• 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
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
Austin Liou, Reagan Markert, Colin Chow, Amrit Rihal and William Devanney (top left to bottom right)
Catalyst Crew drops knowledge with banger beats
Sylva Scott cares for her alpaca and other animals at McClellan Ranch. Photos used with permission from Sylva Scott and with Creative Common Licenses.
Caring for alpacas with Sylva Scott
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
Holden Choi finds a career path in his passion for video games
Jason Wu grows passion and creativity through a side hustle
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/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
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)
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/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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/2025jpromfashionshow.
Junior Prom 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
Irene Hwang

Irene Hwang, Staffer

(she/her) Irene is excited to be on the Epic this year! She loves playing the piano, reading personal essays, skiing, and spicy food. Outside of journalism, you’ll find her panic-practicing for an upcoming performance.
All content by Irene Hwang
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
Allen Chan and Toan Phuong work hard to replace security cameras and pick up calls.

Behind the screens with the information technology team

Maddy Chang and Irene Hwang
April 28, 2025

From Anora to Emilia Perez: Our opinions on the 2025 Oscars

Amanda Jin and Irene Hwang
March 24, 2025
Junior Irene Hwang offers humorous advice to those without a romantic partner during Valentine's Day.

A single person’s survival guide to Valentine’s Day

Irene Hwang, Staffer
March 3, 2025
The fear of falling behind on online trends and content can be a contributing factor in doomscrolling, usually accompanied by anxiety.

Doomscrolling away from reality

Irene Hwang and Qianzi Loo
February 3, 2025
Sanskriti 2024

Sanskriti 2024

Kieran Hau, Irene Hwang and Olivia Tu
December 17, 2024
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
With the release of their new album, “Moon Music,” Coldplay encourages listeners to look beyond the boundaries of Earth and find solace and a sense of shared love in our limitless universe.

Coldplay’s “Moon Music” creates memorable soundscapes

Irene Hwang, Staffer
December 4, 2024
San Jose and Cupertino have sister city connections around the world, including Dublin, Ireland; Ektarinaberg, Russia; Bhubaneswar, India and Okayama, Japan.

Linking the globe through the sister cities program

Irene Hwang and Stuti Jain
October 7, 2024
The model demonstates a side plank, one of the most common positions in Pilates. Graphic illustration by Rohan Kakhandiki

A guide to the history, benefits and practice of Pilates

Erin Fitzpatrick and Irene Hwang
May 20, 2024
Many of the stories told to young children are often simplified explanations of important life lessons intertwined with fun aspects to keep them engaged.

[Photo] Sharing childhood stories to look back upon

Amanda Jin, Sports Editor
April 29, 2024
With hopes of continuing field hockey beyond her high school career, senior Halie Yung has committed to Smith College. Used with permission from Halie Yung.

Halie Yung strikes her line into Smith College

Irene Hwang, Staffer
April 29, 2024
Illuminating the stories of Louella and many other characters, this story honors the lives and experiences of Black Americans, contributing to important racial discourse in light of Black History Month. Photo used with permission from Vanessa Miller.

The American Queen: A novel of empowerment and community

Irene Hwang, Staffer
March 11, 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

Behind the fall musical ‘Ranked’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook Choir)

Qianzi Loo and Irene Hwang
December 11, 2023
Narcan is administered into a victim’s nostrils and can help rapidly reverse the overdose and restore the person’s breathing to normal within 2 to 3 minutes.

[Photo] Melanie’s Law, Narcan and the fight against overdose

Robert Yu, Staffer
December 11, 2023
De Anza College will be one of many community colleges to implement the Vision 2030 framework, providing more dual enrollment opportunities to high school freshmen and greater educational opportunities for the community.

Vision 2030 to provide college education to more students

Irene Hwang, Staffer
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Senior Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Senior Skit 23-24

Irene Hwang, Amanda Jin and Qianzi Loo
October 20, 2023
Without the addition of mandatory pre-K to TK, young children miss out on the developmental stage of fostering relationships, develop important social skills and improve executive functioning.

Universal pre-K encourages equitable education opportunities

Charlotte Bolay and Irene Hwang
October 10, 2023
The social expectation of a "nuclear family" assumes the woman the burden of carrying most of the family burden on top of their career ambitions.

[Photo] Nuclear family: An outdated social construct

Emily Pedroza and Taek Kim
October 10, 2023
Let's Chat History's team, John Jou, Aarit Parekh and Isaiah Sit, meet at Rainbow Park to record their new episode of their history podcast.

Behind the history of Let’s Chat History

Alyssa Wang, Amanda Jin, Irene Hwang, Lilly Wu, Myles Kim and Robert Yu
September 12, 2023