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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

Kody Lin Finds her Voice in the Realm of Musical Theater

Kody Lin Finds her Voice in the Realm of Musical Theater

Kayleen Kim, Opinion Editor | June 1, 2022

When it comes down to bright lights and a belting singing style, Canta Bella singer and sophomore Kody Lin, a musical theater fanatic, moves through her journey as a singer with a unique voice in musical...

Physics teacher Ryan Johnson reads a poem from his phone at an open mic in Long Beach. “For me, it's a way of noticing the beauty in everyday life that I, for whatever reason, think that people aren't already describing as beautiful,” Johnson said.

Creativity in STEM: Ryan Johnson’s Journey with Poetry

Clara Ferreira Lopes and Zara Shirwany | June 1, 2022

At first glance, physics may seem purely fact- and data-based, but physics teacher Ryan Johnson’s poetry proves otherwise. You may walk into his classroom to find him demonstrating the laws of force...

Parts of Great Park Boulevard are closed due to waterpark construction, which began last July. Though the park includes replicas of old rides at the original Wild Rivers such as Bombay Blasters and Switzer Falls, most attractions will be new, according to the Orange County Register.

Wild Rivers Waterpark Set to Open in the Heart of Irvine

Grace Baek | May 31, 2022

Wild Rivers Waterpark will open in Orange County Great Park on June 20 after more than 11 months of construction, according to Spectrum News.  Compared to the original Irvine Wild Rivers Waterpark,...

‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers:’Kendrick Lamar’s Perspective on Society Today

‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers:’Kendrick Lamar’s Perspective on Society Today

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | May 31, 2022

After five years of anticipation from his fans, American rapper, songwriter and producer Kendrick Lamar released his fifth album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” on May 13. The album highlights...

Wind Ensemble flutist and senior Sophia Lin, Wind Ensemble percussionist  and sophomore Jade Niu, Wind Ensemble percussionist and junior Aleyna Luick, Wind Ensemble percussionist and junior Robin Yeh and Symphonic Band flutist and senior Hailey Tsui take a group picture at a photo booth in between acts.

Instrumental Music Ensembles Bring the Silver Screen to Life at Soundtracks & Cinema Concert

Arnav Chandan and Ryan Jung | May 27, 2022

With the flick of a baton, the wind and string ensembles breathed life into scenes of popular feature films at the Soundtracks & Cinema concert. The final performance of the year welcomed an audience...

Whereas freshmen acceptance rates to UCLA hover around 12 to 16 percent, members of IVC’s Transfer Alliance Program are accepted to UCLA at rates between 70 to 85 percent, according to the IVC website.

Community College–a Stepping Stone to Greater Opportunities

Emma Haag and Ryan Jung | May 26, 2022

When telling family, teachers or peers that you will be attending a community college and then transferring, the all-too-familiar sympathetic comments follow: “You’ll save on tuition” and “You’ll...

With the development of social media such as Instagram and Snapchat, keeping in touch might seem easier than it had been. But with these unique suggestions deterring from the usual options, doing so can be more different and fun.

Let’s Keep in Touch! How Seniors Can Continue Their Friendships

Bia Shok, Co-News Editor | May 26, 2022

With the end of the school year approaching, many seniors are concerned that their friendships will drift as they attend schools far apart. However, that does not have to be the case due to these unique...

Toxic Asian-beauty standards have made many South Asians use face-whitening products like Fair and Lovely to have a more Eurocentric look.

Toxicity in Asian-American Standards: South-Asian Underrepresentation

Arshia Sista, Staff Writer | May 25, 2022

From the brutal killing of George Floyd to the shooting targeted towards Sikh South Asians, the word “race” has been prevalent on the news. The word "race" is seen as a detrimental social construct...

The new California Math Framework draft acknowledges how mathematics education has remained as an obstacle for certain groups of students with limited access to an advanced course track. The new California Math Framework draft acknowledges how mathematics education has remained as an obstacle for certain groups of students with limited access to an advanced course track.

New Math Framework: One Step Towards Equity or Ideological Pedagogy?

Martin Yoon, Staff Writer | May 24, 2022

Who can reject equity in education? It is safe to agree that every student deserves fair and equitable education. However, the question largely remains on how we should achieve such equity.  Taking...

The letter-grading system prevents students from escaping the high expectations maintain a high academic standard rather than exploring their identities through adolescence.

It’s Time to Take a ‘Pass’ at a Better Grading System

Arnav Chandan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 23, 2022

Coming from a city like Irvine that places a lot of emphasis on academic achievement, students often fill their schedules exclusively with rigorous honors and AP courses. So, it is not a surprise that...

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