• Oct. 6-10Homecoming
  • Oct. 9PTA Reflections
  • Oct. 11PSAT
  • Oct. 13Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Oct. 22Fall Concert
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
Medals earned from the PVSA bronze, silver and gold award are on display. Image used with permission from Ksims.
PVSA pause leaves service uninterrupted
Recent events to note include Lynbrook being ranked 10th in California schools by U.S. News & World Report, the city of Santa Clara hosting the annual Parade of Champions on Oct. 4, the rise of Waymos on the road and the matcha shortage. Top left: Photo by Tristan Lo. Top right: Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons. Bottom left: Photo used with permission from Creative Common License. Bottom right: Photo used with permission from Creative Common License
Campus, community and world events
Californians rally in protest against Trump's immigration policies at the San Francisco Civic Center. Image used with permission by Wikimedia Commons.
Bay Area pushes back against presidential policy
Vicky the Viking strikes a pose at the first student section of the 2025-26 school year, themed "Red Out."
Vicky the Viking brings campus diversity
As a kid rides a bike down the hill, their dad trails closely behind.
Local movement advocates for Calabazas
Students expressed different perspectives on the new phone ban
Students react to the new phone policy
Proposition 50 plans to redraw California's congressional districts to win five more seats in the House of Representatives.
Prop 50: A must have or manipulative?
Under Lynbrook’s current food delivery policy, students are not allowed to have meals delivered to the school campus or nearby houses from food delivery services. However, an alternative to a completely restrictive ban that allows for both safe and efficient food delivery is worth considering.
Editorial: Lynbrook should revisit food delivery policy
Although chatbots may offer quick, convenient responses, they are poor substitutes for therapists and trusted individuals.
AI chatbots create a false sense of connection
Catherine Yang finds the value in being 'alright" at many talents.
Being alright with being “alright”
Catherine Yang finds the value in being 'alright" at many talents.
Being alright with being “alright”
2024-25 Senior Columns
2024-25 Senior Columns
It’s September 11, 2018.
My hijab & I
One thousand. The biblical number of prosperity, the number of years in a millennium, and the number that signifies a remarkable milestone.
A fresh sheet of square paper
Just past midnight, my house is deafeningly quiet.
On soup and stories
Under Lynbrook’s current food delivery policy, students are not allowed to have meals delivered to the school campus or nearby houses from food delivery services. However, an alternative to a completely restrictive ban that allows for both safe and efficient food delivery is worth considering.
Editorial: Lynbrook should revisit food delivery policy
With legal immigration pathways narrowing and deportations without due process rising nationwide, it has become more important than ever for students and school communities to be educated on their rights and protections. Photo by Qianzi Loo. Graphic illustration by Maddy Chang
Editorial: Building safety and awareness around student immigrant rights
Lack of awareness around the prevalence of digital misinformation affects students in the digital age. To combat these concerns, student engagement in media literacy and responsible journalism should be prioritized within schools.
Editorial: Media literacy in and out of FUHSD classrooms
Students actively engage in discussions and group activities in their Ethnic Studies class.
Editorial: Federal education cuts threaten ethnic studies programs
In a district wide effort to address student mental health issues, Lynbrook plans to launch a future mental wellness center, preceded by a monthly prototype launching in May.
Future wellness center is a step toward aiding student mental health
Photos by Rachel Martin. Graphic illustration by Isabella Chiu.
Aarush Channapragada builds his way to business success
Vedanshi Prasad writes beautiful poetry and short stories, inspired by her previous struggles and powerful books.
Vedanshi Prasad overcomes obstacles and ignites inspiration
Bryce Mikolajczak holds up his cards, planning to make his next move in his game Cell Quest. Photos by Nicolas Cheng and used with permission from Bryce Mikolajczak.
Bryce Mikolajczak’s Cell Quest gamifies the world of cells
Michelle Chung designs a variety of cakes with vibrant frosting and exuberant decor. Photos used with permission from Michelle Chung.
Michelle Chung spreads sweetness, one treat at a time
Madison Chan (left) and Jayden Peterson (right) pose with their drinks at their boba booth. Images used with permission from Madison Chan.
NovelTea blends creativity, community and passion together
Photos by Rachel Martin. Graphic illustration by Isabella Chiu.
Aarush Channapragada builds his way to business success
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Photos by Lilly Wu. (Lilly Wu)Graphic illustration by Claire Guo. (Claire Guo)
Claire Hsu bakes it up
Following the evolving story of Hispanic History Month and how these celebrations grew, shifted and became nationally recognized.
Exploring Hispanic History Month’s evolving legacy
Passports have become indicators of one's geopolitical worth, with each nation's passport granting or denying access to a number of countries.
Power and privilege in the palm of your hand
As college application season rolls around, the question of how CollegeBoard managed to have such a chokehold on the American education system is once again on the rise.
How the College Board took over American education
Whether through panic-buying or an uptick in lipstick sales, the American shopping cart can reveal much about the state of our economy during economic hardship. Photos used with permission under Creative Commons license.
Tracking consumer and marketing changes over the recessions
Catholicism, one of the largest branches of Christianity, remains one of the most influential religions in the U.S. today. It has impacted on schools, healthcare, policies and national traditions.
Catholicism intersects with American culture
The mass support of the Golden State Valkyries comes ultimately from respect — an attitude that the entire sport of basketball should prioritize over media drama.
Focus on the WNBA for the talent, not the drama and sex toys
This school year, the varsity football team was temporarily disbanded, leaving Lynbrook with just a JV team. The impact on school culture and other athletic teams is already evident.
Campus life without varsity football
The Monta Vista-Lynbrook marching band merge arose from a member shortage, with students working to blend differences in campus cultures for their first joint season this school year.
Merging melodies with the Monta Vista-Lynbrook marching band
This school year, Lynbrook introduced a girls flag football team to the fall sports roster.
Girls flag football kicks off the fall season
As the season progresses, David and Abigail Leder look to overcome difficulties with collective effort.
Father-daughter dynamic duo makes a splash in water polo
Homecoming: Dance 25-26
Homecoming: Dance 25-26
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/hocogame26.
Homecoming: Football Game 25-26
Homecoming: Rally 25-26
Homecoming: Rally 25-26
Homecoming: Senior Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Senior Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Freshmen Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Freshmen Skit 25-26
Tug, not tackle: Students and staff on girls flag football in Viking athletics
Tug, not tackle: Students and staff on girls flag football in Viking athletics
Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day
Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day
Nostalgic memories, since 2010
Nostalgic memories, since 2010
Vertigo and La Pluma Open Mic
Vertigo and La Pluma Open Mic
Students gathered in the parking lot on March 29 for ASB's first school-sanctioned celebration of Holi.
Adding a little color with Holi
Brain Rot
Brain Rot
Nostalgia
Nostalgia
Gaming the system
Gaming the system
Lost in translation.
Lost in translation.
Homecoming: Dance 25-26
Homecoming: Dance 25-26
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/hocogame26.
Homecoming: Football Game 25-26
Homecoming: Rally 25-26
Homecoming: Rally 25-26
Homecoming: Senior Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Senior Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Freshmen Skit 25-26
Homecoming: Freshmen Skit 25-26
Recreating brunch foods
Recreating brunch foods
33 Questions with Dr. Chen
33 Questions with Dr. Chen
Behind the live performances of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook music department)
Behind the live performances of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook music department)
Unwrapping holiday memories
Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs
Epic staffers Amanda Jin and Irene Hwang give their opinions on the 2025 Oscars nominations. Graphic illustrations by Olivia Tu.
From Anora to Emilia Perez: Our opinions on the 2025 Oscars
Graphic Illustration by Amanda Jin, Alexandra Wu and David Zhu.
Behind the runway
Formula 1: Pit lane Talk
Formula 1: Pit lane Talk
Graphic Illustration by Daeun Chung
College mythbusting with Mr. Roy
Don’t judge a book by its cover: the shortcomings of banning books
Don’t judge a book by its cover: the shortcomings of banning books
Crossword Oct. 6, Issue 1
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
Alex Cotterel

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor

(they/them) Alex is a senior and this years copy editor. Their hobbies include biking, painting, and reading novels. In their free time they like to listen to music and podcasts, and binge watch whatever their latest tv show obsession is.

All content by Alex Cotterel
As college application season rolls around, the question of how CollegeBoard managed to have such a chokehold on the American education system is once again on the rise.

How the College Board took over American education

Alex Cotterel and Crystal Zhu
October 6, 2025

FUHSD schools face new realities as enrollment declines

Alexandra Wu, Nicolas Cheng, Jenny Suh and Alex Cotterel
September 17, 2025
Kimmy Le, Effie Wang and Ellie York (left to right) design vibrant nail sets

Filing in the details of student nail art businesses

Alex Cotterel and Anna Cen
May 19, 2025
The three branches of government within the Constitution — the judicial, executive and legislative — were crafted to avoid a crisis in the system of checks and balances that prevents one branch from overpowering another.

The possibility of a constitutional crisis in our perfect union

Alex Cotterel and Brian Lee
April 28, 2025
“It’s not that deep.” What counts as “not that deep?” While not everything needs to be taken seriously, Generation Z’s widespread reluctance to engage beyond the surface level is prevalent and exhibited in popular phrases and memes that belittle critical thought, presenting serious topics as unworthy of attention.

When it really is that deep – Anti-intellectualism is on the rise in Gen-Z

Alex Cotterel and Alexandra Wu
March 24, 2025
The wrestling team navigates through new obstacles after the departure of a beloved coach.

Wrestling team perseveres back at the mat

Crystal Zhu and Alex Cotterel
March 24, 2025

60 years of Hollywood love in four rom-coms

Alex Cotterel and Angelina Feng
March 3, 2025
Long-standing issues within the healthcare industry like claim denial for patients have been resurfaced in light of United Healthcare Brian Thompson's murder, with more people venting their frustrations over these deep-rooted problems.

CEO’s death triggers important discussion about the healthcare industry

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
February 3, 2025
Fortunato Depero's 1914 painting "Futurist Motorcycle" parallels Tesla's Cybertruck.

Futurism and fascism’s enduring legacy in the modern technological world

Alex Cotterel and Alexandra Wu
December 9, 2024
Rent control laws regulate the amount of rent that landlords can demand from their tenants, usually by limiting how much rent can be increased. Used with permission from Pexels.

[Photo] Amid state housing crisis, rent control remains contentious

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
December 9, 2024
Photos by Alex Cotterel and Crystal Zhu.

Turning the page to staff and teachers’ favorite books

Alex Cotterel and Crystal Zhu
November 4, 2024
California Assemblymember Evan Low and former San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo, the two District 16 seat candidates.

Low and Liccardo face off in District 16 election

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
October 7, 2024
Top left: Engineering Club's annual hackathon will take place for the third year in a row. Top right: Plans for safe sleeping sites for the homeless organized by the City of San José were met with local backlash. Bottom left: The Europa Clipper, NASA's new planetary probe, is set to journey to Europa, one of Jupiter's many moons. Bottom right: This year, Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female and Jewish president of Mexico in its 114-year history of presidential elections.

Campus, community and world events

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
October 7, 2024
Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Alex Cotterel, Eileen Zhu, Taek Kim, Anushka Deshmukh and Kieran Hau
August 30, 2024
Dr. Mohammed Subeh speaks with students about his experience volunteering in Palestine

Dr. Mohammed Subeh speaks with students about his experience volunteering in Palestine

Alex Cotterel and Taek Kim
May 25, 2024
Protests over Gaza and Palestine have appeared in colleges across the United States, such as the University of Southern California and Columbia University.

Colleges have become a battleground for free speech

Alex Cotterel and Apurva Krishnamurthy
May 20, 2024
Although genocide does not have a singular definition, the crime can be broken down into eight different stages: classification, symbolization, dehumanization, organization, polarization, preparation, extermination and denial.

Genocide is not a thing of the past: Recognizing it in modern day

Alex Cotterel and Inaaya Yousuf
April 29, 2024
Volunteers pick up recycled paper weekly from different classrooms and collect them in a larger bin by the basketball courts.

FUHSD implements new recycling program across schools

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
April 1, 2024
Untitled design

[Photo] Unveiling the truth behind eating disorders

Charlotte Bolay and Lilly Wu
April 1, 2024
A. CGI was frst introduced in the 1958 live-action flm, “Vertigo,” in the opening sequence animation. John Whitney, a pioneer of the age, experimented to bring about a feeling of vertigo. B. In 1986 “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” introduced novel concepts like the digital morphing of face. CGI was quickly becoming an indispensable and increasingly popular tool for directors and flmmakers. C. In 1999, “The Matrix” made a breakthrough in CGI. With multiple cameras, flm directors Katsuhiro Otomo and Yuen Woo-ping created the famous airborne fght scenes and bullet-dodging slow-motion shots. D. “Dune 2” was lauded for its fght scenes and the fact that it was almost impossible to tell what was and wasn’t CGI, with the general public praising the seamless integration of the special efects.

[Photo] The digital frontier of Computer Generated Images

Claire Guo and Yvonne Wu
April 1, 2024
The storied history of a magazine that played a pioneering role in modern sports reporting, seems to be coming to an end. Half a century of ground breaking photography, intelligent writing and iconic tradition may soon become a relic of the past.

Sports Illustrated’s clash with time and technology

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
March 11, 2024
The rate of homelessness in San Jose has greatly increased each year with the city reporting the highest numbers it has seen within the past year.

[Photo] San Jose’s renewed efforts to combat homelessness

Emily Pedroza, Copy Editor
March 11, 2024
Recent public controversy surrounding the legacy of De Anza College’s namesake has sparked debate over whether a new name is necessary.

Renaming De Anza College respects history

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
February 12, 2024
Humans are prone to experiencing the Illusion Of Explanatory Depth, a phenomenon in which people strongly believe that they understand complex matters more than they actually do, which affects preferences, judgments and voting.

Oversimplification and the Illusion of Explanatory Depth

Alex Cotterel and Eileen Zhu
December 11, 2023
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee

Tending Freesias

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
November 21, 2023
Literature teachers discuss their favorite poems, from poisonous gas and burnt paper in hands to testing trees. Photos by Alex Cotterel and Deeksha Raj. Graphic illustration by Claire Guo.

Beyond the Syllabus: Literature teachers’ favorite poems

Deeksha Raj and Alex Cotterel
November 6, 2023
Companies are constantly innovating new environmentally-friendly products, which distracts people from the actual problem of climate change.

Is the Westgate West Costco worth the chaos?

Alex Cotterel, Copy Editor
October 10, 2023