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05/26/2024

Now that the intense feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar has reached a stalemate for the past few weeks, read The Talon’s summary of the feud and the diss tracks that fueled it.

Story by M.C. Teixeira

05/26/2024

Yesterday, Los Altos High School’s Associated Student Body continued its annual Dodgeball Tournament in the large gym at lunch. Benji n Boyz, Schmedium, Klay Thompson vs Kings and Los Gigantes played in the semi-finals, with Benji n Boyz and Klay Thompson vs Kings advancing to the finals where Klay Thompson vs Kings ultimately won. The members of the winning team were senior Eric Neschleba and juniors Idan Garten, Kapil Jakatdar, Tomas Smilak, Alex Tasic, Cyrille Vogler and Justin Wu.

Story and photos by Tyler Elman and Sahana Srinivasan

05/23/2024

Yesterday and today, Los Altos High School’s Associated Student Body continued its annual Dodgeball Tournament in the large gym at lunch. The advancing teams after yesterday’s tournament were Los Altos Dodgers, The Avengers, Big Benj n Boyz, Gooners, Klay Thompson vs the Kings, Colin is Forever Bad, Shmedium, Ho***rs, Los Gigantes, TBD. Today, eight teams played, with four advancing to the semifinals. Tomorrow will be the last day of the tournament, and will start five minutes after lunch. The matchups will be Big Benj n Boyz versus Shmedium and Klay Thompson vs the Kings versus Los Gigantes.

Story and photos by Adam Alfi and Sahana Srinivasan

05/23/2024

Tomorrow at 6:30 p.m, the Eagle Theater will be decorated with a red carpet and a miniature paparazzi will flood the doors to mark the Los Altos High School Night Film Festival. Organized by Film Analysis teachers Susana Herrera and Robert Barker, the film festival is an annual event hosted to showcase some of the best student-made films from Film Analysis students. The festival’s goal is to not only present student achievements, but also to encourage students to consider taking Film Analysis for their senior year English course.

A judge panel will announce the top three films at the end of the night, mimicking an Oscar-style event. This panel will consist of Freestyle Academy founder and LAHS librarian Gordon Jack, Former Film Analysis teacher Sasha Jones and Documentary Film major and math teacher Teresa Dunlap.

Admission into the event is free, but $5 donations are encouraged. Swipe to see which films will be shown!

Story by Ellie Ji and Paavo Lahdesmaki
Photo by Paavo Lahdesmaki

05/23/2024

Last Friday, May 17, Los Altos High School’s Associated Student Body (ASB) organized a candy shop fundraiser next to the Eagle Theater after school. The event aimed to raise funds by selling cups containing different varieties of candy. Three types of gummies and M&M’s were available for purchase. Accompanied by loudspeaker music, the ASB team attempted to create a lively atmosphere and attracted many students near the table.

Story and photos by Kamila Martinez

05/23/2024

Yesterday, Los Altos High School’s Associated Student Body continued its annual Dodgeball Tournament in the large gym at lunch. After playing in eleven knockout rounds, the advancing teams were Biggie Balls, Big Benj n Boyz, Gooners, Dodge Mabal, Colin is forever bad, Konjoe Burgers, Klay Thompson vs Kings, call us ranch cuz we be Dressen, Ballbarians, Shmedium and Ho***rs.

Story and photos by Sahana Srinivasan and Michelle Jacobs

05/16/2024

The Los Altos High School varsity boys baseball team lost 3–7 to Los Gatos High School at home last Friday, May 10, falling just short of their first league title since 2007. Following the Wildcats’ 2–1 win over the Eagles last Wednesday, both teams entered the game with 10–3 league records. The Wildcats jumped out to an early 3–0 lead in the first inning, but the Eagles managed to claw their way back and tie the game in the bottom of the third. In a crushing seventh inning, the Wildcats added another three scores, cementing a 4-run advantage the Eagles couldn’t match. The team ultimately ended the regular season on a high note with an 8–5 senior night win over Half Moon Bay High School the following day. The Eagles will travel to face Westmont High School in the quarterfinals of the CCS Division II playoffs this Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m.

Story and photos by Matthew Diederich

05/13/2024

Yesterday, the Los Altos High School girls varsity lacrosse team competed in the CCS quarterfinals for the first time in program history. Although the game against Sequoia High School ended in a loss for LAHS, with a score of 11–18, the team made history this season with their first-ever CCS appearance.

The Eagles started the game off strong with junior Tyra Bogan scoring the first point of the game. However, the Ravens were relentless, taking the lead at the end of the first quarter and maintaining it throughout the game, despite solid efforts from the Eagles.

Photos and caption by Alex Zuccaro

05/07/2024

Last Friday, May 3, the Los Altos High School varsity boys volleyball team lost 2–3 against Fremont High School on senior night. They celebrated seniors Aidan Cuppett, Sam Cousins, Ben Eskenazi, Kerem Akdogan and Jared Rahn, starting the evening with heartfelt speeches and posters from the underclassmen players. The Eagles kicked off the game with the momentum on their side, fighting hard in the first set to best the Firebirds 25–18. With unstoppable plays, the Eagles took the second set by storm, easily winning 25–13. Kills by Aidan and sophomore Liam Meyer were instrumental in keeping the Eagles on top.

However, on the third set, the Eagles began to flag, losing energy and momentum — the Firebirds took the set 20–25 and held up for the rest of the night. The Eagles were unable to side out in important moments, getting stuck in problematic rotations, and lost the fourth set narrowly at 21–25. In the fifth, the Eagles started with an early lead, especially as a team well-versed in going to a tie-breaker set. But as the Firebirds climbed back up, the Eagles couldn’t keep their dominance, ultimately falling short 11–15.

The Eagles played Hollister High School in the CCS Division I First Round at home today at 6:30 p.m., winning 3–0 and moving on to the Quarterfinals against Bellarmine College Prep.

Story and photos by Nayeon Kim and Lily Symon

05/07/2024

The Los Altos High School varsity girls softball team beat Wilcox High School 6–5 on senior night last Friday, May 3. The Eagles dominated throughout the game, building a 6–1 advantage through the fifth inning. The Chargers didn’t go away easy, however, scoring four runs across the sixth and seventh innings before senior Sophia Asar pitched the team to victory. Following the game, the team honored five seniors with speeches and flowers. The Eagles traveled to face Cupertino High School today at 4 p.m. in the first of three away games to finish the season.

Story and photos by Matthew Diederich

05/05/2024

Last Friday, May 3, 17 Los Altos High School senior student-athletes were recognized for their commitments to playing varsity sports in college at Signing Day, held at lunch in the large gym. The Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) made posters for each athlete with their name, sport and the school they committed to.

SALT members juniors Tyra Bogan and Axelle Allanic took turns individually announcing the athletes, while family and friends gathered to show their support, handing out flowers and chocolates.

Student-athletes pictured in the second slide:
Top row, left to right: Seniors Ilya Borshcenko, Jay Mallampati, Ben Freda-Eskenazi, Misha Golovatyi, Aidan Cuppett, Jack Burcell, Carson Gamble, Nathaniel Guillory.
Bottom row, left to right: Jessica Anderson, Aarya Phadnis, Anne MacKenzie, Kieran Harrison, Aoife Turner, Sophia Kurisu, Jennifer Cruden, Sami Patel, Jasleen Sidhu.

Caption and photos by Janavi Ramde and Alex Zuccar

05/02/2024

The 19th annual school-wide Poetry Slam took place on the Eagle Theater stage during ACT yesterday. The event was hosted by English teacher Carrie Abel Shaffer and judged by English teacher Jasmine Mark and senior Angely Vargas.

This year’s Poetry Slam crowned three winners: first place junior Audrey Jamieson, runner-up junior Juliana Baltz and third-place senior Jordan Rahmfeld. An honorable mention award was awarded to senior Malia Chan. Swipe to read about the poets and their poetry, in their own words. (Jordan declined to provide a photo.)

Story by Summer Li

05/01/2024

Last Wednesday through Friday, April 24 to 26, the Los Altos High School varsity and JV swim teams competed at the SCVAL De Anza Championship. Varsity girls finished third in the league while varsity boys finished fifth, and both JV teams placed second overall. Seven individuals and two relay teams won their events, including the varsity boys 400-yard freestyle relay, which also broke a school record and fell short of the SCVAL record.

Select athletes will compete at the CCS Championships starting tomorrow and running through this Saturday, May 4 at Independence High School.

Caption and photos by Dorie Xie

05/01/2024

Last Tuesday and Thursday, April 23 and 25, the Los Altos High School track and field team traveled to Lynbrook High School to compete in the De Anza League (DAL) championships. The varsity boys and JV girls won the league, while varsity girls and JV boys finished second place — varsity girls only by 2 points. Sophomore Daniela Hughes once again broke her own school record in the 100-meter hurdles and also broke the SCVAL record. In long jump, the varsity boys took six out of the top eight places, and all six of those jumpers, as well as other athletes from varsity, will compete at SCVAL Finals at Santa Clara High School this Saturday, May 4.

Photos and caption by Milan Grbovic

04/30/2024

After a week-long soccer tournament held by the Latino Student Union (LSU), themed after the real world Copa America tournament, team “Rock, Paper, Scissors” was crowned victorious in a 6-3 game last Friday, April 26. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” is composed of sophomores Marvin Lopez Garcia, Brandon Yih, Cade Fitzsimmons, James Taylor, and Kiran Raina. Swipe to view photos of the finale!

Story by Oscar Johnson and Ivan Sandoval-Navarro
Photos by Ivan Sandoval-Navarro

04/29/2024

Last Friday, April 26, the Los Altos High School varsity girls softball team beat Fremont High School 2–1. After the Firebirds jumped out to a 1–0 lead in the top of the third inning, the Eagles answered back and took a 2–1 lead. The team then held Fremont scoreless for the rest of the game, securing its second win in a row. The Eagles are now 9–10 on the season and sixth in the De Anza League. The team will travel to play Milpitas High School next Wednesday, May 1 at 4 p.m.

Story and photos by Matthew Diederich

04/24/2024

Today, Los Altos High School’s Latino Student Union (LSU) hosted its second day of its Copa America soccer tournament. Teams faced off at the back field while LSU played music and provided bottled water.

The tournament will continue throughout the rest of the week at lunch. Swipe to see photos from today and scroll down to see the teams that are advancing.

Advancing teams: Skibidi Sardis, WOS, Varca, The American Miners, Rock,paper,scissors, La selecta, LATINOS, Shifters United, Free Among Us, MTC, CCS Champs

04/23/2024

Yesterday, the Los Altos High School varsity boys volleyball team won 3–2 against San Mateo High School. San Mateo led the game for the first two sets, scoring 25–23 and 25–15. With powerful offensive players who forced the Eagles to play scrappy defense, San Mateo was looking like the winner. However, entering the third set, the Eagles began to dominate the game, winning the next three sets. Although the sets were close — 25–20, 25–22 and 15–11 — the Eagles were able to pull away with a victory. They will play their next home game tomorrow at 6:45pm against Palo Alto High School.

Caption and photos by Lily Symon

04/05/2024

The final tabloid issue of The Talon is out today! Find a Talon member at lunch to pick up a copy; while you’re waiting, swipe to see a preview of some of the stories in this month’s edition.

Editor’s note: This is a repost — the original post wasn’t cropped correctly.

10/28/2023

Seniors Matthew Kim and Angely Vargas were named the 2023 Homecoming Royalty. Both Matthew and Angely are Advanced Science Investigation (ASI) students and members of the nationally-competing LAHS slam poetry team. Matthew is also the Web Managing Editor of The Talon. Angely is a Buena Vista Youth Scholars tutor and QuestBridge finalist.

Story by Audrey Tsai
Photo by Milan Grbovic

10/05/2023

Here is this year’s Homecoming Court.

05/27/2023

Last Saturday, May 20, athletes from the Los Altos High School varsity track team traveled to Gilroy High School to compete in the CCS finals, following the CCS qualifications the previous Saturday, May 20. Both the girls and boys teams continued their strong seasons, with the girls winning CCS for the first time, and the boys placing a strong fourth out of the over 150 teams in CCS. The boys 4 by 100 meter relay team beat their own school record — which previously broke a long standing 1970s record — by one hundredth of a second, with a time of 41.73 seconds. The girls 4 by 800 team broke the previous set record by more than 20 seconds. Athletes in some individual events, the boys 4 by 100 and all three girls relay teams will go on to compete in the CIF State Championships at Buchanan High School in Clovis, California today.

Read more at the link in our bio.

Story and photos by Milan Grbovic

05/25/2023

As the end of the school year approaches, choir has one goal: to end the season right. And they hope to do that with their final concert, creating a memorable performance with a melancholic touch that will bid farewell to its senior class.

For many students, this concert will be their last one with a high school choir. Senior Max Drummond has been singing with the choir for four years. But, although it’s the end of a journey for LAHS seniors, it’s also the beginning of a new one.

“It’ll be my last time singing for LAHS, but I feel like the program here has made the transition easier for me to go off to college and continue singing,” Max said. “I'll miss Diez. It was lovely.”

Buy tickets for the concert today at 7 p.m. in the Eagle Theatre at the door or at the LAHS Finance Office. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for general admission, and free for all staff.

Story by Aimee Ge and Willow Tock
Photo courtesy Lauren Diez

05/23/2023

Tracey Runeare will replace Wynne Satterwhite as principal of Los Altos High School beginning in July. Runeare’s position was announced during tonight’s Mountain View–Los Altos (MVLA) District Board meeting.

Runeare currently serves as the principal of Harbor High School in Santa Cruz and has been in this role since 2016. Before that, she worked as an assistant principal at Watsonville High School, where she also spent most of her career as a social studies teacher. At her core, Runeare loves working with teenagers, and that is why she became a teacher in the first place — following in her father’s footsteps.

As for why Runeare chose to come to Los Altos, she believes the school’s values are in line with what she wants to achieve.

“It just seems like the values at Los Altos match my values: equity, diversity and inclusion,” Runeare said.

"Ms. Runeare stood out amongst all of the candidates as someone who brings a strong instructional background as a long-time teacher and a veteran high school principal,” MVLA Superintendent Nellie Meyer said. “Her strong instructional expertise, coupled with her understanding of student support, will serve our community well.”

The Talon will publish an in-depth feature regarding Runeare soon.

Story by Naomi Ichiriu, Rebekah Park and Ashley Tumacder
Photo by Ashley Tumacder

05/22/2023

The Los Altos High School varsity softball team beat Los Gatos High School 6–3 on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the CCS Division II playoffs. After shutting out the Eagles for five straight innings, it looked like the Wildcats would hold onto their 3–1 lead. But, the Eagles didn’t let that happen. The team exploded for five runs in the top of the seventh, hitting 3 doubles and a pair of singles before putting the game away on defense.

The Eagles now advance to the semifinals, where they will play Salinas High School at Saratoga High School on Wednesday, May 24. A full playoff bracket is available here.

Story and photos by Matthew Diederich

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Videos

It's a pig invasion. Brought in by an eccentric Canadian millionaire back in the 1920s, hybrid swine has spread into nearly all of California's counties, wreaking havoc not only on farmland, but also front yards. This piece looks at the effect pigs have on the state's biodiversity, and recently proposed legislation intended to limit their population. Story by Ernest Leong, New Media Lit

The Los Altos High School varsity boys basketball team hosted the Spartans in a league rematch on Tuesday, February 6. While the Eagles hoped to redeem themselves with a win after a single point defeat to the Spartans earlier this season, they ultimately fell short in a 49–54 loss. The Eagles are now 17–4 on the season, with an 8–2 league record. Story by Rohan Vaswani, Allison Bricca and Ellie Ji

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This year, instead of hitting tennis balls and running up and down hills in the crisp fall weather, the girls tennis and cross country teams were welcomed by the warmth of spring. Their seasons continued to prove successful, however. The Talon interviewed one athlete from each sport to give you an inside perspective on what their sports seasons looked like amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s immoral to force students to pay for their grade and use their own money to fund ASB and SCL.” Read about the solutions proposed by staff writers Cedric Chan and Vaishu Sirkay to fix the current fundraising strategy at https://lahstalon.org/solving-los-altoss-unethical-fundraising/ Graphic by Cedric Chan

March Madness

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MVLA Foundation

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Noah Revelo’s family tradition: No (fish) guts, no glory

Noah Revelo is a sophomore at Los Altos High School and goes spearfishing with his dad in his free time. Watch him tell his story here and also read the article! (linked below). https://lahstalon.org/noah-revelos-family-tradition-no-fish-guts-no-glory/ Video by Greg Corn

2018 Dodgeball Tournament Highlights

Here are some of this year's dodgeball tournament highlights. To learn more, read the tournament recap article, linked below: https://lahstalon.org/dodgeball2018/ Video by Nick Borda, Arjin Unlu, and Kristen Fan

Meet Los Altos' YouTubers

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LAHS Parkland Walkout

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Male Body Image

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See snippets from yesterday's rap battle between English teacher Michael Smith and junior Gurshaan Arora. The battle was held by BSU to celebrate the final day of Black History Month.