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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

After a long day, these comforting animated films that bring the adventures of four-legged protagonists to the silver screen are the perfect way to unwind. Although not ranked within this review, other notable animated dog movies include “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989) and “Oliver & Company” (1988).

Having a ‘Ruff’ Day? Here are Five Animated Dog Movies to Watch

Mia Jong and Sonia Wang | April 16, 2024

A dog is a man's best friend, so it is no surprise that there have been a plethora of movies paying tribute to their wagging tails and floppy ears.  From Disney to Illumination, animated dog movies...

Students themselves benefit most by actively participating in the exercises within their PE class. “Coaches or PE teachers get disappointed because it's like, ‘I'm not upset that you're not doing what I asked you to do. I'm upset that you're going to continue to be like this,’” PE teacher and Athletic Director Peter Abe said. “And that's only going to hurt you long term, which will lead to things that they can't even fathom in terms of illness and disease.”

Yes, PE Classes Are Worth Your Effort

Mary Lee, Staff Writer | April 12, 2024

Feet reluctantly shuffle towards the school track as students sigh. These students know that today’s PE class agenda includes an assigned mile followed by a written reflection, and they are not much...

Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”

Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair

Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024

Many students and teachers have found a multitude of avenues for self-expression due to the recent cultivation of numerous makeup and fashion trends from social media. However, some Bulldogs utilize another...

As a well-rounded student-athlete, senior Rocky Palacio balances a busy academic life and athletic schedule, taking on challenging STEM classes and long football practices. He said that he tries to stay focused on his goals and avoid giving in to distractions. “My academics have always been a strong focal point of my parents for me, but also personally, I value them a lot,” Palacio said. “Especially if you're good at academics and you pursue athletics, then it could take you to a lot of places. Working hard in the classroom also translates into other areas of your life and just opens a lot more opportunities.”

Senior Rocky Palacio Displays Achievements in Both Academics and Athletics with the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | April 12, 2024

Countless hours spent inside the classroom studying and outside practicing on the football field come with challenges, but for senior Rocky Palacio, they also come with rewards: the National Football...

A ban on the sale of fur clothing is the most straightforward way to discourage animal cruelty. “Fashion brands that use real fur have no regard for animal welfare,” Biology Club member and sophomore Grace Li said. “That’s why more and more public attention is being directed towards fur alternatives.”

Faux Fur, Real Ethics: Why It Is Time for the United States to Ban Fur

Claire Liu, Staff Writer | April 10, 2024

Once an avid and controversial fan of fur coats, boots, handbags and bikinis, Kim Kardashian West announced in 2019 that she was giving up fur and remaking all her natural fur coats with synthetics —...

One of senior Yunseo Kwon’s favorite pieces in her portfolio submission is her self portrait because it represents her experience with different art mediums and styles. “It incorporates design elements that I’ve been learning recently and the realistic art I’ve been doing for a long time so combining them to make me felt like my identity is being revealed through my artwork,” Kwon said.

Orange County Register Artist of the Year Semifinalists Senior Yunseo Kwon and Junior Michelle Lu Rise to Success

Marianne Chan and Stephanie Hwang | April 10, 2024

Senior Yunseo Kwon and junior Michelle Lu were the semifinalists in the 2024 Orange County Artist of the Year, a contest that honors seven students in the county as Artist of the Year through three...

FIRST Robotics president and senior Amy Shok adjusts the robot created for the Orange County Robotics competition before a game. “We had to make sure that everything was going according to plan, and if there was any problem, we were prepared to fix it,” Shok said. “I think that problem-solving mindset was evident in our robot as well. Our robot had a lot of different changes made because the original design didn't account for things such as how the robot would be made.”

FIRST Robotics Team Creates a ‘Crescendo’ at Orange County Competition

Sonia Wang and Kayley Winata | April 9, 2024

FIRST Robotics competed in the Orange County Regional Robotics competition from March 28-30 in Costa Mesa, where they were unable to qualify for playoffs due to technical issues with their robot, according...

Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses

Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses

Cindy Mei and Michael Sun | April 8, 2024

DISCLAIMER: This list is purely subjective and intended for entertainment only.  AP English Language and Composition You will learn how to construct a rhetorical precis, type at light speed...

Students need to normalize taking a variety of classes that are not necessarily APs so that they have non stressful and fun classes in between their more challenging ones. “I’m not against APS,” junior Nero Xu said. “I think APs are a good challenge and can help you look good for colleges. What I’m against is students cramming APs even though they clearly don’t like it or are overwhelmed by it.”

APs or Actually Problematic?

Elizabeth Gao and Stephanie Hwang | March 29, 2024

As students choose their new classes for the next year in March, there is a concerning trend: students cram their schedules with Advanced Placement (AP) classes, not because they are interested in those...

Multi-sport coach Julie Primero and girls’ lacrosse huddle to discuss strengths and weaknesses from their last game as well as new strategies to implement in their upcoming matches. “Coach Primero is a really hands-on coach,” lacrosse player and sophomore Isabelle Borrison said. “She loves to get involved with us and show us exactly what we're doing wrong. She watches our form and footsteps and gets little details that you wouldn’t see if you were watching the game.”

From the Dance Floor to the Playing Field: All-Star Coach Julie Primero Redefines Coaching Excellence

Sky Nguyen and Kelly Yeh | March 28, 2024

While most coaches specialize in one sport, former dance teacher, physical education teacher, head girls’ lacrosse coach, head girls’ flag football coach and JV girls’ basketball coach Julie Primero...

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