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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

S4 Episode 04: Turning Pages: Exploring Summer Reads with Three Portola High English Teachers

Tyler Kim, Catherine Li, and Claire Liu | May 29, 2024

As we approach the end of the school year, co-hosts Tyler Kim, Catherine Li and Claire Liu examine what books a few Portola High teachers will be reading over the summer.   Music credits: Piano...

Detective Roland (Jason Wu Chen) suffers a nervous breakdown after being thwarted by kleptomaniac Shalia (senior Sanika Nihalani) once again. In a Q&A after the play, Wu Chen said that he added an element of improvisation to the scene when he spontaneously hurled his cigar lighter into the airport wall.

Honors Ensemble Play “Gate F-10” Takes Off for the Last Time

Marianne Chan and Elizabeth Gao | May 29, 2024

Whistles and cheers greeted the cast of Honors Theater Ensemble during their last performance at the Black Box Theater on May 16. “Gate F-10,” self-written and performed by the all-senior class,...

Written with her brother FINNEAS, Billie Eilish’s third studio album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” delves into her perception of self, love and happiness, providing her audience a raw look into her thoughts and emotions.

Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” Dives Into Vulnerability and Reflection

Camille Clement and Kelly Yeh | May 28, 2024

Billie Eilish’s album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” released on May 17. The album is composed of 10 songs, including “LUNCH” and “CHIHIRO,” which were leaked before the release and captivated listeners...

Boys’ volleyball sibling duo Jayce and Jett Fukuda smile before a varsity game last year. “I think that was really cool because having so many people there to watch me and my brother because we're so lucky to be on the same team at that time,” junior Jayce Fukuda said. “That was really special and important to me.”

Junior Jayce Fukuda Uses Sibling Inspiration to Fuel Volleyball Success

Elise Ngo and Madeline Chung | May 28, 2024

From Venus and Serena Williams to Steph and Seth Curry, sibling duos in sports are famously recognized. At Portola High, boys’ volleyball had one sibling duo dominating opponents on the courts: junior...

Local community colleges, including Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, as well as the University of California system, use Canvas as their primary learning management system. Thus, in order to prepare students for higher education, Canvas should be implemented early on in students’ careers.

Full-Fledged Learning Management Systems Benefit Everyone: Why Canvas Triumphs Google Classroom

Michael Sun and Maitri Allani | May 22, 2024

At Portola High, Google Classroom and Canvas are the two main learning management systems (LMS) students use to submit assignments, look over course agendas and access other important resources essential...

As time progresses, the spotlight on mental health intensifies, illuminating the pervasive stigma that continues to cause difficulties for those in need. It's time to rewrite this narrative, to embrace empathy over stigma and to create a community where mental well-being is a shared priority.

It’s Time to Destigmatize the Meaning of Mental Health

Sky Nguyen and Elizabeth Gao | May 21, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, there is growing recognition of the impact that mental health has on our overall well-being. Although, despite the prevalence there continues to be a stigma that surrounds...

Softball poses together after their senior night game, getting ready to eat out together per tradition. “I’m going to miss the people,” outfielder and senior Smira Sonthalia said. “I really love my teammates, and the only reason why I love softball so much is really because of the people that I'm with every day, so I'm really going to miss that team energy and that family. My second family, basically.”

Close-knit Softball Athletes ‘Team’ Together with Friendship

Stephanie Hwang and Mary Lee | May 20, 2024

Though most athletes form close bonds through practices and games, softball bats bonding experiences out of the park. Their infectious, positive energy not only comes from their on-the-field teamwork but...

Senior Jesper Nguyen jams out on his melodica as Jazz I’s marching band line slowly unravels in front of the amphitheater. “Our current jazz pianist, Jesper Nguyen, is really good,” pianist and sophomore Neo Tian said. “I feel like I have to honor him by stepping up to his expectations and filling his shoes next year.”

Turning Back Time: Annual Jazz Night Concert Rewinds Back to Improvisational Roots

Claire Liu, Staff Writer | May 17, 2024

Lawn chairs, shrimp gumbo and picnic blankets are strewn across the amphitheater as hanging lights pulse over a band in perfect unison. The inflatable dome sways as each musician takes turns improvising...

Parent volunteers from the Portola High Indian Parent Group serve traditional dishes to staff members Julie Primero and student teacher Cole Kong. “I was very thankful to my community and the kids who participated for this event, because it's because of them that staff and teachers were feeling appreciated,” luncheon co-organizer and Portola High Indian Parent Group member Dolly Malani said. “They felt that lively spirit around them, so for me, when they are happy, that means our event is going good. I'm grateful for what they do for students at school.”

Spooning Food, Activities and Gratitude: Students and Parents Celebrate Staff Appreciation Week

Marianne Chan and Mary Lee | May 10, 2024

Staff Appreciation Week was held from April 29 to May 3. For the occasion, ASB prepared snacks for teachers while parents provided free lunches for staff throughout the week, according to ASB Communications...

Senior Ernest Lin takes on one of the hardest routes the indoor rock climbing gym Sender One Climbing has to offer, which is where he often spends his free time to build strength and resilience.

Senior Ernest Lin Conquers Heights One Climb at a Time

Elise Ngo and Madeline Chung | May 8, 2024

On campus, students are constantly encouraged by teachers to push their limits in pursuit of academic success. But senior Ernest Lin takes scaling heights beyond the classroom through rock climbing, challenging...

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