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
Math teacher Melanie Clarke tapes up coloring sheets on her classroom walls, adding personal touches that make students feel like integral members of her learning community. “It’s a decision that I have to make,” Clarke said. “I ask myself, ‘What do I want my classroom environment to feel like?’ It’s just my personality to want to hear from the students and make sure they’re connecting with each other.”

With Triple the Credentials, Math Teacher Melanie Clarke Builds Triple the Community

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | February 5, 2025

With the seamless shuffle of papers and steady rhythm of a well-rehearsed lesson, experienced hands effortlessly navigate the classroom and guide students with expertise. These hands belong to math teacher...

Picking at a fast pace, “Heroes of the Homeland” pictures a lively dance reminiscent of youth.“Through using martial arts, it symbolizes defeating the evil spirit before entering the New Year,” said Pan. “So, when the New Year comes, it’s only the good things that will come to the people.”

Chinese Dance Company of Southern California Embodies Chinese Culture in Lunar New Year Concert

Jinseo Hong, Staff Writer | February 3, 2025

The Grammy Awards shine bright as artists, producers and industry legends gather to celebrate the year’s best in music. With stunning performances, emotional speeches and shocking wins, the night is sure to be one to remember. Who will take home the coveted Golden Gramophone?

2025 Grammys: Predicting Who Will Dominate Music’s Biggest Night

Claire Liu and Aditi Salunkhe | January 31, 2025

The 67th annual Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, bringing together the biggest names in music for a night of unforgettable performances and major wins. Newcomers Doechii and Chappell...

Anticipation builds as football fans gear up for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 9. With high stakes and star players set to clash on the field, this year's championship promises unforgettable moments.

Super Bowl LIX Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Lombardi?

Aditi Salunkhe, Co-News Editor | January 31, 2025

As the NFL season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Super Bowl LIX, set for Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.  The Philadelphia Eagles secured their spot with a commanding 55-23...

Math teacher Rachel Schneble, Youth Advisory Council member and sophomore Addi Arredondo and parent Sarah Chen discuss Portola High’s assessment process as part of the self-study process used for accreditation. “I'm proud to have my voice heard and be able to speak for other students that want problems addressed and faced,” Arredondo said.

Youth Advisory Council Helps With Accreditation Efforts

Sonia Wang | January 31, 2025

As part of the accreditation process Portola High goes through with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in a six-year cycle, the Principal’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) offers valuable...

Football huddles around head football coach Peter Abe and the coaching staff after the CIF State game on Dec. 19, 2024. Soon after, Abe was named Coach of the Year. “I'm just very thankful for the support that I've had with our administration and teaching staff on campus, to our parents, our support staff, our assistant coaches on campus that not only make it look like it's easy for me but help keep myself grounded and humble,” Abe said.

Football Carries Home Two Awards to End Season

Ruhi Samudra and Stephanie Hwang | January 30, 2025

“Don’t forget the Bulldogs of 2024.” Seven years after starting the varsity program, head football coach Peter Abe had that one message. Football made a historic run this season, ending as CIF...

Freshman Akhilesh Kuppili plays chess using Chess.com, a platform that provides practice through puzzles, matches and videos. “I think playing chess to begin with, not just competitively, is always a skill that can help you in anything,” Kuppili said. “This is always something that will help you with anything, because you’re using your mind on the game.”

Freshman Akhilesh Kuppili ‘Plays’ Chess as a Passion

Mary Lee, Arts & Entertainment Assistant Editor | January 30, 2025

For freshman Akhilesh Kuppili, chess is a passion. With the large number of possibilities and learning curves the sport has to offer, Akhilesh dedicated hours each week to chess after beginning in 2018,...

New Link Crew advisors, Spanish teacher Emily Czaja and math teacher Jessica Torres, stand together as they prepare to guide and support incoming students in the upcoming school year.

New Link Crew Advisors Jessica Torres and Emily Czaja Bring Fresh Leadership and Support to Incoming Students

Olivia Ganes, Assistant Sports Editor | January 29, 2025

The Link Crew program at Portola High has helped freshmen make easy transitions with the help of their peers since its establishment in 2019. This year, math teacher Jessica Torres and Spanish teacher...

Creating tooth necklaces is a largely personal endeavor for Chang, who prefers to wear her jewelry at school. Besides making necklaces, she said she also plans to make earrings.

‘Bite-Sized’ Beauty: Senior Vivian Chang Fashions Teeth Into Jewelry

Marianne Chan, Assistant Features Editor | January 28, 2025

Hoag’s expanded campus will be a blend of relaxing open-air spaces and state-of-the-art amenities, with eleven operating rooms, 155 inpatient beds and 120,000 square feet of ambulatory space, according to Hoag. “I think it’s really important because the community is expanding,” junior Sarrrinah Inamdar said. “[T]he expansion of more surgical units, and especially the cancer institutions, are also very important for the growing population.”

Meeting Community Needs: Hoag Expands Campus in Irvine

Suhana Kaur, Staff Writer | January 24, 2025

Hoag received an additional $50 million donation from the Sun Family Foundation on Jan. 13, bringing their total contribution to the expansion of Hoag’s Irvine campus on Sand Canyon Avenue to $100 million. Hoag...

The Katie Wheeler Library is located in North Irvine and has open access to print and media services, originally being a ranch house owned by James Irvine II. The structure was designated as a historical landmark by OC Park in 2008, according to The Historical Marker Database, and much of the decision to lease the library was due to community advocacy. “I would encourage all the young students to actually voice their concerns, come to city council meetings, reach out, write to us and let us know what your needs are so we can better serve you because the purpose of the City Council is to serve as residents and enhance your life,” said city council member Melinda Liu.

Irvine City Council Votes to Keep the Katie Wheeler Library Open

Mia Jong | January 24, 2025

The Irvine City Council coordinated with the Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL) to lease the Katie Wheeler Library as a city library branch on Jan. 14. The city will operate the library system while...

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29. President Carter served for one term in office and was an active leader in Habitat for Humanity International after his term. “I think one of the biggest positives is what a president can do after they finish their term as president,” American history teacher James Ferrel said. “So one of the things is that sometimes we hear certain presidents just kind of go into obscurity. What I think, though, is that Carter has definitely continued a legacy of giving back to the community and being a servant, a public servant, for the people.”

Jimmy Carter’s Death Inspires A National Mourning Day On Jan. 9

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | January 24, 2025

Former United States President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. Following the death of the nation’s 39th and longest lived president, President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9, the day...

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