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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

The Zoology Club visits the Santa Ana Zoo. “We have opportunities to volunteer and get involved in animal rights issues,” Junior and secretary Amy Cho says.

Zoology Club: Animal-Loving Students ‘Paw’sitively Make a Difference

Kailyn Clark and Olivia Ganes | November 15, 2024

From discussing animal rights to volunteering at shelters, the ability for students to explore their passions is neverending, especially through the Portola High’s Zoology Club. Clubs such as the Zoology...

Freshman Daniil Babenko and his dance partner Reagan To glide across the stage at the Empire Open Dance Festival, one of the many competitions they have participated in together. “A competition that stands out to me is when we went to China to represent Team USA,” To said. “It was such an incredible experience because it was one of our first times competing internationally.”

From Studio Lights to Olympic Heights: Freshman Daniil Babenko Takes Steps Toward Stardom

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | November 14, 2024

In the warm ambiance of the rehearsal space, freshman Daniil Babenko’s movements are precise, mesmerizing and weave seamlessly across the polished floor. For Babenko, ballroom dancing is not just a pastime,...

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

Tamara Bradley and Nicole Ferguson | November 14, 2024

A phrase that everybody was saying at one point may be considered cringey in a few years, or sometimes even months. The constant change of trends and slang (now through the internet) has made the evolution...

 Quarterback and sophomore Alondra Hernandez passes to running back and sophomore Irene Kim in a game against Garden Grove High. “As the running back, I feel like we're a lot closer to the other receivers,” Kim said. “So if there's a situation where [Hernandez] has to get the ball out at the last minute and no one else is open, I'm always there for her, and that's where I feel like the communication comes into play.”

Flag Football Quarterback and Sophomore Alondra Hernandez ‘Tackles’ Leadership on the Field

Senna Kahf and Dania Yamani | November 8, 2024

Quarterback and sophomore Alondra Hernandez has learned to turn pressure into poise as she navigates her role during her debut season on the flag football team (2-18). Taking on this position, Hernandez...

Ofrendas created by Spanish Two were displayed in the upper 1000 Student Commons. “The students in the Chinese class and the students from the French program also came to join,” said Spanish teacher Otto Lopez. “Almost 350 students at school participated in the tradition.”

Honoring Tradition: Students Remember the Spirit of Dia de los Muertos at Portola High

Nora Aljazzar and Sruti Allani | November 8, 2024

The Learning Commons and Student Commons were decked out with crafts and decorations for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on Nov. 1, with the official holiday taking place on Nov. 2. The displayed...

S5 Episode 5: Inside Portola’s Electives — Balancing Student Interests and Practicality

S5 Episode 5: Inside Portola’s Electives — Balancing Student Interests and Practicality

Marianne Chan and Stephanie Hwang | November 7, 2024

In this episode of the Portola Pioneer, co-hosts Stephanie Hwang and Marianne Chan delve into course offerings at Portola High. They discuss the process behind course selection, examining factors like...

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

Tamara Bradley and Jinseo Hong | November 7, 2024

As dusk begins to settle, the stadium lights flicker to life, and illuminate the bustling crowd. Anticipation soon turns to concentration as the Pride of Portola takes the field. With their costumes glistening...

Students vote in polling booths found in the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Student Center. “It is very important for young people to be involved and do their civic duty because they are going to be the ones living in the future, [which] depends on the results of the vote,” UCI vote center lead and Orange County Registrar of Voters representative Elena Marukhlenko said. “So it's very important for young people to know what's going on and to find out and just be proactive.”

UCI Polling Centers Facilitate Youth Voter Participation

Parmin Zamani and Maya Tedini | November 7, 2024

University of California, Irvine (UCI) Vote Centers in the Student Center and University Hills Community Center were open from Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 to increase accessibility for students to vote.  A...

Math teacher and assistant coach Derek Zahn prepares to go on a long run with the cross country team to a nearby trail. “I just enjoy running, so I'm always looking forward to coming out running with them,” Zahn said. “All our cross country kids are great, so it makes it fun to be out here and help them do better. I'm just looking forward to them hopefully doing the best.”

From Chasing the P-Value to Chasing Trails: Math Teacher Derek Zahn Joins the Cross Country Team as Assistant Coach

Aditi Salunkhe and Kayley Winata | November 6, 2024

From counting variables one moment to counting miles the next, math teacher and assistant coach Derek Zahn joins the Portola High Cross Country team. In his personal time, Zahn runs a combination of...

California Proposition 2 and 32 are heavily impactful to students both short-term and in the long-run. If passed, these propositions could negatively increase Californians’ tax debts but positively increase minimum wage.

The Pros and Cons of California Proposition 32 and 2

Nicole Lu and Moer Koey | November 5, 2024

Every election year, it is important for eligible student-voters to be informed beyond just the presidential candidates, and understand the direct impact of the state propositions they vote for. To many...

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