Skip to Main Content
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

Betty White attends the red carpet ceremony at the 40th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1988. White won several Primetime Emmy awards as an actress, some of which were for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1975, 1976) and “The Golden Girls” (1986).

Idolized Actress and ‘Golden Girl’ Betty White Dead at 99

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | January 13, 2022

She was wholesome, lively, sweet, generous and most of all golden. Her presence was uplifting and charming, and her heart was always filled with passion and good character. The woman who transformed television...

On a trip back to Ohio in 2021, sophomore Rory Miller hugs her best friend Ursuline Academy sophomore Gwenny Hesketh, who she has not seen in over six months. Miller had attended Ursuline Academy while living in Ohio.

Sophomore Rory Miller ‘Globetrots’ Around the World

Kayleen Kim, Staff Writer | January 12, 2022

Sophomore Rory Miller is always on the move – and not just between classrooms.  Miller has moved a total of four times internationally. She was born in Terneuzen, Netherlands in 2006; migrated to...

With the return of many Sony franchise villains such as Green Goblin, Electro and Dr. Otto Octavius, it was difficult to understand the role that many of them played. Only a select few played a major position, while others such as the Lizard were present for the sole purpose of fan service. Condensing the movie to a select villain with a strong motive would be a better decision for the overall plot.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is a Tangled Web of Nostalgia

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | January 11, 2022

The following review contains spoilers.  “If you expect disappointment, then you can never really be disappointed.” This motto is repeated throughout the movie by Michelle Jones-Watson (Zendaya);...

Creating a more LGBTQ+ inclusive environment can be as simple as using someone’s preferred pronouns, avoiding the use of derogatory language or refraining from referring to someone by their deadname. “You could educate yourself. It doesn't have to be full-on like research, but just being aware,” a sophomore who would like to remain anonymous said.

Homophobia Is Not Making Anyone Less Gay

Shaina Taebi and Tara Vatandoust | January 11, 2022

“That’s so gay.” It is a phrase thrown around in daily conversations – yet it carries a meaning far more belittling for LGBTQ+ individuals. This phrase is just one example of the homophobia many...

The Roller Hockey Club competed for the first time on Oct. 24 at The Rinks Irvine Inline against Edison High School.

Inline to Outpace the Competition

Charlotte Cao and Lauren Hsu | January 10, 2022

Gliding. From an outsider’s perspective, that is what roller hockey players do as they dash across the rink, hockey sticks scrabbling against each other. This year, freshman Wyly Chen and juniors...

Jeanne Jelnick, a retired teacher and beloved member of the Portola High community, reminisces on her time at Portola High while shifting focus to writing and theatre.

Momma J: Where is She Now?

Zara Shirwany and Michelle Kim | January 7, 2022

Jeanne Jelnick, affectionately known as “Momma J,” retired in July 2020 after teaching literature at Portola High since its inaugural year, as well as briefly leading the theatre department. While...

Symphonic Orchestra unites with Portola Singers on stage to perform George Frideric Handel’s “Sinfonia” and “For Unto Us A Child Is Born.” “[Choir] had invited us to play at their concert last week, and so this is sort of a reciprocal thing where they’re going to come and sing with us at our concert,” instrumental music teacher Desmond Stevens said.

Annual Winter Instrumental Concert Sweetens Holiday Cheer

Arnav Chandan, Staff Writer | January 5, 2022

The theater lights dim as the soft, soothing tunes of the ensembles replace the stillness of the audience,  engulfing the theater in mystery and wonder. What could possibly be sweeter than starting the...

Marisa Wilkerson stands in front of the U.S. Capitol Building during 2017 when she moved to Washington, D.C. for her internship with an interest group during college.

Social Studies Teacher Turns Political Advocacy to Teaching Political Literacy

Bia Shok, Co-News Editor | January 3, 2022

What images do you think of when thinking of the word “politics”? For many, it could be juxtaposing images of colliding reds and blues, yelling, arguing and mudslinging campaign videos cycling around...

Portobellas choir performs an a cappella rendition of “Carol of the Bells” by Pentatonix. An a cappella performance is a special type of polyphonic singing that does not involve any musical accompaniment.

Choir Students Upraise the ‘Spirit of the Season’ in Annual Winter Vocal Concert

Arnav Chandan and Aadi Mehta | December 16, 2021

Students, parents and teachers cluster closely with one another outside the front entrance of the theater, merrily cheering and singing along as performers conduct special caroling performances of jovial...

Attracting many students to the lunch performance event in the beginning of lunch, ASB president and senior Amitoj Singh sings “thank you, next” by Ariana Grande. He sings while the orchestra, band, and choir members get set up to perform right after.

Fine Arts Lunch Performance ‘Rapped’ up the Semester with Holiday Tunes

Kayleen Kim and Ryan Jung | December 16, 2021

Choir and orchestra ensembles played holiday and pop tunes at the lunchtime fine arts performance on Dec. 10 in front of the dance building, offering a sneak peek of the ‘Spirit of the Seasons’...

Various students across all dance classes performed “Don’t Call Me Back” to the song “These Boys Ain’t It” by Saygrace, which included themes of female empowerment.

Annual Winter Dance Concert ‘Breaking the Ice’ Leaves Audiences in Shivers

Cara Chan and Arshia Sista | December 15, 2021

After dance concerts were put on pause — or some might say, frozen — due to COVID-19, the dance program featured its third annual winter concert “Breaking the Ice” on Dec. 2-3. The concert...

Donate to Portola Pilot
$200
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Showcase