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

Angela Tan, Lifestyles Editor

Angela Tan, Class of ’25, is a Lifestyles Editor for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, she was a Photography Manager and Reporter. She has covered marching band events and enjoys writing opinion and lifestyle stories. Outside of journalism, Angela enjoys playing the flute, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.

All content by Angela Tan
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

Alexander Mao, Angela Tan, and Minghui Zhao
November 15, 2024
Big data corporations like Disney are more involved in data stealing than you may think.

Behind a curtain of ‘transparency,’ many companies process user data undercover

Sanyukta Ravishankar and Angela Tan
September 25, 2024
Instead of only one yapper dominating the conversation, now multiple yappers can!

An idea worth considering: The Yappers’ Club would be a safe space for conversation dominators

Angela Tan
September 12, 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
Junior Aiden Chen winds up for a pitch against Santa Clara on May 9.

Photo or Graphic for: Baseball falls short of CCS but builds for the future

Richard Fan and Jane Lee
May 23, 2024
Percussion students from Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School blow bubbles at the end of the combined band concert.

50 years of Saratoga Music Boosters celebrated at annual Pancake Breakfast

Saachi Jain, Anika Kapasi, Jane Lee, Anthony Luo, and Angela Tan
May 6, 2024
Rebuilding trails, serving at a hospital, teaching kids and helping at a food bank are just a few of the endless volunteer opportunities in the community.

Summer volunteering in the Bay Area: a guide to seeking the opportunities

Angela Tan
May 4, 2024
Junior Steven Ning regrets his choice of snacks while on the East Coast

Photo or Graphic for: Friend’s peanut allergy episode shows the dangers of the deadly condition

Andy Zhu
April 23, 2024
My brain cycles through the same emotions each summer.

My emotional cycle during summer break repeats predictably each year

Angela Tan
April 18, 2024
Junior violist David Kim performs his concerto on March 7 in the McAfee Center.

Junior concerto competition winner shines in spring orchestra concert 

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
April 5, 2024
The name of your college doesn’t guarantee you immediate success.

Attending a prestigious college doesn’t guarantee future success

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
April 4, 2024
Junior Doug Bettinger pitches during a home game against Santa Clara on March 21.

Photo or Graphic for: Baseball struggles with young roster and inconsistent execution 

Jane Lee
April 3, 2024
Sophomore Patrick Keogh (left) and junior Kat Aldrete (right) practice their dance choreography during the “Something Rotten” rehearsal.

Photo or Graphic for: Drama prepares for upcoming spring musical ‘Something Rotten’

Emma Fung
April 3, 2024
The National Concert Chorus takes the stage in Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Choir performs at National Concerts Festival in Seattle

Angela Tan
March 29, 2024
Flying over the vault, my childhood self would finally fulfill her gymnastics dream.

If I could be any athlete for a day, it would be supremely gifted gymnast Simone Biles 

Angela Tan
March 24, 2024
Senior Katelyn Fritz dribbles the ball during senior night against Los Gatos on Feb. 8.

Photo or Graphic for: Lack of deep roster hurts girls’ soccer’s performance in upper division

Anika Kapasi
February 14, 2024
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs at CASMEC on Feb. 2.

Months of lengthy rehearsals pay off for Symphonic Wind Ensemble at state-wide conference

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
February 9, 2024
Writing a Valentine’s Day letter of appreciation in Chinese class was a heartwarming experience.

Valentine’s Day builds valuable relationships, and not just romantic ones

Angela Tan
February 8, 2024
I was always thrilled to receive $20 on my birthday.

Childhood money making: a challenging but valuable experience

Angela Tan
February 4, 2024
Surrounded by family and friends, the Chamber Choir sings for the community at Blaney Plaza.

Music program aims to foster community through holiday performances

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
December 13, 2023
Senior captain and center-back Jiah Jung defends the ball against Notre Dame on Dec. 5. 

Photo or Graphic for: Falcons search for answers at goalie even as their offense jumps to a fast start 

Anika Kapasi
December 11, 2023
Sadly, the people who do dress up for spirit weeks end up looking out of place.

Spirit weeks need more active participation

Angela Tan
December 7, 2023
I’m heartbroken when January hits, indicating Santa’s farewell.

Christmas is an ‘ex’ I’ll need to get over 

Angela Tan
November 25, 2023
Drum majors and guard captains return with trophies after the awards ceremony.

Marching band closes out season with sweepstakes win at Folsom Fall Festival

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
November 16, 2023
Freshman Renisha Mandal tutors fellow freshman Brian Le at their regular tutoring session on Oct. 12. 

Math mentoring program continues to pay dividends

Angela Tan
November 6, 2023
Football fans (or not) are disappointed when their favorite dopamine-inducing candies and snacks are sold out.

The football snack shack needs to stock up  

Angela Tan
November 3, 2023
Freshman left forward Evelyn Williams dribbles the ball across the field during a game against Monta Vista on Sept. 13.

Photo or Graphic for: Freshmen shine on field hockey’s offensive line 

Anamika Anand
October 21, 2023
The team huddles and encourages each other during their senior night against Homestead on Oct. 18.

Photo or Graphic for: Varsity girls’ volleyball pulls members from JV due to low numbers

Natalie Chua and Sarah Zhou
October 21, 2023
The trumpet section marches forward in the opener of “Call of the Unknown.”

Marching band places third at Cupertino tournament

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
October 21, 2023
Students huddle in front of the library doors with an all-too-familiar “CLOSED” sign.

Inconsistent library hours hurt those seeking a quiet place to work

Angela Tan
October 18, 2023
Teenage boys with baseball caps and shaggy hair block my bike, heckling over my discomfort.

Column: I’m afraid of teenagers who radiate middle school energy

Angela Tan
September 30, 2023
Andrew Beattie works with football players during an after school practice.

Photo or Graphic for: New CBI aide takes on coaching roles for multiple sports

Richard Fan and Neal Malhotra
September 29, 2023
Carota speaks to students in the quad.

Photo or Graphic for: New Special Education Program Specialist joins school with 20 years of experience in education

William Cao and Beverly Xu
September 28, 2023
CBI teacher Michelle Nguyen shows students how to order food and behave in public in preparation for when they visit Big Burger Basin.

New CBI teacher aims to encourage inclusivity

Angela Tan
September 28, 2023
The Saratoga Wind Ensemble stands to take a bow during the 2023 Year-End Concert on May 25.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble prepares for statewide music conference

Anika Kapasi and Angela Tan
September 28, 2023
Senior center back Jiah Jung dribbles the ball during a game against Wilcox High on Dec. 7, 2022, seven weeks before her season-ending injury.

Senior soccer player reflects on rehabilitation process after PCL and meniscus tear in her knee

Angela Tan
September 24, 2023
Senior Lexi Cleland prepares to shoot the winning goal against Monta Vista on Aug. 13.

Photo or Graphic for: Early-season check-in: Field hockey features promising new players

Anamika Anand
September 18, 2023
The team huddles during a time out in a game against Christopher High School on Sept. 5.

Photo or Graphic for: Season preview: Girls’ volleyball adjusts to small roster and new coach

Natalie Chua and Sarah Zhou
September 9, 2023
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