The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
95071X Extremity’s robot competes on the playing field during a scrimmage.
VEX Robotics team hosts inter-school scrimmages in preparation for worlds
April 26, 2025
Courtesy of Abhiram Ruthala An infographic describing the implications of different waves captured by the Muse headset, included in a video produced by the group to present their project.
Sophomore explores passion in neuroscience, placing second in California’s 16th Congressional District in prestigious coding competition
April 26, 2025
Courtesy of Dave Rickling Rickling’s stand at De Anza College Farmers’ Market, selling jars of honey and honey sticks alongside other vendors.
Dave’s Backyard Bees: from lockdown hobby to booming business
April 25, 2025
The SHS and RMS Combined Band performs at the 2024 Pancake Breakfast.
SMB prepares for annual Pancake Breakfast
April 25, 2025
Student art being showcased at last year’s Soundings exhibition in the SHS Library.
Soundings’ April 18. Exhibition will feature works from The Wildcat Review
April 17, 2025
Using phones before sleep not only harms your eyes, but also delays the time it takes to fall asleep.
Scrolling into insomnia: how electronics rob teens of sleep
April 27, 2025
Strydom’s dabbles in a variety of mediums, including pencil sketches, pen sketches and digital art.
Sophomore’s YouTube Shorts reach thousands of views
April 27, 2025
Courtesy of Portsmouth Events The remake of ‘Snow White’ sparked controversy and mixed reactions ahead of its March 21 release.
Disney’s ‘Snow White’: not the fairest adaptation of them all
April 26, 2025
Courtesy of Karthik Sangameswaran Sangameswaran proudly holds up the book his work is published in.
Senior becomes a published historian
April 25, 2025
Our H-Mart shopping basket.
A Falcon guide to Chinese Lay’s flavors from H-Mart
April 25, 2025
The notorious “torpedo bat” has increased mass in the center of the barrel, hence the name.
Controversial torpedo bat makes a splash in MLB
April 27, 2025
Athletic trainer Kevin Attard helps junior football and lacrosse player Jayden Kwong prepare for knee rehabilitation.
New athletic trainer hired after months-long search
April 25, 2025
Bonner instructs swimmers to start the set off the block.
Christian Bonner’s journey from non-swimmer to longtime swimming coach
April 17, 2025
Ning launches a three against Sacred Heart as his teammates prepare to celebrate.
From 13th man to 3rd team all league — Steven Ning’s basketball journey
April 3, 2025
The beam training area at Gold Star Gymnastics.
Paying it forward for the next generation of gymnasts
March 31, 2025
Courtesy of Pinterest The ideal Expo marker in a classroom should be fresh and full of ink.
100-word rant: Dried markers, know your place (in the trash)
April 25, 2025
This energy drink is the perfect refreshing drink on a hot summer day.
100-word rave: Energy drinks are just spectacular
April 25, 2025
The issue of modern feminism: Don’t mistake progress for exploitation
The issue of modern feminism: Don’t mistake progress for exploitation
April 20, 2025
Mangione’s alleged actions were wrong, but the diagnosis of America’s failing health-care system wasn’t
Mangione’s alleged actions were wrong, but the diagnosis of America’s failing health-care system wasn’t
March 31, 2025
Stay safe.
In a dark time, it’s time to know your rights
March 27, 2025
New York Times’ games can predict my future
New York Times’ games can predict my future
April 26, 2025
The infamous “criss cross chair” from TikTok Shop, ranging from $40-70, has taken over social media feeds.
Is TikTok Shop another marketing trap or actually have legitimate products?
April 17, 2025
Students gather to eat and talk on the upper deck.
Prom 2025: A grape evening at the Mountain Winery
April 6, 2025
Courtesy of Imgflip If you’re going to stop reading this story right here, this meme sums up my entire high school experience (I been chilling with boba but it’s close enough). Seriously, though, John Cena’s Chinese is elite.
My high school life in memes
April 5, 2025
Courtesy of Neha Sharan Students compete in a co-ed tournament held at the India Community Center in Milpitas.
A sophomore’s gambit: encouraging more girls to take up chess
April 4, 2025
Volume 57, Issue 6
Volume 57, Issue 6
April 23, 2025
Volume 57, Issue 5
Volume 57, Issue 5
April 23, 2025
Volume 57, Issue 4
Volume 57, Issue 4
April 23, 2025
Volume 57, Issue 3
Volume 57, Issue 3
April 23, 2025
Volume 57, Issue 2
Volume 57, Issue 2
April 23, 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

Kaylee Yeung has been ballet dancing since age 3 and has danced with many studios since moving to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 2022.
Ariia Blanco, Melinda Su, and Kathy Wang
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
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
The poster for the “Zap” play

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

Kathy Wang
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
Introduction to Business and Physics teacher Kirk Davis

Davis to retire after 17 years at school

Emma Fung and Kathy Wang
AP U.S. history teacher Faith Stackhouse Daly

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

Kathy Wang
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
The current science building, which was established in 2002

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

Kathy Wang
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
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
Senior Maddy Hubb strikes a pose on her horse.

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

Kathy Wang
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
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
A delicious fortune cookie

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

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

Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings community together

Amy Luo and Kathy Wang
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A personification of ChatGPT bot.

As school year concludes, ChatGPT cheating contention simmers to a boil

Andrew Lin and Kathy Wang
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
Senior Rosie Kline throws the ball during her water polo match.

Senior spends her evenings coaching competitive swimming at the YMCA

Kathy Wang
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
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
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
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
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
 

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

Kathy Wang
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
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
Photo of The Inn at Saratoga.

Rare shooting occurs in Saratoga downtown

Jonny Luo and Kathy Wang
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
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
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
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
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
A typical store-bought Valentine’s card.

A flashback of elementary Valentine’s Day

Kathy Wang
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
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
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
 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
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
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
Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Wellness Center focuses on teacher and staff meditations on Thursdays

Kathy Wang
 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
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
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
 Juhi Karamcheti and Mihir Shaik smiles as they perform their partner dance.

Homecoming: Sophomores surprise audience with a rap

Kathy Wang
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
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
Junior Levana Lai practices her piece during break at orchestra rehearsal.

Students find community through local youth orchestra

Kathy Wang and Emma Fung
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
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