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
Emma Fung

Emma Fung, News Editor

Emma Fung, Class of 2025, is a News editor for the 2024-2025 school year. She was previously a School Scope editor, photography manager, and reporter. She has covered topics including drama productions, speech and debate, and personal columns such as movie reviews. In her free time, Emma enjoys fencing, eating, and watching horror movie reviews.

All content by Emma Fung
Parents listen attentively to life coach Mary Eschen as she discusses several valuable topics.

PTSO speaker provides parents strategies for connecting with their teenagers

Emma Fung
October 27, 2024
Emma (left), her father (middle) and her sister (right) in the ski lounge, unaware of the disaster that day had in store for them.

A blizzard disaster: I survived a traumatic (and dramatic) experience at Boreal Resort

Emma Fung
October 25, 2024
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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