The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
One of the school’s top-of-the-line AEDs
School ramps up AED count on campus
November 20, 2024
Students listen to Natasha Schatzman’s presentation in the student center on Nov. 15.
NASA aerospace engineer shares research in aeromechanics and aeroacoustics
November 20, 2024
Acting superintendent Heath Rocha speaks during the Nov. 12 board meeting.
New concerns arise over former superintendent Sanderson’s 2022 hiring
November 20, 2024
The flyer for this year’s Winter Formal hangs up around school and is posted on social media.
Tickets for Winter Formal sell out before purchase window closes
November 20, 2024
Saratoga Team 1, senior Alan Lu, junior Lawson Wang, sophomores Andy Lu and Seabert Mao, senior Skyler Mao and sophomore Vivian Zhong (left to right), hold their 3rd place trophy.
Math club places third at Berkeley tournament
November 17, 2024
Actress Naomi Scott playing Skye Riley brings to life a terrifying transformation through subtle changes.
‘Smile 2’ mixes traditional jump scare and psychological horror
November 20, 2024
BASIC officers at a boba fundraiser on Oct. 2.
BASIC club emphasizes youth action on humanitarian aid
November 18, 2024
The U.S., China and Taiwan, among other nations, are engaged in one of the fastest-growing tech races in history to develop and produce the best semiconductors and AI.
The U.S. is playing catchup in the semiconductor race. Is it too late to win?
November 12, 2024
Highlights of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors dances during Homecoming week from Oct. 14-19.
Behind the scenes: Meet the choreographers who brought the Homecoming dance to life
November 2, 2024
Students gather around the table at the top of the quad steps during the voter registration drive on Sept. 25.
Revived Democracy Matters club kicks off the school year with successful election events
October 30, 2024
Senior Saira Ramakrishnan pitches for the Saratoga Falcons.
Senior softball player commits to University of Rochester
November 20, 2024
The team gathered around a fire during their retreat to enjoy s’mores and build team chemistry.
Girls’ basketball team aims to build winning culture in pre-season after eye-opening retreat
November 20, 2024
Recap of fall sports.
Fall Sports Recap: Toga teams fight hard to the end
November 16, 2024
The girls’ tennis team poses for a group photo.
Girls’ tennis finishes the regular season with a solid victory
November 16, 2024
Mascots and volunteers cheering runners on as they cross the finish line.
Saratoga 5K Fun Run: a blend of community and competition
November 13, 2024
Cigarette packaging should depict frightening images on the front and sides, clearly communicating the consequences of smoking.
Cigarette packaging needs to be more graphic in its dire warnings
November 15, 2024
Journalism labor unions have firmly opposed the bill, calling it a “shakedown.”
‘Undemocratic’ deal reached between Google and California news outlets
November 7, 2024
Test dates make or break our vacation
The bliss and benefits of having tests before breaks
October 31, 2024
Here’s why you should vote against Prop 34.
Prop 34’s devious methods target non-profits
October 30, 2024
Please let me understand my mistakes.
100-word rant: Let me use the answer key to check my work
October 28, 2024
Personally, I really need some noodle slippers.
My 8-year-old self would be sad to see ‘5-Minute Crafts’ go — but I’m not
November 20, 2024
A hearty stew such as a beef bourguignon is perfect for a cold winter day.
Winter break bucket list: cooking galore
November 18, 2024
Don’t hate until you try it.
Top 10: weirdly good food combos that might get you flamed
November 16, 2024
A girl cries as she realizes her wallet is empty.
Resisting the urge to splurge: regulating money spent on lunchtime outings
November 11, 2024
The seating chart is often like a game of Russian Roulette, you either sit next to your best friend or next to your ex.
Top 10: Reasons to request a seat change
November 5, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Amy Luo

Amy Luo, News Editor

Amy Luo, Class of 2025, is a News editor for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, she was a Lifestyles editor and a reporter. Throughout her three years on staff, Amy has covered topics including class and student spotlights, personal columns, and local events in Saratoga. She also loves making graphics for the paper and received a JEANC 2024 Honorable Mention Award for graphic design. In her free time, Amy enjoys listening to instrumentals and playing badminton.
All content by Amy Luo
Sophomore quarterback Anson Hulme dresses up as his coach Archie Ljepava, capturing his signature baseball cap, glasses and beard.

Annual Halloween parade showcases clever costumes, tributes to staff and friendship groups

Amy Luo and William Norwood
November 3, 2024
Eeyore and Pooh have a special place in our hearts.

‘Winnie the Pooh’ is like the warmth of hot tea on a snowy day

Amy Luo and William Norwood
October 27, 2024
Mayor Matt Mahan and senior Amy Pan pose at an intern appreciation lunch on July 30.

Senior works as communications intern for San Jose mayor

Amy Luo
October 22, 2024
Following my advice will guarantee your success!

A senior’s guide to surviving (and thriving in) APUSH

Amy Luo
August 31, 2024
A sample senior’s college list.

College & Career Center holds essay boot camps for incoming seniors

Amy Luo and Angela Tan
August 24, 2024
Juniors Arthur Wang, Kathy Wang, Sunny Cao, Kayla Nguyen, Aarushi Sharma and Will Norwood with their awards from the NHD states competition.

Two junior student groups qualify to the National History Day Nationals Competition

Amy Luo and Beverly Xu
May 20, 2024
My state of mind at the beach.

Top 10: reasons I hate the beach

Amy Luo
May 4, 2024
An art piece submission, “Serenity’s Embrace: Canyon Whispers” by Claire Kim from Issue 1: “Make Your Dreams Come True.”

Asian Anthology: literary journal co-founded by local high schoolers

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
April 18, 2024
A simplified diagram of Siripurapu’s “Droplet”.

Junior places 2nd in Congressional App Challenge with water conservation project

Amy Luo
March 26, 2024
I always spent hours making bracelets with my sister on the weekends.

Photo or Graphic for: Rainbow Loom: the childhood hobby that led to crochet

Jane Lee
March 24, 2024
To eat or not to eat? That is the question.

Marshmallows: malicious or delicious?

Amy Luo
March 24, 2024
Rows of guitars displayed on the wall at the guitar store, Diamond Music.

Groovy guitar gamble: Alumni runs thriving guitar shop in downtown

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
February 8, 2024
Planning my day with colorful highlighters always brings me joy.

Photo or Graphic for: Bullet journaling: the planning system I fell in love with

Jane Lee
February 6, 2024
AP Music Theory teacher Nitzan lectures on harmonic function during class on Nov. 13.

AP Music Theory offers opportunities to explore compositional techniques

Amy Luo
December 7, 2023
Charlie Brown is an unexpected Christmas comfort character

Photo or Graphic for: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ spotlights struggles of those who just don’t mesh with the holiday

Tara Natarajan
December 7, 2023
Television is poison: Don’t let it dominate your life.

Photo or Graphic for: Stop watching TV: It’s a covert threat to your time and health

Alan Cai
December 4, 2023
Downtown’s Christmas tree lights up the dim evening.

Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings community together

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
December 3, 2023
Our all time favorites!

Top 10: best Halloween candies — extended holiday edition

Amy Luo and Beverly Xu
December 1, 2023
My favorite activities to celebrate the holiday season!

Photo or Graphic for: A guide to Christmas: making the most out of the best holiday

Jane Lee
December 1, 2023
I’m heartbroken when January hits, indicating Santa’s farewell.

Photo or Graphic for: Christmas is an ‘ex’ I’ll need to get over 

Angela Tan
November 25, 2023
Food Gobbler in action: dishes swept within a matter of seconds.

Top 10: people to leave out of your Thanksgiving dinner invites

Amy Luo
November 25, 2023
Crashing into mailboxes: a not-so-unique Saratoga student experience.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: sure-fire ways to fail your driver’s test

Beverly Xu
November 20, 2023
Veteran and new players both display their love for Pokemon Go (rightfully so).

Photo or Graphic for: Gotta catch ‘em all: Pokémon Go’s deserved comeback

Andy Zhu
November 15, 2023
Frangieh and her UC Davis team at the 1990 water polo National Championships held at Brown University.

Math teacher Kelly Frangieh: once dual collegiate athlete at UC Davis

Amy Luo
October 21, 2023
Ellis returns a punt during a 1992 game against the University of San Diego.

College football standout: athletic director Rick Ellis

Amy Luo
October 21, 2023
With the help of online resources, succeeding in Chemistry Honors is definitely achievable.

A junior’s guide to succeeding in Chemistry Honors

Amy Luo
October 19, 2023
Memories of my childhood — like making tang yuan with my grandma — are forever instilled in the little circular desserts.

Photo or Graphic for: A taste of my childhood through tang yuan

Beverly Xu
October 14, 2023
Behavioral therapist Sora Kang works on her computer in one of the special education classrooms on Sept. 21.

New behavioral therapist aids other special education teachers

Jane Lee and Amy Luo
October 11, 2023
My favorite types of self-care! 

Photo or Graphic for: A junior-year guide to self-care

October 11, 2023
Attracted by glamorous college names and eye-catching buzzwords, students need to weigh the true benefits of summer pre-college programs with the costs.

Photo or Graphic for: Summer pre-college programs: The ‘college experience’ and fungible classes advertised come at too steep of a price

Beverly Xu
October 1, 2023
I know the toilet will murder me if I don’t run away fast enough.

Photo or Graphic for: Sorry, Mom, I’m too scared to flush the toilet

Kathy Wang
September 29, 2023
Eight-year-old me is struck with utter fear as she comes face to face with a soon-to-be life-long enemy.

Photo or Graphic for: Hitchock was right when it comes to birds

Emma Fung
September 27, 2023
Seniors sing along for their weekly karaoke activity.

A happy place for all: Elderly find community at the Saratoga Senior Center

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
September 24, 2023
The pancakes that my mini bear-pan aspires to mold and the Instant pot that never lets my food get cold—which one is better? I think that’s an Instant answer…

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: pots and pans (of all kinds)

Beverly Xu
September 21, 2023
Some of my favorite snacks to eat after school are honey butter chips, shrimp chips and pocky.

Photo or Graphic for: After-school snacks: my secret key to productivity

Zack Zhang
September 12, 2023
Students are looking forward to learning sign language.

Dual enrollment agreement with West Valley brings ASL to the school next fall

Amy Luo
June 1, 2023
A collage of junior Kyleen Liao’s ambitious research journey.

Junior in progress of developing user-friendly solutions regarding air pollution concerns

Amy Luo
May 27, 2023
Sophomore Aidan Smith hits his approach shot on the 18th hole during league finals at Santa Teresa golf course en route to a birdie.

Top players qualified for CCS despite subpar team record

Saachi Jain, Amy Luo, and Sarah Zhou
May 20, 2023
A group photo in Monaco, France.

France trip revived after 5-year hiatus

Amy Luo
May 6, 2023
 Sophomore Matthew Chang lines up his next shot.

Boys’ golf loses two early matches after rain delays season

Saachi Jain and Amy Luo
March 31, 2023
A collection of Telgemeier’s characters from Smile, Sisters and Ghosts.

Raina Telgemeier: beloved author of charming graphic novels

Amy Luo and Isabelle Wang
March 7, 2023
People wait in line and hear about their multiple canceled flights.

Flight cancellations disrupt traveling plans over the holiday break

Nicole Lee and Amy Luo
February 12, 2023
Many submissions revolved around the theme of mental health. Among them was senior Christina Chang’s artwork “Burnout,” a mixed media self portrait which comments on the academic culture at Saratoga High. 

Winter Soundings issue to be published online in late January

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
January 24, 2023
Ms. Tseng’s 7th period of Introduction to Computer Programming, one of the two classes she teaches at Saratoga High.

Language teachers alternate between teaching at Saratoga and Los Gatos

Amy Luo and Isabelle Wang
December 19, 2022
A group photo of my selected favorites.

Being emotionally attached to every single one of my stuffed animals

Amy Luo
December 10, 2022
Field hockey defends their goal against Mitty.

Field hockey ends season in CCS loss

Amy Luo and Isabelle Wang
November 30, 2022
Senior point guard Tanya Ghai prepares to shoot during a shooting drill at practice. 

Season preview: Girls’ basketball aspires to make it further into CCS

Emma Fung and Amy Luo
November 22, 2022
Some Floridian citizens had their homes left in ruins.

Hurricane Ian is a reminder that we are the ones who pay the price for climate change

Amy Luo
November 6, 2022
Defender junior Emma Green and midfielder senior Georgia Adams and defender senior Annika Muju guard the goal against Mitty.

Field hockey calls up JV players to fill roster

Amy Luo and Isabelle Wang
September 30, 2022
Bad habits influence and shape our everyday lives.

Bad habits undo the best of intentions

Emma Fung and Amy Luo
September 28, 2022
Two students throwing a frisbee during la fiesta.

Photo or Graphic for: The best class period: A hard-earned fiesta in Spanish 2

Andy Zhu
September 27, 2022
An assortment of activities when there’s nothing better to do

Top 10: ways to kill time

Amy Luo
September 22, 2022
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