The Student News Site of Saratoga High School

The Saratoga Falcon
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’
February 4, 2025
Students from Future Business Leaders of America and Inspiring Future America work on survival kits Sacred Heart in the Student Center.
Bringing back service to campus on MLK Day
February 4, 2025
Teams take to the stands as they wait for alliance selections.
In annual tradition, MSET hosts a tournament at school
February 4, 2025
A past Regeneron STS Scholars national award ceremony.
Two seniors recognized by nation’s oldest science and math research award
February 3, 2025
The current rankings highlight percent gains for groups of 2-3 seniors based on the initial $100k each group started with.
Kirk Abe’s AP Gov class practices live trading in interactive stock simulation
February 3, 2025
The latest car Sharma has fixed is an Audi B8 S4 with modifications.
Junior fixes classic used cars as a hobby and sells them for a profit
February 4, 2025
Lew’s cozy and aesthetic desk setup
Junior’s studying videos gain popularity on Instagram
February 3, 2025
During his 30 years of work, Young never took a holiday longer than 10 days.
SHS ‘almost-alumnus’ from Class of ‘84 shows there are many pathways to success
February 2, 2025
Science Bowl team preparing for Regionals.
Aiming for gold: Science Bowl team prepares to take on Regionals
February 2, 2025
Jinx makes her entrance in the final act of the season.
‘Arcane’ Season 2: A pinnacle of animation, but lacking in storytelling
February 2, 2025
The album cover of LiAngelo Ball’s viral song, “Tweaker”
NBA athletes’ careers in music and acting
February 4, 2025
Sophomore Ivanya Sadana has qualified three times for the U.S. Junior Open since 2022.
Nationally ranked squash player aims to further her athletic career in college
February 4, 2025
The Gechlik family poses for a photo at the top of a ski slope in 2013.
From the slopes to the track: The Gechliks have been speeding together their whole lives
February 2, 2025
Athletic trainer Caitlin Steiding on senior night of the football season.
Athletic trainer steps down from position to pursue other opportunities; school seeks replacement
February 2, 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
January 29, 2025
I found success in the college application process without a private counselor, and I do not regret my decision.
A private college counselor isn’t a prerequisite to finding success in the application process
February 4, 2025
Climate change protests are becoming increasingly irrelevant in mainstream media.
Americans are becoming increasingly desensitized or willfully ignorant to extinction-risking issues
January 31, 2025
College counselor with personal advice for students
Getting a private college counselor was one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school
January 31, 2025
Elon Musk has become increasingly controversial and even less penalized.
Musk’s controversies are more interesting than his plans for the future
January 29, 2025
Senior Nick Okada delivering the Senior class fundraiser cookies.
100-Word Rant: Crumbl’s 1,000-calorie cookies are not to be messed with
January 28, 2025
A few of my elementary school writing assignments, persuasive essays and achievements.
A full circle moment: My childhood career aspiration became my college one
February 4, 2025
Dictionary definition of the word accomplishment
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
February 2, 2025
What’s the first song you hear when you turn on the radio in the car?
What’s to love about humdrum love songs?
February 1, 2025
The seniors construct their gingerbread houses.
Seniors demolish juniors with professional architectural skills in holiday gingerbread house challenge
January 31, 2025
Falling down a dark abyss in my dreams
Even Shakespearean tragedies can’t compete with my dramatic dreams
January 31, 2025

The Saratoga Falcon

The Saratoga Falcon
Divya Vadlakonda

Divya Vadlakonda, Opinion Editor

All content by Divya Vadlakonda
The seniors construct their gingerbread houses.

Seniors demolish juniors with professional architectural skills in holiday gingerbread house challenge

Divya Vadlakonda, Emma Fung, Isabelle Wang, and Nicole Lee
January 31, 2025
The boys basketball team poses after their game with American High School on Dec. 7.

Boys’ basketball secures second place at James Lick Invitational despite key injuries

Andrew Gong and Divya Vadlakonda
December 14, 2024
There are so many to choose from, but there is a clear

Top 10: romance tropes

Divya Vadlakonda and Shirina Cao
December 13, 2024
An assortment of differently colored onions — all of which taste terrible.

A 200-word perspective on the terrible taste of onions

Nicole Lee and Divya Vadlakonda
October 28, 2024
A particular scent can tug at your nostalgic feelings.

An ode to my favorite ‘scent-sibilities’

Divya Vadlakonda
October 18, 2024
I’ll always keep the Disney stars of my childhood close to my heart.

The downfall of Disney Channel marks the end of a beloved era

Divya Vadlakonda
October 18, 2024
Mothers of middle and high school students from across the Bay Area listen to MomsConnect 2024 panelists on Sept. 22.

Safine among panelists for non-profit Chai with Moms inaugural event

Divya Vadlakonda
October 9, 2024
Freshmen Arjun Vijaykumar, Samir Sharma and Adrian Etter play Ping Pong during lunch.

Falcon Nest upgrades continue into the new school year

Divya Vadlakonda
September 21, 2024
Some of our favorite seasonal snacks.

Because we miss the holiday season, here are our favorite eats

Divya Vadlakonda and Isabelle Wang
September 15, 2024
Tofu is soy delicious.

We love tofu so much — you should too

Divya Vadlakonda and Isabelle Wang
May 4, 2024
 The lost and found bin outside of the office routinely collects jackets and water bottles.

Lost and found items now being donated Teen Challenge charity

Divya Vadlakonda
March 30, 2024
Intermediate P.E. teacher Liz Alves teaches a student a series of defense positions.

Alves continues to flesh out Intermediate P.E. curriculum

Divya Vadlakonda
March 14, 2024
Reporters get ready to ingest the various flavors and test their spice tolerances.

Noodle, noodle on the tongue, what’s the spiciest flavor of them all?

Nicole Lee, William Norwood, and Divya Vadlakonda
March 13, 2024
The illusion of intimacy has been exacerbated by social media.

The rise of parasocial relationships calls for the moderation of media consumption

Divya Vadlakonda
March 3, 2024
The only background noise to give me complete serenity.

Colored noise is a hidden gem among distracting study music

Divya Vadlakonda
February 15, 2024
Why unlearn this if I’m right?

The ‘neither-either’ grammar police need to check themselves

Divya Vadlakonda
February 13, 2024
A scene from “In Blackwater Woods”, starring Kapoor and Shab. 

Two students receive prestigious YoungArts Award

Divya Vadlakonda
January 27, 2024
The trifecta of doom make their way into my dreams.

When sticky substances lead to tricky situations

Divya Vadlakonda
December 15, 2023
If you’re pregnant (or not), avoid these truly odd food cravings

If you’re pregnant (or not), avoid these truly odd food cravings

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
December 14, 2023
“Almost, Maine” introduces a uniquely-formatted play through an exhilarating series of romantic comedy vignettes.

Vignette-focused fall play offers varied perspectives on love

Alan Cai and Divya Vadlakonda
November 16, 2023
Editors-in-chief Amy Pan and Timothy Leung discuss the yearbook cover’s design.

Yearbook adjusts to rapidly changing class structure with majority junior leadership

Divya Vadlakonda
November 15, 2023
The love, head and life line reveal secrets about your personality.

Your fate is in my hands: my one-day journey as an underqualified palm reader

Divya Vadlakonda
November 8, 2023
One of my first commissions, depicting some of my family friend’s relatives.

Charcoal portraits are my unconventional vehicle for self-expression

Divya Vadlakonda
November 8, 2023
Editor-in-chiefs Hannah Dimock and Anika Kapasi go over how to edit writing submissions during their meeting on Oct. 26.

Soundings staff seeks more submissions

Divya Vadlakonda
November 5, 2023
Carla Villela, middle left, and her team at Stereo D on Star Wars, storyboarding with her old team.

New Media Arts teacher Carla Villela brings film industry know-how to the classroom

Christina Labban and Divya Vadlakonda
October 15, 2023
Me as a freshman on my way to Starbies during lunch.

Photo or Graphic for: Administration must limit the use of electric bikes until tighter federal regulations come into place

William Norwood
September 29, 2023
Clubs line up their kiosks on Sept. 15, hoping to attract hopeful club-goers.

Club Rush: 21 club officers answer 21 questions   

Divya Vadlakonda
September 28, 2023
Outside hitter Emmy Pak mid-serve during the second of five games against Fremont on Sept. 14.

Girls’ volleyball scoring victories with new coach and strong freshmen

Divya Vadlakonda
September 27, 2023
The completed mural on the backside of the 700 building.

English 11 Honors students finish ‘Beloved’ mural in summer

Divya Vadlakonda and Isabelle Wang
September 14, 2023
If we can hear teachers breathe, they are too close to us.

A layperson’s guide to students’ classroom pet peeves  

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
September 14, 2023
Junior Caitlin Weber steps up to bat at the softball team’s last league game away to Monta Vista. The team won 13-0.

Softball: Falcons lose in CCS quarterfinals after achieving 9-3 league record

Divya Vadlakonda and Beverly Xu
May 31, 2023
CBI general aide Terry Douglass assists a student while they practice writing an email about their schedule for the day.

Aides are the backbone of the school’s special education program — but hiring enough to meet needs has become difficult

Divya Vadlakonda
May 26, 2023
Students will be able to use a variety of mediums, setting it apart from other art courses.

AP 2D and 3D Art and Design to be offered next year

Divya Vadlakonda
May 24, 2023
ASL courses should be made more mainstream in schools.

ASL: a language that deserves to be taught more widely

Divya Vadlakonda
May 23, 2023
The 2018 Saratoga Strings stand up to bow after their performance at the Midwest Clinic.

Orchestra again accepted into renowned Midwest Clinic in Chicago

Anika Kapasi and Divya Vadlakonda
May 23, 2023
My concession stand essentials.

Confessions of a concession stand connoisseur 

Divya Vadlakonda
May 22, 2023
Students used their devices to vote for class office elections.

Photo or Graphic for: Class officer elections see an increase in candidates, rare runoff race

William Norwood
April 3, 2023
The drama program advertises their spring musical with a flier containing a QR code to purchase tickets. 

With alternating casts, drama leaps into ‘Mamma Mia!’

Lena Aribi, Anamika Anand, and Divya Vadlakonda
March 30, 2023
The dreaded phone pockets make their unwelcome appearance in every classroom.

100-word rant: Sequestering phones in class is pointless

Divya Vadlakonda
March 30, 2023
The students’ fundraiser has raised more than $2,300.

Students raise funds to provide relief to victims of Turkey earthquake

Divya Vadlakonda
March 30, 2023
The signs of Sagittarius, Libra and Aquarius join together in the unique brew that is my personality.

Studying the stars: finding out if my personality was developed or divined

Divya Vadlakonda
March 30, 2023
Bojack navigates his life as a washed up ‘90s sitcom star.

‘Bojack Horseman’ is hilarious, introspective and absolutely worth watching

Divya Vadlakonda
March 26, 2023
Junior violist Tejas Tirthapura and senior violinist Shannon Ma pictured with their instruments.

Junior and senior selected to tour with National Youth Orchestra over summer

Anika Kapasi and Divya Vadlakonda
March 23, 2023
The handbook outlines the school’s academic integrity policy. 

Staff editorial: Policies on academic integrity need updating, clarifying

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
February 13, 2023
The conceptual layout of the solar panels as of January 2023.  

School board requests bids for solar panel projects

William Norwood and Divya Vadlakonda
February 12, 2023
Class of ‘22 alumnus Adrian Mar gets ready to clear during the world junior championships in Santander, Spain, in October 2022.

Alumnus trains for national-level badminton events and plans to return as guest coach

Divya Vadlakonda
February 12, 2023
The drive collected around 30 pieces of merchandise.

Green Committee hopes to spark on-campus change through Spirit of Recycling clothing drive

Divya Vadlakonda
February 3, 2023
Visitors of the auction look over the various pieces drawn by local students on Nov. 19.

Sophomore organizes art auction to help raise money for educational crisis in Uganda

Anika Kapasi and Divya Vadlakonda
January 27, 2023
Senior Jenny Campbell plays with the Amherst Lady Knights on Nov. 12.

For players, ice hockey provides escape, excitement

Divya Vadlakonda
December 8, 2022
Sophomores Jing Jing Zhang, Niraali Garg and senior Jo Bejar during the opening show of “Laundry and Bourbon” on Dec. 2.

Student productions give Drama 4 Honors seniors chance to expand their skill set

Divya Vadlakonda
December 8, 2022
Hemmerich helps students with their projects on Dec. 1.

Intro to Digital Animation course teaches fascinating concepts and provides students an artistic outlet

Divya Vadlakonda
December 6, 2022
Our holy grail of afterschool snacks.

After-school snack connoisseurs point out their top choices

Divya Vadlakonda and Kevin Yang
December 1, 2022
Senior Joel Kim performs at the Koret Young Performers Concert at the end of his second week at Music@Menlo, the chamber music festival, over the summer.

Senior cellist wins prestigious 2023 YoungArts finalist award

Anika Kapasi and Divya Vadlakonda
November 30, 2022
From 1840 to 2017, the number of US hazing deaths has shot up exponentially.

Greek life should be heavily regulated, if not eliminated entirely

Divya Vadlakonda and Beverly Xu
November 11, 2022
Victoria Prillwitz gets ready to spike during practice on Oct. 18.

Girls’ volleyball ends season on high note

Divya Vadlakonda and Maggie Zeng
October 19, 2022
Fall weather gives way to a cozy wardrobe.

An ode to fall clothing

Divya Vadlakonda
October 19, 2022
Freshman Jena Lew blocks the ball during a game against Milpitas on Sept. 22.

Playing both club and school volleyball, freshman grows in her skills

Divya Vadlakonda
October 18, 2022
The Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline for Phase 4 and Phase 5.

Marvel’s Phase 4 blunders spiral into formulaic cinema

Divya Vadlakonda
October 18, 2022
Not all words are created equal.

The real deal behind lol and lmao

Beverly Xu and Divya Vadlakonda
September 23, 2022
 Max Mayfield, portrayed by Sadie Sink, running from Vecna’s lair.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 4: The beginning of the end lives up to its hype

Divya Vadlakonda
September 21, 2022
Senior Noor Khan serves during a game against King’s Academy on Sept. 7.

With a strong start, girls’ volleyball hopes to improve team chemistry

Maggie Zeng and Divya Vadlakonda
September 21, 2022
Liz Alves teaches her Intermediate P.E. class during their swimming unit

Former athletic trainer Liz Alves returns to campus as P.E. teacher

Sarah Thomas and Divya Vadlakonda
September 21, 2022
Grant Hough (left) and Ryan Sanders (right) in the Blue Devils B 2022 show uniform

Junior and sophomore march for Concord Blue Devils B over summer

Anika Kapasi and Divya Vadlakonda
September 14, 2022
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