With a pack of instant noodles, a freshly ruined sleep schedule and her new desk companion — Bob the felted chicken — Sarina Feng is ready to take on senior year and her third year on the Falconer. As Editor-in-Chief, she hopes to strengthen the bonds within the tight-knit staff while delivering impactful reporting and a quality publication. Feng’s list of hobbies has grown alongside her love for journalism; outside of school and other responsibilities, she enjoys writing, photography, composing music, trying new experiences, overthinking and stargazing on the beach. Other beloved pastimes include listening to music and rewatching favorite animated films. Most often, you can find her sunbathing on the floor or working on some obscure passion project. She looks forward to a final year of high school filled with lasting memories in the newsroom and beyond.

An equal parts music and riddle enthusiast, junior Claire Zhou enjoys listening to music by Clairo, Big Thief or ​​Adrianne Lenker while solving puzzles on The New York Times. For her second year on the Falconer, Zhou looks forward to maintaining the publication website with the addition of crosswords and other design features while continuing to cover stories in the Carmel Valley community. Outside of the newsroom, she is involved in the Peer Tutoring and the school’s math club. When she’s not in school, Zhou enjoys reading work by Paige Lewis, attempting to write poetry and growing her collection of annotated crunchy literature. Otherwise, she can be found volunteering at a local senior center or binging Gilmore Girls. Someday, Zhou will attend culinary school with her younger sister.

As a literature-obsessive, art-consuming, scatter-brained polyglot, sophomore student Gabriela Morillo Dal Piccol—known to most as Gabi—has always highly valued and recognized the power of words. Writing has been a long-time passion of hers, and she finds solace in the pages of books and the flow of ink on paper. Likewise, art has also been a constant outlet and inspiration for Gabi, and she hopes to pursue a design-based career in the future. Taking Beginning Journalism freshman year opened the gateway into an opportunity that would allow her to optimize and exercise both of her artistic assets. This is her first year working on the Falconer as a writer and graphic designer. When not studying at the library, Gabi can be found immersed in fictional chronicles, working on a new art project, blasting music in her headphones or indulging in shows she is clearly too old to be watching (e.g. Bluey, among others). She is extremely excited to contribute to the Falconer this year in both creative aspects and cannot wait to see how she will grow alongside the publication and its staff.

All the way from the infamous cheese state of Wisconsin, Shayna Dolin, a sophomore, brings her journalistic expertise into classroom 311 as a Staff Writer. Dolin takes any chance she gets to share her opinion and meet new people, landing her on the Falconer staff. When she’s not walking her dogs through Crest Canyon or spending her time at the beach, she can be found playing tennis or pickleball in her free time. She is so excited to explore all aspects of the school’s student body and have a great year.