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
This is an example of the type of AI-generated image (created by Midjourney) that has been used on social media platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although it is easier than the actual fake hurricane images to prove these images are fake because of the pixelated nose, it is still important to practice media literacy to be able to recognize deepfakes such as these.

Do Not Fall into the ‘Storm’ of AI Generation

Nora Aljazzar and Stephanie Hwang | October 22, 2024

After Hurricane Milton stormed Florida’s west coast, fake Artificial Intelligence-generated images are being circulated on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. One video, garnering 1.5...

Gage Peterson and Sasha Lo are looking forward to an exciting year as Portola High counselors. “I think they're a great fit for our team,” Assistant Principal Jen Ochsner said. “I just hope that our students continue to feel supported by all of our counseling staff.”

Meet Gage Peterson and Sasha Lo: New Counselors Join the Bulldog Team

Sruti Allani and Catherine Li | October 21, 2024

With the new year comes new friends, new classes and for some, new counselors. After a recent increase in the student population at Portola High combined with the departure of former counselor Nicole Epres,...

YAT leader, Youth Outreach Program member and junior Chloe Chen hands a registration form to senior Morgan Tien during the voter registration drive on Oct. 10. “It's important that all levels of our government and our community [are accessible] to more people because we see today [there are] some restrictions in different areas of the country and people being more dissatisfied with the government,” YAT leader, Youth Outreach member and senior Aaron Owens said. “We want people to have a chance to connect with their government, to actually make a change that they want to see.”

Annual Voter Registration Drive Spurs Action

Marianne Chan, Assistant Opinion Editor | October 18, 2024

The City of Irvine’s Youth Outreach Program collaborated with the Portola High School Youth Action Team to host its annual voter registration drive for students 16 years and older on Oct. 10. The...

Leanna Roman and Kylie Nguyen prepare for their Oct. 2 practice after school. They interact with the entire team before even the warm-ups begin. “We’re on the court as a family,” according to Roman.

Meet the Captains: How the Girls’ Tennis Team Rises to Success

Sophia Kim, Staff Writer | October 16, 2024

To girls’ tennis captains and juniors Kylie Nguyen and Leanna Roman, fostering a close-knit community for their players is a key component of the team’s success. To perform well, teamwork is a must...

Podcast founder and senior Ivan Bascos gathers around the table with his friends, preparing to discuss vital topics. “I want listeners to know that their voice is heard. I want all of them to know that they are able to speak about these things, and whatever they say is valid,” Bascos said.

Tuned In: Senior Ivan Bascos Finds his Voice Behind the Mic

Kailyn Clark and Olivia Ganes | October 16, 2024

During a time when podcasting has become a platform for voices of all kinds, senior Ivan Bascos has carved his own space in the digital world. By creating his own podcast, “The Real Talking Stage,”...

Vocalist of Crocs ‘N’ Socks and junior Suah Yang bundles up in a cardigan and black sunglasses for the cozy “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood. “I’ve loved to sing since I was a little kid,” Yang said. “I’ve been doing choir for a long time, but last year Mr. Traska was like, ‘oh why don’t you do studio music,’ because I love to perform pop songs, and with a band. Performing it gives me joy because expressing my feelings through music is really fun.”

A Showdown for the Ages: Student Bands Rock the Stage

Claire Liu and Annie Xiao | October 15, 2024

The contemporary pop department held their annual Battle of the Rock Bands in the amphitheater on Oct. 5. This year, the department experimented with a voting format through Instagram analytics, which...

Tight end offensive player, punter and linebacker junior Maxwell Mapstone and linebacker, wide receiver and junior Malachi Moore pursue a Woodbridge High player as he attempts to score a touchdown. “Our strategy was to stop the play action passes and not let the quarterback get out of the pocket because he was pretty fast, and we did a really good job at that,” tight end offensive and defensive player and senior Anthony Riccardi said.

Boys’ Football Conquers Woodbridge High in First League Game

Stephanie Hwang and Marianne Chan | October 15, 2024

Football (1-5) won 27-6 against Woodbridge High at home on Oct. 4 in its first league game of the season. The next game was scheduled for Oct. 11 against Katella High. “It was just kind of icing on...

Librarian Phoebe Kern scans a book and checks it out for a student. “I consider my most important role as a librarian to create free and equitable access to information and to foster a safe and inspirational space for students [to] interact with that information in an encouraging learning environment,” Kern said.

Turning a Page in the Book of Opportunity

Aditi Salunkhe and Maya Tedini | October 14, 2024

The Learning Commons is far more than a quiet study corner — it is shaped by two staff members with a deep passion for reading — a place where every student can find something meaningful. As former...

DECA vice president and senior Harini Rameshbabu introduces an ice breaker activity at the annual Portola High Business Mini Conference. Having put in the time to cultivate the conference, Rameshbabu addresses her peers in the opening activity. Rameshbabu said that her intention to join the business program came from longing for self-discovery. “I just wanted to gain more leadership skills and just overall, learn more stuff about myself and gain communication skills,” Rameshbabu said. “I thought it was a great way for me to learn what I do best and learn what works for me and not.”

Fellow IUSD Schools Join Portola High Business Mini Conference for the First Time

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 11, 2024

Portola Business Club held its annual Business Mini Conference on Sept. 28 in the Student Union. Unique to the previous mini conferences Portola High has hosted over the years, students outside of the...

Republican Senator James David (JD) Vance of Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota present their agendas at the Vice Presidential Debate at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York.“By comparison to the presidential debate, it was sort of elucidating more so than the presidential debate,” social studies teacher Daniel Hunter said. “There were plenty of criticisms of the presidential candidates, but I felt that it was a refreshing change in the level of discourse from what we had seen in the presidential debate.”

Vance vs. Walz: The 2024 Vice Presidential Debate

Marianne Chan and Sky Nguyen | October 10, 2024

Ohio Senator James David (JD) Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz exchanged views in a 90-minute vice presidential debate that took place on Oct. 1 at the CBS Broadcast Center, according to CBS News.  Chief...

From homemade pastries to specialty lattes, these cafe menu items make for the best study treat! Along with their tasty options, many of these cafes offer a wide array of accommodations, including seating, wifi and calming music, to couple with your study experience.

Get Your Mind ‘Brewing’ With These Study Cafes!

Kayley Winata and Zoha Syed | October 10, 2024

With schoolwork piling up and tests creeping around the corner, the best way to feel motivated is to treat yourself to a tasty reward. To give you a tidbit of what Irvine’s cafe culture has to offer...

Administrative Assistant Christina Sanchez answers one of many calls throughout the day from a parent, allowing for the school to continue operating efficiently. “I think that because I have a lot of years of experience, that I'm able to help things run smoothly,” Sanchez said.

The Faces of Portola High: Meet the Front Office Team

Jinseo Hong and Kelly Yeh | October 10, 2024

The front office is full of energy, creating a lively community for students, teachers and parents. Sunlight regularly streams through the large windows, illuminating the friendly faces of the staff....

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