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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

Sophomore Eaden Haresco describes his group’s hydro-refrigeration model.

Creating Chemistry in the Food Banks

Ki Joon Lee, Staff Writer | November 9, 2017

Sophomores presented their Food Bank Think Tank projects in their chemistry classes on Nov. 2-3. Using their chemistry knowledge, groups designed their own driving questions and worked on finding an innovative...

Starbucks has a seasonal menu full of fall classics and a few new items but will soon be transitioning to its winter menu.

Spice up the Season with the Top 3 Fall-Themed Starbucks Drinks

Maya Sabbaghian, Co-Editor-in-Chief | November 8, 2017

The resurgence of sweaters and boots in the crisp morning air means that fall is finally here. It now seems like the final accessory for any fall outfit is a Starbucks drink in hand. With an entire...

Freshman Ibtesaam Rashid donates to the cause.

Shelter Via Box

Aaron Sha, Staff Writer | November 7, 2017

The social studies department introduced its own ShelterBox donation page in September in order to raise money for victims of this year’s hurricane season. From mid-August until early October, the...

On display in the Learning Commons, marigolds are known as the flower of the dead and are meant to use their powerful fragrance as a guide for spirits.

Dia de los Muertos: Honoring the Dead

Maya Sabbaghian, Co-Editor-in-Chief | November 6, 2017

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which lasts from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, was observed by the world language department and Learning Commons through various activities. Day of the Dead, is a Mexican...

String Orchestra plays "Mythos" under the direction of Desmond Stevens.

Festive Fall Concert Commences 2017-18 VAPA

Julia Kim, A&E Editor | November 3, 2017

To celebrate Portola’s performing arts students for the past two months, orchestra, band, choir and guitar showcased their skills at their opening Fall Concert on Oct. 26 in the theater. Concert...

Crowdis explains the results of a poll question regarding the increasing number of poison control calls due to the use of liquid nicotine and e-cigarettes.

Capes Not Vapes: Living Drug-Free

Maya Sabbaghian, Co-Editor-in-Chief | November 2, 2017

Three hundred six students from all Irvine high schools gathered to learn about the dangers of vaping and drugs at Lakeview Senior Center during the “Capes Not Vapes” forum held by the Youth Action...

Portola voted for these top five Halloween candies.

Portola’s Top 5 Best and Worst Halloween Candies

Ali Elmalky, Staff Writer | October 31, 2017

Halloween is here, and stores have long abandoned their summer themes in favor of cackling skeletons, hideous witches and ghastly ghouls. Following suit is by far the most popular aspect of Halloween besides...

Tate holds green apple Italian ice.

Best Ice Treat in Irvine?

Chris Tate, Staff Writer | October 31, 2017

Rita’s Italian Ice is a dessert parlor that specializes in Italian ice and custard. The nearest location from campus is at 3905 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92602 in Northwood Plaza. Rita’s Italian ice...

Sophomore Allison Shi returns a hit from her opponent.

JV Girls’ Tennis Wraps Up Season with Loss Against Beckman

Maryam Shama and Shawyan Rooein | October 30, 2017

JV girls’ tennis lost to Beckman High 6-8 on Oct. 20 at Portola High. This was their last game of the season leaving them with a record of 3-8. Before the game it began to rain, which led to confusion...

Marching band member and freshman Rishav Sen plays Louie Louie at the finale.

Marching Band Debuts Field Show at Band Spectacular

Ki Joon Lee, Staff Writer | October 27, 2017

Marching band performed at Band Spectacular at Irvine High along with all other IUSD high schools and middle schools on Oct. 18. Although it was their second time attending Band Spectacular, it was the...

Flat and sophomore Taira Asakura looks to pass to wing and sophomore Dylan Gates on the right.

JV Boys’ Water Polo’s Second Loss Against University

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | October 26, 2017

JV boys’ water polo (2-6) lost to University High 6-15 on Oct. 18 in the Black-Out Game of the Month. This is the team’s second loss against the Trojans and the last home game of the season with new...

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