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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

After months of preparation, the DECA team competes in its first competition in Anaheim where they competed against other schools located in Orange County.

DECA Business Club Prepares for Inaugural Competition

Claudia Lin, Staff Writer | January 16, 2020

Donned in formal suits and professional attire, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) members direct their attention to their meticulously planned business proposals along with heaps of papers...

In his high school years, music teacher Desmond Stevens says he loved OutKast, especially ‘Hey Ya!,” which he attributes as one of the top songs of his senior year. Now looking back in history, Stevens notes that ‘Hey Ya!’ symbolized a confluence between rap and pop, and a push in musical boundaries.

Diving into TikTok Trends with Music Teacher

Tiffany Wu, Co-News Editor | January 16, 2020

With the recent craze over TikTok, a viral streaming app for short lip-sync, comedy and talent videos, various songs have skyrocketed in popularity due to their catchy riffs and choruses. We listened to...

Shooting guard and junior Allyson Tabayoyong shoots a three-pointer in the second quarter of the game while being closely guarded by Northwood High captain and senior Amanda Endres. Overall, Tabayoyong scored 24 points for the team (55-43).

Girls’ Basketball Shoots for the Win Against Northwood High

Tiffany Wu, Co-News Editor | January 16, 2020

Once echoing with the shrill squeaks of rubber soles hitting the waxed floor, the gym is silent as the basketball is tossed by the referee and quickly stolen by center and senior Donia Maymoun. Girls’...

Trinh’s career as Portola High’s computer specialist began in 2017 after transferring from Ladera Elementary school. Shortly after his move in 2018, he was put in charge of the school’s one-to-one chromebook device program. He works behind the scenes during the school day and even breaks to troubleshoot and repair students’ personal devices.

Computer Specialist Works Double Shift as Tech Hero

Jordan Lee and Tiffany Wu | January 15, 2020

Lord of the Chromebooks. Warden of the school WiFi. Certified computer surgeon. Whatever you call him, there is no doubt that Portola High’s innovative technological culture would not be the same without...

Senior and Girl Scout Troop 2065 member Lauren Kettner successfully achieved her Gold Award by introducing her project “Reach Out to Knowledge,” which focused on helping educate children on concepts they may forget throughout the summer at local libraries.

Empowered Girl Scouts Pursue Gold Award Projects

Claudia Lin, Staff Writer | January 15, 2020

Through Girl Scouts, a nationally-recognized empowerment program for girls, young and ambitious women pursue passion projects that initiate a lasting impact on their communities. Upon completion of this...

To reconnect with their culture, bilingual individuals must commit more time toward mastering their mother tongue.

Learning One’s Native Language is not a Lost Cause

Charlotte Cao and Jordan Lee | January 14, 2020

An immigrant family gathers for dinner and begins to reflect on their day, the familiar sounds of their native language ringing across the dining table. A child tugs on their mother’s arm and asks, “I...

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks on the platform of Medicare for All, which raises taxes for middle and upper-class, but brings the overall costs of affording healthcare down.

Democrats Attempt to Reach Common Ground

Junhee Ryu, Business Team | January 14, 2020

The seventh Democratic debate, hosted by CNN and The Des Moines Register, will take place on Jan. 14 at Drake University, where six candidates (Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders,...

During break, students can often find music directors Desmond Stevens and Kyle Traska conversing in the music room about topics ranging from instrumental compositions to the many ways that one can decorate a water bottle.

Instrumental Music Teachers Work Together in Perfect Harmony

Charlotte Cao, Social Media & Marketing Team | January 13, 2020

Sounds of melodic arrangements and the cacophonic dissonance of instruments tuning is suddenly interrupted, as a room full of music students erupt into a peal of laughter, their faces lively as they watch...

Setting New Year’s Resolutions is a common tradition seen all over the world, and encourages people to improve their lifestyles or achieve certain goals in the upcoming year.

New Year, New Me: Who’s on Track to keep their New Year’s resolutions?

Jaein Kim, Staff Writer | January 10, 2020

As many as 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, reflecting on the past and making new efforts to improve themselves, according to ProactiveMindfulness.com. Common resolutions include saving...

Protesters in front of the White House rally against the internment of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang Province. According to CNN, up to a million Muslims are being detained in China’s internment camps.

China Calls Muslim Detention Camps ‘Humane’ Among International Outrage

Minnah Tanzeen, Staff Writer | January 9, 2020

On Jan. 8, a United States government commission led an effort to convince the Trump administration to put sanctions on China due to the country’s human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims, according...

Writing down and creating a plan for your resolutions makes it 42% more likely that you will accomplish them, according to Forbes Coaches Council.

A New Year Needs New Resolutions, Not Recycled Ones

Manan Mendiratta, Sports Editor | January 8, 2020

As the year comes to a close, it is a tradition for many to set goals or create New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year in hope of bettering themselves. However, setting these goals with no...

“Especially growing up with a little brother and my dad, since I wasn’t allowed to paint my nails or wear makeup, I tried to take on a more ‘tomboy’ approach,” Siribandan said. “If I pretended that I wasn’t interested in doing things that considered girly, I wouldn’t be as hurt that I wasn’t able to do them. But because I put myself in that whole mindset, it was harder for me to embrace the things that I wanted to do, even after I was allowed to do them.” 
After cutting 17 inches off her hair, Siribandan hopes to influence younger girls at her church to not let others’ opinions hold them back, especially when embracing femininity.

Junior Makes a Cut Above the Rest

Tiffany Wu, Staff Writer | January 6, 2020

Eight-year-old Kaelene Siribandan is at a sleepover with a dozen other little girls. The acrid smell of cheap nail polish hangs in the air, stolen from a mother’s cabinet, and various palettes boasting...

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