• March 3Last day for AP exam refunds
  • March 6“Meet Your Adolescent’s Brain” webinar
  • March 10“Safer Choices” parent presentation
  • March 11-13CAASPP Testing
  • March 17Teacher Non-Duty Day
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
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
In his first days in office, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders targeting hot-button issues like gender terminology, immigration and the climate.
Trump signs multiple executive orders into effect
No-return zones, increased temporary housing and homeless data collection are among efforts from San José and Santa Clara County to tackle homelessness and housing costs.
Santa Clara County expands affordable housing
AISA officers will send funds raised from Silsilay and Sanskriti to the ILP, which will invest them into education initatives in India.
AISA to donate $10,000 to the India Literacy Project
Battle of the Classes ignites school spirit
President Donald Tump's federal aid freeze, announced on Jan. 27 and rescinded on Jan. 29, had to led to various delays in federal funding, including for schools, farmers and nonprofits.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
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
Sophomore Saavan Saraf discovered his voice in politics after a long and perspective-changing journey.
Finding my opinions in the world of politics
Recent legislation has changed the United State's stance on major health organizations, such as the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization, leading to removal of informative health sources.
Public health should be safeguarded, not stifled
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
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
Editorial: Schoolwide phone policy should assist responsible usage
Editorial: Schoolwide phone policy should assist responsible usage
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.
Reveiling the magic behind Lynbrook’s annual singing valentines
Photos used with permission by Eesha Iyer. Graphic illustration by Isabella Chiu.
Sophomore Eesha Iyer finds a new way to celebrate national days
Vrishank's project utilized clinical free text in a unique way and taught him how to better connect with his field. Photos used with permission by Vrishank Chandrasekhar Graphic illustration by Claire Guo
Vrishank Chandrasekhar named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar
Jiwon Kim takes and eidts photos of himself in places he has been, uploading the photos to his social media channels. Photos used with permission by Jiwon Kim. Graphic illustration by Claire Guo.
Developing dotjkae through Jiwon Kim’s cinematographic lens
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
Billionaires are playing an increasingly larger role in shaping American politics, stemming from their high-value contributions to political campaigns.
Wealth generates the American Oligarchy
Trump's deportation policies have interrupted norms of immigration security. Graphic illustration by Alex Cotterel, Maddy Chang and Alexandra Wu.
How Trump’s deportation plan will change lives forever
The rom-com genre is known for its lovable characters and classic tropes. Graphic illustration by Akash Anand and Anna Cen.
The allure of Rom-Coms
The influences of brain rot have taken on multiple forms and shifted both online and in-person interactions.
Exploring rotten corners of the internet
Due to climate change, natural disasters in California are becoming more frequent and severe.
Five years of natural disasters close to home
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
Ethan Jin precisely controls the ball while defending against the opposing point guard. Photo by Gary Pan. Graphic illustration by Amanda Jin and Ethan Wong.
Ethan Jin’s journey from the court to a Bay Area nominee
Justin Liu rapidly serves and blocks the ball in an intense table tennis match.
Justin Liu serves up success with table tennis
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
FUHSD launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Fundraiser on Jan. 29 as a districtwide effort to provide both financial and clothing help to the wildfire victims. Graphic illustration by Brian Lee.
FUHSD students support Los Angeles fire victims
Used with permission from Creative Commons License
Stunning performances and visuals in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ shield against mediocrity
Used with permission from Creative Commons License.
‘So Close to What’ marks a new era in Tate McRae’s music
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/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
Homecoming: Dance 24-25
Homecoming: Dance 24-25
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?
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 Epic’s predictions for Super Bowl LVII
the Epic’s predictions for Super Bowl LVII
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, Sports 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, Opinion 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