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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 Liz De Maria practices playing her acoustic guitar at home after school. De Maria first began her journey with the ukulele, learning her first song, “Riptide” by Vance Joy, in under four days, according to De Maria.

Junior Liz De Maria Connects Philosophy and Music through Guitar

Arnav Chandan, Sports Editor | January 9, 2023

The warm serenades of the guitar and the profound ideologies of philosophy are two subjects that rarely intertwine. However, for junior Liz De Maria, discovering the hidden connections between these two...

A woman holds a sign saying “Keep Your Laws Off Our Bodies” advocating for abortion rights and access after the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, giving abortion access laws to the states instead.

The Most Important Events That Happened Last Year

Gwyneth Yung, Photo Editor | January 5, 2023

2022 was an exciting year, filled with ups and downs. This recap will discuss the most important events of this year.  January-March  The Russian government invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, a significant...

Citizens in China have started to break down the ‘wall’ of censorship and political control the Chinese Communist Party has placed upon its citizens. Protests for the removal of Zero-Covid, and more importantly, Chinese President Xi Jinping, reveal a rising wave of young, political dissenters that will shape China’s future political sphere.

Protests in China Are Not about Zero-COVID; They Are About the Chinese Government

Michael Sun, Staff Writer | January 5, 2023

Protests surged in China following an Ürümqi apartment fire, which killed ten residents. The tragedy, which took place Nov. 24, is largely blamed on China’s faulty Zero-COVID policies, which may have...

Skiers often have a much more enjoyable experience on the mountain, effortlessly coasting down flat slopes, while snowboarders are left behind, often losing their balance. Falling on a snowboard can be extremely traumatic, especially when falling forward since both feet are attached to the board, according to snowboarder and senior Chris Lee.

Settling the Feud in the Snow: Skiing will Always Remain Superior

Mia Jong, Photo Editor | January 4, 2023

Like blades, the edges of my boots carve into the ice and snow, whipping up flurries of sparkling powder behind me. Electrifying air floods my lungs as I stop to stare down the face of the mountain. Then,...

Senior Charis Kim sketches her original characters Polaris and Aron as she experiments with different design options. Kim draws inspiration for her art from media she consumes, such as movies “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.”

Senior Charis Kim Artistically Expresses Herself Through the Creation of Original Characters

Sonia Wang, Staff Writer | January 3, 2023

With short brown hair, an orange laurel crown and a mysterious shadow, the character Polaris slowly comes to life under senior Charis Kim’s careful strokes. But Polaris isn’t just a character from...

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. “I'm 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...

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