The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
Ex-trustee Alex Shultz at a board meeting last October. The candidates are applying to fill the vacancy left by Shultz, who resigned in January for personal reasons.
Board to interview 12 applicants to fill vacant trustee position at special Tuesday morning meeting
March 9, 2025
The venue boasts multiple decks, a grand hall and a garden for students to roam around.
Will early-April prom hurt attendance?
March 9, 2025
Yogurt that the cafeteria serves at breakfast
Bird flu-caused Egg shortages send some prices soaring for cafeteria
March 9, 2025
From left to right: senior Luke Zhang, junior Bryan Zhao, junior Richard Lee, senior Alex Yaung, sophomore Krishna Muddu, junior Alec Guan and freshman Daniel Yeh from team 95071X celebrate after winning the 14th Annual DVHS Robotics Tournament on Jan. 11.
VEX Robotics teams find success mid-season
March 8, 2025
Cuttlefish drivers strategize before their match.
FTC robotics teams flex their strength at Regionals
March 2, 2025
Paddington is about to set off on the greatest adventure of his life.
‘Paddington in Peru’: A predictable yet fun family film
March 8, 2025
Zinman (bottom right) poses with Tufts’ Mock Trial team.
Serendipity: Alumnus finds national success in Mock Trial in his first year
March 4, 2025
Both social and academic peer pressure play a prominent role in students' decisions and lives at SHS.
Navigating the school’s web of academic, parental and social pressures
March 4, 2025
Sonic, Tails and Knuckles team up against the mysterious Shadow the Hedgehog in an action-packed movie.
’Sonic the Hedgehog 3:’ fast and fun but forgettable
March 2, 2025
A tier list of the top nominations from the 97th Academy Awards.
The 2025 Oscars: predictions and most deserving films
March 1, 2025
Junior Sophia Farone lines up for a face-off in last season’s match against Los Gatos.
Girls’ lacrosse ready to make strides after victory in first pre-season scrimmage
March 11, 2025
Top NBA draft prospect Cooper Flagg has been a vital part of Duke’s success as the team is projected to secure a No. 1 seed.
Our top four college basketball teams ahead of March Madness
March 8, 2025
The team scrimmages during practice to prepare for the upcoming preseason games.
Boys’ volleyball enters rebuilding mode
March 6, 2025
Team posing for a picture after a win at home.
Girls’ soccer season comes to an end after first CCS game in 3 years
March 6, 2025
Jeremy Lin on Time Magazine.
Linsanity sparked a legacy beyond basketball for me and others
March 4, 2025
West Valley College, on Fruitvale Avenue, is just one of the highly ranked community colleges in the area.
Community college isn’t just an alternative, it’s a logical option
March 8, 2025
Last year’s prom held on a yacht on May 18
Because of this year’s early prom, attendance may go down significantly
March 8, 2025
The rugby competition show has drastically changed my view of sports.
100-word rave: Rugby is the ultimate sport
March 8, 2025
A point of contact I definitely did not need.
100-word rant: Please don’t shake my hand
March 6, 2025
A mislaid sock here and there isn’t the worst thing.
100-word rant: Untidy bedrooms get too much hate
March 6, 2025
A plethora of email sign-offs.
Top 10: email sign-offs
March 11, 2025
The LEGO Millenium Falcon, one of the best sets of all time.
Top 10 LEGO Sets
March 9, 2025
I love how the fog comes in and out of view.
The magic of misty mornings
March 9, 2025
Spotify Logo
Spotify Premium is worth the cost
March 6, 2025
Imagine tripping on the ground after pulling on a push door.
Top ten: ways to lose aura at school
March 6, 2025

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
All content by Lynn Dai
Student amazed upon receiving a schedule of seven classes.

Yes, it’s hard, but taking seven classes a year is worth the time and effort

Sam Bai and Lynn Dai
March 13, 2024
Mary Wong in a 1961 news clipping from Beloit Daily; Mary Wong and a young Hannah Dimock at their 2013 Wong’s family reunion.

The Wongs, five generations since immigration: treasuring family legacy and values in America

Lynn Dai
November 7, 2023
New guidance counselor Toni Jones works with a student at Escola Americana Do Rio Janeiro in Brazil.

International experiences supplement new guidance counselor’s goals and philosophy

Lynn Dai
October 15, 2023
Junior Lynn Dai presents the results of her project through the zFairs platform on April 11.

Photo or Graphic for: Students compete at California Science & Engineering Fair but fail to advance to further competition

Isabelle Wang
May 25, 2023
In San Jose’s South Hall, many students sit in chairs waiting for judges as others present their projects.

Local Synopsys Science Fair returns fully in person, 11 students win awards and four qualify for state fair

Lynn Dai and Saachi Jain
March 26, 2023
1950s Saratoga's Swanee Plaza, now the Saratoga Historical Museum.

Time capsule 1968: WASC report reveals an unfamiliar past

Lynn Dai and Howard Shu
March 23, 2023
In a match at San Francisco on Jan. 28, Fernandes (in red) tries to subdue an opponent.

A teacher and a class clown: an unlikely friendship forged through wrestling

Lynn Dai
March 17, 2023
 

Photo or Graphic for: Racial tensions flared in the ’90s as Asian students gained prominence

Kathy Wang
March 13, 2023
From a Google satellite image, the school's combination of various spaces, entrances and exits allows for the retention and growth of energy within the campus.

Finding harmony in SHS through feng shui

Lynn Dai
March 1, 2023
LGSUHSD’s three new board members.

Three newest district board members see potential for positive change

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
February 13, 2023
How much money students spent at Saratoga High School compared to the national average.

Photo or Graphic for: How do students spend their money?

Sam Bai and Victoria Lin
January 22, 2023
At Villa Montalvo’s Carriage House, Jaishri Abichandani talks about a sculpture she created to commemorate her interactions with the community.

Leading South Asian artists discuss community, intersectionality of culture at Montalvo for SALA Festival

Lynn Dai
December 15, 2022
Salin works on a film at New York University; Vora reviews the script with her actresses for her thesis project at Chapman University.

Alumni recall the transformative experience of MAP for them

Lynn Dai
December 5, 2022
A duck puts up a superficial facade of calmness as it floats peacefully along the surface of the water; beneath the surface, it paddles frantically to stay afloat.

Photo or Graphic for: Stanford professor’s findings help explain why so many young people feel so miserable

Christina Chang
November 20, 2022
The PTSO gains most of its budget from "Just Do It" donations and matching funds. 

Donations are ‘voluntary,’ but programs can’t run without them

Lynn Dai
November 18, 2022
IMG_3121

Photo or Graphic for: School shooting pranks undermine safety

Sam Bai
November 18, 2022
Special Education teacher Brian Elliott meets with his seniors one by one at the “senior conference table.”

‘Creative, adaptable, family-oriented and kind’: Teacher of the Year’s vision transcends teaching within four walls

Lynn Dai
November 17, 2022

Saratoga wrestles with state demands for increased housing

Lynn Dai
November 15, 2022
Ask someone out with these easy, fool-proof methods.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10 ways to ask someone out

Christina Chang and Sam Bai
October 19, 2022
Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Behind the scenes: hiring processes for superintendent, district staff

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
October 14, 2022
School board and city council candidates post their advertisements in Saratoga downtown’s four-way intersection.

Two board members opt against running for re-election; 5 candidates vie for 3 open seats

Lynn Dai and Jonny Luo
October 4, 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
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
Last year, Vanry shared Nanaimo bars, a classic dessert from her Canadian heritage, on the seniors’ last day. 

Vanry retires after 12 years at school, Tarbox now teaching visual arts

Lynn Dai
September 23, 2022
On her graduation day, Young stands in front of her sorority with two of her best friends.

Guidance counselor Monique Young: lifelong mentor, former recreation leader and event coordinator

Lynn Dai
September 21, 2022
Cross country runners practiced treading in the pool when temperatures soared above 90 on Aug. 19.

Sports teams change practice routines to work around historic heat wave

Lynn Dai
September 16, 2022
73 questions: conversations with the school community

73 questions: conversations with the school community

Lena Aribi, Meher Bhatnagar, Christina Chang, Lynn Dai, Victoria Hu, Hannah Lee, Jonny Luo, Shannon Ma, Nikhil Mathihalli, and Sarah Zhou
May 30, 2022
 Freshman Sydney Riera swings the bat during the Falcons’ last league game against Santa Clara on May 12, where the team won 15-4.

Softball team qualifies for CCS after recent comeback

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu
May 22, 2022
The Saratoga Historical Park Museum, constructed in 1904, features a false-front pioneer architectural style. The building, originally known as the Swanee Dress Shop, was built in 1905 and refurbished in 1976.

Saratoga: Shangri-La of historical homes and orchards

Lynn Dai
May 19, 2022
Mayor Tina Walia introduces the Blossom Festival to residents in the gazebo.

Saratoga Historical Foundation hosts Blossom Festival following 2-year hiatus

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
May 15, 2022
State law forces cafeteria to provide free meals for all students in 2022-2023 school year

State law forces cafeteria to provide free meals for all students in 2022-2023 school year

Lynn Dai
April 9, 2022
The Tamasha dance team performs at their BnB performance on Feb. 19

Tamasha highlights Bollywood culture at the school

Lynn Dai and Nikhil Mathihalli
April 1, 2022

Season preview: Softball fosters positive environment, optimism

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu
March 20, 2022

What you need to know about the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
March 18, 2022
As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

As mask mandate expires, most students and staff still choose to wear them

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
March 18, 2022
Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Students, teachers weigh in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Lynn Dai, Andrew Lin, and Daniel Wu
March 16, 2022
Juniors Kasie Yang, Dyne Lee and Emily Lu discuss their group website with two judges from the National History Day senior division competition, held at the school on March 12.

APUSH students explore 2022 NHD theme debate and diplomacy through variety of media, topics

Lynn Dai
March 16, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-03-10 at 11.10.20 AM

Photo or Graphic for: Toga boys need to stop acting ‘hood’

Lena Aribi andMeher Bhatnagar
March 10, 2022
Family of titans: Stratakos siblings dominate on the tennis court

Family of titans: Stratakos siblings dominate on the tennis court

Lynn Dai
February 11, 2022
The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20.

Boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics: a reminder for IOC officials to step up their game

Lynn Dai
January 22, 2022
Three seniors applied early decision to Cornell, Northwestern and Boston University. They will be majoring in chemical engineering, musical composition, computer science and applied mathematics, and pediatrics, respectively.

The process of Early Decisions: tips from two STEM-bound seniors

Lynn Dai and Christopher Chen
January 21, 2022
The Outreach Commission announces this year’s Speak Up For Change theme: Stepping Forward.

Speak Up For Change reveals this year’s theme: Stepping Forward

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
January 21, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-01-18 at 10.44.11 AM

Photo or Graphic for: What’s in your Notes app?

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
January 18, 2022
Agarwal's piece "Tangled Shut Down" explores her struggles in mental health and insomnia from schoolwork.

Bold, hands-on, impatient: junior’s style of approaching visual art

Lynn Dai
January 15, 2022
trespass_graphic

Photo or Graphic for: Administration re-examines Safety Plan after trespassers enter campus

Lena Aribi and Meher Bhatnagar
December 3, 2021

Bell schedule change advances for second semester

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
November 22, 2021
The need for tech refresh: Establish a tech booster organization

The need for tech refresh: Establish a tech booster organization

Lynn Dai
November 22, 2021
Boys’ basketball poses for a team photo at Mountain View High School on July 16, when they won first place at the Mountain View tournament.

Traditions help teams bond, maintain chemistry over quarantine

Lynn Dai
November 22, 2021
The LGSUHSD board, Curriculum Alignment Course Pathway Committee, teachers, parents and students convene to discuss the issues at hand at the Nov. 16 board meeting.

Board preliminarily supports alignment of graduation requirements between SHS and LG, leaves door open for considering full alignment

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
November 19, 2021
The aftermath.

I ran barefoot at a cross country meet

Lynn Dai
November 7, 2021
After leaving the turkey in the oven for four hours, we unwrapped the foil and let it cool on the counter.

This Thanksgiving, try something new: Prepare a whole turkey

Lynn Dai
November 4, 2021
Jensen penned a public email on Aug. 30 blaming the 40.1 percent of foreigners in Saratoga for wasting the city’s water supply.

Member of city Planning Commission resigns over comments widely seen as xenophobic

Lynn Dai and Christina Chang
October 8, 2021
Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Newsom on a roll: vaccine mandate incites majority approval from students

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
October 8, 2021
 Santa Clara County Fire recently deployed routine use of tactical water tenders, which quickly deliver additional water at vegetation fires where fire hydrants may be unavailable.

Fall means fire season — and preparation for potential emergencies

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
October 6, 2021
Students engage in games at the Back to School Social on August 13.

Students discuss excitement, challenges of being back in-person school

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
September 10, 2021
The front page of Draw For A Cause features the nonprofit’s mascot, Sumie.

Junior expands love for digital art

Lynn Dai
September 5, 2021
Students and staff walk by the student center during Phase 3A in March. 

School outlines COVID-19 protocols and expectations

Lynn Dai and Shaan Sridhar
September 5, 2021
With a regular intake of water and the addition of these remedies to your meals, you’ll feel as cool as a cucumber.

Natural remedies prove surprisingly fruitful against effects of smoky air

Lynn Dai
September 5, 2021
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