• 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
Former Monta Vista High School assistant principal Janice Chen took office as the new principal on July 1 following former principal Maria Jackson’s retirement.
New principal Janice Chen prepares for her Viking journey
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
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
Truly Fresh, a nonprofit started by junior Xara Aman, targets produce waste by collecting excessive fruits in neighborhoods around the Bay Area, and donates them to West Valley Community services.
TrulyFresh offers fresh solutions to food waste in homes
Assistant Principal Kimberlee Morgan is seated at her desk in the office. She takes on the responsibilities of counseling and student services.
Kimberlee Morgan trades the classroom for the office
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
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
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
Truly Fresh, a nonprofit started by junior Xara Aman, targets produce waste by collecting excessive fruits in neighborhoods around the Bay Area, and donates them to West Valley Community services.
TrulyFresh offers fresh solutions to food waste in homes
Assistant Principal Kimberlee Morgan is seated at her desk in the office. She takes on the responsibilities of counseling and student services.
Kimberlee Morgan trades the classroom for the office
Former Monta Vista High School assistant principal Janice Chen took office as the new principal on July 1 following former principal Maria Jackson’s retirement.
New principal Janice Chen prepares for her Viking journey
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/sprom25.
Senior Prom 2025: Rewrite the Stars
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/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
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
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
Riki Murase

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager

(he/him) Riki is a senior and a second-year staffer as well as the social media and photography manager for the Epic. He enjoys reading, cooking, playing video games, lifting, and wrestling.

All content by Riki Murase
My ordinary morning routine starts in a dreary, colorless bedroom, where I wake up facing blank walls and bare floors aside from the occasional dusty Lego set.

Going home

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
May 20, 2024
2024 Senior Columns

2024 Senior Columns

Myles Kim, Deeksha Raj, Katie Chin, Surya Saraf, Riki Murase, Apurva Krishnamurthy and Anushka Anand
May 20, 2024
Dylan White sprints across the field with the football while playing against the Saratoga Falcons.

[Photo] Dylan White touches down at Puget Sound

Daeun Chung and Robert Yu
May 20, 2024
Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day

Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day

Chelsea Lee and Riki Murase
April 29, 2024
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has shaken the world of women’s volleyball with its recent decision on Feb. 20 to allow double touches by setters in offensive plays.

[Photo] NCAA women’s volleyball rule change sparks controversy

Apurva Krishnamurthy, News Editor
April 1, 2024
With only his phone for a camera, a tripod and a ring light, Ho implements clever editing styles with CapCut to deliver high-quality videos and capture his audience’s attention using quick choppy video clips and catchy music. Photo used with permission from Nick Ho.

[Photo] Nicholas Ho forges his path through fashion content

Amanda Jin, Design Editor
April 1, 2024
Despite Grande seemingly putting forth her best effort into musical innovation, “Eternal Sunshine” ultimately fails to execute an emotional tone effectively.

Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ loses its shine

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
March 27, 2024
Excessive plastic waste imbues food with microplastics, evidenced by poor packaging leaking microplastics into groceries and trace microplastics appearing in mass-produced goods.

Microplastics and its invisible inevitability

Riki Murase and Gary Pan
March 11, 2024
Students should seek out civic engagement opportunities, such as voter preregistration.

[Photo] Editorial: A vote for civic engagement on campus

Epic Staff
February 12, 2024
Going into the next school year, Pathak will compete against other athletes at the collegiate level, hoping to secure many wins for NYU.

[Photo] Neale Pathak’s journey to the New York University mat

David Zhu, Copy Editor
February 12, 2024
Graphic Illustration by Daeun Chung

College mythbusting with Mr. Roy

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
December 4, 2023
Varsity Football vs. Saratoga High School Nov. 5

Varsity Football vs. Saratoga High School Nov. 5

Riki Murase, Robert Yu and Rohan Kakhandiki
November 7, 2023
Among professional athletes, injuries are considered to be one of the main deciding factors of the longevity and quality of their careers.

[Photo] The detrimental impacts of injuries on the mind and body

Grace Zhu and Vidushi Upadhyay
November 6, 2023
Your breath catches in your chest as your pupils dilate and your face begins to flush red. You’re in love, but why?

How romantic love works, scientifically

Riki Murase and Anushka Anand
November 6, 2023
Varsity Football vs. South San Francisco Sept. 22

Varsity Football vs. South San Francisco Sept. 22

Riki Murase, Gary Pan and Rohan Kakhandiki
September 24, 2023
FUHSD is awarded Silver for the Green Ribbon award for their progress in environmental sustainability.

FUHSD’s advances toward a sustainable future earn a Green Ribbon Award

Elieen Zhu, Riki Murase, Anushka Anand, Charlotte Bolay, Taek Kim and Yvonne Wu
September 2, 2023
Beyond initial shine, peer into stories behind Lynbrook students' favorite pieces.

Sparkling stories behind students’ jewelry

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
June 2, 2023
Senior Prom 2023: Happily Ever After

Senior Prom 2023: Happily Ever After

Riki Murase and Chelsea Lee
May 13, 2023
A youth dives into "wokeness" while frowned upon by an old fisherman. Graphic illustration by Calvin Zhou.

Does “wokeness” need to wake up?

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
May 8, 2023
Based on the "Grishaverse" books by Leigh Bardugo, Netflix's "Shadow and Bone "tells the story of compelling characters, yet in an unfortunately crammed second season.

Shadow and Bone: a worthy adaptation?

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
April 10, 2023
Through the MVSSAP, students who live in the Homestead High School attendance boundaries are elligible to apply to attend Monta Vista High School for their entire high school tenure, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year.

New program allows students to attend Monta Vista

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
March 10, 2023
From dried reservoirs to flooded households, California’s volatile climate has significantly impacted communities throughout the state.

California’s climate change causes destruction

Nicole Ge and Riki Murase
February 6, 2023
Horror psychology: How to scare your audience

Horror psychology: How to scare your audience

Riki Murase and Qianzi Loo
November 7, 2022
Homecoming: Football Game 22-23

Homecoming: Football Game 22-23

Jasmine Rihal, Riki Murase and Lilly Wu
October 22, 2022
Perils underneath the Friday night lights

Perils underneath the Friday night lights

Riki Murase, Social Media Manager
October 10, 2022
Cindy Chavez and Matt Mahan go head-to-head for San Jose Mayor.

[Photo] Survival of the Fittest: Cindy Chavez and Matt Mahan go head-to-head for San Jose Mayor

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
October 10, 2022
Having a registered school nurse available on Lynbrook's campus would greatly benefit the student body and raise the school's health standards. (Graphic illustration by Susanna Tang.)

FUHSD schools need more school nurses

Timothy Kim, Susanna Tang, Lilly Wu, Riki Murase and Tanika Anbu
August 30, 2022