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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

Although this year’s ceremony was held on a virtual platform, the celebrations of these athletes remained strong. Principal John Pehrson said, “in no way [the process] diminishes our admiration or gratitude for all you do and what you stand for.”

Pacific Coast League Awards Senior Athletes For Character and Performance

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 29, 2020

At the 2019-20 Pacific Coast League Senior Student Athlete Awards Virtual Ceremony on May 20, varsity water polo player Shaivi Bandatmakur and varsity football player Kaveh Wojtowich received scholar athlete...

While accounts that shame people on social media may have good intentions, social media users often do not know the full story behind others’ choices. According to sophomore Michael Kwon, some students were reposted on troll accounts even if they were following social distancing guidelines or spending time outside with their families.

“Quarantine Shaming” Needs to Stop

Lauren Hsu and Celine Lee | May 29, 2020

Despite the widespread support for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order issued on March 19, many California residents, including those from Irvine, continue to resist these restrictions. In response...

Literary and language arts teacher Jeanne Jelnick, also lovingly known as "Momma J" by students and staff alike, has taught high school students for several decades at University High and Portola High. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her dedication to education, having made a home for students in her classroom.

Thank You, Momma J

Helena Hu and Annie Qiao | May 29, 2020

As we speak with literary and language arts teacher Jeanne Jelnick, known as “Momma J” to the Portola High community, her eyes often gaze into the distance, staring fondly at memories and experiences...

Education specialist Desiree Shaffer waves a “Go Bulldogs” sign to incoming cars of students and family members, who show their appreciation even behind windows and masks. From a safe distance, Shaffer stops to check in and chat with the families before sending them down the line of other cheerful staff members.

Caravan for Special Education Creates Smiles From 6 Feet Away

Ava Caleca and Kelthie Truong | May 28, 2020

Paper signs flutter in the afternoon breeze as staff members patiently await the next round of cars, equipped with joyful honking and eager passengers.  Initiated by special education department chair...

Video Production teacher Tina Murphy and junior Madison Empalmado, the new social media producer, special segment producer and reporter, wanted to display the key features of their studio: the painted-on green screen and lights. PNN often uses their Instagram (@portolanewsnetwork) to publicize their show.

PNN Anchors Down their Leadership for the 2020-21 School Year

Emma Haag and Ariana Wu | May 28, 2020

From working countless hours to putting together 20-second segments to capturing important school events on film, the leadership of Portola News Network is always on top of its game. To prepare for another...

The Iris Episode 2: The Reign of King COVID the 19th

The Iris Episode 2: The Reign of King COVID the 19th

Ajinkya Rane and Jordan Lee | May 28, 2020

Jordan and Ajinkya tackle what's on everyone's mind - the Coronavirus. With guests spanning from a Portola student facing difficulties with asthma medication and a physician specializing in pediatric emergency...

Junior Raksha Rajeshmohan played the lead role in the spring “Cinderella” musical. By watching and writing about other local theater productions, she was able to utilize her unique perspective to improve her performance on stage.

Junior Raksha Rajeshmohan Nominated for Theater Critics Award

Claudia Lin and Zara Shirwany | May 27, 2020

From astonishing audience members with her show-stopping performances to constructing critic reviews for local school productions, junior Raksha Rajeshmohan has built a unique appreciation of theater through...

The 2020-21 Dance Company crew auditioned through a digital evaluation process last month as a part of the transition to digital learning.

Digital Master Classes Unite Dancers during Quarantine

Jenny Won, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor | May 27, 2020

Though the typically bustling dance studios have gone quiet since the pandemic began, student dancers continue to hone their skills behind their screens. As one of the arts that depends more heavily on...

With the help of semi-permanent dyes, junior Kailyn Pham is among the many students experimenting with different hair colors since the start of quarantine. Dark silver locks are only the most recent of Pham’s several hair transformations in the past few months.

Students Become their Own Quarantine Hairstylists

Kelthie Truong, Back Page Editor | May 26, 2020

  With hair salons among the many closures of non-essential businesses, students have taken hair transformations into their own hands, flaunting everything from brightly-colored hair to clean-shaven...

Coach James Welker passes on knowledge of the building industry, which he garnered from his time under a general contractor. The pictures showcase household furniture and structures he has previously built.

Building Industry Technology Academy Teaches Handy Household Skills

Erin Choi, Business Team | May 25, 2020

School starts again in fall — with it, a new course.  Under the instruction of assistant football coach James Welker, Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) opens to all grades. In this year-long...

Portola High obtained the 1st Team Safe Sports School Award for following both the requirements and the recommendations set by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Examples of categories include athlete injury protocol, athletic clearance processes and procedures for emergencies like earthquakes or fires.

Portola High Becomes First IUSD School to Secure Safe Sports School Award

Lauren Hsu, Staff Writer | May 22, 2020

The athletics program recently received the 1st Team Safe Sports School Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) on April 17 for excellence in athlete safety, making Portola High...

Nine students were inducted into the International Thespian Society on May 20 for their commitment to performing arts. Despite the event being held on Zoom, the traditional ceremony of lighting a candle for inducted members when their name is called was preserved.

International Thespian Society Recognizes Performers Online

Manan Mendiratta and Akshay Raj | May 22, 2020

From emotional send-offs to warm welcomes, the International Thespian Society’s (ITS) induction ceremony celebrated all members and honored the time students spend serving the theater community outside...

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