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The Falconer

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The Falconer

Teacher Feature

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...

Fresh Face Friday: Sandra Geminiani

Fresh Face Friday: Sandra Geminiani

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow August 22, 2025

Tucked away in the back corner of the campus, Sandra Geminiani and her students learn and practice theatre. As the school’s new theatre teacher, Geminiani is excited to expand the performing arts community...

Speech and language pathologist, Brian Bobyak, takes notes and prepares lesson plans. Last year, Bobyak worked in speech therapy at San Dieguito Academy.

Fresh Face Friday: Brian Bobyak

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor November 22, 2024

Finding Brian Bobyak’s office feels like a mini quest. Past the chatter of classrooms and the buzz of busy hallways, his room is tucked away in a quiet corner of the B Building. For those who don’t...

Jennifer Boranian writes upcoming dates for her students on a classroom board. This year, Boranian stepped into the role of education specialist at the school.

Fresh Face Friday: Jennifer Hernandez Boranian

Cass Love, Staff Writer November 15, 2024

Jennifer Hernandez Boranian is something of a veteran in the education world, with nine years of experience in teaching Spanish, English learner and most recently, special education classes, although this...

Special education teacher, Jessica Arroyo, checks her computer during passing period, a cup of coffee resting on her desk. Arroyo began her journey in education over a decade ago and worked within the Poway Unified School District before this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Jessica Arroyo

Lana Weber, Staff Writer November 8, 2024

Smiling pots with succulents, plant-themed borders and cutouts of flowers and cacti greet Jessica Arroyo’s students as they walk into the classroom, promising a day full of learning and personal growth....

Receptionist Allyson Evers answers the phone with a smile. Evers worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before pivoting in the direction of education.

Fresh Face Friday: Allyson Evers

Sneha Lele, Copy Editor November 1, 2024

The phone rings, holding a question for the entire school. Who’s going to answer? The ringing abruptly stops within seconds. “This is Torrey Pines High School … How can I help you?” The rapid...

This school year serves as special education teacher, Nicholas Diaz', first year teaching at the school. Diaz graduated from the University of Oregon in  2014 with his bachelor's in sociology.

Fresh Face Friday: Nicholas Diaz

Makaylah Gerling, Editor-in-Chief October 25, 2024

Walking into the Olive Garden, hundreds of banners lining the ceiling, special education teacher and boys varsity basketball assistant coach Nicholas Diaz (‘10), reminisces on his past at the school....

Education Specialist Monetta Hare co-teaches English 9 with English teacher Marie Black in this classroom. Cozy light illuminated the creative messages and bookshelf in the corner.

Fresh Face Friday: Monetta Hare

Sophia Gorba, Staff Writer October 18, 2024

Ever since public schools were first widely implemented in the U.S. in the 19th century, teachers played an integral role in shaping the lives of their students. While classrooms evolved along with the...

School psychologist Lauren Chambers sorts through paperwork in her office. Chambers started her work in the district in 2017 and assumed her position at the school this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Lauren Chambers

Liv Weaver, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow October 11, 2024

Kindergartners are known to be a handful, expressing a variety of behaviors that require the diverse skillset of a teacher. However, when Lauren Chambers taught a high-needs student in her own classroom,...

Lacey Sovacool, Weight Training, Dance PE and Year One PE/Health teacher at the school, instructs her students on the Ed Burke Field. Last school year, Sovacool taught at San Dieguito Academy.

Fresh Face Friday: Lacey Sovacool

April Kato, Staff Writer October 4, 2024

Becoming a physical education teacher was not a part of the plan when Lacey Sovacool was looking to major in Spanish during college. However, after experiencing a fateful injury during her college...

Adviser Kara Adler smiles in the new Falcon Vision studio, where they host live broadcasts every Friday. Last year, Adler taught Video Film I, TV Production and Advanced Video Film.

Teacher Feature: Kara Adler

Makaylah Gerling, Editor-in-Chief September 30, 2024

Every Friday at 11 a.m., the school's student-broadcast show, Falcon Vision, goes on air. However, behind this spectacle of snippets and segments lies the guiding hand of adviser Kara Adler. Adler works...

Anna Regula, English 9 Honors and AP Language and Composition teacher, stands in front of a wall of student work with string lights twinkling overhead. Regula joined the school's English department this year.

Fresh Face Friday: Anna Regula

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer September 27, 2024

With twinkling lights strung along the back wall and students' work showcased around the classroom, Anna Regula, a new English 9 Honors and AP Language and Composition teacher at the school, hopes to create...

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