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The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

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The Falconer

The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

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(Left to right) Lily Bruch (12), Tess Wheatley (12), Angelia Coenen (12), Sabine Chung (12), Avani Goyal (10), Jake Selecky (12), Tegan Inns (12), Emiko Matsuda (12) and Dean Smith (12). The Go Greenish officer team smiles for a photo. Students from both Torrey Pines High School and Canyon Crest Academy went to Earl Warren Middle School to host a presentation for the students as part of the Road to Zero Waste program. Photo courtesy of Dean Smith.

Club Spotlight: Go Greenish

Emily Chao, Staff Writer October 7, 2025

On a day-to-day basis, making a real, meaningful impact feels exceedingly distant from the general student population. In fact, some aspects of culture have perpetuated the idea that a person needs certain...

Reed Kendall helps Felipe Astiz (9) with his math worksheet. Kendall joined the math department as a permanent staff member this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Reed Kendall

Talia Rosenthal, Staff Writer October 3, 2025

All the way from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania, the school welcomes Reed Kendall to the math department. After earning a doctorate in education and working many years as a substitute teacher, Kendall...

Charlene Nguyen prepares lesson slides for her Biology class. Nguyen majored in biology at University of Southern California and received a credential in both biology and chemistry.

Fresh Face Friday: Charlene Nguyen

Joanne Liu, Opinion Editor September 26, 2025

With the constant bustle of busy students and staff on campus, TPHS operates with the complexity of an active ecosystem. Sporting a charming Jellycat croissant keychain on the teacher lanyard around her...

The University of Edinburgh, one of the various international universities that Tess Wheatley (12) is applying to in the United Kingdom, is known for its extensive and advanced environmental programs. Wheatley chose to apply to the university so she could delve deeper into her major, as well as be closer to family that lives in Europe. Photo courtesy of the University of Edinburgh.

Falcons flock to opportunities abroad

Lana Weber, Feature Editor September 25, 2025

From the lively streets of Spain to the charming cobblestone pathways of London, a world full of far away wonder and rich culture awaits students applying for international universities.  For Associated...

Krommenhoek sits with Bradley Pierce (9) and walks him through his homework. She joined the school this year after spending the last ten years at Pacific Trails Middle School

Fresh Face Friday: Christine Krommenhoek

Lana Weber, Feature Editor September 19, 2025

With over 20 years of experience instructing a wide range of subjects and age groups, Christine Krommenhoek has much to offer students as she embarks on her first year as a teacher at the school.  Krommenhoek...

Varsity football head coach Scott Ashby holds up his football backpack. He received this bag six years ago.

What’s in your bag: Teachers

Claire Zhou, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Design September 15, 2025

Jim Munger, what’s in your backpack? If you have passed teacher’s aide and custodial-staff-helper Jim Munger in the B-building hallways, then you have probably seen his knee-high socks, contagious...

Introduction to Business and Marketing teacher Matt Feeler gives a lecture about analyzing pitches. Feeler was an alumni and football coach for the school before he began teaching this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Matt Feeler

Priscilla Akin, Staff Writer September 12, 2025

Matt Feeler finds himself back at the school, not as a student but as a teacher. This year, Feeler teaches Introduction to Business and Marketing, and encouraging academic growth in his classroom is one...

As teachers assign tests and quizzes, students can be on top of their studies with these new techniques.

Infographic: Best study habits for students

Emerson Koning, Staff Writer September 9, 2025

As teachers assign tests and quizzes, students can be on top of their studies with these new techniques.

Integrated Math I teacher Noel Banuelos works at his computer, with colorful paper and craft supplies in the background. Banuelos began teaching in 2011 and joined the school’s math department this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Noel Banuelos

Dylan Guillory, Staff Writer September 5, 2025

Tucked away in the B Building, Noel Banuelos spends his school days teaching Integrated Math 1 and Integrated Math 3. As a new staff member at the school, Banuelos is excited to impart his knowledge to...

English 9 Honors and AP Language and Composition teacher Emily Chakurda stands in front of her favorite band Oasis' poster. Chakurda started teaching at TPHS this school year.

Fresh Face Friday: Emily Chakurda

Talia Rosenthal, Staff Writer August 29, 2025

When the bell rings, signaling the start of a school period, students can expect a piping hot cup of tea, a bubbly greeting and a compelling English lesson waiting in Room 114. English 9 Honors and AP...

Sophie Lesser (12) holds up her backpack and On Cloud running shoes. The bag was a gift from her father, who has a matching backpack.

What’s in your bag: student athletes

Claire Zhou, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Design August 26, 2025

Stray socks, scattered notes and little things folded between jerseys somehow always find their way back inside of athlete backpacks. When student athletes carry backpacks from bag drop to practice fields...

Lucy Crosby (10) and peers showcase a prototype of their own AI surgical robot, which allows them to solve complex medical problems. Crosby attended a five day med-tech program at Harvard Medical School, the MEDscienceTECH Moonshot. Photo courtesy of Lucy Crosby.

Beyond horizons: summer programs

Viktoria Kiss, Sports Editor August 25, 2025

From educational enrichment courses at prestigious universities to traveling abroad and exploring diverse cultures, students created a catalogue of memories and experiences. While some students spent their...

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