• 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
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
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
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