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In order to include a variety of books for the competition, each one was selected based on the genre and writing style. Some prominent titles included "Clap When You Land" by Elizabeth Acevedo and "Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful" by Arwen Dayton.
Students Compete in First Battle of the Books
Zara Shirwany, Staff Writer
March 26, 2021
Junior and Science Olympiad captain Andrew Chen created cheat sheets to help study and prepare for competitions. His study session typically consisted of taking practice tests, browsing through online resources and reviewing information from his cheat sheets.
Science Olympiad Heads to State After Competing in Virtual Regional Tournament
Cara Chan, Business Manager
March 19, 2021
Senior Emily Wei takes center stage in cheer’s performance of the song “Ready to Ride,” which they have been learning since February.
Gallery: Virtual Spring Pep Rally
Kate Hayashi and Michelle Kim
March 17, 2021
Trending Stories
Irvine Unified superintendent Terry Walker sent out the email officially closing Portola High on March 13 at 12:45 p.m. while students were in their sixth periods.

Portola High Closed Exactly One Year Ago – Today

Senior Emily Wei takes center stage in cheer’s performance of the song “Ready to Ride,” which they have been learning since February.

Gallery: Virtual Spring Pep Rally

Social studies teacher Wind Ralston, Spanish teacher Caroline Aldemir and choir director Adrian Rangel-Sanchez all received their vaccinations at Families Together of OC on Feb. 24.

Teachers Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Whether it is Black Lives Matter or Stop Asian Hate, both minorities are fighting for the same thing: freedom and equality. Rather than pointing the blame at other minorities for racism, Asian Americans and Black Americans need to protest together in order to dismantle systems that suppress them.

Fighting Racism with Racism: An Impossible Battle Against Black and Asian Hate

February 2021: Volume 5 Issue 2

February 2021: Volume 5 Issue 2

Junior and Science Olympiad captain Andrew Chen created cheat sheets to help study and prepare for competitions. His study session typically consisted of taking practice tests, browsing through online resources and reviewing information from his cheat sheets.

Science Olympiad Heads to State After Competing in Virtual Regional Tournament

An Open Letter to the Portola High Community: Redefining Irvine Student Culture
Brands such as Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, Land O’Lakes, Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins have forcefully been labeled as racial stereotypes by liberal activists and the media.
Whether it is Black Lives Matter or Stop Asian Hate, both minorities are fighting for the same thing: freedom and equality. Rather than pointing the blame at other minorities for racism, Asian Americans and Black Americans need to protest together in order to dismantle systems that suppress them.
Activism is a marathon; make sure to watch your step.
Junior AJ Moore prepares for his matches during his warmups by hitting forehand shots, as well as practicing his backhand shots, volleys, overheads and serves. Moore’s favorite technique is his between the leg shot, also called a tweener.
Junior AJ Moore's Forehand Smashes His Competition
Kayla Moshayedi, Staff Writer
April 8, 2021
Home football games allow the football team, marching band and cheer team to unite Portola High under the banner of school spirit.
Football, Cheer and Marching Band Reunite for the Football Season
Ryne Dunman and Justin Tang
March 26, 2021
Senior and co-captain Sherwin Salehi focuses on preventing the opposing team from getting the ball while looking inwards to find a place to pass. Salehi is a striker who has the role of finding positions adequate for scoring goals, away from opponents.
Boys’ Soccer Opens Season with a Tight Match
Bia Shok, Features Editor
March 22, 2021
Coach Benjamin Jordon says he took on the new job offer at Portola High to challenge himself. “It would have challenged me as a leader and as a role model … So, taking on the Portola job would have placed me out of my comfort zone in terms of the challenge that
New Boys’ Soccer Coach Benjamin Jordon Kicks Off with the Right Foot
Bia Shok, Features Editor
March 17, 2021
Senior Gina Cardini, along with her parents and younger brother, visit the Taj Mahal on one of the many excursions the family took during their time living in India. “I cherish those six years of my life with all my heart,” Cardini said. “Everything that I
Citizen of the World: Gina Cardini
Charlotte Cao, Co-News Editor
March 23, 2021
Student Small Businesses: Senior’s Dreams Are No Longer a Delusion Through Clothing Brand Delusional Matter
Student Small Businesses: Senior’s Dreams Are No Longer a Delusion Through Clothing Brand Delusional Matter
Kayla Moshayedi and Ariana Wu
March 1, 2021
Founder and senior Kathryn Mann, pictured in the Off-White Cardigan Top, self-models for Blue Bear
Student Small Businesses: Blue Bear Apparel, Made to Make You Feel Good
Charlotte Cao and Jaein Kim
February 8, 2021
Alex and Ethan Zhang are in charge of the stock trading sect within the Finance and Stock Trading Club. Activities center around discussion of stock trading and new trends in the market.
Ethan and Alex Zhang Indulge in Stock Trading
Erin Choi, Managing Editor
February 1, 2021
For those on a gluten-free diet, this crispy breaded shrimp from China Moon Restaurant is an excellent choice. With a light, starchy breading over a flavorful mini salad, this shrimp dish is popular for good reason. Although China Moon Restaurant does not offer delivery options, it is well worth the trip for takeout considering the array of gluten-free options and the many precautions they take to avoid gluten contamination.
Quarantine-Style Lunar New Year Calls for Home-Style Restaurant Food
Cara Chan, Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, and Naila Talib
February 19, 2021
Romantic comedies are a favorite among many because of their charm, humor, escape from reality and, of course, love. From the scenes that make you swoon to the ones that make you chuckle, romantic movies are a definite go-to for Valentine’s Day.
For the Singles or the Takens: Top 5 Rom-Coms of All Time
Haruka Noda and Kayla Moshayedi
February 17, 2021
“Chemtrails Over The Country Club” has received over 9 million views on YouTube, surpassing her last single, “Let Me Love You Like a Woman,” which has 3 million views.
Lana Del Rey Shares New Hit Single After Delaying Album Release
Ava Caleca and Kayla Moshayedi
February 5, 2021
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Is on the Road to Success
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Is on the Road to Success
Claudia Lin, Co-News Editor
February 4, 2021
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The student news site of Portola High School
The student news site of Portola High School