• 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
Eileen Zhu

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor

(she/her) Eileen is a senior and excited to be one of this year’s co-design editors. Outside of journalism, she likes playing soccer, baking, making bracelets, listening to music, playing piano, and spending time with her friends. She’s also a Lana girl for life ;)

All content by Eileen Zhu

Teachers take on brain rot terms

Eileen Zhu and Vidushi Upadhyay
May 2, 2025
Check out the Epic's favorite music here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ctcqk8yQEbyZY20IFpPeb

The effects of music, from pain relief to plant growth

Olivia Yuan and Eileen Zhu
February 3, 2025
Products from each student business, including seasonal smoothies, tie dye shirts, and sugar scubs, hand sanitizers, and hand soaps.

Student businesses provide postsecondary training

Angelina Feng and Eileen Zhu
December 9, 2024
Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Alex Cotterel, Eileen Zhu, Taek Kim, Anushka Deshmukh and Kieran Hau
August 30, 2024
Fitting into today’s prom trends

Fitting into today’s prom trends

Vidushi Upadhyay and Eileen Zhu
May 20, 2024
Lockdown nostalgia consists of a longing for memories, habits and emotions experienced during the pandemic, usually in its early stages.

A walk down lockdown lane: quarantine memories

Crystal Zhu and Eileen Zhu
April 29, 2024
Through Weekend Writings, Eileen slowly became more fluent in English and found a new method to express herself.

Expressing myself through pen and paper

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
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
Books within the high school curriculum that contain serious topics have sparked controversy.

Students should expand literary horizons

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
February 12, 2024
In response to an urgent demand for increased affordable student housing, UC Berkeley announced its plan to repurpose People’s Park, a historical landmark located in the center of campus that has lasted through decades of social movements and activism. Photos by David abercrombie, cc by-sa 2.0; daniel ramirez, cc by 2.0; joe mabel, cc by-sa 3.0; sevgonlernassau, cc by-sa 4.0; minesweeper, cc by-sa 3.0; dandelion breeze, cc by 4.0, via wikimedia commons.

[Photo] UC Berkeley’s plans for People’s Park construction sparks worry

Emily Pedroza and Erin Fitzpatrick
February 12, 2024
In response to an urgent demand for increased affordable student housing, UC Berkeley announced its plan to repurpose People’s Park, a historical landmark located in the center of campus that has lasted through decades of social movements and activism. Photos by David abercrombie, cc by-sa 2.0; daniel ramirez, cc by 2.0; joe mabel, cc by-sa 3.0; sevgonlernassau, cc by-sa 4.0; minesweeper, cc by-sa 3.0; dandelion breeze, cc by 4.0, via wikimedia commons.

[Photo] LILIE™ high-ponytail hats create impact beyond fashion

Alexandra Wu, Staffer
February 12, 2024
Humans are prone to experiencing the Illusion Of Explanatory Depth, a phenomenon in which people strongly believe that they understand complex matters more than they actually do, which affects preferences, judgments and voting.

Oversimplification and the Illusion of Explanatory Depth

Alex Cotterel and Eileen Zhu
December 11, 2023
An invisible crisis accumulates within pockets of poverty: a growing number of citizens in the country face illiteracy. Data from CrossRiverTherapy.com.

The silent epidemic of falling literacy rates

Charlotte Bolay and Eileen Zhu
November 6, 2023
Homecoming: Dance 23-24

Homecoming: Dance 23-24

Olivia Yuan and Eileen Zhu
October 23, 2023
Having traveled the world to play soccer throughout high school, junior Preston Kao is a self-motivated and talented student athlete. Photo used with permission from Preston Kao.

Junior Preston Kao kicks his soccer journey up a notch

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
October 10, 2023
Committed

Committed

Maple Leung, Eileen Zhu and Chelsea Lee
June 2, 2023
Taylor sees track as both a team sport and individual sport, with a blend between attributes including self-control and being at his best for both him and his teammates.

Evan Taylor commits to Virginia Tech for track and field

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
June 2, 2023
As Feng grew up, he continued to play the sport not only because it was a fun hobby, but also because he knows soccer to be a lot more than just a physical sport.

Ethan Feng commits to California Institute of Technology for soccer

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
June 2, 2023
Bilingual or bye-lingual

Bilingual or bye-lingual

Lilly Wu and Eileen Zhu
May 8, 2023
After June 1, city officials have until Sept. 19 to accept the final report, which will then open the pathway for supervisors on the board to develop plans toward funding chosen recommendations.

Addressing racial injustice with reparations

Jason Shan and Eileen Zhu
April 10, 2023
While some brands make genuine efforts to meet their claims, companies that greenwash undermine public trust in brands and green initiatives, preventing actual environmental steps from being taken.

Painting false shades of reality with greenwashing

Valerie Shu and Eileen Zhu
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
An example of 'race-swapping' in the new live-action remake of Ariel starring the African American actor Halle Bailey as Ariel, compared to the original debut Disney film, which portrayed Ariel as caucasian.

Race swapping is more than a marketing strategy

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
December 12, 2022
Fall Rally 2022: Lynbrook's Got Game

Fall Rally 2022: Lynbrook’s Got Game

Qianzi Loo and Eileen Zhu
November 19, 2022
Inspired by its rising popularity on social media, ASB has started organizing student sections at football games.

Student sections spark spirit

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
November 7, 2022
Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 22-23

Homecoming: Sophomore Skit 22-23

Meera Nambiar and Eileen Zhu
October 19, 2022
Despite internal drama, Don't Worry Darling proves itself beyond expectations

Despite internal drama, Don’t Worry Darling proves itself beyond expectations

Eileen Zhu, Design Editor
October 10, 2022
Shveta Bagade and Tania Yang are excited to start the school year as part of the guidance team.

Tania Yang and Shveta Bagade join Guidance Department

Meera Nambiar, Jason Shan, Anirudh Seshadri, Amishi Chandra, Maple Leung, Eileen Zhu and Valerie Shu
August 23, 2022