Skip to Main Content
The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

  • 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

Jessie Chen

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow

A junior and this year’s Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Jessie Chen is returning for her second year on staff ready to take on new challenges. Last year, she had an amazing time as a staff writer, guided by an amazing team. This year, her goal is to form a cooperative and welcoming workspace and edit stories to the best of her ability to play her part in helping enhance the publication’s standards. Outside of the newsroom, Chen is a dedicated figure skater and a proud owner of a mini goldendoodle named Daisy.

All content by Jessie Chen
The school honors Ava He-Schenk (12) and Ansu Perez (12) with the scholar-athlete award, which awards two student-athletes holding a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 while participating in various sports. Perez played varsity football, wrestling and track and field for shot put and discus, while He-Schenk was a captain of varsity stunt cheer, competition cheer and part of varsity sideline cheer and track and field. Photo courtesy of Scott Perez.

Q&A: Scholar-athletes

Claire Zhou and Jessie Chen May 27, 2026

The school honored Ava He-Schenk (12) and Ansu Perez (12) for the scholar-athlete award, which is given to two student-athletes from each school in the district holding a grade point average (GPA) of at...

(Left to right) Evan Ye (11) and Albert Cho (11) capture the landscape at the San Dieguito Lagoon. There, the club highlighted many of San Diego's native species.

Club Spotlight: Photography Environmental Initiative

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow April 21, 2026

Environmental conservation and photography may seem like an unlikely combination. However, the school’s Photography Environmental Initiative (PEI) Club combines these two interests, creating a community...

Vera Muller (10) teaches the Biology Olympiad Club on Phylogeny. Muller was announced as a semifinalist for the USA Biology Olympiad exam. Photo courtesy of Angie Sun.

Q&A: U.S.A. Biology Olympiad Semifinalist

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow March 6, 2026

Vera Muller (10) was recognized as a USA Biolympiad (USABO) semifinalist on Feb. 24. The exam, which took place on Feb. 4, is a national high school competition for selecting the U.S. team for the International...

(Left to right) (top) Evan Liu (11), Kate Hu (11), Vera Liu (10), (bottom) Aidan Kang (12), Emma Lee (11) and Junior Villegas smile. In the school community, student and teacher golfers shared their thoughts on the Farmers Insurance Open. Photo courtesy of Evan Liu, Anna Scipione, Vera Liu, Emma Lee and Junior Villegas.

Six Falcons weigh in: Farmers Insurance Open

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow February 6, 2026

The annual Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open took place at the Torrey Pines South and North Golf Courses from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.  The venue, located in La Jolla,...

Steve Heimler, better known as the creator behind “Heimler’s History,” breaks down complex, years-long history curriculums into easy-to-follow, simple and humorous videos. After nearly three years, the Falconer returned to interview Heimler on his philosophy regarding teaching, learning and earlier life.

Q&A: Heimler’s History

Claire Zhou and Jessie Chen January 20, 2026

Before thousands of students cram for their Advanced Placement exams, they open their computers and scour YouTube. For more than 1.15 million teachers, students and history enthusiasts, that means...

Jessica Rall (9) reads the "House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros. The course was implemented for the first time this year.

Ethnic studies completes first semester

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow December 15, 2025

The school’s new Ethnic Studies course for freshman students finishes its first semester despite low enrollment, which some teachers attribute to misunderstandings from misadvertisements. In 2021,...

FlippingPhysics is a channel integral to the school’s Advanced Placement Physics teaching curriculum. The Falconer interviewed the channel’s creator, Jonathan Thomas-Palmer, or Mr. P to his audience, for his life experience as a content creator, retired teacher and experience “flipping” physics.

Q&A: FlippingPhysics

Jessie Chen and Claire Zhou December 8, 2025

Physics classes at school follow the concept of a “flipped classroom,” allowing students to learn new content and follow lectures at home, then practice problems and concepts in class. For example,...

(Left to right) Michael Zheng (10), Kevin Gu (11) and Aubrie Murphy (11) play at the school's Fall Concert and Elisha Kim (9) performs at the San Diego Youth Symphony. Zheng was accepted for the Golden State Honor Band and Kim for the Symphony Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Riley Willcox and Elisha Kim.

Two students accepted into All-State Orchestra, Band

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-and-Cheif, Workflow November 20, 2025

The California Orchestra Directors Association High School All-State Symphony Orchestra and California Band Directors Association High School All-State Golden State Honor Band accepted violinist Elisha...

Daniel Zhang (11) and engineering teacher Jonathan Tator assemble their new CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine during lunch. Tator, also the wood technology teacher at the school, developed a passion for engineering in his middle school woodshop class and went on to major in materials science and engineering.

Career Technical Education pathways: Engineering

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow November 17, 2025

Behind the Falcon Eatery lies a lesser-known area of campus. There, inside the engineering classrooms, machines whir and tools clatter. While most students relax, attend clubs or walk to Del Mar Highlands...

Kristen Cullen, English 10 Honors and English Language Development 3 teacher greets parents outside her classroom. Back to School Night took place on Wednesday.

School holds Back to School Night for new school year

Jessie Chen, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow September 5, 2025

The smell of tacos and the buzz of conversation filled the school halls; parents traced their students’ footsteps from class to class. Back to School Night, an annual event held at the school for parents...

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...

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...

Popular Girl Scout cookies fall from the packaging. Staff writer Jessie Chen most enjoyed the Trefoils this season.

Girl Scout cookie season review

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer April 16, 2025

As spring approaches, one annual tradition returns with its familiar sweetness: Girl Scout cookie season. Each year, troops of enthusiastic girls eagerly set up their stands, proudly wearing their sashes,...

Left to right: Conner Tsai (12), Sydney Tsai (12) and Baylin Tsai (10) watch the sunset on a stunning beach in Kapalua with their family. They also enjoyed activities such as sightseeing on the Road to Hana, ziplining and watching Lūʻau. Photo courtesy of Baylin Tsai.

Photo Gallery: Spring Break destinations

Joanne Liu and Jessie Chen April 9, 2025
Left to right: Conner Tsai (12), Sydney Tsai (12) and Baylin Tsai (10) watch the sunset on a stunning beach in Kapalua with their family. They also enjoyed activities such as sightseeing on the Road to Hana, ziplining and watching Lūʻau. Photo courtesy of Baylin Tsai.
Tescia Konkol (11), a dancer of 12 years, is awarded March Artist of the Month. Konkol has been on the school's varsity hip hop team since her freshman year, and joined the varsity contemporary team this year. Photo courtesy of TP ASB.

Artist of the Month: Tescia Konkol

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer March 28, 2025

At the age of 5, Tescia Konkol (11) first entered the dance studio after her parents enrolled her in dance classes to expose her to more social opportunities; not knowing that it would spark a passion...

Mila Keres (11) performs in the 2023 winter concert. Keres started playing the violin in second grade. Photo courtesy of TPHS Music Department.

1 in 3000: Mila Keres

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer February 10, 2025

Since second grade, Mila Keres (11) was captivated by the sound of the violin and orchestra. As a child, attending performances with her mother sparked a curiosity that eventually led her to great success...

Sophia Bastidos (11) scans the field, moving quickly on her feet. Bastidos, or 'Dos' to her teammates, was named the January female Athlete of the Month. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Sophia Bastidos

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer February 5, 2025

Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason. With her cleats laced up and a soccer ball at her feet, midfielder...

Why do people struggle with keeping their New Years resolution? It is a familiar cycle of setting lofty resolutions, convinced that this year will be different, yet by mid-year, they tend to slip away. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

New year, same struggle

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer January 17, 2025

On Jan. 1, the gym is packed with fresh starts and new goals, an environment full of possibility, determination and untouched planners. From losing weight to saving money, the new year is a moment to reset...

Students endure unnecessary stress over Scantron exams. Scantrons became a part of test culture across the country in the 1930s.

Time to move on from Scantrons

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer December 16, 2024

As finals week approaches, students take out their No. 2 pencil to bubble in small circles on an overwhelmingly large white and green sheet. The familiar Scantron, with its rows of tiny ovals, becomes...

The school's orchestra fills the Performing Arts Center with music. The Winter Concert was held on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

2024 Winter Concert

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer December 13, 2024

As the holiday season nears, festivity manifested in the form of music at the annual Winter Concert, held on Dec. 12, in the school’s Performing Arts Center.  The concert opened with the full orchestra...

PALs members smile by the Kool-Aid booth. Other events included passing out red pins and candy, as well as a drunk goggle simulation. Left to right: Shyla Mighdoll (12), Ryann Holohan (10), Greta Pennock (10), Aubrie Dingman (10) and Gaby Shanner (10).

[Photo] PALs Red Ribbon Week

Sophia Gorba, Staff Writer November 13, 2024

PALs members smile by the Kool-Aid booth. Other events included passing out red pins and candy, as well as a drunk goggle simulation. Left to right: Shyla Mighdoll (12), Ryann Holohan (10), Greta Pennock...

Kate Hu (10) prepares to tee off on the course. Hu was recently ranked No. 55 in the nation and No. 13 in her class for the American Junior Amateur event. Photo courtesy of Kate Hu.

1 in 3000: Kate Hu

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer October 28, 2024

After being introduced to the sport by a good friend, Kate Hu (10) found her passion for golf when she was 6 years old. Her junior golf scoreboard is currently ranked No. 55 in the nation and No. 13 in...

Shop for supplements, merch and healthy snacks along with your smoothies and acai bowls. Located in the Del Mar Highlands, Sun Life opened their doors in August.

Restaurant Review: SunLife Organics

Jessie Chen and Joanne Liu October 9, 2024

In the bustling Del Mar Highlands Town Center, SunLife Organics settles in its new cozy corner beside the Sky Deck and CeramiCafe. The brightly pigmented smoothies gleamed in their cups bearing their easily...

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...

The new jumbotron has many new features, such as graphics, animations, close ups and a new scoreboard.  The jumbotron project started in 2022, and the total cost amounted to more than $500,000. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Ed Burke stadium jumbotron installation

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer September 23, 2024

A newly installed jumbotron finished construction on Ed Burke field on Sept. 16, just in time for the homecoming football game last Friday.  “Greater attendance is something the jumbotron can bring...

Audrey Davidson, Morgan's Message president, is pictured as number 11. The girls varsity lacrosse team hosted a Morgan's Message Dedication Game last season on April 20. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Student athlete mental health

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer September 3, 2024

In professional sports, the focus on physical performance often overshadows how athletes maintain their mental health under immense stress, an understated yet crucial aspect of their overall well-being....

Load More Stories
Donate to The Falconer