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
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
As the festival season rolls around, good mooncakes are imperative to having a successful lunar holiday.
‘Fly Me to the Moon’ with these Lunar New Year Mooncakes
February 7, 2025
The Grammy Awards shine bright as artists, producers and industry legends gather to celebrate the year’s best in music. With stunning performances, emotional speeches and shocking wins, the night is sure to be one to remember. Who will take home the coveted Golden Gramophone?
2025 Grammys: Predicting Who Will Dominate Music’s Biggest Night
January 31, 2025
Three years after its initial release in 2021, “Squid Game” debuted its second season on Dec. 26, breaking Netflix records with 68 million views in its premiere week, according to Forbes.
‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Builds Anticipation for the Next Installment
January 9, 2025
“Moana 2” rehashes the original film in an uncreative way, falling flat in plot structure and storytelling despite captivating visuals and upbeat songs. Unlike the original “Moana” (2016), the sequel included songs that were eerily similar to the first and shallow new characters that fail to entertain.
“Moana 2” Is a Sequel that’s Lost at Sea
December 9, 2024
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Student Art
Color guard member and freshman Leia Speir performs during the flag feature, a piece of the show in which 25 members twirl their flags and dance in synchronization. Speir said that prior to each competition, the team has to go through a multi-hour long process of hair, makeup and final practices.
Winter Guard Blazes into New Season with ‘Burn’
February 14, 2025
Lead guitarist and junior Ethan Williams and rhythm guitarist and senior Eddie Chen rock the stage in a rendition of the Tran-Siberian Orchestra piece “First Snow,” which is conducted by instrumental music director Desmond Stevens. “Being able to have the rock musicians on stage with the orchestra musicians and having the full wind band on with everyone else puts nearly 100 students on stage together,” Stevens said. “Then [having] that element of all the lighting and effects and the students in the control room running that at the same time really builds [a] larger community.”
A Look Behind the Stage at Portola Proms: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience
February 7, 2025
Picking at a fast pace, “Heroes of the Homeland” pictures a lively dance reminiscent of youth.“Through using martial arts, it symbolizes defeating the evil spirit before entering the New Year,” said Pan. “So, when the New Year comes, it’s only the good things that will come to the people.”
Chinese Dance Company of Southern California Embodies Chinese Culture in Lunar New Year Concert
February 3, 2025
Creating tooth necklaces is a largely personal endeavor for Chang, who prefers to wear her jewelry at school. Besides making necklaces, she said she also plans to make earrings.
‘Bite-Sized’ Beauty: Senior Vivian Chang Fashions Teeth Into Jewelry
January 28, 2025
2025 In 25 Words
2025 In 25 Words
January 14, 2025
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Arts & Entertainment
Student-led acapella group Portobellas delivers a captivating performance of "The Rainbow Connection" by Paul Williams. Portola Singer, Portobella director and senior Sara Haidar, said that their repertoire was highly advanced, demanding both precision and harmony. She said she has formed strong bonds with her fellow choir members over the years. "Choir is such a community," she said. "I guess what I'll miss the most is just being with such a cool group of people, getting to work with people that you probably would never work with otherwise."
Choir’s ‘Spellbinding’ Performance Sells Out the Spirit of the Season Concert, Turning Fans Away for the First Time
December 19, 2024
“Arcane: League of Legends” Falls Short of Perfect in Season Two
“Arcane: League of Legends” Falls Short of Perfect in Season Two
December 6, 2024
“Wicked,” a cinematic adaptation of the original musical, follows the story of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch as they explore their magical powers at Shiz University in the whimsical Land of Oz.
‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation Leaves Audiences Spellbound by its Magic
December 6, 2024
Dance 4's dazzling dance to the song “All That Jazz” from “Chicago the Musical,” choreographed by dance director Samantha Gardner, uses chairs as props to emphasize the different shapes and lines that naturally exist in motion. The ambient lighting and orange background contrast with the dancers' dark clothing, emphasizing the impact of their movements.
Student Dancers and Pop Musicians ‘Shimmer’ at the Fall Dance Concert
December 5, 2024
Country musician Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables” album retells family stories and Appalachian tales.
Tap Into Dolly Parton’s Newest Studio Album “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables”
December 2, 2024
The arrival of the seasonal red patterned cups signifies the arrival of winter, with new designs released yearly. These cups exhibit holiday joy with their red, white and green embellishments that are sure to bring joy to any beverage lover.
Starbucks ‘Steeps’ Up the Holiday Spirit with their Seasonal Treats
November 21, 2024
Each year, families and friends gather to give thanks over a grand feast filled with a variety of side dishes that fill their bellies. Together, these sides bring all the flavor to this holiday.
The Best Side Dishes of a Thanksgiving Feast
November 21, 2024
Similarly to millions of people across the globe, sophomores Hiba Laique and Coco Marshall find enjoyment in slang found on the internet. On social media and the internet, roughly 89% of Americans find themselves learning slang from these sources, according to Preply.
Unpacking a New Wave of Internet Lingo
November 14, 2024
Link Crew leaders and juniors Chloe Urianton, Sarrinah Inamdar, Saanvi Gangireddy, Chloe Grace Chen, Kenneth Althaqeb and Chloe Im host a Halloween costume party for freshmen. “Among assignments and tests, school has been a lot during junior year,” Urianton said. “I thought Halloween would be a good break amidst all these academic activities. Besides, I wanted to give an impression on the freshmen that high school isn't all just about academics, but also a way to connect with people and find joy through interacting with the community.”
‘Spirits’ Are High With Bulldogs’ Boo-tiful Halloween Costumes
November 8, 2024
Portola High’s marching band and color guard performed in a competition at Capistrano Valley High School on Oct. 26. Marching band competitions are generally full day commitments from the students and the teachers, according to drum major and junior Noa Stewart.
Pride of Portola Takes the Stage
November 7, 2024
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