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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

Jeralyn Newton witnesses Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s weekly event where the mammals that have recovered from sickness or injuries are released back into the ocean.

Science Teacher’s Fulfilling Summer Working with Marine Life

Claudia Lin, Staff Writer | September 26, 2019

Many teachers use their summer to relax and take the vacations they have been anxiously waiting throughout the year, but science teacher Jeralyn Newton craved a return to her roots as a zoologist. “I...

Although the causes of the Amazon rainforest fire can be attributed to a combination of factors, the election of Jair Bolsonaro represents a turning point for Brazil’s stance on the environment. In fact, the government continuously downplayed the crisis and even went so far as to deny its existence in a Sept. 11 speech at the Heritage Foundation.

Fighting Fire with Environmental Concern: Brazil’s Responsibility to the Amazon Rainforest

Charlotte Cao, Social Media and Marketing Team | September 26, 2019

When Jair Bolsonaro was elected Brazil’s president in late 2018, his appointment ushered in a new age of relaxed deforestation laws. Over the next few months, Brazillian farmers took advantage, burning...

Portola Singers and Canta Bella perform “The Prayer of the Children” by Kurt Bestor. This coming April, all choir groups are invited to attend the spring break tour in Chicago, Illinois, where they will receive specialized coaching from expert conductors.

Music Department Kicks Off the School Year with Annual Informance

Lauren Hsu, Staff Writer | September 25, 2019

Roaring applause filled the theater as audience members took their seats, and the spotlights flickered on to reveal a sea of polished instruments. The music department hosted its annual Informance Concert...

Junior Mahum Khan and sophomore Lavanya Gupta observe their case packets to try to come up with strategies which will enable them to create strong arguments.

Mock Trial Unravels the Mystery of a Family Murder

Junhee Ryu, Co-Business Manager | September 25, 2019

A brand-new case was delivered to the hands of the mock trial club members on July 12. Throughout the season, they will decide for themselves the outcome of the trial by competing against other schools. The...

Burger King’s Impossible Whopper is a vegetarian spin on the regular Whopper, retaining the same familiar tomatoes, onions, pickles and lettuce while substituting the beef patty with an Impossible Meat vegan one.

Impossible Vegan Meat Goes Beyond Typical Fast-Food

Manan Mendiratta and Akshay Raj | September 25, 2019

The fast-food market has recently embraced a new wave of vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat with open arms. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are pioneers of this trend, producing...

Cappies members sophomore Paris Suttle, junior Raksha Rajeshmohan, senior Nick Sanchez, sophomore Sushmitha Koomar and sophomore Kristen Fong attend “American Mariachi” at South Coast Repertory for their first show as a team. After the show, the group participated in insightful conversations regarding the set, lighting and design of the production.

VAPA Sets Stage for New Cappies Program

Claudia Lin, Staff Writer | September 24, 2019

Established by new drama teacher Samantha Sanford, Portola High’s first Cappies program invites all artists who possess a passion deeply rooted in theater to take their understanding of the performing...

From left to right, counseling interns Jamie Murphy, Diana Gutierezz, and Chloe Pines help orient and support students throughout the tumultuous times of high school.

Chat with New Counseling Interns

Erin Choi and Claudia Lin | September 23, 2019

We met and talked with counseling interns Jamie Murphy, Diana Gutierrez, and Chloe Pines on their roles. As interns, they are mainly tasked with ensuring that students are placed in the right classes,...

After a long day in the classroom, coach Allison Leyva readily heads to three hours of pep squad practice.

Welcoming New Cheer Coach Allison Leyva to the Bulldog Family

Emma Haag, Staff Writer | September 20, 2019

The start of the new school year brings many exciting changes, including a new cheer coach, Allison Leyva, who cheered all four years as a member of the Laguna Hills High pep squad. After graduation, she...

Apple sent out invitations to the event two weeks before via the “By innovation only” image.

Apple Announces New Phones, Watches and Services

William Hsieh, Front Page Editor | September 20, 2019

Apple held an event at the Apple Park campus on Sept. 10 announcing new iPhones, a watch, an iPad and more. There were many improvements, including the arrival of new services. The main announcement...

In order to make consistent AP preparation across the country, College Board has released AP Classroom in addition to updated course guides to better inform students and teachers on the new curriculum-based AP exams. Students enrolled in AP classes will be signing up for the test in the following months using Classroom.

AP Classroom Revamps Students’ Exam Preparation

Priscilla Baek and William Hsieh | September 20, 2019

AP Classroom is a free online tool being implemented in 24 AP classes on campus this year, according to assistant principal Amy Paulsen. This College Board program allows students to access over 15,000...

Pop and Hip Hop Singer Post Malone showcased his top hits at Stavernfestivalen in July 2018. He is expected to perform hit songs from his new 2019 album “Hollywood’s Bleeding” at next year’s festival.

‘I’m Gonna Be’ Addicted to Post Malone’s New Album

Ajinkya Rane and Simrat Singh | September 20, 2019

At the age of 24, Post Malone has arrived as a dominant force within the hip hop industry, combining both his genreless voice with grungy lyrical bars in order to distinguish himself from other artists....

Running back and junior Trevor Yue receives a split pass by senior quarterback and co-captain Brandon Yue on the right wing to bypass Cerritos blockers. The Bulldogs are using a strategy, playing through the thirds, they practiced beforehand.

Bulldogs Continue Winning Streak with Victory against Cerritos High

Priscilla Baek and Ava Caleca | September 19, 2019

Football (3-1) won 46-18 against Cerritos High on the football field last Friday, marking the third consecutive win of the season. The Bulldogs came to win in front of a raucous crowd, as the student attendees...

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