The Spectrum

December 2024 | Volume 30 Issue 3

Loyalty "Trumps" Experience

Tressa Sullivan


Just days after his election,  President Elect Trump began selecting nominees for his cabinet. He has selected loyalists who support most, if not all, of his goals and objectives for his upcoming term. Controversy has followed, as many criticize their backgrounds and experience, deeming them unfit to serve in their prospective positions.


Peoples Dispatch

From Cybertruck to Celebrity Bots: Tesla's Quest for the Elite Market

Justin Morales

Tesla has recently made a significant number of headlines as a result of their problematic recalls, abnormal vehicle designs, and controversial CEO, Elon Musk. But recently, their Tesla Bot, also known as “Optimus,” has been making headlines as a result of an unexpected collaboration with Kim Kardashian.

Meet Dr. Lizzette Ruiz Giovinazzi!

Ella Rossiter and Caroline Pierre

[Editor's Update: After the writing of this article, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi was announced as the Nyack Board of Education's finalist for superintendent.]

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi is currently the interim superintendent for Nyack Public Schools. She has been in the field of education for 28 years, initially as a teacher. From a very young age, she always saw herself teaching, and knew she wanted to work with kids. As a student, she struggled and often fell behind, but the teachers who believed in her stood out and solidified her desire to pursue a career in education.

NYC Holiday Tradition Canceled

Mackenzie Lynch

Have you ever been to the Saks Fifth Avenue light show?  The luxury store has been holding their annual light show every holiday season since 2004; yet this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the store’s opening, it  has been canceled.

Redhawk Reel Review: Wicked

Gideon Dunbar

I have a confession to make. I have never seen the Wicked musical. The only thing I have done is read the book, which is spectacular. It’s fantastic. It’s art. From what I know, the musical differs drastically, so, going into the theater to see Wicked the movie, I was not expecting much. 

Tech Advisor

Nyack Winter Sports Outlook


Ian Bowen

For Nyack’s many student athletes, December means one thing: the winter sports season is in full swing. With that said, let's take a look forward to see what we can expect from the Varsity sports teams representing Nyack this winter.


More than Just a Meal


Sarah Faustin

Meal on Wheels is a well-known food delivery service with a target focus on helping the elderly community. Thousands of volunteers in various areas provide individuals with not only a meal, but warm, social interaction as well.


Neighborly Care Network

Tbe New York Times

Battling the Blaze:  Largest Wildfire In Two Decades Burns for Almost Two Weeks

Jez Renner

A number of Orange County residents woke up to a smoky horizon on Monday, November 11.The sky, covered in a thick layer of orange haze, was reminiscent of the Canadian wildfires, which greatly affected the east coast in June 2023.  This time, the origin of the fire is much closer: the New York-New Jersey border.

Middle School Delegates Dazzle at State Conference

Josie Rothman

Tears, cheers, and spirit fingers were abundant at the 8th annual New York State YMCA’s Youth And Government Middle School Conference. From November 24th to 26th, a few dozen adults and 25 high school Resource Team members supported 600 middle school students in creating, debating and voting on legislation.

Exploring Black History: A Look Into Nyack's Annual Trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Nicole Lipner

On Friday, November 8th, two Nyack AP African American Studies classes visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C..

After a long but anticipatory bus ride, the 51 Nyack High School students and five chaperones began their day at the museum's Sweet Home Cafe. There, they were offered an array of traditional African dishes and present-day foods to fuel them for the hours ahead. Students then explored the museum in small groups, periodically checking in with their chaperones and teachers.

The Spectrum Staff 

Editors-in-Chief.................................................Zoë Reiss & Josie Rothman

Copy Editors....................Nicole Lipner, Justin Morales, Josie Rothman, Olivia McGuire

Layout...........................................Zoë Reiss,  Josie Rothman

Photographer....................................................... Nicole Lipner

Staff Advisors.............................................Robin Maslanek & Adele Metrakos 

Staff: Addison Burns, Ella Rossiter, Hailie Vasquez, Caroline Pierre, Liliana Dolinsky, Sophia Perlin, Justin Morales, Julia Labrada, Madeleine Pence, Tressa Sullivan, Gideon Dunbar, Olivia McGuire