• April 26-May 3Spring Musical
  • April 28Red, White, and Blue Awards
  • May 9Last Day to Drop with a W
  • May 16Lynbrook Film Festival
  • May 17Senior Prom
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
Elizabeth Louie helps senior Meghana Babu understand a French passage during tutorial. Photo by Erin Fitzpatrick.
Elizabeth Louie recognized with Teacher-Leader Award
Notable recent events include Lynbrook winning the AP Computer Science Principle Female Diversity award, the VTA strike, a national "Hands Off" protest and the increasing international tariffs. Top left: Photo used with permission from Vincent Varletta/Wikimedia Commons Top right: Photo used with permission from Grendelkhan 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
The Spring Movie Theater expanded previous movie night events. Photos by Jenny Suh.
ASB Recognition and Social bring the theater experience to campus
Principal Maria Jackson retires after 30 years in education
Principal Maria Jackson retires after 30 years in education
Machine Learning systems such as ChatGPT require scraping the web to improve its capabilities. Websites hosting illegal pirated and copyrighted materials such as Anna's Archives or Library Genesis, thus have its copyrighted materials used to improve AI material.
Unlicensed materials in AI model databases undermine original works
Anushka Deshmukh discovers self-advocacy through her struggles with celiac disease.
Trials and tribulations with celiac
Rohan Kakhandiki learns to appreciate his unique last name over time.
That’s my name, but you can wear it out
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
San José mayor Matt Mahon recently proposed a policy to authorize arrest of homeless after refusing help three times within 18 months. This policy falls short of tackling root causes of homelessness and overlooks the true needs of homeless.
Addressing homelessness requires support, not criminalization
Anushka Deshmukh discovers self-advocacy through her struggles with celiac disease.
Trials and tribulations with celiac
Rohan Kakhandiki learns to appreciate his unique last name over time.
That’s my name, but you can wear it out
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
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
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
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
Bolang Zhu, Om Modi and Vikrant Vadathavoor (left to right).
LD debaters speed through limits of debate success
Allen Chan and Toan Phuong work hard to replace security cameras and pick up calls.
Behind the screens with the information technology team
Students prepare for the annual ELD speech competition.
The faces behind annual ELD speech competition
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
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
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
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
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
Dylan Liu and Karen Gao swim to success with record-breaking times
Freshman Alber Wu holds up his foil, standing proudly with his fencing equipment. Photo by Olivia Tu. Graphic illustration by Kieran Hau and Amanda Jin.
Alber Wu discovers his tempo through fencing
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
Unwrapping holiday memories
Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs
Silsilay connects communities across the bay
Teachers take on brain rot terms
Tricks and Treats to making your own Halloween Costumes
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
Unwrapping holiday memories
Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs
Silsilay connects communities across the bay
Teachers take on brain rot terms
Tricks and Treats to making your own Halloween Costumes
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
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