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 Nikhil Mathihalli
Assortments of college ranking list with factors such as acceptance rate, major, ranking and cost.

While flawed, college ranking systems remain necessary tools for constructing college lists

William Cao and Nikhil Mathihalli
May 15, 2024
Freshman Quinn Bossow’s SCVAL bracket and performance.

Multisport athletes draw on past experiences for an improved wrestling season

William Cao and Nikhil Mathihalli
February 14, 2024
Freshman Quinn Bossow works a kneebar ankle technique on Coach Paola Ramirez as Hayley Aguilar, sophomore Jayden Kwon and David Baek observe.

Wrestling head coach invites her past teammates to help team improve techniques

William Cao and Nikhil Mathihalli
December 11, 2023
Seniors Paul Hulme and Taylor Chu pose in front of the set-up balloon arc during the Homecoming football game against Cupertino on Sept. 22.

Royalty honored at halftime of Homecoming game along with fall teams

Nikhil Mathihalli
September 24, 2023
Class of 1998 shooting guard Luke Weger hits a clutch three-pointer with around four minutes left to extend the Falcons’ lead to 58-52.

25 years later: SHS’s version of a staggering March Madness upset

Nikhil Mathihalli and Howard Shu
April 3, 2023
A-team members senior Adam Xu, senior Nilay Mishra, junior Advaith Avadhanam and senior Anthony Wang listen attentively as the round’s questions are being read.

Science Bowl team places first at regionals, heads to nationals

Nikhil Mathihalli and Anthony Wang
March 26, 2023
 Coach Taylor Wilson and senior captain Sohum Bhan instruct a series of wrestling moves to the rest of the team.

5-member wrestling team hopes to increase size in future

Nikhil Mathihalli
February 16, 2023
Junior Avik Belenje and freshman Ishir Gupta play a doubles match together during a practice on Feb. 9.

Season preview: Badminton returns to rebuilding after 2022 postseason success

Nikhil Mathihalli and William Norwood
February 13, 2023
Senior guard Julian Berklowitz-Sklar gets ready for a defensive possession late in the team’s game against Los Gatos on Feb. 8.

Wildcats deal blow to Falcons’ CCS chances

Neal Malhotra, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Andy Zhu
February 13, 2023
Senior Ojas Somani teaches the All-Males Dance (AMD) to members in preparation for their upcoming performance in BNB.

Bombay in the Bay video process aims to recognize long-time senior participants

Nikhil Mathihalli
February 12, 2023
Members of MSET Fish discuss possible robotics designs during the season kickoff day on Jan. 9.

MSET Fish work to build new robot for ‘Charged Up’ FRC season

Nikhil Mathihalli
February 12, 2023
The waves crashing at the beautiful Carmel Beach.

February Break travel guide: 48 hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Neal Malhotra and Nikhil Mathihalli
February 10, 2023
Juniors Emily Ta and Josh Ta with their family and friends at the 49ers home playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 22. 

Students disappointed with another 49ers NFC Championship loss

Nikhil Mathihalli and Kavya Patel
February 9, 2023
The beaches at Cambria are beautiful places to enjoy with your family and fuzzy friends.

Enjoy a sandy winter break vacation in relaxing Cambria

Neal Malhotra and Nikhil Mathihalli
December 6, 2022
Members of winter percussion warm up and get ready in the “lot” — the location outside the performance venue — during the Northern California Percussion Alliance (NCPA) Championships at American Canyon High.

80 students join winter percussion

Nikhil Mathihalli
December 6, 2022
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program gives a $20,000 academic scholarship for 150 students each year.

2 seniors advance in Coca-Cola Scholars program

Nikhil Mathihalli
December 5, 2022
Quiz Bowl Club officers teach techniques and train the team members by answering quick questions during their lunch meetings. 

Quiz Bowl wins first two tournaments, qualifies for national tournament

Nikhil Mathihalli, Aiden Ye, and Zack Zhang
December 1, 2022
The theme for this year’s Winter Formal is “Met Gala Afterparty.” The dance will take place on Dec. 10 at Great America from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Huge turnout expected for Winter formal at Great America

Nikhil Mathihalli
November 30, 2022
Autumn is my favorite season of the year. The weather is perfect, and time with family is memorable.

It’s autumn and time to celebrate

Nikhil Mathihalli
November 6, 2022
Juniors celebrate their quad day performance on Sept. 22.

The juniors had the best quad-day performance

Neal Malhotra and Nikhil Mathihalli
October 20, 2022
Substitute Chris Rasmussen, who teaches U.S. history and History in Film, works with a student during fourth period on Oct. 19.

Subs fill in for history and math teachers on leave

Nikhil Mathihalli, Nilay Mishra, and Jonathan Si
October 19, 2022
The Soundings magazine staff meets during an Oct. 19 tutorial in English teacher Amy Keys’s room.

Soundings literary magazine to have two issues, seeks to gain wider participation

Nikhil Mathihalli
October 19, 2022
There is no place better than Reddit to waste your time.

Top 10 subreddits

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
September 29, 2022
History of the case fatality rate of COVID-19.

We wish COVID was over; it’s not

Nikhil Mathihalli and Anthony Wang
September 24, 2022
Class of 2015 alumna Sabrina Chen with members of the 2015 Falcon staff and journalism adviser Michael Tyler.

Class of ‘15 valedictorian recalls high school memories — and her Falcon love story

Nikhil Mathihalli
September 21, 2022
Laws, who started at the schools in 2021 with English 9 and 10, is now the adviser for the Talisman.

English teacher Megan Laws steps up as new yearbook adviser

Neal Malhotra and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 12, 2022
28 in the Class of 2023 announced as National Merit Semifinalists

28 in the Class of 2023 announced as National Merit Semifinalists

Nikhil Mathihalli
September 11, 2022
‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ highlights everything wrong with the Marvel Cinematic Universe

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ highlights everything wrong with the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Nikhil Mathihalli
September 10, 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
Sophomore Owen Liang answers questions for a scouter from another FRC team during the FRC World Championship

Robotics teams clash against the world’s best teams in Houston

Nikhil Mathihalli and Daniel Wu
May 30, 2022
Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye

Pickett retires after 9 years of teaching math at the school

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
May 20, 2022

Top 10 Michaels

Nikhil Mathihalli and Arnav Swamy
May 12, 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
The Tamasha dance team performs at their BnB performance on Feb. 19

Tamasha highlights Bollywood culture at the school

Lynn Dai and Nikhil Mathihalli
April 1, 2022

Banner year for robotics: Both major teams to compete in Worlds

Nikhil Mathihalli
April 1, 2022

Boys’ volleyball hopes to avoid injuries that plagued them last year

Nikhil Mathihalli and Viraaj Reddi
March 20, 2022
Guacamole is the worst

Guacamole is the worst

Nikhil Mathihalli
March 20, 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
Same-subject classes should have similar policies, assessments and difficulty

Same-subject classes should have similar policies, assessments and difficulty

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
March 16, 2022
The FRC hardware team is fixing their robot, Cowfish, for their regional tournament at San Francisco.

Two regionals put MSET Fish’s robot to the test

Nikhil Mathihalli and Arnav Swamy
March 15, 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
The Saratoga Library: at the heart of the city

The Saratoga Library: at the heart of the city

Nikhil Mathihalli
March 12, 2022

100-word rant: Please, I don’t want to freeze in class

Nikhil Mathihalli
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
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
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 boys’ varsity soccer team huddles up to end their practice.

Boys’ soccer finds early league success

Annie Liu, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Tiffany Wang
January 21, 2022
After months of deliberation, school board leaves bell schedule unchanged

After months of deliberation, school board leaves bell schedule unchanged

Andrew Lin and Nikhil Mathihalli
January 21, 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

Top 10 excuses for not returning your friend’s pencil

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
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 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
A deep dive into popular cereals

A deep dive into popular cereals

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
November 17, 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
Why can’t I make decisions?

Why can’t I make decisions?

Nikhil Mathihalli
November 2, 2021
For more information about Homecoming, scan this QR code

Homecoming bounces back

Nikhil Mathihalli
October 8, 2021
Teams get ready with their robots to begin their match

MSET Fish exceed expectations at CalGames

Nikhil Mathihalli
October 8, 2021
Freshmen Caleb Yu, Arsh Tikku, Langdon Huynh and Vivaan Suri review their cases during speech and debate practice on Oct. 1.

Speech and debate, facing challenges on all fronts, begins to find solutions

Nikhil Mathihalli and Shreya Rallabandi
October 7, 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

MSET Fish exceed expectations at CalGames

Nikhil Mathihalli
October 6, 2021

Quiz Bowl practices remain online to mimic tournament setting

Nikhil Mathihalli and Jonny Luo
October 6, 2021

Top 10 ways to get bored

Nikhil Mathihalli and Aiden Ye
October 6, 2021
The sophomores perform their partner/co-ed dance during their quad day.

Delayed by a pandemic, sophomores struggle with first quad day performance

Nikhil Mathihalli
October 3, 2021
Music department back on track after rough pandemic year

Music department back on track after rough pandemic year

Shannon Ma and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 20, 2021
Recapping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Recapping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Jonny Luo and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 11, 2021
As promised, district offers online program for ‘21-‘22

As promised, district offers online program for ‘21-‘22

Howard Shu and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 10, 2021
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