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
DECA vice president and senior Harini Rameshbabu introduces an ice breaker activity at the annual Portola High Business Mini Conference. Having put in the time to cultivate the conference, Rameshbabu addresses her peers in the opening activity. Rameshbabu said that her intention to join the business program came from longing for self-discovery. “I just wanted to gain more leadership skills and just overall, learn more stuff about myself and gain communication skills,” Rameshbabu said. “I thought it was a great way for me to learn what I do best and learn what works for me and not.”
Fellow IUSD Schools Join Portola High Business Mini Conference for the First Time
Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 11, 2024
Republican Senator James David (JD) Vance of Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota present their agendas at the Vice Presidential Debate at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York.“By comparison to the presidential debate, it was sort of elucidating more so than the presidential debate,” social studies teacher Daniel Hunter said. “There were plenty of criticisms of the presidential candidates, but I felt that it was a refreshing change in the level of discourse from what we had seen in the presidential debate.”
Vance vs. Walz: The 2024 Vice Presidential Debate
Marianne Chan and Sky Nguyen | October 10, 2024
As can be seen with the 2003 Monkeypox outbreak in prairie dogs, a clinical sample of human skin is seen with an electron microscopic image of the particles of the Monkeypox virus. The WDPH was sent 104 reports of potential human MPXV cases. 27 of the 104 cases were mostly confirmed (70%), and some were only suspected, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Understanding Monkeypox: What You Need To Know
Nicole Ferguson and Tamara Bradley | October 8, 2024
After a spur of marine biodiversity during the early Ordovician period, newly formed rings hovering over Earth’s equator are assumed to have induced a cooling period, leading to the second-largest mass extinction, the Ordovician-Silurian extinction, according to the Scholarly Community Encyclopedia.
Scientists Propose a New Discovery: Earth May Have Had Rings
Ruhi Samudra and Hannah Ko | October 8, 2024
People of Portola High
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
Librarian Phoebe Kern scans a book and checks it out for a student. “I consider my most important role as a librarian to create free and equitable access to information and to foster a safe and inspirational space for students [to] interact with that information in an encouraging learning environment,” Kern said.
Turning a Page in the Book of Opportunity
Aditi Salunkhe and Maya Tedini | October 14, 2024
Administrative Assistant Christina Sanchez answers one of many calls throughout the day from a parent, allowing for the school to continue operating efficiently. “I think that because I have a lot of years of experience, that I'm able to help things run smoothly,” Sanchez said.
The Faces of Portola High: Meet the Front Office Team
Jinseo Hong and Kelly Yeh | October 10, 2024
On a rooftop, English teacher and Head Track Coach Cale Kavanaugh’s creativity takes flight as he snips away at a new haircut. “I was in college cutting my best friend’s hair,” Kavanaugh said. “He thought it would be a great idea to cut his hair on our friend’s roof because it would make for an epic picture and help me promote my haircutting business.”
English Teacher Cale Kavanaugh is ‘Shear-ious’ About Haircutting
Tamara Bradley and Catherine Li | October 3, 2024
Decorative Background
Features
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
Librarian Phoebe Kern scans a book and checks it out for a student. “I consider my most important role as a librarian to create free and equitable access to information and to foster a safe and inspirational space for students [to] interact with that information in an encouraging learning environment,” Kern said.
Turning a Page in the Book of Opportunity
Aditi Salunkhe and Maya Tedini | October 14, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
From homemade pastries to specialty lattes, these cafe menu items make for the best study treat! Along with their tasty options, many of these cafes offer a wide array of accommodations, including seating, wifi and calming music, to couple with your study experience.
Get Your Mind ‘Brewing’ With These Study Cafes!
Kayley Winata and Zoha Syed | October 10, 2024
Boba’s rising popularity makes it a favorite drink for many, and new shops are opening regularly. In this review, we will be exploring two of the latest arrivals: 3Cat and Macu Tea.
Exploring New Boba Shops: A Blend of Atmosphere and Taste
Kelly Yeh and Sophia Kim | October 4, 2024
Wingstop’s new Sweet BBQ Blaze flavor, released just in time for football season, offers a smoky, tangy twist on classic barbecue wings. Portola High students flock to try the latest addition, savoring its bold, rich sweetness with every bite.
Wingstop Kicks Off NFL Football Season with New Sweet BBQ Blaze Flavor
Aditi Salunkhe, Moer Koey | October 3, 2024
Opinion
Musicians today have a large influence on their fans, and sometimes their fans are affected by the words they say. Thus, it is important for fans to form their own opinions rather than sorely listening to their favorite artists’ takes on political and social issues.
Follow the Music, Not the Musicians
Stephanie Hwang and Nora Aljazzar | October 3, 2024
The new phone guidelines spark engagement in various class settings since students are no longer allowed to use their cell phones and must devote their attention to learning instead. “My [advisement] students are more engaged in whatever's happening,” Principal John Pehrson said. “[By] having the cell phones put aside, now they can just naturally get their heads up and interact with people around them.”
New Phone Practice ‘Disconnects’ Students From Their Phones to ‘Connect’ Them to Class
Nicole Lu and Kayley Winata | September 25, 2024
The U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Team won bronze at the 2024 Olympics, which ended a 16-year-long Olympic medal drought, according to NPR. “Since it became kind of popular over the course of the Olympics, more boy gymnasts kind of see themselves represented in a very highly televised event, where usually it doesn't happen,” former gymnast and senior Hutchison said. “A lot of the promotion for gymnastics is focused on female gymnasts instead of male gymnasts, so it trending over time is really helpful.”
Defying Gravity and Expectations, Men’s Representation in Gymnastics Soars to New Heights
Mia Jong and Dania Yamani | September 24, 2024
Portables on campus have varying levels of quality control — although some teachers have reported little issues, other teachers such as business teacher Katherine Dillon have had to deal with issues such as malfunctioning ACs. “My air conditioning wasn't working for the first two or three weeks, and it was reaching temperatures in the classroom of 87 degrees when we had students in the classroom,” Dillon said. “I had to go teach in the Learning Commons two times when it got unbearable.”
The Pitfalls of the Portables: Maintain Better Quality Control for Portables
Sonia Wang, Senna Kahf | September 19, 2024
Sports
Tight end offensive player, punter and linebacker junior Maxwell Mapstone and linebacker, wide receiver and junior Malachi Moore pursue a Woodbridge High player as he attempts to score a touchdown. “Our strategy was to stop the play action passes and not let the quarterback get out of the pocket because he was pretty fast, and we did a really good job at that,” tight end offensive and defensive player and senior Anthony Riccardi said.
Boys’ Football Conquers Woodbridge High in First League Game
Stephanie Hwang and Marianne Chan | October 15, 2024
Setter and sophomore Jane Park jumps for the volleyball during the first set of the game. Park scored multiple points throughout the game through her serves, including the Bulldogs’ final point that won them the fifth set. “The first two sets there were definitely moments where we were playing our normal subs, but then for the most part, I feel like it was a lot of still trying to figure out what we could do to get points,” co-captain, libero and senior Izzy Macasero said. “Once we finally did realize that, that's what helped us get these victorious moments.”
Girls’ Volleyball Wins Hard-Fought Reverse Sweep Against Sage Hill High
Mary Lee and Catherine Li | October 8, 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