The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
Saratoga Bagels is located a short 4-minute drive from SHS.
Saratoga Bagels: a not-so-hidden, but beloved, gem
November 8, 2025
Courtesy of Respondus The student interface for the lockdown browser.
English department using lockdown browser in Canvas to prevent AI cheating on writing assignments
November 8, 2025
Sophomores Paula Cymbal and Katrina Capello carry a boat in the sophomore portion of the 2002 Homecoming float parade.
Disappearance of Homecoming decorations shows changes in interest, not lack of spirit, school leaders say
November 7, 2025
Freshmen Arjun Garlapati, Ayush Hotha, Aditya Karanam, Nima Noor, Vishak Pillai, Maks Shetler and Neel Tadikamala capture the childhood song “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”
Annual Halloween parade showcases school spirit
November 4, 2025
Youth of Suha Suha members finish art on the music building walls.
Color shines through new music building art installations
November 4, 2025
Students help out at the pick up window.
Students working at Snack Shack gain hands-on volunteering experience preparing food
November 10, 2025
Courtesy of Creative Common License Both tests are administered at proctored testing centers, which can include schools, hotels and other community centers.
Is it better to take the SAT, the ACT or both?
November 10, 2025
Creepy witch decorations set up outside a house on Aloha.
The famed Aloha Avenue Halloween experience left me a bit disappointed
November 8, 2025
Claire’s candle jar (left) and Cece’s wax melter (right).
Petroglyph: A relaxing spot for customizing your own pottery in downtown Los Gatos
November 6, 2025
Courtesy of Kristen Thomson The science department poses together in their rat-themed costumes.
Staff departments coordinate Halloween costumes with creative themes
November 5, 2025
Courtesy of Celcius Athletes often have foods or drinks that they enjoy before a game such as a Celcius.
Players follow superstitions to hype up before a game
November 9, 2025
Luo at the 2024 Starbound Regional Dance Competition; placing second overall for her ballet solo.
Dance star in ISPE maintains rigorous schedule
November 8, 2025
Follmar treks in the mountains of Colorado during the High Lonesome 100 race.
Finding her stride: Cross country coach chases purpose with ultra running
November 5, 2025
Senior Hayden Berry spars against a teammate at Los Gatos Boxing.
Senior pushes physical limits through boxing
November 5, 2025
Courtesy of Jah Bennett Jah Bennett works to help the girls’ basketball team stay in top shape before the season.
Fitness trainer Jah Bennett assists girls’ basketball team
November 3, 2025
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is stranded on a trackside hill as he laments his poor race at the Dutch Grand Prix.
100-word rant: F1 has a gatekeeping problem
November 6, 2025
If there's no sun, how is it so hot?
100-word rant: Weather, can you stop being weird?
October 31, 2025
Courtesy of Apple Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, featuring a redesigned back and new color options.
Backlash over iPhone 17 grows as users call out Apple’s lack of innovation
October 31, 2025
Why is it that out of teenagers, boys find more satisfaction in video games?
How video games are harming teen boys
October 31, 2025
My biggest pet peeve: assignments due at 11:59 p.m.
Assignments should never be due at 11:59 p.m. — the default Canvas time
October 31, 2025
Courtesy of LAIKA Studios I still have nightmares of the Other Mother sewing buttons over my eyes.
As an extremely jumpy person, I’ll gladly skip horror movies
November 5, 2025
Which states in the U.S. are the most auraful?
Top 10: U.S. states with the most aura
October 31, 2025
A composition of all the food I bought.
How far will $10 go to make a meal at Safeway?
October 28, 2025
My current Pinterest feed consists mostly of random trinkets.
Pinterest should be everyone’s alternative to doomscrolling
October 27, 2025
A picture of my family’s filter coffee set.
My late-night journey with culture, studying and filter coffee
October 27, 2025
Volume 66, Issue 1
Volume 66, Issue 1
October 31, 2025
Volume 65, Issue 4
Volume 65, Issue 4
April 20, 2025
Volume 65, Issue 3
Volume 65, Issue 3
February 21, 2025
Volume 65, Issue 2
Volume 65, Issue 2
December 21, 2024
Volume 65, Issue 1
Volume 65, Issue 1
October 20, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
All content by Lynn Dai
Student amazed upon receiving a schedule of seven classes.

Yes, it’s hard, but taking seven classes a year is worth the time and effort

Sam Bai and Lynn Dai
Mary Wong in a 1961 news clipping from Beloit Daily; Mary Wong and a young Hannah Dimock at their 2013 Wong’s family reunion.

The Wongs, five generations since immigration: treasuring family legacy and values in America

Lynn Dai
New guidance counselor Toni Jones works with a student at Escola Americana Do Rio Janeiro in Brazil.

International experiences supplement new guidance counselor’s goals and philosophy

Lynn Dai
Junior Lynn Dai presents the results of her project through the zFairs platform on April 11.

Photo or Graphic for: Students compete at California Science & Engineering Fair but fail to advance to further competition

Isabelle Wang
In San Jose’s South Hall, many students sit in chairs waiting for judges as others present their projects.

Local Synopsys Science Fair returns fully in person, 11 students win awards and four qualify for state fair

Lynn Dai and Saachi Jain
1950s Saratoga's Swanee Plaza, now the Saratoga Historical Museum.

Time capsule 1968: WASC report reveals an unfamiliar past

Lynn Dai and Howard Shu
In a match at San Francisco on Jan. 28, Fernandes (in red) tries to subdue an opponent.

A teacher and a class clown: an unlikely friendship forged through wrestling

Lynn Dai
 

Photo or Graphic for: Racial tensions flared in the ’90s as Asian students gained prominence

Kathy Wang
From a Google satellite image, the school's combination of various spaces, entrances and exits allows for the retention and growth of energy within the campus.

Finding harmony in SHS through feng shui

Lynn Dai
LGSUHSD’s three new board members.

Three newest district board members see potential for positive change

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
How much money students spent at Saratoga High School compared to the national average.

Photo or Graphic for: How do students spend their money?

Sam Bai and Victoria Lin
At Villa Montalvo’s Carriage House, Jaishri Abichandani talks about a sculpture she created to commemorate her interactions with the community.

Leading South Asian artists discuss community, intersectionality of culture at Montalvo for SALA Festival

Lynn Dai
Salin works on a film at New York University; Vora reviews the script with her actresses for her thesis project at Chapman University.

Alumni recall the transformative experience of MAP for them

Lynn Dai
A duck puts up a superficial facade of calmness as it floats peacefully along the surface of the water; beneath the surface, it paddles frantically to stay afloat.

Photo or Graphic for: Stanford professor’s findings help explain why so many young people feel so miserable

Christina Chang
The PTSO gains most of its budget from "Just Do It" donations and matching funds. 

Donations are ‘voluntary,’ but programs can’t run without them

Lynn Dai
IMG_3121

Photo or Graphic for: School shooting pranks undermine safety

Sam Bai
Special Education teacher Brian Elliott meets with his seniors one by one at the “senior conference table.”

‘Creative, adaptable, family-oriented and kind’: Teacher of the Year’s vision transcends teaching within four walls

Lynn Dai

Saratoga wrestles with state demands for increased housing

Lynn Dai
Ask someone out with these easy, fool-proof methods.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10 ways to ask someone out

Christina Chang and Sam Bai
Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
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
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
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
Last year, Vanry shared Nanaimo bars, a classic dessert from her Canadian heritage, on the seniors’ last day. 

Vanry retires after 12 years at school, Tarbox now teaching visual arts

Lynn Dai
On her graduation day, Young stands in front of her sorority with two of her best friends.

Guidance counselor Monique Young: lifelong mentor, former recreation leader and event coordinator

Lynn Dai
Cross country runners practiced treading in the pool when temperatures soared above 90 on Aug. 19.

Sports teams change practice routines to work around historic heat wave

Lynn Dai
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
 Freshman Sydney Riera swings the bat during the Falcons’ last league game against Santa Clara on May 12, where the team won 15-4.

Softball team qualifies for CCS after recent comeback

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu
The Saratoga Historical Park Museum, constructed in 1904, features a false-front pioneer architectural style. The building, originally known as the Swanee Dress Shop, was built in 1905 and refurbished in 1976.

Saratoga: Shangri-La of historical homes and orchards

Lynn Dai
Mayor Tina Walia introduces the Blossom Festival to residents in the gazebo.

Saratoga Historical Foundation hosts Blossom Festival following 2-year hiatus

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
State law forces cafeteria to provide free meals for all students in 2022-2023 school year

State law forces cafeteria to provide free meals for all students in 2022-2023 school year

Lynn Dai
The Tamasha dance team performs at their BnB performance on Feb. 19

Tamasha highlights Bollywood culture at the school

Lynn Dai and Nikhil Mathihalli

Season preview: Softball fosters positive environment, optimism

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu

What you need to know about the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
Juniors Kasie Yang, Dyne Lee and Emily Lu discuss their group website with two judges from the National History Day senior division competition, held at the school on March 12.

APUSH students explore 2022 NHD theme debate and diplomacy through variety of media, topics

Lynn Dai
Screen Shot 2022-03-10 at 11.10.20 AM

Photo or Graphic for: Toga boys need to stop acting ‘hood’

Lena Aribi andMeher Bhatnagar
Family of titans: Stratakos siblings dominate on the tennis court

Family of titans: Stratakos siblings dominate on the tennis court

Lynn Dai
The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20.

Boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics: a reminder for IOC officials to step up their game

Lynn Dai
Three seniors applied early decision to Cornell, Northwestern and Boston University. They will be majoring in chemical engineering, musical composition, computer science and applied mathematics, and pediatrics, respectively.

The process of Early Decisions: tips from two STEM-bound seniors

Lynn Dai and Christopher Chen
The Outreach Commission announces this year’s Speak Up For Change theme: Stepping Forward.

Speak Up For Change reveals this year’s theme: Stepping Forward

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
Screen Shot 2022-01-18 at 10.44.11 AM

Photo or Graphic for: What’s in your Notes app?

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
Agarwal's piece "Tangled Shut Down" explores her struggles in mental health and insomnia from schoolwork.

Bold, hands-on, impatient: junior’s style of approaching visual art

Lynn Dai
trespass_graphic

Photo or Graphic for: Administration re-examines Safety Plan after trespassers enter campus

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar

Bell schedule change advances for second semester

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
The need for tech refresh: Establish a tech booster organization

The need for tech refresh: Establish a tech booster organization

Lynn Dai
Boys’ basketball poses for a team photo at Mountain View High School on July 16, when they won first place at the Mountain View tournament.

Traditions help teams bond, maintain chemistry over quarantine

Lynn Dai
The LGSUHSD board, Curriculum Alignment Course Pathway Committee, teachers, parents and students convene to discuss the issues at hand at the Nov. 16 board meeting.

Board preliminarily supports alignment of graduation requirements between SHS and LG, leaves door open for considering full alignment

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
The aftermath.

I ran barefoot at a cross country meet

Lynn Dai
After leaving the turkey in the oven for four hours, we unwrapped the foil and let it cool on the counter.

This Thanksgiving, try something new: Prepare a whole turkey

Lynn Dai
Jensen penned a public email on Aug. 30 blaming the 40.1 percent of foreigners in Saratoga for wasting the city’s water supply.

Member of city Planning Commission resigns over comments widely seen as xenophobic

Lynn Dai and Christina Chang
Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
 Santa Clara County Fire recently deployed routine use of tactical water tenders, which quickly deliver additional water at vegetation fires where fire hydrants may be unavailable.

Fall means fire season — and preparation for potential emergencies

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
Students engage in games at the Back to School Social on August 13.

Students discuss excitement, challenges of being back in-person school

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
The front page of Draw For A Cause features the nonprofit’s mascot, Sumie.

Junior expands love for digital art

Lynn Dai
Students and staff walk by the student center during Phase 3A in March. 

School outlines COVID-19 protocols and expectations

Lynn Dai and Shaan Sridhar
With a regular intake of water and the addition of these remedies to your meals, you’ll feel as cool as a cucumber.

Natural remedies prove surprisingly fruitful against effects of smoky air

Lynn Dai
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