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With the development of advanced artificial intelligence chatbot models, students and teachers examine ethical and effective uses of AI. This year, the school district implemented AI policies and helped teachers navigate AI usage.

SDUHSD updates AI policies

Isabel Ji, Copy Editor August 28, 2025

This school year, the district updated its Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies, with changes focused on detailing responsible teacher and student usage — advising AI to be restricted within classrooms. The...

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, Assist. 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...

As seniors begin to work on college applications, the question of whether to apply to a college through the early decision process looms overhead. Reporters examined the advantages and disadvantages of applying early with a binding commitment.

Pro/Con: Early decision

Jessie Chen and Lana Weber August 20, 2025

Pro - by Jessie Chen Senior year, second semester. While most seniors are stressing over college essays and waiting months for decisions, you’re already wearing your dream school’s hoodie with an...

A student carries a Labubu keychain as they walk to class. Labubu originated as a character from Kasing Lung's series, 'The Monsters,' and were sold as Pop Mart toys beginning in 2019.

Labubu, rise of overconsumption

Joanne Liu, Opinion Editor August 19, 2025

With a row of sharp fangs and a sinister grin stretching across more than half its face, one devilishly iconic smile recently took pop culture by storm. Complete with the rest of her physique — bunny...

A stack of history textbooks lie on a desk. Ethnic Studies was initially introduced as a required course, but will now be optional for the 2025-26 school year due to a lack of funding despite expectations for its inclusion in graduation requirements starting with the Class of 2030.

Ethnic Studies: Unfunded future

Cass Love, Staff Writer May 29, 2025

With the release of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2025-26 budget in January that did not provide adequate funding for the proposed Ethnic Studies course, SDUHSD pivoted to provide an optional Ethnic Studies...

TOP left to right: Wendy DeLeon, Alex Renda (9), Henry Kendall (10), Charlie Flynn (9), Aiden Kang (11), Theo Lardon (10), Ethan Elleraas (12), Tyler Greene (12), Horry Ren (12), Max Wrolstad (11), Daniel Tsai (11), Praat Maneerat (9), Colton Sallaway (9) and Ryland Wickman. BOTTOM left to right: Santiago Bosch (11), Trey Jacot (10), Ryder Hurtado (11), Andrew Xu (11), Jacob De La Vara (10), Derek Tsai (9), Brendan Qiu (9), Sean Fulkerson (9) and Peter Grimskog (11). Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione..

Boys golf secures NCC Championship win

Claire Zhou, Staff Writer May 28, 2025

The school’s Cardinal boys golf team (20-2) secured another New Coastal League win at the two-day North County Conference Championship, competing against Carlsbad High School, Canyon Crest Academy, La...

Now as a teacher, Nicholas Diaz ('10) poses with an athlete after winning the CIF  Open Division Championships. Diaz returned to the school as a special education teacher and assistant basketball coach after graduating. Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Diaz.

Coming full circle

Isabel Ji, Staff Writer May 27, 2025

Though the cardinal-and-gold-plaid carpet has been swapped for marbled stone and new CIF banners fill the Olive Garden ceiling, the spirit of Torrey Pines remains unchanged. After walking the halls as...

Claire Frederico (12) and Gideon Jakobs (12) perform as Maggie and Max in 'Lend Me a Tenor.'  The play, which showed from April 30 to May 2 and May 6 to 9, was the last one of the school year and the last production under the direction of theatre teacher Marinee Payne.

Torrey Pines Players presents ‘Lend Me a Tenor’

April Kato and Sarina Feng May 23, 2025

“Please laugh.” That’s what a cast member told us before we went to the show. We didn’t need to be told twice.  In what would be the final production directed by retiring theater teacher Marinee...

Anna Scipione sits on a field with her camera, smiling for a picture. Scipione founded Scippix about 18 years ago, with photos dating back to 2007 still on her website. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Capturing moments: Anna Scipione

Viki Kiss and Lily Bruch May 19, 2025

With a camera in hand and an eye for the extraordinary, Anna Scipione is a constant presence on the sidelines, capturing the pulse of each game and the raw emotion of sport with every frame. Scipione is...

An empty teachers desk sits without its normal company. During their time at the school, many students have seen common substitutes across campus.

Familiar faces: Common substitute teachers

Isabel Ji and Joanne Liu May 15, 2025

It’s the little things you notice first: a door propped open when it’s usually closed, the usual mug missing from the desk and an announcement posted on Google Classroom. Unfamiliar handwriting sprawls...

A student prepares for their next four years at a university, opening the Common App. Recently, the Falconer had the opportunity to speak with college counselors Deni-Kay Freier and Sylvia Caruthers about the application process.

Q&A: Deni-Kay Freier, Sylvia Caruthers

Sneha Lele and Liv Weaver May 14, 2025

As responses from colleges flow in, the question as to what these institutions really weighed in their decisions may be at the forefront of students’ minds. From private schools to public, urban to rural,...

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