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
Juniors Kalynne Mendez and Emaleena Elson represent their Filipino heritage and the opportunity to play in an international basketball tournament through the team jerseys. Mendez played in the under-18 division while Elson played in the under-16 division.

Basketball Players Emaleena Elson and Kalynne Mendez Had Their ‘Swish’ Come True

Ruhi Samudra, Staff Writer | November 3, 2022

For juniors Emaleena Elson and Kalynne Mendez, this was not just another basketball game. In fact, they played it more than 7,300 miles from Irvine in their second home: the Philippines.  The Fil-Am...

Ceramics, photography and art teacher Donovan Miller demonstrates how to throw a plant pot to his advanced and AP 3D design students. The funds raised from selling the pots will go toward helping the visual art board to raise funds for its annual show.“I don't have a ton of time to make my own artwork anymore,” Miller said. “Normally when I do a demonstration for a project, I like to use that as an opportunity to kind of explore my interest in art.”

Ceramics Teacher Donavan Miller Expresses Himself Through The Arts

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | November 3, 2022

Art can help people heal, grow and reduce stress, according to The National Center for Biotenchnology Information. For art and ceramics teacher Donovan Miller, to create art means a lot of things; an outlet...

Special segment producer and senior Daisy Liao hooks up the camera to the stand for the shooting of the Belonging project in the green room. “Every single year, we can create a video like this where we get a bunch of many students into one video and ask them, ‘What does this emotion or what does the theme of this school year mean to you?’” Liao said.

Promoting Acceptance: The Belonging Project

Kayleen Kim and Shaina Taebi | November 1, 2022

The feeling of acceptance, support and security. Can you guess what this word is? Belonging.  The Belonging project began under the umbrella of the Portola News Network in early October and the...

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 it's not really a team sport, you have to depend on yourself, and it's 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...

Fall into Autumn at the Homecoming Pep Rally

Fall into Autumn at the Homecoming Pep Rally

Gwyneth Yung, Staff Writer | October 24, 2022

Ambassador and senior Aslesha Chandra listens as senior and transfer Thomas Bittencourt explains his transfer journey to Portola High. “It's complicated; it was pretty worrying,” Bittencourt said. “This isn’t speaking on the ambassador program. It's 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...

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