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
Kathy Wang

Kathy Wang, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Kathy Wang
Senior Kaylee Yeung performs in a 2023 Nutcracker production with her dance studio.

A leap of faith: Senior hopes to pursue ballet beyond high school

Ariia Blanco, Melinda Su, and Kathy Wang
September 21, 2024
Inside look of the Music Building bathroom — a treasure in itself. (Boys bathroom)

Secrets revealed: the best bathrooms on campus

William Cao and Kathy Wang
May 22, 2024
A chair-full experience: Two students sharing the same seats across different periods discuss their opinions on their seating

A chair-full experience: Two students sharing the same seats across different periods discuss their opinions on their seating

Kathy Wang and Beverly Xu
May 20, 2024
The poster for the “Zap” play

Drama invited to attend Festival Fringe in Scotland for first time in almost two decades

Kathy Wang
May 5, 2024
An art piece submission, “Serenity’s Embrace: Canyon Whispers” by Claire Kim from Issue 1: “Make Your Dreams Come True.”

Asian Anthology: literary journal co-founded by local high schoolers

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
April 18, 2024
Introduction to Business and Physics teacher Kirk Davis

Davis to retire after 17 years at school

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
March 30, 2024
AP U.S. history teacher Faith Stackhouse Daly

History teacher honored with University of Chicago ‘Outstanding Educator Award’

Kathy Wang
February 17, 2024
The five contestants (left to right) — Derek Liang, Anika Kapasi, Beverly Xu, Kathy Wang and Tara Natarjan — line up behind their boards.

The Charcuterie Board Beatdown: which reporter will make the breaking board?

Anika Kapasi, Derek Liang, Tara Natarajan, Kathy Wang, and Beverly Xu
February 14, 2024
The current science building, which was established in 2002

Biology teacher recalls her past teaching experiences in the old science classrooms

Kathy Wang
February 10, 2024
Rows of guitars displayed on the wall at the guitar store, Diamond Music.

Groovy guitar gamble: Alumni runs thriving guitar shop in downtown

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
February 8, 2024
One of the chefs from Kito’s Taco Shop, Juan, grills tomatoes for the salsa.

Spanish teacher balances teaching and co-running startup Mexican food restaurant

Kathy Wang and Andy Zhu
February 6, 2024
Senior Maddy Hubb strikes a pose on her horse.

Equestrian vaulters find community while competing at an international and national level  

Kathy Wang
February 1, 2024
Freshman Dylan Zuo takes the rear wheel off to clean a bike’s cassette.

Riding low: Freshman starts small business offering bike-fixing services

William Cao and Kathy Wang
January 30, 2024
On Oct. 17, Spanish club members listen attentively to a presentation about tacos by the club officers.

Spanish Club shows what is possible for a cultural club

Kathy Wang
December 20, 2023
A delicious fortune cookie

Fortune cookies may not crack me up, but I sure do crack them (and myself) up

Kathy Wang
December 15, 2023
On Dec. 5, music director Jason Shiuan conducts a Saratoga Strings practice during fourth period orchestra.

Saratoga Strings to play three world premiere pieces at Midwest Clinic

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
December 8, 2023
Downtown’s Christmas tree lights up the dim evening.

Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings community together

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
December 3, 2023
Senior Sahar Noor poses with her fellow Persian dancers after her performance at the Beshkan Dance Academy.

Persian dancing: Childhood festivals inspire senior’s lifelong passion

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
November 8, 2023
Seniors Riley Alves and Ashly Henry dressed as skeletons during the school's Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 28.

All dressed up: Creating terror-ific memories to celebrate the spooky season

Shirina Cao, Kathy Wang, and Beverly Xu
November 5, 2023
Senior Carine Chan in position to swing her golf club during practice on Oct. 19.

A long shot: After losing a star player, girls’ golf has tougher time securing wins

Kathy Wang
October 21, 2023
Science teacher Kristen Thomson performs in the front row of the quad day staff performance.

Staff Spirit House program sparks excitement among staff

Sasha Prasad and Kathy Wang
October 21, 2023
Senior Hannah Shaw performs a dance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sejong Korean School.

Senior finds creative expression through Korean folk dance

Kathy Wang
October 18, 2023
I know the toilet will murder me if I don’t run away fast enough.

Sorry, Mom, I’m too scared to flush the toilet

Kathy Wang
September 29, 2023
Junior Sarah Lim marks her last putt at Baylands during the team's second match of the season on Aug. 30.

Early season update: Girls’ golf team banks on returning players 

Kathy Wang
September 24, 2023
Seniors sing along for their weekly karaoke activity.

A happy place for all: Elderly find community at the Saratoga Senior Center

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
September 24, 2023
A personification of ChatGPT bot.

As school year concludes, ChatGPT cheating contention simmers to a boil

Andrew Lin and Kathy Wang
May 27, 2023
An “Under Construction” sign replaces the old sign — that showed the opening hours of the track and field.

Safety concerns necessitate summer renovations for track surface and football field turf

Kathy Wang
May 27, 2023
Senior Rosie Kline throws the ball during her water polo match.

Senior spends her evenings coaching competitive swimming at the YMCA

Kathy Wang
May 19, 2023
Plant supervisor Paul Weir, who is a certified pool operator, tests the pH of the pool.

Sport facilities upkeep demands a marathon of maintenance from a small crew

Kathy Wang
May 17, 2023
With their grandpa, sophomore Kathy Wang and her sister, with their matching braided hairstyles, tear up bread to make paomo, a popular Chinese soup.

Before Covid, annual trips to China brought me closer to my grandparents

Kathy Wang
May 13, 2023
With the same face but opposite personalities, twin sisters Liv and Maddie navigate through their high school years together.

‘Liv and Maddie’: A dramatic, funny show that shaped our personalities

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
May 6, 2023
Lisa Chow performs in Winter Guards first competition of the season on February 11 at Fremont High School.

With four new coaches, Winter Guard sees improvement

Kathy Wang
March 17, 2023
Sophomores Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang work hard in the kitchen to prepare a feast.

Cooking showdown: Four students compete in a cooking competition 

Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain, and Kathy Wang
March 14, 2023
 

Racial tensions flared in the ’90s as Asian students gained prominence

Kathy Wang
March 13, 2023
Senior Anand Agrawal checks the fuel quantity in his plane.

A testflight at age 11 plants the seed for pursuing a pilot’s license in high school

Kathy Wang
March 10, 2023
Magic Tree House book: Mummies in the Morning

The Magic Tree House: a nostalgic series bound to whisk you away into historical escapades

Kathy Wang
March 3, 2023
Photo of The Inn at Saratoga.

Rare shooting occurs in Saratoga downtown

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
February 10, 2023
Athletic trainer Caitlin Steiding poses with the football team during the football game senior night.

Athletic trainer forms bonds and guides student helpers

Kathy Wang
January 29, 2023
Sophomore Timothy Leung spoke about being sexually assaulted while in seventh grade and his journey to acceptance.

At SUFC rally, trauma becomes central focus

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
January 29, 2023
Many submissions revolved around the theme of mental health. Among them was senior Christina Chang’s artwork “Burnout,” a mixed media self portrait which comments on the academic culture at Saratoga High. 

Winter Soundings issue to be published online in late January

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
January 24, 2023
The percussionists surround the dancing lions, accompanying them with a rhythmic beat.

Saratoga Library celebrates Lunar New Year by offering community activities

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
January 21, 2023
Sophomore Anika Ramakrishnan practices for her Arangetram with the accompaniment of carnatic music.

Sophomore expresses creative stories of her culture through Indian classical dancing

Kathy Wang
January 20, 2023
A typical store-bought Valentine’s card.

A flashback of elementary Valentine’s Day

Kathy Wang
January 18, 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
Singing for Smiles president and junior Simarya Ahuja sings “Control” by Halsey during the Halloween-themed Singing for Smiles performance.

Junior continues legacy of Singing for Smiles

Kathy Wang
December 7, 2022
 SHS TV head producer, senior Adam Xu, and Kai Otsuka, a first year reporter, set up an interview shot in M102.

SHSTV moves shortened broadcast to sixth period to increase engagement

Kathy Wang
December 5, 2022
The school’s security cameras show two persons of interest involved in the incident.

School fights back against racist incident involving Black doll found hanging in a noose in the quad

Kathy Wang
November 17, 2022
Sophomore Pranav Rajan, who ran a PR of 17:34, races at Crystal Springs during CCS.

Cross country ends season with boys placing No. 6 and girls placing No. 7 at CCS

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
November 17, 2022
Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Kathy Wang
November 14, 2022
 Vendors display heaps of fresh fruit at the Prince of Peace farmers market.

Local business owners showcase their products at weekly farmers market

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
November 10, 2022
French teacher Elaine Haggerty and her family enjoy sushi with her cousin and his family in Japan.

Students and teachers share their favorite cultural cuisines

Kathy Wang
November 7, 2022
Senior Elizabeth Stoiber and juniors Raghav Rajan and Diego Rocabado cheer on sophomore Timothy Leung during the Baylands’ meet on Sept. 20.

Cross country performs well at invitationals and meets

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
September 30, 2022
 Juhi Karamcheti and Mihir Shaik smiles as they perform their partner dance.

Homecoming: Sophomores surprise audience with a rap

Kathy Wang
September 29, 2022
During their Sept. 10 practice, Danny Moon hands the new Walt van Zant trophy to WVJS member Dwayne Spencer, who finished with an all-time personal record.

West Valley Joggers and Striders Club: a microcosm of Saratoga society

Lynn Dai, Saachi Jain, and Kathy Wang
September 29, 2022
Boys and girls cross country rounds up for a break after practice.

Longtime cross country coach uses his time as a runner to better guide athletes

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
September 24, 2022
Junior Levana Lai practices her piece during break at orchestra rehearsal.

Students find community through local youth orchestra

Kathy Wang and Emma Fung
September 24, 2022
Wellness Center coordinator Grace Conley looks over the students gathered there.

Wellness Center welcomes new therapist team, introduces more mental health resources

Lynn Dai and Kathy Wang
September 24, 2022
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