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
All content by Selina Chen
Selina Chen anchors at “Maroc TV”, Mohammed V University’s TV Station in Rabat, Morocco.

Photo or Graphic for: In her gap year, alumna becomes reporter in Morocco and learns real-world lessons

Amy Miao and Emily Wu
Speech and Debate team celebrates senior night, head coach’s Hall of Fame induction

Speech and Debate team celebrates senior night, head coach’s Hall of Fame induction

Selina Chen
Gloriana Garcia standing in front of motivational posters in her room.

Long-term sub brings in her experiences as an advocate, journalist and entrepreneur into classroom

Sam Bai, Selina Chen, and Aiden Ye
The temple in Oakland, Calif., is where Saratoga members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go to for sacred ordinances.

Saratoga Mormons live by a faith often misunderstood by outsiders

Selina Chen

Superintendent Mike Grove announces retirement for later this year

Selina Chen

Boys volleyball team seizes second chances

Selina Chen and Ariel Zhou
Interior view of Big Basin Burger Bar in the early days of the pandemic, captured by the writer during her first time reporting for the Falcon  

Standing up for local businesses: I love Big Basin Burger Bar for sentimental reasons

Selina Chen
Attempting to unmask the traditional art of changing faces

Attempting to unmask the traditional art of changing faces

Selina Chen
To Lit or to Lang? Ay, there's the rub

To Lit or to Lang? Ay, there’s the rub

Selina Chen
Portrayed in a sketched by a courtroom artist, senior mock trial president Nicole Lu competes at the Santa Clara County Mock Trial Competition.

Students see success in competitions, scholarships

Selina Chen, Allen Luo, Jonny Luo, and Nikhil Mathihalli

District plans for five more advisories after putting them on hold in January

Selina Chen and Lihi Shoshani

Will it ever end? COVID-19 strains mental health and personal relationships

Selina Chen, Lihi Shoshani, and Shaan Sridhar

College (Counselor) Confidential: What she would say if she could

Selina Chen and Benjamin Li
More 12- to 15-year-old get booster shots following recent approval

More 12- to 15-year-old get booster shots following recent approval

Sanjoli Gupta and Selina Chen
Grieving the loss of a Falcon print copy

Grieving the loss of a Falcon print copy

Selina Chen

Should the alumni interview system undergo radical changes?

Selina Chen
Two new COVID-19 cases prompt widespread testing

Two new COVID-19 cases prompt widespread testing

Selina Chen
The Odd Fellows manor would be obscured by a new building under the current plan.

Photo or Graphic for: Senior and local residents advocate for an alternative to the proposed construction at the Saratoga Retirement Community

Carolyn Wang and Sara Bright
Omicron variant may displace students’ travel plans

Omicron variant may displace students’ travel plans

Selina Chen and Atrey Desai

Immigrant celebrates Chinese New Year with unusual ‘family’

Selina Chen
Senior Vicky Bai received the LGSUHSD Board Student Recognition during the school board meeting on Nov. 16.

Photo or Graphic for: Senior receives district recognition for volunteer work to fight hunger

Serena Li and Daniel Wu
Teachers gather for a picture in the library after the Nov. 16 LGSUHSD board meeting.

Photo or Graphic for: District Teachers Association rallies behind effort to get higher pay

Sam Bai, Shreya Rallabandi, and Aiden Ye
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.

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

Christina Chang and Lynn Dai
ASB explores legal concerns raised by rejected club

ASB explores legal concerns raised by rejected club

Selina Chen and Lihi Shoshani
Emerson Pak getting ready to pass a serve along with upperclassmen Lisa Fung and Noor Khan.

Photo or Graphic for: Freshman adjusts to new team and coach

Ariel Zhou
Reading fanfiction, if done correctly, can be the best ‘vice’ for de-stressing

Reading fanfiction, if done correctly, can be the best ‘vice’ for de-stressing

Selina Chen
Exposé: Security questions are a Eurocentric ploy

Exposé: Security questions are a Eurocentric ploy

Selina Chen
Surprised by the size? The roots were even longer before they broke

Senior details the gruesome operation and aftermath of a wisdom tooth extraction

Selina Chen
Members of the Model UN club smile for a group picture after their first online meeting.

Photo or Graphic for: Model UN Club implements a hybrid in-person and online system

Vicky Bai and Arnav Swamy
Screener-19 QR code prank redirects confused students to ‘Remy Ratatouille’ photo

Screener-19 QR code prank redirects confused students to ‘Remy Ratatouille’ photo

Selina Chen
Derek Hsu was thrown into the air by his fellow dance members during senior stunt dance practice. 

Photo or Graphic for: Homecoming participation rises after school starts back up

Lena Aribi and Harshini Velchamy
Students and staff walk by the student center during Phase 3A in March. 

Photo or Graphic for: School outlines COVID-19 protocols and expectations

Lynn Dai and Shaan Sridhar
A screenshot of the grade change request form

Students given option to change letter grades from ‘20-’21 to Pass or No Pass

Selina Chen
soccerpic

Photo or Graphic for: Boys’ soccer finishes the season strong with new goals for next year

Stephanie Sun and Martin Xu
Screen Shot 2021-05-13 at 2

Districts reveals new bell schedule for ‘21-’22

Selina Chen
senior 1

Photo or Graphic for: On campus for first time all year, new teachers and students try to orient themselves

Minsui Tang
aaa

Season 2 roundup: Girls’ volleyball team ends the season in high spirits despite challenges

Selina Chen
zoom

No more hybrid: While providing an online alternative in the fall, the district wants students in in-person classes next semester

Selina Chen
grad

Plans for graduation ceremony and Grad Night develop

Selina Chen
2

Photo or Graphic for: Season 2 wrapup: With small roster, badminton team learns to adjust

Vicky Bai
aa

Photo or Graphic for: COVID-19 cases force quarantines for multiple sports

Shreya Rallabandi and Bill Yuan
IMG_7846

Photo or Graphic for: Football team closes up-and-down season with victory against Fremont

Avani Kongetira
Boyce-Bender

Community mourns the loss of class of 2020 alumna

Selina Chen
IMG_2003

Former player recalls ridiculous string of volleyball injuries

Selina Chen
interview

The struggles of getting a Falcon interview in a virtual year

Selina Chen
IMG_1932

Recalling ‘lockdown day’ prompts reflections on my American identity

Selina Chen
The Junior Girl’s Dance performs in front of the officers in the quad while Junior Olivia Kinoshita gets her filming equipment ready.

Photo or Graphic for: ICAC performers dance the night away at drive-in movie-style BnB on April 16-17

Apurva Chakravarthy
protestaapi

Photo or Graphic for: A time to stand together for Asian Americans

Esther Luan
SCC SO logo

Deputies investigate attempted groping of female student jogging near campus

Selina Chen
IMG_7281

Saratoga community responds to rise in anti-Asian violence with calls for change

Selina Chen, Shreya Rallabandi, and Carolyn Wang
IMG_6706

Photo or Graphic for: Falcons adapt to COVID-19 restrictions and new head coach

Avani Kongetira
IMG_1833

Three students qualify to speech and debate nationals

Selina Chen
91RPigWberL

‘Cloud Atlas’ movie has its highlights, but the book is more worth your time

Selina Chen
000

Photo or Graphic for: Long-time athlete forced to choose between sports

Avani Kongetira
Vuong & Jia

Comparing novel ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’ and movie ‘Hi, Mom’: Have your tissues ready

Selina Chen
IMG_6596

Photo or Graphic for: New coach sets goals for team in unusual season

Vinay Gollamudi and Martin Xu
IMG_5435

Photo or Graphic for: After losing most of their starters to graduation, the girls’ golf team aims to rebuild

Harshini Velchamy
girlssoccer3-12

Photo or Graphic for: Girls’ soccer aims to rebuild in a short season

Tiffany Wang
Screen Shot 2021-02-26 at 7

Representing North Korea: a Model UN delegate’s plight

Selina Chen
Covid19_vaccine_biontech_pfizer_2

Local COVID-19 vaccine distribution policies falter, but officials see possible improvements ahead

Selina Chen
Thang_Bar1 Cropped 2

Refugee, hexaglot, CEO and activist: the architect behind the school’s state-of-the-art music building

Selina Chen
prank call

How to use Google Translate and a phone call to falsify a detention notice

Selina Chen
IMG_3970

No ordinary tale: Addendum to funeral homes story

Selina Chen
IMG_3972

Local funeral homes and elder care facilities adapt to realities of the pandemic

Selina Chen
IMG_3978

Struggling to survive: Local establishments contend with decreased business while lucky few see increase in customers

Selina Chen
modelUN_selina

Model UN members attend virtual Stanford conference

Selina Chen
boyce-bender & horse

Taking the road less-traveled: Alumni embark on unconventional postsecondary education paths

Selina Chen
speech_selinaandme

Speech and debate novices navigate their way through an online season

Selina Chen and Joann Zhang
IMG_0979

Garbage truck catches fire in SHS back parking lot

Selina Chen
IMG_1055

Looking at 2020 from my rear-view mirror

Selina Chen
china covid pic

Schools in China reflect the government’s strict pandemic policies

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-11-07 at 5

Not inferior to Beethoven or Tchaikovsky: Traditional Chinese instruments deserve equal respect

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-11-05 at 8

Falcon Focus: Sophomore self-publishes fantasy novel

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-10-22 at 9

Volleyball athletes face clashing school and club seasons

Selina Chen and Oliver Ye
cycle1_sportsrecruitment

Yearbook staff grapples with the challenges of distance learning and low sales

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-10-06 at 11

Faith intertwined: Virtual religious services prove essential for connections

Selina Chen
Photo on 10-3-20 at 4

Online speech and debate season off to a turbulent start

Selina Chen
wechat

Local Chinese Americans respond to prospective WeChat ban

Selina Chen
zoom (1)

District should lift the new restrictions on student Zoom accounts

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-10-06 at 2

I do not appreciate ‘candy’ in the form of equations

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-09-17 at 3

Battling the monster: Spanish teacher shares her experience with COVID-19

Selina Chen

Some days it’s so hot the chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-09-06 at 11

From tents to hazmat suits: traveling during COVID-19

Selina Chen
Carnegie Hall

The struggles of playing an instrument that calls for elegance

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-08-29 at 11

New English teacher brings experiences from sailing academy

Selina Chen and Tiffany Wang
graphic shop vs food percentage of sales compared to pre-covid

COVID-19 strains Saratoga’s economy; small businesses struggle to stay afloat

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-08-26 at 11

100 Word Rants

Selina Chen, Carolyn Wang, Chris Chen, and Vicky Bai
semis round

Speech and debate adapts to an online season

Selina Chen
Screen Shot 2020-08-20 at 10

Photo or Graphic for: Widespread fires prompt staff members to evacuate

Kaitlyn Tsai
Load More Stories
Donate to The Saratoga Falcon