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
Each year, families and friends gather to give thanks over a grand feast filled with a variety of side dishes that fill their bellies. Together, these sides bring all the flavor to this holiday.

The Best Side Dishes of a Thanksgiving Feast

Moer Koey and Nicole Lu | November 21, 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches and everyone prepares to stuff themselves full with delicious dishes, its the perfect time to reflect on the classics that make this holiday special. Below is our ranking of...

Science rolling chairs negatively affect student learning by creating distractions, according to chemistry student and sophomore Sayed Adil. “Every time I get up and sit down, it moves around,” Adil said. “It's distracting in class whenever we're finished with [a] test. Some people just fidget around with it and make some noises.”

‘Rolling’ into Frustration: Science Classrooms Should Replace Rolling Chairs

Sonia Wang and Senna Kahf | November 18, 2024

Squeaking, creaking and groaning are familiar sounds to anyone who has ever encountered a rolling chair used in science classes. In order to mitigate distractions and create a focused learning environment,...

The Zoology Club visits the Santa Ana Zoo. “We have opportunities to volunteer and get involved in animal rights issues,” Junior and secretary Amy Cho says.

Zoology Club: Animal-Loving Students ‘Paw’sitively Make a Difference

Kailyn Clark and Olivia Ganes | November 15, 2024

From discussing animal rights to volunteering at shelters, the ability for students to explore their passions is neverending, especially through the Portola High’s Zoology Club. Clubs such as the Zoology...

Freshman Daniil Babenko and his dance partner Reagan To glide across the stage at the Empire Open Dance Festival, one of the many competitions they have participated in together. “A competition that stands out to me is when we went to China to represent Team USA,” To said. “It was such an incredible experience because it was one of our first times competing internationally.”

From Studio Lights to Olympic Heights: Freshman Daniil Babenko Takes Steps Toward Stardom

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | November 14, 2024

In the warm ambiance of the rehearsal space, freshman Daniil Babenko’s movements are precise, mesmerizing and weave seamlessly across the polished floor. For Babenko, ballroom dancing is not just a pastime,...

Similarly to millions of people across the globe, sophomores Hiba Laique and Coco Marshall find enjoyment in slang found on the internet. On social media and the internet, roughly 89% of Americans find themselves learning slang from these sources, according to Preply.

Unpacking a New Wave of Internet Lingo

Tamara Bradley and Nicole Ferguson | November 14, 2024

A phrase that everybody was saying at one point may be considered cringey in a few years, or sometimes even months. The constant change of trends and slang (now through the internet) has made the evolution...

Dressed up as babies, the counseling department poses for a picture at their table beside their plates of food, ready to enjoy their chili and sides of cornbread and stuffed potatoes.

Staff Goes ‘Bone-Appetit’ at Annual Chili Cook-off

Annie Xiao and Suhana Kaur | November 12, 2024

Quarterback and sophomore Alondra Hernandez passes to running back and sophomore Irene Kim in a game against Garden Grove High. “As the running back, I feel like we're a lot closer to the other receivers,” Kim said. “So if there's a situation where [Hernandez] has to get the ball out at the last minute and no one else is open, I'm always there for her, and that's where I feel like the communication comes into play.”

Flag Football Quarterback and Sophomore Alondra Hernandez ‘Tackles’ Leadership on the Field

Senna Kahf and Dania Yamani | November 8, 2024

Quarterback and sophomore Alondra Hernandez has learned to turn pressure into poise as she navigates her role during her debut season on the flag football team (2-18). Taking on this position, Hernandez...

Ofrendas created by Spanish Two were displayed in the upper 1000 Student Commons. “The students in the Chinese class and the students from the French program also came to join,” said Spanish teacher Otto Lopez. “Almost 350 students at school participated in the tradition.”

Honoring Tradition: Students Remember the Spirit of Dia de los Muertos at Portola High

Nora Aljazzar and Sruti Allani | November 8, 2024

The Learning Commons and Student Commons were decked out with crafts and decorations for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on Nov. 1, with the official holiday taking place on Nov. 2. The displayed...

Link Crew leaders and juniors Chloe Urianton, Sarrinah Inamdar, Saanvi Gangireddy, Chloe Grace Chen, Kenneth Althaqeb and Chloe Im host a Halloween costume party for freshmen. “Among assignments and tests, school has been a lot during junior year,” Urianton said. “I thought Halloween would be a good break amidst all these academic activities. Besides, I wanted to give an impression on the freshmen that high school isn't all just about academics, but also a way to connect with people and find joy through interacting with the community.”

‘Spirits’ Are High With Bulldogs’ Boo-tiful Halloween Costumes

Tamara Bradley and Catherine Li | November 8, 2024

S5 Episode 5: Inside Portola’s Electives — Balancing Student Interests and Practicality

S5 Episode 5: Inside Portola’s Electives — Balancing Student Interests and Practicality

Marianne Chan and Stephanie Hwang | November 7, 2024

In this episode of the Portola Pioneer, co-hosts Stephanie Hwang and Marianne Chan delve into course offerings at Portola High. They discuss the process behind course selection, examining factors like...

Portola High’s marching band and color guard performed in a competition at Capistrano Valley High School on Oct. 26. Marching band competitions are generally full day commitments from the students and the teachers, according to drum major and junior Noa Stewart.

Pride of Portola Takes the Stage

Tamara Bradley and Jinseo Hong | November 7, 2024

As dusk begins to settle, the stadium lights flicker to life, and illuminate the bustling crowd. Anticipation soon turns to concentration as the Pride of Portola takes the field. With their costumes glistening...

Students vote in polling booths found in the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Student Center. “It is very important for young people to be involved and do their civic duty because they are going to be the ones living in the future, [which] depends on the results of the vote,” UCI vote center lead and Orange County Registrar of Voters representative Elena Marukhlenko said. “So it's very important for young people to know what's going on and to find out and just be proactive.”

UCI Polling Centers Facilitate Youth Voter Participation

Parmin Zamani and Maya Tedini | November 7, 2024

University of California, Irvine (UCI) Vote Centers in the Student Center and University Hills Community Center were open from Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 to increase accessibility for students to vote.  A...

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