She admits that consistency and perfectionism are the keys to her success.  

She continues actively promoting her business by using her photography skills to assist her. She uploads examples of her nail art to her Instagram page, @perfectedbysemia believes this has inspired others to discover their passion or given them the motivation to discover a skill of their own that they can pursue and become successful at. 

She is honest with her clients that she is not a formally trained nail technician and is entirely self-taught. Her transparency, along with her affordable prices, are the driving forces behind her success.

 Semia Cicerone is a real artist. Her ability and enthusiasm are evident in everything she does, whether she's creating an eye-catching snapshot or a gorgeous pair of nails. She is a brilliant example of how extraordinary accomplishments may be attained with commitment, perseverance, and a creative spirit. She is incredibly talented, and no matter what route she chooses in the future, she will continue to inspire and astonish everyone around her.

BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) offers vocational programs to 11th and 12th-grade students, providing them with valuable skills and training for various career paths beyond high school.

The auto body program at Barry Tech is one of the courses offered; it teaches students essential car repair and maintenance skills. Students learn techniques like painting, removing doors and bumpers, and repairing vehicle dents. 

What sets this program apart is its practical approach, with some 12th-grade students even having the opportunity to work in an actual body shop while still attending BOCES, preparing them for careers in the automotive industry after graduation.

While the auto collision program is a standout, Barry Tech BOCES offers diverse vocational programs catering to different interests and career goals. From welding to veterinary science, cosmetology to childcare, students can explore various fields and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Speaking of instructors, Jon Gaare is the dedicated teacher leading the auto collision program at Barry Tech. With a wealth of experience in the field, Mr. Gaare has been imparting his knowledge to students for fifteen years. His passion for auto collision repair began in his teenage years. After years of teaching, Mr. Gaare has decided to retire at the end of the school year, leaving behind a legacy of skilled students and a thriving program.

 The auto collision program continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of students and teachers. As Mr. Gaare prepares to retire, his impact on the program and the lives of countless students will be remembered fondly.

Barry Tech BOCES remains committed to providing quality vocational education, empowering students to pursue their passions and build successful careers in various industries.

If you're considering buying a floral bouquet in Uniondale, you should go to Stephanie Mendez. Stephanie is reliable and uses a unique and trendy approach in her floral bouquets. She is reliable and works hard, and she has a trendy approach to her floral bouquets. I interviewed her and asked her how she started and how her business was going.

Stephanie started her business when she was 16 years old. She first started out doing choreography for quinceaneras. Mendez wanted to start doing something different and looked into other hobbies. She found many people were doing things like lashes and nails and knew that she would have to find another avenue for her creativity. Soon, she discovered something most people were not doing: floral arrangements. 

In the beginning, Stephanie ran into some obstacles with her business. She did not know what she was doing at first. She says she was comparing herself with other businesses, and she felt as if people would pressure her to make everything look perfect.

After much trial and error, she figured out what was best for her. Finding clients, with her friends and family supporting her business and making buying arrangements, was relatively easy for her. Once they started recommending her to other people, her business grew quickly. She currently has over 1k followers on her Instagram account. 

Mendez is currently the only business in Uniondale that makes such unique bouquets. The business grew so quickly that she left her part-time job at Aeropostale. 

After working with flowers, she felt her personality flourish and that it opened up her creativity. Mendez says that her family is her biggest support group. They often help clean up roses during holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, and her dad picks up the flowers from a wholesaler. They motivate her to keep going.

Mendez says she's learned many valuable life skills while working in her flower business. She's learned that not everything is perfect, which she's had trouble affirming. She balances school and work, ensuring all her schoolwork is done during school hours. Once her schoolwork is completed, she is then able to focus on her business when she gets home. 

Mendez admits that there are times when she wants a break from the hustle and bustle, but she is quickly reminded of what it took for her business to grow and how happy she is when she creates a beautiful floral arrangement. 

If you plan to purchase a bouquet, reach Stephanie on her Instagram: @stephsfloralsss

I Pledge Allegiance...I am the oldest of five. My role as the oldest child brought with it a lot of responsibilities. I was a built-in babysitter while my mom was at work. She would come by eleven, and we would be asleep by then. I grew faster than my age. When I was eight, my mom had to return to Haiti to handle family affairs. My siblings and I were forced to stay with family members. It was not the easiest situation, as we were often left to fend for ourselves. I washed pots, cleaned bathrooms, and made beds I could not sleep in.

To the Flag...I was blessed with a mother and father. They fought, prayed, and sacrificed everything for me and my siblings to have a great life. My mom knew that America would offer us everything we needed to succeed. My mom understood the importance of gaining our citizenship. She knew just how difficult it would be and studied with every free moment.

Looking back, I realize just how challenging it was for her. It takes courage to stand in front of the USCIS officer. She had to answer what seemed like endless questions about her background.She had to pass a civic exam, which included reading, writing, and speaking. My mom passed, and I do not think I have ever seen her so happy than on the day that she was declared an American citizen.

Of the United States...Once my mom became a citizen, she could act as a sponsor for my brother and me. She knew this was the easiest route to take because it did not require us to take the exams she had to take. The only caveat was that it needed to be done before my 18th birthday. In October 2023, my parents received our application to apply for citizenship. We were one step closer.

Of America and to the Republic...On February 6th, 2024, I received a notification on my phone that said, “ We are actively reviewing your form N-600 application for a certificate of citizenship. It has been placed in line for the oath ceremony schedule.” I was filled with happiness. My brother and I began to discuss what we would wear. Should we be casual and comfortable or formal and fabulous? Our conversation about what to expect that day lasted more than two hours. I received an email confirming our swearing-in date on February 27th at 10:00 AM.

For which it Stands. One Nation Under God...On Tuesday morning, we arrived at the district courthouse in Central Islip. We went through a security check and were directed to our first window. Even though we only waited fifteen minutes, it seemed like a lifetime had passed. We were led to the ceremony room, where we took our seats as a family. More nervous and anxious-looking faces filled the room, and it became clear that our lives would change for the better within minutes.

Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All...Judge Mary addressed the room with a moving speech before reciting our oath of citizenship. Her most moving words were, “You came here with the help of your parents. You did not get here by yourself. Stay in school. Be appreciative. Listen and love. Now, stand up and place your right hand over your heart. Today is the beginning of your new life as an American citizen.”

February is when many people pause to recognize the essential contributions of Black Americans from the past and the present. Individuals are honored for their hard work and dedication, whether because of their leadership or good deeds. 

Individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr, Ruby Bridges, and George Washington Carver, or modern-day examples such as Amanda Gorman, Benjamin Crump, and Issa Rae, have all contributed to fighting for the rights of black people and transformed society into what it is today. 

Many of these individuals have considerably impacted the everyday lives of people of color. Uniondale High School has many individuals who influence the students' lives daily. Mr. Cohen Nelson is such a person. 

Nelson started his journey in 1999 when he was hired as a California Avenue Elementary School teacher assistant. He has been a contributing member of the Uniondale community since 2004 and is also a loving husband and father. 

On February 28th, Uniondale High School hosted a Black History Celebration. It was a night full of talent, culture, and fun! Participants gathered in the South Gym to enjoy black cuisines, such as rice, peas, and curry chicken. Uniondale's house band, The Shed, helped with the celebration. 

Great food and music were just part of the night. Participants were there to honor Mr. Nelson. Mrs. Bradley and District 2 Nassau County Legislator Siela Byone presented him with a community service award. 

Nelson is a man who is quiet about his good deeds. Considered a "behind the scenes" man, he has been a constant support and inspiration to the children of Uniondale. He has dedicated almost twenty years of his life to coaching P.A.L. and the boys' varsity soccer team at Uniondale High School.

His volunteerism does not end on the soccer field, as Nelson also works closely with the elderly community. 

  In his classroom, Mr. Nelson is a teacher who reaches his students. He ends each class with the mantra, "Be progressive. Be productive." His goal for each student is for them to reach their fullest potential and live their best lives. 

Although February is now a distant memory, it is imperative that we remember the incredible people who have made this world a better place—men like Mr. Cohen Nelson, a teacher, coach, community member, volunteer, and phenomenal man. 

I am. I will always be. I am honored to be. Thank you for being my keeper. 

My Brothers Keeper(MBK) was created by President Obama approximately ten years ago after the death of Trayvon Martin. Martin was a young African-American from Miami Gardens, Florida who was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old Hispanic American. 

On the evening of February 26, Martin was walking back to his father's fiancée's house from a nearby convenience store. Zimmerman, a community watch member, saw Martin and reported him to the Sanford Police as suspicious. Several minutes later, an altercation happened, and Zimmerman fatally shot Martin in the chest. President Obama created the MBK group so that young men of color could have experiences equal to that of their counterparts and know they can reach their full potential.

My Brother's Keeper, within the walls of Uniondale, has been an official club for four years. Mr. Colin Ross and Mr. Jordan Hunt became advisors in September 2023. Previously, this position was held by Mr. Oullette and Mr. Parraga; additionally, administrators Ms. Brown, Mr. Ocampo, and Principal McCaw have assisted in helping the club. 

MBK has recently done their Dress for Success workshop, where members dressed in business attire and hosted other students presenting on the purpose and importance of dressing for the occasion and teaching students how to tie a tie. They have also gone on retreats to NCC, Stony Brook University, and Adelphi University. They have also gone on a camping trip upstate to strengthen the brotherly bonds between their members. 

My Brother's Keeper, who has been a part of the group/club for an extended period, can be awarded a fellowship. This position is awarded to two members at a time, typically seniors who then represent their group on a state and national level. Jaylin Constant and Jayden Prophete hold this position together at UHS. Constant holds this position as a junior, a testament to his dedication and diligence within this group.

Mr. Ross said," Being a part of MBK this year has reminded me of the potential that all the young men of Uniondale possess if given the opportunity." 

The goal specific to Uniondale's MBK group is to make every interaction and everything one does meaningful, enhancing the experience of the young men within Uniondale High School and developing civic-minded leaders.

The world was taken by surprise when Gypsy Rose Blanchard was convicted of being an accessory to the 2015 murder of her mother, Claudine "Dee Dee" Blanchard. Social media was buzzing with the story, and it seemed that people could not get enough of all the gruesome details about how Gypsy Rose became a cold-blooded murderess.

There were mixed emotions, and people seemed passionate about whether she did it or not. Pro-Gypsy folks argued that Gypsy Rose was rightful in the involvement of her mother's murder. The mental and physical abuse she suffered was reason enough not to convict her. 

 Gypsy Rose Blanchard deserves to be seen as a victim due to the mental and physical abuse throughout her life. 

To begin, Gypsy Rose faced years of mental abuse from her overprotective, mentally ill mother. She made Gypsy believe that she was a sick child and forced Gypsy to tell others that she was seriously ill. 

  According to the Associated Press, Dee Dee Blanchard made her daughter pretend that she had leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and a host of other catastrophic illnesses. Dee Dee would dupe doctors into doing unnecessary procedures by telling them that her daughter's medical records were lost in Hurricane Katrina. It is difficult to imagine how challenging it was for Gypsy Rose to navigate the world her mother was forcing her to live in.

Another example of the mental abuse Gypsy Rose faced while living with her mother was the isolation from her family. Gypsy lived with her mom for most of her life, occasionally staying with family, but to keep up with the lies and deception so that her spot would not be blown up, they stayed solely by themselves. In People magazine, Jessica Sager writes, 

"Gypsy's father told PEOPLE in 2017 that he and Dee Dee split before Gypsy's birth and that Dee Dee would rarely let him see Gypsy because she said he couldn't handle her care" (Sager, para. 13).

The idea of forcing a child to pretend that they have severe illnesses and undergo procedures that they do not need is unfathomable to most. But for a small percentage of the population, it is an actual mental illness. It is called "Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy," and the effects can be severe. 

As an illustration of the "awards" she received from her pretending for pity, NBC News writes, "The mother and daughter received donations from charities, a local Habitat for Humanity group built them a wheelchair-accessible house in Springfield, they got a trip to Disney World, and met country singer Miranda Lambert through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ozarks First reported" (Lenthang, para 10). Dee Dee Blanchard was successful for a certain amount of time in mentally abusing and fooling the people around her that Gypsy Rose was terminally ill. 

The physical abuse was also a factor in Gypsy Rose's breaking point to her mother's 2015 murder. In an interview with Inside Edition, Gypsy claims her mother forced her to use a wheelchair and said that she had a slew of physical illnesses and mental disabilities. She even restrained her with dog leashes and handcuffs when disobedient. She also alleges her mother physically chained her to the bed and put bells on the doors so she could not leave.

The abuse did not end there, as the physical abuse was coupled with horrific emotional abuse. Dee Dee could make others believe her story, and many turned away from Gypsy when she spoke about what was happening. That was until she met Nicolas Godejohn on a Christian dating site. 

Gypsy spent her days recounting the tales of horrific abuse that she suffered at the hands of her mother. Sometime during their relationship, Gypsy was able to convince Godejohn to kill her mother. 

On June 9, 2015, Godejohn entered the home and stabbed Blanchard to death while Gypsy Rose hid in the bathroom, covering her ears to block out the sound of her mother's cries.

Gypsy was voluntarily doing anything in her power to remove herself from her situation, anything including asking and planning with Nicolas Godejohn, her then-boyfriend, to kill her mother. Nicolas, being "blindly" in love with Gypsy, was the icing on the cake of their mischievous plan. His lawyers, during the trial, claim that. 

"He had diminished capacity during the killing because of his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and his low IQ. His lawyers argued that it allowed him to be manipulated by Gypsy" (Haasch, para 16)."

Therefore, for the plan to be executed, Gypsy knew she had to have someone to back her because she was in a compromised, fragile state from all her medical treatments and physical abuse from her mother. For many people, Gypsy is not seen as the victim but as the accomplice or conspirator of this heinous crime.

Following her release in December 2023, Gypsy Rose gained a lot of attraction to her story after finishing 85 percent of her second-degree murder charge, thus causing a resurgence of people who are interested in the case.

Some consider Gypsy Rose Blanchard to be the victim. There are a host of people who believe Dee Dee Blanchard's murder is justifiable. They believe that the years of abuse that Gypsy Rose suffered made her unable to discern right from wrong. Others may argue that she does not deserve to be seen as a victim in the murder of her mother but as a murderer. 

Regardless of what side one stands on, the fact remains that people have a fascination with this sordid case.

Track and Field in high school is an experience more than just a sport. In many respects, high school track and field is an experience that shapes me rather than just a sport in various ways. During track so far, I've had an incredible journey that combined many factors, such as training, competition, and the development of perseverance and determination. Track and field has many different events, including high jump, long jump, triple jump, hurdles, distance, relays, and sprints. To do these events, we as a team have push ourselves to be on top and have the motivation to do it.

One of its most essential components is the mental and physical courage needed to compete in track and field. Building a solid mindset and unwavering commitment is smooth by enduring challenging workouts, persevering through physical pain, and overcoming disappointments. Resilience is one of these traits that helps my track team and me get off track. The track team that competes in track encounters psychological and physical difficulties. The track encourages me to continue in the face of difficulty, whether clearing a barrier on the track or pushing through exhaust during a race. This resilience carries over to our academic and personal lives and our performance on the track. One crucial life skill applicable to surface all is the capacity to endure difficulties and disappointments.

Track and field offers a platform for many individual developments. Goal-setting, time management, and discipline are valuable lessons that track athletes acquire as they work to enhance their performance. These lessons help them break personal records, succeed in other spheres of life, and navigate the highs and lows of high school and beyond.

Track not only develops toughness but also determination. Setting objectives, putting in a lot of effort, and witnessing results are essential components of the sport. The track helped me discover the importance of perseverance and commitment, team objectives, and witnessing advancement over time—all thrilling experiences that foster personal development and confidence. In track and field, the sense of success that results from perseverance and hard effort carries over into other spheres of life, inspiring athletes to strive for greatness in all they do.

In addition, track and field develops the perceptive abilities necessary for success in any undertaking. As track athletes, we will gain purpose and motivation from training and competition in track, which inspires us to push above our comfort zones and realize our full potential.

The track also promotes empathy and cooperation—athletes' sense of unity and collaboration throughout this time. Strong ties and enduring friendships are formed from the everyday experiences of working out together, competing as a team, and encouraging one another. Student-athletes learn the virtues of cooperation and togetherness from their coaches and teammates, who also play a big part in their success.

 Although track is a solo activity, it depends significantly on cooperation and encouragement from classmates, coaches, and teammates. Athletes can mold people into resilient people because they teach them how to work together, support, and enjoy each other's victories. Sensitive, driven people forged these relationships, which established a lifelong feeling of community and friendship.