• 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
Olivia Yuan

Olivia Yuan, News Editor

(she/her, they/them) Olivia is a junior and this year’s news editor for the Epic. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, good books, and discovering new music.

All content by Olivia Yuan
Different dance groups on campus perform during rallies, on campus events and larger events outside of school hours.

Campus dance groups share the art of movement

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
April 28, 2025
World War II (1939-1945)

World War II (1939-1945)

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
Throughout history, music has continuously served as a reflection and response to tumultuous times.

Turmoil, strife and the music through it all

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)

The Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009)

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
Benny Goodman, known as the "King of Swing," was a major force in popularizing swing music, notable for his clarinet playing and his band's infectious rhythms. Photos used from Creative Commons licenses.

The Great Depression (1929-1939)

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
World War I (1914-1918)

World War I (1914-1918)

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
Cold War (1947-1991)

Cold War (1947-1991)

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
March 24, 2025
In his first days in office, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders targeting hot-button issues like gender terminology, immigration and the climate.

Trump signs multiple executive orders into effect

Charlotte Bolay and Olivia Yuan
March 3, 2025
Recent legislation has changed the United State's stance on major health organizations, such as the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization, leading to removal of informative health sources.

Public health should be safeguarded, not stifled

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
March 3, 2025
Check out the Epic's favorite music here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ctcqk8yQEbyZY20IFpPeb

The effects of music, from pain relief to plant growth

Olivia Yuan and Eileen Zhu
February 3, 2025
Before these terms became mainstream lingo, many slang terms originated in marginalized communities as ingroup identity markers.

The marginalized-to-mainstream pipeline of online slang

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
February 3, 2025
Rent control laws regulate the amount of rent that landlords can demand from their tenants, usually by limiting how much rent can be increased. Used with permission from Pexels.

Amid state housing crisis, rent control remains contentious

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
December 9, 2024
Top left: Kenji Furushiro, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of North California executive director and secretary, introduced the JCCNC as part of a Nov. 20 speaker and company visit to Japanese 4 Honors students. Top right: Located in Sunnyvale, the planned Design and Collaboration Facility will foster national semiconductor research and development. Bottom left: During the week of Nov. 20, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other university systems across the country, announced free tuition for financially eligible students, effective starting in fall 2025. Bottom right: A Nov. 18 demonstration in New Zealand defending indigenous Maōri rights and opposing the proposed Treaty Principles Bill was one of the biggest protests in the country's history.

Campus, community and world events

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
December 9, 2024
Author Ellie Yang Camp tackles nuances of Asian American identity

Author Ellie Yang Camp tackles nuances of Asian American identity

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
November 4, 2024
Homecoming: Dance 24-25

Homecoming: Dance 24-25

Stuti Jain and Olivia Yuan
October 7, 2024
‘143’ chases numbers over quality

‘143’ chases numbers over quality

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
October 7, 2024
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

Vidushi Upadhyay, Olivia Yuan, Charlotte Bolay, Akash Anand and Rebecca Cai
September 13, 2024
Welcome Back Rally 2024

Welcome Back Rally 2024

Robert Yu and Olivia Yuan
August 27, 2024
Indesign Fashion Show 2024: Ethereal Realms

Indesign Fashion Show 2024: Ethereal Realms

Charlotte Bolay, Apurva Krishnamurthy and Olivia Yuan
May 26, 2024
100 years of FUHSD honored in district-wide celebrations

100 years of FUHSD honored in district-wide celebrations

Audrey Sun and Olivia Yuan
May 20, 2024
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee. (Olivia Yuan)

Communities built out of books

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
April 10, 2024
Students visit booths to learn about volunteer and job opportunities and mental health resources.

City of Cupertino and Intra-District council host Teen Resouce Fair

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
April 1, 2024
Ever heard of pigs leading a revolution and seizing total domination over a government? No? Well, that’s satire for you: truth, dressed up in absurdity and hidden between the lines.

[Photo] This is satire: Literature’s wicked grin

Ashley Huang and Susanna Tang
April 1, 2024
Though its presence may seem largely invisible, the organization’s impact on the local Ethiopian community, fueled by its devoted volunteers, is undeniable.

Rainbow Park center supports Ethiopian community

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
March 11, 2024
2024 Underclassmen Showdown Rally

2024 Underclassmen Showdown Rally

Olivia Yuan and Crystal Zhu
February 17, 2024
From Chicago Rummy to "Final Fantasy XIV," students and teachers reflect on how their experiences with games have been impactful in creating meaningful memories.

Game memories, since 1965

Daeun Chung and Olivia Yuan
February 12, 2024
Winter Rally 2024: Supernatural

Winter Rally 2024: Supernatural

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
January 28, 2024
In high school, Olivia worked hard to improve her Mandarin skills, which led her back to her Chinese roots.

Rediscovering fluency

Olivia Yuan, News Editor
December 11, 2023
Homeschooling has shaped students’ development in ways traditional schools do not.

A 1 to 1 teacher to student ratio

Lilly Wu and Olivia Yuan
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Dance 23-24

Homecoming: Dance 23-24

Olivia Yuan and Eileen Zhu
October 23, 2023
The JV girls tennis team is still looking for a coach. Norman Tsai has taken on the role of coaching both the JV and varsity girl's tennis teams.

District solutions to coach shortage fall short

Yvonne Wu and Olivia Yuan
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