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Letter from the Editors
Dear Readers,
As the year comes to a close, we would like to welcome our two new Editors-inChief for the 2022-23 school year, Amy will push the Epic to new heights. They, along with their amazing Editorial Board and Section Editors/Managers, worked their hard work!
Before heading out for the summer, teachers (pg. 3). We also have an opinion article on the Johnny Deep trial (pg. 4), gelato places in the Bay Area (pg. 15)! rights (pg. 17) and a recap of this year’s senior nights (pg. 20)!
Class of 2022 with our senior issue. On themed content, ranging from comic strips encapsulating seniors’ high school awaited college map! To hear directly from Epic senior, read our columns, where we give you important advice for the rest of your high school journey!
Thank you for supporting the Epic in our return to a print newspaper and engaging with our social media and online you important and meaningful stories, we hope you have gotten the opportunity community. Have a great summer!
Hoya Saxa, Mei Corricello & Bennie Chang Editors-in-Chief 2021-22
BY TANIKA ANBU
OFestival. Student and adult organizers from AAPI Silicon Valley, Asian American Parents Association and Bay Area Youth were community. together from all different types of in the AAPI community that is often neglected in the media,” said Audrey Fan, and performances committee.
Students who took the lead in arranging Shan and Khushi Nigam, who worked together to create a successful event with speakers. “Our goal was to create something long lasting and impactful, so we thought we could start this tradition of having the AAPI Cultural Festival each year in the spirit of Asian American heritage,” said Nigam, Vice-Chair of the AAPI SV Legislation Committee.
In 2021, AAPI SV arranged a protest in light of the hate crimes and racism against the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group wanted to continue this tradition of convening, leading to the showing unity and cultural pride after years of mistreatment.
“We want everyone leaving to feel as if they’re not alone; that there’s a community they can reach out to for a support system, especially after these really hard times with COVID-19 and an increase in AAPI hate crimes,” Nigam said. organizations led interactive presentations underrepresented groups within the AAPI community. Ranging from Indian heritage purpose of educating the engaging with attendees in live demos and hands-on games.
In addition to engaging students, musicians and dancers encouraged their heritage.
“We wanted to get performers that represented all parts of AAPI,” Fan said. “For example, we got the Hawaiian dancers to community as they are often left out.”
Musicians played instruments, such as Korean and Chinese drums, in unison and had synchronized movements, creating performing cartwheels and intricate moves to the amazement of the crowd. identity and know that there are so many other people part of it,” Fan said.
Spanning four hours, the multicultural community together. The event’s organizers thoughts of positive change and a renewed sense of identity and unity.
CATHERINE ZHOU – EPIC GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS BY JASMINE RIHAL AND CHELSEA LEE
Graham Clark appointed as new Superintendent
BY ANIRUDH SESHADRI
Following an extensive four-month-long search, the FUHSD Board of Trustees appointed Graham Clark as the next Superintendent at the District Board Meeting on May 3, effective July 1.
Clark’s goals relationship with groups, maintain high schools in the district, lead more projects such as the 1:1 technology connection with the Cupertino Union and Sunnyvale school districts. sure he includes student voices, and I Superintendent Polly Bove said. “He thinks long term and wants FUHSD to continue to grow.” a math teacher at Fremont High School
principal of Cupertino High School and later in Iraq for nearly a Clark is really wonderful the principal at Homestead about making sure he includes High School. In work very impressive. He an Associate thinks long term and wants FUHSD to continue to grow. Superintendent at which led him to
Superintendent Polly Bove Superintendent in 2022. His 25 years of experience at FUHSD will inform his leadership efforts in continuing the work of the district. FUHSD’s current efforts — including strengthening connections with other districts, focusing on student mental him extrapolate plans for additional action and mitigate other serious issues such as declining enrollment. equity and support to LGBTQ+ community support to propose innovative ideas, improve mental health awareness and support a strong Board of Trustees that meets the needs of the FUHSD community.
“There is a new state requirement for a course named ‘Ethnic Studies,’ which we are working on developing a curriculum for,” Clark said. “It gets right at our equity goal.”
At the district working on human resources, contract negotiations and technology. As a teacher who taught was involved with the FUHSD’s 1:1 technology device management program, Clark plans to continue the program and further implement time, we could verify that every student had
access to technology,” Clark said. “The idea In addition to the device management program, Clark also plans to enrich the and give them a more prominent space in FUHSD through a center. The center would increase the preparing equipment for students to practice with and provide a more competitive practice environment where compete to mimic real tournaments. Adapting to the new change, the Board will help Clark settle in Photo used with permission by Graham Clark and discuss his goals the Superintendent in July. His immense dedication and passion for his work will serve him well in his future years as the Superintendent.
May 26, 2022 NEWS
03
BY SOPHIE AU
(A) Debbie Schmalz, science teacher
As Schmalz concludes this chapter of her life at Lynbrook, she expresses appreciation for staff and students for creating a fun and enjoyable school atmosphere.
(B) Carol Fong, Chemistry Honors teacher
Instead of focusing only on grades, Fong has always pushed students to apply their logic and critical thinking skills to Chemistry.
“I tell every class this: if you want to take anything away, I want you to learn how to think logically,” Fong said. “That is a skill that will always be applicable in life.” (B)
(C) Rita Korsunsky, AP Calculus BC and Algebra 2/ Trigonometry teacher
Although Korsunsky has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as earning the prestigious Edyth May Sliffe Award twice, she feels proudest when students name her as
“Students say I made a change in their life — this is the most important to me,” Korsunsky said. “Not the awards, but
(D) Maya Baba, Executive Assistant
From talking with Mrs. Jackson and students in the Student Voice group for student opinions to watching the many of the groups on campus. “You feel more connected,” Baba said. “You have connect with people on that level.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CHELSEA LEE
(C)=
(E) Barb Takahashi, College and Career Adviser
From her 17 years at Lynbrook, Takahashi appreciates how supportive the Lynbrook community is. (D) love it, I will always think of it return for visits.”
(E)
Scan the QR code to read the full story
BY JASON SHAN
“Tiger mom central.” “The crusher.” These are just a few of the phrases Lowell High School students use to describe their school in the 2021 documentary, “Try Harder!”, which many Lynbrook students resonate with. Acknowledging the similar academic pressure that exists within FUHSD schools and Lowell High School, FUHSD made an effort to encourage a healthier academic environment by sponsoring a session on May 6. With a diverse panel body ranging from psychologists to the traditional academic success and advise parents on how they can better support students.
As the top ranked public school in fosters a highly competitive academic environment. “Try Harder!” illuminates student hardships at Lowell, where overachieving is the norm, and students constantly push themselves to meet ever the experiences of a handful of Lowell students as they go about their classes: some thrive under the pressure while attend highly prestigious universities. While their college ambitions motivate them to excel in rigorous courses and exams, they also have negative effects, including lower self-image from constant comparison to peers and lack of selfdiscovery from strict focus on academics. Like Lynbrook, a large majority of American. This identity comes into play through parental pressure — such as that of the stereotypical overbearing “tiger mom” — and a tunnel vision toward Ivy League universities from students. The same college-oriented mindset at Lowell also exists within many FUHSD students.
“I see freshmen entering high school, worried about college,” Lynbrook College and Career Counselor Katherine Tang around college, doing everything they can to build a resume and position themselves starting line.”
The idea to hold a screening of the documentary was introduced by Vicki Nahrung and Adi Milshtein, the PTSA presidents of Homestead and Cupertino, respectively. They researched and discovered that “Try Harder!” aptly captured the experiences at FUHSD. To fully delve into the topics panels — one for students and one for parents — were held in addition to the screening.
“There are so many perspectives you can pull from in terms of the different ways students experience high school, experience success Associate Superintendent and panel moderator Trudy Gross said. “So having that opportunity for conversation is really powerful in order to explore all these different viewpoints.”
The parent panel advised parents on how to be more supportive to students, both academically and emotionally. As the documentary depicts, parents hold a unknowingly enforce college-focused beliefs onto them. However, students in “Try Harder!” expressed feeling pressured to them to be overburdened and stressed. The panel discussion was centered around reframing expectations to elevate students without taking an emotional toll. participant Ian Wang said to parents during the panel. “Though they may not feel like it at like it at Lowell — your students are already elite.”
The intent of the documentary and panel was to convey that high school should not be viewed solely as a stepping stone to college, but rather a time for exploration and experimentation. is that leveraging high school to join clubs and participate in extracurricular activities will have the to students in the long run in developing their sense of purpose and passion. “Students have to be comfortable with their wellbeing and their the competitive culture overnight, but there is more than one path to particular school in order to achieve it. Students should engage in activities they are truly interested in, seek welcoming environments to support their interests, and make friendships, and these will ultimately lead to their future success.”
At heart, the “Try Harder!” panel provided FUHSD parents with a glimpse into the perspectives of students at schools with competitive environments like Lowell and gave suggestions to help students navigate through a time of great growth and maturity.
“At the end of the day, the message still your child,” Lum said. “College decisions are just one decision out of many in their lives.”
Upcoming Viking Events
Last day of school for seniors
On May 26, seniors attend high school classes for the last time and will be honored with Valedictorian titles, scholarships and other notable awards in the quad.
Memorial Day holiday - No School
May 30 marks the day we pause to remember those who fearlessly served our country in the armed military forces.
Last day of school for underclassmen
The school year ends on June 2. Enjoy summer break, and see you next year!
Finals Week
take place from May 27 to June 2!
Graduation
On June 3, we congratulate the Class of 2022 for successfully concluding their journey at Lynbrook! We cannot wait for you to see what you accomplish beyond high school.
