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
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...

As the festival season rolls around, good mooncakes are imperative to having a successful lunar holiday.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ with these Lunar New Year Mooncakes

Catherine Li, Front Page Editor | February 7, 2025

From their beautiful crust to their tangy, chewy filling, mooncakes are a staple Chinese delicacy that you will never find missing from dinner tables during any Lunar holiday.  While every mooncake...

Math teacher Melanie Clarke tapes up coloring sheets on her classroom walls, adding personal touches that make students feel like integral members of her learning community. “It’s a decision that I have to make,” Clarke said. “I ask myself, ‘What do I want my classroom environment to feel like?’ It’s just my personality to want to hear from the students and make sure they’re connecting with each other.”

With Triple the Credentials, Math Teacher Melanie Clarke Builds Triple the Community

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | February 5, 2025

With the seamless shuffle of papers and steady rhythm of a well-rehearsed lesson, experienced hands effortlessly navigate the classroom and guide students with expertise. These hands belong to math teacher...

Picking at a fast pace, “Heroes of the Homeland” pictures a lively dance reminiscent of youth.“Through using martial arts, it symbolizes defeating the evil spirit before entering the New Year,” said Pan. “So, when the New Year comes, it’s only the good things that will come to the people.”

Chinese Dance Company of Southern California Embodies Chinese Culture in Lunar New Year Concert

Jinseo Hong, Staff Writer | February 3, 2025

The Grammy Awards shine bright as artists, producers and industry legends gather to celebrate the year’s best in music. With stunning performances, emotional speeches and shocking wins, the night is sure to be one to remember. Who will take home the coveted Golden Gramophone?

2025 Grammys: Predicting Who Will Dominate Music’s Biggest Night

Claire Liu and Aditi Salunkhe | January 31, 2025

The 67th annual Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, bringing together the biggest names in music for a night of unforgettable performances and major wins. Newcomers Doechii and Chappell...

Anticipation builds as football fans gear up for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 9. With high stakes and star players set to clash on the field, this year's championship promises unforgettable moments.

Super Bowl LIX Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Lombardi?

Aditi Salunkhe, Co-News Editor | January 31, 2025

As the NFL season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Super Bowl LIX, set for Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.  The Philadelphia Eagles secured their spot with a commanding 55-23...

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