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
Chinese Parent Group member KK Chiang hands a staff member a custom USB holder featuring a Chinese tassel and an engraving of Buster the Bulldog in the staff lounge, where Chinese food is being served.

Chinese Parent Group Hosts Annual Staff Lunch Celebrating Lunar New Year

Sonia Wang, Features Editor | February 18, 2025

In celebration of Lunar New Year, the Chinese Parent Group hosted its annual staff lunch featuring Chinese food and performances for staff and snacks for students on Feb. 6. This year’s lunch included...

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’

Ruhi Samudra and Catherine Li | February 14, 2025

Though the icy chill of February approaches, the gymnasium is anywhere but cold. With a dazzling array of flags, tosses and dances, winter guard set the floor ablaze with its first tournament performance...

Americans are set to purchase about 75 million pounds of chocolate on Valentine's Day 2025, according to Tasting Table. This Valentine’s Day, lovers should opt for a thoughtful and personal way to express their affection rather than relying on pricey, mass-produced gifts.

Don’t Let Cupid Drain Your Wallet This Valentine’s Day, Opt For Meaningful Gifts Instead

Sonia Wang and Aditi Salunkhe | February 14, 2025

As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples and single people alike can expect to be inundated with love, the color pink and…blatant overconsumption? In the US alone, approximately 36 million heart-shaped...

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

Hannah Ko, Opinion Editor | February 12, 2025

The Weeknd’s album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” was released on Jan. 31, following “After Hours” and “Dawn FM” as the final installment in his narrative arc trilogy. The album features collaborations...

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

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | February 7, 2025

The Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra and Pop Performance Ensembles joined forces for the first-ever Portola Proms: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience offering two preview shows for elementary...

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

Catherine Li, Front Page Editor | February 7, 2025

From their beautiful crust to their tangy, chewy filling, mooncakes are a staple Chinese delicacy that you will never find missing from dinner tables during any Lunar holiday.  While every mooncake...

Math teacher Melanie Clarke tapes up coloring sheets on her classroom walls, adding personal touches that make students feel like integral members of her learning community. “It’s a decision that I have to make,” Clarke said. “I ask myself, ‘What do I want my classroom environment to feel like?’ It’s just my personality to want to hear from the students and make sure they’re connecting with each other.”

With Triple the Credentials, Math Teacher Melanie Clarke Builds Triple the Community

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | February 5, 2025

With the seamless shuffle of papers and steady rhythm of a well-rehearsed lesson, experienced hands effortlessly navigate the classroom and guide students with expertise. These hands belong to math teacher...

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

Jinseo Hong, Staff Writer | February 3, 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

Claire Liu and Aditi Salunkhe | January 31, 2025

The 67th annual Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, bringing together the biggest names in music for a night of unforgettable performances and major wins. Newcomers Doechii and Chappell...

Anticipation builds as football fans gear up for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 9. With high stakes and star players set to clash on the field, this year's championship promises unforgettable moments.

Super Bowl LIX Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Lombardi?

Aditi Salunkhe, Co-News Editor | January 31, 2025

As the NFL season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Super Bowl LIX, set for Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.  The Philadelphia Eagles secured their spot with a commanding 55-23...

Math teacher Rachel Schneble, Youth Advisory Council member and sophomore Addi Arredondo and parent Sarah Chen discuss Portola High’s assessment process as part of the self-study process used for accreditation. “I'm proud to have my voice heard and be able to speak for other students that want problems addressed and faced,” Arredondo said.

Youth Advisory Council Helps With Accreditation Efforts

Sonia Wang | January 31, 2025

As part of the accreditation process Portola High goes through with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in a six-year cycle, the Principal’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) offers valuable...

Football huddles around head football coach Peter Abe and the coaching staff after the CIF State game on Dec. 19, 2024. Soon after, Abe was named Coach of the Year. “I'm just very thankful for the support that I've had with our administration and teaching staff on campus, to our parents, our support staff, our assistant coaches on campus that not only make it look like it's easy for me but help keep myself grounded and humble,” Abe said.

Football Carries Home Two Awards to End Season

Ruhi Samudra and Stephanie Hwang | January 30, 2025

“Don’t forget the Bulldogs of 2024.” Seven years after starting the varsity program, head football coach Peter Abe had that one message. Football made a historic run this season, ending as CIF...

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