Ren Norris

“Guns don’t kill people, people do.” The National Rifle Association’s slogan is a famous call for relaxed control regarding arms possession. However, recent events have cast a dark light on the issue. On Jan. 6, Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in an attack that killed six people. Locally, on Jan. 15, a murder-suicide took place outside a Peet’s Coffee and Tea shop on El Paseo de Saratoga.

Players on the girls’ field hockey team celebrated their senior day on Nov. 2 in style: decorations, gifts and speeches were showered upon the six graduating seniors who were dressed to the theme of “Looney Tunes.”

Having competed in the playoffs every year since 2000, field hockey has consistently been one of the school's strongest sports teams. This season, however, with key losses early in the season, and the injury of senior attacker and co-captain Vanessa Block, the team may not even make it to the CCS playoffs. At an away game on Oct. 14 against Gilroy, the Mustangs came away with a 2-1 victory against the Falcons after managing to score two early goals. Senior forward Whitney Hansen scored the lone Falcon goal late in the second half, hoping to spark a comeback.

Senior Colleen Garland was set to be an important leader in the center back position—the last player in the defense before the goalie. However, during a preseason tournament in the end of August, she broke her left finger and was forced to sit out while it recovers. Now, sophomore defender Hannah Johnson has had to step up and fill the empty spot. She played as center back during the rest of preseason and will now remain there for league games during the regular season until Garland can return midseason.

A typical varsity team is usually dominated by upperclassmen, but this season the field hockey team, after losing the majority of its players to graduation last June, has an unusual dynamic. With eight out of the 16 team members being sophomores, the team must look increasingly to its younger players to fill in some of the gaps left behind from graduation.

I bet everyone has seen, at least once, the Jenny Craig commercial that features actress Kirstie Alley gushing over her recent weight loss while sporting a tight black dress. What everyone fails to notice is how many times Alley has had the weight loss "success" of dropping a few pounds.

Since 1995, one summer tour has remained the place to be for upcoming and underground rock bands: the Warped Tour. Starting every June, a tour of about 100 bands travel across the United States and Canada to showcase their talent. The event, sponsored by the skateboarding shoe brand Vans, was originally founded to feature only punk rock bands but has since included a wider genre of music such as reggae, hip hop and alternative rock. The tour ends in late August and is a popular summer event at every tour location.

Qi. A Chinese word meaning the vital force inherent in all things, and for many, not a word used in everyday vocabulary. But for junior Kathryn Nobles, this word has been proven vital in her numerous games of "Words with Friends." "Words with Friends" is a popular game on the iPhone that follows the same rule set as "Scrabble," but repackaged for the iPhone's app system. The game allows iPhone owners to challenge friends to a "Scrabble" match, while also having a chat box to talk to friends while playing.

Superman, Batman and Spiderman. Many people have grown up with these comic book action characters as their heroes. But for senior Patrick Lee, these characters served as more than heroes. They were inspiration. Lee has been drawing comics for nine years and talked to The Falcon about his hobby.

The girls' soccer team had one goal for this season: to improve from last year. Not only has the team accomplished this goal, but they have exceeded it by making it all the way to the CCS quarterfinals. Saratoga, ranked lowest in CCS, lost a close quarterfinal game to No. 1 ranked Scotts Valley on Feb. 27. The teams tied 0-0 in regulation play, and the score remained tied throughout overtime. The game went to penalty kicks, and since Scotts Valley scored all five of its penalty kicks, one more than Saratoga, they moved on the semi-finals.

The girls' soccer team had one goal for this season: to improve from last year. Not only has the team accomplished this goal, but they have exceeded it by making it all the way to the CCS quarterfinals. Saratoga, ranked lowest in CCS, lost a close quarterfinal game to No. 1 ranked Scotts Valley on Feb. 27. The teams tied 0-0 in regulation play, and the score remained tied throughout overtime. The game went to penalty kicks, and since Scotts Valley scored all five of its penalty kicks, one more than Saratoga, they moved on the semi-finals.

After being sent down to the lower El Camino Division this year, the Falcons had one main goal: to earn back their spot in the upper-league De Anza division. Not only is the team on its way to winning the El Camino league, but it could also make CCS. Currently in second place, the Falcons must win the rest of the games this season, most importantly a rescheduled game against league leader Fremont, to grab the league title.

Freshman goalkeeper Ally Nilan-Axline started her varsity soccer career off in style. In her first regular season game, she stopped many shots from Wilcox on Jan. 7, resulting in a 1-1 tie. After playing preseason on the JV team, Nilan-Axline was given the opportunity to move up to varsity earlier that week as senior Jan Iyer recovered from an injury. "My dad had always encouraged me to do varsity and he was really happy when I got to move up. I think this is just going to be a really good team especially since I have a great defense," said Nilan-Axline.

When many people hear the words "community service," they usually think of felons in orange vests picking up trash on the side of a highway as a form of punishment to compensate for a crime that they had committed. But here at Saratoga High, the words community service have a different meaning as most students believe that the more extra service they perform, the more appealing they will become to colleges.

Senior Ally Doles strolled out of the AP Environmental Science classroom toward the quad. Over her shoulder she slung a white garbage bag filled with empty Doritos bags, wrinkled wrapping paper and folded gum wrappers. Many heads turned and shot her inquisitive looks, wondering if she had become a walking trashcan.

The popularity of newspapers across the country has been declining, causing newspapers to shut down or transition more operations to the Internet. To keep up with the shift in journalism, the Falcon has been upgrading its own online edition of the newspaper, at saratogafalcon.org.

Medical trauma, the complicated love lives of several doctors and a ridiculously crowded hospital provide plenty of opportunities for drama. I'd bet you that was the pitch for the new NBC drama "Mercy." I also bet that was the pitch for the tons of other medical shows that have already been made. My point? We've seen this all before.

Preseason is usually a time for teams to gear up for regular league season by starting off against less competitive opponents. However, the girls' soccer team this preseason faced daunting teams from the upper division right off the bat. Early games against strong lineups from Presentation, Los Gatos and Los Altos in the preseason are serving as a way to prepare the girls for playing weaker teams in the lower El Camino Division season that begins Jan. 7.

The girls' soccer team has not had the best track record with stable coaches in recent years. This year, however, the team is trying to change that by having history teacher Kim Anzalone continue as head varsity coach, a position she took mid-season last year, with SHS alum Brandon Chow as assistant coach. Returning players already see a difference that consistent coaches make to the team compared to last season.

CCS expectations fell short for the girls' field hockey team as a devastating 3-0 loss against Presentation on Nov. 14 knocked them out of the playoffs in the quarterfinal round. The players felt that a slow start in the first half resulted in Presentation's two goals before halftime. Despite a tough fight in the second half, Saratoga was not able to score and Presentation managed to slip in one last goal.

Everyone recalls the 33 people who died in the on-campus shooting at Virginia Tech in April of 2007. However, many people overlook the number of lives that were saved by simple procedures that Virginia Tech classrooms followed on that tragic day. By barricading and locking the doors, the shooter was unable to enter several classrooms and went on to others—sparing the lives of many.

After placing second at the CCS finals last year, the Lady Falcons may not be able to live up to last year's success this season. A rough start and several disappointing losses are pushing CCS hopes beyond reach. To qualify for the playoffs, they need to win almost all of the remaining games. Beginning that difficult task, the team managed to improve its CCS prospects with a 1-0 overtime win at Los Altos on Oct. 22. Both teams had five short corner plays each, but the Falcons pulled through in the end.

Fifth place. That might not sound like rank worthy of boasting, but for the field hockey team, fifth place in the Mount Hamilton league was all they needed to snag a spot in the CCS playoffs. Throughout the season, the girls struggled to come out on top as several losses to daunting opponents such as Los Gatos, Saint Francis and Archbishop Mitty broke the team momentum. However, when the chances of even making the CCS playoffs were becoming slim, the team stepped it up and managed to get one of the final spots. The team was scheduled to play North Salinas Nov. 12 at home.

Dressing up in crazy costumes, having backyard overnight camp outs and playing a night game of capture the flag—these and other similar fun activities are common for the field hockey girls as a way to get closer as a tight-knit team. The girls believe that success in the season stems from building a strong team morale through such team bonding activities. "Team bonding is really important, because if we don't get along outside of the sport, there's no way we would play well together on the field," said senior co-captain Sam Li.

Dressing up in crazy costumes, having backyard overnight camp outs and playing a night game of capture the flag—these and other similar fun activities are common for the field hockey girls as a way to get closer as a tight-knit team. The girls believe that success in the season stems from building a strong team morale through such team bonding activities. "Team bonding is really important, because if we don't get along outside of the sport, there's no way we would play well together on the field," said senior co-captain Sam Li.

Students sometimes hear their parents talk about their high school experiences filled with spirit days and dances. Their academics did not seem as daunting, the activities and sports were not as intense and, overall, the environment of high school was far less stressful. But most importantly, students hear about the events that galvanized the older generation into becoming a united and spirited school.

The kick-off dance of the school year was held in the quad on Sept. 25, a month later than usual, with the theme of Rock 'n' Roll. The dance left dance commissioners and administrators disappointed with the DJ, who played unpopular music and frustrated with the number of students who continued to dance inappropriately despite repeated warnings.

The kick-off dance of the school year was held in the quad on Sept. 25, a month later than usual, with the theme of Rock 'n' Roll. The dance left dance commissioners and administrators disappointed with the DJ, who played unpopular music and frustrated with the number of students who continued to dance inappropriately despite repeated warnings.

The girls' field hockey team kicked off its league season by facing two big rivals right off the bat.

The kick-off dance of the school year was held in the quad on Sept. 25, a month later than usual, with the theme of Rock 'n' Roll. The dance left dance commissioners and administrators disappointed with the DJ, who played unpopular music and frustrated with the number of students who continued to dance inappropriately despite repeated warnings. There were many complaints about the DJ, as many students said that he re-played songs and did not play songs requested by students.

Although the field hockey team has not had any official games yet, the girls are already off to an impressive start, having won all three of their preseason games. The team crushed Branham 7-0 in their third preseason game on Sept. 10. In the first half, senior midfielder Jordan Leonard scored off of a deflection from Branham's goalie, followed by a goal from senior forward Sam Li off a pass from Leonard. At the end of the first half, junior forward Shea Sullivan slipped in a goal off of an assist from junior midfielder Vanessa Block.

Everything is a competition. At least, that's the mentality in the Norris household. We compete to see who can guess how long the line will take before we board Space Mountain at Disneyland or who can flip to the correct hymn in church the fastest, or even who can get in the last clap during a round of applause. Throughout my childhood, this competitive impulse has led me to push myself to be just as good as Alison, my older sister by two years.

In the last two minutes of the CCS finals last November, Los Gatos edged out Saratoga for the CCS title. This year, the Falcons are out for revenge. 
                There have been many changes this season, as last year’s head coach Amber Wilson recently had a baby and doesn’t have enough time to make it to every practice and game. Wilson will be the assistant coach, replaced  as head coach by Saratoga and UC Berkeley alumnus, Kellie York. The girls, however, do not think this affects the team much. 
              

Typically, the election process for ASB has been held in the classrooms and administered by teachers. This year, voting was held in the quad in an attempt to lower the burden on teachers and find a more democratic election method; however, this new routine resulted in a dearth of student participation.

The girls’ softball season came to an emotional ending with a challenging game against a strong Santa Clara High School on May 8. The girls played one of their best games holding the team out for an extra inning but ultimately losing 0-1.

There’s something about the softball team that makes it impossible to leave— just ask alumni Katie Reed and Adriana Pak. Both were players on the team while in high school and have returned to help coach the varsity and JV teams. Pak returned after graduating last year, and has helped with the JV team, and Reed, who graduated in 2006, has taken on assistant coaching for the varsity team.

It was a cool evening, but the crowds that filled the Saratoga High football stands erupted with energy, as the seniors faced the juniors in a battle royale for the title of Powder Puff champions. At the end of the highly anticipated match on April 16, the senior class claimed the Powder Puff crown, clobbering the juniors 14-7 and asserting their dominance as the rulers of the school.

Just improve, winning is a bonus. That’s the message coaches are relaying to a softball team trying to rebound from losing many key players to graduation. Recent results indicate the team will have to work hard for every win.

New classes that are being offered for next year include Japanese 3 Honors, Computer Science AP/A, AP Environmental Science and three new advanced Media Arts Program (MAP) classes: multi-media journalism, advanced digital animation, and filmmaking.

When most people think of overalls, they think of the strange denim jumper worn by an old farmer milking his cow with a straw hat and dirty cowboy boots… or they think of the 90s. But hey, no one ever said it was impossible for a city girl to bring back this classic look. Besides, old styles are constantly coming back: converse high tops, leg warmers, shoulder pads even crazy bell bottom jeans have found their way to Cosmo. So, I guess there’s hope for me. I defy the fashion police (a.k.a. every teenage girl) every weekend by sporting my very own pair of dark denim overalls, chest pocket and all.

There is no doubt that the growing financial problems that President Obama recently inherited have an effect on education all over the nation. Many schools are living with tighter budgets and insufficient funding for public schools. With less money for extra activities and programs, Saratoga High needs to be effective in innovating the classroom and other activities to launch students to college, jobs, and other opportunities after high school. Extracurricular activities are an area where many students here excel. Through the school’s strong programs and departments, students can follow their interests that can lead to other opportunities, even if they are unrelated to academics.

You can’t always win them all, but you can definitely give them a run for their money. That’s exactly what the second-seeded Saratoga field hockey team accomplished against its rival No. 1 Los Gatos at the CCS finals on Nov. 22 at Willow Glen High School. Saratoga managed to keep the score close, but in the end the Wildcats won 2-1 to secure first place and hand the Falcons just their second loss of the year.

You can’t always win them all, but you can definitely give them a run for their money. That’s exactly what the second-seeded Saratoga field hockey team accomplished against its rival No. 1 Los Gatos at the CCS finals on Nov. 22 at Willow Glen High School. Saratoga managed to keep the score close, but in the end the Wildcats won 2-1 to secure first place and hand the Falcons just their second loss of the year.

The whistle blows as another short corner is called against Saratoga. Due to a foul inside the goal circle, the Archbishop Mitty players get a free shot while only four Saratoga defenders and the goalie can try to stop it. Senior goalie Stephanie Douglass extends her leg and blocks Mitty’s shot as the defense scrambles to clear the ball out. The field hockey team found themselves in this position many times against Mitty under the lights on Oct. 22.

Politics and the classroom have always been controversial, and this year is no exception: The First Amendment Center Online said that in New York City, the United Federation of Teachers headed by Randi Weingarten accused the city of oppressing teachers’ political views by banning Obama and McCain buttons in school. At University of Oklahoma, a letter of protest was sent after staff and students were directed not to use university e-mail to support or oppose a candidate. There was also an uprising at the University of Illinois after an Obama rally was held, and the school sent an official statement that banned staff from participating in political activities on campus. All of these incidents challenge the students’ and staff’s First Amendment rights.

The smell of popcorn permeated the room, and candy wrappers lay forgotten on the desks as 55 students watched eagerly as Iron Man flew across the screen in English teacher Erick Rector’s room. On Oct. 16, the LINK Crew held an “Afternoon at the Movies” for freshmen in Rector’s and Health teacher Amy Obenour’s rooms.

When Falcon field hockey challenged longtime rival Los Gatos at home turf under the lights, there was more than just dignity on the line, there was the first place ranking.

After making the semi-finals in CCS last year, field hockey is ready to hit off a successful season this year under Coach Amber Wilson. The team traveled to several tournaments in the spring and continued practice throughout the summer. Unfortunately, only weeks into the school year, several players have already been sidelined with injuries. Seniors Ashley Charette and Laura Ruddy and juniors Jessica Liscom and Diana Douglass are among those injured, and others have been out for periods of time with injuries and sickness.

Saratoga field hockey opened the pre-season in style on Sept. 2, with a dominating 5-0 non-league win against Prospect on their home field. Goals were scored by seniors Kelly Darchuk and Claire Marsh, junior Anna Schroeder and sophomores Ren Norris and Kathryn Nobles. Sophomore Vanessa Block had an assist, along with Darchuk with two assists. The Falcons started with a goal in the second minute of the game as Block crossed the ball to Darchuk to score, and they never looked back.