the Epic

the Epic The Epic is the official student newspaper of Lynbrook High School in San Jose, California.

Hey 2025! the Epic is preparing for the special senior issue! Share the next chapter of your life through the college ma...
04/28/2025

Hey 2025! the Epic is preparing for the special senior issue! Share the next chapter of your life through the college map, hand down bequeathals to your favorite underclassmen and submit photos of you and your friends to be featured in the collage.

To do so, fill out our short form — bit.ly/epicsenior25 — by Tuesday, May 6th at 11:59 p.m. The link is in the Epic’s bio. Please contact Lilly Wu or email [email protected] if you have any questions!

Graphic illustrations by Amanda Jin and Rohan Kakhandiki.

The boys varsity tennis team played against Palo Alto High School for their senior night match. Both teams rallied to en...
04/25/2025

The boys varsity tennis team played against Palo Alto High School for their senior night match. Both teams rallied to encourage their players during the last match, a close third set tiebreaker, with Lynbrook ultimately winning the overall face-off with a score of 5-2. The players bonded over food, signed posters with drawings and messages, giving speeches about their time on the team.

“We won, which was nice, but more than that, I’ve seen the seniors play for the last three years and many things have changed,” junior and captain Keigo Kamata said. “I’m glad to be with the team and I’ll miss them a lot next year.”

“We definitely grew together a lot, just like family,” senior Joshua Tan said. “Throughout these years, we’ve been honing our skills, and we were able to bring Lynbrook recognition.”

Their next game will be on April 29 against M***a Vista High School at M***a Vista.

Photos and reporting by Angelina Feng.

VIKING CHRONICLES - Pushing her hair out of her face, freshman Melody Zeng focused on the white rubber ball flying towar...
04/12/2025

VIKING CHRONICLES - Pushing her hair out of her face, freshman Melody Zeng focused on the white rubber ball flying toward her. Beads of sweat formed on her neck. It was the 2024 United States Volleyball Girls Junior Nationals for club volleyball, and her team was facing the second-best team in the division. As a setter, Zeng knew her team relied on her skill and agility to secure the win. Beyond the joy she felt from playing volleyball, Zeng had put many years of hard work and dedication into her sport.

Read the full story at lhsepic.com.

Photos and reporting by Anushka Deshmukh.
Graphic illustration by Claire Guo.

On Wednesday, Principles of Business students displayed their business projects in the quad at lunch. Student groups sol...
04/10/2025

On Wednesday, Principles of Business students displayed their business projects in the quad at lunch. Student groups sold DIY pipe cleaner flowers, album posters, decorated phone cases, bracelets and more. Most of the tables were crowded with students purchasing crafts.

“I think it’s going pretty well because a lot of people have been coming in and buying our bear plushies, keychains and graduation bears,” freshman Eileen Chu said. “I’m excited to see how far this takes us.”

Photos and reporting by Eileen Zhu.

On April 28, Lynbrook will participate in the Program for International Student Assessment for the first time, in which ...
04/08/2025

On April 28, Lynbrook will participate in the Program for International Student Assessment for the first time, in which 40 randomly selected sophomores per school take a 3-hour exam on math, science and reading.

PISA is administered by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and takes place every three years. It compares results from over 81 participating nations to recognize gaps in the education systems and establish international standards. Despite earlier uncertainty, over 6,000 students in the United States will take PISA this year, with participants receiving $25 and four volunteer hours with the Department of Education.

While the test data will likely have minimal effects on Lynbrook’s curricula, it may encourage federal governments across the globe to reform policies like teacher training and resource allocation.

“I think PISA extends beyond Lynbrook,” junior Rohan Chaudhary said. “Districts will be able to compare themselves to other districts to know what they are doing wrong, and it’ll help students who don’t already have access to a great education.”

Read more at lhsepic.com.

Reporting and graphic illustration by Saavan Saraf.
Graph based on data from OurWorldInData.org.

Pokémon onesies, pool floats and thunderous belly flops were just some of the highlights of the swimming senior night on...
04/07/2025

Pokémon onesies, pool floats and thunderous belly flops were just some of the highlights of the swimming senior night on Friday. Competing against Palo Alto High School, Lynbrook lost with a score of 459-255 at the home meet. As the culmination of each senior’s athletic career, this final home meet allowed them to relish the moment as cheers erupted for the seniors, along with their team.

The spectacle of the night was the annual senior relay, where participants broke the norms of a traditional race by donning silly outfits and bringing unconventional equipment into the mix. On the sidelines, parents, mentors and friends came bearing posters, roses and other ceremonial gifts for their seniors. To end the night, parents of the team hosted a plentiful banquet for both the swimmers and audience to enjoy.

“Yesterday was extremely special for the seniors and me,” senior Tanay Ubale said. “After four long years of meets and practice, it all worked out. Despite not being the fastest, they made me feel like family and cheered for me, even when I sometimes came in last place. They made me feel special.”

Photos and reporting by Robert Yu.

In an auditorium buzzing with energy, the Valkyries performed solos and group dances for their last show of the season. ...
04/06/2025

In an auditorium buzzing with energy, the Valkyries performed solos and group dances for their last show of the season. The group accomplished a great deal leading up to the final performances, including competing at states and travelling to nationals.

“We’ve worked so hard all season,” junior Angela Zhang said. “It was amazing to see all of our hard work come together on the big stage at competitions but also back home in our own gym.”

Photos and reporting by Rebecca Cai and Jenny Suh.

On Saturday, March 29, track and field  competed against various Northern California high schools for the third annual L...
04/02/2025

On Saturday, March 29, track and field competed against various Northern California high schools for the third annual Lynbrook Invitational. Despite being unable to secure overall victory, the Vikings fought hard, winning the Frosh-Soph boys division with an amassed amount of 89.5 points. Athletes and participants praised the organization and collectiveness of the event.

“I think the meet was very well run,” senior and team captain Cyrus Cao said. “It was inspiring to see so many people come together to put on a meet of such a large scale. I think it was amazing that even the people who didn’t compete were still there to help out and support the team”

Selected members of the track and field team will compete at the Stanford Invitational on April 4 and April 5. All Viking runners will continue their season in a home meet against Homestead High School for the team’s senior night on April 8.

Photos and reporting by Akash Anand and Maddy Chang.

Rackets were swung and balls flew back and forth through the cool air as the boys varsity tennis team played against Arc...
04/02/2025

Rackets were swung and balls flew back and forth through the cool air as the boys varsity tennis team played against Archbishop Mitty High School on Monday. Though the poor weather left some of the matches unfinished, the Vikings managed to secure a win with a score of 5-2.

“Mitty is far from an easy opponent, and each and every player in our team had a role in our victory today,” varsity captain Keigo Kamata said. “Overall, our team has improved with our team spirit compared to the beginning of the season, and I hear more of our teammates cheering us on, which is a huge boost in morale for a player.”

The team’s next game will be a home game on April 1 against Homestead High School.

Photos and reporting by Taek Kim.

On March 28, the boys varsity volleyball team fought hard against Homestead High School in a close match. While Homestea...
04/01/2025

On March 28, the boys varsity volleyball team fought hard against Homestead High School in a close match. While Homestead started off with a lead, winning the first set, the Vikings won the second set, giving them a boost of confidence. Although ultimately losing with a score of 3-1, the Vikings’ many saves and close comebacks kept the audience on the edges of their seats.

“Winning the second set was pretty cool,” junior Aidan Fang said. “I think we defended and served pretty well.”

The team’s next game will be on April 2 against M***a Vista High School at M***a Vista.

Photos and reporting by Isabella Chiu.

Sophomores across Lynbrook, Cupertino High School, Fremont High School and Homestead High School gathered for an evening...
04/01/2025

Sophomores across Lynbrook, Cupertino High School, Fremont High School and Homestead High School gathered for an evening of ice skating on March 7 at the SAP Center, marking FUHSD’s first-ever intradistrict social. Class of 2027 president Arnav Kodavati, other FUHSD Class of 2027 officers and the four school administrations worked extensively to bring their plans to life, tackling thorny issues on student safety, liability and the venue along the way.

“Everyone was really passionate about this project,” Kodavati said. “They all wanted to help. It's nice to be working with a lot of passionate individuals, and I think we made a lot of new friends as well.”

Their combined effort ultimately paid off after more than four months of preparation, with the event generating positive feedback and anticipation for more intradistrict class socials.

“I saw a lot of people at the event talking to students from other schools,” Class of 2027 treasurer Erin Chen said. “We got to know people that we really wouldn't encounter normally — it brought people together.”

Read more at lhsepic.com.

Reporting by Anna Cen.
Photos by Anna Cen and Maddy Chang.

On Friday, the staff parking lot was powdered in vibrant colors after the annual Holi celebration, organized by ASB Publ...
03/31/2025

On Friday, the staff parking lot was powdered in vibrant colors after the annual Holi celebration, organized by ASB Public Relations and LHS AISA. Students tossed handfuls of colorful powder at each other, embracing the spirit of the Hindu festival of colors. The celebration signifies the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Laughter and music filled the air as participants came together to celebrate unity and cultural appreciation.

“It was really nice to experience a different culture,” junior Juno Hong said. “I thought it was an amazing mix of chaos and fun.”

Photos and reporting by Claire Guo and Vidushi Upadhyay.

Glittering fabric flaps through the air as seniors step out into the quad dressed in formal attire on Friday during the ...
03/30/2025

Glittering fabric flaps through the air as seniors step out into the quad dressed in formal attire on Friday during the Senior Prom Fashion Show. In groups of varying sizes, the students display their breathtaking outfits with dynamic poses. Surrounding them, students watching cheer and giggle at an occasional unconventional move, such as senior Rayyan Ghafoor leaping over the head of senior Felicia Huang.

“I’m really happy that a lot of students were able to participate in our fashion show this year and showcase their beautiful outfits,” senior and 2025 Class president Dish*ta Aeron said.

The show has built up anticipation among the senior class for the annual Senior Prom at the Ranch at Silver Creek on May 17.

View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/spromfashionshow2025.

Photos and reporting by Amanda Jin and Cecilia Wu.

On Wednesday, Lynbrook’s quad transformed into a bustling opportunity fair, where many students gathered to discover exc...
03/27/2025

On Wednesday, Lynbrook’s quad transformed into a bustling opportunity fair, where many students gathered to discover exciting post-secondary pathways. A variety of organizations, from the military to local community colleges, set up booths filled with informative pamphlets, snacks and interactive activities for students to enjoy. The fair showcased a range of diverse opportunities, from summer programs to internships to part-time jobs. Students from all grades eagerly convened to network with professionals and learn more about their desired academic and career journeys.

Photos and reporting by Erin Fitzpatrick and Meadow Shen.

The Epic’s Issue 6 is out now! Enjoy our second centerspread of the year on arts and culture while looking through all y...
03/26/2025

The Epic’s Issue 6 is out now! Enjoy our second centerspread of the year on arts and culture while looking through all your favorite sections.

In News, cheer on Vertigo in their momentous achievement; in Opinion, learn more about federal budget cuts and their effects on ethnic studies; in Features, walk alongside Lynbrook’s crossing guards; in Centerspread, read all about arts and culture; in In-Depth, fall into the world of comics; in Sports, follow the wrestling team’s journey and in Web, hear from your peers about their thoughts on the new albums from Lady Gaga and LISA.

Swipe to take a look at the editors’ picks. See more at lhsepic.com.

Graphic illustrations by Inaaya Yousuf.

On Feb. 7, Vertigo Literary Magazine club won its first Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines award, pres...
03/25/2025

On Feb. 7, Vertigo Literary Magazine club won its first Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English. They received the first-class award — the most prestigious of the five available categories — adding to a tradition of national commendation that includes the All-American Honors from the National Scholastic Press Association and advancing to Pacemaker Finalists.

Seniors and Vertigo editors-in-chief Bethanie Lee and Emily Pedroza applied for the award over the summer, submitting the link to their website and Indesign files of their pages. They and other club officers believe that the award affirms the efforts of Vertigo staffers, inspiring them to elevate their work to new heights.

"The recognition of our work means a lot to us because it validates the vision we have for Vertigo, which is a free, endless space where writers and artists can share their ideas and push their creative boundaries,” senior and Vertigo genre editor Aanya Mishra said. “In the future, I’d really love Vertigo to take on new risks, apply for more awards and see what else is out there.”

Read more at lhsepic.com.

Photo by Brian Lee.
Graphic illustrations used with permission from Vertigo.

On Saturday, juniors stepped into a storybook setting as the San José Rotunda transformed for their prom, themed “A Tale...
03/25/2025

On Saturday, juniors stepped into a storybook setting as the San José Rotunda transformed for their prom, themed “A Tale as Old as Time.” Beneath twinkling fairy lights and the warm glow of candle-lit stairs, students dined on Panda Express and tried their luck at poker tables before lining up to get caricatures drawn and take photos at the photo booth.

“It was honestly really fun,” junior Olivia Hu said. “I loved the fact that they had boba. The music was fire and the view was really nice outside, so I think they chose a really nice venue.”

As the night went on, the dance floor was cast in deep blue and purple lights, setting the scene for a playlist that blended crowd-favorite pop hits and rap songs. The evening concluded on a perfect note, with students swaying to the event’s namesake, “Tale as Old as Time” by Celine Dion.

“Junior prom was honestly mind-purifying,” Class of 2026 treasurer Karthik Gupdati said. “I felt at an active rest — meaning I was peaceful but engaged, all at the same time. Vihaan Patel has done a phenomenal job in being the main planner and has created a generational night to remember. The food was heat and the boba combo felt like an intersection of Taiwan, China, Indonesia and Thailand all at once.”

View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/jprom2025.

Photos and reporting by Maddy Chang and Isabella Chiu.

On Friday, boys volleyball played against Los Gatos High School. The first two sets remained close throughout, with mult...
03/23/2025

On Friday, boys volleyball played against Los Gatos High School. The first two sets remained close throughout, with multiple game points in the second set after a score of 24-24. The Wildcats carried their momentum, leading to Lynbrook’s defeat with a score of 3-0.

“We hit pretty well,” freshman AJ Nguyen said. “This time, we took aggressive swings.”

Their next game will be on Wednesday, Mar. 26 at Harker High School.

Photos and reporting by Angelina Feng.

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