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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

Irvine Boasts Greatest Tax Surplus in America

Irvine Boasts Greatest Tax Surplus in America

Helena Hu, Centerspread Editor | February 28, 2019

For the third year in a row, Irvine has claimed the title of the financially healthiest city in America, with a “taxpayer surplus” of $4,400 per person, according to the OC Register. Although a decline...

Junior Alene Hata coaches preschoolers at Wildfire Gymnastics Tustin every Saturday from 9:30 until 12:10, patiently introducing children to gymnastics for the first time.

Raising the Bar: Alene Hata’s Gymnastics Career

Aaron Sha, Business Team | February 27, 2019

Soaring through the air, junior Alene Hata traces an invisible path to the next step in her routine and her career. Outside of her everyday academic life, Hata spends her free time following her passion...

According to the health website Health24, glucose is the most widely-distributed sugar in nature, although we rarely eat it in its purified form.

The Sweet Isn’t So Sweet

Giselle Villegas, Staff Writer | February 26, 2019

From candy to bread, sugar is almost impossible to escape. Two months into the new year, one common goal is to cut sugar from diets, as excessive amounts can lead to negative health effects. According...

In 2016, LLA teacher Cale Kavanaugh posted his sets of poems and thoughts on his portfolio website, including his struggle with understanding humanity’s purpose.

LLA Teacher Cale Kavanaugh is Well-Versed in Poetry

Jane Zou, Staff Writer | February 25, 2019

When literary and language arts teacher Cale Kavanaugh finishes teaching syntax, his words flow from his mind to the paper in the form of free verse poetry. Surprisingly, he did not enjoy poetry in high...

Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington was one of the numerous national parks across the country that were neglected due to lack of funding during the government shutdown.

National Parks Damaged During Government Shutdown

Jenny Won, Business Team | February 25, 2019

During the government shutdown that lasted 35 days from Dec. 22 to Jan. 25, national parks were left open but severely understaffed, causing pollution, vandalism and other damages from which it may take...

Junior Yunseong Jung tests out the flute that he and partner junior Stephanie Zhang built to compete in the event Sounds of Music. In the event, team members play the twelve tone scale on the flute they constructed, with pitch frequency being tested for accuracy.

Science Olympiad Advances to State From Regionals

Annie Qiao and Tiffany Wu | February 25, 2019

Science Olympiad placed fourth at the regional competition at University of California, Irvine on Feb. 9, advancing to the state competition on Apr. 6. The team competed against 35 other high schools in...

Junior Aditya Sasanur and sophomore Ethan Hung introduce the four stations planned for the event, including Math Bingo, Non-Newtonian Fluids, Aluminum Foil Boats and Artistic Points of Interest.

STEAM For All Club Hosts Passion Exploration Event

Junhee Ryu and Tiffany Wu | February 22, 2019

STEAM For All club hosted the February STEAM Exploration Night, a fully student-run event catered to around 40 Irvine elementary students in the science building on Feb. 15 and organized by co-presidents...

Juniors Jason Lee and Nishad Francis won their medals after a season of hard work, collaboration and dedication.

Mock Trial Receives First Individual Awards

Tiffany Wu, Staff Writer | February 21, 2019

Mock Trial participants gathered at the University of California, Irvine Crystal Cove Auditorium on Feb. 7 for the 38th Annual CRF-OC Mock Trial Awards. Among high schoolers from 14 other public school...

With the rise of homework help apps like Slader, some students may rely on online services to finish assignments.

Students with Slader: A Fine Line Between Studying and Copying

Jenny Won, Business Team | February 20, 2019

Nowadays, simply taking a picture of a complicated math problem on your phone can get you a solution. Apps like Photomath utilize artificial intelligence to solve equations automatically. Another student...

Three veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and three veterans from the Vietnam War, also the representatives of Veterans from Foreign Wars (VFW), shared their stories on stage during the entire event. After the presentation was over, these six individuals were invited to the black box for lunch with the Wounded Warrior club members.

Veterans Reach the Hearts of Hundreds

Julia Kim, Editor-in-Chief | February 20, 2019

Three veterans from The Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom - sergeant Keola Kapono M. Enomoto, staff sergeant Carlos Garcia and combat veteran Thomas Woods - shared their service stories with an audience...

Fueled by her love for both the music and dancing, Kate Dang has been driven to continue her dancing in and out of school. Using time such as breaks for dance, Dang is always preparing for a new video.

Kate Dang: A Dancer Who Needs No Stage

Julia Kim and Jenny Won | February 20, 2019

When sophomore Kate Dang created her Instagram account @katexdance the summer of 2015, she was a mere middle schooler with a passion for dance. Nearly four years later, Dang continues to post regular dance...

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