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
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

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...

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