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The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror

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The student website of Van Nuys High School
Van Nuys, California
The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror

The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror

Van Nuys High School ping pong club event excites student spectators
Van Nuys High School ping pong club event excites student spectators
By Chioma Chiawa, Photo Editor • Jan 17, 2025
Students from the high school ping pong club gather for a series of exciting matches, with teachers and peers joining in to support and participate in the event.
Senior Camila Santiago, libero of the Van Nuys volleyball team, emphasizes the need for a strong mindset while playing.
Senior volleyball player reflects on mindset and future aspirations
By Adamaris Chevez, Staff Writer
Senior Camila Santiago reflects on her eight-year volleyball journey, highlighting her mental growth and future aspirations in the sport that has shaped her life.
A view of the destruction caused by the Palisades fire.
Wildfires impact Southern California: A look at 2025 devastation
By Maya Diaz, Associate Online Editor-in-Chief
The 2025 California wildfires dramatically altered several well-known locations, including schools, parks, museums and restaurants, leaving communities to face new realities and challenges.
Testing coordinator explains rationale behind schedule trial.
Teachers adapt to surprise i-Ready exam schedule after wildfire closures
By Skylie Molina, Elizabeth Escobar, and Alyson Cerna
Southern California schools face scheduling chaos as wildfires disrupt normal classes. Surprise i-Ready tests further complicate teachers' and students' return to routine.
Amelia Dimoldenberg, the master of awkward pauses, has proved that fried chicken and banter with guests like Ryan Reynolds and Jack Harlow are a recipe for internet gold.
Chicken Shop Date captivates with unique interview style
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
Amelia Dimoldenberg's "Chicken Shop Date" uses humor and simplicity to engage celebrities and audiences alike, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional interview formats.
Hallways and classrooms were left in near complete darkness.
Falling tree causes blackout during windstorm at Van Nuys High School
By Brian Bartes
High-speed winds uprooted trees, disrupted wildlife and caused a power outage at Van Nuys High School, leaving classrooms in darkness and the quad floor covered in leaves and branches.
Scorching wildfires ravage Los Angeles neighborhoods as relentless winds spread flames, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake.
Destructive LA wildfires continue to grow under strong winds
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
Los Angeles County is battling multiple wildfires fueled by powerful winds, leading to widespread evacuations and school closures as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the destruction.
Navigating the cell phone ban debate in education
Cell phone bans in schools face scrutiny over effectiveness
By Joel Nam, Opinion Editor
The LAUSD's cell phone ban aims to reduce distractions, but educators argue that fostering digital literacy and engagement is a more effective strategy for enhancing learning.
 PRO CHOICE OR NO CHOICE  Teachers and students express their positions on abortion, and the reasons for their stance.
Abortion rights clash amid changing laws and presidential race
By Mia Ramirez, Spanish Editor
As the U.S. grapples with varied state abortion laws, telehealth options emerge, highlighting the ongoing debate over reproductive rights and influencing the 2024 presidential election.
 DIVING INTO DIGITAL NEWS  In our world of seemingly endless digital advancements, the necessity of a physical newspaper comes into question.
Digital news eclipses print as Americans embrace online updates
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
With digital news on the rise, print newspapers face declining readership and environmental concerns, urging a shift towards more sustainable and accessible media formats.
Millennials defend hip-hop icon Eminem's controversial music from Gen Z criticism
Eminem’s music ignites feud between Gen Z and Millennials
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer
The generational feud over Eminem on TikTok highlights differing perspectives on music and culture between Millennials and Gen Z, emphasizing the evolving influence of social media.
 CREATION VS CREATOR  Finding the balance between science and religion, while complex, is more simple that most people believe.
Rethinking the divide between faith and science
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
The perceived conflict between science and Christianity is often overstated. Historical ties show they can complement each other, enriching both scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding.
American politics is deeply divisive and heated at times, as emotions charge rhetoric and drown out rational thought. It's time for political discussions to shift from blame to building bridges through compromise and cooperation.
It’s “just” politics. Everybody, chill out
By Joel Nam, Opinion Editor
In a climate of heightened political polarization, hyper-partisan media and social media algorithms deepen divides, urging Americans to pursue civil, informed discussions for meaningful change.
Chris Gomez, a standout athlete at Van Nuys High, embraces the challenges and rewards of playing varsity football, finding strength and purpose on and off the field.
Gomez tackles challenges and finds solace in football
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
Christopher Gomez, a Van Nuys High School athlete, finds confidence and resilience in football, overcoming initial fears and embracing the sport's challenges and camaraderie.
Father and son break barriers and build legacy in the Van Nuys High School soccer program
Father-son duo leads team to CIF LA City Quarterfinals
By Alyson Cerna, News and Features Editor
Leelen Castro, varsity soccer captain, debunks nepotism claims through hard work and leadership, guided by his father, Coach Jose Castro, in their journey to the CIF LA City Quarterfinals.
 STUCK BEHIND THE BLEACHERS  Cheerleaders often struggle to find a place as professional sport, often perceived as nothing more than a sport for high school students.
Cheerleaders push for Olympic recognition amid global sports stage
By Isabel Valles, Athletics Editor
Cheerleading athletes seek Olympic recognition, highlighting the sport's rigorous physical demands and competition, while facing challenges in scoring complexity and international popularity.
 DON'T MESS WITH THE WOLF While Van Nuys isn't known for having a single rival, battles against Kennedy and Canoga Park High School are often filled with the most competition.
Van Nuys athletes compete against historic foes
By Adamaris Chevez, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School's sports teams navigate rivalries, with Kennedy standing out as a major opponent. Athletes are driven by personal motivations and historical competition.
Scoreboard
Pop culture update: Engagement, TV hits, and tech controversies
Pop culture update: Engagement, TV hits, and tech controversies
By Alyssa Reign Pontines, Staff Writer
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Zendaya revealed an engagement ring, confirming her engagement to Tom Holland. Meanwhile, Squid Game season two premieres and TikTok faces a U.S. ban.
Memorable speeches and historic wins characterize the 2025 Golden Globes
Memorable speeches and historic wins characterize the 2025 Golden Globes
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
The Golden Globes celebrated standout performances and unforgettable fashion. Demi Moore's first major win and Zendaya's engagement highlight a night of triumphs and memorable moments.
Film teacher Mr. McCluskey inspires future filmmakers
From writing room to classroom: The story of Thomas McCluskey
By Aidyn Kinchen, Associate Online Editor-in-Chief
Thomas McCluskey transitioned from a screenwriting career to teaching high school film, finding fulfillment in guiding students and adapting to ever-changing technology.
 MORE THAN HIS VOICE  Sophomore Tucker Chandler has been working in the professional voice acting field over half his life, voicing dozens of cartoon characters
Voice actor Tucker Chandler brings cartoon characters to life
By Addison Cudd, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Tucker Chandler, known for voicing Pandy Paws in "Gabby's Dollhouse," shares insights from his early start in voice acting and the dedication required to succeed.
Mr. Ferrin speaks to students and staff members about the pros and cons of block scheduling for the Van Nuys High School campus
Teachers and staff weigh pros and cons of block scheduling
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
As the school year progresses, educators evaluate scheduling options to enhance student engagement and learning. The committee explores various models, seeking input from teachers, students, and parents.
Procrastination adds stress and disrupts sleep cycles
High school students face sleep crisis amid coursework
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
Renisha Patel exemplifies the sleep struggles faced by many students. Academic pressures, extracurriculars, and biological factors contribute to a cycle of sleep deprivation and stress.
 PASSION POWER  Civic Stars is a program with a mission to educate youth in California. To students like Dwayne Famina and Quinn Hutchison, such passion projects are vehicles for creating meaningful change.
Civic Stars educates California’s youth in government and politics
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Civic Stars is a student-led initiative teaching California's youth about government through interactive workshops, emphasizing engagement over traditional lectures.
 FALLING BEHIND  Seniors who failed to complete the service learning project find themselves unable to graduate.
Volunteer hour requirement surprises juniors
By Isaura Garcia, Staff Writer
Eleventh graders in LAUSD must complete service learning hours, a requirement often overlooked until the second semester, adding stress to their already demanding academic year.
Incendios forestales abrasadores arrasan barrios de Los Ángeles mientras vientos implacables propagan las llamas, dejando destrucción y caos a su paso.
Incendios sin precedentes devastan la ciudad de Los Ángeles
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
El condado de Los Ángeles está luchando contra varios incendios forestales alimentados por fuertes vientos, lo que ha provocado evacuaciones generalizadas y el cierre de escuelas mientras los bomberos trabajan incansablemente para contener la destrucción.
Fe y ciencia: Socios para desentrañar los misterios de la vida
Fe y ciencia: Socios para desentrañar los misterios de la vida
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
El artículo explora cómo el cristianismo y la ciencia, a menudo considerados opuestos, pueden complementarse revelando verdades más profundas sobre el universo y nuestra existencia.
LAUSD prohíbe los dispositivos inteligentes para arreglar la adicción de las estudiantes
LAUSD prohíbe los dispositivos inteligentes para arreglar la adicción de las estudiantes
By Isaura Garcia and Mia Ramirez
Los colegios de Los Ángeles prohibirán totalmente el uso de teléfonos y dispositivos inteligentes a partir de febrero, con el fin de eliminar las distracciones y mejorar la concentración académica de los estudiantes durante el horario escolar.
Los elegidos para el gabinete de Donald Trump son descerebrados. Algunos, como Elon Musk, Matt Gaetz y Tulsi Gabbard, tienen poca o ninguna experiencia para sus funciones.
Las elecciones de gabinete de Donald Trump son una receta para desastre, y él lo sabe
By Leon Weiss, Staff Writer
Las selecciones del gabinete de Trump, incluyendo Gaetz, Gabbard y Kennedy, plantean serias preocupaciones sobre las calificaciones y la ética, lo que provocó un debate nacional sobre las implicaciones para la gobernanza de Estados Unidos.
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