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
All content by Victoria Hu
A map of the University of Edinburgh and three ESCP Business School locations.

Senior Mag 2024: Seniors scatter to the winds, seeking college opportunities abroad

Victoria Hu
May 25, 2024
Nancy has spent the last three years playing for the school’s softball team.

Senior Mag 2024: Nancy of all trades: Senior discovers community through music, martial arts and sports

Victoria Hu
May 25, 2024
Mmmm…

Senior Mag 2024: Reviewing dorm-friendly microwave mug recipes so you don’t have to

Victoria Hu, Leyna Chan, and Sanjoli Gupta
May 25, 2024
Natalie and Victoria’s tentative first bites.

Spicy ‘reaper’ tenders at Dave’s Hot Chicken fail to bring the heat

Leyna Chan, Natalie Chua, Victoria Hu, and Sarah Zhou
March 24, 2024
Senior Ameya Saund strikes a pose during her costume photoshoot on Aug. 27.

Dancer and storyteller: Senior polishes steps in preparation for classical Indian debut performance

Victoria Hu
October 14, 2023
Me as a contortionist, apparently dancing with the daisies in a flowery field. This is a cry for help.

MBTI test proves to be disturbingly accurate

Victoria Hu
March 26, 2023
Seniors Morris Yu and Blake Zhou work on their paper airplane folding machine.

Upperclassmen apply engineering skills to passion projects of their own choosing

Victoria Hu
March 24, 2023
An advertisement for the US National Chemistry Olympiad is written on the board in chemistry teacher Janny Cahatol’s room.

Students achieve success in STEM contests, qualifying for Olympiad rounds

Victoria Hu
March 24, 2023
Senior Lisa Fung reads a paper at her desk to understand the mathematics behind her project. 

Senior named scholar in Regeneron STS research competition

Victoria Hu and Anthony Wang
March 8, 2023
Who said eyes have to be circles?

Living with rapidly worsening eyesight

Victoria Hu
February 27, 2023
The Falcons face off against Homestead on Jan. 12.

Girls’ basketball: Challenging season comes to a close

Victoria Hu and Annie Liu
February 13, 2023
Geese roam the halls outside the Engineering Lab in May 2021.

Well-forested campus serves as haven for birds and other wildlife

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
February 8, 2023
Redwood trees line the campus border on Saratoga Sunnyvale Road.

Maintenance team focuses on creating safe, inviting landscaping on school’s 40-acre campus

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
February 8, 2023
A student shadow sits in on their matched volunteer’s classes.

Prospective students get a peek into campus life through shadowing program

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
February 3, 2023
The Falcons play against Aptos on Dec. 5.

With only eight players, girls’ basketball lacks full roster as season begins

Annie Liu and Victoria Hu
December 10, 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
A wide variety of traditional jams, spices, beans and other foods stock the shelves of Rose Market in downtown Saratoga.

Cultural grocery stores: an essential for Bay Area residents

Victoria Hu and Beverly Xu
December 6, 2022
A crowd gathers on the blacktop before the 5K for packet pickup.

SEF draws high participation in first community 5K fun run

Victoria Hu
November 28, 2022
Junior Saara Saini tutors at Algebra 1 Math Lab on Nov. 12.

Math teacher starts Saturday peer tutoring program to support Algebra 1 class

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
November 21, 2022
Now MAP seniors pose for a picture before their trial in May.

Students find greater interactivity and room for creativity in MAP than regular humanities classes

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
November 10, 2022
Freshmen Riya Rama and Mihika Singh practice doubles during practice on Sept. 19.

Through steady training and stronger morale, girls’ tennis continues winning streak

Victoria Hu
October 20, 2022
In groups, students practice stage fighting at a ComedySportz practice on Oct. 5.

ComedySportz works to win crowd over with puns

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
October 12, 2022
Choir students perform for church service in the Votivkirche church, Vienna.

Flight delays, cancellations can’t dampen memories of 232 music students’ uplifting summer trip to Europe

Victoria Hu
September 23, 2022
Senior captain Arshi Chawla prepares to return a serve during a practice on Sept. 19.

Girls’ tennis focuses on improving team spirit and securing lineup

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
September 22, 2022
Drama leadership poses together after successfully hosting welcome night.

Curtain up: Drama to perform ‘The Crucible’ this fall

Victoria Hu
September 19, 2022
This thing has no right being as tall as an obnoxious toddler.

I survived: the box jumps

Victoria Hu
September 17, 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
 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
May 22, 2022
Falcon individuals and teams shine in their respective sports

Falcon individuals and teams shine in their respective sports

Sam Bai, Aiden Ye, and Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Guidance department chair Alinna Satake to depart for another school

Guidance department chair Alinna Satake to depart for another school

Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Active parent groups work to support Saratoga school community

Active parent groups work to support Saratoga school community

Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Students share experiences living in Saratoga with out-of-the-mainstream political beliefs

Students share experiences living in Saratoga with out-of-the-mainstream political beliefs

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
May 17, 2022
Seniors take creative dive into Capstone films

Seniors take creative dive into Capstone films

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
May 15, 2022
Even if my sleep isn’t so refreshing, I can always count on the dictionary to bring some positive energy into my day.

Interpreting the nightmares that plague my sleep

Victoria Hu
May 12, 2022
After the dryness of that baked potato, we will need IV fluids to die properly hydrated.

Our top 10 deathbed regrets

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
April 28, 2022
Students and staff share opinions on bill that proposes child vaccination without parental consent

Students and staff share opinions on bill that proposes child vaccination without parental consent

Victoria Hu
March 31, 2022

Season preview: Softball fosters positive environment, optimism

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu
March 20, 2022
Environmental Science students travel to Año Nuevo State Park to observe elephant seals

Environmental Science students travel to Año Nuevo State Park to observe elephant seals

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
March 10, 2022
It is scientifically shown that the Roller Revolution was the driving force behind human evolution.

Standing up for roller backpack rights

Victoria Hu
March 4, 2022
Cartier is quaking.  

Budget-friendly bling: bending paper clips into rings

Victoria Hu
March 4, 2022
Club president Angela Luo presents to members with vice president Margaret Laver and Secretary Riley Alves during the first meeting.

Animal Science Club plans to provide animal-related volunteer opportunities to members

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
March 2, 2022

My chaotic thoughts on foggy glasses

Victoria Hu
January 31, 2022
Senior Kaasha Minocha takes her COVID-19 test on Jan. 6.

School ends close contact notices in favor of weekly testing, plans to distribute N95/KN95 masks

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
January 24, 2022
District utilizes mass COVID-19 testing to identify new cases

District utilizes mass COVID-19 testing to identify new cases

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
January 9, 2022
Senior Mahi Ravi winds up to shoot during the girls’ water polo senior game against Cupertino on Oct. 19. 

After frustrating season, girls’ water polo looks to improve next year

Victoria Hu and Stephanie Sun
November 18, 2021
Teachers feel stressed juggling activities such as in-person teaching, advisories, and committee meetings.

Department chairs voice wide-ranging concerns in open letter to district leaders and board

Victoria Hu
November 17, 2021
Students edited audio of ghost stories with sound effects.

MAP 10 brings ghost podcasts to life

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
November 12, 2021
Drama director Benjamin Brotzman describes the design and dimensions of a set piece to senior Leslie Robinson.

New technical theater class prepares for fall play

Victoria Hu
November 4, 2021
Winter Formal planning aims to overcome setbacks amid ongoing pandemic restrictions

Winter Formal planning aims to overcome setbacks amid ongoing pandemic restrictions

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
November 4, 2021
The items I’ve lost at school.

My ‘losing things’ streak

Victoria Hu
November 2, 2021
Overinflated blue marshmallows abound.

My winter jackets: extremely puffy but practical

Victoria Hu
October 24, 2021
Freshman Cassidy Coghlan winds her arm back in preparation for a shot during a game against Santa Clara on Oct. 5.

Freshman rises to challenge of varsity water polo team

Victoria Hu and Stephanie Sun
October 7, 2021
studentparkingcartoon

Photo or Graphic for: Hot take: Allow dropoffs in senior and junior parking areas

Aiden Ye
October 6, 2021
Two freshman skit performers battle each other using pool noodles during quad day.

Freshmen overcome hurdles for challenging but rewarding quad day performance

Victoria Hu
October 6, 2021
Under the magnifying glass: students with faculty and staff parents

Under the magnifying glass: students with faculty and staff parents

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
October 2, 2021
The misery of getting your essay back

What to do when your prized essay comes back bleeding red

Victoria Hu
September 30, 2021
MAP 11 students pose in front of Universal Studios on a pre-pandemic field trip to LA.

MAP field trips return after pandemic year

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
September 20, 2021
Students and staff can sign up for Talkspace and gain access to licensed therapists in about three minutes.

Talkspace provides free access to online therapy for students and staff

Victoria Hu and Brian Sheen
September 8, 2021
Dora and I, at elementary school age, taking a wholesome family photo in our backyard.

Living as my older sister’s doppelgänger

Victoria Hu
September 5, 2021
Chef Suzuki and two guests raise a toast to Hachi Ju Hachi’s reopening.

Local family-owned restaurants bounce back after reopening

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
September 5, 2021
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