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
Beverly Xu

Beverly Xu, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Beverly Xu
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

Beverly Xu
February 14, 2025
Rector opts for a wooden box instead of caddies.

Photo or Graphic for: What the new state-wide cell phone mandate means for the district

Madhura Natarajan
December 8, 2024
AP Language and Composition teacher Erick Rector in front of his AP Lang class.

Photo or Graphic for: A guide to thrive in AP Literature and AP Language

Adarsh Peruvemba
October 27, 2024
The team, with robot number “649,” plays a qualification match at St. Ignatius during the San Francisco Regional. 

MSET Robotics team of 49 students scrambles to build a robot for their first regional, with an ambitious schedule

Alec Guan and Beverly Xu
May 21, 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
A chair-full experience: Two students sharing the same seats across different periods discuss their opinions on their seating

A chair-full experience: Two students sharing the same seats across different periods discuss their opinions on their seating

Kathy Wang and Beverly Xu
May 20, 2024
I once burnt a brownie so badly that it turned into literal hell, blackened crust and all.

My stupid ‘cooking’ adventures as a kid

Beverly Xu
May 8, 2024
You would think I would have learned to be wary of banana peels from all the cartoon characters who slip on them.

Top 10: ways to fall

Beverly Xu
May 2, 2024
Seniors Eric Norris (left) and Shreyash Das Sharma (right) stand with their stimulus pad project, which creates the feeling of resistance in conjunction with the new Apple Vision Pro. 

Engineering Design and Development students build their own designs for capstone project 

Natalie Chua and Beverly Xu
April 16, 2024
With several age-old institutions breaking down America’s voting system, democracy is teetering on the edge — and shifts in our voting system will determine whether or not we drop the ball.

America needs to rethink its voting system

Beverly Xu
March 29, 2024
From stories of old shoes, hockey games and Ultimate Frisbee matches, teachers on campus give us their best first date advice from their best and worst experiences. 

Lessons outside the classroom: teachers’ dos and don’ts for a first date

Anika Kapasi and Beverly Xu
February 15, 2024
The five contestants (left to right) — Derek Liang, Anika Kapasi, Beverly Xu, Kathy Wang and Tara Natarjan — line up behind their boards.

The Charcuterie Board Beatdown: which reporter will make the breaking board?

Anika Kapasi, Derek Liang, Tara Natarajan, Kathy Wang, and Beverly Xu
February 14, 2024
The formula for these class breakdowns: part workload, part concepts, part memorization and part AP test pass rate. 

Putting SHS science classes under the microscope

Beverly Xu
February 13, 2024
MSET Bettafish and MSET Jellyfish compete against each other during a match at a FTC league meet.

FTC teams improve consistency for upcoming league tournament

Alec Guan and Beverly Xu
February 6, 2024
As corporations flood social media, users begin to forget the true actor behind the screen.

Be wary of brands trying to be relatable on social media

Beverly Xu
December 7, 2023
Our all time favorites!

Top 10: best Halloween candies — extended holiday edition

Amy Luo and Beverly Xu
December 1, 2023
Crashing into mailboxes: a not-so-unique Saratoga student experience.

Top 10: sure-fire ways to fail your driver’s test

Beverly Xu
November 20, 2023
Nothing would make me genuinely happier than a three-story high can of Celsius. 

100-word rave: Celsius energy drink is my panacea

Beverly Xu
November 20, 2023
A robot from Cupertino high school drives across the field to score a “triball,” or a plastic, acorn-shaped game object.

SHS and Redwood VEX teams host qualifier tournament

Alec Guan and Beverly Xu
November 6, 2023
Seniors Riley Alves and Ashly Henry dressed as skeletons during the school's Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 28.

All dressed up: Creating terror-ific memories to celebrate the spooky season

Shirina Cao, Kathy Wang, and Beverly Xu
November 5, 2023
Tiananmen Square — on June 4, 1989 — teemed with students and civilians peacefully protesting for nearly two months before the massacre, one the greatest shows of public outrage in the history of China.

The aftermath of Tiananmen Square: a survivor tells his story

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

A taste of my childhood through tang yuan

Beverly Xu
October 14, 2023
 Senior outreach lead Ameya Saund’s painting for the fundraising event’s art auction shows multiple hands to highlight how collective action can accomplish much more than a sole actor.

FRC Robotics team helps bring education to underprivileged girls in rural India

Alec Guan and Beverly Xu
October 14, 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
Attracted by glamorous college names and eye-catching buzzwords, students need to weigh the true benefits of summer pre-college programs with the costs.

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

Beverly Xu
October 1, 2023
Carota speaks to students in the quad.

New Special Education Program Specialist joins school with 20 years of experience in education

William Cao and Beverly Xu
September 28, 2023
At the second mandatory meeting of the year, new junior safety lead Richard Chung introduces organization plans for the semester, along with other student leads and staff advisor Jennifer Lee.

Despite success through the years, MSET  Robotics team strives to upgrade its training

Alec Guan and Beverly Xu
September 27, 2023
After spending a week on the platform, this collage encompasses some of my favorite, ridiculously ironic Truth Social memes

I spent a week on Truth Social — and my head’s still spinning

Beverly Xu
September 26, 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…

Top 10: pots and pans (of all kinds)

Beverly Xu
September 21, 2023
Junior Caitlin Weber steps up to bat at the softball team’s last league game away to Monta Vista. The team won 13-0.

Softball: Falcons lose in CCS quarterfinals after achieving 9-3 league record

Divya Vadlakonda and Beverly Xu
May 31, 2023
Facing the Capitol building of conservative Texas, Ward takes her first testosterone blocker pills on Sept. 26, 2022. 

Halfway into life, college counselor begins a ‘second puberty’ as a transgender woman

Saachi Jain and Beverly Xu
May 25, 2023
From 2019 to 2025, the chances of SHS students getting admitted into the UCs are dropping off — and in 2025, it’s my turn to hopefully not get rejected.

Dear UCs: Please don’t reject me

Beverly Xu
May 15, 2023
When Peanuts first entered print, characters looked very different from what most people recognize today.

70 year later, ‘Peanuts’ remains a childhood staple

Beverly Xu
May 8, 2023
After their final match at the World Championship, the team gathers around their robot to take a team photo.

MSET Fish perform beyond expectations at Regional and World Championships

Beverly Xu
May 8, 2023
With a blaring “Filmora Free Plan” watermark, my rooftop music video clearly had everything but a big budget.

My version of a summer treehouse: my roof

Beverly Xu
May 4, 2023
Of all the plants that I have raised, not one has been spared a speedy trip to heaven.

Unrooted: my induction into the gardening Hall of Shame

Beverly Xu
May 2, 2023
I spy with my little eye the sky and the stars — not my future. 

Can the stars see my future? I tracked my ‘horrorscope’ for a day

Beverly Xu
April 3, 2023
Class of ‘19 alumna Alex Ruemmler smiles for a picture with her junior year history teacher Faith Daly, who inspired her to become a teacher.

School alumni choose to become teachers and return to California

Anika Kapasi and Beverly Xu
April 3, 2023
At the end of a qualification match, the team’s robot balances on the charge station.

MSET robotics team faces tough competition in SF and falls short of qualifying for worlds

Beverly Xu
April 1, 2023
Wellesley students decorate a ledge with chalk in support of the recent ballot measure.

Wellesley College officials should listen to students and staff and change their gender policy

Beverly Xu
March 30, 2023
Students at the Halloween Party gather around the robot demonstration organized by the Best Buddies club.

Best Buddies club hopes to bring change to school

Neal Malhotra and Beverly Xu
February 15, 2023
Chess club members gather around the projector to analyze game strategy.

Behind the flurry of chess club ‘grand master’ posters: competition, learning and play

Beverly Xu
February 12, 2023
Sitting (or maybe swimming) next to the bunny trifecta, “Flippy” the rainbow fish has not paid rent after more than four years living in my bookshelf. 

Parting ways with my 101 dalma-plushies

Beverly Xu
February 12, 2023
Sophomore Vera Fung assembles her laser-cut beams into each truss for her Principles of Engineering bridge project.

Building bridges teaches key engineering concepts

Beverly Xu
February 10, 2023
Stacked two-people high, three dragons dangle banners from their mouths and bounce up and down to the crowd’s delight.

Hakone Gardens moves forward with major renovations for its next century

Beverly Xu
February 10, 2023
Six out of the 12 members of Single’s Inferno season 2 all compete to leave the island with a partner.

Love is in the air — but not in Netflix reality dating shows

Beverly Xu
February 8, 2023
As the construction approaches completion, a large layer of turf is placed on the field.

Recent winter storms cause delays in baseball field renovations

Beverly Xu
January 26, 2023
High-fiving a long line of tournament contributors, team AstroBruins from Santa Clara High receives their award during the awards ceremony, closing up the competition.

Robotics teams host first 24-team tournament in three years

Beverly Xu
December 12, 2022
Senior captain Dylan Sinton dribbles the ball across the field during a Tuesday night practice match.

Boys’ soccer team focuses on building chemistry and momentum

Nilay Mishra and Beverly Xu
December 12, 2022
A wide variety of traditional jams, spices, beans and other foods stock the shelves of Rose Market in downtown Saratoga.

Cultural grocery stores: an essential for Bay Area residents

Victoria Hu and Beverly Xu
December 6, 2022
As schools of the same district, Saratoga High and Los Gatos High compete against each other throughout a variety of sports.

The state of the rivalry: How does SHS stack up against Los Gatos sports?

Anika Kapasi and Beverly Xu
December 6, 2022
A scene from our highly acclaimed mukbang video.

Mukbang: Why do we watch them?

Beverly Xu and Maggie Zeng
November 30, 2022
MSET Cuttlefish team modifies their robot a week before the qualifier.

Robotics teams prepare to host annual FTC tournament

Beverly Xu
November 28, 2022
Merry Birthday to me.

The most important holiday of the year: my birthday

Beverly Xu
November 28, 2022
No. 1 player sophomore Sarah Lim sets her ball down on the green for her next putt.

Freshman qualifies for golf state championship; team outperforms expectations

Beverly Xu
November 17, 2022
From 1840 to 2017, the number of US hazing deaths has shot up exponentially.

Greek life should be heavily regulated, if not eliminated entirely

Divya Vadlakonda and Beverly Xu
November 11, 2022
Falcon leaders stand out by forming strong relationships with their peers and mentors around them.

Around campus, leaders are selected through strong peer and teacher relationships

Anika Kapasi and Beverly Xu
November 10, 2022
An infographic detailing Cuttlecast’s Oct. 27 online session.

Cuttlefish robotics team hosts tech professionals on Cuttlecast

Beverly Xu
November 9, 2022
Seven minutes into a 30 minute lunch break, all three of the lunch lines still extend out of the cafeteria.

School should seek to turn difficulties with Universal Lunch Program into opportunities

Sarah Thomas and Beverly Xu
November 4, 2022
School nurse Lisa Tripp administers a COVID-19 vaccine at a partnership clinic with Inspire Diagnostics.

Fall COVID-19 booster clinics distribute updated bivalent boosters

Beverly Xu
October 29, 2022
Bawling my eyes out after being forced to wear my first Halloween costume, 4-year-old me went trick-or-treating for the first time.

Trick-or-treating, the best part of Halloween, is my childhood

Beverly Xu
October 19, 2022
Senior ACE club president Carolyn Wang presents the next group discussion to more than 15 student tutors.

ACE club members volunteer to tutor students across four different countries

Neal Malhotra and Beverly Xu
October 19, 2022
Females for Finance co-president Samantha Stoiber answers a member’s question about personal finance during their lunch club meeting.

STEM and finance clubs and organizations strive to bring in more female and nonbinary participants

Beverly Xu
October 19, 2022
Principal Greg Louie steals a big bite of his patented peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while checking his email.

A day in the life of principal Greg Louie

Beverly Xu
September 25, 2022
Not all words are created equal.

The real deal behind lol and lmao

Beverly Xu and Divya Vadlakonda
September 23, 2022
Counselor Brad Ward leads a college application introductory presentation for seniors in the new College and Career Center on Aug. 25.

College and career counselor Brad Ward quickly settles into the school community

Tara Natarajan, Shreya Rallabandi, and Beverly Xu
September 19, 2022
Senior Ananya Seth follows through on her swing, and watches the ball fly away from her.

Girls’ golf team looks to freshmen to make up for seniors lost to graduation

Beverly Xu
September 13, 2022
Junior Owen Liang mounts the new intake hardstop, preventing the intake from deploying too far down.

Robotics team readies to compete at regional offseason tournaments

Neal Malhotra and Beverly Xu
September 11, 2022
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