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
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 9, 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...

Link Crew leaders and juniors Chloe Urianton, Sarrinah Inamdar, Saanvi Gangireddy, Chloe Grace Chen, Kenneth Althaqeb and Chloe Im host a Halloween costume party for freshmen. “Among assignments and tests, school has been a lot during junior year,” Urianton said. “I thought Halloween would be a good break amidst all these academic activities. Besides, I wanted to give an impression on the freshmen that high school isn't all just about academics, but also a way to connect with people and find joy through interacting with the community.”

‘Spirits’ Are High With Bulldogs’ Boo-tiful Halloween Costumes

Tamara Bradley and Catherine Li | November 8, 2024

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 6, 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...

Tammy Kim is driven to make the city a place where everyone can thrive by prioritizing innovative approaches to public safety, revitalized community spaces and affordable housing options for all. “What keeps me motivated is the incredible spirit of Irvine’s people,” Kim said. “Every day, I meet residents who are passionate about making our community even better. Whether it’s parents advocating for school improvements, small business owners working hard to provide for their families, or young people pushing for a more sustainable future, they inspire me to work tirelessly on their behalf.”

An Exploration of the Policies of Four Candidates on the City of Irvine’s Mayoral Ballot

Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024

The City of Irvine is holding its general municipal election for the next mayor and city council members on Nov. 5. There are seven total mayoral candidates: Felipe Delgado, Larry Agran, Wing Chow,...

The Irvine Civic Center is one of 15 voting centers for Irvine residents headed to elect a non-partisan Mayor and four City Council members on Nov. 5, according to the City of Irvine. Early voting and vote-by-mail options have enhanced accessibility for all voters.

How Irvine Chooses its Leaders: A Look into the City’s Election Process

Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024

Irvine residents will participate in a general municipal election to elect a mayor for an at-large two-year term and four city council members on Nov. 5, according to the City of Irvine. Council members...

Democratic candidate Dave Min faces off with Republican candidate Scott Baugh for the open seat for California’s 47th District in the House of Representatives. Baugh has retained a three-point lead ahead of Min for the district, according to the latest poll by WPA Intelligence.

A Breakdown of Dave Min and Scott Baugh: Two Critical Candidates for California’s 47th District Race

Parmin Zamani and Siri Kolanupaka | November 5, 2024

This election cycle, California’s 47th Congressional District race is a close competition between candidates Republican Scott Baugh and Democratic State Senator Dave Min. These candidates have the potential...

With voting ballots cast across the nation, the focus shifts to the Electoral College process, where electors will meet in the capital of Washington, D.C. to determine the presidential and vice presidential race winners.

The Path to Presidency: How the Electoral College Plays a Crucial Role in Elections

Sky Nguyen, Assistant Features Editor | November 5, 2024

With the countrywide presidential elections on Nov. 5, the American electorate will exercise its right to vote and go through the process of the Electoral College involving selected electors representing...

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