The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
At the very minimum, active advertising of harmful, addictive substances shouldn’t be constantly exposed to children going to school.
In a bad sign, ever more marijuana shops are popping up near schools
February 14, 2025
The high school Jazz Band performs their set on Jan. 17.
18 musicians accepted into state-wide conference
February 14, 2025
Sunder Pichai remains CEO of Google despite his countless blunders.
Workers lose their jobs when CEOs fail at their jobs
February 14, 2025
Kim performs “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky with the NYO2 orchestra in Dallas on Aug. 6.
Practice takes senior musician to Carnegie Hall and beyond this summer
February 13, 2025
From campus beautification activities, like picking up trash, to quiet homework time.
This year, work-focused Treasure Toga punishment replaced by traditional detention for efficiency
February 11, 2025
Junior Arjun Krish, Class of `23 alumnus Adam Xu and his mentor Dr. Liang Li stand in front of Krish’s lab station in the summer of 2024.
Junior researches for a cure for glaucoma
February 16, 2025
Free Luigi” merchandise has been growing rapidly on online shopping platforms.
Analysis: Luigi Mangione’s case of vigilante justice reflects American glorification of violence
February 15, 2025
Matt Walsh’s brand new documentary reveals the dark side of DEI movements.
‘Am I Racist?’ — mockumentary takes a deep dive into DEI and presents ideas worth considering
February 14, 2025
Senior Michelle Ho poses in her lab coat holding a small flask.
Senior explores genetic underpinnings of arthritis in her research
February 14, 2025
“Nature’s Chance Encounter” along with many others of senior Amy Pan’s paintings adorn the Saratoga Library Group Study Room.
Senior represents nature through texture, visuals, and ambiance through both physical and digital mediums
February 13, 2025
Competitions like the World Cup are popular in both soccer and futsal respectively.
What makes futsal the kicker for soccer players?
February 15, 2025
The seniors pose for a picture after winning 3-1 against Cupertino.
Boys’ soccer qualifies to CCS after 3-1 victory over Cupertino on Senior Night
February 14, 2025
Students utilize the school’s weight room to keep fit during the season and off-season.
Student athletes adapt to avoid “falling off” during the offseason
February 13, 2025
Senior Saatvik Kommareddi spins past a defender at a game on Jan. 18.
Boys’ basketball team suffers first loss but clinches CCS qualification
February 11, 2025
Senior David Kim practices archery at the Stevens Creek County Park Archery Range.
Olympic coverage, social media stars and increasing college scholarship opportunities make archery more popular than ever
February 11, 2025
In large classes, it’s difficult to share my opinions often.
Why class sizes should not exceed 30
February 14, 2025
With the release of more AI language models like Deepseek, we are hopeful to see a future of the industry with more diverse options for users.
Public attention on DeepSeek fuels discussion about AI development
February 14, 2025
The progressive movement reached its peak in 2020, during COVID-19.
The Progressive movement is on the outs
February 12, 2025
2024 electoral map
In a splintered U.S., consecutive two-term presidents may become rare
February 11, 2025
AI Safety is not a joke.
To prevent disastrous outcomes, inherently evil AI growth needs to halt
February 11, 2025
Junior Ishir Ayyagari flexes after an arm workout.
New year, new goals: Three juniors give advice about how to stick to your workout resolutions
February 15, 2025
It’s time to use those cold emailing skills (and your $29.99 monthly LinkedIn Premium subscription) to get LinkedUp.
Top 10: ways to get a valentine next year
February 14, 2025
I practice the guitar in my room during my free time.
This is a PSA to take up a new instrument (in my case, a guitar)
February 14, 2025
Hello.
A letter to my senior year self
February 13, 2025
Some wonderful new year's resolutions that you should try out!
Top 10: New Year’s Resolutions
February 13, 2025

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Amy Miao

Amy Miao, Lifestyles Editor

All content by Amy Miao
From campus beautification activities, like picking up trash, to quiet homework time.

This year, work-focused Treasure Toga punishment replaced by traditional detention for efficiency

Amy Miao
February 11, 2025
Senior Timothy Leung performs “Ways of Talking” by Ha Jin and junior Elizabeth Kline performs “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Passion and performance shine at Poetry Out Loud contest

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
January 29, 2025
Administration can often limit the content of what student journalists put out.

Photo or Graphic for: Student journalists should be more aware of CA’s education and press laws

Florence Hu
January 28, 2025
My hair’s transformation from 2024 to 2025.

Photo or Graphic for: My New Year’s resolution is to put down the hair straightener

Medha Sunkara
January 28, 2025
Piling on ten layers of clothing is not a comfortable experience.

Skiing? s-NO-w thank you.

Amy Miao
January 15, 2025
From 1959 to present-day, the Falcon has transitioned from a black-and-white newspaper to a colored magazine and website.

Through the decades: How The Falcon transitioned to new technologies

Amy Miao, Jessica Li, and Richard Fan
December 10, 2024
Surrounded by peers pursuing STEM, I’ve noticed how other fields are not as valued in Saratoga.

AI can benefit and stimulate growth in many fields including economy, health care, and education.

Photo or Graphic for: Hold your concerns, AI will make a better future

Zack Zhang
December 5, 2024
Juniors Jack Dong and Nathan Liu (left to right) interview Dr. Tony Masri about sleep.

Students receive expert advice at ‘Sleeping Can Be Your Secret Hack’ Q&A

Amy Miao
November 11, 2024
Here’s why you should vote against Prop 34.

Photo or Graphic for: Prop 34’s devious methods target non-profits

Florence Hu
October 30, 2024
Junior Jack Dong jumps over a hay bale at the Artichoke Invitational at Half Moon Bay High School on Oct. 5.

Cross country teams successful in League meets and prepare for finals

Amy Miao and Jessica Li
October 27, 2024
The constant cycle of practice and school leaves little free time during the day.

Photo or Graphic for: Competitive athletes balance rigorous sports schedule with academics

Tanvee Tirthapura
October 21, 2024
A paper knife is like trying to become an academic weapon — it’s not as magnificent or sustainable as it appears.

Photo or Graphic for: New year, new habits: I tried to become an academic weapon

Madhura Natarajan
September 24, 2024
Too often, students instinctively reach for the calculator.

Photo or Graphic for: Stop and think: Do you really need that calculator?

Florence Hu
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

Amy Miao
September 14, 2024
There are multiple great times to arrive to class.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: times to arrive to journalism in the morning

Nika Svizhenko
September 4, 2024
The runners explore many routes in Saratoga, venturing to roads such as Elva Avenue.

Cross country season preview: Tippetts returns to coach boys while professional runner steps up to coach the girls

Annika Gho, Jessica Li, and Amy Miao
August 31, 2024
Beach volleyball is a great way to exercise and have fun with your friends.

Photo or Graphic for: Discovering our new favorite summer pastime, beach volleyball

Bill Huang and Andy Zhu
August 24, 2024
After being drained from studying, state testing provides a recharge.

Photo or Graphic for: State testing provides a good break from junior year

Derek Liang
May 22, 2024
Assortments of college ranking list with factors such as acceptance rate, major, ranking and cost.

Photo or Graphic for: While flawed, college ranking systems remain necessary tools for constructing college lists

William Cao and Nikhil Mathihalli
May 15, 2024
Disney+ has plummeted down my ranking of streaming services, while apps like Netflix maintain their quality.

Photo or Graphic for: The disappointing downfall of Disney+

Anthony Luo
May 11, 2024
Emily, Shirina and Amy hold up the finished tanghulu while sugary water drips onto the floor.

The viral sweet treat tanghulu: Is it worth all the hype?

Shirina Cao, Jessica Li, Amy Miao, and Emily Wu
May 10, 2024
Council members Tina Walia, Chuck Page, Kookie Fitzsimmons; Saratoga Foothill Club President Nancy Miller; Mayor Yan Zhao and Vice Mayor Belal Aftab (left to right) pose with the Tree City USA award.

Japanese maple tree planted during annual Arbor Day celebration

Amy Miao and Sasha Prasad
May 8, 2024
Some foods garner positive attention, and some garner negative attention.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10 cafeteria delicacies

Bryan Zhao
May 3, 2024
Whether it’s gardening or studying for a class, there’s a lot to do over the summer.

Photo or Graphic for: A guide to make the most of your summer

Ruiyan Zhu
April 29, 2024
More and more jobs will now be taken over by automation, making Computer Science less appealing as a major.

Photo or Graphic for: Is studying comp sci still the golden ticket to wealth?

Alec Guan and Richard Fan
April 29, 2024
Breaking will make its debut in the 2024 Summer Olympics in an effort to draw in more attention from a younger audience.

Photo or Graphic for: Break Dancing to be introduced at 2024 summer Olympics

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
April 18, 2024
English and Map 10 teacher Marcos Cortez surfs in the Santa Cruz shoreline.

Surfing in Santa Cruz: Junior and English teacher find relaxation riding waves

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
March 29, 2024
Freshman Peyton Steffen prepares to shoot a basket in an away game against Mountain View High School.

Sports legacies: 2 athletes follow in the footsteps of their family members 

Amy Miao and Sasha Prasad
March 24, 2024
If you waltz into my room, there’s a high possibility that my desk is covered with snacks.

Photo or Graphic for: Caving into my cravings: my go-to comfort snacks

Jessica Li
March 21, 2024
Avadhanam uses geometry techniques to solve Team Selection Test (TST) problems.

2 seniors now one step away from making national Math Olympiad teams

Jessica Li, Parav Manney, and Amy Miao
February 10, 2024
Sample drawing of solar panels at the senior parking lot.

Photo or Graphic for: Board picks Centrica as solar panel provider; work is set to begin this summer

William Cao and Eric Shi
February 8, 2024
Spice up your love life with these activities.

Photo or Graphic for: Ideas for the next big date after Valentine’s Day

Shirina Cao
February 8, 2024
AP Statistics Teacher Seema Patel picks up a barbell in a deadlift while Speech Language Pathologist Ronda Vierra practices her freestyle technique.

Photo or Graphic for: Working out at work: Teachers take advantage of campus weight room and swimming pool

William Cao and Eric Shi
February 6, 2024
Anatomy and Physiology teacher Kristofer Orre achieves a deadlift personal record of 460 pounds at his gym.

Fitness pursuits keep teachers healthy, happy and focused

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
February 6, 2024
New Wellness Center coordinator Thea Widmer works at a desk and checks in with students as they arrive on Nov. 27. 

Wellness Center reopens under new coordinator

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 7, 2023
Food trucks were missing on the Nov. 21 Turkey Trot, and will continue to be banned in most future events involving them.

Photo or Graphic for: Policy change eliminates food trucks during school-day events like Turkey Trot

Derek Liang and Eric Shi
December 7, 2023
Team Saratoga 1, consisting of students Bryan Li, Lawson Wang, Advaith Avadhanam, Alan Lu, Skyler Mao and Victoria Hu (left to right) proudly hold up their second place trophy.

Mathletes place second at highly competitive Berkeley tournament

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
December 7, 2023
Selina Chen anchors at “Maroc TV”, Mohammed V University’s TV Station in Rabat, Morocco.

In her gap year, alumna becomes reporter in Morocco and learns real-world lessons

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 4, 2023
Students unload boxes of cookie dough into the music building for distribution on Nov. 13.

Music Boosters cookie dough fundraiser raises $10k+

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 3, 2023
Athletes taking challenging classes often have to make tough decisions to balance their packed schedules.

Photo or Graphic for: Athletes must navigate academic hurdles as they take difficult classes

Anthony Luo
December 2, 2023
Cis-gender men overshadow women as they enthusiastically wave resumes at recruiters.

Cis-gender men crashing the 2023 Grace Hopper Conference serves as a dangerous reminder of the tech industry’s gender imbalance

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
December 1, 2023
Parcel taxes fund teacher salary and support programs.

Photo or Graphic for: Board investigates possible parcel tax campaign

William Cao, Eric Shi, and Agastya Vitaldevara
November 9, 2023
Jennifer Lee sifts through information and drafts a report on Oct. 24, preparing for the upcoming midterm review.

Biology teacher takes on new role as WASC coordinator

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
November 8, 2023
After a long period of declining enrollment, SHS has finally seen an increase in freshman class size this year.

Photo or Graphic for: School sees unexpected influx in freshman enrollment

Kevin Yang and Eric Shi
October 21, 2023
One of Green Committee’s projects last year was creating posters for the trash bins around campus.

Photo or Graphic for: Green Committee takes aim at single-use plastics, advocates for water refill stations and solar power

Jane Lee
October 21, 2023
Freshman Vivian Zhong (right) and junior Ishani Agarwal (left) win medals at the MP4G awards ceremony.

7 SHS female mathletes travel to MIT for elite contest

Jessica Li and Amy Miao
October 21, 2023
Sophia Tsives (back row, left) poses with her team after winning bronze at the World Championships.

Sophomore wins bronze with national team at the 2023 Artistic Swimming World Championships

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
October 18, 2023
As the SAT is getting ready to completely transition to digital from nearly a century of being on paper, students, particularly ones abroad, should expect many benefits.

CollegeBoard’s new digital SAT is a step toward accessibility and sustainability — so don’t snap your pencils yet

Amy Miao and Beverly Xu
October 14, 2023
The average overheating Macbook is good for frying eggs for breakfast.

Photo or Graphic for: 100-word rant: What do people see in MacBooks anyway?

Alec Guan
September 29, 2023
Tired of sweating? Try the sports on the right!

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: unathletic sports

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
September 24, 2023
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