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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

Riley Gunn

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer

Sophomore Riley Gunn eagerly enters her first year on the Falconer as a writer on staff after absolutely loving Beginning Journalism her freshman year. Gunn has always had a passion for writing and is very excited to express her skills in a journalistic manner. Outside her writing pursuits, Gunn enjoys spending time with her Boston Terrier, Lily, whether it’s a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or cuddling on the couch. Lily is always a source of joy. As for extracurriculars, Gunn participates in the global competition Future Problem Solving International, where she writes and competes at the international conference academically. Along with academics, Gunn hones her athletic skills on the school’s tennis team. When she has free time, she enjoys the beach and spending time with her friends. She also loves to read and is always looking for new books to add to her collection. In addition, Gunn is a dedicated student and always strives to do her best in school and is looking forward to the coming years at Falconer.

All content by Riley Gunn
The school’s boys volleyball program ends another season full of nationally ranked competition and a deep playoff run. The boys varsity team closed out the year with an overall 32-10 record, a league title and another appearance in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Open Division finals. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Season recap: Varsity boys volleyball

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer May 28, 2026

The school’s boys volleyball program ended another season full of nationally ranked competition and a deep playoff run. The boys varsity team closed out the year with an overall 32-10 record, a league...

(Far right) Reagan Cullivan (12) and her varsity softball teammates convene at game against Cathedral Catholic High School last Wednesday. She was named Female Athlete of the Month. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Reagan Cullivan

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer May 27, 2026

Bat in hand, Reagan Cullivan (12) made a home run with her recognition as one of the April Athlete of the Month. On the school’s varsity softball team, she competes as a shortstop and pitcher. After...

Left to right: Xavier Guzman (9), Maaria Malik (9), Haley McInnis (12), Leela Glidden (9), and Crystal Cheng (12). Greasers and Soc's converse on bleachers. Photo courtesy of Xavier Guzman.

The Outsiders: Torrey Pines Players adaption

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer May 14, 2026

The theatre program presented “The Outsiders,” taking a different approach with the more quaint ‘black box theatre’ allowing them to move away from their traditional proscenium stage for the first...

Outside of room 15, a coffee shop comes to life during passing periods, and in the morning before school. Organized by the Special Education Program, high schoolers and staff members lined up to order $1 hot drinks, while behind the table student baristas greeted customers and handled payments.

[Photo] Student-run coffee shop

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer May 4, 2026

Outside of room 15, a coffee shop comes to life during passing periods, and in the morning before school. Organized by the Special Education Program, high schoolers and staff members lined up to order...

Ross Jacobsen (12) runs with a lacrosse stick in hand. Jacobsen has been a part of the sport for 12 years. Photo courtesy of Ross Jacobsen.

Athlete of the Month: Ross Jacobsen

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer April 22, 2026

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.  Lacrosse stick in hand, varsity lacrosse team captain Ross...

Photo courtesy of A24 via Apple TV.

Movie Review: ‘The Drama’

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer April 10, 2026

The ironically titled romantic drama “The Drama,” a star-driven film produced by A24 and written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, released last Friday. It focuses on a couple's relationship just...

Charley Pegg (12) dribbles a basketball up the court. Pegg has been a part of the sport for 10 years. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Charley Pegg

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer March 26, 2026

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. Basketball in hand, shooting guard and team captain Charley...

Wyatt Hollingsworth (12) kneels on the mat preparing for his match. Hollingsworth has been wrestling on the school's program since freshman year. Photo courtesy of Wyatt Hollingsworth.

Athlete of the Month: Wyatt Hollingsworth

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer March 19, 2026

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.  Wyatt Hollingsworth (12) wrestled his way from the mat to...

Chase Mafong (11) prepares to kick a soccer ball. Mafong was named an Athlete of the Month in January. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Chase Mafong

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer March 6, 2026

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.  Dribbling down the field, soccer player Chase Mafong (11)...

Movie Review: ‘Wuthering Heights’

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer February 26, 2026

Filmmaker Emerald Finnel’s highly-anticipated adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” released on Feb. 13 after weeks of promotional content.  The film is currently ranked as the number one film globally....

Kate Conway (11) kicks a soccer ball. Conway was recognized as an Athlete of the Month in January. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Kate Conway

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer February 23, 2026

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.  Kate Conway (11) was recognized as the January Athlete of...

As the dinner date comes to an end, the question of how the check should be paid arises. This article explored whether heterosexual couples should split the bill on a date or if men should be expected to pay.

Pro/Con: Splitting the bill

Joanne Liu and Riley Gunn February 19, 2026

Pro - by Joanne Liu Waiters furrow their brows in disappointment at men who insist on going 50-50. Online, many conflate splitting the bill with the slow death of chivalry. For men to pay on a heterosexual...

PALs hangs Challenge Day posters in the hallways. They hosted Challenge Day in the Olive Garden from Jan. 26 to 29.

School hosts annual Challenge Day

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer February 3, 2026

The school's annual Challenge Day encouraged conversations about mental health within the student body from Jan. 26 to Jan. 29.  Challenge Day is a nationally recognized program designed to help the...

Before kickoff, the team gathers for their usual team ritual. Their coach gave a motivational talk and prayer, reinforcing the idea that the team needed unity. Photo courtesy of Dillon Vu.

Day on the Team: Boys soccer

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer December 19, 2025

Last Wednesday was a regular day for some, but it was a game day for the school’s varsity boys soccer center back Kai Lewin (11). He was up and ready to tackle the day at 6:30 a.m.  The morning was...

Jaycee Mack (11) celebrates a successful point with her team. Mack has been playing volleyball for eight years and now has been an outside hitter for three years. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Jaycee Mack

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer December 19, 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. Stepping onto the court, Jaycee Mack’s (11) standout presence...

Left to right: Zaysia King-Boyd (10), Adrianna Adatiya (11), Morgan Ritter (11) and Jordyn Ritter (11). Club members stand outside Solutions for Change. The club was started to create measurable positive change in local communities. Photo courtesy of Adrianna Adatiya.

Club Spotlight: Interact Club of Rancho Santa Fe

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer December 9, 2025

Across the globe, Interact Clubs, the high school branch of Rotary International, empower young minds to make change in their communities through volunteerism, leadership and global awareness. Founded...

Daniel Caesar's "Son of Spergy" is provides candid insight into the artist's faith and relationships. The album was released on Oct. 24. Photo courtesy of Republic Records via Resident Vinyl.

Album Review: ‘Son of Spergy’

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer November 6, 2025

Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar released his fourth studio album, “Son of Spergy,” under Republic Records on Oct. 24. The album is a personal piece, providing listeners with a glimpse into Caesar's...

In Gombe, Jane Goodall interacts with a chimpanzee. Gombe was the location where Goodall began her research. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

Remembering Jane Goodall

Christopher Bacon and Riley Gunn October 3, 2025

Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist, researcher and activist for animal welfare and gender equality, passed away in California on Wednesday. Goodall’s death was a result of natural causes, cutting her...

Sam Boyles (11) runs at a track and field meet vs. Mt. Carmel on March 12. Boyles has been unable to compete in his varsity cross country meets due to various injuries. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Athlete of the Month: Sam Boyles

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer October 2, 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.  Sprinting his way into the school year, varsity cross country...

At Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte contains a warm, comforting blend of fall flavors. The Pumpkin Spice Latte returned to Starbucks in late August.

Pumpkin Spice Latte tier list

Riley Gunn and Christopher Bacon September 16, 2025

For a few months every year the leaves turn orange, the night comes earlier and we start saying “hot please” when ordering our lattes. Fall, which begins on Sept. 22 this year, brings the coziest vibes...

Mac DeMarco's sixth studio album "Guitar" is composed of 12 tracks. DeMarco released the album on Aug. 22. Photo courtesy of Deezer.

Album Review: ‘Guitar’

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer September 3, 2025

On Aug. 22, Mac DeMarco released his sixth full-length studio album, “Guitar.” An intimate and introspective record, it follows the notoriously well-loved and laid-back style that his renowned album...

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