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The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

Sarina Feng

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief

With a pack of instant noodles, a freshly ruined sleep schedule and her new desk companion — Bob the felted chicken — Sarina Feng is ready to take on senior year and her third year on the Falconer. As Editor-in-Chief, she hopes to strengthen the bonds within the tight-knit staff while delivering impactful reporting and a quality publication. Feng’s list of hobbies has grown alongside her love for journalism; outside of school and other responsibilities, she enjoys writing, photography, composing music, trying new experiences, overthinking and stargazing on the beach. Other beloved pastimes include listening to music and rewatching favorite animated films. Most often, you can find her sunbathing on the floor or working on some obscure passion project. She looks forward to a final year of high school filled with lasting memories in the newsroom and beyond.

All content by Sarina Feng
Copy Cove of La Jolla, Jan's Health Bar and JIMBO's sponsor the Falcon Film Festival. It was held last Friday.

Falcon Vision hosts Falcon Film Festival

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief April 20, 2026

The Falcon Film Festival, presented by the school’s broadcast channel Falcon Vision, premiered short films, PSAs and documentaries in the Performing Arts Center on Friday.  Falcon Vision students...

A word cloud of college rejection letters shows common vocabulary that institutions use when notifying applicants. According to College Board, by Nov. 1, there was a 5% increase in applicants and 10% rise in total applications compared to the same time last year.

Rejection is not entirely redirection

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief March 27, 2026

“An update has been posted to your applicant portal,” the newest email in your inbox reads. You click the website’s refresh button and log in as your stomach feels heavier with each passing second....

Satire: Falcon gets rejected from college

Satire: Falcon gets rejected from college

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief March 26, 2026

In March and early April, many students anxiously await status updates from prestigious and need‑blind schools with competitive admissions processes. Today, March 26 — which students commonly refer...

Many students struggle with attendance and puntuality for school. The number of students missing three or more days of school rose from pre-pandemic levels.

Staff Ed: Student absenteeism

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief January 31, 2026

Researchers estimate that humans make 35,000 decisions every day. Many students’ mornings are flooded with mental calculations: What time should I set the alarm in order to finish the math homework due...

Left to right: Joseph Kempf (12), Lily Pirnie (10), Lainy Costabile (12), Huijing Zhang (10), Ethan Erstling (11) and Mateja Schmidt (11). Dinner guests await their host in the lounge, accompanied by Wadsworth, the butler, and Yvette, the maid. The play was inspired by the board game and 1985 film of the same name.

Torrey Pines Players presents ‘Clue’

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief November 13, 2025

A stormy night. An eerie manor. A suspenseful note hammered on the piano. A knock on the door.  “Clue," a production by Torrey Pines Players (TP Players), opens with the panache of a classic murder...

As November begins, there are many ways to capture the essence of fall before it fades into winter. The Falconer provided snippets of fashion inspiration that incorporated the characteristics of the season.

Fall fashion

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief November 4, 2025
With the sun’s fading light and scarce warmth, the season seems to hold onto colors through other means.
In the digital era, notifications pile up on lock screens and ring at every hour. This article explored the consequences of digital notifications on our attention, memory and energy.

Notifications: Affects on our attention, memory

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief October 7, 2025

6 messages, 1 missed call. 81 degrees in San Diego, sunny. Due tomorrow: HW 10/7. The buzz of a phone is now the metronome that propels the rhythm of modern life. Notifications pile up at every hour: we...

A student carries a Labubu keychain as they walk to class. Labubu originated as a character from Kasing Lung's series, 'The Monsters,' and were sold as Pop Mart toys beginning in 2019.

[Photo] Labubu, rise of overconsumption

August 19, 2025

A student carries a Labubu keychain as they walk to class. Labubu originated as a character from Kasing Lung's series, 'The Monsters,' and were sold as Pop Mart toys beginning in 2019.

Conan Gray's fourth studio album 'Wishbone' depicts the artist in the sky, dressed in a sailor suit and carrying a wishbone. The album was released on Aug. 15. Photo courtesy of Republic Records via AP.

Album Review: ‘Wishbone’

Sarina Feng, Editor-in-Chief August 18, 2025

Conan Gray writes music with the intimacy of journal entries. With his fourth studio album “Wishbone,” released on Friday, Gray steps back from the experimental, ‘80s inspired elements of “Found...

A view of Catalina Island shows the ocean and dock. Students visited the Catalina Island at the end of April. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Roffey.

Ticket to learn

Lana Weber, Sophia Gorba, and Sarina Feng May 27, 2025

Catalina Island by Lana Weber Colorful schools of fish flitted against the deep blue background as students swam among tendrils of kelp dancing in the currents. However, these students weren’t on...

Principal Rob Coppo works at the computer in his office and handles administrative tasks. In addition to his duties as principal, Coppo began hosting a podcast with former teacher Don  Collins in 2023.

[Photo] Day in the Life: Rob Coppo

Liv Weaver, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Workflow May 13, 2025

Principal Rob Coppo works at the computer in his office and handles administrative tasks. In addition to his duties as principal, Coppo began hosting a podcast with former teacher Don Collins in 2023....

Seniors from Sara Boozer's AP Literature and Composition class participate in discussions and do classwork. As May 1 approaches, more seniors have committed to colleges or post-high school plans.

[Photo] Crossing the finish line together

April 14, 2025

Seniors from Sara Boozer's AP Literature and Composition class participate in discussions and do classwork. As May 1 approaches, more seniors have committed to colleges or post-high school plans.

With the introduction of generative AI, the nature and creativity of artistic endeavors may be threatened. Could human-created art and AI generated art coexist?

Hand in hand: Art alongside algorithms

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor April 8, 2025

In the 1970s, a curious new artist emerged. It drew with lines that were shaky and organic, yet purposeful, almost methodical. The artist's name was AARON. But AARON wasn't human. It was a software program...

In Ed Burke Stadium, athletes compete in an intense race. The 31st annual Falcon Relays took place last Saturday. Photo courtesy of Ann Bartsch.

School hosts 31st annual Falcon Relays

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor March 28, 2025

On Saturday, the school hosted the 31st annual Falcon Relays, bringing together 20 Division I and Division II schools from across San Diego to compete. The school emerged as the Division I team champion...

Throughout childhood, staff writer Sophia Gorba (12) navigated new cities, new schools and new friendships. As she entered this new chapter, Gorba hoped to flourish emotionally and socially, building upon her past experiences.

[Photo] Personal Perspective: Sophia Gorba

March 28, 2025

Throughout childhood, staff writer Sophia Gorba (12) navigated new cities, new schools and new friendships. As she entered this new chapter, Gorba hoped to flourish emotionally and socially, building upon...

The string orchestra performs 'Of Glorious Plumage' by Richard Meyer and 'Luberon Dances' by Martin Ellerby during the Spring Concert. The concert took place on March 12 in the Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of TPHS Music Department.

2025 Spring Concert

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor March 24, 2025

The lights of the Performing Arts Center dim. A hush spreads through the audience. All eyes fall on the conductor. The marimba lays down an insistent rhythmic pulse, propelling the combined band into motion.  As...

April Kato (12) crouches near a bush of flowers. In her personal perspective, Kato reflected on the experience living between two worlds — Japan and the United States, which came to construct her identity.

[Photo] Personal Perspective: April Kato

April Kato, News Editor March 19, 2025

April Kato (12) crouches near a bush of flowers. In her personal perspective, Kato reflected on the experience living between two worlds — Japan and the United States, which came to construct her identity.

The bookshelf in Viviana Alvarado's classroom is filled with books in Spanish for students to read and check out. Alvarado's collection included popular novels translated from English as well as a new set of books provided by the TPHS Foundation.

[Photo] Classroom chronicles tucked away

February 20, 2025

The bookshelf in Viviana Alvarado's classroom is filled with books in Spanish for students to read and check out. Alvarado's collection included popular novels translated from English as well as a new...

'When Harry Met Sally' is a classic romance movie. The movie aired in in 1989. Photo courtesy of Peter K. Levy through Creative Commons.

Love at first watch

Liv Weaver, Sarina Feng, and Lana Weber February 14, 2025

Falconer reporters provide the best love movies through recent decades. 1980s  “Dirty Dancing” (1987) A 1987 masterpiece, “Dirty Dancing” is a romantic drama dance film starring Jennifer Grey...

The varsity Academic Team prepares for their match against Carlsbad High School. The match was held on Jan. 30, with the Falcons falling 86-30. Back row left to right: Kei Tashiro (12), Eamon Moore (12), Chloe Clements (11), Joy Ma (12),  Matias Chinchilla (12)
Front row left to right: Zain Mehio (12), Cecelia Colangeli (11), Collier Lawson (11), Zach Dawson (12), Jack Sheehy (12)

Academic Team loses first home match

Sarina Feng, Feature Editor February 3, 2025

In a night of quick thinking and intense focus, the varsity Academic Team faced off against Carlsbad High School in their first home match of the season, ultimately falling 86-30. Despite the loss, the...

A group of students, dressed in semi-formal attire and western hats, smile for a picture. The theme for the Winter Formal was 'Night In Nashville.' Left to right: Lina Jamai (11), Sienna Barry (11), Alisa Galkina (11) and Ava HeSchenk (11).

[Photo] Photo Gallery: 2025 Winter Formal

January 27, 2025

A group of students, dressed in semi-formal attire and western hats, smile for a picture. The theme for the Winter Formal was 'Night In Nashville.' Left to right: Lina Jamai (11), Sienna Barry (11), Alisa...

Hundreds of CIF and state championship titles line this ceiling of the Olive Garden. Dating back to the schools establishment over 50 years ago, the school has been known to have one of the most successful athletic programs.

[Photo] Athletic history behind cardinal, gold

December 12, 2024

Hundreds of CIF and state championship titles line this ceiling of the Olive Garden. Dating back to the schools establishment over 50 years ago, the school has been known to have one of the most successful...

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...

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...

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