The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
One of the school’s top-of-the-line AEDs
School ramps up AED count on campus
November 20, 2024
Students listen to Natasha Schatzman’s presentation in the student center on Nov. 15.
NASA aerospace engineer shares research in aeromechanics and aeroacoustics
November 20, 2024
Acting superintendent Heath Rocha speaks during the Nov. 12 board meeting.
New concerns arise over former superintendent Sanderson’s 2022 hiring
November 20, 2024
The flyer for this year’s Winter Formal hangs up around school and is posted on social media.
Tickets for Winter Formal sell out before purchase window closes
November 20, 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
November 17, 2024
Actress Naomi Scott playing Skye Riley brings to life a terrifying transformation through subtle changes.
‘Smile 2’ mixes traditional jump scare and psychological horror
November 20, 2024
BASIC officers at a boba fundraiser on Oct. 2.
BASIC club emphasizes youth action on humanitarian aid
November 18, 2024
The U.S., China and Taiwan, among other nations, are engaged in one of the fastest-growing tech races in history to develop and produce the best semiconductors and AI.
The U.S. is playing catchup in the semiconductor race. Is it too late to win?
November 12, 2024
Highlights of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors dances during Homecoming week from Oct. 14-19.
Behind the scenes: Meet the choreographers who brought the Homecoming dance to life
November 2, 2024
Students gather around the table at the top of the quad steps during the voter registration drive on Sept. 25.
Revived Democracy Matters club kicks off the school year with successful election events
October 30, 2024
Senior Saira Ramakrishnan pitches for the Saratoga Falcons.
Senior softball player commits to University of Rochester
November 20, 2024
The team gathered around a fire during their retreat to enjoy s’mores and build team chemistry.
Girls’ basketball team aims to build winning culture in pre-season after eye-opening retreat
November 20, 2024
Recap of fall sports.
Fall Sports Recap: Toga teams fight hard to the end
November 16, 2024
The girls’ tennis team poses for a group photo.
Girls’ tennis finishes the regular season with a solid victory
November 16, 2024
Mascots and volunteers cheering runners on as they cross the finish line.
Saratoga 5K Fun Run: a blend of community and competition
November 13, 2024
Cigarette packaging should depict frightening images on the front and sides, clearly communicating the consequences of smoking.
Cigarette packaging needs to be more graphic in its dire warnings
November 15, 2024
Journalism labor unions have firmly opposed the bill, calling it a “shakedown.”
‘Undemocratic’ deal reached between Google and California news outlets
November 7, 2024
Test dates make or break our vacation
The bliss and benefits of having tests before breaks
October 31, 2024
Here’s why you should vote against Prop 34.
Prop 34’s devious methods target non-profits
October 30, 2024
Please let me understand my mistakes.
100-word rant: Let me use the answer key to check my work
October 28, 2024
Personally, I really need some noodle slippers.
My 8-year-old self would be sad to see ‘5-Minute Crafts’ go — but I’m not
November 20, 2024
A hearty stew such as a beef bourguignon is perfect for a cold winter day.
Winter break bucket list: cooking galore
November 18, 2024
Don’t hate until you try it.
Top 10: weirdly good food combos that might get you flamed
November 16, 2024
A girl cries as she realizes her wallet is empty.
Resisting the urge to splurge: regulating money spent on lunchtime outings
November 11, 2024
The seating chart is often like a game of Russian Roulette, you either sit next to your best friend or next to your ex.
Top 10: Reasons to request a seat change
November 5, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Ruiyan Zhu

Ruiyan Zhu, In-Depth Editor

Ruiyan Zhu, Class of ’26, is an In-Depth Editor. She has reported on topics such as cyberbullying, local events and school sports. Outside of journalism, she enjoys working in robotics and eating good food.

All content by Ruiyan Zhu
A hearty stew such as a beef bourguignon is perfect for a cold winter day.

Winter break bucket list: cooking galore

Ruiyan Zhu
November 18, 2024
Journalism labor unions have firmly opposed the bill, calling it a “shakedown.”

‘Undemocratic’ deal reached between Google and California news outlets

Ruiyan Zhu
November 7, 2024
Senior Sarah Lim practices her swing at the Saratoga Country Club range.

Star golfer Sarah Lim cards all-time low score in recent home match vs. Gunn

Ruiyan Zhu and Sasha Prasad
October 28, 2024
Democracy is not preserved through violence.

Politics should have no room for violence

Ruiyan Zhu
October 27, 2024
A screenshot of SHS Fizz where students post content ranging from academics to shower thoughts

New SHS-focused Instagram confessions page stirs concerns

Ruiyan Zhu
October 4, 2024
Wave to earth’s album cover features a simplistic and cozy feel that they echo within the album

Rock band wave to earth delivers yet another soft and dreamy album

Ruiyan Zhu
September 20, 2024
Junior Millie Wang hits a 54-degree wedge out of a bunker at Saratoga Country Club.

With only 7 players, girls’ golf hopes to ace its season

Ruiyan Zhu and Sasha Prasad
September 17, 2024
Messages such as this one will make you an academic weapon.

Burned out? Here are three study methods you’ve never heard of to help you bring your A-game

Ruiyan Zhu
September 7, 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
Trump listens to Doug Burgum, one of the top contenders for his vice president.

Trump’s vice president strategy: Money talks louder than politics 

Christina Labban and Ruiyan Zhu
May 21, 2024
Newspapers leftover in the journalism room archive.

The Falcon is set to switch to magazine format and increased online focus next year

Ruiyan Zhu
May 20, 2024
Senior Ryan Lin practices his swing at the driving range.

Boys’ golf places third in league, underperforms at League Finals

Ruiyan Zhu
May 20, 2024
Every Monday to Thursday morning at 7 a.m., the football team meets in the weight room for strength and conditioning.

Ljepava tapped to be new head football coach

Ruiyan Zhu
May 17, 2024
(left to right) David Broockman, Ryan Heshmati, Kate Quach and Francesca Fenzi, KQED Forum member, pose in front of the recording studio.

Junior produces live radio show during KQED’s Youth Takeover Week

Skyler Mao and Ruiyan Zhu
May 14, 2024
Photos of teachers from both Saratoga High School and Los Gatos High School Campaigning to support Measure A

Community employs several efforts to protect LGSUHSD’s educational quality

Nicole Lee and Ruiyan Zhu
May 5, 2024
Whether it’s gardening or studying for a class, there’s a lot to do over the summer.

A guide to make the most of your summer

Ruiyan Zhu
April 29, 2024
Netflix stocks have steadily climbed since 2023.

Netflix’s strategic shift proves pivotal to its future growth

Ruiyan Zhu
April 27, 2024
Costco Wholesale’s drawing of the new Prospect location with rooftop parking.

New proposed Costco near Prospect High School, Saratoga neighborhoods raises concerns about traffic 

Grace Lin and Ruiyan Zhu
March 28, 2024
Nicholas Okada gets ready to putt

Veteran boys’ golf team optimistic for season 

Ruiyan Zhu
March 18, 2024
Lee fences with her opponent at the Ivies championships

Cornell fencer looks beyond her accomplishments

Ruiyan Zhu
March 14, 2024
Screenshot of “togaconfessions_,” one of the many confession-type pages run by Saratoga High School students.

Instagram pages like togaconfessions_ prove to be veiled breeding grounds for toxicity and cyberbullying

Grace Lin and Ruiyan Zhu
March 13, 2024
Jiggly and soft souffle pancakes from a cafe in LA.

Yummy mistakes lead to a delicious success

Ruiyan Zhu
March 13, 2024
Puffer vests: the must-have in a closet

Puffer vests: the must-have in a closet

Ruiyan Zhu
March 4, 2024

Learning to rap: a new appreciation for rhythm and rhyme

Ruiyan Zhu
February 3, 2024
Sophomore Brady Liang solves AIME problem sets.

49 Saratoga students qualify for national math competition, AIME

Ruiyan Zhu
January 31, 2024
Junior Hilary Gonzalez gains possession of the ball on Jan. 16 during a game against Mountain View.

After frenzied search, girls’ soccer team finds permanent goalie

Amelia Chang and Ruiyan Zhu
January 27, 2024
FRC team members work on manufacturing elements on the game field.

Robotics teams ramp up activities for the spring

Florence Hu and Ruiyan Zhu
January 25, 2024
On a game against Prospect High School, players get ready to advance.

As evidence of head injuries grows, football players weigh pros and cons of continuing to play

Lawson Wang and Ruiyan Zhu
January 25, 2024
VEX robot drivers maneuver their robots through the field during a competition on Oct. 8 at the school’s big gym.

Robotics teams compete in their first tournaments of the year

Florence Hu and Ruiyan Zhu
November 16, 2023
A bar graph of the survey results for multiple schools, comparing pre-covid levels in 2018 to post-covid levels in 2021.

Pandemic slowed substance use rates among teens; those numbers are rising again

Saachi Jain, Grace Lin, and Ruiyan Zhu
November 16, 2023
Senior Jiah Jung does a simple drill during tryouts.

Girls’ soccer preview: Spendlove, Oberhauser lead Falcons into a new season

Amelia Chang and Ruiyan Zhu
November 15, 2023
When 100 votes are grouped into the following districts of 10, a 60-40 win for square-heads can become a 6-4 loss for square-heads.

Gerrymandering undermines democracy

Nicole Lee and Ruiyan Zhu
November 15, 2023
Millie Wang poses with her newest medal at the NorCal tournament

Wang soars into NorCal golf tourney while the Falcon team settles for 4th place finish in league

Sunny Cao and Ruiyan Zhu
November 12, 2023
Top candles from Sephora, T.J. Maxx and Target.

Best fall scented candles at Sephora, T.J. Maxx and Target

Christina Labban and Ruiyan Zhu
November 11, 2023
Team 6165 MSET CuttleFish gathers to discuss their ideas for possible game strategies.

Robotics teams grow — and gear up — for new season 

Florence Hu and Ruiyan Zhu
October 14, 2023
The golf team poses after a match on September 18th against Palo Alto

Golfers adjust to new rules that speed the pace of plays

Sunny Cao and Ruiyan Zhu
September 29, 2023
Bookshelf used for the library system in Mary Palisoul’s classroom

Photo or Graphic for: Palisoul takes on new role teaching English 11 Honors

Nika Svizhenko
September 28, 2023
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