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The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

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  • For further questions, please email [email protected]. Stories will not be posted over the summer break. Please check back on Aug. 11 for stories.
The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

Teacher Feature

Mason Jessee prepares for his 5th-period statistics class. Jessee graduated from the University of California, San Diego, and then completed the teacher credential program at San Diego State University. (Talia Rosenthal)

Fresh Face Friday: Mason Jessee

Talia Rosenthal, Staff Writer March 20, 2026

Laughter drifts across the classroom as Mason Jessee pauses mid-lesson to slip into an impression or crack a quick “dad joke,” reflecting how the new statistics and personal finance teacher uses humor...

World History and SEI U.S. History teacher Ruben Martinez explains the class agenda. Martinez's lesson centered around Christopher Columbus, in recognition of the upcoming federal holiday on Monday. Photo courtesy of Ruben Martinez.

Fresh Face Friday: Ruben Martinez

Dylan Guillory, Staff Writer October 10, 2025

Found in rooms 402 or 212, Ruben Martinez spends his days teaching World History and Structured English Immersion (SEI) U.S. History to sophomores and juniors. Martinez is the newest addition to the history...

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...

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...

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 ('16) 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...

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 the school 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...

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