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

Within the front row of saxophones, alto saxophonists and sophomores Matthew Varughese and Kevin Du and baritone saxophonist freshman Garrett Lee play soulful blues during rehearsal in time with the rhythm and brass sections.

Marching Band Strikes up Two Jazz Bands for 2019

Nicholas Hung and William Hsieh | January 10, 2019

As marching band season ends after first quarter, this year Pride of Portola marching band students will transition into not one but two jazz ensembles for the 2018-19 school year. While both rehearse...

Students Niki Szekely and Haley Truong created mugs and pinch pot bowls in an array of different sizes, shapes and colors. After completing assigned projects, students are able to utilize their free time and express creativity through sculpting personalized projects.

Moulding Creative Clay Crafts with Ceramics

Junhee Ryu and Tiffany Wu | January 9, 2019

In Room 904, the distinctive scent of clay lingers in the air, providing a tell-tale aroma that encapsulates the Ceramics course offered to all students. With simply clay, water and glaze, dusty hands...

 In the first half, midfielder and sophomore “SK” Kim keeps possession of the ball to pass to midfielder and junior Jonathan Kim. SK Kim uses his body to protect the ball from opposing players. At this level, players must be prepared to play physical and aggressive.

Boys’ Soccer Starts Off Season Strong

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | January 9, 2019

Boys’ soccer (3-3) won 3-2 against Laguna Hills High on Dec. 12 in the stadium. They played a 4-1-4-1 formation, with an emphasis on keeping a strong midfield to defeat the Hawks. “I feel like we...

As the year progresses, the Studio Music class continues to interlock layers of complexity of the vast genre of pop music and build on improving their musicianship. Soon, the class will begin preparing for a performance for IUSD superintendent Terry Walker in January.

Shining a Spotlight on Studio Music’s Student-Led Bands

Annie Qiao and Tiffany Wu | January 9, 2019

The steady pulse of the drum permeates the air, providing a solid background that accompanies the harmonic blend of the acoustic guitar, bass guitar and piano. A melodious voice layers onto these complex...

Students from other high schools attended Irvine Talks, laughing with their friends in front of an Irvine Talks backdrop during the first part of the evening.

Returning to Irvine Talks with New Perspectives

Maya Sabbaghian and Nicholas Hung | January 7, 2019

Eighteen performers shared moving stories on “Perspective” to students from all Irvine Unified School District high schools, who gathered in the Portola theater on Dec. 15 for “Chapter 2” of Irvine...

59.8% of people voted for approving Prop. 7, while 40.2% voted against.

Daylight Saving Might Happen Year-Round

William Hsieh, Director of Photography | January 7, 2019

California Proposition 7, the Permanent Daylight Saving Time Measure, was approved with 59.8% of voters in favor on Nov. 6. Prop. 7 will establish year-round daylight saving time starting in March. Some...

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” reigns supreme as the largest December animated opening so far at $35.4 million in the box office on opening weekend.

First Animated Spider-Man Film Swings into Theaters

Aaron Sha and Ki Joon Lee | December 21, 2018

A Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Feature Film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” hit theaters Dec. 14  amid high expectations from fans of Brooklyn’s masked superhero. Following a typical...

Contrary to the misconception that vape products just have water and flavoring, they still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can greatly alter a teen’s mind as it develops.

FDA Starts Cracking down on Vape Flavoring

Nicholas Hung and Ki Joon Lee | December 21, 2018

Prominent electronic cigarette manufacturer JUUL Labs announced on Nov. 12 that it will remove most of its collection of highly popular e-cigarette flavors from retail stores and close promotional social...

In the pitch-black gym, sophomore Ian Aros waits in the spotlight ready to hit the high notes of the national anthem.

White-Out Pep Rally Snows off Winter Athletes

Jane Zou, Staff Writer | December 21, 2018

In contrast to previous pep rallies, the white-out pep rally that took place on Dec. 14 was almost entirely in the dark. Students’ phone flashlights lit up the pitch-black bleachers while a spotlight...

Sophomore Jackson Cooper performs a sprawl on his opponent in an effort to take him down.

Wrestling Faces Disappointing Defeat against University High

Dylan Vanek, Co-News Editor | December 21, 2018

On Dec. 12 the wrestling team (0-8) lost to University High in a series of challenging matches. Their next match is against Irvine High on Jan. 9 when they will try to bounce back from this loss. “I...

Simon Cabral was an integral member of marching band, playing tambourine since freshman year.

In Loving Memory of Simon Cabral

Julia Kim and Maryam Shama | December 20, 2018

On Dec. 10, a beloved friend and student in the Portola High community, junior Simon Cabral, died due to health complications. Many students and staff have expressed how much they will miss his presence...

Overused and Offensive: Gender Constructs in Ads

Overused and Offensive: Gender Constructs in Ads

Julia Kim, Co-Editor-in-Chief | December 19, 2018

The season of gift-giving has made its presence with eye-catching advertisements adorned with fluorescent colors, deal-breaking discounts and catchy slogans. However, with the commercial frenzy also comes...

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