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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

How to Valentine’s: Macarons

Jaein Kim, Staff Writer | February 14, 2020

This year, instead of simply purchasing pre-made Valentine’s Day treats from the store, whip up these French macarons yourself to show a little extra love and affection for those who make your life sweeter. Ingredients: For...

After six years of passionate practice, sophomore Renee Wang can perform a variety of advanced tricks, such as vertical axis, one-handed whips and double yo-yo.

Sophomore Chinese Yo-yo Performer Shares her Talent

Bia Shok and Nicholas Hung | February 14, 2020

With a deft flick of her wrist, sophomore Renee Wang skillfully launches her Chinese yo-yo high into the morning sky. In the blink of an eye, the diabolo almost impossibly catches on the thin string...

Senior Julia Lee says she enjoys computer graphics more than fine arts due to how digital platforms are easier to edit errors compared to other mediums. Although Lee was first concerned that she was not familiar with digital platforms, she was able to catch on quickly through many hours of additional practice at home.

Senior Artist Designs Artwork for Album Cover

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | February 14, 2020

The delicately-skilled hands of senior Julia Lee saturate the empty computer screen with soft and natural colors that balance perfectly. With just time and patience, Lee creates beautiful portraits, sceneries...

A student displays three Novos (e-cigarettes) which they have come to carry with them almost everywhere they go.

Taking a look at the Nicotine “Buzz” Through Students’ Eyes

Ariana Wu, Staff Writer | February 13, 2020

In recent years, news of the vaping epidemic among teenagers has plastered headlines across platforms. Despite the seemingly endless articles about the unknown dangers of e-cigarettes, The National Institute...

With the current music rating system, songs like Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks,” which express the ambition to start a school shooting, are in the same category as childrens’ songs like “Baby Shark.” As a result of this lyrical neglect, thousands of songs with vastly different messages and levels of intensity are grouped together under the blanket terms of either “explicit” or “non-explicit.”

Music Should be Rated by Lyrics, not Language

Akshay Raj and Manan Mendiratta | February 13, 2020

Eminem’s recent album, “Music to be Murdered By,” has sparked controversy around age-restricted content. In his track “Darkness,” he portrays the Manchester Arena bombing from the perspective...

Junior Kayla Nguyen presents her ceramics creation of “Balloony,” inspired by the television show “Phineas and Ferb,” at Fine Arts Week.

Ceramics Course Provides Students with Therapeutic Break

Ariana Wu, Staff Writer | February 13, 2020

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the other buildings on campus that are often brimming with test anxiety, stressful projects and homework assignments, the relaxing atmosphere of the ceramics classroom...

Ethan and Carissa Qureshi competed at a USA Wrestling Tournament at Laguna Hills High on Oct. 5, 2019. The sibling duo, who had been training frequently after school, both placed first in their respective divisions.

Sibling Pair Competes and Connects through Wrestling

Charlotte Cao, Social Media & Marketing Team | February 12, 2020

In most sports, players form close bonds with each other, turning into a family over a season of grueling practices and intense competitions.  The Qureshis are different; their relationship as siblings...

As guests get ready to board the ride, an army of Stormtroopers are there  guarded by cast members dressed as soldiers for the First Order to contribute to the theming of the ride.

Take a First Look at the First Order with Disneyland’s New Attraction

Ava Caleca and Helena Hu | February 10, 2020

Thousands of Disney fanatics lined up outside the opening gates of Disneyland as early as midnight on Jan. 17 for the new addition to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, according to the OC Register. Star...

Senior Jessalyn Nguyen, sophomore Hailey Kim and junior Elisa Tan link arms in a stunt at the regional competition. Each cheerleader receives specialized training specific to their role in the routine, and all must work together closely to make the performance possible.

Cheer Brings Home Second at Regional Competition

Lauren Hsu, Staff Writer | February 7, 2020

Applause fills the gymnasium as the cheerleaders rush onto the mats, setting down their pom poms and posters and taking the starting positions in their routine.  Competitive cheer placed second...

Senior Saif Habibeh steals the ball back from University High, searching to make a pass to an open teammate. Saif Habibeh scored a total of four points for the Bulldogs.

Boys’ Basketball Emerges as Pacific Coast League Champions with 9-1 Record

Ava Caleca and Kelthie Truong | February 7, 2020

Updated Feb. 7: Boys' basketball (9-1) clinched the PCL Champion title in its 70-51 victory against Irvine High on Feb. 6. The team continued its winning streak over its final three games, ending the season...

Juniors Eric Hao and Rachel Abalos and senior Joseph Kim didn’t realize they had ten minutes to perform their two minute song. An hour before it started, they decided to sing a mashup of "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder and “Can't Take My Eyes off of You" by Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons, which they had talked about the day before.

Student Artists Take on Youth Action Team’s 14th Annual Akustikoff

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media Team | February 6, 2020

Students from all IUSD high schools attended and performed at the 14th annual Akustikoff at the Heritage Park Community Center on Jan. 31. Akustikoff is a student-run set of musical performances that high...

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