The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.

The La Salle Falconer

Menu
Maddie Khaw

Maddie Khaw, Editor in Chief

Maddie is a senior at La Salle. She plays on the varsity soccer team and loves to read and write. She also likes to travel, hang out with friends and family, listen to music, and spend time with her dog, Stella.

All content by Maddie Khaw
Throughout high school, salutatorian Sam Luft focused on taking the courses he enjoyed rather than the ones that would boost his GPA.

Salutatorian Sam Luft

June 2, 2021
This year’s valedictorians are Otso Barron, Paige Martin, and David Jensen, and the salutatorians are Nathan Henry, Sam Luft, Ryan Rosumny, and Ben Scott-Lewis.

La Salle’s 2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians: Seven Seniors Reflect on High School and Look to the Future

June 2, 2021
This playlist includes 11 songs I have chosen for my final playlist with The Falconer.

[Photo] Maya's Final Playlist

June 1, 2021
Senior Danny Nguyen is a co-president of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Club at La Salle.

Celebrating Triumphs and Recognizing History: What Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Means to La Salle Students

May 19, 2021
“When I’m on the field, it seems like time slows down,” senior James Menor said. “I’m just locked in.”

Next Level Seniors: James Menor Takes His Football Talents to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

May 12, 2021
A mural of George Floyd's face in downtown Portland, alongside the names of other Black Americans who died at the hands of police.

For La Salle Students, Derek Chauvin Verdict Is Seen as a Step Closer to Justice

April 21, 2021
The baseball team had its first game on April 13, and won 7-1. “We had David Jensen pitching, and it definitely all came together,” Aidan O’Brien said. “It was great.”

After Last Year’s Canceled Season, Spring Sports Are Once Again in Full Swing

April 21, 2021
With the new four-day learning model, students will no longer attend school in cohorts — instead, the full student body can convene on campus starting on April 12.

Teachers and Administrators Share Feelings About Shift to Four Days Per Week of In-Person School

April 7, 2021
The streets of Myanmar, once peaceful, have now erupted in violence.

The Violence in Myanmar Reflects the Decline of Democracy Everywhere

March 31, 2021
“My desire for education is that it allows students to find their strengths and their talents, and that it allows students to get to the next level in learning,

“The Classroom Is At the Heart of What We Do”: Ms. Alanna O’Brien Discusses Vision for La Salle as She Steps Into Principal Position

March 31, 2021
To celebrate Black History Month, posters were plastered to the walls and windows of La Salle.

La Salle Students of Color Reflect on the Significance of Black History Month

February 24, 2021
Mr. Andrew Yoshihara served in the position of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support since the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

In the Wake of Mr. Andrew Yoshihara’s Departure, Students and Staff Reflect on His Impact

February 24, 2021
“I love [basketball] because it really pushes me and makes me stronger,” senior Addi Wedin said.

Next Level Seniors: Addi Wedin Perseveres Through Injuries, Committing To Play Basketball at Saint Mary’s College

February 10, 2021
With the help of Design Thinking teacher Ms. Carie Coleman, the Black Student Union is creating pins and posters to celebrate Black History Month.

Through Celebrating Black Excellence, Appreciating Diversity, and Practicing Empathy, BSU Leads School in Commemorating Black History Month

February 3, 2021
After almost a year of distance learning, teachers and students will soon be returning to on-campus instruction.

As La Salle Gets Ready to Return to Campus, Teachers Share Their Thoughts

January 20, 2021
Before the shift to distance learning in March of 2020, posters about COVID-19 prevention were displayed around the school.

La Salle Announces Plan to Shift to Hybrid Learning Model

January 13, 2021
“I just appreciate what I have a lot, and I think that’s what motivates me,” senior Joshly Huitzil-Interian said.

Student of the Week: Joshly Huitzil-Interian

January 6, 2021
According to the Williams Institute, Oregon has the second highest LGBTQ+ population per capita in the U.S., just behind the District of Columbia.

“Finding Myself”: Members of the LGBTQ+ Community Share Their Experiences at La Salle

December 16, 2020
La Salle's equity team is a group of faculty and staff committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at the school.

Climbing the “Mountain” of Equity Work, a Team of Staff Members Looks to Cultivate a More Inclusive Community

December 9, 2020

[Photo] Ms. Kathleen Coughran Seeks to Support Teachers and Create Avenues for Student Success As New Vice Principal of Academics

November 18, 2020
Throughout his presidency, Trump has made persistent efforts to misconstrue the truth and generate distrust in the system.

Trump’s False Claims Endanger Our Democracy

November 11, 2020

“Chaos Seems to Be the New Norm”: Students and Staff React to an Inconclusive Election Day As Voters Anticipate Final Results

November 5, 2020
As early voting surges throughout the country, students and staff share their thoughts on this year's presidential election.

Hope, Dread, Worry, Engagement: Students and Staff Weigh In on the Election

October 28, 2020
“I think that our country would be in a very different place if conversations around race and identity were normalized from a very young age,” Ms. Mounsey said.

New Director of Equity and Inclusion Ms. Kiah Johnson Mounsey Hopes to Normalize Conversations About Race and Identity, Puts Emphasis on the “Sanctity of Human Life”

October 7, 2020
Senior Noa Taylor plays soccer for both La Salle and his club team Eastside Timbers. However, recently many practices have been cancelled or restructured due to COVID-19.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Noa Taylor

October 7, 2020
One of the changes that emerged this summer was the edition of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page to La Salle's website.

A Widespread Petition, a Calendar Readjustment, and Ongoing Dialogue and Development: La Salle Responds to Calls to Equity and Social Justice Work

September 30, 2020
Over the summer, many La Salle students participated in protests throughout the city.

Following George Floyd’s Death, Students Mobilize for a Summer of Protests, While Equity Work Continues at La Salle

September 16, 2020
As protests continue to grow throughout the country, some La Salle students have decided to take part to act against racism and police brutality.

Students and Staff Express “Rage” and “Sadness” Following the Killing of George Floyd, Encourage Others to Act Against Racism

June 3, 2020
Franny Bengtson, Grace Elkhal, Ashley Smith, and Lucas Wobig are this year's valedictorians and salutatorian.

Bengtson, Elkhal, Smith, and Wobig: This Year’s Valedictorians and Salutatorian Reflect on Their Time at La Salle

May 20, 2020
Senior Lindsay Drango is committed to play basketball at Whitman College.

Next Level Seniors: Lindsay Drango Commits to Whitman College to Continue Her Basketball Career

May 13, 2020
During this time of quarantine, some students have taken to artistic activities, such as drawing or painting.

As Cabin Fever Settles In During Quarantine, Students Find Ways to Manage Boredom

April 22, 2020
Thursday, March 12 was the last day that the Class of 2020 would be on campus as students, although at the time, digital learning had been announced for only the next two weeks of school. Just in case, a group of seniors held a 'fake graduation' in the courtyard after school.

Seniors Share Reactions to Their Time on Campus Ending Three Months Earlier Than Expected

April 15, 2020
“Thinking Pants” is hosted by seniors Liam Rinehart and James Kelley.

Thinking Pants Episode 2: Eleven Things to Do That Will Boost Your Spirits While Quarantined

April 1, 2020

Students and Staff Document Spring Break in Quarantine

April 1, 2020
On Thursday, March 12, students left campus for what would turn out to be many more weeks than expected.

La Salle Hopes to “Stay Realistic, but Stay Positive” While Shifting to Online Classes Until April 28

March 18, 2020
The girls varsity basketball team’s season was cut short on Thursday, March 12, after OSAA cancelled the entire state tournament.

Girls Basketball Season Ends Early, Leaving Them No Shot at a State Title

March 18, 2020

The Falconer’s Debut Podcast: “Thinking Pants”

March 11, 2020
In January 2019, an estimated 15,876 people in Oregon were experiencing homelessness.

“Welcome to Portland”: A Look Into the Lives of Three of Portland’s Homeless

March 4, 2020
Senior Emily Niebergall's life was turned upside down with the passing of her mother, Katie, in January 2019.

“The Most Painful Thing in the World”: Senior Emily Niebergall’s Journey Through Grief

February 26, 2020
Both the boys and girls swim team emerged as champions at the district meet.

La Salle Swim Takes First Place Finish at Districts, 10 Swimmers Advance to State

February 19, 2020
Today, Feb. 5, 2020, the Senate voted to acquit President Trump of both articles of impeachment.

Impeachment as Seen Through the Eyes of Students at La Salle

February 5, 2020
When writing an essay, most students probably don't really think about whether to use the Oxford comma — but they should.

The Oxford Comma Should Be Considered a Standard, Not a Preference

February 5, 2020
Junior Isa Sale, along with several other La Salle students, participated in the climate strike on Sept. 20, 2019.

As Climate Crisis Worsens, La Salle Curriculum Lags Behind

January 15, 2020
As 2019 comes to a close, The Falconer took a look back at headlines from the past decade.

The Headlines That Made the Decade

December 18, 2019
The House voted to impeach President Trump for his dealings with Ukraine, making him the third US president in history to be impeached.

Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Impeachment Process — and How Students and Staff are Feeling

December 18, 2019
Having adept public speaking skills is an invaluable asset to possess when entering life beyond high school.

In-Class Presentations Teach Students Valuable Skills and Should Not Be Abolished

December 11, 2019
On Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, The Falconer staff and adviser Mr. Miles Kane walked more than 35,000 steps while touring the different museums, memorials, and monuments.

The Falconer Takes on Washington, D.C.

December 4, 2019

After Falling Short in the Playoffs For Several Years, the Boys Varsity Soccer Team Finds Redemption

November 19, 2019
Simmons was surprised by how many people went to the game to support him.

[Photo] Junior Ian Simmons Celebrates Being the Only Junior on the JV2 Boys Soccer Team

October 30, 2019
Junior Robby Collman browses the shoe and clothing selection at GOAT, a new sports and street style shop in Sellwood.

Robby Collman, Aspiring Entrepreneur, Discovers a Passion and Finds Profits

October 23, 2019

Student of the Week: Silas Petersen

October 16, 2019
“Oprah because not only is she really rich, but she is generous and she works really hard for where she is now.

Campus Quotes: Trading Places

October 16, 2019
Only 42 spots are now available to La Salle student drivers who park in the Christ the King parking lot.

Limited Parking Space Creates Challenges and Frustration For Student Drivers

September 18, 2019
Prior to this year, cell phone use was permitted in many classes.

New Technology Policies Spark Conversations and Mixed Feelings

September 11, 2019
Humans of La Salle: People Share Their Celebrity Crush

Humans of La Salle: People Share Their Celebrity Crush

May 22, 2019
Humans of La Salle: Students and Staff Share Their Current Favorite Songs

Humans of La Salle: Students and Staff Share Their Current Favorite Songs

May 15, 2019
Ms. Hudson aims to provide students with a complete and unbiased education around sexuality and birth control.

Sex Ed 101: La Salle Strives to Strike a Balance Between Scientific and Religious Education Around Birth Control and Sexuality

May 8, 2019
Freshman Elsie Buczkowski is on the home plate preparing to take a swing.

Varsity Softball Sets Sights on Playoffs

March 20, 2019
Student of the Week: Wade Nichols

Student of the Week: Wade Nichols

March 20, 2019
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.
Maddie Khaw