The Broadway show Hamilton is considered one of the most popular musicals to date. The show-stopping musical production by Lin Manuel Miranda is about the beginning of America’s history as told through the life of Alexander Hamilton. It tells the story of America then through America now. It is a retelling of history that is both historically accurate and fun to watch. Tickets to see such a show are often expensive and very rarely available.  

On February 27th, twenty-six Uniondale High School students were given the opportunity to attend a showing of Hamilton. The students arrived at pool side that morning, right before second period ended in preparation to leave. There were cookies and chips for anyone who wanted a snack before starting the hour-long bus ride to the city. Everyone boarded the yellow bus with their snacks, not yet prepared for what they were about to see.  

The students were able to attend the musical due to the Gildren Lerhman Institute. The program gives  NYC students the opportunity to see Hamilton at discounted prices. Ms. Ginsburg invited all her students and any other students in good academic standing to see the show. Eligibility to attend depended on completing and presenting a project on a historical figure or event and availability. The project needed to be both historically accurate and creative. This could be either in the form of a poem, song, or skit. After all the projects were submitted to the Gildern Lerhman Institute, the tickets were purchased.

The day could not have been more perfect. Students arrived early so they had to grab some food if they wanted to before they lined up for the theater. When everyone got in line, they were surrounded by students from different schools like Forest Hills High School and Westbury High School. Once everyone entered they were met with a concession stand and merch available to buy before the show. It was soon after, at around 1 pm that the curtain went up. 

The beginning notes of the musical's first song, Alexander Hamilton, started to play as the lights dimmed and the actors stepped into the spotlight. The show itself was incredible. The lights, the singing, the dancing, all of it was masterfully done. The performers were talented and every second of the show was perfect! Audience members could feel the booming of the revolutionary cannon fire, the tension and emotion of every passing second from the audience. It was a wonderful experience.

There was even a Q&A session after the show if anyone had any questions about performing or the musical itself. The actors were kind and answered each question with warm enthusiasm. 

As the session came to a close and they walked off the stage for the final time, everyone in the audience was left with the parting words of wisdom to just follow your dreams and to remember to find what works for you. As Stephanie Jae Park, current actress of Eliza Hamilton said about dreams, “it's like a package, you don’t want one that wasn’t meant for you.”

The Uniondale boys basketball team faced the season under head coach, Jazz Styles and assistant coach, James Ockimey. The coaching duo are in their second year as the heads of UHS varsity basketball.  They definitely had big shoes to fill with the departure of Coach Thomas Diana.

The 2023-24 roster consisted of five seniors: Dameek Horton, Zahni Duncan, Joshua Bernard, Kashawn Jarman, and Joshua Jean. It also included juniors Nisaiah James, Shawn Abdul-Alim, Dion Morris, and two 8th-grade athletes: Morell Toney and Zion Oden. 

In a pre-season interview, Coach Styles stated that a lack of experience within the team was the key factor in the team's rare non-playoff season in the  22-23 season. This was his debut season as head coach after his promotion from assistant coach. He helped the team to two county finals, knowing the program's potential, and he was entering his second season as head coach.

"It would be a major disappointment if we didn't get back to the playoffs. The kids have been working hard since the summer," said Styles, "They can no longer use youth as an excuse. I'm looking for this team to grow and for the guys to push each other to another level." 

The Knights would achieve a 9-10 overall record and a 5-7 record in league play. The stars would align with their playoff contention by riding on the senior night game against Oceanside. Senior guard Dameek Horton, led his team to a 56 to 30 victory, cashing in 23 points just two points shy of his season high. 

Regrettably, their playoff run was cut short by a loss to the Baldwin Bruins in the first round. However, the Knights completed their in-season goal and are hopeful for the future of the team with their 8th-grade athletes as significant players in this team's future success.

Coach Styles had this to say about his second season, "Our 22-23 season didn’t allow our group much time to jell and we had no pre-season, which left it difficult to establish much consistency within our lineup and performance…Our 23-24 season was quite the total opposite when it came to us establishing consistency within our lineup."

Coach Styles did have his share of proud moments this season.  He accomplished the goal of bringing this program back into the fight of playoffs and regained the respect this program has earned for decades under the leadership of Tom Diana.  He is proud to have made the community proud with a playoff game this past year and feels blessed to have coached such an incredible group of student-athletes.  He knows that he could not have completed the season without the help of his coaching staff. Although they did not advance, Coach Styles said that he feels that he won in many other ways.  

Our school has been under construction since we came back for summer break. It is interesting to see new additions coming to life, but it can also be annoying. Focusing is a big deal when there's a construction where we learn, making it a hassle for us students and teachers.

Jonathan Enrique Avelar, a 12th-grade student, said, "I hate the construction. I have early dismissal, and before the construction, we could leave from the poolside, but now we have to leave through the main entrance and walk around the school to leave through Walnut, where I park my car. It's annoying. I want the construction to be finished already." 

Some students have said that they find it difficult at times with the construction. Brianna Cisneros, a 12th grader, said, "When I'm in class, I can never focus on the work. I always hear the construction workers working and sometimes yelling; it's hard to focus when there's a lot of noise." Brianna is one of many students who have this issue.

Teachers have the same concerns. For example, parking at the school is more limited than ever, as the construction blocks many spots, making it difficult for teachers to find parking and get to their classes. 

Mrs. DiIorio, a teacher, said, "Sadly, the construction that's happening in the school, although supposed to be a positive, has created negative effects. Parking is an issue for the safety of our staff and students, and overall, it is hoped to be wonderful. But it's that getting there that seems to be the problem."

Although the result will benefit the students and staff in the long run, at this point, it's a pain in the bumper due to limited parking and a loss of focus. Teachers and students hope the construction finishes quickly so they can return to the way the school was before the construction started. 

Warm environment. Lively water rides. Chilling slopes. All of this and more was available to Uniondale High School’s Class of 2024 at Camelback Resort for their senior trip thanks to the hard work of Ms. Braithwaite and Ms. Gossett, our senior advisors.  

On the morning of March 8th, seniors came into school with duffle bags and suitcases, then quickly made their way into the blue cafeteria. Excitement buzzed in the air as they opened the doors and sat down. It was the beginning of the senior trip. 

After signing in and getting their bags checked, seniors waited anxiously in their seats for the bus to arrive and drive them to Camelback Resort in the Poconos. The three-hour-long bus ride was spent talking, snacking, and napping before everyone finally arrived at their destination. 

The first thing everyone did was head to the indoor waterpark. As students clamored to the rides, they were greeted with short lines and enough space to swim around. The waterpark had something for everyone. Thrill seekers had their fun on adrenaline-rushing rides like the Venus FlyTrap and The Storm Chaser with their crazy drops and turns. Students looked relaxed and were able to visit The Mystic Springs hot tub or lazy river with their friends. When people got hungry, they were able to get snacks at Burgers and More right by the pool. 

Dinner was at six and seniors had the options of chicken tenders, a cheeseburger, or a hamburger with a drink. Right after dinner, students were allowed to go to their rooms, stay at the waterpark, or hang around the resort. There was an arcade, a cafe, a sweet shack, and some escape rooms to enjoy. Curfew was at 11, so seniors had plenty of time to hang out with their friends and enjoy their day 

 As the first day came to a close, seniors were welcomed into their rooms. Each room held 4 seniors and was fitted with two full beds, a couch, a bathroom, a microwave, and a minifridge. 

The second day started early, with a breakfast buffet at 9 am. Then during the breakfast, the seniors and resort staff decided to give Ms. Braithwaite a warm happy birthday surprise. It was especially surprising as it wasn’t her birthday and she didn’t know what was going on until everyone started singing. From there, students were free to go to the waterpark again or hang out around the resort until 3. 

The two-day trip was phenomenal, and the hard work of Mr. Braithwaite, Ms. Gossett, and the Class of 2024 really paid off.

The history that changed the lives of African Americans is often not celebrated in the way it should be. People usually leave out credit where it's due. 

When going on a trip, you want to know that your house and the stuff inside are safe, so you might install security cameras to ensure that. Thanks to Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband for creating the first home video security system. This is  just one example of the many things that were created that we use today. 

While many of the of inventions by African Americans were significant and life-changing, some smaller ones are still a part of our daily lives. Texting and communicating through social media are part of the new wave of technology. Things like emojis are ways of expression. GIFs are little animations that people can use to get their point across. Lisa Gelobter created the technology used to make GIFs. 

Gelobter is an African American computer scientist who created technology that helps billions of people in different ways. Her creation is used not only for GIFs but also for streaming sites like Hulu and BET. Gelobter was the chief digital officer for BET Networks and a member of the senior management team for the launch of Hulu. Her technology changed the world of gaming and online streaming. 

Many people in Gelobter's life inspired her to become such a successful black woman in technology. One of them was her father. As a child, her father said she "was a feminist before the word existed."

  In the 1970s, he served as campaign manager for Shirley Chisholm, the first woman and black person to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States. So, Gelobter saw her dad support women in taking the roles that men usually played. 

With all the support surrounding her,  she enrolled at Brown University in 1987 for a bachelor's degree in computer science. However, she was forced to drop out of university due to financial issues. 

Her having to drop out of college did not stop her as she returned to Brown University and graduated in 2011.  

Most of Gelobter's work wasn't publicized and did not receive the credit she deserved. 

Lisa Gelobter, an African American woman, helped influence the technology world and the lives of everyday people. She is a woman who deserves to be recognized. 

Since there has been a great need for food in the community, Key Club is putting in effort to support families by putting together a food drive during the winter months. They are determined to provide for those who have food insecurities during these hard times.

Ms.Alicea, a Key Club advisor, was able to talk about many of the things that this food drive requires and what impact it can have on our community. So, what exactly is being  collected for this food drive? All non-perishable items that can help sustain individuals and families in need. From canned goods like soup, tuna, and vegetables to pantry staples like pasta, rice, and crackers, every contribution counts. It is encouraged that donors should check expiration dates before donating to ensure the items remain safe for consumption.

To make contributions, designated drop-off locations have been set up near the main office. Donors can deposit their items with ease, knowing that each donation brings them closer to their goal.  Their aim is to collect 500 pounds of food, surpassing their previous collection of 275 pounds. Together, they can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling within our community.

The food drive was initially scheduled to run until the end of March, but the club remains flexible and committed to supporting our community for as long as the need persists. Should the pantry continue to experience shortages, They will extend their collection efforts to ensure that no one goes hungry.

Ultimately, the impact that the food Key Club hopes to achieve through this food drive extends far beyond the mere collection of goods. By providing essential nourishment to those in need, they aim to instill a sense of security and comfort within our community. From children to seniors, they want every member of our community to know that they are supported, valued, and never alone in their struggles.

 Key Club's  food drive embodies the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our organization. They will continue to rally behind the community lending a helping hand to those who need it the most as they fight against food insecurity. The Key Clubs efforts serve as a beacon of hope and kindness in these hard times.

Uniondale High School demonstrated its commitment to celebrating Black History Month by hosting a thought-provoking presentation on cultural appropriation. On Monday, February 27th, students from Dr. Williams' African American studies class took center stage to address important issues surrounding Black culture.

The presentation shed light on the practice of cultural appropriation, where aspects of Black culture are adopted by individuals outside of the community without proper understanding or respect. Examples such as Kylie Jenner's use of lip fillers, Iggy Azalea's Brazilian butt lifts, and Martina Big's extreme physical alterations were discussed. Martina Big, in particular, was highlighted for changing her appearance drastically and attempting to embody stereotypes of Black women, thus perpetuating harmful misconceptions.

The students delved into the nuanced topic of colorism within the Black community. They emphasized the importance of understanding different hair types and the appropriateness of certain hairstyles for each type. A chart detailing various hair types and suitable braiding styles was presented alongside a video illustrating the consequences of cultural appropriation.

Melissa Saldivar and Ivon Perez, two presenters, engaged the audience effectively by encouraging participation and posing thought-provoking questions. Their presentations were part of a series that covered diverse aspects of Black culture and history. Topics ranged from the history of Black hair and spirituality to the contributions of Black inventors and the Black student experience.

Each student presenter showcased dedication and passion in their work, aiming to educate their peers and foster a deeper understanding of Black culture. By addressing issues of cultural appropriation and highlighting the importance of cultural appreciation, Uniondale High School students exemplified the spirit of Black History Month.

Through their informative presentations, Uniondale High School students challenged stereotypes, promoted inclusivity, and celebrated the rich diversity of Black culture. Their efforts serve as a testament to the school's commitment to fostering an environment of learning, understanding, and respect for all cultures.

TikTok is an app that lets users view, create, and share short films online. ByteDance, a Chinese technology startup, created the app in 2016. The primary target and content were intended for young individuals seeking an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing, with the ability for users to produce videos and share them with a community. 

There are about 4.8 billion internet users worldwide, with TikTok used by 20.83 percent of them. To go even further, as of January 2024, the United States had the most incredible TikTok viewership by far, with about 150 million members engaged with the popular social video platform.

TikTok has recently run into some issues. For example, UMG pulled their songs off TikTok due to TikTok failing to extend its license rights with Universal Music Group (UMG). In other recent news, TikTok is rumored to be shut down. The dispute involving Universal Music Group and TikTok over royalty payments and AI policy led to a near-complete censorship of all music owned, distributed, and published by the label on the social media platform – the videos remain visible, but the music is muted.

Many governments are worried about TikTok's security and its connection to China. The US is the most recent nation to call for a ban. Australia has become the latest country to prohibit TikTok from federal government devices as worries rise about the privacy and security of the Chinese-owned video-sharing app. Several countries have outlawed the app from official devices, including Afghanistan, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Pakistan and Indonesia have gone from side to side on whether and how much to limit access to TikTok.

So what is with the possible ban? It ultimately comes down to China. Lawmakers and authorities in the West are increasingly concerned that TikTok and its parent firm, ByteDance, may provide sensitive user data, such as location information, to the Chinese government.

  The  House recently passed a measure that would result in a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its Chinese owner does not sell its interest, as legislators addressed concerns that the company's existing ownership structure poses a national security danger. The House has decided to implement this prohibition, although the Senate still needs to issue a final answer.

Get ready, UHS students! On April 8, something extraordinary is set to happen, and you will want to take advantage of it. At approximately 3:18 pm, the sky will darken as the moon slides between us and the Sun, creating a mesmerizing solar eclipse. But fear not, it's not the end of the world—it's just science!

So, what exactly is a solar eclipse? It is when the Sun and the moon appear the same size in the sky, causing the moon to block the Sun. The eclipse is more of an illusion; in reality, the Sun is four hundred times larger than the moon. The moon, however, is 400 times closer to Earth, causing this illusion. 

This wonder of nature won't be captured well in photos, so it's better to go outside and see it yourself. Luckily for us UHS students, Mr.Gardino and Mr.Graff are holding our school's first solar eclipse event. 

The sun and the moon appear to be the same size in the sky, causing the moon to block the Sun. The eclipse is more of an illusion, as the Sun is four hundred times larger than the moon. The moon, however, is 400 times closer to Earth, causing this illusion. This beauty won't be captured well in photos, so it's better to go outside and see it yourself. Luckily for us UHS students, Mr.Gardino and Mr.Graff are holding our school's first solar eclipse event. 

 Mr.Guardino, a science teacher, is excited about the upcoming solar show. On April 8, students meet with him and Mr.  Graff, another UHS science teacher. The watching of the solar event will take place from 2:30 to approximately 3:20. Mr. Guardino said that fthey have picked the perfect spot: the field across from the auditorium. 

According to Mr.Guardino, "This spot gives us the best unobstructed view of the Sun, which is key for this eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided, which will protect viewers' eyes from any potential damage from viewing." 

If you are interested in attending this incredible event, see one of your science teachers for a permission slip. If you miss this year's solar eclipse, don't worry; you will only have to wait another 20 years, as the next total solar eclipse will occur in August 2044.