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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

Students from other high schools attended Irvine Talks, laughing with their friends in front of an "Irvine Talks" backdrop during the first part of the evening.

Returning to Irvine Talks with New Perspectives

Maya Sabbaghian and Nicholas Hung | January 7, 2019

Eighteen performers shared moving stories on “Perspective” to students from all Irvine Unified School District high schools, who gathered in the Portola theater on Dec. 15 for “Chapter 2” of Irvine...

59.8% of people voted for approving Prop. 7, while 40.2% voted against.

Daylight Saving Might Happen Year-Round

William Hsieh, Director of Photography | January 7, 2019

California Proposition 7, the Permanent Daylight Saving Time Measure, was approved with 59.8% of voters in favor on Nov. 6. Prop. 7 will establish year-round daylight saving time starting in March. Some...

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” reigns supreme as the largest December animated opening so far at $35.4 million in the box office on opening weekend.

First Animated Spider-Man Film Swings into Theaters

Aaron Sha and Ki Joon Lee | December 21, 2018

A Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Feature Film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” hit theaters Dec. 14  amid high expectations from fans of Brooklyn’s masked superhero. Following a typical...

Contrary to the misconception that vape products just have water and flavoring, they still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can greatly alter a teen’s mind as it develops.

FDA Starts Cracking down on Vape Flavoring

Nicholas Hung and Ki Joon Lee | December 21, 2018

Prominent electronic cigarette manufacturer JUUL Labs announced on Nov. 12 that it will remove most of its collection of highly popular e-cigarette flavors from retail stores and close promotional social...

In the pitch-black gym, sophomore Ian Aros waits in the spotlight ready to hit the high notes of the national anthem.

White-Out Pep Rally Snows off Winter Athletes

Jane Zou, Staff Writer | December 21, 2018

In contrast to previous pep rallies, the white-out pep rally that took place on Dec. 14 was almost entirely in the dark. Students’ phone flashlights lit up the pitch-black bleachers while a spotlight...

Sophomore Jackson Cooper performs a sprawl on his opponent in an effort to take him down.

Wrestling Faces Disappointing Defeat against University High

Dylan Vanek, Co-News Editor | December 21, 2018

On Dec. 12 the wrestling team (0-8) lost to University High in a series of challenging matches. Their next match is against Irvine High on Jan. 9 when they will try to bounce back from this loss. “I...

Simon Cabral was an integral member of marching band, playing tambourine since freshman year.

In Loving Memory of Simon Cabral

Julia Kim and Maryam Shama | December 20, 2018

On Dec. 10, a beloved friend and student in the Portola High community, junior Simon Cabral, died due to health complications. Many students and staff have expressed how much they will miss his presence...

Overused and Offensive: Gender Constructs in Ads

Overused and Offensive: Gender Constructs in Ads

Julia Kim, Co-Editor-in-Chief | December 19, 2018

The season of gift-giving has made its presence with eye-catching advertisements adorned with fluorescent colors, deal-breaking discounts and catchy slogans. However, with the commercial frenzy also comes...

During her time here at Portola High, Kathy Elgohary has become very close with several students and she can regularly be found chatting with students about their days.

A Day in the Life of Kathy Elgohary

Dylan Vanek, Co-News Editor | December 19, 2018

While students sit in class, the silence of the classroom is broken by the clean engine of a familiar golf cart and the muffle of a radio. These sounds belong to Kathy Elgohary, one of the campus control...

Concert Orchestra prepared for their performance by practicing weeks in advance to make the production as grand as can be.

Performing Arts Prepares to Jingle All the Way at Winter Concert

Ava Caleca, Social Media Specialist | December 18, 2018

Choir, guitar, orchestra and band are joining together to perform for the annual winter concert on Dec. 19 in the theater. Students in performing arts electives will create a full orchestra experience,...

Many members of Portola Singers enjoy the opportunity to practice harmonizing with each other, a skill that is crucial when singing in a bigger group.

Caroling Spreads the Holly, Jolly Christmas Spirit

Julia Kim, Co-Editor-In-Chief | December 18, 2018

In a mellifluous harmony of voices rings a familiar rhythm of festivity. As Portola Singers, the highest level of vocal students on campus, prepares for the holiday season, the talented vocalists have...

Freshman Josh Collins of “The Freshmen” attempts to extend his team’s advantage on the court by taking out his next target on “The Cozy Boys.”

Students Dodge Stress with ASB Dodgeball Tournament

Ki Joon Lee and Tiffany Wu | December 18, 2018

ASB held a dodgeball tournament from Dec. 10-14 the gym in an event that allowed students and teachers to collaborate through a fun lunchtime activity. After a week’s worth of tournaments, the final...

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