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
Though Galentine’s Day isn’t a holiday senior Renee Tan usually celebrates, she and her friends decked out in everything girly for an aesthetic Galentine’s party this year. “We baked heart shaped pizzas, baked some cookies and goods too,” Tan said. “Other people brought sugar cookies and cupcakes.”

Gals Over Pals: Bulldogs Celebrate Galentine’s Day

Dania Yamani, Staff Writer | February 28, 2025

Photos and videos of Galentine’s party themes and setups had filled the internet in the weeks leading up to the holiday, with influencers sharing decorations, themed desserts and everything you needed...

In celebration of Peanuts' 75th Anniversary, Knott's Berry Farm debuts the new musical “Let’s Celebrate!” on the Calico Mine Stage. The daytime show features singers, dancers, and the beloved Peanuts gang characters.

Knotts Berry farm Celebrates the 75th Birthday of Snoopy and the Gang

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | February 28, 2025

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the beloved Peanuts franchise, Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang will return to Knott’s Berry Farm on weekends from Feb. 8 to March 9. The 75th-anniversary celebration...

Samantha Zimmerle poses for a photo with her high school sweetheart in the present and during their high school spirit week. “We went to the same middle school, and we were in core classes together," Zimmerle said. "We did all six classes for six years during middle school together, so we've been together for ten years. This is gonna be our eleventh. We started dating in February of 2014.” Zimmerle said.

Three Teachers’ Love Stood the Test of Time, From High School to Now

Kailyn Clark, Staff Writer | February 27, 2025

During high school, many relationships often come and go; there are rare stories of them being able to withstand the pressures and struggles of being a teenager. Fortunately for three teachers at Portola...

Sophomore Karly Chokry prefers Samsung’s flexibility, from its high-quality zoom feature to the ability to mix and match accessories, making it the perfect fit for her lifestyle.

‘Zooming’ Into the Features That Keep Select Bulldogs Loyal to Non-Apple Devices

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | February 26, 2025

You start a group chat for a project, but a green bubble pops up — someone has a Samsung. While Apple reigns majority at Portola High, junior Suhaila Brundavanam, sophomore Karly Chokry and social studies...

Members of the National Ethics Bowl Club compete at the Southern California Regional High School Ethics Bowl at Chapman University. “When we’re in competition season, meetings become a lot more structured and focused, though things still have a tendency to get a bit chaotic sometimes,” president and junior Moses An said. “It’s a collaborative process, and we put a lot of focus on teamwork.”

National Ethics Bowl Club Discusses the Difficult Questions of Life

Stephanie Hwang and Claire Liu | February 25, 2025

Is it immoral or unjust for states to make it illegal for teachers to strike? To what extent should public opinion influence policy making in biotechnology? These are some of the questions that members...

History teacher Megan Saia answers a question from a student about the mock trial for Honors American History, helping them understand the requirements for the project. Her guidance has helped many students improve important skills like public speaking.

History teacher Megan Saia Goes From Representing Parents to Teaching Students

Stephanie Hwang, Co-News Editor | February 24, 2025

Although history teacher Megan Saia originally studied to be a lawyer, she knew that she would always keep teaching with her. For more than 10 years, she was a special education lawyer in California and...

Valentine’s Day was an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate all kinds of relationships. “Valentine’s Day is just a fun and easy holiday,” science teacher Michael Tang said, “It’s good for the economy. It’s good for people to go out and spend money on others.”

How Bulldogs Spent Their Valentine’s Day

Siri Kolanupaka and Sruti Allani | February 21, 2025

Valentine’s Day at Portola High was accompanied by love in the air, along with the scent of chocolate and candy hearts. Some students and teachers planned romantic dates with their partners while others...

Starbucks released a seasonal menu including three new Valentine’s Day themed drinks and two desserts on Feb 4.

Starbucks’ Valentine’s Day Menu Brings Vibrant Flavors to Life Through Drinks and Desserts

Siri Kolanupaka, Staff Writer | February 21, 2025

Chinese Parent Group member KK Chiang hands a staff member a custom USB holder featuring a Chinese tassel and an engraving of Buster the Bulldog in the staff lounge, where Chinese food is being served.

Chinese Parent Group Hosts Annual Staff Lunch Celebrating Lunar New Year

Sonia Wang, Features Editor | February 18, 2025

In celebration of Lunar New Year, the Chinese Parent Group hosted its annual staff lunch featuring Chinese food and performances for staff and snacks for students on Feb. 6. This year’s lunch included...

Americans are set to purchase about 75 million pounds of chocolate on Valentine's Day 2025, according to Tasting Table. This Valentine’s Day, lovers should opt for a thoughtful and personal way to express their affection rather than relying on pricey, mass-produced gifts.

Don’t Let Cupid Drain Your Wallet This Valentine’s Day, Opt For Meaningful Gifts Instead

Sonia Wang and Aditi Salunkhe | February 14, 2025

As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples and single people alike can expect to be inundated with love, the color pink and…blatant overconsumption? In the US alone, approximately 36 million heart-shaped...

The Weeknd achieved his fifth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart through “Hurry Up Tomorrow” on Feb 15. Introducing a diverse range of collaborations and a strong narrative, the album does not disappoint fans and listeners.

‘Hurry Up’ and Listen to The Weeknd’s New Album

Hannah Ko, Opinion Editor | February 12, 2025

The Weeknd’s album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” was released on Jan. 31, following “After Hours” and “Dawn FM” as the final installment in his narrative arc trilogy. The album features collaborations...

Lead guitarist and junior Ethan Williams and rhythm guitarist and senior Eddie Chen rock the stage in a rendition of the Tran-Siberian Orchestra piece “First Snow,” which is conducted by instrumental music director Desmond Stevens. “Being able to have the rock musicians on stage with the orchestra musicians and having the full wind band on with everyone else puts nearly 100 students on stage together,” Stevens said. “Then [having] that element of all the lighting and effects and the students in the control room running that at the same time really builds [a] larger community.”

A Look Behind the Stage at Portola Proms: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | February 7, 2025

The Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra and Pop Performance Ensembles joined forces for the first-ever Portola Proms: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience offering two preview shows for elementary...

  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3
  6. 4
  7. 5
  8. 6
  9. 7
  10. ...
  11. 147
Donate to Portola Pilot
$235
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Showcase