• 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
Rohan Kakhandiki

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer

(he/him) Rohan is a junior and a returning staffer at the Epic. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar and hanging out with his friends.

All content by Rohan Kakhandiki
Rohan Kakhandiki learns to appreciate his unique last name over time.

That’s my name, but you can wear it out

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
April 28, 2025
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

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
March 24, 2025
Superheroes have been at the forefront of pop culture since the 1940s. Characters often symbolized American ideals like patriotism, even exploring themes of racial identity and discrimination. A closer look into the pages of many comic books reveal that the greatest superheroes represent more than heroics; they stand for radical social change, political commentary and themes of classism, racism and xenophobia.

Superheroes go past the pages and into history

Rohan Kakhandiki and Akash Anand
March 24, 2025
Used with permission from Creative Commons License

Stunning performances and visuals in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ shield against mediocrity

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
March 3, 2025
Political campaigns have been engaging with social media and brain rot culture to attract a wider audience.

[Photo] How brain rot has shaped American consumer society

Claire Guo and Olivia Tu
February 3, 2025
The rise of digital communication has made it easier than ever to spread content, allowing memes to go viral overnight.

How our brains rotted over time

Gary Pan and Rohan Kakhandiki
February 3, 2025
Popular DC superhero Superman wins against fellow DC superhero Batman for his optimistic messages and positive influence on future generations, despite Batman's more extensive following.

Batman or Superman, for real

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
December 9, 2024
Little Leagues players sprint from base to base in a game of baseball.

[Photo] Youth sports: From playground to field of competition

David Zhu and Irene Hwang
December 9, 2024
As an athlete sprints towards the finish line, their team cheers them on.

[Photo] No-cut teams increase opportunities in school sports

Gary Pan, Staffer
December 9, 2024
Graphic by Meadow Shen

Top 10 Frightful Flicks to binge this Halloween

Saavan Saraf and Rohan Kakhandiki
October 31, 2024

Bryan Zhao sprints to success in track and field

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
October 16, 2024
Thirteenth Amendment is often seen as a law that completely abolished slavery, yet a loophole remains: allowing slavery to remain legal as a form of punishment.

The Exception in the 13th Amendment and the unseen legacy of slavery

Maddy Chang and Rohan Kakhandiki
October 7, 2024

New viking staff arrive on campus

David Zhu, Valerie Shu, Olivia Tu and Rohan Kakhandiki
September 18, 2024
Photos of the FUHSD Adult School from 1923 to 2024. Photos used with permission from Liz Ambra, Photo by Audrey Sun"

Never too late to learn at FUHSD’s adult school

Vihaan Patel and Rohan Kakhandiki
May 20, 2024
In Mark Twain's book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", the use of the racial slurs accurately depicts the time period the book was set in.

Controversial writing communicates powerful messages

Rohan Kakhandiki and Taek Kim
April 29, 2024
Officers of Students for Literacy, a club that encourages interest in literature, promotes their organization to attract new members. Photos used with permission from Ella Yuan and Anish Lakkapragada

Technology and literature clubs merge to join common interests

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
April 1, 2024

Freshmen and Sophomores battle in the first ever Underclassmen Showdown

Lilly Wu and Rohan Kakhandiki
March 11, 2024
A programmer sits, red-eyed, with dark eyebags and copious amounts of caffeine in their system as they stare at the blue light emitted from their computer screen, concluding yet another day of unpaid overtime because another company executive over-promised on a release date to shareholders.

Investigating game developers’ fight for labor rights.

Anushka Anand and Rohan Kakhandiki
February 12, 2024
2024 Winter Rally: Celestial Bodies

2024 Winter Rally: Celestial Bodies

Yvonne Wu and Rohan Kakhandiki
January 31, 2024
Despite the wide range of service projects completed, each of the experiences of Lynbrook Eagle Scouts demonstrates their leadership capacity and unwavering dedication to serve their community.

Eagle scouts soar to new heights through service projects

Nicole Ge and Rohan Kakhandiki
December 11, 2023
Epic staffers trying new sports: Field Hockey & Water Polo

Epic staffers trying new sports: Field Hockey & Water Polo

Robert Yu and Rohan Kakhandiki
November 19, 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
Despite the lack of practical value of blind box collectibles, these figurines bring joy to collectors who are willing to spend money on them.

Are the blind box collectibles money draining or worth gaining?

Rohan Kakhandiki, Staffer
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 23-24

Rohan Kakhandiki and Erin Fitzpatrick
October 18, 2023
Without the addition of mandatory pre-K to TK, young children miss out on the developmental stage of fostering relationships, develop important social skills and improve executive functioning.

[Photo] Universal pre-K encourages equitable education opportunities

Charlotte Bolay and Irene Hwang
October 10, 2023
Without the addition of mandatory pre-K to TK, young children miss out on the developmental stage of fostering relationships, develop important social skills and improve executive functioning.

[Photo] Coffee shop survival crash course

Emily Pedroza, Copy Editor
October 10, 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
Katie Chung finds vending at craft fairs with friends and running her small business to be a gratifying experience, and she feels lucky that she gets to share her art with new people.

Alumna Katie Chung expands Hua Studios to local craft fairs

Alexandra Wu, Chelsea Lee, Erin Fitzpatrick, Rohan Kakhandiki, Apurva Krishnamurthy and Audrey Sun
September 15, 2023