• 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
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
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