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

Junior Kevin Huang, junior Stone Evenson, junior Andy Yi and senior Marco Machado play “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay on the side stage to entertain the audience as bands set up.

Student Band +1ZP Wins Annual Battle of the Rock Bands

Parmin Zamani, Photo Editor | December 16, 2022

Audience members raise their arms in the air to clap to the beat and wave their cell phone lights, cheering on as six student rock bands perform in the gym on Dec. 10 at Battle of the Rock Bands.  Judges...

Sophomore and soloist Sara Haidar sings “Winter, Fire and Snow” by Brenden Graham with an accompaniment on cello from senior Juel Wettstein. The annual winter concert filled nearly every seat in the theater, according to choir director Adrian Rangel-Sanchez.

Choir Concert Lifts Spirits in Annual Winter Performance

Arnav Chandan, Sports Editor | December 16, 2022

The lights dim around the theater, displaying the twinkling, multicolored hues of Christmas lights scattered across the festively-decorated theater. The audience waits in silent anticipation, allowing...

Junior Kady Lin and sophomore Carol Chiang hug each other after the annual Secret Sister hosted by Canta Bella members. They both received each other as their Secret Sister and were able to enjoy some snacks like cookies and a “Canta Slay” cake after.

Secret Santa Gifts Students Holiday Joy

Tara Vatandoust, A&E Editor | December 15, 2022

As the December holiday season ramps up, certain traditions return year after year. The finals week rush to review a semester’s worth of algebra. The scent of students’ Starbucks coffee cups before...

Gift giving is an endearing method to share love and show thoughtfulness. “It shows not only do I listen to you, but I also care about you,” junior Sarah Alkatib said. “Im going to take the time to get a gift for you.’”

Gift Giving Gives More Satisfaction than Receiving

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022

Gifting a gift to a friend or tearing through a thoughtfully wrapped present may evoke emotions of gratitude, love or even fulfillment. As these emotions arise there is an ongoing dispute that seems to...

Junior and chief communications officer Jasmine Davis and senior and accounting representative Saanvi Mekala present their board to convince other students to buy their products for their mock company Wella, which sells health products to teenagers.

Virtual Enterprise Competes and Wins at Trade Show

Maitri Allani, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022

Virtual Enterprise won second place for its elevator pitch and radio commercial and third for its ecommerce website at a trade show held at San Diego State University on Dec. 2. This is the first time...

Students cheer on their favorite soccer teams to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Countries in the top rankings, such as France, Morocco, Argentina and Portugal, compete for the prestigious championship title. The tournament has generated record-breaking audiences globally with an average viewership of 227.27 million per day, according to NBC Sports.

Students ‘Kick’ Back and Relax to Root for their Favorite World Cup Teams

Aditi Salunkhe | December 13, 2022

The school environment has grown fervent with talk of shockingly-made goals, close matches and students’ favorite players. As the top-ranked soccer teams from around the world enter the quarter-final...

Students and workers gather at Berkeley, California to protest unfair wages and working conditions as part of a larger UC-wide strike.

Ongoing UC Strikes Create Higher Education Academics History

Hannah Ko | December 12, 2022

Nearly 48,000 education workers across University of California’s 10 campuses have been protesting for higher wages and fairer working conditions since Nov. 14, making it the largest higher education...

With a brand new and exciting journey for the math teacher, Alewine, Jennings, and Todd all express their appreciation for each other. “I would say it’s all fun, and we’re all close,” Alewine said. “We all can talk about different pregnancy things when we get together. Its like ‘What are you craving? How are you surviving? Are you tired? Have you had this doctor appointment?”

These Math Teachers are About to Have ‘Acute’ Children

Ruhi Samudra and Shaina Taebi | December 9, 2022

Math teachers Sarah Alewine, Samantha Jennings and Kayla Todd are all having their babies next year. Both Jennings and Todd are going to be first-time parents while this will be Alewine’s second child.  Throughout...

During the Invierno Del Sur winter concert on Dec. 1, senior Jayden Yeung dazzles the crowd with his violin as he plays a lively melody from “La Primavera,” a movement from “The Four Seasons,” while Symphonic Orchestra provides a musical accompaniment for his solo.

Experience ‘The Four Seasons’ with these Orchestra Soloists

Madeline Chung, Business Manager | December 8, 2022

As the orchestra began to play, an energetic, sweet melody filled the theater, captivating the audience members as they listened intently to the harmonious tunes and fast tempo. Impressing the crowd, junior...

Oh My Ghods Pottery owner and recurring seller at the market Sarah Ghods describes her small business and draws in shoppers with her display of handmade ceramics.

Small Businesses Exhibit Imaginative Products at the Woodbury Town Center

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | December 7, 2022

Dozens of small business owners gather to showcase and sell their products at the main palm tree lined street in Woodbury Town Center throughout the second weekend of every month. From handmade jewelry...

Sophomore Brandon Phomsavanh stops at the middle of the Moro Ridge Road trail in Crystal Cove State Park during one of many mountain bike rides with his father, Lee Phomsavanh.

Mountain Biker Brandon Phomsavanh Trails up to New Heights

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | December 7, 2022

At the early age of 12, sophomore Brandon Phomsavanh’s passion for mountain biking ignited. From that point on, his many hours spent steering his way through long, bumpy trails encouraged growth in several...

Donate to Portola Pilot
$0
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Showcase