Did you know that frogs were the first land animals with vocal cords? TPHS’ biggest frog fanatic, Joy Ma, embodies the calm, adaptive and curious nature of her favorite amphibians as she steps into her role as Assistant Editor-in-Chief for her third year on the Falconer. Born and raised in Hong Kong and fluent in three languages, Ma brings a global perspective and a unique voice to the team. Chiefly the epitome of wanderlust, Ma has traveled to over 12 countries, her favorite travel spot being Toledo, Spain, where she was captivated by the intricate damasquinados. For her senior year at TPHS, Ma is eager to elevate the paper’s storytelling and continue to foster a dynamic, inclusive newsroom environment. Outside the newsroom, Ma is an avid reader with a particular fondness for Mary Oliver, Ocean Vuong and Fyodor Dostoevsky (The Brothers Karamazov is the greatest book of all time — do not even attempt to fight her on this). When she’s not buried nose-deep in a book or working on the newspaper, you’ll likely find her spending humorously large amounts of hours on Pinterest searching for future home inspiration or unique outfit combinations. Looking to the future, Ma is excited to continue her journey of growth and exploration and cannot wait to make lifelong memories with her favorite “Falconerds.”
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• May 8, 2025
The school named Lisa Tellers, AP Art History and College Prep World History teacher, as the Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 year.
Tellers, who has taught at the school since 2006, is known for...
Joy Ma, Asst. Editor-in-Chief, Longform
• March 19, 2025
The school’s varsity girls soccer team (17-5) secured the Division II CIF State Championship on March 8, against Orange Lutheran High School (13-6-1), marking their first CIF State Championship win in...
Joy Ma, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Longform
• March 10, 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.
Ruby Julien-Newsom (12) solidified her legacy on the school’s...
Joy Ma, Asst. Editor-in-Chief, Longform
• February 14, 2025
Falconer’s favorite love songs from the 21st century:
“We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
A classic and powerful R&B ballad about yearning and heartbreak, Carey depicts the anguish of loving...
Joy Ma, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• January 8, 2025
Social media — a tool that connects, informs and entertains — has also become a source of growing concern, especially for young children and teenagers. Since Australia has recently passed a law to...
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• November 22, 2024
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election paved the way for a significant restructuring of federal leadership as his administration begins the process of filling over 4,000 political appointee...
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• November 21, 2024
In an era characterized by calorie-tracking apps, protein shakes and painstakingly scheduled meal plans, food is often reduced to little more than a mathematical equation. This viewpoint is most ingrained...
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• November 18, 2024
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2927 into law in June, making it the 26th state to require a personal finance course for high school graduation, starting with the 2030-31 graduating...
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.
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• October 14, 2024
The school’s Peer Assistance Leaders (PALs) are organizing a water bottle drive to help the homeless community in Los Angeles, Calif. as a way to give back to the community. Held from Sept. 30 to Oct....
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• October 10, 2024
As the world grapples with the surging climate crisis, the concept of ecocide — the “unlawful” acts committed “with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread...
Staff writer Cass Love argues it is time for administrators to create change in the lives and well-being of high school students. How could this happen?
Joy Ma, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Longform
• September 6, 2024
Imagine: You are at a dimly lit house show, the air dense with the aroma of incense and the low hum of an old amplifier. A silhouette appears out of the darkness, wearing a graphic tee and baggy jeans,...
Joy Ma, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, Long-form
• August 27, 2024
Growing up, I have always thought of myself as less human and more frog. I’ve always felt a deep connection to them — creatures that, in many ways, embody the qualities I admire and strive to cultivate...
Pro - by Gabrielle Gonzales
TPHS announced an updated Student Cell Phone Policy for the 2024-25 school year, preventing cellphone usage during instructional time in an effort to “support the academic...
