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
Pilates has been mainstream since the 90s and on social media since MySpace, becoming a fun source of low-impact exercise for many and helping participants improve their physical strength in an injury-free way while bonding with friends, according to social studies teacher Marisa Wilkerson. “I think it's such a fun workout,” Wilkerson said. “I can tell that I'm getting a lot stronger from it, but …I think that it's really accessible for everybody. And…I have a friend that I went to grad school with. She takes Pilates with me, so it's a way for us to keep in touch. It's our way to check in with each other once a week.”

A ‘Core’-dially Inviting Sport: Pilates Starts ‘Abs’-solutely Trending at Portola High

Kayley Winata, Centerspread Editor | March 11, 2025

From matching workout sets to aesthetic studios, pilates has become widespread across social media platforms, paralleling its boom in the 90s. As a result, younger generations have rediscovered the activity...

Fencer and sophomore Kylie Wynn readies her stance against her opponent, watching for their first action. “There’s different actions and then reactions,” Wynn said. “So you have to figure out what your opponent is. How do they react? How do they fence? How fast are they? And you have to adapt based on that and it's a different strategy, like, ‘am I gonna go fast or slow? Or, what kind of action can I use to counter them?’”

Sophomore Kylie Wynn ‘En Gardes’ to Success in her Fencing Journey

Stephanie Hwang, Co-News Editor | March 10, 2025

When sophomore Kylie Wynn walked into her first fencing class in the third grade, it was love at first sight. Now, after seven years of fencing, Wynn uses her training and dedication to the sport to compete...

Color guard member and freshman Leia Speir performs during the flag feature, a piece of the show in which flag line members twirl their flags and dance in synchronization. Speir said that prior to each competition, the team has to go through a long process of hair, makeup and final practices.

Winter Guard Blazes into New Season with ‘Burn’

Ruhi Samudra and Catherine Li | March 10, 2025

Though the icy chill of February lingers, the gymnasium is anywhere but cold. With a dazzling array of flags, tosses and dances, winter guard sets the floor ablaze with a new tournament performance...

Students need to learn a second language in order to reap the positive effects people gain from language learning such as an improved level of cultural awareness and a boost in one’s brain reserves.

More Than Just a Requirement: Why Multilingualism Matters

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | March 10, 2025

Effectively communicating with peers from various different cultures often requires a level of proficiency in unfamiliar languages. Therefore, students need to start their language-learning journeys today...

Nine days before the release of her album, “So Close To What,” Tate McRae put her tracklist out on Instagram, posing next to a Hollywood star. The record is McRae’s first to reach No. 1 on Billboard 200.

Tate McRae’s “So Close To What” Makes Records on Charts

Nina Krish and Olivia Ganes | March 7, 2025

Tate McRae released her third studio album, “So Close To What,” on Feb. 21, marking her first album to debut at No. 1 on the charts. The record contains 15 songs including four singles: "It's ok I'm...

Gardening for Good member and junior Kate Shin and junior and co-president Chloe Shin plant succulents together, marking the creation of the club’s first garden. Through activities like these, the club has formed a close and connected atmosphere. “We really care about creating a really inclusive community where every single person in the club is super connected and really interested in gardening,” Chloe Shin said.

Gardening for Good Cultivates Community at Portola High

Kelly Yeh, Assistant News Editor | March 7, 2025

Founded in the 2023-24 school  year, the Gardening for Good club started as a small group of students who shared a love for plants. Now, they have brought their passion to life, creating their first mini...

Woodbury Elementary Science Olympiad head coach and freshman Smriti Mishra poses with her Science Olympiad team after the Sierra Vista Invitational where the team placed fifth. “I was inspired by my sister who was a coach at Jeffrey Trail and at Woodbury as well,” Mishra said. “And then I became the coach at Woodbury, so I got inspired by looking up to my peers as well as looking at the older kids around me.”

Medal-Worthy Mentorship: Science Olympiad Students Train the Next Generation

Nina Krish, Sports Editor | March 6, 2025

In the midst of competition season Science Olympiad students train weekly, not just striving for medals but also shaping the next team entering Portola High.  In 2024, sophomore Ansh Gosain founded...

Taste Testing Around The World: Trying International Snacks

Taste Testing Around The World: Trying International Snacks

Olivia Ganes and Nina Krish | March 5, 2025

Torpis decorates a ceramic piece. “Since they've used almost all of the glazes in the classroom, I make test tiles as well for the kids so they know what it looks like,” Torpis said. “I'll show them different pieces I've made or different test tiles I've made, so they can see it and feel it, and they understand what it looks like.”

Class Act: Student TAs Support Classrooms

Marianne Chan and Mary Lee | March 4, 2025

Whether they're organizing student work, assisting with classroom activities, or stepping in when a teacher is unavailable, teacher’s assistants at Portola High take on responsibilities that offer...

Senior Ana Girnita and freshman Sonja Rajkovic represent the Eastern European and Balkan Heritage Club during the cultural club fair at lunch. Unlike other cultural clubs, the club covers a vast array of regions, including the Caucuses, Baltic States and central Europe. Members who are close to their Eastern European roots have found a home through the first-year club, inspiring their decision to showcase at Intercultural Week, according to Girnita. “It’s just a great opportunity for students to participate and engage with different cultures,” Girnita said. “The most enriching experiences I’ve had are international programs where I’ve gotten to meet students from all over the world, and I feel like just sharing that part of ourselves allows for a lot of self-expression and also just improves our understanding of the world around us.”

Intercultural Week Showcases the Rich Tapestry of Portola High’s Cultural Community

Suhana Kaur, Staff Writer | March 3, 2025

Every year on Presidents’ Day, a few celebrated American presidents come to mind: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example. Yet, despite the differences in every president’s administration, a few things make some especially celebrated. “I think the presidents that stand out as being really important throughout history all have charismatic personalities,” social studies teacher Taryn Sorrentino said. “I think they appeal to large groups of people. I think they portray a willingness to help people and I think they portray a sense of home to the American people, especially during times of hardship or distress.”

A Lookback on Presidents’ Day: Who are Portola High’s Favorite Presidents?

Claire Liu, Back Page Editor | February 28, 2025

The third Monday of every February is Presidents’ Day, established in 1880 for Washington’s Birthday, Feb. 22. Since 1971, however, the federal holiday has been recognized as a celebration of all presidents.  This...

Swimmer and junior Blayze Borroto, volleyball player and senior Ethan Hamiprodjo, tennis player and freshman Garran McKay and track and field athlete and junior Tiffany Chu each employ a go-to song that supports their level-headedness and mindfulness before their matches, meets or games.

Spring Sports Athletes Find their ‘Rhythm’ with their Favorite Pre-Game Hype Songs

Maya Tedini, Co-Editor-in-Chief | February 28, 2025

As the clock counts down and athletes fasten gear while the game, match or meet approaches its start, many athletes turn to music as their final pre-game boost. Whether it is a nostalgic hit or upbeat...

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