• 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
Taylor Swift's album success is coupled with an embrace of consumerism. Photo used with permission from Teen Vogue.
With Taylor Swift, emotional loyalty has a price tag
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”
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
Taylor Swift's album success is coupled with an embrace of consumerism. Photo used with permission from Teen Vogue.
With Taylor Swift, emotional loyalty has a price tag
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/indlunchshow25.
InDesign Lunch Fashion Show 2025
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
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/indlunchshow25.
InDesign Lunch Fashion Show 2025
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
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
David Zhu

David Zhu, Copy Editor

(he/him) Hi Everyone! My name is David, and I am a senior. I have a twin brother and a younger sister. I love hiking and going to national parks, and I also really enjoy skiing with my family. I’m interested in civics, politics, reading and writing. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball in my driveway and at local parks. I’m excited to be a copy editor for the Epic this year!

All content by David Zhu
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/epicstaffhoco25.

Homecoming: Staff Skit 25-26

David Zhu and Nicolas Cheng
October 6, 2025
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

Ashley Hein and David Zhu
October 6, 2025
Several wings have been blocked off by fences in the last few years as they underwent construction.

Construction updates in the 2025-26 school year

Saavan Saraf, Samanvi Bandugula, Amy Yuan, Eunice Leung and David Zhu
September 13, 2025
Students prepare for the annual ELD speech competition.

The faces behind annual ELD speech competition

David Zhu, Copy Editor
April 28, 2025
From the vibrant textiles of Mexico to the intricately embroidered saris of India, different forms of traditional clothing have all been woven into the diverse fabric of culture.

Tradition makes its way into modern fashion

David Zhu and Kieran Hau
March 24, 2025
Billionaires are playing an increasingly larger role in shaping American politics, stemming from their high-value contributions to political campaigns.

Wealth generates the American Oligarchy

David Zhu and Akash Anand
March 3, 2025
The player's situations mirror worsening economic circumstances for many people in the real world.

‘Squid Game’ comments on real- world poverty

David Zhu, Copy Editor
February 3, 2025
Little Leagues players sprint from base to base in a game of baseball.

Youth sports: From playground to field of competition

David Zhu and Irene Hwang
December 9, 2024
Candidates vie for city, state and national seats in elections

Candidates vie for city, state and national seats in elections

David Zhu, Copy Editor
November 4, 2024
Looking back and moving forward

Looking back and moving forward

David Zhu, Copy Editor
October 7, 2024
Homecoming: Staff Skit 2024

Homecoming: Staff Skit 2024

Yvonne Wu and David Zhu
September 27, 2024

New viking staff arrive on campus

David Zhu, Valerie Shu, Olivia Tu and Rohan Kakhandiki
September 18, 2024
Rohin Saharoy demonstrates a karate move with his black belt on, kicking up his foot in the air. Photo by David Zhu and graphic illustration by Amanda Jin

Rohin Saharoy surpasses limits in the dojo

David Zhu, Copy Editor
May 20, 2024
Although Meta's new feature had good intentions to limit misinformation, it is not effective in achieving its goals.

The downsides of Meta’s new political content feature

Nicole Ge and David Zhu
April 29, 2024
Students gathered in the parking lot on March 29 for ASB's first school-sanctioned celebration of Holi.

[Photo] Adding a little color with Holi

Vidushi Upadhyay, Design Editor
April 10, 2024
Farewell Rally 2024: the End of an Era

Farewell Rally 2024: the End of an Era

Claire Guo and David Zhu
April 7, 2024
The growing controversy of consumer boycotts has caused many debates on whether or not these practices are actually effective.

Are consumer boycotts actually effective?

Myles Kim and David Zhu
April 1, 2024
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee. (David Zhu)

Xara Aman’s journey of growth

David Zhu, Copy Editor
March 27, 2024

[Video] Freshmen and Sophomores battle in the first ever Underclassmen Showdown

Lilly Wu and Rohan Kakhandiki
March 11, 2024
In the Bay Area, families who make up the middle income earn anywhere from $77k and $232K annually.

Bay area observes a vanishing middle class

David Zhu and Apurva Krishnamurthy
March 11, 2024
Going into the next school year, Pathak will compete against other athletes at the collegiate level, hoping to secure many wins for NYU.

Neale Pathak’s journey to the New York University mat

David Zhu, Copy Editor
February 12, 2024
Sports are increasingly being used as political cover-ups.

Sportswashing: Controversy amid a sea of cheers

Charlotte Bolay and David Zhu
December 11, 2023
The Citizens Advisory Comittee projects stark declines in student populations across the FUHSD high school campuses. The graph above details the change in progession for student numbers from the year 2017 to 2028.

Citizens Advisory Committee to combat FUHSD declining enrollment

David Zhu, Copy Editor
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Junior Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Junior Skit 23-24

Qianzi Loo and David Zhu
October 19, 2023
Many students and teachers are unaware of where the animals they use in dissection labs actually come from.

Dissecting the dark truth behind dissection labs

David Zhu, Copy Editor
October 10, 2023
Alumna Bethany Chan stands in front of school gates, excited for her teaching-filled year ahead.

Alumna Bethany Chan takes a Guatemalan Gap year

Emily Pedroza, Katie Chin, Grace Zhu, Meadow Shen, Sarah Zhang and David Zhu
August 27, 2023