The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
During their first meeting on Sept. 12, Slime Club members mix a large bowl of glue with an activator to make slime.
New Slime Club is drawing over 60 members each meeting
September 26, 2024
At the first Speech and Debate club practice of the year, speech coach Jenny Cook delivers announcements.
Speech and debate members excel at June’s Nationals, adding momentum to fall competitions
September 24, 2024
Junior Nicole Hao works on her team’s robot on her lift mechanism.
All 5 VEX Robotics teams gear up for first competition on Oct. 13
September 22, 2024
Freshmen Arjun Vijaykumar, Samir Sharma and Adrian Etter play Ping Pong during lunch.
Falcon Nest upgrades continue into the new school year
September 21, 2024
Panian enjoys a weekly outing with his learners.
Blake Panian strives to teach students independence as the new school resource aide
September 20, 2024
The crevice is widening between the ideologies of America’s two leading parties.
Deepening political divides are fragmenting America
September 26, 2024
History classes rely on using reliable sources when discussing political events.
When politics intrude into the classroom
September 26, 2024
Big data corporations like Disney are more involved in data stealing than you may think.
Behind a curtain of ‘transparency,’ many companies process user data undercover
September 25, 2024
A name like that might just give poor X a case of torrential bullying.
Elon Musk cursed his son by naming him X æ A-xii Musk
September 24, 2024
The inside of the Palace is equipped with a kitchen, plenty of desks, a paper cutting machine and a massive bookshelf — much cozier than it appears from the outside.
From drab office to palatial Palace: the story behind the English department’s office space
September 23, 2024
In last year’s matchup with Santa Clara, senior Sydney Riera controls the game from the middle of the field.
Field hockey team hopes to find improvement during rebuild
September 24, 2024
Senior Kaylee Yeung performs in a 2023 Nutcracker production with her dance studio.
A leap of faith: Senior hopes to pursue ballet beyond high school
September 21, 2024
Sadie climbing at a Qualification Event (QE) competition, at Metal Mark in Fresno
Freshman climber works to elevate her skills
September 20, 2024
In May of 2022, baseball player Samanyu Ram stands on Saratoga’s home field after a CCS win against St. Thomas More.
Senior commits to NYU’s Division III baseball program
September 19, 2024
The dance team sells homemade baked goods at their bake sale at the Sept. 5 home football game against El Camino to fundraise for competition and costume costs.
Dance team welcomes new assistant coach who focuses on their technique and fitness
September 19, 2024
No phone use on campus will prove to be a health and safety hazard.
Cell phones have a healthy and necessary role in schools
September 26, 2024
In the dark reality of social media, family channels have let money and fame blind them.
YouTube Family channels too often lead to child exploitation
September 24, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump engaged in a heated debate last week.
Presidential candidates duke it out on the debate stage — who won?
September 23, 2024
K-pop has shifted from a genre of music to a lifestyle and cultural phenomenon.
K-pop draws millions of fans even though many of its teenage idols suffer behind the scenes
September 20, 2024
Junior Nirvan Shah faces off against junior Brady Liang at lunch on Sept. 16.
Student irresponsibility undermines the Falcon Nest’s true potential
September 18, 2024
The library is the perfect place to work
100-word rave: A love letter to tutorials
September 26, 2024
An example of a WeTip poster depicting the impact of negative comments hangs in Meghan Laws’ English classroom.
WeTip posters aim to provide a way to report harassment, bullying and other issues
September 26, 2024
Stationery products from Muji
Top 10 best stationery brands
September 24, 2024
A paper knife is like trying to become an academic weapon — it’s not as magnificent or sustainable as it appears.
New year, new habits: I tried to become an academic weapon
September 24, 2024
Making friendship bracelets was the highlight of our night.
Is it possible to have the perfect sleepover with your best friend?
September 23, 2024

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Sunny Cao

Sunny Cao, Opinion Editor

All content by Sunny Cao
Our conversation with ChatGPT.

Can an AI chatbot be your new best friend?

Sunny Cao and William Norwood
September 18, 2024
Zack trying pickleball for the first time with Sunny.

Why pickleball is getting so much hype and why you, too, should join the trend

Sunny Cao and Zack Zhang
August 24, 2024
The new “Tortured Poets Department” Vinyl

Love child of Midnights and Folklore: The Tortured Poets Department 

Sunny Cao
May 15, 2024
Late nights doom-scrolling.

Top 10 ways to procrastinate

Sunny Cao
May 9, 2024
Juniors Akshat Bora, Alan Cai and Benjamin Kuo working together on their project.

Juniors place second in state in TEAMS competition but withdraw from nationals

Sunny Cao and Zack Zhang
May 4, 2024
DeHavilland’s old house in Saratoga downtown.

Saratoga: Surprising hometown to old-time Hollywood royalty

Sunny Cao
April 30, 2024
Sophomore Vedant Padhi runs the 1600m during a home meet against Fremont High on March 7. 

Track coaching change signals a season of adjustments 

Sunny Cao and Annika Gho
March 19, 2024
Sophomore Eliza Lin keeps score during a match.

Badminton coach implements stricter practices to hone skills

Sunny Cao and Nika Svizhenko
March 18, 2024
National Cereal Day: an ode to my midnight best friend

National Cereal Day: an ode to my midnight best friend

Sunny Cao
March 11, 2024

National Cereal Day is today: an ode to my midnight best friend

Sunny Cao
March 7, 2024
The rude awakening I receive every night from my friend. 

Living on Facetime: the secret method to being productive 

Sunny Cao
February 13, 2024
The latest Youth Commission meeting on Jan. 30.

Saratoga Youth Commission: a vessel for teen voices

Sunny Cao
February 8, 2024
Me time traveling back to my younger self.

Going back in time, I would like to relive a random day of nothingness

Sunny Cao
January 25, 2024
Me and my niece chilling together on June 28

My unique pet: A personalized mini real-life Barbie doll

Sunny Cao
January 16, 2024
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 13, 2023
A few of the many books that BookTok has recommended to me. 

An underrated side of TikTok: discovering novels through BookTok 

Sunny Cao
November 8, 2023
One of my study sessions at the Saratoga Library.

The Saratoga Library: my late-night study getaway

Sunny Cao
November 3, 2023
Thomson has collage on her wall showing all the swim teams she has coached.

Science teacher finds second home coaching swimmers on the pool deck

Sunny Cao
October 31, 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
Saachi and Sunny at Swift’s ‘Eras Tour.’

We were enchanted to meet you, Taylor Swift

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
September 28, 2023
The two watches I lost in various places.

A tale of two lost watches

Sunny Cao
September 21, 2023
The Falcons played their last league match against Monta Vista on senior night, May 2.

Despite facing tough competition at CCS, badminton girls’ doubles pair advances to States 

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
May 27, 2023
A photo collage of Sunny and her friends as kids.

Growing up in China: memories of snowy days, laughter and friends

Sunny Cao
May 10, 2023
Sunny’s diary entries writing about her travels

Ranting in my journal: my everlasting Anne Frank era 

Sunny Cao
May 10, 2023
The team captains play a match during practice on March 13. 

Climbing back from subpar ‘22 season, badminton wins in three early matches

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
March 20, 2023
Sophomores Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain and Kathy Wang work hard in the kitchen to prepare a feast.

Cooking showdown: Four students compete in a cooking competition 

Sunny Cao, Emma Fung, Saachi Jain, and Kathy Wang
March 14, 2023
The six-part series is composed of interviews from Harry and Meghan detailing their experiences. 

Memo to Harry and Meghan: If you’re trying to privatize your life, don’t make a documentary about it

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
March 9, 2023
Many students ask teachers for recommendation letters, but what really goes on behind the scenes? 

From surveys to substance: 3 teachers tell how they craft recommendation letters

Sunny Cao and Nicole Lee
February 6, 2023
Just sitting calmly as you sip a hot coffee and stare into the autumn leaves…

No love in February? Don’t give up hope

Sunny Cao and Leyna Chan
February 3, 2023
Lacrosse players reviewed an email from athletic director Rick Ellis detailing the reasons for cancellation.

School nixes lacrosse seasons for both boys and girls

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
January 29, 2023
Tina Walia, Mayor of Saratoga

As term draws to an end, Mayor Tina Walia recounts her favorite memories and accomplishments in office

Sunny Cao and Nicole Lee
December 15, 2022
Despite an increase in public awareness and advocacy, gun violence continues to rock the country now more than ever.

Ten years since Sandy Hook: No week has passed in 2022 without a mass shooting

Sunny Cao and Saachi Jain
December 14, 2022
What's the best social media platform for teens?

What’s the best social media platform for teens?

Sunny Cao
November 16, 2022
All you need to know about the Nov. 8 Saratoga City Council election: a look into the five candidates running

All you need to know about the Nov. 8 Saratoga City Council election: a look into the five candidates running

Sunny Cao, Saachi Jain, and Nicole Lee
November 7, 2022
Scotland is the first country to make period products free; let’s join them

Scotland is the first country to make period products free; let’s join them

Sunny Cao
October 31, 2022
The cheer team practices tumbling in a snaking pattern.

Cheer team takes on conditioning exercises and focuses on new season with new coaches

Sunny Cao and Christopher Chen
September 30, 2022
It’s time to abolish the British monarchy

It’s time to abolish the British monarchy

Sunny Cao
September 29, 2022
The varsity cross country team poses for a photo after the RAM invitational on Sept. 25.

Sports teams make strides practicing on weekends

Sunny Cao
September 28, 2022
Holly Royaltey teaches AP Government and Economics for seniors and World History for sophomores.

New World History and AP Government teacher encourages learning through growth mindset

Jonny Luo and Sunny Cao
September 15, 2022
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