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
Opinion
The gap between sports organizations and their loyal supporter base widens as major ticket distribution systems push everyday fans away in favor of the highest bidders.
Corporate Greed is Pricing Real Fans Out of the Game
Jabez Lee, Staff Writer | May 26, 2026
Shakespeare is still culturally relevant today and is crucial to continue reading beyond within school. “With learning about Shakespeare, it’s always nice to see the history of books that are being released today,” junior Mackenzie Hattar said. “Kind of like where they gain inspiration from. It's always good to understand the origin, and where you can source your inspiration to write from.”
Students should engage with Shakespeare beyond the classroom
Nicole Ferguson and Siri Kolanupaka | May 20, 2026
Even when the world faces deep turmoil, hope provides the unity needed to overcome crisis. “Hope is important because it helps people unite together and work together for things they’re passionate about,” sophomore Tia Nilaver said.
Hope is needed for a better humanity
Leon Tak, Staff Writer | May 20, 2026
Performers appreciate audience encouragement, but being socially aware is crucial, according to Philharmonic Orchestra violinist and sophomore Audrey Lee. “Oftentimes, we’ll be putting people on stage for the next set, and students who are friends of those musicians walking on stage will feel like it's a good idea to shout and yell their name and cheer for that person,” instrumental music director Desmond Stevens said. “It’s wonderful, but it's not kind of the expectation of the art form.”
Instrumental Concerts Should be Respectful, Not Rowdy!
Sophia Kim, Front page Editor | May 13, 2026
In the midst of a generation dictated by the internet and online streaming services, people should go back to analog media to embrace its intimacy and personalization.
Let’s Go Back to Physical Media!
Kayley Winata, Media Director | May 4, 2026
Philosophy is the foundation of all other disciplines. Engaging with philosophy can be both productive and beneficial for students.
Beyond the classroom: students should engage with philosophy
Edward Hoi, Staff Writer | April 22, 2026
Senior Aliana Khan was recommended wired earphones by her friend. “Wow, I can hear the intricacies in the music so much more,” Khan said.
Wired Earphones are Pretty & Practical, Not Performative
Sophia Kim and Nicole Ferguson | April 22, 2026
Students find nutrition and consolation towards their hunger in free meals offered at schools. Yet school lunch is generally known as an unappealing last resort and a topic to mock for students.
Students should appreciate the positive impact of school lunches
Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor | April 22, 2026
With greater flexibility and control over their schedules, self-employment is becoming a more appealing option for high school students.
Students take charge: Self-employment offers students freedom and flexibility
Olivia Ganes | March 2, 2026
Recent waves of partisan censorship have restricted what is taught in universities and higher education. “I think instead of censorship, there should be a chance for students to talk about their opinions on whatever topic it is,” junior Seraphine Chen said. “Having that sort of space to talk about opinions, but still being facilitated and being respectful.”
Against Censorship: A Case for Open Collaboration in Higher Education
Edward Hoi | March 2, 2026
AI Transparency Act (SB 942) builds data transparency, trust and accountability.
The AI Transparency Act (SB 942): Building Trust and Protecting People in the Digital Age
Jinseo Hong, Centerspread Editor | February 26, 2026
Only 32% of Americans pay close attention to national political news, which can negatively impact how Americans vote, according to Gallup.
Students Should Inform Themselves on Politics
Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor | February 25, 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1053, a law banning plastic bags at retail checkouts, on Sep. 22, 2024. The law has been fully in effect since Jan. 1. “I don't think there will be a lot of protest against this,” Animal Environmental Protection Club member and junior Benjamin Kim said. “You can just buy a reusable one, and you can keep it forever. I feel like this is actually beneficial to the community and the people.”
California’s Plastic Bag Ban Is Long Overdue
Dania Yamani and Kelly Yeh | February 24, 2026
A month after the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, the United States has only signaled vaguely on what comes next. The U.S. must promote true democratic transition if it does not want to risk a repeat of past intervention failures.
After the intervention: The United States Should Promote Democratic Transition in Venezuela
Edward Hoi | February 13, 2026
Neighborhoods are most safe when its members are acquainted with each other and are invested in mutual safety, according to Neighborhood Watch.
Respecting Neighbors Creates Happier Communities
Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor | February 11, 2026
The recent rise in popularity of the song “I Run” by Haven raises controversies over the ethics behind AI usage in music production and the meaning of music. “Those lived experiences and those opinions of humans and people that create that art are what creates true meaning and makes art so special,” instrumental music director Matthew Distante said. “[Using AI] takes the soulful part of music and makes it soulless. It kind of subtracts that out and just turns it into notes and rhythms."
Music Producers Should ‘Run’ Away from AI-generated Music
Sruti Allani and Nicole Lu | January 30, 2026
White actors appear in roughly 12 times more roles compared to Asian Actors in top theatrical films, according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Beyond Diversity: Hollywood Should Make Room for More Asian Actors
Leon Tak, Staff Writer | January 28, 2026
Every May, students find themselves bent over computers and practice sheets, studying for the College Board’s AP tests. With a near monopoly on American education, some schools have begun turning to alternative models. “There are some schools that offer alternatives already right now like at Northwood,” math teacher and long-time AP grader Eric Graham said. “For example, the calculus class is not AP, it's through dual credit. My concern with that would be is, if we're looking at me, I like teaching AP because I know what the standard is versus if I'm teaching kind of willy-nilly or whatever I want. I think I'm pretty passionate about my grades reflecting how much a kid knows, and so, AP defines it for us. But I do think even if we did a different model, I would be looking for something that eventually tests the standards of the kids of how much they learn in a particular course.”
The College Board: a “Necessary Evil” That Could Be Less Evil
Claire Liu | January 23, 2026
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The student news site of Portola High School
Opinion