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
Wrongfully convicted of 10-year-old Marcus Tumble’s murder, Jonathan Mollusk (freshman Zubin Bhatia) is pinned to the floor by Tumble’s father (sophomore Alex Lingerfelt) and another assailant, where they proceed to drown him in retribution. In the background, an evidence board — commonly associated with people who have unhealthy obsessions with crime cases — underscores the dubious verdict of Mollusk’s guiltiness.

Fall Play Captures Audience In a ‘Trap’ of Their Own Making

Marianne Chan, Staff Writer | November 3, 2023

A ray of silver mist enveloped the red-clad figure of Ensemble One (senior Kate Abalos) as she uttered the opening lines of ‘Trap’ by Stephen Gregg, beginning a night of twists, turns and psychological...

With the early registration, students feel pressured by CollegeBoard to spend their money on an exam they may not take.

AP-ush Exams: Early Registration Hurts More Than Helps

Stephanie Hwang, Assistant News Editor | November 3, 2023

As AP exam registration starts early in the year, students stress over having to make $110 to $150 commitments when they are unsure whether they want to take the exam. AP exam registration should start...

Izzy Macasero congratulates teammate and senior Madison Curran after scoring a point. “Mac has incredible energy and positivity that she brings onto the court,” head coach Eric Graham said. “She always has a smile on her face. She's always looking out for her teammates, doing whatever she can to lift them up and have them be successful.”

Junior Izzy Macasero Keeps Up Team Spirit De-‘spike’ the Odds

Olivia Ganes and Nina Krish | November 2, 2023

Constantly inspiring others and supporting players on the court with her positive attitude, meet the girls’ volleyball team captain and libero, junior Isabelle “Izzy” Macasero. During a challenging...

A Chipotle team member rolls a burrito while the automated makeline assembles a bowl. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas and kid's meals can be made above the makeline while the automated system creates bowls and salads.

Bowls, Salads and Automation: A Look Into Chipotle’s New Digital Makeline Currently Being Tested in Irvine

Tyler Kim, Co-Editor-in-Chief | November 1, 2023

It is nearly impossible to be a Portola High student without knowing of Chipotle. A few are employed at the local Woodbury Town Center Chipotle location; some have parents working corporate jobs at Chipotle’s...

Cinephile and science teacher Michael Tang spends time with his podcast group, Job Ang, Paul Hsu and Albert Liu. “I believe that I am the Nick Fury of this group,” Tang said. “I assembled this group, and these are people that I've met over the years. I had all these individual chats, so I started this group chat. Not everyone was friends with each other, but now we’ll watch movies together; we’ll hang out with each other.”

An Update: Where is Cinephile and Science Teacher Michael Tang Now?

Catherine Li and Ruhi Samudra | November 1, 2023

Two years ago, Portola Pilot interviewed cinephile and science teacher Michael Tang to unravel his love for the silver screen. Today, his film enthusiast persona (and Letterboxd) continue to grow through...

Under the moon’s glow every Halloween, children fill the streets in their venture to pack their trick-or-treat baskets to the brim. Within every bag lies clear winners (and losers), each candy a sentimental link to our favorite memories or stark reminder that our taste buds will be left disappointed.

A Halloween Hierarchy: ‘Unwrapping’ the Best and Worst Spooky Season Treats

Ruhi Samudra and Parmin Zamani | October 31, 2023

10. Butterfingers The only remarkable thing about Butterfingers is that they somehow always manage to taste like they have been sitting in the back of someone’s pantry since last year’s Halloween....

Senior Haniya Hassaan and juniors Zoe Nguyen and Anaika Nagireddy prepared their sports and entertainment marketing presentation for a panel of judges. Students were given 10 minutes to prepare for their event and were split into groups of two to three attendees.

Students Stay ‘Busy’ in Portola Business Club’s Fourth Annual Mini-Conference

Aditi Salunkhe and Mary Lee | October 30, 2023

Portola Business Club held its fourth annual student-led mini-conference on Oct. 21 in the Student Union, which attracted approximately 70 attendees from Irvine High and Portola High. The conference exposed...

Senior Amber Lea practices her trumpet in the music room during office hours. In the Fall Instrumental Concert, Lea performed a trumpet solo that won praise from her peers and mentors. “Every time we were just blown away because the amount of projection that she had, the amount of confidence and just her tone, it just felt so mature for someone that only played the instrument for that long,” Nguyen said.

Amber Lea puts Mozart to rest with her ability to play eleven instruments

Shaina Taebi, Backpage Editor | October 29, 2023

The sounds of strings plucking, woodwinds bellowing and piano dampers creaking surrounded senior Amber Lea’s ears for the majority of her life. Lea is capable of playing a total of eleven instruments:...

Boys’ water polo captain, two-meter starting player and junior Luke Porter prepares to score a goal against Long Beach Poly High in the third quarter of a non-league match. “I'm really happy with how I've grown as a player,” Porter said. “I actually switched positions once I came to high school, and I've really grown a lot since I started so that's been really cool.”

From Splash to Success: Boys’ Water Polo Captains Answer Questions About Teamwork

Sonia Wang and Mia Jong | October 27, 2023

A chorus of shouts. Ripples of foamy wake. A ball sailing through the air. This is boys’ water polo, a game of constant ebbing and flowing that hinges on communication. To understand how and why...

Co-captain and junior Zoe Wynn prepares to hit a golf ball at hole 5, where she achieved a birdie.

Girls’ Golf Advances to CIF Individual Tournament After PCL Finals

Marianne Chan | October 26, 2023

Girls’ golf co-captain and juniors Zoe Wynn and Emmie Ding won the Pacific Coast League's MVP and made league First Team, respectively, with both advancing to CIF Individual Championships after PCL finals...

After the morning arrivals, the bike racks quickly fill up.

Racks for Parking: Improvements Needed

Jordan Hata, Staff Writer | October 26, 2023

One of the most prominent modes of transportation to Portola High is the use of bikes and scooters.  They represent an important part of the school environment, being a major alternative to automobiles....

At their first club meeting on Oct. 19, Reform-All club Vice President and sophomore Kate Shin and treasurer and sophomore Aya Ughayer introduce themselves to members and explain their mission to reform old clothes to give back to the community.

Newest Clubs Build a Community of Visionaries on Campus

Madeline Chung and Camille Clement | October 25, 2023

United by their unique interests, passionate students join together in clubs to build valuable experience. They provide a diverse range of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Portola High welcomes...

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