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The Student News Site of Torrey Pines High School

The Falconer

The Falconer

The Falconer

Jessie Chen

Jessie Chen, Writer

As an ISTJ and MBTI enthusiast, Jessie Chen enters her second year of high school with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Similar to her ISTJ personality, Chen has integrity and a strong work ethic and is looking forward to her first year on the Falconer. She hopes to use her diligence and attention to detail to contribute to the success of the publication and looks forward to expanding her knowledge of  journalism. Outside of the newsroom, Chen applies the same level of discipline and focus to figure skating and piano. Similar to how she meticulously executes her routines on the ice and plays with precision on the piano, she hopes to bring the same precision and grace to her writing. In her downtime, she finds joy and companionship with her mini goldendoodle, who offers both a comforting presence and a much-needed break from her busy life. 

All content by Jessie Chen
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...

The bustling bakery creates pastries by hand, and in small batches, serving up to 400 customers each day. The fall pastry specials featured Pumpkin & Cranberry Cream Bun, Apple Galette, Savory Butternut Squash Scone and Apple Hazelnut Croissant.

Locals guide to San Diego

Claire Zhou, Liv Weaver, and Jessie Chen November 15, 2024

Depending on the time of day, the city offers activities from hikes to climb to bakeries to visit. The drop downs below provide more detailed descriptions of options to choose from when looking to...

The INSIDEOUT exhibit, a 360 degree immersive video, light and sound theater by artist Leigh Sachwitz, portrays the feeling of shelter during a thunderstorm. The museum was founded to create immersive and interactive art experiences.

The INSIDEOUT exhibit, a 360 degree immersive video, light and sound theater by artist Leigh Sachwitz, portrays the feeling of shelter during a thunderstorm. The museum was founded to create immersive...

Garage Kitchen + Bar is a lively restaurant and bar with an industrial interior. The building was originally a garage in the 19th century.

Garage Kitchen + Bar is a lively restaurant and bar with an industrial interior. The building was originally a garage in the 19th century.

Olala Crepes is a French creperie located in Gaslamp Quarter offering both sweet and savory crepes and French desserts. Their crepes are made with organic buckwheat flour imported from France.

Olala Crepes is a French creperie located in Gaslamp Quarter offering both sweet and savory crepes and French desserts. Their crepes are made with organic buckwheat flour imported from France.

Students line up to receive Kool-Aid from PALs. Distributing Kool-Aid last Friday lunch was one of various events hosted by PALs for Red Ribbon Week that took place from Nov. 4 to 8.

Students line up to receive Kool-Aid from PALs. Distributing Kool-Aid last Friday lunch was one of various events hosted by PALs for Red Ribbon Week that took place from Nov. 4 to 8.

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...

With college applications underway, many families are questioning the benefits and drawback of hiring a college admissions counselor. In recent years, college admission counselors were in high demand as the application process has grown more and more selective.

Pro/Con: College admission counselors

Makaylah Gerling and Jessie Chen November 7, 2024

Pro - by Makaylah Gerling With college decisions around the corner, students continue to stress over their submitted applications, and the years of hard work endured for this moment. With the growing...

Trick-or-treaters stand in awe before a married skeleton couple and small ghosts. This house was one of many on the street that take pride in their vibrant Halloween decorations.

Photo Gallery: Halloween neighborhood decor

Claire Zhou and Jessie Chen November 1, 2024
Trick-or-treaters stand in awe before a married skeleton couple and small ghosts. This house was one of many on the street that take pride in their vibrant Halloween decorations.
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...

At the end of the day, it is up to customers to make the right decision. In a world of constantly inflating prices, many online shoppers have resorted to brands such as Temu and Shein for cheap and trendy items, all at the cost of the environment, child labor and low-wage labor. Photo courtesy of Komrads.

Fast fashion’s disturbing truth: It is up to customers make the right decision

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer October 16, 2024

In a world of constantly inflating prices, many online shoppers have resorted to brands such as Temu or Shein for cheap and trendy items, particularly clothing. These brands have been facing backlash for...

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...

Students and staff are experiencing various issues in their classrooms. Since the start of the school year, they dealt with ant infestations, broken air conditioning units and ceiling tile damage.

New school year comes with facility maintenance issues

Jessie Chen, Staff Writer September 11, 2024

Since the start of the school year, multiple areas around campus have experienced maintenance issues, such as faulty air conditioning, an ant infestation and ceiling tile damage. “We got the air conditioning...

A trail of ants lead to a container of liquid ant bait in room 37.

A trail of ants lead to a container of liquid ant bait in room 37.

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....

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