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
All content by Victoria Hu
A map of the University of Edinburgh and three ESCP Business School locations.

Senior Mag 2024: Seniors scatter to the winds, seeking college opportunities abroad

Victoria Hu
May 25, 2024
Nancy has spent the last three years playing for the school’s softball team.

Senior Mag 2024: Nancy of all trades: Senior discovers community through music, martial arts and sports

Victoria Hu
May 25, 2024
Mmmm…

Senior Mag 2024: Reviewing dorm-friendly microwave mug recipes so you don’t have to

Victoria Hu, Leyna Chan, and Sanjoli Gupta
May 25, 2024
Natalie and Victoria’s tentative first bites.

Spicy ‘reaper’ tenders at Dave’s Hot Chicken fail to bring the heat

Leyna Chan, Natalie Chua, Victoria Hu, and Sarah Zhou
March 24, 2024
Senior Ameya Saund strikes a pose during her costume photoshoot on Aug. 27.

Dancer and storyteller: Senior polishes steps in preparation for classical Indian debut performance

Victoria Hu
October 14, 2023
Me as a contortionist, apparently dancing with the daisies in a flowery field. This is a cry for help.

MBTI test proves to be disturbingly accurate

Victoria Hu
March 26, 2023
Seniors Morris Yu and Blake Zhou work on their paper airplane folding machine.

Upperclassmen apply engineering skills to passion projects of their own choosing

Victoria Hu
March 24, 2023
An advertisement for the US National Chemistry Olympiad is written on the board in chemistry teacher Janny Cahatol’s room.

Students achieve success in STEM contests, qualifying for Olympiad rounds

Victoria Hu
March 24, 2023
Senior Lisa Fung reads a paper at her desk to understand the mathematics behind her project. 

Senior named scholar in Regeneron STS research competition

Victoria Hu and Anthony Wang
March 8, 2023
Who said eyes have to be circles?

Living with rapidly worsening eyesight

Victoria Hu
February 27, 2023
The Falcons face off against Homestead on Jan. 12.

Girls’ basketball: Challenging season comes to a close

Victoria Hu and Annie Liu
February 13, 2023
Geese roam the halls outside the Engineering Lab in May 2021.

Well-forested campus serves as haven for birds and other wildlife

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
February 8, 2023
Redwood trees line the campus border on Saratoga Sunnyvale Road.

Maintenance team focuses on creating safe, inviting landscaping on school’s 40-acre campus

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
February 8, 2023
A student shadow sits in on their matched volunteer’s classes.

Prospective students get a peek into campus life through shadowing program

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
February 3, 2023
The Falcons play against Aptos on Dec. 5.

With only eight players, girls’ basketball lacks full roster as season begins

Annie Liu and Victoria Hu
December 10, 2022
Juniors listen to Professor Warren as he discusses Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

English 11 Honors hosts ‘Hamlet’ discussion with Shakespeare professor

Jonny Luo and Victoria Hu
December 10, 2022
A wide variety of traditional jams, spices, beans and other foods stock the shelves of Rose Market in downtown Saratoga.

Cultural grocery stores: an essential for Bay Area residents

Victoria Hu and Beverly Xu
December 6, 2022
A crowd gathers on the blacktop before the 5K for packet pickup.

SEF draws high participation in first community 5K fun run

Victoria Hu
November 28, 2022
Junior Saara Saini tutors at Algebra 1 Math Lab on Nov. 12.

Math teacher starts Saturday peer tutoring program to support Algebra 1 class

Victoria Hu and Sarah Zhou
November 21, 2022
Now MAP seniors pose for a picture before their trial in May.

Students find greater interactivity and room for creativity in MAP than regular humanities classes

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
November 10, 2022
Freshmen Riya Rama and Mihika Singh practice doubles during practice on Sept. 19.

Through steady training and stronger morale, girls’ tennis continues winning streak

Victoria Hu
October 20, 2022
In groups, students practice stage fighting at a ComedySportz practice on Oct. 5.

ComedySportz works to win crowd over with puns

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
October 12, 2022
Choir students perform for church service in the Votivkirche church, Vienna.

Flight delays, cancellations can’t dampen memories of 232 music students’ uplifting summer trip to Europe

Victoria Hu
September 23, 2022
Senior captain Arshi Chawla prepares to return a serve during a practice on Sept. 19.

Girls’ tennis focuses on improving team spirit and securing lineup

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
September 22, 2022
Drama leadership poses together after successfully hosting welcome night.

Curtain up: Drama to perform ‘The Crucible’ this fall

Victoria Hu
September 19, 2022
This thing has no right being as tall as an obnoxious toddler.

I survived: the box jumps

Victoria Hu
September 17, 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
Falcon individuals and teams shine in their respective sports

Falcon individuals and teams shine in their respective sports

Sam Bai, Aiden Ye, and Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Guidance department chair Alinna Satake to depart for another school

Guidance department chair Alinna Satake to depart for another school

Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Active parent groups work to support Saratoga school community

Active parent groups work to support Saratoga school community

Victoria Hu
May 20, 2022
Students share experiences living in Saratoga with out-of-the-mainstream political beliefs

Students share experiences living in Saratoga with out-of-the-mainstream political beliefs

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
May 17, 2022
Seniors take creative dive into Capstone films

Seniors take creative dive into Capstone films

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
May 15, 2022
Even if my sleep isn’t so refreshing, I can always count on the dictionary to bring some positive energy into my day.

Interpreting the nightmares that plague my sleep

Victoria Hu
May 12, 2022
After the dryness of that baked potato, we will need IV fluids to die properly hydrated.

Our top 10 deathbed regrets

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
April 28, 2022
Students and staff share opinions on bill that proposes child vaccination without parental consent

Students and staff share opinions on bill that proposes child vaccination without parental consent

Victoria Hu
March 31, 2022

Season preview: Softball fosters positive environment, optimism

Lynn Dai and Victoria Hu
March 20, 2022
Environmental Science students travel to Año Nuevo State Park to observe elephant seals

Environmental Science students travel to Año Nuevo State Park to observe elephant seals

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
March 10, 2022
It is scientifically shown that the Roller Revolution was the driving force behind human evolution.

Standing up for roller backpack rights

Victoria Hu
March 4, 2022
Cartier is quaking.  

Budget-friendly bling: bending paper clips into rings

Victoria Hu
March 4, 2022
Club president Angela Luo presents to members with vice president Margaret Laver and Secretary Riley Alves during the first meeting.

Animal Science Club plans to provide animal-related volunteer opportunities to members

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
March 2, 2022

My chaotic thoughts on foggy glasses

Victoria Hu
January 31, 2022
Senior Kaasha Minocha takes her COVID-19 test on Jan. 6.

School ends close contact notices in favor of weekly testing, plans to distribute N95/KN95 masks

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
January 24, 2022
District utilizes mass COVID-19 testing to identify new cases

District utilizes mass COVID-19 testing to identify new cases

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
January 9, 2022
Senior Mahi Ravi winds up to shoot during the girls’ water polo senior game against Cupertino on Oct. 19. 

After frustrating season, girls’ water polo looks to improve next year

Victoria Hu and Stephanie Sun
November 18, 2021
Teachers feel stressed juggling activities such as in-person teaching, advisories, and committee meetings.

Department chairs voice wide-ranging concerns in open letter to district leaders and board

Victoria Hu
November 17, 2021
Students edited audio of ghost stories with sound effects.

MAP 10 brings ghost podcasts to life

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
November 12, 2021
Drama director Benjamin Brotzman describes the design and dimensions of a set piece to senior Leslie Robinson.

New technical theater class prepares for fall play

Victoria Hu
November 4, 2021
Winter Formal planning aims to overcome setbacks amid ongoing pandemic restrictions

Winter Formal planning aims to overcome setbacks amid ongoing pandemic restrictions

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
November 4, 2021
The items I’ve lost at school.

My ‘losing things’ streak

Victoria Hu
November 2, 2021
Overinflated blue marshmallows abound.

My winter jackets: extremely puffy but practical

Victoria Hu
October 24, 2021
Freshman Cassidy Coghlan winds her arm back in preparation for a shot during a game against Santa Clara on Oct. 5.

Freshman rises to challenge of varsity water polo team

Victoria Hu and Stephanie Sun
October 7, 2021
studentparkingcartoon

Photo or Graphic for: Hot take: Allow dropoffs in senior and junior parking areas

Aiden Ye
October 6, 2021
Two freshman skit performers battle each other using pool noodles during quad day.

Freshmen overcome hurdles for challenging but rewarding quad day performance

Victoria Hu
October 6, 2021
Under the magnifying glass: students with faculty and staff parents

Under the magnifying glass: students with faculty and staff parents

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
October 2, 2021
The misery of getting your essay back

What to do when your prized essay comes back bleeding red

Victoria Hu
September 30, 2021
MAP 11 students pose in front of Universal Studios on a pre-pandemic field trip to LA.

MAP field trips return after pandemic year

Anamika Anand and Victoria Hu
September 20, 2021
Students and staff can sign up for Talkspace and gain access to licensed therapists in about three minutes.

Talkspace provides free access to online therapy for students and staff

Victoria Hu and Brian Sheen
September 8, 2021
Dora and I, at elementary school age, taking a wholesome family photo in our backyard.

Living as my older sister’s doppelgänger

Victoria Hu
September 5, 2021
Chef Suzuki and two guests raise a toast to Hachi Ju Hachi’s reopening.

Local family-owned restaurants bounce back after reopening

Sarah Zhou and Victoria Hu
September 5, 2021
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