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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

The rise in the coquette aesthetic has forced femininity to be characterized by dependent and delicate ideals, contrasting a society moving towards female empowerment. Though coquetry can bond girls and women, it is important to move away from such trends that constitute retrogression.

The Shadows Behind the Frills and Pink Bows of the Trending Coquette Aesthetic

Kayleen Kim and Ruhi Samudra | April 25, 2024

From stringing baby pink ribbons through the hair to wearing cottage-core style lace with sweet florals, romanticizing the coquette persona has seen a resurgence in pop culture and social trends. The aesthetic,...

Junior Bronson Pearson passes the baton to senior Rider Cooper, who acts as the anchor during the 4x100 relay at the Portola vs. Laguna Hills dual meet on April 9, allowing him to sprint to the finish and secure the win for the Bulldogs. “All my teammates have been super supportive by pushing me in practice and racing me,” Cooper said.

Senior Rider Cooper Shatters Records and Rises to the Top

Aditi Salunkhe and Sonia Wang | April 24, 2024

Senior Rider Cooper sprints down the track and passes his competitors to win the 100-meter race. As he crosses the finish line, knowing he gave it his all, the timer reads 10.39 seconds, a new school record. Since...

Many contemporary historical films have sparked controversy over how much creative license is too much and in what ways producers can balance both accuracy and art, such as in the film “Napoleon.” “I am a present proponent of creativity and being able to show things in a different way,” history teacher Heidi Martasian said. “But I think I like when the film says something at the start like ‘Hey, this is based on something, but it's not going to be fully accurate.’”

The ‘Reel’ Truth: Filmmakers Should Strive for Historical Accuracy in Cinema

Catherine Li and Ruhi Samudra | April 22, 2024

In “Napoleon,” a film exploring the life of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in theaters since Nov. 22, director Sir Ridley Scott faced numerous criticism from the cinephile community for his inclusion...

Junior Abbey Reichard throws a 4 kilogram ball into the air during the meet. Reichard’s team was very proud of her, according to teammate and junior Chrisma Agbor. “We were really excited, and we all ran up to her,” Agbor said.

Junior Abbey Reichard Breaks Shot Put School Record During PCL Double Dual

Olivia Ganes, Staff Writer | April 19, 2024

While preparing to throw a 4 kilogram ball straight into the air during the PCL Double Dual meet at Portola High on March 12, junior Abbey Reichard is skilled and confident in her ability to throw. As...

The new temporary Great Park music venue Great Park Live will open this July and feature picnic seating near the stage, according to Great Park Board Director and City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, Ph.D. “It's going to take several years for the permanent amphitheater to be finished,” said Treseder. “We heard from a lot of residents that didn't want to go so long without live music, so we're putting up the temporary one to fill that gap.”

City of Irvine Plans to Open New Temporary Music Venue for Summer Festivities

Camille Clement and Madeline Chung | April 18, 2024

After the closure of the FivePoint Amphitheatre, the City of Irvine is developing a new temporary music venue called Great Park Live to open this summer. The venue will be smaller than the previous amphitheater...

Juniors Jimin Han, Ruhi Samudra, Hailey Van, Viola Xie and Shriya Ravipadi pose between Morgan Hall and Li Ka Shing at the University of California, Berkeley, after presenting their biomedical solution presentation to a group of judges.

BMES Attends Annual BioEngineering Competition in Medical Research

Hannah Ko, Assistant Opinion Editor | April 17, 2024

Three teams from the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) participated in the BioEngineering State High School Competition (BioEHSC) and traveled to University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) on...

After a long day, these comforting animated films that bring the adventures of four-legged protagonists to the silver screen are the perfect way to unwind. Although not ranked within this review, other notable animated dog movies include “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989) and “Oliver & Company” (1988).

Having a ‘Ruff’ Day? Here are Five Animated Dog Movies to Watch

Mia Jong and Sonia Wang | April 16, 2024

A dog is a man's best friend, so it is no surprise that there have been a plethora of movies paying tribute to their wagging tails and floppy ears.  From Disney to Illumination, animated dog movies...

Students themselves benefit most by actively participating in the exercises within their PE class. “Coaches or PE teachers get disappointed because it's like, ‘I'm not upset that you're not doing what I asked you to do. I'm upset that you're going to continue to be like this,’” PE teacher and Athletic Director Peter Abe said. “And that's only going to hurt you long term, which will lead to things that they can't even fathom in terms of illness and disease.”

Yes, PE Classes Are Worth Your Effort

Mary Lee, Staff Writer | April 12, 2024

Feet reluctantly shuffle towards the school track as students sigh. These students know that today’s PE class agenda includes an assigned mile followed by a written reflection, and they are not much...

Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”

Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair

Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024

Many students and teachers have found a multitude of avenues for self-expression due to the recent cultivation of numerous makeup and fashion trends from social media. However, some Bulldogs utilize another...

As a well-rounded student-athlete, senior Rocky Palacio balances a busy academic life and athletic schedule, taking on challenging STEM classes and long football practices. He said that he tries to stay focused on his goals and avoid giving in to distractions. “My academics have always been a strong focal point of my parents for me, but also personally, I value them a lot,” Palacio said. “Especially if you're good at academics and you pursue athletics, then it could take you to a lot of places. Working hard in the classroom also translates into other areas of your life and just opens a lot more opportunities.”

Senior Rocky Palacio Displays Achievements in Both Academics and Athletics with the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | April 12, 2024

Countless hours spent inside the classroom studying and outside practicing on the football field come with challenges, but for senior Rocky Palacio, they also come with rewards: the National Football...

A ban on the sale of fur clothing is the most straightforward way to discourage animal cruelty. “Fashion brands that use real fur have no regard for animal welfare,” Biology Club member and sophomore Grace Li said. “That’s why more and more public attention is being directed towards fur alternatives.”

Faux Fur, Real Ethics: Why It Is Time for the United States to Ban Fur

Claire Liu, Staff Writer | April 10, 2024

Once an avid and controversial fan of fur coats, boots, handbags and bikinis, Kim Kardashian West announced in 2019 that she was giving up fur and remaking all her natural fur coats with synthetics —...

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