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

The Falconer

The Falconer

The Falconer

Sarina Feng

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor

As she embarks on the second half of her high school journey, Sarina Feng is excited to begin her second year on the Falconer by taking on the role of Feature Editor. Feng joined the Falconer as a staff writer during her sophomore year, inspired by journalism’s ability to amplify voices that often go unheard. With a keen attention to detail and a touch of creativity, she is committed to exploring and spotlighting the diverse, remarkable stories within the community. When not in the newsroom or buried under homework, Feng finds joy in her artistic pursuits and passion projects. She can be found scribbling down lines of poetry, sketching while immersed in hour-long video essays, working on technology projects, or making attempts at photography with her twenty-year-old camera. A lover of music, beachside strolls, surrealist art, and multitasking, Feng is ready for another year of lasting memories and growth as both a student journalist and individual.

All content by Sarina Feng
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 the 19th in the hallway closest to the ASB rooms.

Hallway of Lights premieres

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor December 9, 2024

The Hallway of Lights, an annual tradition that transforms the B Building hallway near the ASB room into a festive winter wonderland, welcomed students back to school last week. The lights are on display...

Speech and language pathologist, Brian Bobyak, takes notes and prepares lesson plans. Last year, Bobyak worked in speech therapy at San Dieguito Academy.

Fresh Face Friday: Brian Bobyak

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor November 22, 2024

Finding Brian Bobyak’s office feels like a mini quest. Past the chatter of classrooms and the buzz of busy hallways, his room is tucked away in a quiet corner of the B Building. For those who don’t...

'Equivocation' is a a play that examines the burden and power of storytelling. Torrey Pines Players presented 'Equivocation' as the first play of the 2024-2025 school year during the early weeks of November.

Torrey Pines Players presents ‘Equivocation’

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor November 18, 2024

“Our bodies become their souls made visible. What could they not do if, while in that godlike state, we were to tell them — the truth?”  This declaration pulses at the heart of Bill Cain’s...

Special education teacher, Jessica Arroyo, checks her computer during passing period, a cup of coffee resting on her desk. Arroyo began her journey in education over a decade ago and worked within the Poway Unified School District before this year.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Jessica Arroyo

November 8, 2024

Special education teacher, Jessica Arroyo, checks her computer during passing period, a cup of coffee resting on her desk. Arroyo began her journey in education over a decade ago and worked within the...

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.

Against backdrop of social media: 2024 presidential election

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor November 4, 2024

The 2024 presidential election is intensifying discussions around the role of social media in influencing public opinion and voter behavior.  Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump...

Horror fans are immersed in the fear, adrenaline and the thrill of the unknown. Cade Barber (11) described horror as a study, rather than an entertainment experience.

Fear’s favorite fans

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor November 1, 2024

Fear. Adrenaline. The thrill of the unknown. This is a familiar snapshot of horror. Heart beating. Pulse racing. Shaking hands clutching the edge of the seat. This is the rhythm of fear. But for horror...

Receptionist Allyson Evers answers the phone with a smile. Evers worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before pivoting in the direction of education.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Allyson Evers

November 1, 2024

Receptionist Allyson Evers answers the phone with a smile. Evers worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before pivoting in the direction of education.

Receptionist Allyson Evers answers the phone with a smile. Evers worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before pivoting in the direction of education.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Allyson Evers

Sneha Lele, Copy Editor November 1, 2024

Allyson Evers works on her computer, checking and responding to emails. Evers joined the administrative staff this school year.

This image is pulled from the artist's love for science fiction. Gudam Hwang  (11) created this image digitally. Image courtesy of Gudam Hwang.

Artist of the Month: Gudam Hwang

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor October 17, 2024

Imagine a realm where the laws of reality dissolve into intriguing forms and endless possibilities. This is the world that Gudam Hwang (11) builds with his art. Hwang’s artistic journey began at the...

Campus supervisor Jose Reynoso speaks into a walkie-talkie. Reynoso started working at the school six years ago.

[Photo] Day in the Life: Campus Supervisor

October 18, 2024

Campus supervisor Jose Reynoso speaks into a walkie-talkie. Reynoso started working at the school six years ago.

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.

Governor Gavin Newsom signs Phone-Free Schools Act

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor October 15, 2024

On Sept. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 3216 into law, requiring all California school districts, county offices of education and charter schools to create and adopt a policy to limit...

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...

After arriving on campus, Lauren Chambers begins work on her computer. Chambers' experiences as a kindergarten teacher in 2005 inspired her to become a school psychologist.

[Photo] Fresh Face Friday: Lauren Chambers

Liv Weaver, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow October 11, 2024

After arriving on campus, Lauren Chambers begins work on her computer. Chambers' experiences as a kindergarten teacher in 2005 inspired her to become a school psychologist.

Various points along the San Diego coast are experiencing environmental issues, still waiting to be resolved. Tijuana River and Imperial Beach faced sewage and pollution problems, while San Elijo Lagoon experienced a wildlife population decline.

Local Update: Problems with San Diego waters

Sarina Feng, Sneha Lele, and Joanne Liu October 9, 2024
Various points along the San Diego coast are experiencing environmental issues, still waiting to be resolved. Tijuana River and Imperial Beach faced sewage and pollution problems, while San Elijo Lagoon experienced a wildlife population decline.
A student browses CNN on their Chromebook, preparing to click on a story. In recent years, younger generations faced more social media bias.

[Photo] Modern-day media bias

October 3, 2024

A student browses CNN on their Chromebook, preparing to click on a story. In recent years, younger generations faced more social media bias.

Peer tutors Daniel Schwabach (12) and Yuta Hakozaki (12), and Peer Tutoring Club president Kei Tashiro (12) gather at their table. After the last bell rang, they set up the table with chromebooks and papers, ready to assist students with tutoring sessions.

[Photo] From peer to peer

Sophia Gorba, Staff Writer October 2, 2024

Peer tutors Daniel Schwabach (12) and Yuta Hakozaki (12), and Peer Tutoring Club president Kei Tashiro (12) gather at their table. After the last bell rang, they set up the table with chromebooks and papers,...

A dim classroom, desks pushed against the door, blinds drawn to block the eyes of potential intruders. The clock read 10:30 a.m., and students messaged each other to figure out the situation.

[Photo] Behind barricaded doors

September 27, 2024

A dim classroom, desks pushed against the door, blinds drawn to block the eyes of potential intruders. The clock read 10:30 a.m., and students messaged each other to figure out the situation.

The varsity flag football team huddles up on Sept. 10, as they take on Mira Mesa High School. The team lost after a score of 8-9. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

Day in the Life: Flag football

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor September 24, 2024

It’s 6:00 a.m. and alarms break the stillness of early morning. Half an hour later, the varsity girls flag football team gathers on Ed Burke field for their Friday morning practice. They are back Monday...

A monarch butterfly rests on a stray twig. Monarch butterflies began their migration to Mexico in August.

[Photo] Migrating monarchs

September 4, 2024

A monarch butterfly rests on a stray twig. Monarch butterflies began their migration to Mexico in August.

A monarch butterfly rests on a stray twig. Monarch butterflies began their migration to Mexico in August.

[Photo] Migrating monarchs

Cass Love and Sophia Gorba September 4, 2024

The school garden is now filled with a variety of plants, including strawberries and herbs.

Alex Weinstein (12) rolling the dough for his challah business. Over the summer, Weinstein ran his business and sold e-bikes at the San Diego County Fair. Photo courtesy of Alex Weinstein

Summer employment

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor August 28, 2024

For many students, summer was no different from the school year. Instead of heading to classes with Chromebooks in hand, they were clocked in at various jobs, balancing work schedules and responsibilities.  Each...

Load More Stories
Donate to The Falconer