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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

 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 • Jan 2, 2025
With digital news on the rise, print newspapers face declining readership and environmental concerns, urging a shift towards more sustainable and accessible media formats.
 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.
 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.
 HIDDEN BETWEEN THE LINES  Graphic sexual content has infiltrated the YA genre for years, but only now are parents and psychologists starting to worry about the contents affects on the children reading it.
Rise of explicit content in YA books sparks parental concern
By Olamide Olumide, Editor-in-Chief
The rise of explicit content in young adult literature, fueled by social media trends, prompts discussions about its impact on teen readers and publishing standards.
 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.
 NO WAY HOME   Animals suffer to find homes due to the effects of covid causing an influx of animals in shelters.
LA County shelters struggle with overcrowded conditions
By Leon Weiss, Staff Writer
A County animal shelters face overcrowding, compounded by heat and disease risks, as COVID-19 adoption trends and irresponsible breeding strain resources.
Lost in the scroll: The Erosion of Media Insight
Lost in the scroll: The Erosion of Media Insight
By Isaura Garcia, Staff Writer
As digital misinformation rises, media literacy becomes vital. Students face challenges distinguishing fact from fiction amidst AI advancements and the spread of fake news online.
The Real Humans of VNHS - Students on the 2025 LAUSD phone ban
The Real Humans of VNHS – Students on the 2025 LAUSD phone ban
By Aidyn Kinchen and Gianmarco Razuri
Big changes to LAUSD campuses are coming in 2025 with a full ban on cell phones in schools. Host Ocean Threats asks students about their opinions on the ban, and gives small insight about some underlying policies within this new ban.
Eminem and his mother: A timeline of turmoil
Eminem and his mother: A timeline of turmoil
By Joel Nam, Abigail Kim, and Maya Diaz
Eminem's relationship with his mother, Debbie Nelson, has been complex and tumultuous, shaping much of his musical narrative and public persona over the years.
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.
As books continue to be banned en masse by school districts throughout the country, an unprecedented number of stories are trapped in a cycle of censorship and misrepresentation.
Book bans surge as schools target sexual and diverse themes
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer
Book bans in U.S. schools have wildly increased, affecting over 10,000 titles. These bans often target books with sexual themes or diverse characters, raising concerns about censorship's impact on literature.
 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.
#8 Kimberly Cortez running through three Eagle Rock defenders
Van Nuys girls soccer draws match with Division II champs Eagle Rock
By Adamaris Chevez, Staff Writer
The Van Nuys girls varsity soccer team held the Division II champions, Eagle Rock, to a 0-0 draw, showcasing strong leadership and teamwork. Upcoming match features Kennedy’s Cougars.
Van Nuys High School anticipates three wins and a tough match for this week in sports
Van Nuys High School anticipates three wins and a tough match for this week in sports
By Albert Hernandez
Van Nuys High School sports teams prepare for key matchups. Boys basketball and soccer anticipate victories, while girls basketball and soccer face challenging games against rivals.
After a rocky start to their championship game, the Wolves ended up not securing their victory.
Panorama outplays Van Nuys in high-stakes varsity football championship
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
The varsity football team faced a challenging end to their season with a 29-38 loss to the Panorama Jaguars, despite standout plays and valiant efforts from key players.
Scoreboard
Can movie-musicals capture the magic of live performances?
Can movie-musicals capture the magic of live performances?
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Live theater offers unique, irreplaceable experiences, while movie-musicals provide accessibility and convenience. Successful adaptations blend thoughtful casting, rewriting, and preservation of original essence.
From rehearsals to homework, VNHS students work to balance their performing arts careers with social and academic life.
The balancing act of performing arts students at VNHS
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
VNHS Performing Arts students balance demanding schedules, late-night rehearsals, and academic challenges, driven by passion and future aspirations in theater and dance.
Suddenly, over 200 students across the music department have been forced to come together, pushing the music department forward.
Getting strung along: Adjusting to changes in the Music Department
By Alyssa Reign Pontines, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School's music department faces adjustments after Ms. Bellusci's displacement. Students adapt to new teaching methods while maintaining their passion for music.
Top 10 TV Shows of 2024: Highlighting bold narratives
Top 10 TV Shows of 2024: Highlighting bold narratives
By Addison Cudd, Arts and Entertainment Editor
In 2024, streaming trends reveal a demand for rich narratives and diverse characters, as top shows explore themes of power, identity, and societal challenges.
 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.
Students struggle to follow their passion  due to their concern for the well being of their family.
Modern family pressures to pick a career
By Olamide Olumide, Editor-in-Chief
As a first-generation student, Orillena grapples with societal and familial expectations that shape her career choices, all while balancing her passions and the need to support her family.
The key club members spread their spirit at the Fall Rally South (FRS) event, gathering with other divisions at Six Flags.
Key Club fosters community and leadership at local high school
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
The Key Club chapter at a local high school offers students opportunities for leadership, community service and camaraderie through diverse events and a supportive environment.
Van Nuys High School culinary program offers hands-on learning
Van Nuys High School culinary program offers hands-on learning
By Joshua Cazares
Van Nuys High School's cooking program, led by Chef Karen Brooks, combines bookwork with hands-on cooking, inspiring students to master culinary skills and pursue culinary careers.
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.
Ahora presidente electo, pero entonces candidato Donald Trump se dirige a un mitin en Arizona.
El atractivo de Trump: Poder, promesa y personalidad
By Alyson Cerna, News and Features Editor
En medio de la polarización política, Anthony Pasqualone destaca los logros económicos y de inmigración de Trump, defendiendo su apoyo al expresidente para 2024.
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