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The Student News Site of Van Nuys High School

The Mirror

vnhsMIRROR.com

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

LIVE: Varsity football preseason game 3
LIVE: Varsity football preseason game 3
By Alyson Cerna, Sports Editor • Sep 5, 2025
Home-field déjà vu? The Wolves are back under the lights for Preseason Game No. 2, hosting the 0-1 Roybal Titans and a chance to prove last week’s 42–34 shootout over Jefferson wasn’t a one-off, and that the shutout by West Adams is yesterday’s news. Expect big-play swings, attitude, and receipts kept. We’ll have live updates, instant highlights, and the blunt truth when drives stall or momentum flips. Can the Pack stack back-to-back home wins and send the Titans howling back to the bus?
The VNHS baseball team employs pre-game rituals, taking the time to calm down and warm up so they can give their best. THE MIRROR | CHIOMA CHIAWA
Prayers, plays, and pump-up songs
By Adamaris Chevez, Staff Writer
High school athletes share the rituals that build their confidence, teamwork, and readiness before every match.
Mercado Buenos Aires thrives as a cultural hub for Argentinians in Southern California
Mercado Buenos Aires thrives as a cultural hub for Argentinians in Southern California
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Mercado Buenos Aires blends Argentine flavors, soccer, and community in Van Nuys. From authentic meals to cultural celebrations, this family-run business keeps traditions alive for locals and visitors alike.
CARBS, CALORIES AND CONTENT Mukbang content has seen a spike on social media, with creators getting millions of views for eating large amounts of food.
The changing face of ASMR mukbangs
By Deven Martinez, Staff Writer
What started as a relaxing night with whale sounds turned into a shocking wake-up call about mukbang culture’s messy new trend.
Overexposure to violence desensitizes and deepens the bystander effect
Overexposure to violence desensitizes and deepens the bystander effect
By Alyssa Reign Pontines, Staff Writer
The bystander effect explains why individuals fail to act against violence. Overexposure to media normalizes brutality, fostering apathy and leaving conflicts unresolved without collective action.
R-RATED Pop stars, including Sabrina Carpenter, have become famous for their provocative lyrics and on-stage performances.
The cost of clicks: Social media is erasing childhood innocence
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
Celebrities and big tech cash in on hyper-sexualized content, while kids pay the price. Protecting children's innocence means demanding accountability now.
Children's mental health suffers
Children’s mental health suffers
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer
One in five children suffer from mental health issues and many of those don't receive the mental health counseling or support they need.
A man standing on top of a rock meant to illustrate the difficulty of reaching some goals.
The myth of instant success
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer
Rome wasn’t built in a day — yet perfectionism pushes students to expect instant results. Studies show that such unrealistic standards can harm mental health and strip the joy from learning.
 BOOSTING BRAIN POWER  Despite program waning, experts say that language programs in high school help stimulate brain usage.
Foreign language learning in decline
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
As enrollment in foreign language classes plummet, experts warn it could have negative effects on children's cognitive development and threaten the future of foreign language learning.
R-RATED Pop stars, including Sabrina Carpenter, have become famous for their provocative lyrics and on-stage performances.
The cost of clicks: Social media is erasing childhood innocence
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
Celebrities and big tech cash in on hyper-sexualized content, while kids pay the price. Protecting children's innocence means demanding accountability now.
Internet drama forces Kit Connor to come out as bisexual
Speculation invades celebrity privacy
By Leon Weiss, Staff Writer
Constant speculation about celebrity sexuality, fueled by social media, has caused harm to public figures like Kit Connor and Billie Eilish, highlighting the need for online accountability.
Between unrealistic expectations from movies and increased couple presence causing jealousy online, social media has taken over modern day romance culture.
Internet intimacy and digital love
By Abigail Kim, Staff Writer
Relationships center around real life interactions, but social media threatens this, causing people to question their partners and miss out on true connection.
A man's distorted image seen through a glass ball.
Self-belief above all
By Joel Nam, Editor-in-Chief
Believing in yourself can be scary, but letting doubt stop you is worse. To reach your potential, you must face your fears and risk failure.
Experts highlight ACL injury prevention for women in sports
Experts highlight ACL injury prevention for women in sports
By Ennio Muh
Female athletes face a higher risk of ACL injuries due to biological and hormonal factors, but targeted prevention programs offer hope in reducing these occurrences.
Grecia Barrera shines with dedication to softball and teammates
Grecia Barrera shines with dedication to softball and teammates
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
Junior Grecia Barrera draws inspiration from her mother, excelling in softball with determination. Balancing multiple sports, she embraces challenges and motivates her teammates.
Bronny James joins Lakers, sparking nepotism debate in NBA
Bronny James joins Lakers, sparking nepotism debate in NBA
By Alyson Cerna, Sports Editor
Bronny James' selection by the Lakers ignites debates over nepotism in the NBA. Critics argue that family legacy may overshadow talent and fairness in the league.
Athletes challenge stereotypes about masculinity
Athletes challenge stereotypes about masculinity
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
Toxic masculinity restricts men's emotional expression, leading to mental health issues. Athletes challenge stereotypes, promoting emotional awareness and reducing stigma around vulnerability.
Scoreboard
FANS UNDER FIRE Supporters of artists such as Taylor Swift and K-pop groups receive judgment online, demonstrating the challenge of openly sharing your passions.
The cost of loving what you love
By Addison Cudd, Arts and Entertainment Editor
From Swifties to K-pop enthusiasts, fan communities often face online backlash. Why does loving something openly attract so much hate, and what does it say about our need to belong?
A BUG'S LIFE The Army, The Navy, the pop duo of Sasha Goldberg and Maia Ciambriello, unknowingly began their musical journey in her hometown of Mill Valley, California. They shared the same vocal coach and even attended the same university.
Dynamic duo The Army, The Navy captivates indie fans
By Maya Diaz, Associate Online Editor-in-Chief
With their unique blend of quirky visuals, heartfelt lyrics, and a love for nature, The Army, The Navy is gaining recognition in the indie music scene.
The Valley Girl accent is not a recently emerging phenomenon, its existence was documented before the 80s and was only popularized by Frank Zappa.
“Valley Girl” accent: Myth or reality?
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
Those with the 'Valley Girl' accent are perceived as being dumb or materialistic, but whether the accent exists or is a collective hallucination is still up for debate.
WolfPack Theatre president shines in eight productions
WolfPack Theatre president shines in eight productions
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Julian Pankowski, president of WolfPack Theatre Company, reflects on his high school journey, balancing eight productions, challenging roles, and academic success while finding his voice and passion.
A man's distorted image seen through a glass ball.
Self-belief above all
By Joel Nam, Editor-in-Chief
Believing in yourself can be scary, but letting doubt stop you is worse. To reach your potential, you must face your fears and risk failure.
A man standing on top of a rock meant to illustrate the difficulty of reaching some goals.
The myth of instant success
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer
Rome wasn’t built in a day — yet perfectionism pushes students to expect instant results. Studies show that such unrealistic standards can harm mental health and strip the joy from learning.
Guiding students into the future
Guiding students into the future
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
From essays to financial aid, College Counselor Jo Duke guides VNHS seniors through every step of admissions. Her support helped double college enrollment in her first year.
Self-improvement sells hustle, not balance
Self-improvement sells hustle, not balance
By Joel Nam, Editor-in-Chief
The self-improvement industry promises transformation but often delivers stress, isolation and disappointment. True growth requires balance, meaningful connections and understanding, not endless grinding or costly solutions.
Los estudiantes inmigrantes sopesan la educación frente al miedo en una era de patrullas de ICE y cambios en las politicas.
Casi inseguro
By Madison Thacker and Olamide Olumide
Las familias inmigrantes enfrentan nuevos desafíos mientras las políticas generan miedo, interrumpen la educación y obligan a tomar decisiones sobre la seguridad y las oportunidades futuras.
La gripe aviar se extiende y afecta a las aves de corral y a los consumidores estadounidenses
La gripe aviar se extiende y afecta a las aves de corral y a los consumidores estadounidenses
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
El brote de gripe aviar en curso está afectando el suministro de alimentos en Estados Unidos y provocando un aumento de precios. Las industrias avícola y láctea enfrentan desafíos a medida que el virus se propaga, impactando a los consumidores de todo el país.
Aumenta la preocupación por la privacidad de los datos a medida que los gigantes tecnológicos recopilan más información
Aumenta la preocupación por la privacidad de los datos a medida que los gigantes tecnológicos recopilan más información
By Joel Nam, Editor-in-Chief
En la era digital, los datos personales se recopilan y venden con frecuencia, lo que plantea importantes problemas de privacidad. Se necesitan normas más estrictas para proteger a las personas del uso indebido y la manipulación.
PITCH PERFECT The graduating class of 2025 will have had
five different choir teachers in
their four years in the program.
La armonía prevalece a pesar de los cambios en la dirección del coro de Van Nuys
By Deven Martinez, Staff Writer
El programa de coro de la escuela secundaria Van Nuys se enfrentò a numerosos cambios de director, pero los alumnos demonstraron resistencia y liderazgo, asegurando el éxito del programa en tiempos difíciles.
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