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
Tammy Kim is driven to make the city a place where everyone can thrive by prioritizing innovative approaches to public safety, revitalized community spaces and affordable housing options for all. “What keeps me motivated is the incredible spirit of Irvine’s people,” Kim said. “Every day, I meet residents who are passionate about making our community even better. Whether it’s parents advocating for school improvements, small business owners working hard to provide for their families, or young people pushing for a more sustainable future, they inspire me to work tirelessly on their behalf.”
An Exploration of the Policies of Four Candidates on the City of Irvine’s Mayoral Ballot
Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024
The Irvine Civic Center is one of 15 voting centers for Irvine residents headed to elect a non-partisan Mayor and four City Council members on Nov. 5, according to the City of Irvine. Early voting and vote-by-mail options have enhanced accessibility for all voters.
How Irvine Chooses its Leaders: A Look into the City’s Election Process
Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024
Democratic candidate Dave Min faces off with Republican candidate Scott Baugh for the open seat for California’s 47th District in the House of Representatives. Baugh has retained a three-point lead ahead of Min for the district, according to the latest poll by WPA Intelligence.
A Breakdown of Dave Min and Scott Baugh: Two Critical Candidates for California’s 47th District Race
Parmin Zamani and Siri Kolanupaka | November 5, 2024
With voting ballots cast across the nation, the focus shifts to the Electoral College process, where electors will meet in the capital of Washington, D.C. to determine the presidential and vice presidential race winners.
The Path to Presidency: How the Electoral College Plays a Crucial Role in Elections
Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024
People of Portola High
Freshman Nikitha Thota rummages through her pencil case in search of her favorite stationery item. Thota’s initial love for stationery was largely influenced by her older sister’s obsession with stationery, Thota said. “She used to always bring a bunch of pens home, then when I a little kid I would just see all this stuff, and I would think it's really cool. It wasn't me really going out and getting [stationery]. It was really just me taking it from her.”
Students dive into Stationary: A Look into Portola High’s Pen Connoisseurs
Annie Xiao and Mary Lee | November 1, 2024
Clothing Carousel vice president and sophomore Ethan Nguyen logs the clothing exchanges in the club’s very first event.
Swap, Don’t Shop: Clothing Carousel Club
Sruti Allani and Hannah Ko | October 30, 2024
Gage Peterson and Sasha Lo are looking forward to an exciting year as Portola High counselors. “I think they're a great fit for our team,” Assistant Principal Jen Ochsner said. “I just hope that our students continue to feel supported by all of our counseling staff.”
Meet Gage Peterson and Sasha Lo: New Counselors Join the Bulldog Team
Sruti Allani and Catherine Li | October 21, 2024
Podcast founder and senior Ivan Bascos gathers around the table with his friends, preparing to discuss vital topics. “I want listeners to know that their voice is heard. I want all of them to know that they are able to speak about these things, and whatever they say is valid,” Bascos said.
Tuned In: Senior Ivan Bascos Finds his Voice Behind the Mic
Kailyn Clark and Olivia Ganes | October 16, 2024
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Features
Freshman Nikitha Thota rummages through her pencil case in search of her favorite stationery item. Thota’s initial love for stationery was largely influenced by her older sister’s obsession with stationery, Thota said. “She used to always bring a bunch of pens home, then when I a little kid I would just see all this stuff, and I would think it's really cool. It wasn't me really going out and getting [stationery]. It was really just me taking it from her.”
Students dive into Stationary: A Look into Portola High’s Pen Connoisseurs
Annie Xiao and Mary Lee | November 1, 2024
Clothing Carousel vice president and sophomore Ethan Nguyen logs the clothing exchanges in the club’s very first event.
Swap, Don’t Shop: Clothing Carousel Club
Sruti Allani and Hannah Ko | October 30, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
Wendy’s released the limited edition Krabby Patty meal on Oct. 8.
Disappointing View: Wendy’s Krabby Patty Meal Misses the Mark
Kailyn Clark and Moer Koey | November 4, 2024
Senior Hau Le takes the lead as the students featured in the fall play ‘Puffs’ introduce themselves while clad in yellow costumes, configured by Tech Theatre. “Closing night, the audience was fantastic. I remember the end scene, the battle scene, people were screaming, people were laughing,” Sally Perks and sophomore Coco Marshall said.
Portola High fall play “Puffs”: A silly spin on the story of Hufflepuffs at Hogwarts charms audience
Siri Kolanupaka and Sruti Allani | October 24, 2024
Student Teacher David Pulanco leads the treble and bass choir through warmups at the beginning of class. “Probably my favorite thing about the students at Portola is how dedicated they are to the program,” Pulanco said. “They really love working for the music. They really love working hard to get the music done. It's a passion that I don't see a lot of in students.”
A Rising Voice: Student Teacher David Pulanco’s Journey to Portola High
Nicole Ferguson and Nina Krish | October 23, 2024
Opinion
California Proposition 2 and 32 are heavily impactful to students both short-term and in the long-run. If passed, these propositions could negatively increase Californians’ tax debts but positively increase minimum wage.
The Pros and Cons of California Proposition 32 and 2
Nicole Lu and Moer Koey | November 5, 2024
As global events continue to unfold, students need to stay informed with facts and be vigilant in guarding against misinformation. “Whatever is happening in Ukraine or in Gaza has an immediate impact on our lives, and it is incredibly important to stay aware about what is going on in the outside world if we want to make a positive change,” Girnita said. “You want to be able to stay informed and contribute to your community in any way you can because the reality is we are not the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today.”
Students Should Stay Aware of Global Conflicts and Be Wary of Misinformation
Aditi Salunkhe and Moer Koey | October 30, 2024
Offshore wind energy is a key example of the complexities of renewable energy sources. The public should interpret the word “renewable” with caveats as there are many side effects, both positive and negative, along with a lack of information surrounding the newer technologies that fall under this category.
Renewable Energy Sources Are Not As Straightforward As You May Think
Mary Lee, Assistant A&E Editor | October 28, 2024
This is an example of the type of AI-generated image (created by Midjourney) that has been used on social media platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although it is easier than the actual fake hurricane images to prove these images are fake because of the pixelated nose, it is still important to practice media literacy to be able to recognize deepfakes such as these.
Do Not Fall into the ‘Storm’ of AI Generation
Nora Aljazzar and Stephanie Hwang | October 22, 2024
Sports
Girls’ volleyball huddle together during their pink out game for breast cancer awareness on Oct. 10. “Sports can act as a network,” head coach and social studies teacher Martasian said. “Sports can at least offer support and communication, like how to draw awareness about some of these things that are much greater and much more important than sports themselves.”
Girls’ Volleyball Celebrates Pink Out Game in Honor of Team Parent
Catherine Li and Aditi Salunkhe | November 4, 2024
For twins and freshmen Cal and Tessay Ulicny, playing sports together has always been a way for the siblings to bond, according to Tessa Ulicny. “We’ve done so many sports together,” Tessa Ulicny said. “We did soccer together, and we helped each other. And even now with water polo, we help each other. We help each other all the time to get better, and I love that.”
Twins Cal and Tessa Ulicny Make a ‘Splash’ on Varsity Water Polo
Mia Jong and Sonia Wang | October 31, 2024
Issues
October 2024: Volume 9 Issue 1
October 2024: Volume 9 Issue 1

 

May 2024: Volume 8 Issue 7
May 2024: Volume 8 Issue 7

 

April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6
April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6

 

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

 

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