• May 21-22Pops Concert
  • May 26Memorial Day
  • May 27-30Senior Finals
  • June 2-5Grades 9-11 Finals
  • June 6Class of 2025 Graduation
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
National Honors Society members test knowledge on Japanase language, cultural traditions, history and society in 33rd National Japan Bowl held in Washington D.C. Photos used with permission from Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. and Japanese Honors Society.
Japan Bowl teams achieve best performance in Lynbrook history
Notable events include Cardiomed Club's annual dissection hosted in collaboration with Surgery Interest Club, the Cupertino Whole Foods shutting down due to a rat infestation, Harvard sueing the Trump Administration and the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. Top left: photo used with permission from Ilan Garcia. Top right: photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons. Bottom left: Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons. Bottom right: Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons.
Campus, community and world events
Lynbrook Legends are selected based on impact and achievements accomplished within their respective fields or in supporting the community. Photo by Irene Hwang.
New Lynbrook Legends program celebrates distinguished alumni
FUHSD plans to implement a district-wide phone ban policy that will restrict usage of smartphones during instructional periods, including class time and tutorials. Cell phones will be allowed during brunch and lunch, or during emergency circumstances with permission from a staff member. Photo by Brian Lee.
FUHSD bans phones during class time for the 2025-26 school year
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
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
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73,” one out of the 154 the Bard published in 1609, deals with themes of love and aging, yet one word of this sonnet in particular catches my eye. Graphic illustrations by by Gary Pan, Qianzi Loo, Alyssa Wang and Vidushi Upadhyay.
As after sunset fadeth in the west
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
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73,” one out of the 154 the Bard published in 1609, deals with themes of love and aging, yet one word of this sonnet in particular catches my eye. Graphic illustrations by by Gary Pan, Qianzi Loo, Alyssa Wang and Vidushi Upadhyay.
As after sunset fadeth in the west
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
Student petitions are an important way of bringing attention to school issues, but the line between serious and counterproductive petitions must be drawn. Graphic illustration by Charlotte Bolay and Crystal Zhu
Editorial: The power of petitions in student advocacy
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
"The Galaxy's Memories," written by Galen Han, depicts vivid storytelling of the history of the galaxy.
Galen Han rewrites the dimensions of imaginations
Kimmy Le, Effie Wang and Ellie York (left to right) design vibrant nail sets
Filing in the details of student nail art businesses
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
Jayden Yang makes waves through water polo
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
Aside from the hefty expense of a seat, space tourism also comes with another astronomical price tag: environmental sustainability.
The environmental price of reaching for the stars
San José and the larger San Francisco Bay Area are home to a variety of native species such as the California poppy, owl’s clover and lupine.
The Bay Area’s complex web of native and invasive wildlife
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
Through personal growth, perseverance and prioritizing their overall health, students have built stronger teams and become stronger individuals. Graphic illlustration by Anna Cen.
Student athletes persevere through injuries, bad weather and stress
Coaches and students play basketball with Zone 6. Photos used with permission from Zone 6. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Zone 6 coaches confidence one drill at a time
Anika Khanna at the 2025 Gator Cup. Michael and Michele Myers practicing. Photos used with permission from USA Archery and Michael and Michele Myers. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Anika Khanna, Michael Myers and Michele Myers find their next target
Track athletes from different high schools leap over hurdles while bounding toward the finish line. Photo by Akash Anand. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen
Setting track athletes up for success
Athletes, from high school and college, are able to use their popularity and skill for profit through different sponsorships. Graphic Illustration by Amanda Jin.
Name, image and likeness are reshaping the culture of athletics
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/sprom25.
Senior Prom 2025: Rewrite the Stars
Through lyrical creativity and gorgeous vocals Uchis’ “Sincerely,” and Walker’s “Fancy That” explores heartbreak, love and peace.
‘Sincerely,’ and ‘Fancy That’ surpass expectations.
In the past, Hollywood has produced a number of films that contain stereotypical depictions of marginalized communities. Recently, the rise of movies produced by Asian American and Pacific Islander creators has combated such stereotypes in the movie industry. May celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — an apt time to explore various films that convey Asian heritage.
Exploring culture through film for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Thunderbolts* strings together mildly wicked characters as anti-heroes. Photos used with permission from Creative Commons License.
Evil heroes and not-so-bad villains
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.
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/sprom25.
Senior Prom 2025: Rewrite the Stars
Farewell Rally 2025
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/spromfashionshow2025
Senior Prom Fashion Show 2025
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/2025silsilayfashionshow.
Silsilay Fashion Show 2025
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
Silsilay connects communities across the bay
Teachers take on brain rot terms
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
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
Crystal Zhu

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor

(she/her) Crystal is a junior and this year’s co-opinion editor. In her free time, she likes to read, draw, write and listen to songs on repeat. Aside from that, she enjoys spicy food, desserts and watching sad movies.

All content by Crystal Zhu
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports

Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
June 1, 2025
Slavery reparations aim to address centuries of racial inequality in America. Graphic illustration by Rebecca Cai, Maddy Chang and Savaan Saraf.

Reparation bills address centuries of racial inequality

Crystal Zhu and Irene Hwang
May 19, 2025

Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs

Crystal Zhu and Lilly Wu
May 2, 2025
San José and the larger San Francisco Bay Area are home to a variety of native species such as the California poppy, owl’s clover and lupine.

The Bay Area’s complex web of native and invasive wildlife

Angelina Feng and Crystal Zhu
April 28, 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
Recent events to note include FBLA's e-waste donation drive, state efforts to fast-track relief for the Los Angeles wildfires, a polar vortex in the Midwest and Plains states and an international agreement to regulate AI. Top left: Photo used with permission from Nothing Ahead/Pexels Top right: Photo used with permission from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Bottom left: Photo used with permission from David Robert Crews Bottom right: Photo used with permission from Focall Foto

Campus, community and world events

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
March 3, 2025
Junior Irene Hwang offers humorous advice to those without a romantic partner during Valentine's Day.

[Photo] A single person’s survival guide to Valentine’s Day

Irene Hwang, Staffer
March 3, 2025
The TikTok ban, although delayed 75 days, led to users moving onto new platforms such as the Chinese app RedNote.

TikTok ban will hurt more than it helps

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
February 3, 2025
With former President Donald Trump’s second term on the way, Project 2025 is a realistic template for the sweeping changes that could be made to the country. Project 2025’s policies would include cutting funding for federal education programs, denying LGBTQ+ identity, restricting abortion and carrying out the largest deportation effort in American history. The manifesto is a product of The Heritage Foundation.

Project 2025’s potential impact on America’s future

Saavan Saraf and Crystal Zhu
December 11, 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
Esther Kwan does a flying kick in her red and gold Kung-Fu uniform. Photo by Crystal Zhu and graphic illustration by Inaaya Yousuf.

Junior Esther Kwan kicks her way to international gold

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
October 7, 2024
Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 24-25

Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 24-25

Brian Lee and Crystal Zhu
October 2, 2024
After a pilot year at FUHSD schools, the Health and Ethnic Studies course is set to be added into the 2025-26 required freshman curriculum.

Ethnic studies and health course strives to find the perfect fit

Angelina Feng, Saavan Saraf, Alexandra Wu, Alyssa Wang and Crystal Zhu
August 25, 2024
Lynbrook alumni Elliu Huang explores his identity surrounding Bay Area stereotypes.

[Photo] The harsh reality of a Bay Area Asian male

Elliu Huang, Managing Editor
May 20, 2024
Lockdown nostalgia consists of a longing for memories, habits and emotions experienced during the pandemic, usually in its early stages.

A walk down lockdown lane: quarantine memories

Crystal Zhu and Eileen Zhu
April 29, 2024
In Mark Twain's book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", the use of the racial slurs accurately depicts the time period the book was set in.

[Photo] Controversial writing communicates powerful messages

Rohan Kakhandiki and Taek Kim
April 29, 2024
Although Meta's new feature had good intentions to limit misinformation, it is not effective in achieving its goals.

[Photo] The downsides of Meta’s new political content feature

Nicole Ge and David Zhu
April 29, 2024
Dedicated to both academics and their sport, many student athletes juggle school work and practice daily, often sacrificing time with friends or sleep — and as a result, face burnout.

[Photo] Running on empty: The consequences of burnout

Gary Pan and Alyssa Wang
April 1, 2024
Junior Prom 2024: An Aurorean Dream

Junior Prom 2024: An Aurorean Dream

Qianzi Loo and Crystal Zhu
March 24, 2024
Although movie adaptations of books will never be perfect, they deserve more credit than they are currently getting.

Don’t judge a book’s movie adaptation by its cover

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
March 11, 2024
Hong hopes to breathe new life into these artifacts and preserve their historic significance in his collection of militaria, or military memorabilia.

[Photo] A blast to the past with Steven Hong

Robert Yu, Staffer
March 11, 2024
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee.

Building passions with Manav Choudhary

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
March 1, 2024
2024 Underclassmen Showdown Rally

2024 Underclassmen Showdown Rally

Olivia Yuan and Crystal Zhu
February 17, 2024
The Civilian Exclusion Order, published across the United States, was sanctioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, a policy aimed to remove all those who were deemed a threat to national security by the government.

The essential history of Executive Order 9066

Irene Hwang and Crystal Zhu
February 12, 2024
Books within the high school curriculum that contain serious topics have sparked controversy.

[Photo] Students should expand literary horizons

February 12, 2024
Books within the high school curriculum that contain serious topics have sparked controversy.

[Photo] Abigail Chen’s Not-So-Par-fect Golf Journey

Meadow Shen, Web Editor
February 1, 2024
Students in AP 2-D Art create lengthy and detailled portfolios to demonstrate their technical and artistic growth throughout the duration of the course. Typically, these portfolios contain a theme that and each piece depicts a greater message in relation to this concept. Photos used with permission from Hannah Liaw, Annabel Qin and Medha Lolayekar

AP 2-D art students receive perfect scores on AP exam

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
December 11, 2023
Every sport has different criteria for what constitutes the ideal body image — each shaped by the unique demands of the particular sport. However, the constant pursuit by athletes to achieve the ideal body image may lead to more challenges than advantages.

The mental and physical toll of body idealization on athletes

Ashley Huang and Crystal Zhu
November 6, 2023
Plentiful choices from the limited-time fall menu at Starbucks.

Falling into fall with Starbucks’ new menu

Crystal Zhu, Opinion Editor
October 10, 2023
If students observe any suspicious activty they are encouraged to say something with the new Say Something Anonomous Reporting System, a 24/7 network with a hotline, mobile app and online form.

[Photo] Say Something introduced in FUHSD

Sarah Zhang, Staffer
October 10, 2023
Prior to Vanessa Otto's Lynbrook debut, she spent 16 years teaching at Monta Vista High School and one year teaching at Cupertino High School.

New literature teacher Vanessa Otto encourages student participation

Ashley Huang, Vidushi Upadhyay, Vihaan Patel, Crystal Zhu, Olivia Yuan and Susanna Tang
August 30, 2023
Joining Lynbrook as an honors chemistry and freshman biology teacher, David Chen is continuing to pursue his passion for teaching high school students.

New chemistry and biology teacher David Chen simplifies complex topics

Ashley Huang, Vidushi Upadhyay, Vihaan Patel, Crystal Zhu, Olivia Yuan and Susanna Tang
August 30, 2023