The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
English teacher Marcos Cortez speaks to the whole school during the Speak Up For Change Rally on Jan. 24.
Speaking up for ‘finding your passion’
February 4, 2025
Students from Future Business Leaders of America and Inspiring Future America work on survival kits Sacred Heart in the Student Center.
Bringing back service to campus on MLK Day
February 4, 2025
Teams take to the stands as they wait for alliance selections.
In annual tradition, MSET hosts a tournament at school
February 4, 2025
A past Regeneron STS Scholars national award ceremony.
Two seniors recognized by nation’s oldest science and math research award
February 3, 2025
The current rankings highlight percent gains for groups of 2-3 seniors based on the initial $100k each group started with.
Kirk Abe’s AP Gov class practices live trading in interactive stock simulation
February 3, 2025
The latest car Sharma has fixed is an Audi B8 S4 with modifications.
Junior fixes classic used cars as a hobby and sells them for a profit
February 4, 2025
Lew’s cozy and aesthetic desk setup
Junior’s studying videos gain popularity on Instagram
February 3, 2025
During his 30 years of work, Young never took a holiday longer than 10 days.
SHS ‘almost-alumnus’ from Class of ‘84 shows there are many pathways to success
February 2, 2025
Science Bowl team preparing for Regionals.
Aiming for gold: Science Bowl team prepares to take on Regionals
February 2, 2025
Jinx makes her entrance in the final act of the season.
‘Arcane’ Season 2: A pinnacle of animation, but lacking in storytelling
February 2, 2025
The album cover of LiAngelo Ball’s viral song, “Tweaker”
NBA athletes’ careers in music and acting
February 4, 2025
Sophomore Ivanya Sadana has qualified three times for the U.S. Junior Open since 2022.
Nationally ranked squash player aims to further her athletic career in college
February 4, 2025
The Gechlik family poses for a photo at the top of a ski slope in 2013.
From the slopes to the track: The Gechliks have been speeding together their whole lives
February 2, 2025
Athletic trainer Caitlin Steiding on senior night of the football season.
Athletic trainer steps down from position to pursue other opportunities; school seeks replacement
February 2, 2025
Arranged left to right, senior captain and center back Hillary Gonzalez leads a strong defense, sophomore attacking midfielder Katie Lu with 11 goals, and junior Keatyn Spendlove with 8 assists.
Girls’ soccer undefeated in El Camino League halfway through season
January 29, 2025
I found success in the college application process without a private counselor, and I do not regret my decision.
A private college counselor isn’t a prerequisite to finding success in the application process
February 4, 2025
Climate change protests are becoming increasingly irrelevant in mainstream media.
Americans are becoming increasingly desensitized or willfully ignorant to extinction-risking issues
January 31, 2025
College counselor with personal advice for students
Getting a private college counselor was one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school
January 31, 2025
Elon Musk has become increasingly controversial and even less penalized.
Musk’s controversies are more interesting than his plans for the future
January 29, 2025
Senior Nick Okada delivering the Senior class fundraiser cookies.
100-Word Rant: Crumbl’s 1,000-calorie cookies are not to be messed with
January 28, 2025
A few of my elementary school writing assignments, persuasive essays and achievements.
A full circle moment: My childhood career aspiration became my college one
February 4, 2025
Dictionary definition of the word accomplishment
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
February 2, 2025
What’s the first song you hear when you turn on the radio in the car?
What’s to love about humdrum love songs?
February 1, 2025
The seniors construct their gingerbread houses.
Seniors demolish juniors with professional architectural skills in holiday gingerbread house challenge
January 31, 2025
Falling down a dark abyss in my dreams
Even Shakespearean tragedies can’t compete with my dramatic dreams
January 31, 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 21, 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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