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
Reviews
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic exploration of wealth, illusion and the American Dream.
Gatsby’s Centennial: How Fitzgerald’s Modern American Epic Endures
May 2, 2025
“Warfare” was produced on a modest budget of $20 million and has grossed approximately $17.3 million worldwide since its release on April 11. What the film lacks in profitability, it makes up for with positive reviews from critics, holding a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
“Warfare” Offers an Epic Unfiltered Glimpse into the Harsh Reality of Combat
April 29, 2025
Don't get FOMO From Not Trying BOPOMOFO, Irvine's New Cafe
Don’t get FOMO From Not Trying BOPOMOFO, Irvine’s New Cafe
April 23, 2025
The official album art for The Crux, illustrated by graphic designer Felipe Flores, shows Djo (Joe Keery) leaning out a window, looking down at a surreal street scene below, which is a visual metaphor for the album’s perspective: detached and observant.
“The Crux” Studio Album Encapsulates the Human Experience
April 18, 2025
“A Minecraft Movie” was released on April 4 with a box office gross of $557.7 million, making it the second-highest-grossing film of the year and the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time.
“A Minecraft Movie” Turns a Generational Game Into a Sorry Mess with a Lack of Creative Spirit
April 18, 2025
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Student Art
The Crochet Corner club presents a booth to sell items crocheted by its members. “People are so nice and supportive,” Crochet Corner president and sophomore Anusha Jauhri said. “I think events like these are so important since it gives opportunities to more art-based clubs to show what they have been working on because sometimes that goes unnoticed.”
A Night to Remember: Portola Artists Shine Bright at Night of the Arts
April 25, 2025
Color guard member and freshman Leia Speir performs during the flag feature, a piece of the show in which flag line members twirl their flags and dance in synchronization. Speir said that prior to each competition, the team has to go through a long process of hair, makeup and final practices.
Winter Guard Blazes into New Season with ‘Burn’
March 10, 2025
Senior Ana Girnita and freshman Sonja Rajkovic represent the Eastern European and Balkan Heritage Club during the cultural club fair at lunch. Unlike other cultural clubs, the club covers a vast array of regions, including the Caucuses, Baltic States and central Europe. Members who are close to their Eastern European roots have found a home through the first-year club, inspiring their decision to showcase at Intercultural Week, according to Girnita. “It’s just a great opportunity for students to participate and engage with different cultures,” Girnita said. “The most enriching experiences I’ve had are international programs where I’ve gotten to meet students from all over the world, and I feel like just sharing that part of ourselves allows for a lot of self-expression and also just improves our understanding of the world around us.”
Intercultural Week Showcases the Rich Tapestry of Portola High’s Cultural Community
March 3, 2025
Though Galentine’s Day isn’t a holiday senior Renee Tan usually celebrates, she and her friends decked out in everything girly for an aesthetic Galentine’s party this year. “We baked heart shaped pizzas, baked some cookies and goods too,” Tan said. “Other people brought sugar cookies and cupcakes.”
Gals Over Pals: Bulldogs Celebrate Galentine’s Day
February 28, 2025
Valentine’s Day was an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate all kinds of relationships. “Valentine’s Day is just a fun and easy holiday,” science teacher Michael Tang said, “It’s good for the economy. It’s good for people to go out and spend money on others.”
How Bulldogs Spent Their Valentine’s Day
February 21, 2025
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Arts & Entertainment
American rapper, singer and producer 2hollis just released his fourth album, “star.” It is a bright and exhilarating new chapter of the artist’s fame.
A Rising ‘Star’ Just Dropped the ‘Flashiest’ Album
April 16, 2025
Singer Selena Gomez and producer Benny Blanco’s first collaborative studio album “I Said I Loved You First” weaves together moments of heartache and healing, tracing their personal and artistic evolution before and after their paths crossed.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Ignite Sparks but Struggle to Keep the Flame Alive in “I Said I Loved You First”
April 14, 2025
Indie band Men I Trust’s new album “Equus Asinus” feels melancholy, straying from their typical light, dream pop energy.
I Just Lost My Faith In the Band I Trust(ed)
March 28, 2025
Playboi Carti’s long-awaited third album, “MUSIC,” has fans divided. Although all 30 of its songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100, some say it's bold and innovative, while others cannot get behind the chaotic production.
Playboi Carti’s New Album “Music” Drops, but so Does Interest
March 28, 2025
These concert-goers at Portola High thrive in the environment of the bright lights, electrifying energy and the pulse of live music.
Meet Portola High’s Avid Concert Goers and their Views of the Stage
March 18, 2025
Nine days before the release of her album, “So Close To What,” Tate McRae put her tracklist out on Instagram, posing next to a Hollywood star. The record is McRae’s first to reach No. 1 on Billboard 200.
Tate McRae’s “So Close To What” Makes Records on Charts
March 7, 2025
Taste Testing Around The World: Trying International Snacks
Taste Testing Around The World: Trying International Snacks
March 5, 2025
Every year on Presidents’ Day, a few celebrated American presidents come to mind: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example. Yet, despite the differences in every president’s administration, a few things make some especially celebrated. “I think the presidents that stand out as being really important throughout history all have charismatic personalities,” social studies teacher Taryn Sorrentino said. “I think they appeal to large groups of people. I think they portray a willingness to help people and I think they portray a sense of home to the American people, especially during times of hardship or distress.”
A Lookback on Presidents’ Day: Who are Portola High’s Favorite Presidents?
February 28, 2025
Starbucks released a seasonal menu including three new Valentine’s Day themed drinks and two desserts on Feb 4.
Starbucks’ Valentine’s Day Menu Brings Vibrant Flavors to Life Through Drinks and Desserts
February 21, 2025
The Weeknd achieved his fifth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart through “Hurry Up Tomorrow” on Feb 15. Introducing a diverse range of collaborations and a strong narrative, the album does not disappoint fans and listeners.
‘Hurry Up’ and Listen to The Weeknd’s New Album
February 12, 2025
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