The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
SHS students, faculty, and alumni pose after their final performance with BDB.
Students participate in prestigious Blue Devils Drums Corps over the summer
September 18, 2024
Sophomore Alma Garniek begins her shift at TEAZENTEA.
New bubble tea store opens in downtown Saratoga
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
September 15, 2024
English teacher Amy Keys makes masks as part of a Día de los Muertos workshop in Oaxaca.
Veteran teachers return to the classroom after taking leaves last year
September 15, 2024
Junior Nolan Woo introduces his club, League of Programmers, to junior Jack Dong.
This year’s Club Rush features off-beat new clubs and traditional old ones
September 14, 2024
The album cover for “Bando Stone and The New World,” where Donald Glover plays the titular character in the accompanying movie with the same name.
Bando Stone and The New World is an exhilarating sendoff to the Childish Gambino persona
September 18, 2024
The new installment in the “Quiet Place” series originally hinted at an emotionally impactful story about the tragedies of the apocalypse, increasing fan expectations.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’: not worth all the noise
September 18, 2024
Olivia Rodrigo engages with the audience while singing “enough for you” during her concert.
Buying last-minute Olivia Rodrigo tickets is a good idea, right?
September 17, 2024
Absolutely hooked, I can’t stop myself from watching true crime, such as the Slenderman case.
The allure of true crime documentaries
September 17, 2024
Ao3 reigns supreme as the #1 fanfiction site.
A review of popular fanfiction sites — are they worth the read?
September 17, 2024
The 2024 F1 season has already crowned 7 Grand Prix winners — the most since 2012.
The rise and appeal of Formula 1 racing
September 18, 2024
Junior Millie Wang hits a 54-degree wedge out of a bunker at Saratoga Country Club.
With only 7 players, girls’ golf hopes to ace its season
September 17, 2024
Awaiting the inquiry results, Jordan Chiles looks at the screen anxiously.
A devastating — and unfair — loss of a medal for gymnast Jordan Chiles
September 16, 2024
The Niner’s chaotic offseason has been interesting to watch mainly due to the recently-resolved contract situation of wide-receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
After a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss, the 49ers are ready to move on
September 14, 2024
In March 2024, freshmen Kayley Ren placed seventh out of 94 fencers at the Fortune Fencing Super Youth Circuit in Ontario, Calif.
Blade and balance: Freshman excels at competitive fencing
September 13, 2024
I say my line during my annual spring program.
From private school to public school, the benefits and downsides I experienced
September 15, 2024
Too often, students instinctively reach for the calculator.
Stop and think: Do you really need that calculator?
September 15, 2024
Six ants crawl on bathroom sink.
Clean up after yourself before the ants take over the school
September 12, 2024
The skibidi toilet horrors that popped up in our Instagram reels less than a year ago.
Gen Alpha has a word for that — but you probably won’t know what it means
September 12, 2024
Glasses and Contacts
Contacts vs. glasses: Which one works better?
September 12, 2024
One of the three vending machines on the school campus.
Top 10: vending machine items on campus
September 17, 2024
My teachers are fast asleep while I rush to submit the assignment.
100-word rant: Homework should always be due at the start of class, not midnight of the night before
September 17, 2024
I carry an 8-month-old baby Io.
Never again: a girl, her dog and her keyboard
September 17, 2024
Moments before we (unfortunately) tasted our least favorite boba.
Our sweet adventure: uncovering the hidden boba gems in the Bay
September 16, 2024
Some productive and unproductive ways to combat after-school slump.
A guide to productivity: How to combat the after-school slump
September 16, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
All content by Jonny Luo
Seniors Sam, Kabeer and Shrey sleeping while Pothan stays alert

Photo or Graphic for: Senior Mag 2024: A professional guide to sleeping in class

Sam Bai
May 26, 2024
A scrumptious pizza with a side of chocolate milk and fruit cups. 

100-word rave: delicious, delectable, delightful — a love letter to cafeteria lunch

Jonny Luo
February 17, 2024
Top 10 ways to justifiably slap your friends

Top 10 ways to justifiably slap your friends

Jonny Luo
January 16, 2024
Li prepares to shoot at the Outdoor California Regionals Competition at the Black Mountain Bowmen Archery Range on Aug. 21, 2022. 

Senior’s journey through archery: Tears, plateaus, improvements and mentorship 

Saachi Jain and Jonny Luo
October 19, 2023
Employees at the District Office pack sandwiches for Martha’s Kitchen on April 25. 

School places second in Martha’s Kitchen in first local Food Fight competition

Jonny Luo
May 22, 2023
Falcon families come together at the SHS Parents Holiday HAPPY HOUR event hosted by PTSO on Dec. 11th.

PTSO, seeing slump in donations, urges parents to support students, staff

Jonny Luo and Michelle Wan
March 30, 2023
Freshman Taewon Yim competes against a Los Altos Swimmer in the 200 IM event at a home meet on Mar. 10. 

Despite strong individual talent, small team size hinders team’s ability to win

Jonny Luo and Martin Xu
March 30, 2023
Senior Anthony Wang and two assistant coaches, sophomore Skyler Mao and freshman Lawson Wang, teach four students in Redwood’s black team. 

Clubs build connections with middle school counterparts

Sam Bai and Jonny Luo
March 15, 2023
Take-home COVID-19 tests are provided by the school for pick-up in the health office.

A COVID-era landmark: At-school Inspire testing ends

Jonny Luo
March 15, 2023
Patroclus and Achilles, playing the lyre, share an intimate moment together. 

Why you should read most of ‘The Song of Achilles’

Jonny Luo and Leyna Chan
March 10, 2023
LGSUHSD’s three new board members.

Three newest district board members see potential for positive change

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
February 13, 2023
Photo of The Inn at Saratoga.

Rare shooting occurs in Saratoga downtown

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
February 10, 2023
As part of a new program to increase opportunities for middle schoolers, the school invited eight students (front row) to join the ensemble of “The Crucible.” 

Drama program works to increase membership, provides new opportunities for students

Jonny Luo
January 26, 2023
Green committee members run a booth at the Saratoga Education Foundation run, selling eco-friendly products like reusable utensils, straws, tote bags and water bottles.

Green Committee asks for students’ help to make the school a greener place

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
December 18, 2022
A house in San Jose, built around a large tree, was devalued several hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the potential problem it posed for future homeowners. 

Saratogans love trees, except when they become problematic

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
December 17, 2022
Juniors listen to Professor Warren as he discusses Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

English 11 Honors hosts ‘Hamlet’ discussion with Shakespeare professor

Jonny Luo and Victoria Hu
December 10, 2022
Senior Olivia Smith as Abigail and junior Ella Tamas-King as Mercy Lewis and other ensemble members, which included middle schoolers, pretend to be bewitched in the courtroom scene during dress rehearsal. 

Fall play audience attendance rebounds to pre-COVID numbers

Jonny Luo and Daniel Wu
November 20, 2022
A collection of amigurumi made by Miranda Yee.

Senior who loves crocheting makes bags, sweaters, stuffed animals and more

Victoria Lin and Jonny Luo
November 16, 2022
Biden’s loan forgiveness plan simply throws money at the issue and solves no real problems.

Biden’s student loan forgiveness program fixes few real issues

Jonny Luo
November 13, 2022
Caption: During her visit to France in August, junior Anais Sobrier posed with her French friend, Julia, at Vichy’s Opera house. Sobrier met Julia during the first French camp she attended at age 9 in summer 2015. 

Jack of all languages: junior learns four languages with plans to study more

Jonny Luo
November 7, 2022
Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
October 14, 2022
Junior varsity member Amaris Charton prepares for a shot in a game against Santa Clara on Sept. 22.

Girls’ water polo team seeks to improve after loss of key players

Jonny Luo
October 7, 2022
School board and city council candidates post their advertisements in Saratoga downtown’s four-way intersection.

Two board members opt against running for re-election; 5 candidates vie for 3 open seats

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
October 4, 2022
A photo of the fish my family caught. Five of them are mine, although I’m not sure which ones.

Fishing: boring but rewarding

Jonny Luo
September 19, 2022
Holly Royaltey teaches AP Government and Economics for seniors and World History for sophomores.

New World History and AP Government teacher encourages learning through growth mindset

Jonny Luo and Sunny Cao
September 15, 2022
Similar to last year, the school is still providing food such as this pasta bake.

Despite flaws, free lunch benefits students across the state

Jonny Luo
September 11, 2022
School spirit in the sophomore class is extremely lacking. 

We were freshmen in our sophomore year

Jonny Luo
June 5, 2022
73 questions: conversations with the school community

73 questions: conversations with the school community

Lena Aribi, Meher Bhatnagar, Christina Chang, Lynn Dai, Victoria Hu, Hannah Lee, Jonny Luo, Shannon Ma, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Sarah Zhou
May 30, 2022
 Night custodian Uriel Villavicencio cleans room 701 on May 18.  

From broken toilets to daily cleaning: The unseen workers who keep our campus clean

Jonny Luo
May 30, 2022
 SHS plant supervisor sits in his “control center” on Apr. 21. 

From custodian to plant supervisor: Paul Weir’s 30-year journey in the Bay Area

Jonny Luo
May 30, 2022
The badminton team poses during senior night

Despite little success during season, badminton places second at CCS with Mar at the head

Jonny Luo and Sanjoli Gupta
May 22, 2022
I first started learning to swim in the small pool in my backyard.

Recounting my sports memories as a high school athlete

Jonny Luo
May 18, 2022
A worker in the engineering lab as it is being worked on earlier this month

The big summer disruption: renovations to impact teachers, sports teams and outside organizations

Jonny Luo
May 16, 2022
I remember squatting around the dam I built with my friends

Elementary school memories: playing the engineer and building an illegal dam

Jonny Luo
May 15, 2022
This cookie felt and tasted like a stale Chips Ahoy! cookie.

Why I’ve given up on school cookies

Jonny Luo
May 12, 2022
The cup of boba on the right was my delicious go-to order from Teaspoon.

Boba-lover dissects his favorite boba order

Jonny Luo
May 10, 2022
Fantastic Beasts 3: ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ improves on declining franchise

Fantastic Beasts 3: ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ improves on declining franchise

Jonny Luo
May 2, 2022
The Quiz Bowl competitive team plays at Cal Cup 4 on March 27 at Bellarmine High.

STEM competitions spotlight top achievers

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
April 28, 2022
Measure E to the finish: School to conduct major renovations over the summer

Measure E to the finish: School to conduct major renovations over the summer

Anamika Anand, Jonny Luo, and Aiden Ye
March 18, 2022
Post-pandemic woes: Yearbook, ASB face funding issues

Post-pandemic woes: Yearbook, ASB face funding issues

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
March 17, 2022
A Sources of Strength professional talks to students during Sources of Strength training on Nov. 30.

Sources of Strength organizes Valentine’s day flower sale to fund mental health awareness projects

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
March 12, 2022
Saratoga: city of no lights and peaceful nighttime strolls

Saratoga: city of no lights and peaceful nighttime strolls

Jonny Luo
March 10, 2022
Sophomores Arjun Raje and Varun Sreedhara take the court against Monta Vista on March 8. The team ultimately lost 16-14.

With young roster, badminton seeks to develop skills

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
March 10, 2022
“Kurzgesagt — in a nutshell” is an educational YouTube channel with over 17.7 million subscribers.   

The perfect blend of entertainment and education: ‘Kurzgesagt — in a nutshell’

Jonny Luo
March 4, 2022
A lucky few guesses allowed me to guess this word in 3 tries.

Wordle: millions consumed by a simple yet compelling game

Jonny Luo
March 4, 2022
Portrayed in a sketched by a courtroom artist, senior mock trial president Nicole Lu competes at the Santa Clara County Mock Trial Competition.

Students see success in competitions, scholarships

Selina Chen, Allen Luo, Jonny Luo, and Nikhil Mathihalli
March 2, 2022

Seniors Vignav Ramesh and Anouk Yeh selected as Coca-Cola Scholars Regional Finalists

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
February 4, 2022

Academic clubs prepare to host respective competitions

Jonny Luo, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Aiden Ye
February 1, 2022
The team plays a game on Jan. 25.

Girls’ soccer team hopes to carry preseason success into league games

Jonny Luo and Arnav Swamy
January 31, 2022
Dimock teaches an English 9 class about “The Odyssey” on Jan. 13.

Saratoga parent takes over as long-term substitute for departing English teacher

Jonny Luo
January 22, 2022
Staff editorial: As infections rise, schools should have the authority to go online again

Staff editorial: As infections rise, schools should have the authority to go online again

Jonny Luo
January 22, 2022
Redefining the superhero genre: ‘Invincible’

Redefining the superhero genre: ‘Invincible’

Jonny Luo
January 18, 2022
Quiz Bowl members practice for Cal Cup virtually through Protobowl, a real-time, multiplayer Quizbowl application.

Quiz Bowl to send its top team to nationals

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
December 3, 2021
The mock trial team poses for a photo with Velchamy after virtual practice on Nov. 29.

Mock Trial prepares for competition season with hybrid teaching

Vicky Bai and Jonny Luo
December 3, 2021
Inspire Diagnostic employees prepare for COVID-19 testing on Nov. 16.

New on-site COVID-19 testing aids school during first student COVID-19 case

Jonny Luo
November 19, 2021
Senior Lauren Yarrington plays in a match against Milpitas last year.

Falcons prepare to replicate last season’s success

Jonny Luo and Arnav Swamy
November 19, 2021
The football team practices at the field on Oct. 21

Football season cut short by lack of healthy players

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
November 18, 2021
School hosts Friday Family Time to answer parent questions

School hosts Friday Family Time to answer parent questions

Jonny Luo
November 12, 2021
School sees increase in iPad usage for both students and staff

School sees increase in iPad usage for both students and staff

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
November 9, 2021
Being unvaccinated amid a push for vaccination

Being unvaccinated amid a push for vaccination

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
November 4, 2021
School introduces new twice weekly on-site COVID-19 testing system

School introduces new twice weekly on-site COVID-19 testing system

Jonny Luo
November 4, 2021
A second-generation Chinese student’s Thanksgiving traditions

A second-generation Chinese student’s Thanksgiving traditions

Jonny Luo
October 28, 2021
Why you should buy ‘Bloons Tower Defense 6’

Why you should buy ‘Bloons Tower Defense 6’

Sam Bai and Jonny Luo
October 22, 2021
Junior running back Paolo Navarro runs the ball as senior lineman Parker Smith blocks Monta Vista’s defense.

Falcons kick off league season with a win and a loss

Andy Chen, Jonny Luo, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Shaan Sridhar
October 7, 2021

Quiz Bowl practices remain online to mimic tournament setting

Nikhil Mathihalli and Jonny Luo
October 6, 2021
School library should remove unnecessary books

School library should remove unnecessary books

Jonny Luo
October 2, 2021
Every day I’m puzzlin’

Every day I’m puzzlin’

Jonny Luo
September 30, 2021
UNICEF club advertises to potential members on the second day of Club Rush.

Club participation increases to pre-pandemic levels

Vicky Bai and Jonny Luo
September 24, 2021
Recapping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Recapping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 11, 2021
Cafeteria adopts safety procedures to keep students and staff safe

Cafeteria adopts safety procedures to keep students and staff safe

Jonny Luo, Shannon Ma, and Minsui Tang
September 9, 2021
Kerry Mohnike and STEM and Chinese teacher Sara Tseng chat at Mohnike’s surprise retirement party held on Friday, Sept. 3, in the wellness center.

After 30 years in multiple roles, assistant principal Kerry Mohnike retires

Jonny Luo and Shreya Rallabandi
September 8, 2021
Can horoscopes actually predict your future?

Can horoscopes actually predict your future?

Jonny Luo
September 6, 2021
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