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
PinkPantheress released her second mixtape, “Fancy That,” on May 8, her first project since her debut album “Heaven Knows.”
Do You ‘Fancy That?’: PinkPantheress’ New Mixtape Is So Well-Produced, It’s ‘Illegal’
May 23, 2025
Kali Uchis released her fifth studio album entirely in English on May 9, marking this as her first project recorded solely in one language.
Kali Uchis’ ‘Sincerely,’ Hits All the Right Notes on Love and Life
May 15, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is considered to be one of most positively reviewed Marvel movies. After recently releasing low rated films like “Deadpool and Wolverine” and “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*” scored a high 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Thunderbolts*” Tackles Mental Health Amid High-Stakes Action Plot
May 13, 2025
The album cover of “Hope, Alaska” captures Castelli’s grandfather, who moved to Hope as a young man and built a cabin, as pictured in the photo. Though he never met his grandfather, Castelli appreciated the cabin in the woods that he left for his family.
Ralph Castelli’s New Album “Hope, Alaska” Contains Mountains of Emotion
May 8, 2025
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
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Student Art
Junior Jane Ryu stands in front of her winning art from over the past three years. “I think it helps to think about how your message will be received by people beyond Portola,” Ryu said. “Choosing something that’s both personal and relatable universally can make your work really stand out.”
Junior Jane Ryu Paints Her Way Towards Growth in the Congressional Art Competition
May 16, 2025
Instrumental Music Director Matthew Distante conducts the Wind Orchestra in a rendition of “At the Strongholds of En Gedi” by David Holsinger, an intense and cinematic traditional composition. During the teaching process, Distante said that he emphasizes three key philosophies when it comes to a successful performance: confidence, preparation and focus. “We teach that a lot, and I think that if students are checking all three of those boxes, that's an absolute success of a performance,” Distante said.
“That’s All, Folks!”: Instrumental Music Department Closes the Year with a Cartoon-Inspired Concert
May 12, 2025
Dance Company members and sophomores Seraphine Chen and Sophie Lai choreograph and perform an emotional duet to the song “Streetcars” by Daniel Caesar. Their graceful, fluid moments paint a picture of agony and longing, wowing the audience.
Dance Department Concludes Year on ‘Bittersweet’ Note with Full Audience
May 9, 2025
Seniors Alexia Choi and Kiki Yang discuss the script and blocking positions ahead of the rehearsal. Prioritizing communication was essential to solving any problems that arose in the production process, according to Andrews. “One of the biggest issues we’ve had this year, since the advanced tech classes are split into 4th and 6th period, is that we don’t usually communicate well with each other,” Andrews said. “However, many of the problems that arise can be solved with good communication with all parts. Audio talks with lighting to sync up cues, lighting talks to costumes to make sure colors match, costumes talks to props, etc.”
Honors Tech Theater Springs Into Action For the Senior Play
May 8, 2025
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
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Arts & Entertainment
“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
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
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
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Arts & Entertainment