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
Kathy Wang

Kathy Wang, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Kathy Wang
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

Ariia Blanco, Melinda Su, and Kathy Wang
September 21, 2024
Inside look of the Music Building bathroom — a treasure in itself. (Boys bathroom)

Secrets revealed: the best bathrooms on campus

William Cao and Kathy Wang
May 22, 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
The poster for the “Zap” play

Drama invited to attend Festival Fringe in Scotland for first time in almost two decades

Kathy Wang
May 5, 2024
An art piece submission, “Serenity’s Embrace: Canyon Whispers” by Claire Kim from Issue 1: “Make Your Dreams Come True.”

Asian Anthology: literary journal co-founded by local high schoolers

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
April 18, 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
AP U.S. history teacher Faith Stackhouse Daly

History teacher honored with University of Chicago ‘Outstanding Educator Award’

Kathy Wang
February 17, 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 current science building, which was established in 2002

Biology teacher recalls her past teaching experiences in the old science classrooms

Kathy Wang
February 10, 2024
Rows of guitars displayed on the wall at the guitar store, Diamond Music.

Groovy guitar gamble: Alumni runs thriving guitar shop in downtown

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
February 8, 2024
One of the chefs from Kito’s Taco Shop, Juan, grills tomatoes for the salsa.

Spanish teacher balances teaching and co-running startup Mexican food restaurant

Kathy Wang and Andy Zhu
February 6, 2024
Senior Maddy Hubb strikes a pose on her horse.

Equestrian vaulters find community while competing at an international and national level  

Kathy Wang
February 1, 2024
Freshman Dylan Zuo takes the rear wheel off to clean a bike’s cassette.

Riding low: Freshman starts small business offering bike-fixing services

William Cao and Kathy Wang
January 30, 2024
On Oct. 17, Spanish club members listen attentively to a presentation about tacos by the club officers.

Spanish Club shows what is possible for a cultural club

Kathy Wang
December 20, 2023
A delicious fortune cookie

Fortune cookies may not crack me up, but I sure do crack them (and myself) up

Kathy Wang
December 15, 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
Downtown’s Christmas tree lights up the dim evening.

Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings community together

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
December 3, 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
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
Senior Carine Chan in position to swing her golf club during practice on Oct. 19.

A long shot: After losing a star player, girls’ golf has tougher time securing wins

Kathy Wang
October 21, 2023
Science teacher Kristen Thomson performs in the front row of the quad day staff performance.

Staff Spirit House program sparks excitement among staff

Sasha Prasad and Kathy Wang
October 21, 2023
Senior Hannah Shaw performs a dance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sejong Korean School.

Senior finds creative expression through Korean folk dance

Kathy Wang
October 18, 2023
I know the toilet will murder me if I don’t run away fast enough.

Sorry, Mom, I’m too scared to flush the toilet

Kathy Wang
September 29, 2023
Junior Sarah Lim marks her last putt at Baylands during the team's second match of the season on Aug. 30.

Early season update: Girls’ golf team banks on returning players 

Kathy Wang
September 24, 2023
Seniors sing along for their weekly karaoke activity.

A happy place for all: Elderly find community at the Saratoga Senior Center

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
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
An “Under Construction” sign replaces the old sign — that showed the opening hours of the track and field.

Safety concerns necessitate summer renovations for track surface and football field turf

Kathy Wang
May 27, 2023
Senior Rosie Kline throws the ball during her water polo match.

Senior spends her evenings coaching competitive swimming at the YMCA

Kathy Wang
May 19, 2023
Plant supervisor Paul Weir, who is a certified pool operator, tests the pH of the pool.

Sport facilities upkeep demands a marathon of maintenance from a small crew

Kathy Wang
May 17, 2023
With their grandpa, sophomore Kathy Wang and her sister, with their matching braided hairstyles, tear up bread to make paomo, a popular Chinese soup.

Before Covid, annual trips to China brought me closer to my grandparents

Kathy Wang
May 13, 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
Lisa Chow performs in Winter Guards first competition of the season on February 11 at Fremont High School.

With four new coaches, Winter Guard sees improvement

Kathy Wang
March 17, 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
 

Racial tensions flared in the ’90s as Asian students gained prominence

Kathy Wang
March 13, 2023
Senior Anand Agrawal checks the fuel quantity in his plane.

A testflight at age 11 plants the seed for pursuing a pilot’s license in high school

Kathy Wang
March 10, 2023
Magic Tree House book: Mummies in the Morning

The Magic Tree House: a nostalgic series bound to whisk you away into historical escapades

Kathy Wang
March 3, 2023
Photo of The Inn at Saratoga.

Rare shooting occurs in Saratoga downtown

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
February 10, 2023
Athletic trainer Caitlin Steiding poses with the football team during the football game senior night.

Athletic trainer forms bonds and guides student helpers

Kathy Wang
January 29, 2023
Sophomore Timothy Leung spoke about being sexually assaulted while in seventh grade and his journey to acceptance.

At SUFC rally, trauma becomes central focus

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
January 29, 2023
Many submissions revolved around the theme of mental health. Among them was senior Christina Chang’s artwork “Burnout,” a mixed media self portrait which comments on the academic culture at Saratoga High. 

Winter Soundings issue to be published online in late January

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
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
Sophomore Anika Ramakrishnan practices for her Arangetram with the accompaniment of carnatic music.

Sophomore expresses creative stories of her culture through Indian classical dancing

Kathy Wang
January 20, 2023
A typical store-bought Valentine’s card.

A flashback of elementary Valentine’s Day

Kathy Wang
January 18, 2023
Green committee members run a booth at the Saratoga Education Foundation run, selling eco-friendly products like reusable utensils, straws, tote bags and water bottles.

Green Committee asks for students’ help to make the school a greener place

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
December 18, 2022
A house in San Jose, built around a large tree, was devalued several hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the potential problem it posed for future homeowners. 

Saratogans love trees, except when they become problematic

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
December 17, 2022
Singing for Smiles president and junior Simarya Ahuja sings “Control” by Halsey during the Halloween-themed Singing for Smiles performance.

Junior continues legacy of Singing for Smiles

Kathy Wang
December 7, 2022
 SHS TV head producer, senior Adam Xu, and Kai Otsuka, a first year reporter, set up an interview shot in M102.

SHSTV moves shortened broadcast to sixth period to increase engagement

Kathy Wang
December 5, 2022
The school’s security cameras show two persons of interest involved in the incident.

School fights back against racist incident involving Black doll found hanging in a noose in the quad

Kathy Wang
November 17, 2022
Sophomore Pranav Rajan, who ran a PR of 17:34, races at Crystal Springs during CCS.

Cross country ends season with boys placing No. 6 and girls placing No. 7 at CCS

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
November 17, 2022
Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Kathy Wang
November 14, 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
French teacher Elaine Haggerty and her family enjoy sushi with her cousin and his family in Japan.

Students and teachers share their favorite cultural cuisines

Kathy Wang
November 7, 2022
Senior Elizabeth Stoiber and juniors Raghav Rajan and Diego Rocabado cheer on sophomore Timothy Leung during the Baylands’ meet on Sept. 20.

Cross country performs well at invitationals and meets

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
September 30, 2022
 Juhi Karamcheti and Mihir Shaik smiles as they perform their partner dance.

Homecoming: Sophomores surprise audience with a rap

Kathy Wang
September 29, 2022
During their Sept. 10 practice, Danny Moon hands the new Walt van Zant trophy to WVJS member Dwayne Spencer, who finished with an all-time personal record.

West Valley Joggers and Striders Club: a microcosm of Saratoga society

Lynn Dai, Saachi Jain, and Kathy Wang
September 29, 2022
Boys and girls cross country rounds up for a break after practice.

Longtime cross country coach uses his time as a runner to better guide athletes

Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang
September 24, 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
Wellness Center coordinator Grace Conley looks over the students gathered there.

Wellness Center welcomes new therapist team, introduces more mental health resources

Lynn Dai and Kathy Wang
September 24, 2022
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