• March 24FUHSD Earth Day
  • March 25Mock Trial Auditions
  • April 1April Fools Day
  • April 4Lynbrook IDC Exchange
  • April 14-18Spring Break
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
On April 28, Lynbrook will join PISA, assessing 40 random sophomores on math, science and reading for international comparison, for the first time. Graph based on data provided by OurWorldInData.org.
International student assessment closes after loss of educational funding
Notable recent events include the 40th anniversary of the FUHSF, school closures in East San José's Franklin-McKinley School District, raging wildfires across Oklahoma and a new wave of violence in the Syrian civil war. Top left: Photo used with permission from FUHSF Top right: Photo used with permission from Ivan Aleksic/Unsplash Bottom left: Photo used with permission from Patou Ricard/Pixabay Bottom right: Photo used with permission from Mahmoud Sulaiman/Unsplash.
Campus, community and world events
Vertigo Literary Magazine club received the first-class REALM award on Feb. 7 for the literary and artistic quality of their titular magazine's issues. Graphic illustrations used with permission from Vertigo.
Vertigo magazine wins national REALM award
Sophomores from across the district enjoy an evening of skating at the frst-ever intradistrict social.
Class of 2027 skates to first intradistrict social
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
From the Star-Spangled Banner at American football games to the red, white and blue decorations at election rallies, Americana has long been a symbol of pride and cultural identity.
Partisanship clouds patriotic values
When juveniles commit severe crimes, such as premeditated murder, they are often unable to be tried proportionally, leading to decreased public safety.
The Santana Row stabbing reveals shortcomings in juvenile justice
Microtransactions, or small in-game transactions of real money, create unhealthy spending habits in video game players.
Microtransactions encourage gambling over gaming
Students actively engage in discussions and group activities in their Ethnic Studies class.
Editorial: Federal education cuts threaten ethnic studies programs
President Donald Tump's federal aid freeze, announced on Jan. 27 and rescinded on Jan. 29, had to led to various delays in federal funding, including for schools, farmers and nonprofits.
Trump’s federal aid freeze sows confusion and endangers communities
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
Sophomore Saavan Saraf discovered his voice in politics after a long and perspective-changing journey.
Finding my opinions in the world of politics
Junior Brian Lee holds up prayer beads, a symbol of his atheist identity amid his Buddhist family.
A different prayer in a Buddhist household
Moving west, east and west again
Moving west, east and west again
Looking back and moving forward
Looking back and moving forward
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
The FUHSD board should increase outreach opportunities for students to participate in district activities, while students should engage in board efforts.
Editorial: Bridging the gap between district board and students
Editorial: Initiating safer traffic practices around campus
Editorial: Initiating safer traffic practices around campus
Every day Tara Grande, Thomas Lopez, Johnny Roberson and Tim Wehner serve as the school’s crossing guards.
Crossing into the lives of Lynbrook’s crossing guards
With a steady hand, sophomore Charlie Loper applies the last details to his signature Basque cheesecake. Photos used with permission by Charlie Loper.
Charlie Loper bakes beauty with Basque It cheesecakes
As the soft glow of a candle flickers in her garage, sophomore Chanelle Aragones delicately shapes each piece of ribbon, the flame curling its edges to create petals. Photos used with permission by Chanelle Aragones.
Chanelle Aragones wraps up success with every bouquet
Aidan Tung watches over the coral he has meticulously maintained. Photo used with permission from Aidan Tung.
Aidan Tung dives deep into the world of coral keeping
Choir showcases their yearly Singing Valentines performances to classmates and teachers. Photos by Claire Guo, Lilly Wu and Crystal Zhu. Graphic illustration by Gary Pan.
Reveiling the magic behind Lynbrook’s annual singing valentines
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
Chloe Chung strengthens connections through vinyl
World War II (1939-1945)
World War II (1939-1945)
In the fast pace of modern popular culture where trends seem to disappear before they even start, it is easy to forget their origin and cultural significance.
Subcultures enrich mainstream
Throughout history, music has continuously served as a reflection and response to tumultuous times.
Turmoil, strife and the music through it all
The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)
The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)
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
The wrestling team navigates through new obstacles after the departure of a beloved coach.
Wrestling team perseveres back at the mat
The Valkyries perform at regional and national level competitions with elaborate choreographies while also performing at school events. Photos used with permission by Dorothy Ko
The Valkyries’ steps to success
The rejection by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors allows the continued use of turf in recreational areas. Graphic illustration by Cecilia Wu.
Santa Clara Board rejects a push to ban synthetic turf
Alice Wu dribbles her 1000th point basketball, among memories or her past years of playing basketball. Photos by Epic staff. Graphic illustrations by Amanda Jin and Ethan Wong.
Alice Wu shoots her 1000th point toward success
Arm in arm, the upperclassmen and underclassmen sports duos build bonds together in the winter season. Photos by Gary Pan and Lilly Wu. Graphic illustrations by Savaan Saraf, Jenny Suh. Ethan Wong and Lilly Wu.
Growing closer with sports mentorship duos
The past two months have seen hit after hit in terms of new album releases, two most notable being Lady Gaga's “Mayhem” and LISA's “Alter Ego." Graphic illustrations by Akash Anand, Stuti Jain and Yvonne Wu.
Nostalgia and Self-Discovery: a Review of LISA’s “Alter Ego” and Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem”
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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/2025silsilayfashionshow.
Silsilay Fashion Show 2025
From classic rom-coms like “Some Like it Hot” to modern heartfelt romance like “The Big Sick,” love and laughter have remained timeless for decades. Graphic illustration by Meadow Shen and Robert Yu.
60 years of Hollywood love in four rom-coms
Every February, people begin to think about Valentine’s Day, although the holiday itself has begun to change and evolve. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s solo or with friends
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/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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/epicwf25.
2025 Winter Formal: Midnight Masquerade
Sanskriti 2024
Sanskriti 2024
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/indlunchshow24.
InDesign Lunch Fashion Show 2024
Exploring students’ favorite brain rot activities
Exploring students’ favorite brain rot activities
Women who inspire Lynbrook
Women who inspire Lynbrook
Being firefighters, since 1986
Being firefighters, since 1986
Graphic illustration by Gray Pan.
Freshmen and Sophomores battle in the first ever Underclassmen Showdown
Graphic illustration by Yvonne Wu.
What is love?
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
Katie Chin

Katie Chin, Copy Editor

(she/her) Katie is a senior and one of the Copy Editors for the Epic. She is excited for her third year on staff, and some of her hobbies include baking, reading and listening to music. She also loves trying new food, sleeping too much and going to the beach.

All content by Katie Chin
Queen to G3. I sat with my arms crossed on a table too tall for me, the black and white queens and kings looming ahead. One move to checkmate. He would be forced to capture with his pawn.

Rolling the dice on life

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
May 20, 2024
2024 Senior Columns

2024 Senior Columns

Myles Kim, Deeksha Raj, Katie Chin, Surya Saraf, Riki Murase, Apurva Krishnamurthy and Anushka Anand
May 20, 2024
“Monkey Man” is truly an exceptional vision that has come to life and testimony to Dev Patel’s deserved distinction as both an actor and director.

Dev Patel’s Monkey Man raises the standard for action cinema

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
April 24, 2024
Being firefighters, since 1986

Being firefighters, since 1986

Chelsea Lee and Katie Chin
April 1, 2024
New Consumer Design Club, Magic Club, Ravens and Taiwanese American Student Assosiation spark new diverse spaces.

Five new clubs provide diverse perspectives to campus

Chelsea Lee and Katie Chin
March 11, 2024
Chiu spends about five hours a week blacksmithing at home, carefully crafting his next project.

Junior Ethan Chiu crafts himself a future in blacksmithing

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
December 11, 2023
Saturday with Santa

Saturday with Santa

Katie Chin and Surya Saraf
December 3, 2023
Remembering David Herz, and his impact on special education students. Used with permission from Kelly Herz

In memory of Dave Herz, Academic Community Transition Teacher

Surya Saraf and Katie Chin
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
A beacon of light for the Lynbrook community, family and friends, Boehm is remembered for her unwavering support and kindness for Lynbrook students during her tenure.

In memory of Judy Boehm, former ASB Financial Technician

Surya Saraf and Katie Chin
June 2, 2023
Hundreds of thousands of Americans use ASL; as sign language is incorporated into the modern world, it has become increasingly important to learn beginning from childhood.

ASL education bridges communication

Katie Chin and Neha Ayyer
May 8, 2023
After decades on a yacht in the Bay, senior prom will be held on land due to cost and COVID-19 issues.

Washed ashore: Senior prom leaves the yacht for land

Katie Chin and Sam Sarma
April 10, 2023
LHS AISA presents Silsilay 2023

LHS AISA presents Silsilay 2023

Katie Chin and Amishi Chandra
March 13, 2023
The officers are pleased by the Color Clash turnout and thankful for the enthusiastic participation from the freshman class.

Class of 2026 unites through Color Clash event

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
March 10, 2023
"Avatar: The Way of Water" revitalizes the breathtaking beauty of Pandora and the Na'vi.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” makes a splash in cinematic history

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
February 6, 2023
Social media has been set aflame with controversy over disparaging antisemitic comments made by rapper Ye and basketball player Kyrie Irving. In today’s society, antisemitism manifests itself in the perpetuation of misinformation through malicious remarks by public figures on social media.

The dark past and looming present of antisemitism

Katie Chin and Calvin Zhou
December 12, 2022
Before games, Vikings enhance team spirit through pregame rituals that have developed from the core of each team.

Pregame traditions motivate athletes

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
November 7, 2022

Varsity football vs Fremont High School Oct.7

Jasmine Rihal and Katie Chin
October 8, 2022
The Class of 2026 is introduced to Lynbrook's clubs through the Freshmen Orientation Club Showcase. Photo by Jasmine Rihal and Surya Saraf.

Freshmen welcomed with orientation club showcase

Katie Chin, Jasmine Rihal, Sophie Au, Larry Wang, Surya Saraf and Ashley Huang
August 21, 2022
18 under 18: Talented Vikings

18 under 18: Talented Vikings

Neha Ayyer, Catherine Zhou, Katie Chin, Amishi Chandra, Lauren Liu and Myles Kim
May 26, 2022
The Oscars recognized several of last year’s most acclaimed films, including CODA, King Richard and Dune.

Oscar-worthy: Reviewing the year’s best films

Meera Nambiar, Catherine Zhou and Katie Chin
May 3, 2022
The Li family poses together at Allison Li’s senior night.

Viking superfan: Perennial Lynbrook sports fan and volunteer Ling Yau celebrates six years

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
April 5, 2022
Euphoria raises awareness for drugs, sex, violence and mental health.

Euphoria: The fine line between raising awareness and glorification

Elizabeth Cheng and Katie Chin
March 8, 2022
Community gardens and orchards around the Bay Area have brought agriculture into the urban environment.

Urban agriculture sprouts in the bay

Katie Chin and Deeksha Raj
February 1, 2022
Ghostbusters: Afterlife brings back nostalgia and inspires a new generation of fans.

Afterlife: The revival of the Ghostbusters

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
December 7, 2021
Choir and Studio 74 actors perform various songs and dances in the Literature Concert.

Choir and drama tell stories through Literature Concert

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
November 9, 2021
Ni uses his passion for coding to connect with new people and positively impact the community.

Oliver Ni contributes to his community through coding

Katie Chin, Copy Editor
October 6, 2021
Assistant Principal Yukari Salazar greets students with a bright smile on freshman Viking Day.

A new smile on campus: Lynbrook welcomes Assistant Principal Yukari Salazar

Samiya Anwar, Catherine Zhou and Katie Chin
August 24, 2021