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The Falconer

The Falconer

April Kato

April Kato, News Editor

In the same way her 13-year piano journey crescendo towards a finale, April Kato is intent on making her last year as a falcon and a staff on the Falconer a balance of memorable, accent-like events and legato-like relaxed moments. Joining the Falconer her junior year and being inspired by the wonderful community, Kato furthered her love for journalism by securing a position as news editor her senior year. This year, she hopes to take on more stories than she did last year, as her goal is time management and fighting the urge of procrastinating, all of which she fell captive to junior year. Outside of the newsroom, Kato enjoys quiet moments of reading at home and playing classical and modern music on her piano, a treasure passed down from her mother. On the weekends, she can be seen volunteering at a Japanese language school, drafting editorials for her internship at a local community journal or roaming Barnes & Noble. Throughout the years in high school Kato’s interest for international relations and global topics has grown, linking to her hopes of pursuing such fields after graduation.

All content by April Kato
President-elect Donald Trump will be the first convicted felon to serve as U.S. president, currently with 34 guilty counts. Trump requested his criminal cases to be dismissed as he takes office, provoking concerns.

[Photo] Requests to freeze Donald Trump’s trial

Elsa Goodman, Manager of Social Media December 4, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump will be the first convicted felon to serve as U.S. president, currently with 34 guilty counts. Trump requested his criminal cases to be dismissed as he takes office, provoking...

The Hallway of Lights is a festive tradition organized by ASB. This year, the lights premiered on Dec. 2 and will be on display through Dec. 19 in the hallway closest to the ASB rooms.

The Hallway of Lights is a festive tradition organized by ASB. This year, the lights premiered on Dec. 2 and will be on display through Dec. 19 in the hallway closest to the ASB rooms.

President-elect Donald Trump is currently appointing members for his presidential Cabinet. Since the start of the presidential system, Cabinet positions were appointed by the president and later awaited approval by the Senate.

[Photo] Donald Trump’s presidential Cabinet

Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form November 22, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump is currently appointing members for his presidential Cabinet. Since the start of the presidential system, Cabinet positions were appointed by the president and later awaited...

What do technological advancements mean for society and the future of inventions? Last month, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses were released, but they have the potential to invade personal and sensitive information.

Encroachments of technology: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

April Kato, Staff Writer November 20, 2024

For years, humans dreamed about the flying cars from “Back to the Future,” and the simulated reality from “The Matrix,” wondering if we will ever live in such a society. But as these films reveal,...

The new Pacific Highlands Ranch Library serves the communities of Pacific Highlands Ranch, Black Mountain Ranch, Torrey Highlands and Del Mar Mesa. The library opened on Nov. 9.

Pacific Highlands Ranch Library opens

April Kato, News Editor November 19, 2024

The Pacific Highlands Ranch Library opened on Nov. 9, becoming the 37th location in the San Diego Public Library System. The library is a result of a $28 million project, fully funded by Facility Benefit...

Food cans from students in Yanire Cercet-Martinez's fifth period class pile in a corner of the classroom. A total of 689 cans were collected schoolwide through the annual Canned Food Drive.

[Photo] ASB Philanthropy hosts annual Canned Food Drive

Isabel Ji, Staff Writer November 20, 2024

Food cans from students in Yanire Cercet-Martinez's fifth period class pile in a corner of the classroom. A total of 689 cans were collected schoolwide through the annual Canned Food Drive.

In Stephanie Pearson's Personal Financial Literacy class, students acquire financial knowledge for practical applications. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2927 into law in June.

[Photo] Personal finance course graduation requirement

November 18, 2024

In Stephanie Pearson's Personal Financial Literacy class, students acquire financial knowledge for practical applications. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2927 into law in June.

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.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Jennifer Hernandez Boranian

Cass Love, Staff Writer November 15, 2024

Jennifer Boranian stands beside a giant coloring page. Boranian began working in the district five years ago, with nine years of total experience in education.

Low-income and high-income households are at the forefront, but middle-income families are often overlooked. What did this mean for middle-income students advancing to higher education?

Overlooked struggles of everyday middle-income family

April Kato, News Editor November 13, 2024

In a society that highlights the extreme — high-income families that can afford college tuition and lower-income families that are more applicable to need-based financial aid — the middle-class is...

Will Schreckengaust (12) plays against Carlsbad High School (7-3) on Oct. 18. He was named the November male Athlete of the Month. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Will Schreckengaust

April Kato, News Editor November 8, 2024

Under the Friday night lights, students can find the October male Athlete of the Month Will Schreckengaust (12) dominating the defensive line at Ed Burke Field, the number 50 gleaming on his uniform. On...

A computer screen shows both candidates' Instagram pages. The 2024 election was marked by political activity across various social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

[Photo] Against backdrop of social media: 2024 presidential election

November 4, 2024

A computer screen shows both candidates' Instagram pages. The 2024 election was marked by political activity across various social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

Americans operate in confusion from daylight savings time as they commute to school and work and perform their duties for the day. Since its creation, DST has caused a range of issues for all.

Daylight savings time: Blessing or curse

April Kato, News Editor November 4, 2024

With the switch back to standard time after nearly eight months of daylight saving, we gained an extra hour of sleep yesterday morning. But is that worth the disruption in sleep schedules, multiple health...

The Counseling Department dresses up as characters of 'A League of Their Own.' The department dressed up as contestants from the TV show 'Survivor.' Photo courtesy of Chanelle Lary.

Photo Gallery: Halloween costumes

April Kato, News Editor October 31, 2024
The Counseling Department dresses up as characters of 'A League of Their Own.' The department dressed up as contestants from the TV show 'Survivor.'
The varsity baseball team is one of the 12 teams part of the new San Diego County record of 12 CIF titles during a school year. They defeated Rancho Bernardo High School 7-1 last season to secure the CIF Open Division title. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

No.1 San Diego County athletic program

April Kato, News Editor October 30, 2024

In an annual ceremony hosted by the San Diego High School Sports Association on Oct. 7, the school was ranked the No. 1 public high school for athletics in San Diego County. Last school year, the school...

Biology and football P.E. teacher Matthew Livingston holds a football helmet in one hand and a potted plant in the other. Livingston began teaching biology 29 years ago, and spent the last six years teaching Year 1 P.E. or football P.E. simultaneously.

[Photo] Teachers of many trades

Cass Love, Staff Writer October 30, 2024

Teachers with different subjects

Left to right: Teachers Julie Neubauer and Catherine Mintz smile at the camera as they cheer on the Padres at Petco Park. The Padres ended their regular season 93 - 69, defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers 3 - 2 in the National League Division Series. Photo courtesy of Catherine Mintz.

Padres season wrap up

Mari Kradjian and April Kato October 24, 2024

Since entering the Major League Baseball franchise in 1969, the San Diego Padres have been bringing heat and excitement  to Petco Park and the coastal city. While the team has had periods of extensive...

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.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Monetta Hare

October 18, 2024

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.

A student works on schoolwork in the presence of their phone. Governor Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act on Sept. 23, which requires all California school districts to create and adopt a policy that limits or prohibits smartphone use.

A student works on schoolwork in the presence of their phone. Governor Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act on Sept. 23, which requires all California school districts to create and adopt a policy...

A student goes on their smartphone instead of working on schoolwork. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act on Sept. 23, which requires all California school districts to create and adopt a policy that limits or prohibits smartphone use.

[Photo] Governor Gavin Newsom signs Phone-Free Schools Act

October 15, 2024

A student goes on their smartphone instead of working on schoolwork. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act on Sept. 23, which requires all California school districts to create and adopt...

TPHS Philanthropy hosts the annual Fall Blood Drive. The drive was held on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym, organized through the American Red Cross.

[Photo] Annual Fall American Red Cross Blood Drive

October 18, 2024

TPHS Philanthropy hosts the annual Fall Blood Drive. The drive was held on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym, organized through the American Red Cross.

The foundation has been organizing campus cleanups a few times annually for multiple years. They highlighted areas of the school in most need of cleaning, as well as provided complimentary snacks and miscellaneous tools.

TPHS Foundation hosts campus cleanup

April Kato and Sarina Feng October 14, 2024

On a quiet Saturday morning, a group of students, parents and community members dispersed throughout the school with black trash bags, blue gloves and miscellaneous tools, ready to revitalize the campus. The...

Volunteers line up in front of the foundation booth to grab supplies. The event turned out to be a major success.

Volunteers line up in front of the foundation booth to grab supplies. The event turned out to be a major success.

Volunteers line up in front of the foundation tent to sign in and check out tools. The campus cleanup was held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Volunteers line up in front of the foundation tent to sign in and check out tools. The campus cleanup was held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Student volunteers help pick up trash in front of the Falcon Eatery. Volunteers helped clean a variety of areas across campus. Left to right: Finnegan Gizzi (9) and Warren Loftsgard (10).

Student volunteers help pick up trash in front of the Falcon Eatery. Volunteers helped clean a variety of areas across campus. Left to right: Finnegan Gizzi (9) and Warren Loftsgard (10).

Students from the school's lacrosse team help clean the campus. Various student groups participated in the event. Left to right: Reid Habas (12), James Wenger (11), Foster Huang (11) and Bridger Stockton (11).

Students from the school's lacrosse team help clean the campus. Various student groups participated in the event. Left to right: Reid Habas (12), James Wenger (11), Foster Huang (11) and Bridger Stockton...

Student volunteers pick up trash and weeds in front of the lecture hall. With trash grabbers and garbage bags in hand, participants roamed around the campus, looking for areas that need most attention. Left to right: Cole Campbell (10) and Gavin Henry (10).

Student volunteers pick up trash and weeds in front of the lecture hall. With trash grabbers and garbage bags in hand, participants roamed around the campus, looking for areas that need most attention....

Celestine Chinnappan (11) collects trash in the west quad. Determined to help the school maintain a cleaner environment, volunteers worked hard.

Celestine Chinnappan (11) collects trash in the west quad. Determined to help the school maintain a cleaner environment, volunteers worked hard.

Members of the JustServe club pose at the check-in booth. The event was open for student organizations like clubs and sport teams to participate. Left to right: Lucy Conover, Elizabeth Conover (12), Cordelia Erikson (11) and Chloe Kuemmerle (11).

Members of the JustServe club pose at the check-in booth. The event was open for student organizations like clubs and sport teams to participate. Left to right: Lucy Conover, Elizabeth Conover (12), Cordelia...

Parent volunteers work on areas surrounding the Performing Arts Center. Many parents, along with other community members, participated in the event.

Parent volunteers work on areas surrounding the Performing Arts Center. Many parents, along with other community members, participated in the event.

A group of students help collect trash around the English building. The campus cleanup experienced one of the best turnouts so far. Left to right: Cole Sozinho (9), Will Kenney (9), Ali Hussainy (9), Cade Sozinho (9), Jake Katz (9) and Adam Samhat (9).

A group of students help collect trash around the English building. The campus cleanup experienced one of the best turnouts so far. Left to right: Cole Sozinho (9), Will Kenney (9), Ali Hussainy (9), Cade...

Student volunteers collect trash around the English building. The event was promoted through the TPHS Foundation and ASB.

Student volunteers collect trash around the English building. The event was promoted through the TPHS Foundation and ASB.

Multiple garbage bags became full with weeds and trash. The parking lot, stadium and front entrance were few of the many areas that were considered in need of focus during the cleanup.

Multiple garbage bags became full with weeds and trash. The parking lot, stadium and front entrance were few of the many areas that were considered in need of focus during the cleanup.

A truck carries away the garbage bags. The event produced numerous garbage bags, consisting of many trash and weeds.

A truck carries away the garbage bags. The event produced numerous garbage bags, consisting of many trash and weeds.

The school's field hockey team arrives after practice to join in on the effort. The next campus cleanup is expected to be held around March or April.

The school's field hockey team arrives after practice to join in on the effort. The next campus cleanup is expected to be held around March or April.

The school's orchestra performs under the conduct of Music Director, Amy Gelb. The Fall Concert took place on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

Annual Fall Concert

April Kato, News Editor October 11, 2024

Four hours after instructions ended, the whole school sits in silence — except  for the Performing Arts Center. Up on stage, student musicians, dressed in black, are busy rehearsing. Doors open, and...

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...

FFF #6

FFF #6

FFF #6

FFF #6

California's ban on single-use plastic bags raises questions of how to create a more sustainable world. The recent ban was put in place in an effort to help the environment.

Pro/Con: California’s ban of single-use plastic bags

Joanne Liu and April Kato October 4, 2024

Pro - by Joanne Liu From the peak of the Himalayan Mountains to the depths of the Mariana trench, plastic bags have expanded their territory to nearly every corner of the Earth. They wreak an alarming...

The release of the iPhone 16 marks a new era for Apple. The new iPhone was released on Sept. 20.

iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro models release

April Kato, News Editor October 3, 2024

Fans lined up at stores worldwide on Sept. 20 as Apple launched its new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.  A year after the release of the iPhone 15, Apple came back with its newest model, which...

The school's varisty hip hop team performs at the Fall For Dance performance. Dancing to Grillz by Dem Franchize Boys, Nelly, Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp, the team closed out the show.

The school's varisty hip hop team performs at the Fall For Dance performance. Dancing to Grillz by Dem Franchize Boys, Nelly, Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp, the team closed out the show.

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

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.

[Photo] Teacher Feature: Kara Adler

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

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Ms. Adler Feature

Pro/Con School Lunches
Option 3

Pro/Con School Lunches Option 3

At 1:05 p.m., the Falcon Eatery overflows with students, encouraging many to cut the lunch line. Reporters defended whether lunch periods should lengthen for increased student and teacher productivity and focus, or if should they remain the same to give students greater time for socialization once the school day ends.

[Photo] Pro/Con: Longer lunch time

October 7, 2024

At 1:05 p.m., the Falcon Eatery overflows with students, encouraging many to cut the lunch line. Reporters defended whether lunch periods should lengthen for increased student and teacher productivity...

Pro/Con School Lunches
Option 1

Pro/Con School Lunches Option 1

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

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.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Anna Regula

September 27, 2024

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...

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

Fresh Face Friday #5

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.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Anna Regula

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer September 27, 2024

Fresh Face Friday #5

While larger universities have great opportunities for community, smaller universities can create valuable connections and opportunities unavailable elsewhere. How could larger and smaller universities impact a student's college experience?

Pro/Con: Benefits and drawbacks of large universities

Sneha Lele and April Kato September 20, 2024

Pro — by Sneha Lele Knee-deep in college applications, seniors look ahead to the next step in their academic career. When it comes to selecting a university, one of the larger questions students face...

Cameron Martin, English 10 Honors and English 11 College Prep teacher, works at his desk in a beach-themed spirit day outfit. Cards from students lined the wall behind him.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Cameron Martin

Lana Weber, Staff Writer September 20, 2024

Martin greets his first period class, taking a moment to acknowledge National Apple Dumpling Day before diving into the agenda.

The modern world introduced the praising of women that embodies expectations of a post-feminist world. This led to society's rejection of traditional feminism.

[Photo] Future of women in media: Societal shift from the norms in a post-feminist society

September 16, 2024

The modern world introduced the praising of women that embodies expectations of a post-feminist world. This led to society's rejection of traditional feminism.

Crafting Kindness promotes their club. The club shared their aim to use creativity to craft things for charity and donations.  Left to right: Ekaterina Karyakina (10) and Olive Cooper (12).

Photo Gallery: Club Rush

April Kato and Makaylah Gerling September 13, 2024
Crafting Kindness promotes their club. The club shared their aim to use creativity to craft things for charity and donations. Left to Right: Ekaterina Karyakina (10), Olive Cooper (12).
Students gather around a booth at Club Rush on Sept. 13 in the west quad. Club Rush was held through Sept. 12 and 13 during lunch.

Students gather around a booth at Club Rush on Sept. 13 in the west quad. Club Rush was held through Sept. 12 and 13 during lunch.

Stanley McInnis (11) smiles by the TPHS Gender and Sexuality Alliance booth. Club Rush consisted of various booths presenting their club through posters and giving out complimentary snacks.

Stanley McInnis (11) smiles by the TPHS Gender and Sexuality Alliance booth. Club Rush consisted of various booths presenting their club through posters and giving out complimentary snacks.

The SBCC club promotes the SurfRider Beach Cleanup Club. This year, around 200 clubs were registered. Left to right: Natalia Powierza (12) and Bradey Taub (12).

The SBCC club promotes the SurfRider Beach Cleanup Club. This year, around 200 clubs were registered. Left to right: Natalia Powierza (12) and Bradey Taub (12).

The TP Turkish Community is open to any student interested in the culture and embraces it through various activities. Club rush included booths of different culture clubs. Left to right: Melisa Bilgi (10) and Almira Tarakci (10).

The TP Turkish Community is open to any student interested in the culture and embraces it through various activities. Club rush included booths of different culture clubs. Left to right: Melisa Bilgi (10)...

Club leaders smile by their club booth. They advertised the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Club. Left to right: Asha Gollapudi (12), Ava DeSanti (12) and Anika Iyer (12).

Club leaders smile by their club booth. They advertised the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Club. Left to right: Asha Gollapudi (12), Ava DeSanti (12) and Anika Iyer (12).

Two students promote their club. The Ninth Society explored literature, aiming to enlight and unite human beings. Left to right: Shyan Maan (10) and Rongze Ma (10) .

Two students promote their club. The Ninth Society explored literature, aiming to enlight and unite human beings. Left to right: Shyan Maan (10) and Rongze Ma (10) .

Two students stand by their booth. The Psychology Club's goal is to explore and foster interest in psychology. Left to right: Chloe Kim (10) and Baylin Tsai (10).

Two students stand by their booth. The Psychology Club's goal is to explore and foster interest in psychology. Left to right: Chloe Kim (10) and Baylin Tsai (10).

Dean Smith (11) promotes the Model United Nations at a booth. Clubs had posters that listed specific information.

Dean Smith (11) promotes the Model United Nations at a booth. Clubs had posters that listed specific information.

Daniel McKie (10) promotes the Motorsports Club. Students visiting Club Rush saw booths decorated with colorful and creatively decorated posters.

Daniel McKie (10) promotes the Motorsports Club. Students visiting Club Rush saw booths decorated with colorful and creatively decorated posters.

Fraline Vargas, ELD and freshman English teacher, works on the computer before class. Books, pens and decorations filled the shelf behind her.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Fraline Vargas

September 13, 2024

Fraline Vargas, ELD and freshman English teacher, works on the computer before class. Books, pens and decorations filled the shelf behind her.

History teachers Austin Wade, Jeffery Owen and John Milner pose for the camera, dressed in Rock 'n' Roll clothing. They performed together as a rock band.

Photo Gallery: Homecoming pep rally

April Kato, News Editor September 11, 2024
History teachers Austin Wade, Jeffery Owen and John Milner pose for the camera, dressed in Rock 'n' Roll clothing. They performed together as a rock band.
Students and staff are experiencing various issues in their classrooms. Since the start of the school year, they dealt with ant infestations, broken air conditioning units and ceiling tile damage.

[Photo] New school year comes with facility maintenance issues

September 11, 2024

Students and staff are experiencing various issues in their classrooms. Since the start of the school year, they dealt with ant infestations, broken air conditioning units and ceiling tile damage.

Across campus, staff and students have been dealing with ant infestations, broken air conditioning units and ceiling tile damage.

Across campus, staff and students have been dealing with ant infestations, broken air conditioning units and ceiling tile damage.

The freshmen and senior sections cheer on the pep rally. The homecoming pep rally took place on Sept. 11.

The freshmen and senior sections cheer on the pep rally. The homecoming pep rally took place on Sept. 11.

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