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
All content by Andrew Lin
A chart showing my top 25 most-played albums for the past month, as of May 9

Senior Mag 2024: A poser’s guide to niche metal subgenres

Andrew Lin
May 25, 2024
Kapoor concentrating in a match at a tournament at Menlo High School on Dec. 3

Senior Mag 2024: On board: Yashom Kapoor seeks to broaden appeal of chess

Andrew Lin
May 25, 2024
The first “Vultures 1” album cover, shown above, drew criticism due to its similarity to Norwegian neo-Nazi black metal artist and convicted murderer Varg Vikernes’ “Filosofem” album cover. The current album cover is not appropriate for publication in a school newspaper.

By Kanye standards, ‘Vultures 1’ is a disappointing album

Andrew Lin
March 28, 2024
Junior Alan Lu ducks and covers during the earthquake drill. 

Photo or Graphic for: Annual earthquake drill includes new addition of post-tremor simulations

Nika Svizhenko
March 18, 2024
Junior Angie Chen tells her story of body dysmorphia at the Speak Up for Change assembly on Jan. 26. 

Speak Up for Change assembly: Students and staff discuss healing by seeking help, body dysmorphia, pursuing passions

Mitchell Chen, Andrew Lin, and Emily Wu
January 27, 2024
Short videos would offer more information and be more fun to review than written essays

Staff editorial: ‘Why school?’ essays should be replaced with video introductions

Andrew Lin
January 25, 2024
As semester ends, Taiwanese visitors get a taste of school in U.S., Bay Area culture

As semester ends, Taiwanese visitors get a taste of school in U.S., Bay Area culture

Andrew Lin
January 12, 2024
Timothy Leung accepts his trophy for reaching the semifinals for Program Oral Interpretation.

National tournament experience sets up speech competitors to reach new heights

Andrew Lin
December 4, 2023
 In the first semester, seniors have a lot on their plates

Application inflation: As acceptance rates decline, seniors are applying to more colleges

Andrew Lin
November 15, 2023
Principal Greg Louie stands in front of a no fire sign, reviewing the fire drill simulation

Newly created safety team plans for emergency scenarios

Sam Bai and Andrew Lin
September 29, 2023
“UTOPIA” sold nearly 500,000 physical units in the first week after its release, and it would have sold over 700,000 if not for shipping delays.

In ‘UTOPIA’ Travis Scott answers his critics

Andrew Lin
September 24, 2023
A personification of ChatGPT bot.

As school year concludes, ChatGPT cheating contention simmers to a boil

Andrew Lin and Kathy Wang
May 27, 2023
A new battle between AI and teachers has started

One path forward in light of ChatGPT cheating

Andrew Lin
May 26, 2023
A still from one of the most recognizable clips in the movie due to its widespread use in “sigma edits.”

‘American Psycho’ revisited: Has it withstood the test of time?

Andrew Lin
May 26, 2023
Junior Eric Norris and sophomore Ryan Backhus successfully block the ball and score a point against Los Gatos on May 3.

The comeback kids: Despite quarterfinal loss to Harker in CCS, the volleyball team ends the season feeling like champions

Derek Liang, Andrew Lin, and Aiden Ye
May 24, 2023
Senior middle Mateusz Palusinski spikes the ball past the opponents’ defense to score a point.

Boys’ volleyball focuses on improved  teamwork to help performances

Andrew Lin and Victoria Lin
March 17, 2023
No-win situation.

Like most things in life, eating should fall into a healthy middle ground

Andrew Lin
March 9, 2023
“Let’s Start Here.” was released on Jan. 27.

‘Let’s Start Here’: a psychedelic time machine back to the ‘70s

Andrew Lin
March 1, 2023
Sophomore Cosmo Cooper and junior Ariana Tootoonchi rehearse “An Easy Heaven” on Jan. 19, two days before the performance.

Student directors create productions exploring themes of life and death

Andrew Lin and Parav Manney
February 15, 2023
Depicted are the COVID cases from Aug. 22 to Jan. 20.

School averts post winter break COVID-19 outbreak

Andrew Lin
January 26, 2023
“AI Art Story by George Huang, Eric Shi, Andrew Lin” generated by Midjourney.

AI-generated images aren’t the future of art

Andrew Lin, George Huang, and Eric Shi
January 24, 2023
The gym may seem daunting at first, but lifting can potentially change your life for the better.

How to start lifting

Jason Cheng and Andrew Lin
December 16, 2022
2022 Wrapped has led me to expand my extremely one-dimensional music taste.

Spotify Wrapped should include more detailed statistics

Andrew Lin
December 14, 2022
The many faces of Kanye West.

There is no more defending Kanye West

Emma Fung and Andrew Lin
November 10, 2022
The drama program will be performing “The Crucible” on various dates from Nov. 12 to 19.

Drama program prepares for fall play ‘The Crucible’

Andrew Lin and Victoria Lin
September 24, 2022
 Kanye is No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 of all time

Top 10: Kanye songs

Andrew Lin
September 10, 2022
Junior shortstop and pitcher Lucas Dennis throws a pitch during the last game of the regular season on May 12 against Fremont.

Photo or Graphic for: Baseball team makes CCS after a three-game win streak to end the regular season

Howard Shu
May 19, 2022
This is the same search firm that found Grove four years ago.

District searches for new superintendent after Mike Grove announces retirement for health reasons

Andrew Lin
May 18, 2022
Kristofer Orre instructs junior Anthony Wang on proper form for an exercise called the thruster.

Kristofer Orre takes over as Intermediate P.E. teacher for second semester

Andrew Lin
May 15, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 11.01.52 AM

Photo or Graphic for: 100% sugar? More like 100 grams of sugar

Sam Bai
May 12, 2022
The meatballs have a texture similar to rubber erasers, which is concerning. Notice the lack of green vegetables.

King for a day: the changes I’d make to the cafeteria if I could

Andrew Lin
April 28, 2022
Top 10 fonts

Top 10 fonts

Andrew Lin and Atrey Desai
March 23, 2022
Name a more iconic group of 10

Ruining protein powder: a pitiful example

Andrew Lin
March 20, 2022

What you need to know about the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
March 18, 2022
No. 1 Singles Kosei Ogata serves in a match against Los Gatos, and the Falcons ultimately won 6-1.

Photo or Graphic for: Boys’ tennis: Falcons gear up for success with new players

Hannah Lee and Aiden Ye
March 18, 2022
School to host Grad Night in person on June 2

School to host Grad Night in person on June 2

Andrew Lin and Sam Bai
March 18, 2022
Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
March 16, 2022
Longtime football coach Lugo accepts athletic director and head coach job at Mountain View

Longtime football coach Lugo accepts athletic director and head coach job at Mountain View

Andrew Lin
January 21, 2022
After months of deliberation, school board leaves bell schedule unchanged

After months of deliberation, school board leaves bell schedule unchanged

Andrew Lin and Nikhil Mathihalli
January 21, 2022
Achieving perfection after two reboots and nine tries: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

Achieving perfection after two reboots and nine tries: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

Andrew Lin and Sam Bai
January 18, 2022
IMG_0023

Photo or Graphic for: The need for tech refresh: Establish a tech booster organization

Lynn Dai
November 22, 2021
Senior Andrew Hong defends the goal at the team’s last game against Lynbrook on Oct. 29. The Falcons ultimately lost 8-7.

Boys’ water polo closes season with a loss to Lynbrook at league finals

Bill Yuan, Sam Bai, and Andrew Lin
November 22, 2021
IMG_0009

Ethnic studies would work better as a whole-year class

Andrew Lin
November 19, 2021
Increasing tardies, unexcused absences result in punishments

Increasing tardies, unexcused absences result in punishments

Andrew Lin
November 19, 2021
Sam and Andrew get insanely jacked

Sam and Andrew get insanely jacked

Sam Bai and Andrew Lin
November 18, 2021
IMG_0446

Photo or Graphic for: So you want to play all the games The Falcon has reviewed recently? Start here

Sam Bai
November 7, 2021

Top 10 places to cry

Andrew Lin
November 4, 2021

Beijing’s grip on Chinese gaming and media tightens

Atrey Desai and Andrew Lin
October 9, 2021

Advisories resume; more changes still planned

Sam Bai and Andrew Lin
October 9, 2021
From left to right: Varsity players seniors Daniel Jiang, Chris Wu and Marcus Kuo perform warm up drills during practice

Boys’ water polo currently undefeated

Sam Bai, Andrew Lin, and Esther Luan
October 8, 2021
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Photo or Graphic for: Girls’ tennis season off to a rough start, working on team bonding

Anamika Anand and Aiden Ye
October 8, 2021
Hot dogs ARE sandwiches.

Hot dogs ARE sandwiches.

Andrew Lin
September 30, 2021
UNICEF club advertises to potential members on the second day of Club Rush.

Photo or Graphic for: Club participation increases to pre-pandemic levels

Vicky Bai and Jonny Luo
September 24, 2021
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Photo or Graphic for: Music department back on track after rough pandemic year

Shannon Ma and Nikhil Mathihalli
September 20, 2021

The proposal of an Olympic chess event is utterly ill-conceived

Andrew Lin
September 13, 2021
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