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
While developing the expansion of bus routes in Irvine, Irvine’s city council aims to reduce traffic of all kinds, especially traffic around schools. “I want to make sure these shuttles are accessible to students,” said Irvine city council member Kathleen Treseder. “One of the things we've prioritized as we're designing our routes is to make sure that they go by as many high schools as possible, and also possible middle and elementary schools, because we want students to be able to take those to school. The traffic around schools is terrible. So, the more people we can get onto the shuttles, the better the drop off will be for everybody else.”
All Aboard: Irvine CONNECT Plans for a Shuttle Bus Expansion
Tamara Bradley, Staff Writer | June 6, 2025
Irvine is seeing major developments with the upcoming Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and T&T grocery store, while UC Irvine and Portola High School earn prestigious awards. The city’s recent growth reflects a commitment to culture, education and sustainability, bringing more diversity to the city, according to IUSD.org and UC Irvine Digest.
News Recap: Irvine Grows as a Dynamic City
Siri Kolanupaka and Nicole Lu | June 3, 2025
People of Portola High
Senior Ray Tong and special education student and junior Clark Bogosh collaborate on an art project during a Bulldog Crew meeting. “A lot of the activities that the board comes up with have been really well received, and all the students seem to really enjoy doing it,” extensive support needs education specialist Desiree De Santos-Shaffer said. “They really look at the whole picture of what they can do and what people are feeling, and art has been a really big part of what we do as well.”
Building Bridges: How The Bulldog Crew Unites Portola High
Senna Kahf and Dania Yamani | March 12, 2025
Gardening for Good member and junior Kate Shin and junior and co-president Chloe Shin plant succulents together, marking the creation of the club’s first garden. Through activities like these, the club has formed a close and connected atmosphere. “We really care about creating a really inclusive community where every single person in the club is super connected and really interested in gardening,” Chloe Shin said.
Gardening for Good Cultivates Community at Portola High
Kelly Yeh, Assistant News Editor | March 7, 2025
Woodbury Elementary Science Olympiad head coach and freshman Smriti Mishra poses with her Science Olympiad team after the Sierra Vista Invitational where the team placed fifth. “I was inspired by my sister who was a coach at Jeffrey Trail and at Woodbury as well,” Mishra said. “And then I became the coach at Woodbury, so I got inspired by looking up to my peers as well as looking at the older kids around me.”
Medal-Worthy Mentorship: Science Olympiad Students Train the Next Generation
Nina Krish, Sports Editor | March 6, 2025
Torpis decorates a ceramic piece. “Since they've used almost all of the glazes in the classroom, I make test tiles as well for the kids so they know what it looks like,” Torpis said. “I'll show them different pieces I've made or different test tiles I've made, so they can see it and feel it, and they understand what it looks like.”
Class Act: Student TAs Support Classrooms
Marianne Chan and Mary Lee | March 4, 2025
Decorative Background
Multimedia
While in the development of a variety of students’ passion projects, many have learned the importance of planning out each of the details. “[When starting a passion project,] just get a base idea,” said sophomore Ava Lily Sunga. “Think it out before you actually start, so you can prepare to actually go on the journey to making it a thing.”
Building Dreams After Hours: Portola Students’ Passion Projects
Tamara Bradley, Staff Writer | May 20, 2025

Passion projects are more than just hobbies: they are personal pursuits that reflect a person’s creativity and interests. Whether it...

S5 Episode 6: Nostalgic Memories: Favorite Childhood Shows
S5 Episode 6: Nostalgic Memories: Favorite Childhood Shows
Stephanie Hwang, Co-News Editor | March 14, 2025

In this episode of the Portola Pioneer, host Stephanie Hwang explores the childhood shows of staff members and students at Portola High.   Music...

Features
A Look Into the Readers Who Ran Portola’s First Ever Graphic Novel Festival
Claire Liu, Centerspread Editor | June 3, 2025
Physics teacher Ryan Johnson speaks to junior Chloe Chen about the AP Physics and Engineering boat project outside the engineering classroom. In his new classes, Digital Electronics and Honors Engineering Design and Development, Johnson is excited for more hands-on projects. “We'll be able to create products that are directly relevant to society's needs, as opposed to practicing doing something which is what most high schoolers are doing,” Johnson said.
New Year, New Classes: Teachers Introduce Course Changes
Senna Kahf, Staff Writer | May 23, 2025
Arts & Entertainment
Canta Bella member and junior Bella Valencia performs a solo during the ensemble’s performance of “Stay” by Rihanna. “I always enjoyed watching the Treblemakers, the all guys group, because they always have really fun dances,” Portola Singers member and junior Jaskiran Singh said. “I also loved Bella Valencia's solo and Portobella song.”
Seniors, Solos and Standing Ovations: the Annual Pops Concert was a Night to Remember
Nina Krish and Zoha Syed | June 5, 2025
“Lilo & Stitch” brought in over $300 million at the global box office, far surpassing its $85 million production budget, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Live Action “Lilo & Stitch” Film ‘Stitches’ Together a Story of Family and Love
Aditi Salunkhe, Co-News Editor | June 2, 2025
Kendrick Lamar and SZA took the stage at SoFi Stadium on May 21, 2025, for their 11th show together.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA deliver mesmerizing performance during their Grand National Tour
Olivia Ganes, Assistant Sports Editor | May 30, 2025
Opinion
Students should not participate in academic dishonesty; instead, building habits such as preparing for exams earlier can benefit them in the future.
Academic Dishonesty Undermines One’s Own Future
Mary Lee, Assistant A&E Editor | May 30, 2025
With the abundance of selective summer experiences, programs and opportunities, the months before summer vacation can feel like a mini college acceptance season as many students bank on these activities to enhance their college application or showcase their potential. However, given the wealth of non-exclusive opportunities such as local internships and merit-based initiatives, these programs shouldn’t be a contention point for a fulfilling experience or acceptance into prestigious universities.
Passion Over Prestige: The Truth About Elite Summer Programs
Suhana Kaur, Staff Writer | May 29, 2025
Students should try to stop discussing academics to promote a more positive learning environment for their peers.
Don’t Be Nosy — Keep Academics to Yourself
Kayley Winata, Centerspread Editor | May 21, 2025
Despite the recent popularity of the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge, there is a lack of people addressing the original reasons behind the movement. While new trends continue to spread, students need to pause and ask themselves, “Why does it matter?”
More Than a Trend: Mental Health Deserves More Than a Bucket of Ice
Sruti Allani, Staff Writer | May 14, 2025
Sports
Basketball athlete Audrey Shiono decorates her backpack and her water bottle to bond with her teammates by making something unique to them that encourages her during games. “I got my first Squishmallow keychain at Walgreens shopping with my friend because she said that it represents my personality,” Shiono said. “My other friend then bought me the blue Squishmallow keychain for the same reason. I love having them on my bag as a reminder of staying positive while playing and practicing.”
Form and Function: How Athletes Decorate Their Gear for Team Bonding and Self-Expression
Stephanie Hwang and Mary Lee | June 3, 2025
Before his event, senior Brian Nguyen stretches as he prepares to dive into the pool during one of his last meets and opportunities to bond with his swim teammates. “I feel like I've grown more out of the pool, and learning to be a part of a team that really bonds with each other well. And you know, we all hang out. We're good friends,” Nguyen said.
Portola Swim Seniors ‘Splash’ into College
Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | May 23, 2025
Issues
April 2025: Volume 9 Issue 6
April 2025: Volume 9 Issue 6

 

March 2025: Volume 9 Issue 5
March 2025: Volume 9 Issue 5

 

January 2025: Volume 9 Issue 4
January 2025: Volume 9 Issue 4

 

December 2024: Volume 9 Issue 3
December 2024: Volume 9 Issue 3

 

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