• 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
Surya Saraf

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor

(she/her) Surya is a copy editor and grammar enthusiast. In her free time she enjoys reading thought-provoking novels written by great women, watching films for hours and trying new Italian restaurants.

All content by Surya Saraf
I thought I wanted to be a romantic — or even a communist — after indulging in the passionate, Marxist-inspired writing of Sally Rooney.

Reading between the lines

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
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
A. Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan holds up an anti-communism T-shirt, 1986. B. A lithograph depicts former Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong as the Red Sun, 1968. C. Sen. Joseph McCarthy discusses with HUAC chief counsel Roy Cohn and G. David Schine during the questioning of William Taylor, 1954. D. A propaganda poster illustrates the Soviet Union’s achievements under communism, 1920s. E. A portrait of Karl Marx, author of political works such as “The Communist Manifesto” 1875. F. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are separated by a wire screen after being found guilty for relaying classified information to the Soviet Union, 1951. Photos by Don Rypka, image courtesy of Getty Images, Wikimedia Commons, the Los Angeles Times, Demyan Bedny, Roger Higgens, the Library of Congress and John Jabez Edwin Mayall.

A historical reflection on communism and America

Surya Saraf and Yvonne Wu
April 29, 2024
At 14 years old, Kalbhavi developed EasyBZ, a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for the transmission of drugs without the use of traditional or hypodermic needles. Photo used with permission from Shripriya Kalbhavi.

Shripriya Kalbhavi develops microneedle patch in medical breakthrough

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
April 1, 2024
From left to right, top to bottom, the candidates competing in the District 16 election are Sam Liccardo, Joe Simitian, Evan Low, Julie Lythcott-Haims, Ahmed Mostafa, Peter Dixon, Peter Ohtaki, Rishi Kumar, Joby Bernstein, Greg Tanaka and Karl Ryan (no photo available). Used with permission from Ahmed Mostafa and Joby Bernstein or from public domain.

Candidates compete in District 16 election to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
February 12, 2024
Saturday with Santa

Saturday with Santa

Katie Chin and Surya Saraf
December 3, 2023
Remembering David Herz, and his impact on special education students. Used with permission from Kelly Herz

In memory of Dave Herz, Academic Community Transition Teacher

Surya Saraf and Katie Chin
October 10, 2023
A beacon of light for the Lynbrook community, family and friends, Boehm is remembered for her unwavering support and kindness for Lynbrook students during her tenure.

In memory of Judy Boehm, former ASB Financial Technician

Surya Saraf and Katie Chin
June 2, 2023
Swear words permeate our lives as forms of self expression, cathartic cries and bitter insults. But from where do these deep-rooted exclamations come?

WTF?! The origins of swear words

Meera Nambiar and Surya Saraf
May 8, 2023
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

Larry Wang and Surya Saraf
May 8, 2023
In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry details his life as a prince in the British royal family.

I read Prince Harry’s memoir so you don’t have to

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
April 10, 2023
Anish and ArtReach members holding up their completed cards, each with a wildlife photograph.

Anish Lakkapragada’s Nature Card Donations for hospitalized youth

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
March 10, 2023
A U.S. airplane makes its away around the globe, leaving money and foreign aid in its path, and establishing its military presence in developing countries.

Is America’s power far-reaching or overreaching?

Surya Saraf and Larry Wang
February 6, 2023
50.7% of California citizens voted in the 2022 general midterm elections. Graphic illustration by Lilly Wu, Anushka Anand and Daeun Chung

Results from the 2022 midterm election

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
December 12, 2022
On the left, a real mugshot of Jeffrey Dahmer, on the right, his doppelganger in the new 10 episode Netflix series: "Monster": The Jeffrey Dahmer Story which has garnered over 200 million watch hours to date. Graphic illustration by Myles Kim.

The exploitative nature of biopics

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
November 7, 2022
Homecoming: Dance 22-23

Homecoming: Dance 22-23

Surya Saraf and Larry Wang
October 23, 2022
Cindy Chavez and Matt Mahan go head-to-head for San Jose Mayor.

Survival of the Fittest: Cindy Chavez and Matt Mahan go head-to-head for San Jose Mayor

Surya Saraf, Copy Editor
October 10, 2022
AAVE’s rich culture, development and history

AAVE’s rich culture, development and history

Surya Saraf and Tanika Anbu
October 10, 2022
The Class of 2026 is introduced to Lynbrook's clubs through the Freshmen Orientation Club Showcase. Photo by Jasmine Rihal and Surya Saraf.

Freshmen welcomed with orientation club showcase

Katie Chin, Jasmine Rihal, Sophie Au, Larry Wang, Surya Saraf and Ashley Huang
August 21, 2022