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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


Many students have yearly Thanksgiving plans and traditions that won't be able to occur because of COVID-19. The introduction of video conferencing programs like Zoom create a new way to be around family without in person gathering aspect.

Celebrating Thanksgiving from a Distance

Clara Ferreira Lopes, Staff Writer | November 23, 2020

With COVID-19 restrictions and growing case numbers in Orange County, many students and their families are finding new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.  Sophomore Kiara Knight normally has...

While Grande has been able to produce a number of popular songs, “positions,” “34+35” and “pov” from her new album “Positions” are currently ranked in the top 50 songs of the Billboard Hot 100.

Ariana Grande Releases Third Hit Album in Past Two Years

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | November 23, 2020

From "Sweetener," an album all about love and lust, to "thank u, next," an album about grief and heartbreak, Grammy award-winning artist Ariana Grande has shown remarkable range and proven that she is...

The Congressional App Challenge attracted record numbers of students, who invested unprecedented hours of code into almost 2,000 apps.

Congressional App Challenge Reports Record Participation

Ryan Jung and Aryan Mittal | November 20, 2020

Students submitted self-designed apps to the Congressional App Challenge on Oct. 19, a Congressional district-wide competition.  The competition, hosted by members of Congress, invites high school...

Over the last few centuries, industrialization and population growth have resulted in increased carbon emissions, thus increasing global temperatures. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and improve the Earth’s environmental condition by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, which may include using sustainable alternatives, buying less, eating less meat and recycling more.

An Environmental Responsibility for Humanity

Sidra Asif and Naila Talib | November 20, 2020

COVID-19 caused a brief pause in the massive pollution and emission issues of the world. Although most industrial powers and daily human life have returned to normal, the impact of the short break shows...

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders are the second most deadly category of mental illnesses, causing over 10,000 deaths each year. These numbers are only supported by the normalization of harmful behaviors on social media, such as sharing “target weights,” participating in group fasts and publicly criticizing bigger bodies.

Putting an End to the Popularization of ‘Pro-Ana’

Lauren Hsu, Arts and Entertainment Editor | November 19, 2020

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of eating disorders and links to external resources that may contain triggering images and content regarding eating disorders and mental illness. In...

Staffed by teachers across the Irvine Unified School District, the Irvine Virtual Academy offers a larger course variety for students to enroll in compared to those traditionally offered at individual schools.

Post-COVID Learning: Irvine Virtual Academy

Ryne Dunman and Jaein Kim | November 19, 2020

Irvine Virtual Academy will become a permanent learning model offered at Irvine Unified (IUSD) schools starting next semester. The IVA administration made this decision after the beneficial impact and...

Many high school students are planning to vote when they are eligible, especially after the recent election.

High Schoolers Voice Goals as Future Voters

Haruka Noda, Social Media Team | November 19, 2020

The election has finally come to an end, and it has created dramatic changes for both the nation and the Irvine community. High school juniors and seniors are especially passionate when it comes to politics...

To make it to the World Series, top divisional winners from the National and American league compete in postseason, which is also called the playoffs. Then, champion teams from each division play each other at the World Series, competing for the World Series champion title. While the Dodgers made it to the playoffs in 2016 and 2017, they have not won the title since 1988 against the Oakland Athletics.

After 32 Long Years, The Dodgers Regain World Series Champions Title

Bia Shok, Features Editor | November 18, 2020

After seven frustrating years of winning only straight division titles, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally made its mark this year as the Major League Baseball World Series champion against the Tampa Bay...

I tend to fill the paper a lot. Instead of just focusing on one main part, I like adding a lot of details and filling up the composition,” senior Grace Hong said.

Senior Grace Hong Sets No Limits for Creativity

Erin Choi, Co-Managing Editor | November 18, 2020

Early in February, senior Grace Hong was distinguished with a Silver Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her multimedia piece “Form of Body and Mind.” According to the competition’s...

Despite the pandemic, freshman Vismaya Sista is still celebrating many traditional aspects of Diwali, such as bursting firecrackers and sparklers. Due to COVID-19 regulations, many families are celebrating themselves instead of with larger groups.

The Pandemic Did Not Dim the Lights on Diwali

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Naila Talib | November 17, 2020

On a Saturday evening in mid-November, families gather outside in traditional Indian gowns and sarees, bursting fireworks and making sure the kids each get a turn to hold the sparklers. Moms distribute...

At the height of the Silverado Fire, over 70,000 residents from Irvine alone were under evacuation orders. Thankfully, Irvine Unified schools resumed in-person learning the week following the blaze, which was reported 100% contained as of Nov. 7.

Student Athletes Persist in Practice Post-Fire

Lauren Hsu, A&E Editor | November 17, 2020

In yet another unfortunate turn of events, the Silverado Fire swept through both Orange and San Bernardino counties the morning of Oct. 26, causing widespread evacuations throughout the city of Irvine.  One...

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