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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

Nathan Han

Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief

Nathan Han is an Online Editor-in-Chief for The Mirror. As a senior, he is enjoying his second and final year in the journalism program. Nathan wants to write many stories about the school and is interested in getting student perspectives. He has played on the tennis team since his freshman year and is president of the Chess Stars club. He loves watching the Toronto Blue Jays and likes to listen to Rich Brian. Nathan only hates a few things in this world, and one of them is cucumbers.

All content by Nathan Han
STRIKE TWO: Maximilian Fiore (#64) decides not to swing at a fair pitch in the third inning of the preseason game against Arleta, as the Mustang’s catcher, Michael Bonilla (#15), reaches to snag the ball. Fiore struck out, but the team went on to clobber the Mustangs 16-5 at home on March 4.

Wolves lose in second round to Eagle Rock

BASEBALL | The 12-5 team were upset by the lower-seed Eagles causing an early exit from the Division II playoffs.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2022
Black history is often taught in condensed form, being just a chapter in a U.S. history book and almost always only about slavery. Nothing more is required by the curriculum.

Teaching black history

Students and teachers want to be taught and teach history that integrates Black voices every step of the way
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 14, 2022
There's a message for everyone in "Butter's Final Meal"

There’s a message for everyone in “Butter’s Final Meal”

Executive Producer Julie Bram shares why she wanted to be part of the long journey to get the film to screens.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 3, 2022
Senior Jacob Eddy-Watkins receives a medal, along with all other members of the team for making it to the city championships.

BOYS BASKETBALL | Wolves lose to the Unicorns in CIF Championship

Heartbreak. What was once a closely contested game going into half time, became a 15 point deficit by the end of the fourth quarter.
By Shaan Bhatia and Nathan Han
Mar 2, 2022
BOYS BASKETBALL | Wolves are headed to the final stage

BOYS BASKETBALL | Wolves are headed to the final stage

The boys will face the LACES Unicorns on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Roybal Learning Center in the CIF Division II Championship Finals.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 25, 2022
The boys have played like a strong unit all season and need only two more wins to win it all.

BOYS BASKETBALL | Wolves pounce on Legacy and will compete in the semi-finals

Wolves will face the Sheiks on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Hollywood High School in the CIF Division II Championships.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 23, 2022
The boys team ended their league season with a win against San Fernando before starting the Division II playoffs.

BOYS BASKETBALL | A win by double-digits to kick off the playoffs

The Wolves cruise into the tournament with a first round knock-out of the Carson Colts. They will face the Legacy Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 23 to keep their season alive.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 17, 2022
Jersey Vargas has previously submitted art to the journalism newspaper and has even worked on print issues.

Senior artist wins Magnet Schools of America competition

Senior Jersey Vargas competed and won the district poster contest against other senior artists on Jan. 24, 2022.
By Allison Antonio and Nathan Han
Jan 28, 2022
For some students, the FAFSA can provide big amount of money and sometimes full-rides to whatever school they are attending.

FAFSA workshop provides $1000 incentive to interested students

The meeting, hosted by the college office, will take place over zoom on Jan. 29 from 9 to 1 p.m.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 28, 2022

Cancel culture debate: Can you separate art from the artist?

ASB and JSA ask students and teachers to debate about cancel culture on Wednesday at the small gym. Tickets will be sold for one dollar during nutrition this week.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 13, 2021
Both teams were unable to secure a win on the field.

SOCCER | Wolves are all bark and no bite

The girls and boys soccer team lost their league matches against the San Fernando Tigers on Dec. 8.
By Christopher Linares and Nathan Han
Dec 10, 2021
 Student participation was encouraged during the debate. Many students attended and listened intently to the debate during lunch, filling at least half of the small gym.

ASB and JSA host 300 students at lunch debate

❑ PHOTO STORY | On Dec. 8, teachers and students came together to debate whether you can separate art from the artist.
By Beverly Regino and Nathan Han
Dec 9, 2021
Captain Andreas Nava patiently eyes the ball on the opposite side in a brief moment of calm.

BOYS SOCCER | Wolves lose to undefeated Canoga Park

The first league match ends in a 2-0 defeat on Dec.6. The team will play their next match against Fulton on Friday.
By Antony Nepeyvoda and Nathan Han
Dec 8, 2021

Finding your style 101

Digital Media student Jaya Darrington interviewed students around campus about their overall style and the brands that they were wearing.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 7, 2021
Allsion Prieto Duran (#30) shoots a free throw during the second quarter.

GIRLS BASKETBALL | Wolves start the season with a 2-2 record

Different players have stepped up to help lead the team in the first few games, but the Wolves face a formidable challenge in their next game against Franklin.
By Christopher Linares and Nathan Han
Dec 3, 2021
The food pantry accepts all donations but has highlighted peanut butter, canned meats and soup.

ASB seeks donations for a local food pantry

The canned food drive will take place from Nov. 29 to Dec.9, with all proceeds sent to the Jewish family service of LA (SOVA).
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 3, 2021
In their second match, the Wolves dominated the Hawks with a final score of 5-1.

SOCCER | Boys team starts their pre-season with a win and a loss

Monroe Vikings take down the Wolves with a final score of 2-1.
By Christopher Linares and Nathan Han
Nov 18, 2021
Pacemaker award 1 (Isabella)

The Mirror wins second consecutive Pacemaker Award

The print newspaper from last year continues to rack up accolades in various competitions.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 17, 2021
The tennis team poses for a group photo on their home court after a team match.

TENNIS | The magical playoff run ends against the Unicorns

Wolves lose 6-1 in the semi-finals against LACES High School.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 1, 2021
The senior assembly for students and parents took place entirely on Zoom.

Important dates revealed for Prom, Grad Night and Graduation

The virtual senior assembly informed parents and students about upcoming events and the important details for graduating next semester.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 31, 2021
Captain Van Handke led her team to their first playoff win of the season and hopes to continue winning more in her last year on the team.

TENNIS | Girls team dominates Garfield to win their first playoff match

On Wednesday, the Wolves had no trouble playing in the longer playoff matches, winning 5-2.
By Nathan Han and Beverly Regino
Oct 28, 2021
Too many balls to to net could mean a quick end to the playoff run.

VOLLEYBALL | Wolves finish their season strong but fall short in the first round of the CIF playoffs.

Their first challenge of the playoffs against the Narbonne Gauchos ended in a 3-1 defeat.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 27, 2021
Editor-in-Chief Ani Tutunjyan poses with the Pacemaker award won during the previous year.

The Mirror hopes to become repeat champions of the prestigious Pacemaker award

The print newspaper must compete with 65 other schools to become one of the top 28 best newspapers, according to the NSPA.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 22, 2021
CATS VS. DOGS: Jacqueline Recinos prepares to serve the ball to her opponent on the San Fernando Tigers as Ariel Gutkin, her doubles partner, waits on the side. The Wolves lost their final home game 5-2.

TENNIS | Girls varsity squad lose their final game at home against the San Fernando Tigers

Wolves still look to end their season with a win in Thursday’s matchup against Kennedy
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 19, 2021
(L to R) Seniors Isabela Diaz, Alika Tsytsurina, Sarah Ramirez Guzman, Viviene Carvajal, Chidiogo "Angel" Chiawa ,Claudia Segura, and Alexis Golden are showered with gifts during the final game of their season at home.

VOLLEYBALL | The team sends off the seniors with a victory in their final home game

The seven seniors are congratulated by the team with a variety of gifts
By Samantha Ramos and Nathan Han
Oct 13, 2021
 Jasmine Cheysobhon watches the ball head to her opponent’s court during the practice match before the game.

TENNIS | Girls team secure spot in the playoffs with a strong win over the Spartans

With a final score of 6-1, Wolves take victory over Sylmar in front of a home crowd.
By Nathan Han and Beverly Regino
Oct 11, 2021
VNHS’s varsity girls volleyball puts up a fight in a tightly contested three set defeat against San Fernando High School on Sept. 13.

VOLLEYBALL | The Girls team takes a second loss at home

The wolves were swept by San Fernando in three sets.
By Samantha Ramos and Nathan Han
Sep 14, 2021
BEFORE THE FALL The twin towers in lower Manhattan in New York City dominated the skyline before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The twenty year anniversary: Teachers reflect on the September 11 attacks.

Sergeant Martinez, Colonel Flynn, and Mr. Mitchell share their unique perspectives as teachers.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 10, 2021
Alexis Austria (#16) serves to Northridge High School at the Girls volleyball home game on Sept. 1, 2021. This was the wolfpack’s first volleyball game of the season. The squad lost their first game with a final score of 25-8, 25-12, and 25-19.

VOLLEYBALL | Wolves unable to avoid sweep by Northridge

The wolves lose in three sets to a home crowd.
By Samantha Ramos and Nathan Han
Sep 4, 2021
 Taft Offensive line prepares to snap the ball to their quarterback against the black and white defenders. The Wolves were unable to contain the offense and lost the game with a final score of 43-6.

FOOTBALL | New squad starts their season with a disappointing loss at home

The team was unable to put concerns of past season defeats to rest in the first game of the year.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Aug 29, 2021
Gover Olivares is performing his monologue for the role of Cedric. “I’m auditioning for Cedric, he’s such a fun and energetic character. He's so upbeat and full of energy because I think that I could match it. But if I don't get Cedric I’m happy with whoever I get because Puffs is an amazing play.”
“I’m excited, I’m ready, I'm pumped.”

Theater productions are returning to campus with auditions for the new play “Puffs”

Senior Michelle Levi stated that, “Im auditioning because it’s our first production back and I want to help be apart of it."
By Emma Salehi and Nathan Han
Aug 28, 2021
Helen Kim poses for her senior class picture.

Valedictorian: “The best place in the world is right here, right now.”

Advice for the graduating seniors on having big dreams and living in the moment.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jun 13, 2021
Naomi Lee deals with new responsibilities as the senior class president.

Senior Board President Naomi Lee’s Senior Game Plan

Naomi Lee, the class of 22's senior president, enthusiastically discusses her expectations and plans for the approaching senior year.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2021
Kanye West performing the song "New Slaves" at the second annual Odd Future Carnival on November 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

A glimpse into Kanye West’s strange and successful life

A rapper, fashion icon, and now political candidate.
By Daniel Espinoza and Nathan Han
Dec 29, 2020
Connecting her passions with calligraphy

Connecting her passions with calligraphy

Shriya Pattapu talks about exploring one of her hobbies by starting a new club
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 25, 2020
Tennis ball flies over net

The man behind the serve

Min Woo So talks about career passion, tennis and much more in this in-depth interview.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Aug 27, 2020
Is HBO Max the new king in town?

Is HBO Max the new king in town?

Hbo Max’s new streaming service puts the pressure on other giants like Netflix and Disney Plus with their own extensive library of shows and movies.
By Nathan Han, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jul 20, 2020
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