June 8, 2026 by Olivia Howe (‘26) Our historic Saratoga Springs Race Course has just wrapped up the final day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, one of the most influential and prestigious horse racing gatherings in the industry. 2026 marked the last year that the Belmont would be held in Saratoga before returning to […]
Golden Tempo Wins the 158th Belmont Stakes Race in Saratoga Springs Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Katie Plue (‘27) You are not as original as you may think. I am almost positive you got your style off Pinterest, at least parts of it. Your top is from the same place as everybody else and your jeans are from either American Eagle or Pacsun. If that sounds like
We Have Lost Ourselves in Fads- Time to Bring Back Our Own Style. Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Frankie Anzaroot (‘26) At Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS), the math department is full of great employees. Robin Chudy, the head of the department, oversees them all. She is the person who stands between fully functioning citizens and Saratoga students who have to count with their fingers. While many students might
Mrs. Chudy, SSHS Math Department Head Retires in 2026 Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26) With exactly 5 more days left of the 2025-26 school year, Saratoga Springs High School’s seniors are wrapping up their academic and athletic careers in the Saratoga Springs City School District. They will walk across the SPAC stage on Friday, June 26, and receive their diplomas, closing a
The SSHS Senior Class of 2026 is Signing Off Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Carlin Phillips (‘27) 9:30 in the morning and a woman is standing on a desk shouting about John Proctor and rhetoric. This is English with Ms. Bacher. She may seem intense or strict when you first meet her, but there is a lot more to her than what meets the eye.
The Teaching Life of Kristen Bacher Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Sophia Karrel (‘29) Whether it’s an evening spent stargazing, or a night spent around a campfire, the night sky is a vital part of the quintessential summer experience. This article will explore seven of the most eye-catching and unique astronomical events to mark on your calendar this summer. Over the coming
Look Out for These Astronomical Events in the Summer of 2026 Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Elias Prodger (‘26) Little Horse — bitknot Feeble Little Horse is exactly what the dream pop and hazy indie rock scene needs in 2026. Formed in Pittsburgh during the pandemic, the band uses space in a far more sculptural way as opposed to My Bloody Valentine’s thick blocks of sound or
Best Albums of 2026 So Far Read More »
June 8, 2026 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26) As my last ever message for The Lightning Rod, Saratoga Springs High School’s student-run newspaper, I could do a final “Global News Update” or finish how I started my freshman year with a “Guide to Summer in Upstate N.Y.” piece. However, I want to close with something a
A Letter FROM the Editor Read More »
May 25, 2026 by Katie Plue (‘27) The club of restored clothing trends gains a new member: the flip-flop. Alongside polka dots, fold-over pants, and leather jackets, flip-flops find their place in 2026. But weren’t flip-flops always a thing? The decline in flip-flop success goes back to the boom of Birkenstocks. Each season, teens
A Generational Comeback for Flip-Flops Read More »
May 25, 2026 by Sarah Pipino (‘26) Thursday night, I had the absolute pleasure of going to see The Outsiders at Proctors Theater in Schenectady, a musical with 4 Tony awards to its name and my personal favorite show. This show is an adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s famous novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic movie
The Outsiders at Proctors Read More »
May 25, 2026 by Olivia Howe (‘26) There are a total of 678 recorded holidays spanning across 230 countries within the month of May, and they all blend into a beautiful reflection of spiritual, cultural, and inspirational celebrations. As spring is in full force across the globe, people are united with collected reverence to lively
Festivity Finds: May Holiday Recap Read More »
May 25, 2026 by Sophia Karrel (‘29) When you aren’t actively enduring the sweltering midsummer heat, it can be easy to shove global warming in the back of your mind. However, regardless of the season, climate change remains a major threat to our planet. As more greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon
Recent Sustainability Advancements in CO2 Emissions Read More »
May 25, 2026 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26) Local: -Toga Students Hit the Dance Floor at Prom on the 16th: Saratoga Springs High School, among the many other high schools in the area, partied it up last weekend on the 16th for prom. Toga juniors and seniors attended prom from 6 to 10pm at the City
Prom, The Late Show, and Chemical Explosions: A Global News Update Read More »
May 18, 2026 by Elias Prodger (‘26) On November 30, 2025, the Capital District Transit Authority discontinued its two Saratoga Springs-based fixed bus routes, the #451 and #452, replacing them with a new on-demand “FLEX” service. Six months later, the transition has drawn a large swath of reaction, from praise from certain riders and the agency to
Six Months In: Saratoga Springs Riders Adjust to CDTA’s New On-Demand Transit System Read More »
April 20, 2026 by Violet Hoke (‘27) Caffè Lena is a historic folk music venue established in 1960, making it the oldest continuously operating venue of its kind in the US. It has hosted legends such as Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie. Below are some top picks for great shows in April! Alice Howe &
April at Caffè Lena Read More »
April 1, 2026 by Daniela Fleming (‘26)
Saratoga Comic: Bathroom Improvements Read More »
