• 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
Farewell Rally 2025
Unwrapping holiday memories
Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs
Silsilay connects communities across the bay
Teachers take on brain rot terms
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.
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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/epicwf25.
2025 Winter Formal: Midnight Masquerade
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
Alyssa Wang

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief

(she/her) Alyssa is a senior, a third-year staffer and the Editor-in-Chief for the Epic. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the library, playing Mario Kart,and binging TV shows and movies late at night. You can often find her at nearby boba shops, Target, strolling through the aisles of Barnes and Noble, or in the pool playing water polo.

 

All content by Alyssa Wang
Andrea Badger posing with part of Lynbrook’s 1992-1996 cheer team. Julie Morelos posing with part of Lynbrook’s basketball team. Kyle Howden posing with Lynbrook’s water polo team.

Teachers revisit their high school sports days

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
February 3, 2025
This is the poster in room 22 of Dilworth Elementary School that sparked controversy over the inclusion of gender identity in elementary school curriculum.

Curriculum Integrity petitions against gender identity in TK classrooms

Alyssa Wang and Angelina Feng
November 4, 2024
After a pilot year at FUHSD schools, the Health and Ethnic Studies course is set to be added into the 2025-26 required freshman curriculum.

Ethnic studies and health course strives to find the perfect fit

Angelina Feng, Saavan Saraf, Alexandra Wu, Alyssa Wang and Crystal Zhu
August 25, 2024
From "Barbie" to "Mulan," nostalgia has been a marketing strategy to remodel remniscent shows, yet some approaches have entered gray regions between offering fresh perspectives and exploiting the audiences' pre-existing connections.

Nostalgia in media: Toeing the line between modernized and contrived

Valerie Shu and Alyssa Wang
April 29, 2024
Dedicated to both academics and their sport, many student athletes juggle school work and practice daily, often sacrificing time with friends or sleep — and as a result, face burnout.

Running on empty: The consequences of burnout

Gary Pan and Alyssa Wang
April 1, 2024
While modern sentiments of these Black History Month and Women's History Month carry a similar message as intended in the 1900s, the traditions have developed widely since through a series of initiatives.

The evolution of Black History Month and Women’s History Month

Eileen Zhu and Alyssa Wang
March 11, 2024
The revenue of Beauty Brands skyrocketted in 2023, partially due to the influence of social media promoting viral products.

Beauty influencers increase consumer culture

Yvonne Wu and Alyssa Wang
February 12, 2024
Many celebrities use activism as a way to garner popularity and maintain a good public image when they don't actually care about the issue.

The complicated truth behind #CelebrityActivism

Grace Zhu and Alyssa Wang
December 11, 2023
What are Vikings thankful for?

What are Vikings thankful for?

Alyssa Wang and Emily Pedroza
December 11, 2023
Many celebrities use activism as a way to garner popularity and maintain a good public image when they don't actually care about the issue.

The complicated truth behind #CelebrityActivism

Alyssa Wang and Grace Zhu
December 11, 2023
With the growth of her brand, Sun hopes to expand her clothing collections and continue to craft at least one new collection a year. She wants to inspire others to experiment outside traditional fashion rules and is confident that her pieces will be a part of the movement that paves the future of fashion.

Fashion Forward: Amy Sun’s fusion of style and technology

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
November 6, 2023
Emily finds happiness in enjoying the small moments of life, even if it's as small as a cup of coffee.

[Photo] Universal pre-K encourages equitable education opportunities

Charlotte Bolay and Irene Hwang
October 10, 2023
While a common symbol associated with autism is the puzzle piece, the community has widely shunned the symbol because of the negative connotations associated with it. The symbol of the butterfly quickly replaced the puzzle piece, representing change and acceptance. It also symbolizes how the autistic community leads fulfilled lives. Furthermore, the rainbow butterfly is also associated with ADHD, derived from the neurodivergent rainbow infinity. The rainbow infinity symbol advocates for the diversity of human brains as shown through the spectrum of colors with infinite variations and possibilities.

Navigating Lynbrook’s neurodiversity

Daeun Chung and Alyssa Wang
October 10, 2023
Emily finds happiness in enjoying the small moments of life, even if it's as small as a cup of coffee.

[Photo] Coffee shop survival crash course

Emily Pedroza, Copy Editor
October 10, 2023
Let's Chat History's team, John Jou, Aarit Parekh and Isaiah Sit, meet at Rainbow Park to record their new episode of their history podcast.

Behind the history of Let’s Chat History

Alyssa Wang, Amanda Jin, Irene Hwang, Lilly Wu, Myles Kim and Robert Yu
September 12, 2023
Senior Yechan Lee will attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Yechan Lee marches his way into military academy

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
May 8, 2023
A hiking trail dotted with shrubs and various plants — one of the many such open space preserves that exist throughout the Bay Area. Local citizens should support conservation efforts through volunteering, financially, or otherwise, to preserve the Bay Area's natural wonders and as well as for recreational purposes.

Building bridges for better conservation

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
April 10, 2023
The modeling industry's favoritism towards a certain body type is depicted through a wall with a silhouette of the ideal body type that models must get through in order to be casted.

Picture-perfect models on poisoned runways

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
March 10, 2023
NCHS, ArtReach and CSF hosted various events and crafted traditional decorations and toys, uniting students through Chinese culture.

Clubs celebrate the Year of the Rabbit

Alyssa Wang and Eileen Zhu
February 6, 2023
Many film industries have started incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters into their scripts and schools are incorporating novels with queer characters into their literature curriculums, influencing audiences’ views on the queer community.

The representation of the LGBTQ+ community in media

Alyssa Wang and Neha Ayyer
November 7, 2022
Homecoming: Junior Skit 22-23

Homecoming: Junior Skit 22-23

Valerie Shu and Alyssa Wang
October 20, 2022
Lynbrook sports teams huddle together to call out their chants.

Lynbrook sports teams’ spirited chants

Alyssa Wang, Editor in Chief
October 19, 2022
The Sharma sisters' home-based business, Bake Up, supplies the Bay Area with eggless muffins, cookies and their signature banana bread.

The Sharma sisters Bake Up a business

Amy Liu, Chelsea Lee, Sam Sarma, Audrey Sun, Alyssa Wang, Emily Pedroza and Daeun Chung
August 23, 2022