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
Richard Fan

Richard Fan, Sports Editor

All content by Richard Fan
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’

Richard Fan
February 4, 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

Richard Fan and Ashni Pillai
January 29, 2025
AP Physics teachers Tom Casavant and Matthew Welander discuss a change in their upcoming lesson plans.

Class-alike teachers collaborate to improve and standardize student experiences

Richard Fan and Ashni Pillai
December 13, 2024
Falcons look to defend Notre Dame’s free kick during home game on Dec. 10.

Girls’ soccer defeats Notre Dame Knights 3-2, still undefeated in pre-season

Ashni Pillai and Richard Fan
December 13, 2024
From 1959 to present-day, the Falcon has transitioned from a black-and-white newspaper to a colored magazine and website.

Through the decades: How The Falcon transitioned to new technologies

Amy Miao, Jessica Li, and Richard Fan
December 10, 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

Richard Fan
November 17, 2024
The National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is a prestigious position granted to students who achieve high scores on the PSAT exam.

30 in the Class of 2025 announced as National Merit Semifinalists

Richard Fan
November 16, 2024
Junior vice captain Max Rombakh reads a packet to the Science Bowl team, as they practice buzzing.

Science Bowl squad has first match of season

Richard Fan
October 25, 2024
Junior left wing Chester Bunker looks for a pass to penetrate the Pioneers’ defense during the Oct. 24 game.

Boys’ water polo secures an impressive 7-5 win on senior night against Cupertino, proving momentum heading into league tourney

Richard Fan
October 25, 2024
Lalitha Maruvda helps freshman Brooklyn Harman test his nearly complete Pong game on Sept. 13.

New Intro to Computer Science teacher brings over 20 years of industry experience

Richard Fan
September 19, 2024
Junior Nirvan Shah faces off against junior Brady Liang at lunch on Sept. 16.

Student irresponsibility undermines the Falcon Nest’s true potential

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
September 18, 2024
Junior Aiden Chen winds up for a pitch against Santa Clara on May 9.

Baseball falls short of CCS but builds for the future

Richard Fan and Jane Lee
May 23, 2024
Sophomore Kelsey Zhang swims the 100-yard Fly at CCS on May 2. 

Star swimmer’s disqualification in 200 IM race puts stirs controversy at CCS

Richard Fan, Agastya Vitaldevara, Ruiyan Zhu, and Bill Huang
May 21, 2024
Leo Shetler rows at a competition in Boston.

Sports: 2023-2024 notable athlete achievements

Richard Fan, Bill Huang, and Grace Lin
May 21, 2024
Junior Sawyer Chao sprints towards the ball during home game on March 11. The game against Gunn ended with a loss for the Falcons. 

Lacrosse: After a canceled year, teams rebound to complete their seasons

Richard Fan and Nika Svizhenko
May 21, 2024
Senior Riley Alves executes a reverse straight dive during a meet at Los Altos on March 14.

Senior diver competes at CCS, ends season unsure of future of the team

Richard Fan
May 21, 2024
Sophomore Nikhil Srivasta serves during home game against Homestead on April 29.

Boys’ tennis falls to California High at NorCal Regional Championships

Richard Fan
May 20, 2024
Saratoga students often take a variety of West Valley summer courses, whether it is for college credit or self interest.

Get a real college experience at no cost — take some summer community college classes

Richard Fan
May 4, 2024
The taste of happiness sadly lasted only one day.

100-word rant: Please bring back beef stew for school lunch

Richard Fan
April 30, 2024
More and more jobs will now be taken over by automation, making Computer Science less appealing as a major.

Is studying comp sci still the golden ticket to wealth?

Alec Guan and Richard Fan
April 29, 2024
Coach Osayi Omorodion gives sprinting suggestions to sophomore Steven Sun.

New track and field coaches help distance running and sprinters 

Kevin Yang and Richard Fan
April 18, 2024
Breaking will make its debut in the 2024 Summer Olympics in an effort to draw in more attention from a younger audience.

Break Dancing to be introduced at 2024 summer Olympics

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
April 18, 2024
Senior Ryan Cagliostro (young Jamie) mixes up a shot for a drinking game with junior Ryan Backhus (future Jamie) and junior Chloe Mantle (young Abby) in the play “Now and Then.”

Senior stretch in directing 2-act play of ‘Now and Then’ 

Richard Fan and Jeremy Si
March 24, 2024
Science Bowl members prepare for regionals during Feb. 1 meeting after school.  

Science Bowl team places third at regionals, falling short of national tournament qualification

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
March 3, 2024
Social media can shorten students’ attention span and hinder their academic performance.

Down the online rabbit hole: Students find social media to be detrimental to academic performance

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
March 3, 2024
Avadhanam uses geometry techniques to solve Team Selection Test (TST) problems.

Photo or Graphic for: 2 seniors now one step away from making national Math Olympiad teams

Jessica Li, Parav Manney, and Amy Miao
February 10, 2024
The blizzard on Jan. 6 caused numerous participants, including me, to lose visibility.

Harsh weather conditions derail my hopes at skiing competition

Richard Fan
February 6, 2024
Skiing and snowboarding are both very fun sports with very different styles. 

Slopesport face-off: a guide to the pros and cons of skiing and snowboarding 

Richard Fan
January 21, 2024
My current mish-mash playlist.

A musical journey, from Beethoven to The Fat Rat

Richard Fan
December 5, 2023
My Christmas in 2022 was completed perfectly with a bowl of clam chowder despite a sprained shoulder.

Shared experiences and togetherness are the essence of Christmas

Richard Fan
December 5, 2023
Sophomore Yash Sharma presents “Wonders of Python” on a trip to India in summer 2023.

Sophomore’s non-profit organization aims to inspire younger generations to pursue programming

Alec Guan and Richard Fan
December 2, 2023
Senior poster of girls’ varsity team captain senior Ryder Gangemi

Sports Boosters helps fund personalized Senior Night banners for athletes

Richard Fan
December 2, 2023
Girls’ soccer Instagram home page. 

Student-run social media accounts hype up school sports teams 

Richard Fan
December 2, 2023
The school’s Comedy Improv Troupe competes for laughs during the ComedySportz show

Drama program to hold student-directed plays

Richard Fan and Jeremy Si
October 21, 2023
Junior goalie Lera Polyakova gets ready to block the shot on goal during a home game against Homestead on Sept. 26. 

1-loss girls’ water polo celebrates success in league 

Richard Fan
October 21, 2023
Lithium mining has increased exponentially over the past few decades– and we will have to face the consequences of it sooner or later

Newsom’s mandate on electric vehicles will do more harm than good

Alec Guan and Richard Fan
October 19, 2023
Swimming cap worn by water polo players.

Photo or Graphic for: Top 10: ways to turn around struggling sports teams

Nika Svizhenko
September 29, 2023
Andrew Beattie works with football players during an after school practice.

New CBI aide takes on coaching roles for multiple sports

Richard Fan and Neal Malhotra
September 29, 2023
Tired of sweating? Try the sports on the right!

Top 10: unathletic sports

Richard Fan and Alec Guan
September 24, 2023
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