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

Multi-sport coach Julie Primero and girls’ lacrosse huddle to discuss strengths and weaknesses from their last game as well as new strategies to implement in their upcoming matches. “Coach Primero is a really hands-on coach,” lacrosse player and sophomore Isabelle Borrison said. “She loves to get involved with us and show us exactly what were doing wrong. She watches our form and footsteps and gets little details that you wouldn’t see if you were watching the game.”

From the Dance Floor to the Playing Field: All-Star Coach Julie Primero Redefines Coaching Excellence

Sky Nguyen and Kelly Yeh | March 28, 2024

While most coaches specialize in one sport, former dance teacher, physical education teacher, head girls’ lacrosse coach, head girls’ flag football coach and JV girls’ basketball coach Julie Primero...

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

March was first named Women’s History Month in 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, according to The Library of Congress. Women’s contributions to history and...

“Dune: Part Two” was released in theaters on March 1 as a sequel to “Dune: Part One” released in 2021. Building upon the storyline laid out in Dune: Part One,” the film dives deeper into the desert planet of Arrakis, forming a story of community, power and betrayal.

The Ascension of Paul Atreides: “Dune: Part Two” Captures Fascinating Transition from Hero to Villain

Claire Chan, Front Page Editor | March 27, 2024

Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers. In a science fiction world with various planets and advanced technology, “Dune: Part Two” can be summarized into the following: two sides of an intergalactic...

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

Mayor Farrah Khan delivered her final State of the City Address to discuss Irvine’s accomplishments and developmental goals at the Irvine Barclay Theater on March 19. The speech involved a reflection...

Visual Arts teacher Kearci Thompson poses with her Orange County Outstanding Art Educator Award certificate. “Something I really love about my job is the creativity that the students bring into the room each day that helps me fuel my own creativity,” Thompson said. “I love getting to collaborate with them and come up with new ideas.”

Artistic, Avid, and Assiduous: Visual Arts Teacher Kearci Thompson Recognized as Outstanding Arts Educator

Marianne Chan, Staff Writer | March 26, 2024

The moment students enter Visual Arts teacher Kearci Thompson’s classroom, they realize that her room is not just a classroom of the arts but a product of her ‘paint-astic’ passion. For her commitment...

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

After weeks of tireless preparation into the late hours of the night, it is finally the day of the speech and debate tournament. With sweaty palms and a heightened pulse, sophomore Avnit Kaur steps to...

Shortstop and sophomore Keyan Park bats during the third inning. The team was energetic and played cohesively throughout the game, according to Park.

Baseball’s Home Run Wins Series Against University High

Nina Krish and Elise Ngo | March 22, 2024

Baseball (7-5-1) won its second game against University High with a score of 3-2 on March 13 at the home field in its series of three. The Bulldogs won the third game 9-1 on March 15, winning the series...

Junior Bill Song, senior Gabe Mutsvangwa, junior Sophie Guilfoile, junior Evelyn Lai, senior Kate Abalos and junior Mia Jong (left back to front right) represented Portola High at the 2024 IUSD Sacramento student advocacy trip. The trip encourages critical thinking and student engagement in political discussion, according to Resendez. “You have to sit in a room with a legislator, and have the courage to stand up and say, I have a story to tell, and you need to know about it,” Resendez said.

Portola High Students Join Annual IUSD Sacramento Student Advocacy Trip

Mary Lee, Staff Writer | March 21, 2024

Six upperclassmen from Portola High participated in the annual Sacramento student advocacy trip on March 13, joined by students across the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). The trip provided students...

Speaker Alvia Lee addresses an audience of students from different schools during his workshop at the High School Youth Action teen’s (HSYAT) teen summit event. The workshop centered on mission and vision and included recountings of the speaker’s lived experiences. “It was nice that we were able to work with the people beside us,” teen summit attendee and sophomore May Li said. “The most memorable aspect was when the speaker wanted us to ask them what our best traits were, because sometimes you might not notice what they are until you’re told.”

An Electrifying Occasion: HSYAT Celebrates 30th Annual Teen Summit

Marianne Chan, Photo Editor | March 18, 2024

Irvine’s High School Youth Action Team (HSYAT) held its 30th annual teen summit — a youth development conference — at the Lakeview Senior Center on March 9. The event hosted Mayor Farrah Khan,...

Most people don’t consider dropping a class when it’s dragging them down. Here’s why they should.

The Hard Question of Hard Classes: Drop or Stay?

Jordan Hata, Staff Writer | March 15, 2024

For many high schoolers, getting good grades and having a high GPA is a perceived must for getting into their dream college. This is why many students take on several AP and honors classes when they become...

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