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

Citizens in China have started to break down the ‘wall’ of censorship and political control the Chinese Communist Party has placed upon its citizens. Protests for the removal of Zero-Covid, and more importantly, Chinese President Xi Jinping, reveal a rising wave of young, political dissenters that will shape China’s future political sphere.

Protests in China Are Not about Zero-COVID; They Are About the Chinese Government

Michael Sun, Staff Writer | January 5, 2023

Protests surged in China following an Ürümqi apartment fire, which killed ten residents. The tragedy, which took place Nov. 24, is largely blamed on China’s faulty Zero-COVID policies, which may have...

Skiers often have a much more enjoyable experience on the mountain, effortlessly coasting down flat slopes, while snowboarders are left behind, often losing their balance. Falling on a snowboard can be extremely traumatic, especially when falling forward since both feet are attached to the board, according to snowboarder and senior Chris Lee.

Settling the Feud in the Snow: Skiing will Always Remain Superior

Mia Jong, Photo Editor | January 4, 2023

Like blades, the edges of my boots carve into the ice and snow, whipping up flurries of sparkling powder behind me. Electrifying air floods my lungs as I stop to stare down the face of the mountain. Then,...

Senior Charis Kim sketches her original characters Polaris and Aron as she experiments with different design options. Kim draws inspiration for her art from media she consumes, such as movies “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.”

Senior Charis Kim Artistically Expresses Herself Through the Creation of Original Characters

Sonia Wang, Staff Writer | January 3, 2023

With short brown hair, an orange laurel crown and a mysterious shadow, the character Polaris slowly comes to life under senior Charis Kim’s careful strokes. But Polaris isn’t just a character from...

Junior Kevin Huang, junior Stone Evenson, junior Andy Yi and senior Marco Machado play “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay on the side stage to entertain the audience as bands set up.

Student Band +1ZP Wins Annual Battle of the Rock Bands

Parmin Zamani, Photo Editor | December 16, 2022

Audience members raise their arms in the air to clap to the beat and wave their cell phone lights, cheering on as six student rock bands perform in the gym on Dec. 10 at Battle of the Rock Bands.  Judges...

Sophomore and soloist Sara Haidar sings “Winter, Fire and Snow” by Brenden Graham with an accompaniment on cello from senior Juel Wettstein. The annual winter concert filled nearly every seat in the theater, according to choir director Adrian Rangel-Sanchez.

Choir Concert Lifts Spirits in Annual Winter Performance

Arnav Chandan, Sports Editor | December 16, 2022

The lights dim around the theater, displaying the twinkling, multicolored hues of Christmas lights scattered across the festively-decorated theater. The audience waits in silent anticipation, allowing...

Junior Kady Lin and sophomore Carol Chiang hug each other after the annual Secret Sister hosted by Canta Bella members. They both received each other as their Secret Sister and were able to enjoy some snacks like cookies and a “Canta Slay” cake after.

Secret Santa Gifts Students Holiday Joy

Tara Vatandoust, A&E Editor | December 15, 2022

As the December holiday season ramps up, certain traditions return year after year. The finals week rush to review a semester’s worth of algebra. The scent of students’ Starbucks coffee cups before...

Gift giving is an endearing method to share love and show thoughtfulness. “It shows not only do I listen to you, but I also care about you,” junior Sarah Alkatib said. “Im going to take the time to get a gift for you.’”

Gift Giving Gives More Satisfaction than Receiving

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022

Gifting a gift to a friend or tearing through a thoughtfully wrapped present may evoke emotions of gratitude, love or even fulfillment. As these emotions arise there is an ongoing dispute that seems to...

Junior and chief communications officer Jasmine Davis and senior and accounting representative Saanvi Mekala present their board to convince other students to buy their products for their mock company Wella, which sells health products to teenagers.

Virtual Enterprise Competes and Wins at Trade Show

Maitri Allani, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022

Virtual Enterprise won second place for its elevator pitch and radio commercial and third for its ecommerce website at a trade show held at San Diego State University on Dec. 2. This is the first time...

Students cheer on their favorite soccer teams to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Countries in the top rankings, such as France, Morocco, Argentina and Portugal, compete for the prestigious championship title. The tournament has generated record-breaking audiences globally with an average viewership of 227.27 million per day, according to NBC Sports.

Students ‘Kick’ Back and Relax to Root for their Favorite World Cup Teams

Aditi Salunkhe | December 13, 2022

The school environment has grown fervent with talk of shockingly-made goals, close matches and students’ favorite players. As the top-ranked soccer teams from around the world enter the quarter-final...

Students and workers gather at Berkeley, California to protest unfair wages and working conditions as part of a larger UC-wide strike.

Ongoing UC Strikes Create Higher Education Academics History

Hannah Ko | December 12, 2022

Nearly 48,000 education workers across University of California’s 10 campuses have been protesting for higher wages and fairer working conditions since Nov. 14, making it the largest higher education...

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