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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

Colleges are shifting away from SAT scores, recognizing that true academic potential goes beyond standardized test results.
Why the SAT shouldn’t matter so much
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer • Mar 21, 2025
As more universities adopt test-optional policies, it’s time to recognize that standardized tests like the SAT don’t capture the full potential of students, instead creating unnecessary inequalities
Family-friendly fun awaits in Los Angeles this weekend
Family-friendly fun awaits in Los Angeles this weekend
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
Los Angeles offers diverse activities this weekend, from fashion shows at Melrose Trading Post to butterfly encounters at the Natural History Museum and family fun at the L.A. Zoo.
 BEST OF THE BEST  The Ivy League schools are known for their selective admittance. In 2024, Brown University was the least competitive Ivy, accepting 5.1% of students.
Ivy League success stories: Ms. Doshi and Mr. Kim excel
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
History teacher Ms. Aditi Doshi and valedictorian Sean Kim share their journeys to Ivy League success, offering insights into the challenging and rewarding application process.
 ON THEIR OWN  Due to the pandemic, teens across the world are facing increased social anxiety leading to spikes in depression and suicide
Teens struggle with social anxiety in digital age
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Many teens face social anxiety, intensified by technology and the pandemic. Supportive environments and therapy can aid teens in overcoming these challenges and building connections.
Pop culture update: Music industry sees exciting new releases
Pop culture update: Music industry sees exciting new releases
By Alyssa Reign Pontines, Staff Writer
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga make headlines with new music releases, while a viral video featuring Flow's animated cat captures the internet's attention.
Tensions rise as Trump addresses Congress
Tensions rise as Trump addresses Congress
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
President Trump's address to Congress was marked by partisan protests, highlighting divisions over his policies on immigration, tariffs, and his praise for Elon Musk.
Van Nuys High School students receive Yondr pouches in a district-wide effort to reduce classroom distractions.
LAUSD enforces cell phone ban with Yondr pouch distribution
By Alyson Cerna, News and Features Editor
The Los Angeles Unified School District has rolled out a phone ban using Yondr pouches, aiming to limit classroom distractions. Students and teachers are adapting to the new regulations.
Block Blast captivates Gen Z with strategic puzzle gameplay
Block Blast captivates Gen Z with strategic puzzle gameplay
By Argem Alipio, Staff Writer
Block Blast, a mobile game drawing Gen Z's attention, combines relaxation with strategic challenges, sparking debates about its appeal and influence on gaming habits.
Van Nuys High transitions to new phone-free policy
Van Nuys High transitions to new phone-free policy
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School and other LAUSD schools have started enforcing a phone ban during school hours, aiming to create a distraction-free learning environment.
Celebrities have become intertwined with politics on unprecedented levels.
Social media turns celebrities into political powerhouses
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
Celebrities wield significant political influence through social media, shaping elections and public opinion. However, their involvement raises questions about informed decision-making and the impact on democracy.
Homework may not be fun, but it's a key part of reinforcing what you learn and building important life skills for the future.
Students tackle homework’s challenges to enhance learning retention
By Joel Nam, Opinion Editor
Homework plays a critical role in education by reinforcing learning, combating the forgetting curve, and helping students develop time management and responsibility skills.
President Trump recently delivered a lengthy speech to Congress, outlining his controversial policies and vision for America. All the while, he continues to draw criticism for his divisive rhetoric and misleading claims.
Trump’s Congress speech fuels controversy with bold claims
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer
In a recent address to Congress, President Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico, questioned hiring practices, and made controversial comments on immigration and international relations.
As minorites' voices are being amplified in modern times, privileged groups feel they are being singled out. The reality is that they have to understand and deal with the discomfort the loss of privilege gives them.
Reverse discrimination debate reignited by Supreme Court case
By Leon Weiss, Staff Writer
The Supreme Court reviews an Ohio woman's claim of reverse discrimination, sparking debate over diversity, equity, and the perceived victimization of privileged groups.
Sports predictions for week of 3/17
Sports predictions for week of 3/17
By Athena Cepeda
Van Nuys sports teams prepare for a competitive week, with boys volleyball and tennis teams expected to win, while baseball and softball face challenging matches.
It has been over two decades since the Don Drysdale Baseball Field opened at Van Nuys High School. Today, the field still remains an important facility for the school's athletes.
INTERACTIVE: Baseball field evolves from humble beginnings to modern facility
By Isabel Valles, Athletics Editor
Since opening in 2004, the school's baseball field has evolved remarkably, transforming from a simple setup to a top-notch facility, showcasing the baseball program's growth and success.
 GAME WINNING PLAN  The boys volleyball team huddles to make plans which helped them win 3-2.
Varsity volleyball triumphs in close match against Pythons
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
The Wolves varsity volleyball team triumphed over Panorama High School with a 3-2 win, showcasing resilience and skill in a closely contested match.
Sports predictions for 3/10-3/14
Sports predictions for 3/10-3/14
By Athena Cepeda
Van Nuys High School teams face key matches this week. Boys volleyball aims to defeat Verdugo Hills, while softball and tennis prepare for challenging games. Predictions include one win and one tie.
Scoreboard
Streaming brings musicals home but can't replace live theater
Streaming brings musicals home but can’t replace live theater
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Live theater provides unique, shared experiences, while movie-musicals offer convenience. The key to success lies in thoughtful casting and adaptation, bridging both worlds.
The Mama Mia cast have the time of their lives, rehearsing like dancing queens.
Rehearsals intensify as ‘Mamma Mia!’ cast prepares for tech week
By Addison Cudd, Arts and Entertainment Editor
The "Mamma Mia!" cast at Van Nuys High School dives into a demanding week of rehearsals, perfecting choreography and building sets ahead of their upcoming performances.
 PASSION IN OPINION  Interviewee for Real Humans shows passion on the topic of YONDR pouches.
The Real Humans of VNHS – One week with YONDR Pouches
By Aidyn Kinchen and Gianmarco Razuri
In Real Humans' hiatus, Van Nuys High School has administered YONDR pouches throughout the campus and have been in place for around a week. Host Hudson Mirsky asked students about their experiences with this new ban so far.
Are R-rated movies really off-limits for teens?
Are R-rated movies really off-limits for teens?
By Anthony Castaneda, Photographer
R-rated movies often face scrutiny for their impact on teens, but many argue the restrictions are outdated given today's digital exposure. Parents play a crucial role in media consumption.
Bringing in the heat! Juniors decorate the 200s building with balloons to represent the summer.
Creative students transform school hallways into seasonal scenes
By Argem Alipio, Staff Writer
Students at the school are competing in a hallway decoration contest, transforming hallways into seasonal scenes. This event fosters creativity, teamwork, and school spirit among the classes.
 Thinking out of the box!  Seniors Joshua Choondakaran and John Maserati show up as the ill and chill duo to rhyme.
School Spirit Shines Despite Dance Cancellation
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
ASB organized a spirit week with themed days like Disney Day and Wacky Wednesday, encouraging students to show off their creativity and school pride after the Spring Fling Dance was canceled.
Spring Fling dance cancelled due to low ticket sales and rain
Spring Fling dance cancelled due to low ticket sales and rain
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
The school's Spring Fling dance was cancelled due to low ticket sales and expected rain. The pep rally, originally set for March 14, will now be held on March 21.
 TRADING HANDS  Normalized substance abuse continues to hurt teenagers, with availability of illegal substances becoming more popular every year.
Exploring addiction’s impact and pathways to recovery
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
Addiction transcends substances, encompassing behavioral and emotional struggles. Understanding its diverse forms is key to supporting recovery and fostering empathy.
Los estudiantes de Van Nuys High School se manifiestan por los derechos de los inmigrantes
Los estudiantes de Van Nuys High School se manifiestan por los derechos de los inmigrantes
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer
Los alumnos del instituto Van Nuys organizaron una marcha para protestar contra las redadas del ICE en los centros escolares, poniendo de relieve el impacto personal de las deportaciones en su comunidad y mostrando solidaridad y resistencia.
Van Nuys High School transiciones a una nueva política sin teléfonos
Van Nuys High School transiciones a una nueva política sin teléfonos
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School y otras escuelas LAUSD han comenzado a aplicar una prohibición de teléfono durante el horario escolar, con el objetivo de crear un ambiente de aprendizaje libre de distracciones.
 TIME OUT  From illness, to burnout, to finding new passion, dozens of students leave sports for various reasons every season.
Los deportistas de secundaria encuentran una nueva alegría tras su retirada
By Isabel Valles, Athletics Editor
Tras retirarse de sus deportes, Nataly Martínez, Camila Guzmán-Alvarez y Silvia Salazar encontraron la algería en nuevas actividades, demonstrando cómo los deportistas pueden prosperar tras la jubilación.
Protests against mass deportations have taken place across schools across Los Angeles all week, and plan to continue into next week.
Noticias de última hora: Estudiantes abandonan la escuela secundaria Van Nuys en protesta masiva por la deportación
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Los estudiantes organizaron una marcha en protesta por las deportaciones masivas propuestas, demostrando su apoyo a las comunidades inmigrantes y ejerciendo sus derechos de la primera enmienda.
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