The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
During their first meeting on Sept. 12, Slime Club members mix a large bowl of glue with an activator to make slime.
New Slime Club is drawing over 60 members each meeting
September 26, 2024
At the first Speech and Debate club practice of the year, speech coach Jenny Cook delivers announcements.
Speech and debate members excel at June’s Nationals, adding momentum to fall competitions
September 24, 2024
Junior Nicole Hao works on her team’s robot on her lift mechanism.
All 5 VEX Robotics teams gear up for first competition on Oct. 13
September 22, 2024
Freshmen Arjun Vijaykumar, Samir Sharma and Adrian Etter play Ping Pong during lunch.
Falcon Nest upgrades continue into the new school year
September 21, 2024
Panian enjoys a weekly outing with his learners.
Blake Panian strives to teach students independence as the new school resource aide
September 20, 2024
The crevice is widening between the ideologies of America’s two leading parties.
Deepening political divides are fragmenting America
September 26, 2024
History classes rely on using reliable sources when discussing political events.
When politics intrude into the classroom
September 26, 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
September 25, 2024
A name like that might just give poor X a case of torrential bullying.
Elon Musk cursed his son by naming him X æ A-xii Musk
September 24, 2024
The inside of the Palace is equipped with a kitchen, plenty of desks, a paper cutting machine and a massive bookshelf — much cozier than it appears from the outside.
From drab office to palatial Palace: the story behind the English department’s office space
September 23, 2024
In last year’s matchup with Santa Clara, senior Sydney Riera controls the game from the middle of the field.
Field hockey team hopes to find improvement during rebuild
September 24, 2024
Senior Kaylee Yeung performs in a 2023 Nutcracker production with her dance studio.
A leap of faith: Senior hopes to pursue ballet beyond high school
September 21, 2024
Sadie climbing at a Qualification Event (QE) competition, at Metal Mark in Fresno
Freshman climber works to elevate her skills
September 20, 2024
In May of 2022, baseball player Samanyu Ram stands on Saratoga’s home field after a CCS win against St. Thomas More.
Senior commits to NYU’s Division III baseball program
September 19, 2024
The dance team sells homemade baked goods at their bake sale at the Sept. 5 home football game against El Camino to fundraise for competition and costume costs.
Dance team welcomes new assistant coach who focuses on their technique and fitness
September 19, 2024
No phone use on campus will prove to be a health and safety hazard.
Cell phones have a healthy and necessary role in schools
September 26, 2024
In the dark reality of social media, family channels have let money and fame blind them.
YouTube Family channels too often lead to child exploitation
September 24, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump engaged in a heated debate last week.
Presidential candidates duke it out on the debate stage — who won?
September 23, 2024
K-pop has shifted from a genre of music to a lifestyle and cultural phenomenon.
K-pop draws millions of fans even though many of its teenage idols suffer behind the scenes
September 20, 2024
Junior Nirvan Shah faces off against junior Brady Liang at lunch on Sept. 16.
Student irresponsibility undermines the Falcon Nest’s true potential
September 18, 2024
The library is the perfect place to work
100-word rave: A love letter to tutorials
September 26, 2024
An example of a WeTip poster depicting the impact of negative comments hangs in Meghan Laws’ English classroom.
WeTip posters aim to provide a way to report harassment, bullying and other issues
September 26, 2024
Stationery products from Muji
Top 10 best stationery brands
September 24, 2024
A paper knife is like trying to become an academic weapon — it’s not as magnificent or sustainable as it appears.
New year, new habits: I tried to become an academic weapon
September 24, 2024
Making friendship bracelets was the highlight of our night.
Is it possible to have the perfect sleepover with your best friend?
September 23, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon

Emma Fung, News Editor

All content by Emma Fung
One of the three vending machines on the school campus.

Top 10: vending machine items on campus

Emma Fung
September 17, 2024
In March 2024, freshmen Kayley Ren placed seventh out of 94 fencers at the Fortune Fencing Super Youth Circuit in Ontario, Calif.

Blade and balance: Freshman excels at competitive fencing

Emma Fung
September 13, 2024
Midday naps are easy-peasy for me with the help of ASMR.

Listen up: Don’t shame me for indulging in ASMR

Emma Fung
September 7, 2024
School registrar Robert Wise

Registrar Robert Wise retires after nine years at school

Emma Fung
June 6, 2024
The only playlist you’ll ever need.

Top 10: songs to listen to before you die

Emma Fung
May 30, 2024
Sophomore Patrick Keogh (left) and junior Kat Aldrete (right) practice their dance choreography during the “Something Rotten” rehearsal.

Drama prepares for upcoming spring musical ‘Something Rotten’

Emma Fung
April 3, 2024
Introduction to Business and Physics teacher Kirk Davis

Davis to retire after 17 years at school

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
March 30, 2024
The tethers finally make their appearance, dressed in all red, signature scissors in hand. 

‘Us’: Peele’s sinister thriller film leaves you questioning your existence

Emma Fung
March 28, 2024
Sophomore Jet Tsang, junior Ashish Goswami, alumnus Arnav Garg, sophomore Anthony Luo and junior Leonardo Jia stand outside Dwinelle Hall in Berkeley. 

Debate duo advances to competitive national tournaments

Emma Fung and Anthony Luo
March 24, 2024
From top left going clockwise, the artworks of Lee, Pan, Hao, and Wang.

Four students selected to display their art at ArtNow in the New Museum Los Gatos

Emma Fung, Skyler Mao, and Zack Zhang
March 14, 2024

Girls’ basketball seniors reflect on underwhelming season, leave team in hands of promising underclassmen 

Emma Fung
February 10, 2024
My top three actors that everyone should appreciate aesthetically

My top three actors that everyone should appreciate aesthetically

Emma Fung
February 8, 2024
Leung and Potluri pose with their first-place plaques from the John Lewis Invitational outside of Silver Creek HS.

Speech and debaters team up as a duo and qualify for nationals

Emma Fung and Anthony Luo
February 8, 2024
Junior point guard Urvi Iyer prepares to take a shot during a team practice game.

Girls’ basketball adjusts work ethic and play style under new head coach 

Emma Fung
December 11, 2023
On Dec. 5, music director Jason Shiuan conducts a Saratoga Strings practice during fourth period orchestra.

Saratoga Strings to play three world premiere pieces at Midwest Clinic

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
December 8, 2023
Senior Leo Shetler (right) and his rowing team race to the finish at the 2023 U19 World Rowing Championships. 

Senior announces commitment to UC Berkeley’s Division I rowing program 

Emma Fung
December 1, 2023
Senior Sahar Noor poses with her fellow Persian dancers after her performance at the Beshkan Dance Academy.

Persian dancing: Childhood festivals inspire senior’s lifelong passion

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
November 8, 2023
Sophomore Anthony Luo and junior Skyler Mao pose with their second-place trophies outside Presentation High School after the Nano Nagle Invitational on Oct. 8.

Public forum debate teams mark a strong start to the season

Emma Fung and Anthony Luo
October 23, 2023
History teacher Mike Davey coaching the softball team during the 2023 season.

Photo or Graphic for: Davey continues father’s coaching legacy 

Nicole Lee
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.

Hitchock was right when it comes to birds

Emma Fung
September 27, 2023
The speech and debate team advertises their homemade cake pops along with bags of popcorn during the homecoming reveal on Aug. 15.

Speech and debate team dives into upcoming season with juniors at the helm

Emma Fung and Anthony Luo
September 24, 2023
Cunningham dancing in the Teacher Quad Day during Homecoming Week in 2022.

Photo or Graphic for: Activities director Cunningham takes on new administrative role

Saachi Jain
September 15, 2023
Students listening during the campus meeting on April 27.

District board members meet with students on campus

Emma Fung and Isabelle Wang
May 17, 2023
With the same face but opposite personalities, twin sisters Liv and Maddie navigate through their high school years together.

‘Liv and Maddie’: A dramatic, funny show that shaped our personalities

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
May 6, 2023
Junior second baseman Vivienne Brooks runs to first base.

Photo or Graphic for: Despite integrating inexperienced players, softball’s team chemistry remains strong

Natalie Chua and Victoria Lin
March 20, 2023
Freshman Nikhil Srivatsa completes a forehand while warming up for a match against Los Altos

Photo or Graphic for: Despite rainouts and injuries, boys’ tennis team forges ahead

Daniel Wu and Aiden Ye
March 16, 2023
Sophomores Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang work hard in the kitchen to prepare a feast.

Cooking showdown: Four students compete in a cooking competition 

Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain, and Kathy Wang
March 14, 2023
Trying to levitate a book in vain, I slowly came to the realization that I, in fact, was not a wizard.

Why Harry Potter remains one of the best book series of all time

Emma Fung
March 3, 2023
Sophomore Cosmo Cooper and junior Ariana Tootoonchi rehearse “An Easy Heaven” on Jan. 19, two days before the performance.

Photo or Graphic for: Student directors create productions exploring themes of life and death

Andrew Lin and Parav Manney
February 15, 2023
Students write positive notes on post-its in the College and Career center on Jan. 24.

Clubs, teachers host fun, creative activities for Speak Up for Change week

Emma Fung
January 29, 2023
Daily planks will help train my sustainability and endurance. 

New Year’s resolutions I will actually commit to

Emma Fung
January 24, 2023
The percussionists surround the dancing lions, accompanying them with a rhythmic beat.

Saratoga Library celebrates Lunar New Year by offering community activities

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
January 21, 2023
Rohan Chopra receives his CineSpace Best Educational Film Award from the imagery manager and co-founder of the NASA CineSpace competition, Dr. Carlos Fontanot. 

Junior wins award for best educational film in NASA competition

Emma Fung, George Hu, and Zack Zhang
December 15, 2022
Yearbook students bustle around and work during 6th period.

Unbalanced class sizes result in challenges and some benefits

Emma Fung
December 15, 2022
Senior captain Dylan Sinton dribbles the ball across the field during a Tuesday night practice match.

Photo or Graphic for: Boys’ soccer team focuses on building chemistry and momentum

Nilay Mishra and Beverly Xu
December 12, 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
Senior libero Noor Khan hits the ball in their game against Lynbrook. The Falcons ultimately lost 3-0.

Photo or Graphic for: Girls’ volleyball pushes through injury-ridden season

Natalie Chua and Ariel Zhou
November 12, 2022
 Vendors display heaps of fresh fruit at the Prince of Peace farmers market.

Local business owners showcase their products at weekly farmers market

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
November 10, 2022
Haunting wolves turned my sweet dreams into the worst of nightmares.

My experiences with the Big Bad Wolf

Emma Fung
November 10, 2022
5-year-old me took on the Wild West during my kindergarten school play.

Becoming a cowgirl was my dream job as a kid

Emma Fung
November 10, 2022
The many faces of Kanye West.

There is no more defending Kanye West

Emma Fung and Andrew Lin
November 10, 2022
Band members practice together after school.

Photo or Graphic for: Fall marching band season requires strong time management

Nicole Lee
October 26, 2022
Females for Finance co-president Samantha Stoiber answers a member’s question about personal finance during their lunch club meeting.

Photo or Graphic for: STEM and finance clubs and organizations strive to bring in more female and nonbinary participants

Beverly Xu
October 19, 2022
Bad habits influence and shape our everyday lives.

Bad habits undo the best of intentions

Emma Fung and Amy Luo
September 28, 2022
Elle and Noah look at each other in anticipation as the crowd chants for them to kiss.

‘The Kissing Booth’ is a poorly made movie, but it’s worth seeing

Emma Fung
September 28, 2022
Junior Levana Lai practices her piece during break at orchestra rehearsal.

Students find community through local youth orchestra

Kathy Wang and Emma Fung
September 24, 2022
VSCO girls started trending on TikTok and Instagram in  early 2019.

The best and worst microtrends of our middle school years

Emma Fung
September 24, 2022
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