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

The cover of Swift’s Moonstone Blue Version of “Midnight” perfectly captures the late night feeling and the title of the album. The vulnerability and various tones expressed within the album parallel the so-called, ‘late night thoughts’ one might experience at midnight.

‘Midnights’ By Taylor Swift Is Anything But Mediocre

Maitri Allani and Shaina Taebi | October 31, 2022

The clock struck twelve, but Cinderella did not drop her shoe. Instead, Taylor Swift released her 10th studio album: “Midnights.” Within 24 hours of its release, the album became the highest-streamed...

Sophomore Megumi Chang prepares to shoot during the 2022 USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development Target Nationals on July 21. Chang said her interest in archery sparked at 9 or 10 years old after she watched “Brave,” a storyline surrounding a princess named Meredith who is extremely skilled in archery. “I really like archery, because it taught me resilience and discipline and responsibility of your own shots,” Chang said. “Since its not really a team sport, you have to depend on yourself, and its on you.”

(Photo Courtesy of Megumi Chang)

Behind the Bow: Megumi Chang Shoots for Bullseye at USA Archery Nationals

Celine Lee and Maya Tedini | October 28, 2022

For 15 hours a week over the course of three months, sophomore Megumi Chang practiced endlessly with a single goal in mind: To place in the top 20 out of over 100 other archers competing in the 2022 USA...

While many overlook the importance of tipping workers, it is a crucial practice that acknowledges their hard work and services. Tipping culture prevents people from becoming bound to money and the prospect of its loss.

Tipping Culture: It’s Deeper than You Think

Hannah Ko, Staff Writer | October 28, 2022

Tipping at least 20% of a meal’s cost has been a symbol of etiquette and respect in American culture for over a century, but recently the practice has been subject to scrutiny by shameless critics who...

Senior Danae Dang carefully pours molten wax into a jar. Careful attention to detail – in this instance a slow, steady pour to ensure that no stray bubbles form – is necessary to achieve a satisfactory final product, according to media technician Amanda Cramer.

Waxing Poetic: Students Pour Homemade Candles in First Makerspace Session

Tyler Kim and Aditi Salunkhe | October 27, 2022

For most students, the fall season means the return of 70 degree weather, knit sweaters and a new academic cycle. While most of campus is settling into the usual school routine, the Learning Commons has...

While society often perceives trick-or-treating as a tradition reserved for younger children, teenagers can have great enjoyment from the festivities. Many people try to hand out extra candy to teenagers to encourage them to hold on to their childhood, according to Spanish teacher Kari Tubbs.

Trick-or-Treating Is Not Less Sweet as a High Schooler

Mia Jong and Tara Vatandoust | October 26, 2022

The wind whips and jack-o-lanterns glow as tiny ghosts and witches meander through the neighborhoods, following the aroma of candy. For many, a point comes in their lives when they feel too old to ring...

Ambassador and senior Aslesha Chandra listens as senior and transfer Thomas Bittencourt explains his transfer journey to Portola High. “Its complicated; it was pretty worrying,” Bittencourt said. “This isn’t speaking on the ambassador program. Its just like moving from state to state getting unpacked and probably one of the biggest worries for me would be GPA transferring.”

Portola Ambassadors Provides a Helping Hand to New Transfer Students

Jana Malek and Gwyneth Yung | October 24, 2022

Whether it is a new school, city, state or country, adjusting to a new environment can be difficult without assistance. The Portola Ambassadors program has helped transfer students adjust to new surroundings.  Over...

The first season of  the show “Gilmore Girls” and the films “Good Will Hunting” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” are all set during the autumn season.

Grab a Blanket and a Pumpkin Latte: Listing the Best Fall Comfort Entertainment

Sidra Asif, Back Page Editor | October 24, 2022

If you enjoy the comforts associated with fall — pumpkin spice, blankets, hot chocolate and binge-watching entertainment for hours, consider these movies and TV show recommendations, ranked in no particular...

Fans of serial killers will send love and support to their idols, while the victims’ loved ones are trying to grieve.

Romanticizing Serial Killers Harms the Victims

Maitri Allani, Photo Editor | October 21, 2022

You may have a favorite celebrity. These celebrities might be your favorite musician, actor or influencer. You may send them fanmail, which they may read in the comfort of their own homes. You may support...

The Black Student Union club puts up a booth during club kickoff on Sept. 21. “When I first came to Portola, I was looking for clubs to join, and I looked at the club list to be a part of something and have a group of people to relate to,” club secretary and senior Jesulayomi Bello said. “I heard they were starting a Black Student Union, and I thought that it would be a lovely way for me to be a part of it.”

First Black Student Union Club on Campus Represents Black Joy and Perseverance

Sidra Asif and Claire Chan | October 20, 2022

Cultural enclaves offer support and union within any environment. Portola High’s population is only 1.2% Black, according to U.S. News, making the first Black Student Union club on campus a remarkable...

Junior Cindy Mei plays a guzheng with her performance group from the Lotus Bud Guzheng Academy. They use guitar picks to pluck the strings and incorporate various techniques seen in other string instruments such as the vibrato, according to Mei. “Its just kind of our tradition,” Mei said. “Its just a great time to perform and hang out at the Global Village Festival afterwards with the rest of my ensemble.”

Volunteers at the 21st Annual Irvine Global Village Festival Facilitate Cultural Activities

Aditi Salunkhe, Staff Writer | October 20, 2022

Thousands of Irvine residents celebrated the city’s 21st annual Global Village Festival on Oct. 8-9 at the Great Park. The two-day event featured music, performances and activities honoring cultures...

During his time at Portola High, mental health specialist Steven Sturm has been a part of school-wide initiatives promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention, while also meeting with individual students in need of mental health support. “I just want to leave an impact on people and help them if theyre struggling,” Sturm said. “And thats really what Ive developed my career around. And thats what I want to do wherever I go.”

Reflecting and Reminiscing: A Parting Q&A with Mental Health Specialist Steven Sturm

Celine Lee, Co-Editor-in-Chief | October 19, 2022

For mental health specialist Steven Sturm, Oct. 21 will mark the last day of working at Portola High before taking on his new job as an online therapist for young adults with a part of a company employee...

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