The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
News
The new temporary Great Park music venue Great Park Live will open this July and feature picnic seating near the stage, according to Great Park Board Director and City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, Ph.D. “Its going to take several years for the permanent amphitheater to be finished,” said Treseder. “We heard from a lot of residents that didnt want to go so long without live music, so were putting up the temporary one to fill that gap.”
City of Irvine Plans to Open New Temporary Music Venue for Summer Festivities
Camille Clement and Madeline Chung | April 18, 2024
Juniors Jimin Han, Ruhi Samudra, Hailey Van, Viola Xie and Shriya Ravipadi pose between Morgan Hall and Li Ka Shing at the University of California, Berkeley, after presenting their biomedical solution presentation to a group of judges.
BMES Attends Annual BioEngineering Competition in Medical Research
Hannah Ko, Assistant Opinion Editor | April 17, 2024
FIRST Robotics president and senior Amy Shok adjusts the robot created for the Orange County Robotics competition before a game. “We had to make sure that everything was going according to plan, and if there was any problem, we were prepared to fix it,” Shok said. “I think that problem-solving mindset was evident in our robot as well. Our robot had a lot of different changes made because the original design didnt account for things such as how the robot would be made.”
FIRST Robotics Team Creates a ‘Crescendo’ at Orange County Competition
Sonia Wang and Kayley Winata | April 9, 2024
Mayor Farrah Khan delivered her final State of the City Address, which included a reflection on the city’s economic growth and future goals. “As we move forward, let’s continue to build on this legacy, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Khan said. “Let’s shape a future that honors our shared achievements and reflects our common values.”
Mayor Farrah Khan Unveils Vision for Future Progress in State of the City Address
Aditi Salunkhe, Assistant Sports Editor | March 27, 2024
People of Portola High
Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”
Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair
Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024
Girls Who Code (GWO) co-President and senior Injila Adil hands a microphone over to Planet Protectors President and junior Sahana Ananth during their meeting on March 20. The two clubs plan on collaborating to code an app designed by Planet Protectors that promotes environmental consciousness, according to GWO co-President and sophomore Avnit Kaur.
Girls Who Code Club Celebrates STEM Field Trailblazers for Women’s History Month
Maya Tedini | March 28, 2024
Sophomore Avnit Kaur works to strengthen her case with her speech and debate teammates. “The thing I love about the Lincoln-Douglas style is that we have to debate on both the affirmative side and the negation side of the resolution,” Kaur said. “It really helps you think on both sides rather than being fixated on one idea.”
From Prep to Podium: Sophomore Avnit Kaur Lands a Spot at the State Debate Tournament
Alice Ahn and Maitri Allani | March 26, 2024
Portola High South Asian Student Association (SASA) board members throw up colored powder to commemorate the success of the event. “Portola has one of the largest attendance,” Sonthalia said. “Thats purely because of how big our club is as SASA and how many members we have. Im just so happy to see that Portola has so many people here that come together and are celebrating with us.”
South Asian Student Association Vibrantly Celebrates Holi
Michael Sun | March 20, 2024
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Features
Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”
Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair
Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024
Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses
Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses
Cindy Mei and Michael Sun | April 8, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
After a long day, these comforting animated films that bring the adventures of four-legged protagonists to the silver screen are the perfect way to unwind. Although not ranked within this review, other notable animated dog movies include “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989) and “Oliver & Company” (1988).
Having a ‘Ruff’ Day? Here are Five Animated Dog Movies to Watch
Mia Jong and Sonia Wang | April 16, 2024
All that Jazz: IUSD Jazz Ensemble Festival Spellbinds Audience
Marianne Chan and Claire Liu | April 12, 2024
One of senior Yunseo Kwon’s favorite pieces in her portfolio submission is her self portrait because it represents her experience with different art mediums and styles. “It incorporates design elements that I’ve been learning recently and the realistic art I’ve been doing for a long time so combining them to make me felt like my identity is being revealed through my artwork,” Kwon said.
Orange County Register Artist of the Year Semifinalists Senior Yunseo Kwon and Junior Michelle Lu Rise to Success
Marianne Chan and Stephanie Hwang | April 10, 2024
Opinion
Proactively deleting emails to reduce nonrenewable electricity usage raises awareness about the power plants where electricity comes from, according to AP Environmental Science teacher Courtney Moder. “It’s the next generation that has to figure out climate change,” Moder said. “It’s something that’s not really well known but is something that you can get people to get behind.”
Too Many Emails in Your Inbox? Support Environmental Sustainability by Deleting Them
Mary Lee, Staff Writer | April 26, 2024
The rise in the coquette aesthetic has forced femininity to be characterized by dependent and delicate ideals, contrasting a society moving towards female empowerment. Though coquetry can bond girls and women, it is important to move away from such trends that constitute retrogression.
The Shadows Behind the Frills and Pink Bows of the Trending Coquette Aesthetic
Kayleen Kim and Ruhi Samudra | April 25, 2024
Many contemporary historical films have sparked controversy over how much creative license is too much and in what ways producers can balance both accuracy and art, such as in the film “Napoleon.” “I am a present proponent of creativity and being able to show things in a different way,” history teacher Heidi Martasian said. “But I think I like when the film says something at the start like ‘Hey, this is based on something, but its not going to be fully accurate.’”
The ‘Reel’ Truth: Filmmakers Should Strive for Historical Accuracy in Cinema
Catherine Li and Ruhi Samudra | April 22, 2024
Students themselves benefit most by actively participating in the exercises within their PE class. “Coaches or PE teachers get disappointed because its like, ‘Im not upset that youre not doing what I asked you to do. Im upset that youre going to continue to be like this,’” PE teacher and Athletic Director Peter Abe said. “And thats only going to hurt you long term, which will lead to things that they cant even fathom in terms of illness and disease.”
Yes, PE Classes Are Worth Your Effort
Mary Lee, Staff Writer | April 12, 2024
Sports
Junior Abbey Reichard throws a 4 kilogram ball into the air during the meet. Reichard’s team was very proud of her, according to teammate and junior Chrisma Agbor. “We were really excited, and we all ran up to her,” Agbor said.
Junior Abbey Reichard Breaks Shot Put School Record During PCL Double Dual
Olivia Ganes, Staff Writer | April 19, 2024
As a well-rounded student-athlete, senior Rocky Palacio balances a busy academic life and athletic schedule, taking on challenging STEM classes and long football practices. He said that he tries to stay focused on his goals and avoid giving in to distractions. “My academics have always been a strong focal point of my parents for me, but also personally, I value them a lot,” Palacio said. “Especially if youre good at academics and you pursue athletics, then it could take you to a lot of places. Working hard in the classroom also translates into other areas of your life and just opens a lot more opportunities.”
Senior Rocky Palacio Displays Achievements in Both Academics and Athletics with the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award
Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | April 12, 2024
Issues
April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6
April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6

 

February 2024: Volume 8 Issue 5
February 2024: Volume 8 Issue 5

 

January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4
January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4

 

December 2023: Volume 8 Issue 3
December 2023: Volume 8 Issue 3

 

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The student news site of Portola High School
The student news site of Portola High School