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 Meher Bhatnagar
My friend group and I at our very last homecoming quad day.

Senior Mag 2024: Banter and snark bring my ‘1/3rd diverse’ friend group closer together

Meher Bhatnagar
May 28, 2024
I loved to experiment using different ingredients in my slime. 

How my fifth-grade slime obsession led to a small business

Meher Bhatnagar
April 5, 2024
Theo James and Shaeliene Woodley’s chemistry make the dystopian movie an almost love story.

Veronica Roth’s ‘Divergent’ is comparable to its movie adaptation

Meher Bhatnagar
April 3, 2024
The SHS Grad Night website details the extensive itinerary planned for the evening.

Grad Night for Class of `24 features music, live entertainment and surprise events

Meher Bhatnagar and Kavya Patel
February 13, 2024
Preparing for my second set of squats on leg day.

Leg day does not deserve the disrespect it gets

Meher Bhatnagar
December 16, 2023
The fight for the bottle never ends.

Please bring back ketchup packets in the cafeteria

Meher Bhatnagar
December 15, 2023
I’m hoping that this is what my graduation will look like.

How am I a senior already?

Meher Bhatnagar
November 16, 2023
Butterflies are the ultimate master of disguise, creeping up when you least expect it.

Butterflies and moths: Two sides of the same horrid coin

Meher Bhatnagar
October 7, 2023
The sun sets on the horizon as the ceremony commenced on August 22.

Celebration of life hosted on beach pays heartfelt tribute to a beloved classmate

Meher Bhatnagar
September 30, 2023
Some migraine-inducing math concepts shouldn’t exist — or simply just calculus as a whole.

With or without calculus, your future can still be bright

Meher Bhatnagar and Michelle Wan
June 2, 2023
Freshman Kelsey Zhang gets ready to dive into the water at Clovis West High School during the CIF state championship.

Photo or Graphic for: Swimming superstar: Freshman makes school history with state meet win in the 100-meter fly

Nicole Lee
May 26, 2023
The atrium lies at the center of the office, allowing sunlight in through the roof.

Historical atrium in office commemorates  impactful parent

Meher Bhatnagar and Ariel Zhou
May 26, 2023
Wallen’s album cover showcases him standing outside of his grandma’s house.

Morgan Wallen’s album ‘One Thing at a Time’ captures dynamic emotions and pays homage to family

Meher Bhatnagar
May 24, 2023
The view off of the cliff overlooking Bonny Doon Beach.

How to plan the perfect day trip to Santa Cruz 

Meher Bhatnagar
May 20, 2023
Clockwise from top left: Crunch Fitness, Fitness 19 Meridian Avenue, 49ers Fit and UFC Fit.

Which gym is best? A guide for high school students

Meher Bhatnagar
March 24, 2023
Some of the worst characteristics a person can have.

Bottom 10: Worst genres of people at SHS

Meher Bhatnagar and Ariel Zhou
March 16, 2023
Rainbow Magic: The most captivating series for 8-year-old girls

Rainbow Magic: The most captivating series for 8-year-old girls

Meher Bhatnagar and Ariel Zhou
March 16, 2023
Being able to create your own dreams is a fascinating ability.

Lucid Dreaming has made me question what constitutes reality

Meher Bhatnagar
March 7, 2023
Seriously, find a new personality.

App users download personalities off the internet

Meher Bhatnagar and Ariel Zhou
February 13, 2023
‘Smile’ is the best horror movie of 2022

‘Smile’ is the best horror movie of 2022

Meher Bhatnagar and Alexander Kan
February 6, 2023
Co-captains junior Zinneerah Ahmed and senior Tanya Ghai command the court during the Lynbrook game.

Girls’ basketball faces tough losses, CCS prospects unlikely

Christina Chang, Meher Bhatnagar, and Ariel Zhou
January 31, 2023
Should hooking up be considered a norm in our developing generations?

Hook-up culture promotes unhealthy morals for younger generations

Meher Bhatnagar and Michelle Wan
January 24, 2023
A sample of the wide array of foods Ettan provides.

Ettan is my new favorite restaurant for Indian food

Meher Bhatnagar
December 13, 2022
Anzalone subs for an APUSH class while Morelle is on leave.

History teacher takes maternity leave until second semester

Meher Bhatnagar and Ariel Zhou
November 17, 2022
A student staring at the bleachers in shock, wondering where everyone is. 

Dear Toga student section: stop being so lame

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
November 12, 2022
The ups and downs of growing up with an uncommon name

The ups and downs of growing up with an uncommon name

Meher Bhatnagar
November 11, 2022
Zhang swimming in the 200 mixed freestyle relay

Freshman swimmer achieves Olympic Trials cuts in 200 fly

Meher Bhatnagar
September 29, 2022
The iconic pretty pink box which the cookies are served in

The Crumbl Cookies Shop on Camden Avenue is my recent obsession

Meher Bhatnagar
September 25, 2022
A compilation of some of our favorite BeReal’s

New photo app BeReal sparks transparency among teenagers

Meher Bhatnagar and Michelle Wan
September 22, 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
Senior midfield Caroline Keogh begins to jog further up the field in aims to aid her teammates

Fighting injuries, girls’ lacrosse finishes 5-7 in league

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
May 28, 2022
 Senior midfield Nathan Zaragoza runs with the ball alongside senior Adam Weinstock, who rushes to guard him.

Boys’ lacrosse ends with 12-4 league record

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
May 22, 2022
Midfield player Matt Horvath rushes towards the goal after intercepting a pass from the opposing team.

With early wins, boys’ lacrosse builds momentum

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
March 18, 2022
The value of having the same group of friends since elementary school

The value of having the same group of friends since elementary school

Meher Bhatnagar
March 15, 2022
Junior boys arrive on stage in their starting positions awaiting the loud music.

Bombay in the Bay dazzles in person

Meher Bhatnagar and Nikhil Mathihalli
March 10, 2022
Bombay in the Bay still on track for in-person performance

Bombay in the Bay still on track for in-person performance

Meher Bhatnagar and Nikhil Mathihalli
January 20, 2022
Saratoga’s Madronia Cemetery holds stories and rich history

Saratoga’s Madronia Cemetery holds stories and rich history

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
January 18, 2022
What's in your Notes app?

What’s in your Notes app?

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
January 18, 2022
Administration re-examines Safety Plan after trespassers enter campus

Administration re-examines Safety Plan after trespassers enter campus

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
December 3, 2021
After a long day, we like to come home and scream to songs in the shower

Exploring universal shower thoughts

Meher Bhatnagar and Kavya Patel
November 29, 2021
‘Sexy Beasts’: appealing but disappointing

‘Sexy Beasts’: appealing but disappointing

Meher Bhatnagar and Harshini Velchamy
November 29, 2021
At the beginning of the game against Homestead, the field hockey team runs onto the field.

Following 9-1 season, field hockey loses in second round of CCS

Meher Bhatnagar and Andy Chen
November 19, 2021
A list of do’s and don'ts regarding one of the most popular social media apps for teens

Decoding the unwritten rules of Snapchat

Meher Bhatnagar and Kavya Patel
November 2, 2021
My friend and I waiting for Pitbull to appear onstage after Iggy Azalea's performance

Pitbull concert really was the time of my life

Meher Bhatnagar
November 1, 2021
National TikTok results in some campus vandalism; administration enforces consequences

National TikTok results in some campus vandalism; administration enforces consequences

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
October 8, 2021
The new dance team poses after practice in the dance studio.

Dance team captains, officers step up in wake of coach’s departure due to maternity leave

Meher Bhatnagar and Audrey Mah
September 17, 2021
KQED report: Former El Gato editor-in-chief claims newspaper adviser blocked multiple stories

KQED report: Former El Gato editor-in-chief claims newspaper adviser blocked multiple stories

Meher Bhatnagar, Atrey Desai, and Anouk Yeh
September 10, 2021
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