• 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
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
From classic rom-coms like “Some Like it Hot” to modern heartfelt romance like “The Big Sick,” love and laughter have remained timeless for decades. Graphic illustration by Meadow Shen and Robert Yu.
60 years of Hollywood love in four rom-coms
Every February, people begin to think about Valentine’s Day, although the holiday itself has begun to change and evolve. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s solo or with friends
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/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
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/indlunchshow24.
InDesign Lunch Fashion Show 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
Claire Guo

Claire Guo, Features Editor

(she/her) Claire Guo is a junior and the features editor of the Epic. She loves reading, writing, creating, and petting her dog.

All content by Claire Guo
Capturing the human experience, poetry has existed in myriads of structures, rhyme schemes and meters. From fourth century C.E. Rome to 13th century Japan, each form of poetry has history hidden within its lines.

How history and cultures shape different poetry structures

Claire Guo and Emily Pedroza
March 24, 2025
Every February, people begin to think about Valentine’s Day, although the holiday itself has begun to change and evolve. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.

Unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s solo or with friends

Claire Guo, Features Editor
March 3, 2025
Political campaigns have been engaging with social media and brain rot culture to attract a wider audience.

How brain rot has shaped American consumer society

Claire Guo and Olivia Tu
February 3, 2025
Sophomores T. J. Houston, Rohin Saharoy and Quincy Wu discuss a draft resolution.

Revamped Viking MUN makes a splash

Claire Guo, Features Editor
December 9, 2024
Little Libraries

Little libraries bring communities together, one book at a time

Claire Guo, Features Editor
November 4, 2024
French Honor Societies host Cupertino Night Market booth

French Honor Societies host Cupertino Night Market booth

Claire Guo, Features Editor
October 7, 2024
Spurred by a district-wide effort to transition toward greener practices, Lynbrook has finished installing new LED lighting in the theater and begun implementing sortable waste-disposal bins for the 2024-25 school year. Illustration by Maddy Chang, Claire Guo, Robert Yu, Stuti Jain, and Emily Pedroza

FUHSD’s continuous efforts toward greener campuses

Maddy Chang, Claire Guo, Stuti Jain, Emily Pedroza and Robert Yu
August 28, 2024
The challenging thing about ‘Challengers’

The challenging thing about ‘Challengers’

Claire Guo, Features Editor
May 20, 2024
Top image: Members of the Speech and Debate team pose in front of a banner at the Ketucky LEX airport that reads University of Kentucky, the venue of the Tournament of Champions national tournament. (Left to Right, Front to Back: Rebecca Cai, Rucha Kore, Nina Pan, Vansh Mathur, Aadharsh Rajkumar, Anish Bhethanabotla, Rohan Patel, Sagar Bhatia, Michael Harris, Aadi Loonawat, Vihaan Patel, Om Modi, Bolang Zhu, Rohin Saharoy) bottom image: Members of the Public Forum debate team pose in front of the Funkhouser building at the Univesity of Kentucky (Left to Right, Front to Back: Nina Pan, Rohan Patel, Anish Bethanabotla, Aadharsh Rajkumar, Aadi Loonawat, Vihaan Patel, Sagar Bhatia, Rohin Saharoy). Used with permission from Nina Pan.

Thirteen Speech and Debate members compete in national tournament

Claire Guo, Features Editor
April 29, 2024
Farewell Rally 2024: the End of an Era

Farewell Rally 2024: the End of an Era

Claire Guo and David Zhu
April 7, 2024
A. CGI was frst introduced in the 1958 live-action flm, “Vertigo,” in the opening sequence animation. John Whitney, a pioneer of the age, experimented to bring about a feeling of vertigo. B. In 1986 “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” introduced novel concepts like the digital morphing of face. CGI was quickly becoming an indispensable and increasingly popular tool for directors and flmmakers. C. In 1999, “The Matrix” made a breakthrough in CGI. With multiple cameras, flm directors Katsuhiro Otomo and Yuen Woo-ping created the famous airborne fght scenes and bullet-dodging slow-motion shots. D. “Dune 2” was lauded for its fght scenes and the fact that it was almost impossible to tell what was and wasn’t CGI, with the general public praising the seamless integration of the special efects.

The digital frontier of Computer Generated Images

Claire Guo and Yvonne Wu
April 1, 2024
Through Weekend Writings, Eileen slowly became more fluent in English and found a new method to express herself.

[Photo] Expressing myself through pen and paper

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
April 1, 2024
Teachers and students could be seen receiving honorary awards to commemorate their contributions to the Lynbrook Community at the Feb. 27 board meeting.

Teachers and students honored at Feb. 27 board meeting

Claire Guo, Features Editor
March 11, 2024
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee.

Rediscovering Piano in Philanthropy

Claire Guo, Features Editor
February 16, 2024
Senior Aakash Ozarker steadily deadlifts in the gym. Used with permission from Aakash Ozarker.

Powerlifting builds strength and character for Aakash Ozarker

Claire Guo, Features Editor
February 12, 2024
A dancer extends her legs across the teal poster, leaping with her head tilted back, sleeves unfurling to her sides to make a bold line for the words “Shen Yun.” Underneath the title, a subheadline stalks boldly across the page: “China before communism.”

Shen Yun makes waves in America

Claire Guo and Amanda Jin
December 11, 2023
Sports are increasingly being used as political cover-ups.

[Photo] Sportswashing: Controversy amid a sea of cheers

Charlotte Bolay and David Zhu
December 11, 2023
Throughout her life, Claire has grown as an individual both separate from and along with her twin Chelsea.

My twin and me

Claire Guo, Features Editor
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Staff Skit 23-24

Homecoming: Staff Skit 23-24

Claire Guo and Alexandra Wu
October 13, 2023
Bike-riding and bike repairs is a large focus of Signore's channel. Used with permission from Luca Signore.

Speedy Garage: Signore’s journey from History to Biking

Claire Guo, Features Editor
October 10, 2023