• 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
Qianzi Loo

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor

(she/her) Qianzi is a senior and Copy Editor for the Epic, previously Web Editor. Outside of journalism, you can find her reading memoirs, taking (too many) nature photos with her Nikon and tuning in to endless Spotify playlists. At school, she’s involved in Martial Arts Club, ASB, Film Photo Society and more.

All content by Qianzi Loo
Air rushing past my ears, my back smacked the ground for the 25th time. Graphic illustrations by by Gary Pan, Qianzi Loo, Alyssa Wang and Vidushi Upadhyay.

Falling back into confidence

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
May 19, 2025
Fiddler on the Roof

Behind the live performances of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook music department)

Taek Kim, Qianzi Loo and Ethan Wong
May 15, 2025
World War II (1939-1945)

World War II (1939-1945)

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
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
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
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
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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/indlunchshow24.

InDesign Lunch Fashion Show 2024

Lilly Wu, Cecilia Wu and Qianzi Loo
October 17, 2024
Top left: Equal education rights protest at Phillips Academy in 1964. Top right: Climate strike organized by youth in Pittsburgh in 2021. Bottom left: Lynbrook students participate in reproductive rights protest in 2022. Bottom right: Student protestors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison protest the war in Vietnam in 1965.

A dive into America’s youth activism in action

Kieran Hau and Qianzi Loo
October 7, 2024
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/epicseniorhoco24.

Homecoming: Senior Skit 24-25

Amanda Jin, Charlotte Bolay and Qianzi Loo
October 4, 2024
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/epicjuniorhoco24.

Homecoming: Junior Skit 24-25

Qianzi Loo and Inaaya Yousuf
October 3, 2024
Illustrated by Gary Pan, Isabella Chiu, Ethan Wong

AB 2927: Ensuring financial literacy for future FUHSD high schoolers

Meadow Shen, Qianzi Loo, Gary Pan, Isabella Chiu and Ethan Wong
August 27, 2024
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/2024gradpics.

Class of 2024 graduation ceremony

Qianzi Loo and Vihaan Patel
June 8, 2024
Although the discriminatory practice of redlining, beginning in 1934, has technically been outlawed, its shadow continues to loom through the segregation and inequality that persist in the present day.

Redlining: forming urban and suburban divisions

Qianzi Loo and Emily Pedroza
May 20, 2024
As much as nostalgia is a psychological feeling, its triggers can be traced back to neuroscientific explanations and can serve additional benefits beyond momentary happiness.

Explaining the scientific phenomenon of nostalgia

Daeun Chung and Qianzi Loo
April 29, 2024
Nostalgic memories, since 2010

Nostalgic memories, since 2010

Emily Pedroza and Robert Yu
April 29, 2024
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/spromfashionshow.

Senior Prom Fashion Show

Qianzi Loo and Inaaya Yousuf
April 7, 2024
Kickkat members and juniors Sriman Ratnapu, Jayadev Ghanta, Vineeth Yenduri and Jonathan Bruennert and sophomore Bruhath Batla performed at the Valkyries show in January. Not pictured: juniors Daniel Wan and Aryan Patnaik.

Striking a chord with the Kickkats band

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
April 1, 2024
Junior Prom 2024: An Aurorean Dream

Junior Prom 2024: An Aurorean Dream

Qianzi Loo and Crystal Zhu
March 24, 2024
Despite only beginning photography recently, Qianzi Loo uses it as a form of self expression.

A world through another lens

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
March 11, 2024

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

Lilly Wu and Rohan Kakhandiki
March 11, 2024
The issue of gender bias in the gaming industry and community lies in the ignorance of harassment, as people insist that their comments are just jokes, turning the responsibility of female gamers if they feel offended, humiliated, or undermined.

The warped world of gender in gaming

Qianzi Loo and Meadow Shen
February 12, 2024
Winter Rally 2024: Supernatural

Winter Rally 2024: Supernatural

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
January 28, 2024

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

Qianzi Loo and Irene Hwang
December 11, 2023
Beyond the proud Western sentiment, feminism can be recognized with a deeper complexity when viewed through different cultures and religions, adding nuance to the idea of female liberation.

Perceptions of feminism across the board

Qianzi Loo and Meadow Shen
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Senior Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Senior Skit 23-24

Irene Hwang, Amanda Jin and Qianzi Loo
October 20, 2023
Homecoming: Junior Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Junior Skit 23-24

Qianzi Loo and David Zhu
October 19, 2023
The most crucial electrolytes for main bodily functions in sport drinks are sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate and magnesium.

Electrolytes: Hydrating the dehydrated?

Qianzi Loo and Vihaan Patel
October 10, 2023
Students sit eagerly and learn from Chu's dynamic martial arts skills

[Photo] Joshua Chu implements martial arts into Lynbrook’s drama classes

Amanda Jin, Sports Editor
October 10, 2023
Welcome Back Rally 2023: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Welcome Back Rally 2023: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Qianzi Loo, Yvonne Wu and Robert Yu
September 2, 2023
Clarke encourages class discussions to foster creativity and collaboration.

Clarke fosters engaging learning

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
June 2, 2023
Otoshi works in her office for the music department. She plans to enjoy time with her family in the future.

Otoshi leaves lasting impact on music

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
June 2, 2023

Miko Otoshi and David Clarke to retire

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
June 2, 2023
Mental health in the world of sports

Mental health in the world of sports

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
May 8, 2023
Average Cupertino housing prices increased from $1.9 million to $2.7 million in the 2020s, according to Movoto Real Estate.

Plan proposed for affordable educator housing

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
April 10, 2023
In November 2022, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors initially approved the San Francisco Police Department’s proposal to use robots that integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify criminals.

Behind SF police’s controversial killer robots

Daeun Chung and Qianzi Loo
March 10, 2023
The American flag, once a symbol of national pride, shifted to bear an additional message of "America first," showing the emergence of a gray area between patriotism and nationalism.

Toeing the line between patriotism and nationalism

Sam Sarma and Qianzi Loo
February 6, 2023
The Epic staffers select their favorite album of 2022.

The Epic’s favorite albums of 2022

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
January 9, 2023
Fall Rally 2022: Lynbrook's Got Game

Fall Rally 2022: Lynbrook’s Got Game

Qianzi Loo and Eileen Zhu
November 19, 2022
Horror psychology: How to scare your audience

Horror psychology: How to scare your audience

Riki Murase and Qianzi Loo
November 7, 2022
Akiko Chung

Akiko Chung

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
October 13, 2022
New Viking Staff Assembles!

New Viking Staff Assembles!

Qianzi Loo, Daeun Chung and Ashley Huang
October 13, 2022
Lynne Li

Lynne Li

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
October 13, 2022
Kevin Tran

Kevin Tran

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
October 13, 2022
Theresa Sparks

Theresa Sparks

Qianzi Loo, Copy Editor
October 13, 2022