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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

Grades can be a goal, but they shouldn't define your self-worth. Real growth comes from learning, not just performing.
Grades don’t define you: It’s time to rethink academic success
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer • May 28, 2025
Grades shouldn't overshadow creativity and personal growth. Students must realize that success isn't solely defined by academic performance, but by values, vision, and perseverance.
Recycled plots in Hollywood spark calls for fresh storytelling
Recycled plots in Hollywood spark calls for fresh storytelling
By Deven Martinez, Staff Writer
Hollywood's reliance on familiar tropes and plots leaves audiences desiring originality. Critics argue for fresh narratives that engage viewers and spark emotional connections.
Bronny James joins Lakers, sparking nepotism debate in NBA
Bronny James joins Lakers, sparking nepotism debate in NBA
By Alyson Cerna, News and Features 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.
LAUSD students raise privacy concerns over GoGuardian
LAUSD students raise privacy concerns over GoGuardian
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
LAUSD uses GoGuardian software to monitor student internet use, sparking debates over privacy. While teachers find it helpful, students express concerns about its extensive control.
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.
Students face consequences for wild AP exam cheating attempts
Students face consequences for wild AP exam cheating attempts
By Argem Alipio, Staff Writer
During the 2025 AP exams, students employed creative cheating methods that led to serious consequences, including canceled scores and disciplinary actions, highlighting the risks of unethical behavior.
Elon Musk listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Elon Musk’s appointment to DOGE sparks public outcry
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Elon Musk's appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency has sparked widespread public protests and legal challenges, raising concerns over privacy, ethics, and government overreach.
 HERE WE GO AGAIN  President Trump has once again pushed the deadline back, now allowing the app to operate until June 19.
TikTok dances around a ban again, but the algorithm says trouble ahead
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
TikTok narrowly avoids a U.S. ban again, as negotiations extend the deadline, leaving millions of users uncertain about the app's future and its impact on digital culture.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a chart next to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Tariffs on imports affect tech stocks and consumer prices
By Alyson Cerna and Argem Alipio
President Trump's tariffs on imports raise concerns in fashion and tech industries, affecting prices and market stability. Tariffs paused for China, but uncertainty remains.
Controversy surrounds Ozempic's weight loss popularity
Controversy surrounds Ozempic’s weight loss popularity
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer
Ozempic, a diabetes drug, gains popularity for weight loss, driven by celebrity use. This trend raises ethical concerns and impacts those who need the drug for diabetes management.
Challenging the alpha male narrative in modern times
Challenging the alpha male narrative in modern times
By Addison Cudd, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Alpha Male culture, led by figures like Andrew Tate, faces scrutiny for promoting outdated gender roles. Critics argue that such ideologies conflict with modern societal values.
Social media drives up the cost of showing love in relationships
Social media drives up the cost of showing love in relationships
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Viral trends are making romantic gestures more expensive, especially for teens. From costly rings to curated gift baskets, love is increasingly tied to price over sentiment.
Forced optimism undermines emotional well-being in hard times
Forced optimism undermines emotional well-being in hard times
By Isabella Mendoza, Staff Writer
Toxic positivity pressures people to hide negative emotions, creating emotional disconnection. Honest conversations and listening without judgment help build trust and improve mental well-being over time.
Is there such a thing as a right friendship?
Is there such a thing as a right friendship?
By Joel Nam, Opinion Editor
The people you surround yourself with can either push you forward or hold you back. Keeping that in mind, finding a balance between shared goals and genuine connections is key to developing priceless bonds that will last a lifetime.
High-intensity sports push athletes toward long-term injuries
High-intensity sports push athletes toward long-term injuries
By Natalie Herrera, Staff Writer
High-intensity sports offer benefits but can cause long-term injuries and burnout. Student athletes often face physical strain and emotional pressure as they push through pain to succeed.
Unconventional sports challenge traditional high school programs
Unconventional sports challenge traditional high school programs
By Ennio Muhi, Staff Writer
High school programs debate the inclusion of unconventional sports like slapping contests. Students express mixed feelings about safety and educational value in comparison to traditional sports.
SELF-MADE SOCCER STAR  Jessica Merchant gives insight on her soccer career
Jessica Merchant shows tenacity as soccer team captain
By Adamaris Chevez, Staff Writer
Jessica Merchant, a high school soccer captain, exemplifies leadership and resilience. Overcoming an ACL injury, she inspires her team with her dedication and passion for the game.
Scoreboard
The Strings Winter Concert took place on Dec. 6, showcasing the strings classes' skills that they have developed over the past few months.
Van Nuys students seek audience for overlooked performances
By Ocean Threats, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School's arts programs offer a variety of captivating performances, yet many remain unnoticed due to insufficient promotion. These talented students deserve a larger audience.
Senior Xavier Martin-Porter and junior Connor Ruckman fill the auditorium with green as they welcome Glinda and Elphaba to Emerald City.
Students captivate audience in musical theater showcase
By Melissa Ocegueda, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High School's Musical Theater class dazzled with a showcase featuring performances from "Pippin" to "Cabaret," marking a bittersweet farewell for graduating seniors.
Arcane challenges viewers with its complex world and themes
Arcane challenges viewers with its complex world and themes
By Alyssa Reign Pontines, Staff Writer
Arcane's first three episodes introduce a world of class conflict and forbidden knowledge, brought to life with Fortiche's distinct animation style. The series promises a rich, thought-provoking experience.
New Avengers emerge in Marvel's Thunderbolts*
New Avengers emerge in Marvel’s Thunderbolts*
By Deven Martinez, Staff Writer
Thunderbolts* offers a fresh take on Marvel antiheroes, blending humor and action. Florence Pugh's standout performance and unexpected plot twists keep audiences engaged.
 TIME FOR A CHANGE  After two years of debate over changing to block schedule the vote finally passed, allowing Van Nuys to transition to a less traditional block schedule, a trend that more and more schools are adopting each year.
New schedule, new options
By Joshua Cazares, Staff Writer
Van Nuys High shifts to an eight-period block schedule, offering students more electives and flexibility. Reactions vary as students adjust to the longer class periods.
Students share AP exam strategies and reflections
Students share AP exam strategies and reflections
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer
During AP exam season, students navigate stress and triumph by sharing study strategies, post-exam rituals, and imaginative takes on their testing experiences.
The girls show off their elegant nail sets for prom night.
PHOTO STORY: Prom-goers display stunning nail art creativity
By Brian Batres, Photographer
At this year's prom, the wolves displayed their creativity through vibrant and artistic nail designs, showcasing a variety of colors and styles that captivated attendees.
 WHAT’S UP DOC?  After winning a $2,000 grant last semester, Mr. Robert Docter was able to refresh his classroom, adding better lighting and decorative plants.
Teacher transforms classroom with $2,000 grant
By Elizabeth Escobar, Staff Writer
An AP Government teacher uses a $2,000 grant to transform his classroom, creating a welcoming environment and strengthening relationships with students through collaborative design efforts.
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, Opinion Editor
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.
GETTING READY FOR BATTLE Seniors Mayya Golub and Sofia Bateman show off their unique water guns for senior assassin.
Los estudiantes se sumergen en Senior Assassin para divertirse a final de curso
By Skylie Molina, Staff Writer

“Lo siento, lo siento”, gritó Ryan Kumar, estudiante de último curso, mientras perseguía a su amigo, su objetivo asignado, antes de lograr la eliminación. A medida que el curso escolar 2024-2025...

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