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

William Norwood, Opinion Editor

All content by William Norwood
The 2024 F1 season has already crowned 7 Grand Prix winners — the most since 2012.

The rise and appeal of Formula 1 racing

Dhatri Iyer and William Norwood
September 18, 2024
The 2023-2024 yearbook printed with the yearbook company Walsworth.

Yearbook plans to switch its publishing company for new school year

Nicole Lee and William Norwood
May 21, 2024
The immense piles of emails we get from the district each week.

Too many district emails muddle the efficiency of communication

William Norwood
May 21, 2024
Face-off between Pro-Palestinan protests at New York’s Columbia University.

Universities go too far in crackdowns on protests

William Norwood
May 21, 2024
The most important day of the year: Waffle Day

The most important day of the year: Waffle Day

William Norwood and Sarah Thomas
March 25, 2024
Reporters get ready to ingest the various flavors and test their spice tolerances.

Noodle, noodle on the tongue, what’s the spiciest flavor of them all?

Nicole Lee, William Norwood, and Divya Vadlakonda
March 13, 2024
The two geese on campus waddling around the front entrance of the school.

The geese on campus should be celebrated, not scorned

Nicole Lee and William Norwood
March 11, 2024
Subway’s footlong pretzel, cookie and churro.

Sussing out the new subway Sidekicks

William Norwood and Isabelle Wang
March 7, 2024
A rain cloud smacking somebody with a fist.

Rain, while sometimes inconvenient, sustains us

Nicole Lee and William Norwood
March 7, 2024
The pig fetus lab on Feb. 5.

Photo or Graphic for: Orre’s curriculum in Anatomy and Physiology evolves to stay relevant

Victoria Lin and Isabelle Wang
February 28, 2024
Senior guard Brooks Overton shoots a 3-point shot over Monta Vista defender on Feb. 8 senior night.

Photo or Graphic for: Electric senior night caps off final home game before CCS

Neal Malhotra
February 13, 2024
My tote bag collection portrayed by Isabelle.

Tote bags are symbolic of Gen Z fashion and trends

William Norwood
February 5, 2024
The new 2024-25 calendar gives students a full week off for Thanksgiving.

Start of school bumped earlier as district moves to a full week off for Thanksgiving

William Norwood and Sarah Thomas
January 26, 2024
On a game against Prospect High School, players get ready to advance.

Photo or Graphic for: As evidence of head injuries grows, football players weigh pros and cons of continuing to play

Lawson Wang and Ruiyan Zhu
January 25, 2024
The map above indicates in red where Trump won and in blue where Haley won.

Despite Trump’s double-digit primary victory, Biden still in favorable position

William Norwood
January 25, 2024
Macaroni noodles suspended in a strawberry cheese jello.

Amateurs’ kitchen: Combining sweets and salts in a meal and not loving the results

William Norwood, Nicole Lee, and Isabelle Wang
January 24, 2024
Puxtswaney Phil emerging from his burrow to dictate how much longer winter will be.

What even is Groundhog Day?

Victoria Lin and William Norwood
January 24, 2024
One of my favorite vegetarian meals.

When it comes to eating styles, pescetarianism strikes a sensible balance

William Norwood
January 23, 2024
Nicole, William, Sarah and Isabelle smile happily over food.

The QUIET SHY somehow carried the BRITISH CHAD

Nicole Lee, William Norwood, Sarah Thomas, and Isabelle Wang
December 20, 2023
If you’re pregnant (or not), avoid these truly odd food cravings

If you’re pregnant (or not), avoid these truly odd food cravings

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
December 14, 2023
The football team gathers in a huddle on August 25.

Photo or Graphic for: Football: a destination worth your time

Alan Cai
December 14, 2023
The vacancy of Speaker of the house left the Republicans in disarray.

The latest, greatest embarrassment of the GOP —  the election of a speaker — shows the party is incapable of leading

William Norwood
December 7, 2023
Last-minute formal fashion tip: Why Shrek Crocs are what you need

Last-minute formal fashion tip: Why Shrek Crocs are what you need

William Norwood
December 2, 2023
Students during closing ceremonies after the three day conference.

Model UN team gains experience from first conference at Stanford

Sanjoli Gupta and William Norwood
November 26, 2023
Athletes have been struggling with extreme temperatures in the gym due to an antiquated HVAC system.  

Gym HVAC advocates shift aims to improving current systems 

Nicole Lee and William Norwood
November 16, 2023
Me on my daily quarantine dog walk.

If you’re bad at drawing, try photography

William Norwood
November 6, 2023
Science teacher Kristen Thomson performs in the front row of the quad day staff performance.

Photo or Graphic for: Staff Spirit House program sparks excitement among staff

Sasha Prasad and Kathy Wang
October 21, 2023
Dancers strike their starting pose at the Sept. 22 Homecoming football game.

Photo or Graphic for: Dancers share their experiences from studios to school team

Florence Hu
September 29, 2023
Me as a freshman on my way to Starbies during lunch.

Administration must limit the use of electric bikes until tighter federal regulations come into place

William Norwood
September 29, 2023
Greulich works in her office at the Wellness Center.

Photo or Graphic for: New Wellness Center therapist swears to advocate for students’ mental health

Jex Popov
September 29, 2023
Algorithms and data sequences are rarely an accurate replacement for humans.

AI detectors can be xenophobic — let’s end them

William Norwood
September 28, 2023
Zumi standing up on her two hind legs to feed on a piece of celery.

A furry friend in the Spanish classroom provides students with emotional relief

Nicole Lee and William Norwood
September 28, 2023
My personal pencil case is filled with the highest quality of tools.

Top-tier pens and pencils can upgrade your life

William Norwood
September 27, 2023
Outside hitter Emmy Pak mid-serve during the second of five games against Fremont on Sept. 14.

Photo or Graphic for: Girls’ volleyball scoring victories with new coach and strong freshmen

Divya Vadlakonda
September 27, 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.

Photo or Graphic for: Royalty honored at halftime of Homecoming game along with fall teams

Nikhil Mathihalli
September 24, 2023
Class of 2025 performers crowd together and cheer under a cloud of blue powder at the end of their performance.

Photo or Graphic for: Juniors achieve impressive Quad Day performance despite rehearsal attendance challenges

Skyler Mao
September 24, 2023
If we can hear teachers breathe, they are too close to us.

A layperson’s guide to students’ classroom pet peeves  

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
September 14, 2023
The team’s offense forms a huddle during the third quarter of the game against Santa Cruz on Sept. 1. The Falcons won 69-0.

Photo or Graphic for: Season preview: Football looks to thrive with freshman quarterback Hulme

William Cao
September 7, 2023
The Graduation week schedule is shown with the six different events taking place.

Photo or Graphic for: Final week at SHS for seniors includes, BBQ, life skills day, graduation and Grad Night

Lena Aribi
May 27, 2023
Social media constantly causes a decline in mental health and continues to hook people to their sites.

CDC: Mental health for female teens sees sharp, recent decline; trend echoed locally

William Norwood
May 25, 2023
The outstanding moment when William pledged his loyalty to his father.

The coronation needed a comedy slot on late night TV

William Norwood
May 24, 2023
Rihanna continues to stun the public with her bold looks.

Rihanna makes strong return to spotlight despite backlash

William Norwood
May 10, 2023
Average teacher pay rates are much higher in the Mountain View-Los Altos High School District than the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District.

To maintain teacher quality, board should allow voters the chance to renew and raise current parcel tax

William Norwood
April 3, 2023
Students used their devices to vote for class office elections.

Class officer elections see an increase in candidates, rare runoff race

William Norwood
April 3, 2023
College Board continues to erase key black figures from history.

CollegeBoard’s recent actions prove it cares more about money than education

William Norwood and Sarah Thomas
April 3, 2023
Class of ‘22 alumna Cici Xu stands in front of the Supreme Court steps in support of affirmative action. 

Alumni stand up for threatened affirmative action policies

William Norwood and Sarah Thomas
February 15, 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
The handbook outlines the school’s academic integrity policy. 

Staff editorial: Policies on academic integrity need updating, clarifying

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
February 13, 2023
A display of the iconic 1920s style architecture of the Apple Tower Theatre Store.

A British tourist’s guide to traveling in Los Angeles

William Norwood
February 13, 2023
The conceptual layout of the solar panels as of January 2023.  

School board requests bids for solar panel projects

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
February 12, 2023
My yearly family dinner conversation.

Top 10: worst questions to ask at a family gathering

William Norwood
January 25, 2023
The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium lit up in rainbow lights before the Lil Nas X concert.

Lil Nas X was a strange concert, but I would go again

William Norwood
December 13, 2022
Sophomore Caleb Yu and junior Brooks Overton go head to head during a practice on Oct. 21.

Photo or Graphic for: Boys’ basketball team trying to adjust to new players and coach

Neal Malhotra and Andy Zhu
December 10, 2022
Female politicians face sexism as a part of their day-to-day lives.

America needs to speak out against violence directed towards female politicians

William Norwood and Sarah Thomas
December 10, 2022
The Anti-Racism task force poses with speakers before the rally on Nov. 21.

Anti-Racism Task Force rallies to combat racism

William Norwood and Allison Tan
December 8, 2022
District PIO officer Tanya De La Cruz works in the LGSUHSD office.

Responding to calls for better communication, district employs public information officer for first time

Maggie Zeng and William Norwood
December 8, 2022
I vote to ban “All I Want For Christmas is You”.

‘All I Want for Christmas’ … is this song to end

William Norwood
December 2, 2022
Former British prime minister Boris Johnson gets stuck on a zipline in 2012.

Top 10: quotes from former British prime minister Boris Johnson

William Norwood
October 29, 2022
 Passing proposition includes the legalization of sports betting.

California’s propositions challenge voters with tough decisions over often obscure issues

Sarah Zhou and William Norwood
October 20, 2022
New Jeans self-titled debut album has one of the most unusual designs of 2022.

K-pop’s latest rising stars: New Jeans

William Norwood
October 14, 2022
Football head coach Steve Matos talks with assistant coach Archie Ljepava before the Homecoming game against Mills High on Sept. 23.

Photo or Graphic for: New football head coach Steve Matos steps in, hopes to improve players’ mentality and work ethic

Anika Kapasi
October 7, 2022
Freshmen perform their all-girls dance.

Photo or Graphic for: Freshmen power up with exciting quad day performance

Eric Shi
September 30, 2022
Library technician Lee Tapley works at the front desk of the library.

Photo or Graphic for: Library technician Lee Tapley juggles multiple responsibilities

Sarah Zhou
September 27, 2022
Biology teacher Anne Witkowski helps one of her students during tutorial.

Photo or Graphic for: Class of ‘15 alumna returns as intern to teach Biology

Derek Liang and Tara Natarajan
September 24, 2022
Members of the Green Committee embark on a team bonding hike at Montalvo.

School takes a step toward a greener campus

William Norwood and Maggie Zeng
September 23, 2022
Though they speak the same language, the U.S. and U.K. have many cultural and social differences contributing to drastically different living experiences.

The flavours — sorry, flavors — of two different countries

Saachi Jain and William Norwood
September 19, 2022
Former president Donald Trump's Monday MAGA hat (probably) found in his Mar-A-Lago closet.

Top 10 things that were probably found at Mar-A-Lago

William Norwood
September 17, 2022
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