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
“Arcane: League of Legends” Falls Short of Perfect in Season Two

“Arcane: League of Legends” Falls Short of Perfect in Season Two

Catherine Li, Front Page Editor | December 7, 2024

Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers From the gleaming skyscrapers of Piltover to the gritty, grey-filled gutters of Zaun, “Arcane: League of Legends” returned for a second season on Nov....

“Wicked,” a cinematic adaptation of the original musical, follows the story of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch as they explore their magical powers at Shiz University in the whimsical Land of Oz.

‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation Leaves Audiences Spellbound by its Magic

Aditi Salunkhe and Nora Aljazzar | December 6, 2024

The long-awaited adaptation of “Wicked” finally soared onto the big screen on Nov. 22, bringing the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda to life in a dazzling cinematic musical. With a talented lead...

Over fall break, the members of the City of Irvine High School Youth Action Team hosted the annual YATsgiving event at Heritage Park Community Center on Nov. 30, highlighting the spirit of giving during the holiday season. At the event, 130 students from high schools all across IUSD joined together to enjoy a free pancake breakfast, socialize and participate in hands-on volunteer projects.

Flipping for a Cause: Youth Action Team’s YATsgiving Serves Pancakes and Community Spirit

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | December 6, 2024

Dance 4's dazzling dance to the song “All That Jazz” from “Chicago the Musical,” choreographed by dance director Samantha Gardner, uses chairs as props to emphasize the different shapes and lines that naturally exist in motion. The ambient lighting and orange background contrast with the dancers' dark clothing, emphasizing the impact of their movements.

Student Dancers and Pop Musicians ‘Shimmer’ at the Fall Dance Concert

Siri Kolanupaka, Staff Writer | December 5, 2024

Board members of the Better2Thrift club pose for the camera at their first meeting. “We’re going to be donating 60% of our profit to charities and environmental causes,” vice president and junior Farouk Merzougui said. “I think that’s a big part. When you have a club, you really need to put some change in the community.”

Secondhand Style, Winning Impact: Inside the Better2Thrift Club on Campus

Suhana Kaur and Annie Xiao | December 5, 2024

With the increase in clothing waste, thrifting and sustainable consumption have gained popularity among Gen-Z, becoming a $28 billion industry, according to NPR. Amid this rising trend unfolds the...

Dance director Samantha Gardner, math teacher Melanie Clarke and social studies teacher James Ferrel celebrate Thanksgiving by creating heartwarming fall traditions with their families every year. In the midst of the holiday season, teachers highlight the importance of gratitude, connection and celebration.

‘Stuffed’ With Gratitude: How Three Teachers Celebrated Fall Break

Alice Ahn and Annie Xiao | December 4, 2024

After the flurry of schoolwork before fall break, students finally return home to enjoy a well-deserved week of rest. Teachers, too, leave classrooms with an extra pep in their step, awaiting a week filled...

Freshman Teryn Kim strikes a pose at the end of her routine for the 2024 SoCal Invitational Final where she placed first. “I really like [skating] because of the feeling of flying in the air and the excitement when you do well after a competition,” Kim said. “Skating across the ice, and then a cold wind on your face; it’s just a free feeling.”

Twists, Turns and Triple Axels: Freshman Teryn Kim Glides to Success

Suhana Kaur and Aditi Salunkhe | December 2, 2024

Freshman Teryn Kim’s blades scrape against the ice as she glides around the rink, her passion for figure skating shining through her routine. Kim started skating when she was four years old and entered...

Country musician Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables” album retells family stories and Appalachian tales.

Tap Into Dolly Parton’s Newest Studio Album “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables”

Marianne Chan and Nora Aljazzar | December 2, 2024

Country music legend Dolly Parton released her newest studio album “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables” on Nov. 15. Various members of Parton’s family are featured in the 37-song, multi-genre...

All nine committed athletes smile for a photo just before the ceremony begins. The ceremony took place on Nov. 15 in the gym during office hours. Each athlete typically invites a coach or teacher to give a brief speech about their academic and athletic accomplishments, but because the number of signees this year was so much greater than years past, athletes were simply announced by name, the school they will be attending and the athletic program they have committed to, according to assistant athletic director Brian Smith.

Nine Seniors Take the Next Steps in their Athletic Careers this National Signing Week

Maya Tedini, Co-Editor-in-Chief | November 22, 2024

Freshmen fill out a study planner, one of Link Crew’s resources for finals week and a new activity implemented this year. “Definitely, there were some challenges during this event, but overall, it was pretty successful,” Link Crew board member and senior Drake DePasquale said. “I'm proud that we were able to inform a lot of freshmen about how finals week happens and how they can prepare.”

Mugs and Motivation: Freshmen Warm Up to Finals with Hot Chocolate at Link Crew Study Party

Mia Jong and Senna Kahf | November 22, 2024

Freshmen and Link Crew leaders gathered in the Student Union to prepare for their finals at the end of the semester with a study party on Nov. 19. The event was organized by Link Crew as a way to help...

Counselors at Portola High School held a council meeting involving parents, counselors around IUSD and students to discuss taking school data and inputting in to obtain the ASCA credential.

Raising the Bar: Counseling Aims for Better with ASCA Certification

Moer Koey, Staff Writer | November 22, 2024

Portola High’s counselors applied for the American School Counselor Association credential in October to demonstrate their dedication to addressing the needs of students. An ASCA credential shows a counselor’s...

The arrival of the seasonal red patterned cups signifies the arrival of winter, with new designs released yearly. These cups exhibit holiday joy with their red, white and green embellishments that are sure to bring joy to any beverage lover.

Starbucks ‘Steeps’ Up the Holiday Spirit with their Seasonal Treats

Zoha Syed and Kayley Winata | November 21, 2024

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