• March 29SPORTS Volleyball game: VNHS vs. San Fernando at Van Nuys High School
  • March 29BREAKING Pope Francis is hospitalized after having trouble breathing.
  • March 28BREAKING On Mar.27th, a shooting occurred at an elementary school in Nashville, killing three 9-year-olds and three adults.
  • March 28SPORTS Both boys and girls placed 1st in the 4 by 1 relays at the Van Nuys track meet.
  • March 28BREAKING On Mar. 27th, 16 people were killed in a landslide in Ecuador, and the search for missing people continues.
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

From Van Nuys students to award-winning actors: Van Nuys High Schools notable alumni leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry
The famous faces of Van Nuys High School
The famous alumni of Van Nuys High School and how they affect today's students
By Mia Ramirez, Staff Writer • Published Mar 29, 2023
Actors Dante Damiano (left) and Aurora Cardonna get into character as the camera begins rolling.
VNHS Digital Media ventures into the field of filmmaking
By Nicole Tovar, Photographer • Published Mar 29, 2023
Here’s a behind the scenes look at of one of digital media’s advanced film projects: Rigby
Following in the footsteps of famous alumni like Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Paula Abdul, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Large sets a high bar for current and future performing arts students at Van Nuys.
Dreaming Large: Alumnus Brandon Large makes it big on Broadway
By Katrina Gomez, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Published Mar 28, 2023
Only two years ago, he was participating in theater productions of “The Giver” and “Bring It On” at Van Nuys High School. Today, he's a Broadway sensation, showcasing his talent in popular productions such as "The Prom" and "Aladdin.".
Girls basketball players Katya Tapia (L) and Jazmin Alejandre are tight on the court as well as off.
A dynamic duo on and off the court
By Isabel Valles, Staff Writer • Published Mar 28, 2023

The abridged version of this article appeared in the Feb. 2023 print edition of The Mirror. This is an uncut version. Varsity players Katya Tapia and Jazmin Alejandre were both freshmen when they...

Some parents and stakeholders opposed the strike, citing lost educational time for students, while others supported the workers demands. Despite this, critics believe that the strike was successful, when considering the outcomes for SEIU union members.
The pros of the LAUSD strike (it was worth it)
By Destiny Reveles, Staff Writer • Published Mar 24, 2023
LAUSD school staff strike for better wages and work environment: a call for recognition of their essential role in the education system. Despite criticisms, the strike shedd light on inadequate compensation and working conditions of school staff.
OVER AT LAST: The three-day strike is over, but critics question whether the pros of the strike truly outweight the cons.
The cons of LAUSD going on strike
By Docette Danialypour, Staff Writer • Published Mar 24, 2023
The recent three-day strike by LAUSD teachers and staff for better wages has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While some see it as a necessary step towards addressing the long-standing issue of underpaid education workers, others argue that it was not worth the cost of missed learning.
The contract, which was years in the making, will give wage increases and appreciation bonuses for SEIU employees.
BREAKING NEWS: SEIU Local 99 and LAUSD reach tentative deal with pay raises, bonuses, and health benefits
By Baron Kim, Online Editor-in-Chief • Published Mar 24, 2023
After a cold and rainy three-day strike, the SEIU Local 99 members finally reached an agreement with the LAUSD board on March 24.
One LAUSD staff member balances on his unicycle on the streets of Van Nuys. Behind him, a crowd of people hold signs that read, “PAY US! RESPECT US!”.
Third day's a charm: Faculty continue strike for fair pay and improved conditions
By Lindsay Han and Baron KimPublished Mar 23, 2023
As the strike's final day approaches, talks between SEIU Local 99 and LAUSD have not concluded. Mayor Bass continues to mediates the talks over failed contract negotiations, unfair labor practices, and low wages.
Nieco Erasmo, #13, hypes up the Wolves in a celebration after they got an important point for their set.
The Wolves two-game winning streak comes to an end
By Jaden Gervacio, Staff Writer • Published Mar 15, 2023
On Monday, March 13, the Wolves boys volleyball team went against the Reseda Regents and unfortunately lost with a score of 0-3.
Devin Brown, #3 is in a ready position to hit the ball at the Van Nuys vs VAAS game on Wednesday, March 1.
Boys volleyball unable to shake off their losing streak
By Selma Timpers, Sports Editor • Published Mar 2, 2023
The boys volleyball team played the Valley Academy of Arts & Science Vipers and lost on Wednesday, March 1, with a score of 1-3.
Marching to a different beat: Inside the world of colorguard
Marching to a different beat: Inside the world of colorguard
By Selma Timpers, Sports Editor • Published Feb 28, 2023
This year, the team is competing in the 3A division out of 6 divisions in the Southern California Marching Band Association.
After a Verdugo Hills Don spikes the ball, one of the Wolves were able to block him, preventing the Dons from getting a point.
The Wolves lose their final pre-season game
By Emely Arevalo, Staff Writer • Published Feb 25, 2023
The boys volleyball team played against the Verdugo Hills Dons in a home game on Thursday, Feb. 23., and unfortunately lost with a score of 0-3.
Scoreboard
Lunch provided by LAUSD are insipid compared to previous years.
School Food is Gross.. Is it any good?
By Wendy Gonzalez and Destiny RevelesPublished Mar 27, 2023
School lunches aren't giving the proper food balance for students
Melissa Ageyenko, a brave Ukrainian refugee, lets us know about her life in Ukraine.
Caught in the crossfire
By Angelina Gevorgyan and Angelica VenturinaPublished Mar 17, 2023
A student and her family were forced to flee the war between Russia and Ukraine, leading to a new life in America
Baron Kim, Online Editor-In-Chief of The Mirror, explains how the website is run and managed.
Hawkins High School students visit The Mirror
By Olamide Olumide, Staff Writer • Published Mar 12, 2023
The Mirror’s publication is essentially student-run, but everything is approved by journalism advisor Mr. Ronald Goins, who says he ultimately relies on the Editors-in-Chief.
LIGHT IT UP: Nates custom built 1991 Nissan 240sx illuminates the dusk.
Building a car with his bare hands
By Olamide Olumide, Staff Writer • Published Mar 7, 2023
Warrakan Nate’s journey in building his own car has finally led him to be able to drive his own creation.
With ChatGPT’s abilities to write code, talk like a human, and create stories, it poses a risk to jobs like screenwriters, coders and even therapists.
ChatGPT: The AI chatbot that threatens the future of human jobs
By Docette Danialypour, Staff Writer • Published Mar 27, 2023
Just because the AI can talk and write like a human, doesn't mean that it is equipped to replace jobs that require those skills.
Beverly Regino an ap art student, takes us on the journey of the new Ai art generator, and how todays artists are being affected.
AI: Artistic Infringement
By Beverly Regino, Creative Director • Published Mar 3, 2023
As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, questions arise about the legal and ethical implications of these 'artificial artists' and their potential impact on copyright laws.
From left to right: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and CEO of Pixar; Edwin Catmull, computer scientist and one of the original animators at Pixar; and George Lucas, creator of Star Wars and original owner of Pixar. All three played pivotal roles in the creation of the animation company and its most influential product, RenderMan.
The geek, the Jedi, and the animator
By Daimler Koch, Staff Writer • Published Feb 27, 2023
The fascinating alliance that changed the film industry
I’ve always loved the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. They’re both well-written and a delight to read about in their many adventures.
The beaming brilliance of Holmes and Poirot
By Daimler Koch, Staff Writer • Published Jan 20, 2023
Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot are the two most famous (fictional) detectives out there, and there’s no reason not to love them.
The decline in movie theater attendance can be attributed to several factors, including the pandemic and the popularity of streaming services. However, watching a movie on the big screen with other fans is a unique experience that cannot be replicated at home.
The magic of movie theaters is fading. Here's how to bring it back and save cinema culture.
By Docette Danialypour, Staff Writer • Published Mar 23, 2023
With movie theater demand falling due to streaming services, theaters will have to step it up to get customers back.
Urine for a treat!
Urine for a treat!
By Katrina Gomez, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Published Mar 20, 2023
Wee can’t wait for you to watch Van Nuys’ newest musical production of Urinetown.
Breaking down the 95th academy awards ceremony: an examination of the oscars effort to embrace global cinema.
Are the academy awards changing (or are they putting on an act?)
By Dashiell Dekker, Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor • Published Mar 13, 2023
The Oscars' push for diversity: a critical analysis of the 95th Academy Awards ceremony.
Kali Uchis in her album cover for Red Moon In Venus modeling an array of butterflies.
Kali Uchis expels divine femininity in her new album “Red Moon in Venus”
By Katrina Gomez, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Published Mar 8, 2023
In Uchis’ third studio album, she releases a body of work that represents all levels of love, releasing people with love, drawing love into your life and self-love.
Multimedia
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Dance the Night Away: Dance company performs to a dreamy, somber song during the Fall dance showcase “The Three,” on Friday, Dec. 2. The show showcased a collection of dances that told the story of three fairy princesses going on magical adventures, such as a land full of ghosts, interpreted through white clothes reflecting in black lights and veils.
Dance the night away
By Beverly Regino, Creative Director • Published Feb 20, 2023
As music plays and chairs are formed into a circle, students participate to play musical chairs and see who gets eliminated throughout the game.
A fun day for the freshmen
By Keely Duarte, Photographer • Published Nov 19, 2022
The morning announcements are live streamed twice a week at 10:30 am, junior Max Kalvan monitors the show’s audio aspects and proper streaming to the school’s YouTube channel.
The faces behind the morning announcements
By Nicole Tovar, Photographer • Published Nov 19, 2022
Despite the creepy atmosphere and the haunted reports, much of Virginia City still provides colorful stores and museums that inform and even celebrate their mining roots that are attractive to tourists that visit or pass by the town.
DARK TOURISM: A look inside one of America’s ghost towns
By Beverly Regino, Creative Director • Published Oct 31, 2022
To Be Discussed | Episode 7: TBD is a cult.
To Be Discussed | Episode 7: TBD is a cult.
By Rachel Khutorskoy and Joshua Castro
We talk about teen romance, mental health, and much more with guest Ceanna! Question of the episode: Would you join the TBD cult? Listen to our episode now!
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