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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

Madison Thacker

Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Madison Thacker
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

Late nights and sacrifices define the performing arts journey
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 20, 2024
Just in case you missed it: A political timeline

Just in case you missed it: A political timeline

A rundown on the recent political events leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 5, 2024
It's showtime

It’s showtime

On Friday, September 20, the Wolfpack Theatre Company hosted their first showcase of the year, performing songs, scenes and monolouges from movies and television shows.
The new cell phone ban would force students to lock up phones in lockers at the start of the day, retrieving them back in the afternoon.

Strict laws make for sneaky students: LAUSD needs to revoke the cell phone ban

While LAUSD board members push for a complete cell phone ban in classrooms, students fight back, understanding the mass changes that will need to happen, in order for the ban to be effective.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jun 18, 2024
Blockbuster burnout

Blockbuster burnout

The dominance of adapted screenplays and sequels makes us question what truly counts as original in cinema, challenging the idea of a golden age of unmatched creativity.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jun 16, 2024
Quinn Hutchison: The youngest history teacher you’ve ever had

Quinn Hutchison: The youngest history teacher you’ve ever had

Just by looking at the picture, you already know him. This kid doesn’t just explain, but makes, history.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jun 15, 2024
Magnet Valedictorian Sean Kim stands and greets the crowd as he gets recognized by Admin for his hard work.

Goodbye seniors: Graduation 2024

Held on the football field on June 11, 2024, the Class of 2024's graduation ceremony proudly celebrated 548 students and their accomplishments over their high school careers.
Three things to do this weekend when you’re not studying for finals

Three things to do this weekend when you’re not studying for finals

Between senior events like graduation and Grad Night, and the ever-looming finals, make sure to take some time this weekend to rest and recharge.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
May 31, 2024
Roughly 55% of students choose to listen to music while studying. 26% of those choose to listen to classical music or instrumental tracks.

Headphones in, grades up: The musical secret to academic success

Many students have been finding music is helping them get their work done, and studies are proving this true.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
May 30, 2024
BLOODY BALLADS Sweeney Todd, played by Julian Pankowski, at the opening of the musical.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears: “Sweeney Todd”

A performance to remember, "Sweeney Todd" proved itself to be a smashing success bringing in over 500 people in just two days. The VNHS Theatre Company spent nearly ten weeks on the production, showcasing the passion and industriousness of the cast and crew.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2024
Tom Morello, a member of Rage Against the Machine, visited the Strings classes on May 23, 2024.

Rock on: Tom Morello returns

Rage Against the Machine band member Tom Morello visited the Strings classes on May 23, 2024. He watched clips of their upcoming show, provided feedback and performed songs.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
May 26, 2024
Nat's Early Bite has been a staple of Sherman Oaks for over forty years. Victor Carlos has run the restaurants with a fervor for the food industry.

From busboy to boss: Serving up success at Nat’s Early Bite

A former busboy, Victor Carlos now owns and operates "Nat's Early Bite," a beloved Sherman Oaks treasure.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2024
Three things to do downtown this Earth Day weekend

Three things to do downtown this Earth Day weekend

From book festivals to TV show sneak peeks, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained this weekend.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Apr 19, 2024
Devon Martinez points to two cast members, as they practice in their outfits for the play.

The blade is getting sharper: “Sweeney Todd” week nine

During tech week, the most dreaded rehearsal week of all, the cast and crew of “Sweeney Todd” dedicated over 30 hours after school in a single week to finally put every aspect of the show together.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 15, 2024
Mr. Justin Baldridge looks over to the cast in the audience to make sure they are aware of the critical placements of their characters on stage.

Run it from the top: “Sweeney Todd” week eight

In this past week of "Sweeney Todd" rehearsals, the cast and crew worked hard to build up their muscle memory and create the perfect production for opening night.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 8, 2024
Director Mr. Justin Baldridge and the cast rehearse the play in room 303.

HOLD: Sweeney Todd week seven

This week, the cast and crew of “Sweeney Todd" continued to put the finishing touches on the whole show, doing costume fittings, full run-throughs and integration of props.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 29, 2024
Looking down at the row of performers, the cast looks to there sheet music to follow along with Mr. Wilson's directions.

Five, six, seven, eight: “Sweeney Todd” week six

In a week filled with tedious and slow-moving cleanings of scenes and songs, the cast of "Sweeney Todd" was given the chance to stop and catch their breath before running the dances again.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 22, 2024
In dramatic flair, freshman Oliver Barrett (red) looks to his script in confirmation of his lines during the fast paced song.

We’ve reached the halfway mark: “Sweeney Todd” week five

In a week filled with run-throughs and staging, the cast of "Sweeney Todd" is rapidly heading towards showtime, with only five weeks left to go.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 13, 2024
Mr. Justin Baldridge shows Ellie Steinberg how to perfect a scene, as they both throw their arms up.

The race to catch up: “Sweeney Todd” week four

In a week cut short due to a spike in covid-19 cases, the cast and crew of "Sweeney Todd" worked hard to catch up on their missed time.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 6, 2024
Mr. Baldridge setting up the classroom with different students and props to help the cast transition into the auditorium stage.

Back to the basics: “Sweeney Todd” week three

In this week of rehearsals for the spring musical “Sweeney Todd,” the cast was visited by a special guest before the staging of the show began.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jan 30, 2024
From L to R: Olivia Klipstine, Maddie KC-Jordan, Ami Singer and Ellie Steinberg hold their scripts while singing out loud in rehearsal.

Music, melodies, magic and more: “Sweeney Todd” week two

In a week filled with learning music and bonding with the cast, the crew of “Sweeney Todd” is knee-deep in work for this year’s spring musical.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jan 23, 2024
Madison Braybon-Beard takes a moment to introduce herself to the rest of the cast and crew during the first Sweeney Todd rehearsal.

“Sweeney Todd” has its work cut out during the first week of rehearsals

From now until mid-March, the VNHS Theater Company will be rehearsing for the spring musical “Sweeney Todd.” During their first week, the cast and crew began rehearsals.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Jan 18, 2024
Creating dynamic and artistic shapes throughout their dances, Dance Company members not only showcased their dance abilities, but also their acting skills.

VNHS Dance Program sells out a hit show

In the semiannual dance show, students across all grades and levels were given the chance to showcase what their class has been working on all semester.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 15, 2023
Ten things to do this holiday break to celebrate the end of the semester!

Ten things to do this holiday break to celebrate the end of the semester!

From lively walks down lighted pathways to festive holiday hangouts, there's no shortage of performances and activities to get you recharged after the end of a great semester.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 15, 2023
Highlighting a dramatic moment in "The Exorcist," designers Rhoda and Balikyan-Davis used their technical theatre training and the auditorium light board to craft example photos for the DTASC judges.

Curtain call: DTASC secures several wins for all theater students

The Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Competition, more commonly known as DTASC, took place on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Royal Hills High School, allowing for the intermediate and advanced drama classes of the school to score multiple victories that night.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 8, 2023
Kids in the Spotlight gave their movie makers the chance to be at the center of the universe for the day as they watched their movies up on the big screen at Paramount Picture Studios.

Lights, camera, hope: Kids in the Spotlight inspires foster youth to tell their stories

Kids in the Spotlight gives Los Angeles based foster youth the opportunity to enter the film industry as they write, direct and act in their own films, which, once edited, are shown on the big screen at their annual “Better than the Oscars” awards show.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 4, 2023
MAD WOMEN From L to R: Gwen Alexander, Maddy Mills, Lucy Tait, Felix Dennis, Amelia Probst, Brianna Tolentino, April Cho and Sophia Hillstead transform into members of a classic Greek chorus, portraying angry women known as maenads.

Fallin’ back in time

The Drama Department staged their fall production of “The Iliad, The Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less”
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 2, 2023
A group of filming trucks parked outside the main building, with a film crew unloading various pieces of equipment Monday and Tuesday.

The mystery of filming on campus solved

After less than a week of the SAG strike reaching an end, film crew are already back on campus, taking up much of the quad and a portion of the bungalows with large cameras, lighting equipment and countless actors.
By Madison Thacker and Roxana Vasquez
Nov 15, 2023
Embrace fall to the fullest this weekend with these three fun activities to fill your time with.

Three fabulous fall things to do this weekend

From artistic galleries to nostalgic Halloween activities, there is no shortage of sweater-worthy activities this weekend.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Oct 20, 2023
Desde la terraza del cielo del rascacielos más alto de Hong Kong. De izquierda a derecha: Laura Rabago (hermana del Sr. Rabago), Adam Rabago (hermano del Sr. Rabago), Peiyu Rabago (esposa de Adam) y el Sr. Rabago.

Un profesor de matemáticas trotamundos pasa el verano en Asia

El profesor de matemáticas, el Sr. Colin Rabago, reflexiona sobre sus viajes de verano por la India y Hong Kong.
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Oct 9, 2023
From the sky terrace of Hong Kong's highest skyscraper. From L to R: Laura Rabago (Mr. Rabago's sister), Adam Rabago (Mr. Rabago's brother), Peiyu Rabago (Adam's wife) and Mr. Rabago.

Globetrotting math teacher spends summer in Asia

Math teacher Mr. Colin Rabago reflects on his summer journeys around India and Hong Kong
By Madison Thacker, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 20, 2023
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