The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
Sophomore Lauren Song performs as Clara in Los Gatos Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
Dancers perform in ‘The Nutcracker’ with the Los Gatos Ballet
December 18, 2024
Casavant’s frequent drop-ins on water polo games and practices brought energy to the team.
In supporting student athletes, staff members make important connections
December 15, 2024
Students dance to the music in the moshpit on Dec. 7.
Winter Formal at Gilroy Gardens garners positive feedback
December 14, 2024
Many seniors feel frustrated with the lack of a consistent counselor.
Students last names A-F have faced struggles with guidance counselor turnovers in past two years
December 13, 2024
In recent years, an increasing number of students have applied early to college.
Class of ’25 sees an increased number of early college applicants
December 13, 2024
Playing Grace Fryer and Tom Kreider respectively, senior Kat Aldrete and junior Larry O’Brien star in the SHS ‘Radium Girls’ fall play.
Senior Kat Aldrete shines as lead role in ‘Radium Girls’
December 14, 2024
A perfect sparkly Christmas decoration to get you in the festive mood.
Top 10: Christmas Decorations
December 13, 2024
There are various ways to approach studying math competitions such as the AMC.
Students prepare for math competitions with various methods and mediums
December 13, 2024
AP Physics teachers Tom Casavant and Matthew Welander discuss a change in their upcoming lesson plans.
Class-alike teachers collaborate to improve and standardize student experiences
December 13, 2024
The result of the poll conducted by our Falcon Instagram account.
What songs top the charts for all-time favorite holiday music?
December 13, 2024
The boys basketball team poses after their game with American High School on Dec. 7.
Boys’ basketball secures second place at James Lick Invitational despite key injuries
December 14, 2024
Free throw attempt from the team's recent scrimmage against Wilcox on Dec. 7.
Freshman basketball team brought back for the first time since COVID
December 13, 2024
Senior Daniel Jadali shooting a freethrow
For Falcon players, basketball is a year-round commitment
December 13, 2024
Falcons look to defend Notre Dame’s free kick during home game on Dec. 10.
Girls’ soccer defeats Notre Dame Knights 3-2, still undefeated in pre-season
December 13, 2024
49ers’ head coach and former SHS student, Kyle Shanahan, sits in grief after the team suffered a rough 24-23 loss to the Cardinals on Oct. 6.
49ers hobble through losing season
December 12, 2024
The logo of the Better Canvas extension for students to download.
100-word rave: “Better Canvas” is just better
December 13, 2024
Red lights are often run at the intersection of Highway 85 and Saratoga Avenue.
Saratoga drivers: Simmer down and use more caution, please
December 13, 2024
The use of social media allows controversial news to spread and grab the attention of more Americans than ever.
Social media fuels increasing polarization of American politics
December 13, 2024
The fast fashion industry really is Hell.
‘Brandy Hellville’ documentary reveals fast fashion as a devil in disguise
December 12, 2024
The many confusing aspects of Shakespeare make his works unappealing.
To read or not to read: My struggle with Shakespeare
December 7, 2024
A super cool pineapple
Top 10: Fruits
December 14, 2024
My perfect Christmas tree where these gifts go under.
Top 10: Best Christmas Gifts
December 13, 2024
I contemplate between two different Owala FreeSip colors at Target.
My journey to find the perfect water bottle ends with Owala
December 13, 2024
Christmas music is fine no matter what season you’re in.
Christmas music can be played, shamelessly, any time of the year
December 13, 2024
The perfect place to be during Christmas.
Christmas is just horrible without snow
December 13, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Amy Miao

Amy Miao, Lifestyles Editor

All content by Amy Miao
From 1959 to present-day, the Falcon has transitioned from a black-and-white newspaper to a colored magazine and website.

Through the decades: How The Falcon transitioned to new technologies

Amy Miao, Jessica Li, and Richard Fan
December 10, 2024
AI can benefit and stimulate growth in many fields including economy, health care, and education.

Photo or Graphic for: Hold your concerns, AI will make a better future

Zack Zhang
December 5, 2024
Juniors Jack Dong and Nathan Liu (left to right) interview Dr. Tony Masri about sleep.

Students receive expert advice at ‘Sleeping Can Be Your Secret Hack’ Q&A

Amy Miao
November 11, 2024
Here’s why you should vote against Prop 34.

Photo or Graphic for: Prop 34’s devious methods target non-profits

Florence Hu
October 30, 2024
Junior Jack Dong jumps over a hay bale at the Artichoke Invitational at Half Moon Bay High School on Oct. 5.

Cross country teams successful in League meets and prepare for finals

Amy Miao and Jessica Li
October 27, 2024
The constant cycle of practice and school leaves little free time during the day.

Photo or Graphic for: Competitive athletes balance rigorous sports schedule with academics

Tanvee Tirthapura
October 21, 2024
A paper knife is like trying to become an academic weapon — it’s not as magnificent or sustainable as it appears.

Photo or Graphic for: New year, new habits: I tried to become an academic weapon

Madhura Natarajan
September 24, 2024
Too often, students instinctively reach for the calculator.

Photo or Graphic for: Stop and think: Do you really need that calculator?

Florence Hu
September 15, 2024
Amanda Lupoli fills out a Venn diagram with input from students in her 6th period AP U.S. History class.

New history teacher emphasizes instilling critical thinking skills

Amy Miao
September 14, 2024
There are multiple great times to arrive to class.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: times to arrive to journalism in the morning

Nika Svizhenko
September 4, 2024
The runners explore many routes in Saratoga, venturing to roads such as Elva Avenue.

Cross country season preview: Tippetts returns to coach boys while professional runner steps up to coach the girls

Annika Gho, Jessica Li, and Amy Miao
August 31, 2024
Beach volleyball is a great way to exercise and have fun with your friends.

Photo or Graphic for: Discovering our new favorite summer pastime, beach volleyball

Bill Huang and Andy Zhu
August 24, 2024
After being drained from studying, state testing provides a recharge.

Photo or Graphic for: State testing provides a good break from junior year

Derek Liang
May 22, 2024
Assortments of college ranking list with factors such as acceptance rate, major, ranking and cost.

Photo or Graphic for: While flawed, college ranking systems remain necessary tools for constructing college lists

William Cao and Nikhil Mathihalli
May 15, 2024
Disney+ has plummeted down my ranking of streaming services, while apps like Netflix maintain their quality.

Photo or Graphic for: The disappointing downfall of Disney+

Anthony Luo
May 11, 2024
Emily, Shirina and Amy hold up the finished tanghulu while sugary water drips onto the floor.

The viral sweet treat tanghulu: Is it worth all the hype?

Shirina Cao, Jessica Li, Amy Miao, and Emily Wu
May 10, 2024
Council members Tina Walia, Chuck Page, Kookie Fitzsimmons; Saratoga Foothill Club President Nancy Miller; Mayor Yan Zhao and Vice Mayor Belal Aftab (left to right) pose with the Tree City USA award.

Japanese maple tree planted during annual Arbor Day celebration

Amy Miao and Sasha Prasad
May 8, 2024
Some foods garner positive attention, and some garner negative attention.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10 cafeteria delicacies

Bryan Zhao
May 3, 2024
Whether it’s gardening or studying for a class, there’s a lot to do over the summer.

Photo or Graphic for: A guide to make the most of your summer

Ruiyan Zhu
April 29, 2024
More and more jobs will now be taken over by automation, making Computer Science less appealing as a major.

Photo or Graphic for: Is studying comp sci still the golden ticket to wealth?

Alec Guan and Richard Fan
April 29, 2024
Breaking will make its debut in the 2024 Summer Olympics in an effort to draw in more attention from a younger audience.

Photo or Graphic for: Break Dancing to be introduced at 2024 summer Olympics

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
April 18, 2024
English and Map 10 teacher Marcos Cortez surfs in the Santa Cruz shoreline.

Surfing in Santa Cruz: Junior and English teacher find relaxation riding waves

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
March 29, 2024
Freshman Peyton Steffen prepares to shoot a basket in an away game against Mountain View High School.

Sports legacies: 2 athletes follow in the footsteps of their family members 

Amy Miao and Sasha Prasad
March 24, 2024
If you waltz into my room, there’s a high possibility that my desk is covered with snacks.

Photo or Graphic for: Caving into my cravings: my go-to comfort snacks

Jessica Li
March 21, 2024
Avadhanam uses geometry techniques to solve Team Selection Test (TST) problems.

2 seniors now one step away from making national Math Olympiad teams

Jessica Li, Parav Manney, and Amy Miao
February 10, 2024
Sample drawing of solar panels at the senior parking lot.

Photo or Graphic for: Board picks Centrica as solar panel provider; work is set to begin this summer

William Cao and Eric Shi
February 8, 2024
Spice up your love life with these activities.

Photo or Graphic for: Ideas for the next big date after Valentine’s Day

Shirina Cao
February 8, 2024
AP Statistics Teacher Seema Patel picks up a barbell in a deadlift while Speech Language Pathologist Ronda Vierra practices her freestyle technique.

Photo or Graphic for: Working out at work: Teachers take advantage of campus weight room and swimming pool

William Cao and Eric Shi
February 6, 2024
Anatomy and Physiology teacher Kristofer Orre achieves a deadlift personal record of 460 pounds at his gym.

Fitness pursuits keep teachers healthy, happy and focused

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
February 6, 2024
New Wellness Center coordinator Thea Widmer works at a desk and checks in with students as they arrive on Nov. 27. 

Wellness Center reopens under new coordinator

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 7, 2023
Food trucks were missing on the Nov. 21 Turkey Trot, and will continue to be banned in most future events involving them.

Photo or Graphic for: Policy change eliminates food trucks during school-day events like Turkey Trot

Derek Liang and Eric Shi
December 7, 2023
Team Saratoga 1, consisting of students Bryan Li, Lawson Wang, Advaith Avadhanam, Alan Lu, Skyler Mao and Victoria Hu (left to right) proudly hold up their second place trophy.

Mathletes place second at highly competitive Berkeley tournament

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
December 7, 2023
Selina Chen anchors at “Maroc TV”, Mohammed V University’s TV Station in Rabat, Morocco.

In her gap year, alumna becomes reporter in Morocco and learns real-world lessons

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 4, 2023
Students unload boxes of cookie dough into the music building for distribution on Nov. 13.

Music Boosters cookie dough fundraiser raises $10k+

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 3, 2023
Athletes taking challenging classes often have to make tough decisions to balance their packed schedules.

Photo or Graphic for: Athletes must navigate academic hurdles as they take difficult classes

Anthony Luo
December 2, 2023
Cis-gender men overshadow women as they enthusiastically wave resumes at recruiters.

Cis-gender men crashing the 2023 Grace Hopper Conference serves as a dangerous reminder of the tech industry’s gender imbalance

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 1, 2023
Parcel taxes fund teacher salary and support programs.

Photo or Graphic for: Board investigates possible parcel tax campaign

William Cao, Eric Shi, and Agastya Vitaldevara
November 9, 2023
Jennifer Lee sifts through information and drafts a report on Oct. 24, preparing for the upcoming midterm review.

Biology teacher takes on new role as WASC coordinator

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
November 8, 2023
After a long period of declining enrollment, SHS has finally seen an increase in freshman class size this year.

Photo or Graphic for: School sees unexpected influx in freshman enrollment

Kevin Yang and Eric Shi
October 21, 2023
One of Green Committee’s projects last year was creating posters for the trash bins around campus.

Photo or Graphic for: Green Committee takes aim at single-use plastics, advocates for water refill stations and solar power

Jane Lee
October 21, 2023
Freshman Vivian Zhong (right) and junior Ishani Agarwal (left) win medals at the MP4G awards ceremony.

7 SHS female mathletes travel to MIT for elite contest

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
October 21, 2023
Sophia Tsives (back row, left) poses with her team after winning bronze at the World Championships.

Sophomore wins bronze with national team at the 2023 Artistic Swimming World Championships

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
October 18, 2023
As the SAT is getting ready to completely transition to digital from nearly a century of being on paper, students, particularly ones abroad, should expect many benefits.

CollegeBoard’s new digital SAT is a step toward accessibility and sustainability — so don’t snap your pencils yet

Amy Miao and Beverly Xu
October 14, 2023
The average overheating Macbook is good for frying eggs for breakfast.

Photo or Graphic for: 100-word rant: What do people see in MacBooks anyway?

Alec Guan
September 29, 2023
Tired of sweating? Try the sports on the right!

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: unathletic sports

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
September 24, 2023
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