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
City of Irvine Peer Support Team Coordinator Jodi Rahn accepts an award honoring her 30 years of service to the Irvine Community. “Jodi has this rare combination of being compassionate and caring, but also incredibly hard working and tenacious, and that's just something that you don’t often find in the same person,” Assistant Chief of Police Noelle Smiley said.
Irvine City Council Meeting Honors Long-Serving Employees
Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 1, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with former President Donald Trump at the second presidential debate. As the election nears its final stretch, both Harris and Trump are busy proving to voters that they are prepared to steer the country away from crisis. “I would like someone that has an actual plan,” AP Economics teacher James Ferrel said. “But I also want an element of humbleness to understand that their plan may not be perfect, and they may adjust as needed. Effective leadership requires them to make those difficult decisions.”
Harris vs. Trump: The 2024 Presidential Debate
Claire Liu and Sky Nguyen | September 17, 2024
The progression of the Airport Fire can be seen from just over an hour after it started on Sept. 9 to its current state moving down the canyon on Sept. 11. The fire is expected to continue spreading over the next few days, according to Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi.
Airport Fire Continues to Grow Amidst Containment Efforts by Fire Personnel
Ruhi Samudra, Co-Editor-in-Chief | September 11, 2024
Parent volunteers from the Portola High Indian Parent Group serve traditional dishes to staff members Julie Primero and student teacher Cole Kong. “I was very thankful to my community and the kids who participated for this event, because it's because of them that staff and teachers were feeling appreciated,” luncheon co-organizer and Portola High Indian Parent Group member Dolly Malani said. “They felt that lively spirit around them, so for me, when they are happy, that means our event is going good. I'm grateful for what they do for students at school.”
Spooning Food, Activities and Gratitude: Students and Parents Celebrate Staff Appreciation Week
Marianne Chan and Mary Lee | May 10, 2024
People of Portola High
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
Campus Control Assistant George Mares works as a bartender at Wild Rivers on weekends and at Portola High on weekdays. “I enjoy both jobs completely,” Mares said. “It’s just always fun. Both jobs are perfect.”
‘Shaking’ It Up: Campus Control Assistant George Mares Makes Refreshments at Wild Rivers
Alice Ahn and Kailyn Clark | October 1, 2024
Senior Landon Durazo speaks with campus control staff member George Mares during lunch in the parking lot. “Some students get mad at the security guards because they don’t realize it is their job to tell students to get back to class,” Durazo said. “It gets good once you get to know them because they are interesting, and they are interested in stuff I am interested in.”
Safety First: Meet the Campus Control Staff
Olivia Ganes and Nina Krish | September 26, 2024
Formula One club founder and junior Keerthana Pillai recaps F1 competitions and their drivers to club members to open up discussions about them amongst one another. “We’re just like reading and yapping about different things,” Pillai said. “I think that's really nice because there aren't as many F1 fans as there are basketball fans or NFL fans, so it's nice to have a space specifically for that sport where we can talk about it with other people who are interested in it.”
The F1 Club is Off to a ‘Roaring’ Start
Nora Aljazzar and Stephanie Hwang | September 24, 2024
Decorative Background
Features
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
Campus Control Assistant George Mares works as a bartender at Wild Rivers on weekends and at Portola High on weekdays. “I enjoy both jobs completely,” Mares said. “It’s just always fun. Both jobs are perfect.”
‘Shaking’ It Up: Campus Control Assistant George Mares Makes Refreshments at Wild Rivers
Alice Ahn and Kailyn Clark | October 1, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
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
Senior Maariyah Arif appreciates Dress to Impress for its various styles — from lace to gingham — and its costumes. “I've been playing Roblox for years, and Dress to Impress just started going viral,” Arif said. “I think it's cool to see all the different costumes.”
Glitz and Glamor: Dress to Impress Dazzles Portola High Players
Marianne Chan and Moer Koey | September 27, 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
Utility player and senior Ryder Tonkovich prepares to shoot a goal against El Segundo High in the first quarter. Different players are substituted in and out of the match to create the most effective team dynamic, according to head boys’ water polo coach Kate Avery. “Especially in those close, competitive games, we want to keep the six or seven players that are performing the best and have the best chemistry to maintain momentum.”
Boys’ Water Polo Pulls Off Thrilling Comeback Win Against El Segundo High
Mia Jong and Sonia Wang | October 1, 2024
Quarterback and sophomore Alondra Hernandez speaks with coach Desmond Hamilton during halftime about her throwing technique. According to head coach Julie Primero, the team has been working towards refining their strategies for the game.
Flag Football Fights Hard but Falls Short Against Sage Hill High
Dania Yamani and Senna Kahf | September 26, 2024
Issues
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

 

January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4
January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4

 

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