• 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.
Revealing 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
The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)
The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)
Throughout history, music has continuously served as a reflection and response to tumultuous times.
Turmoil, strife and the music through it all
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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/spromfashionshow2025
Senior Prom Fashion Show 2025
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
60 years of Hollywood love in four rom-coms
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/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
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
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
Neha Ayyer

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor

(she/her) Neha Ayyer is a senior and the In-Depth editor for the Epic. She loves cool stickers and oversized plaid shirts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing with her dog and rewatching Marvel movies.

All content by Neha Ayyer
Four years of bad jokes

Four years of bad jokes

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
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
Visiting Half Moon Bay and Pescadero beach, students from cullinary classes across FUHSD, as well as members of the Lynbrook Conservation Action Association club, learn about sustainability in the food and farm industries.

Students explore sustainable food on Green Careers field trip

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
April 10, 2023
Recent foreign movie blockbusters "Wandering Earth II" and "Pathaan" have released to critical acclaim.

Foreign Movies are in flavor: reviewing two far-flung blockbusters

Larry Wang and Neha Ayyer
March 15, 2023
Action-thriller “Pathaan” fails to meet expectations

Action-thriller “Pathaan” fails to meet expectations

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
March 15, 2023
Senior Shreyas Malladi expertly folds inventive and complex origami creations.

Shreyas Malladi unfolds his creativity through origami art

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
March 10, 2023
Some believe that the integration of patriotism is at the core of an education that will prepare citizens to join American industries and become active voters.

Incorporating patriotism in American education

Neha Ayyer and Sophie Au
February 6, 2023
From landing the first man on the moon to searching for life on other planets, space exploration has always been a symbol of America’s international economic and scientific dominance.

Space tourism lifts off, leaving Earth behind

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
December 12, 2022
Many film industries have started incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters into their scripts and schools are incorporating novels with queer characters into their literature curriculums, influencing audiences’ views on the queer community.

The representation of the LGBTQ+ community in media

Alyssa Wang and Neha Ayyer
November 7, 2022
Many film industries have started incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters into their scripts and schools are incorporating novels with queer characters into their literature curriculums, influencing audiences’ views on the queer community.

Joelle Jung scores her way to Stanford University

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
October 10, 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
I still have a long way to reach that point in my life where I can discard what other people think, but I’m slowly changing my attitude.

“What will people say?”

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
May 3, 2022
With dress expectations, heteronormative stereotypes and the pressure to find a date, prom is not all glamor and fun.

Prom traditions could use a makeover

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
April 5, 2022
Sanctuary cities provide a safe haven to all undocumented immigrants and provide them with a comfortable living space and education without being shamed in public or deported by ICE for being undocumented.

Sanctuary cities keep undocumented immigrants protected

Anirudh Seshadri and Neha Ayyer
March 8, 2022
Popular culture often chooses glamorized depictions and stereotypes of historical eras, ignoring the more nuanced realities of life during them.

Rose-colored romanticization vs. the reality of historical eras

Anwen Huang and Neha Ayyer
February 1, 2022
Love and Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiura is a queer young adult novel that follows Nozomi Nagai as she spends her summer in San Francisco.

Librarians’ picks: Love and Other Natural Disasters

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
February 1, 2022
Seniors Crystal Qian and Anton Ouyang commit to Stanford athletics.

Stanford recruits

Anushka Anand and Neha Ayyer
December 8, 2021
Epic staffers try special effects makeup

Epic staffers try special effects makeup

Chelsea Lee, Anwen Huang and Neha Ayyer
November 9, 2021
Campus construction plans are in effect and on track to be completed in 2023.

Campus construction on track for 2023

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
November 9, 2021
Homecoming: Football Game 21-22

Homecoming: Football Game 21-22

Jasmine Rihal, Emma Cionca and Neha Ayyer
October 7, 2021
The pledge of allegiance is a ritual to students throughout their years of American schooling, but the real meaning of it has been lost.

The Pledge of Allegiance: Patriotism or outdated routine?

Neha Ayyer, In-Depth Editor
October 6, 2021