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
Alice Ahn

Alice Ahn, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Alice Ahn is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for her second year on the Portola Pilot. Apart from proofreading her writing an unhealthy number of times, Alice frequents novels with entrancing titles but mediocre plots. She wants to make the most out of not only this school year but also her Spotify Premium subscription and would love to listen to her favorite songs with you.

All content by Alice Ahn
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic exploration of wealth, illusion and the American Dream.

Gatsby’s Centennial: Fitzgerald’s Modern American Epic Endures

Alice Ahn and Catherine Li | May 2, 2025
A student places their phone in the designated classroom chart. With California schools cracking down on phone use, tools like these help minimize distractions and promote a more respectful, focused learning environment.

Hands Off Your Phones: Redefining Classroom Culture at Portola High

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | May 2, 2025
Senior Abbey Reichard drives a vintage Ford pickup truck, Betty, named after a family favorite song, “Black Betty” by Ram Jam. Sourcing an old truck was challenging, but Reichard and her family remained determined; they flew to Arizona last summer to test-drive Betty, made the purchase, then drove her back to California. “You think it’d be easier because nobody wants old trucks,” Reichard said. “But we were searching from March all the way to June. Luckily, one of my mom’s friend’s husbands actually sells old cars, so we were able to find this one.”

‘Driven’ by Expression: How Cars Become Students’ Personal Spaces

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | April 9, 2025
Students often feel unheard in their school environment, but by taking the Panorama Survey seriously, they can make their voices count and drive meaningful change on campus.

Make Your Mark: Why the Panorama Survey Deserves Student Attention

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | March 17, 2025
Though Galentine’s Day isn’t a holiday senior Renee Tan usually celebrates, she and her friends decked out in everything girly for an aesthetic Galentine’s party this year. “We baked heart shaped pizzas, baked some cookies and goods too,” Tan said. “Other people brought sugar cookies and cupcakes.”

[Photo] Gals Over Pals: Bulldogs Celebrate Galentine’s Day

Dania Yamani, Staff Writer | February 28, 2025
Sophomore Karly Chokry prefers Samsung’s flexibility, from its high-quality zoom feature to the ability to mix and match accessories, making it the perfect fit for her lifestyle.

‘Zooming’ Into the Features That Keep Select Bulldogs Loyal to Non-Apple Devices

Alice Ahn, A&E Editor | February 26, 2025
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
Goalie and senior Giselle Lu leaps up in the water and attempts to block a shot made by Long Beach Polytechnic High. Similarly, utility player Serena Wang managed to make several crucial saves. “We didn’t have as many members of defense as their offense, but we were able to stop the goals and shut them down because we helped each other by basically crashing onto the person with the ball and taking the ball,” Wang said.

Girls’ Water Polo Persists Through Teamwork Despite Tough Loss

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | December 13, 2024
Dance director Samantha Gardner, math teacher Melanie Clarke and social studies teacher James Ferrel celebrate Thanksgiving by creating heartwarming fall traditions with their families every year. In the midst of the holiday season, teachers highlight the importance of gratitude, connection and celebration.

‘Stuffed’ With Gratitude: How Three Teachers Celebrated Fall Break

Alice Ahn and Annie Xiao | December 4, 2024
Freshman Daniil Babenko and his dance partner Reagan To glide across the stage at the Empire Open Dance Festival, one of the many competitions they have participated in together. “A competition that stands out to me is when we went to China to represent Team USA,” To said. “It was such an incredible experience because it was one of our first times competing internationally.”

From Studio Lights to Olympic Heights: Freshman Daniil Babenko Takes Steps Toward Stardom

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | November 14, 2024
Campus Control Assistant George Mares works as a bartender at Wild Rivers on weekends and at Portola High on weekdays. “I enjoy both jobs completely,” Mares said. “It’s just always fun. Both jobs are perfect.”

‘Shaking’ It Up: Campus Control Assistant George Mares Makes Refreshments at Wild Rivers

Alice Ahn and Kailyn Clark | October 1, 2024
Assistant Principal Brandon Emery discusses how the new school year is progressing with sophomore Tiran Ng and freshman Arshdeep Makar, an integral task that ensures smooth and productive days for the rapidly growing student population. “I think Portola is definitely striving to find its identity in the district,” Emery said. “Being the most populated school on campus in the district, it's emerging as a forefront — like a school that’s testing new ideas and serving as a model for new schools in the district,” Emery said.

New Assistant Principals Steven Chai and Brandon Emery Brew Up a New Campus Culture

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | September 23, 2024
NAMI Co-Presidents and juniors Such Yang and Chloe Shin work diligently on the 600s staircase to finalize their plans for the first NAMI club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 6.

NAMI Club: The Newest Wellness Haven on Campus

Alice Ahn and Sophia Kim | September 20, 2024
Global Badminton Academy athlete and freshman Josh Xu lunges down to attack the shuttlecock at a tournament in Frisco, Texas on Jan 16. “I always want to do good in my tournaments and avoid falling down,” Xu said. “It’s really easy for a badminton player to fall down at some point. Sometimes when I lose, I become a little depressed, but I still try to be positive and go train.”

Freshman Josh Xu’s Badminton Journey is a ‘Smashing’ Success

Aditi Salunkhe and Alice Ahn | June 5, 2024
Senior Yunxin Tao and sophomore Aditya Nair manufacture t-shirts for Portola Printing, Portola High's first ever business. “Sometimes after school, we have a little party with about five to 10 students, heat pressing and folding and quality checking,” business teacher Katherine Dillon. “The next day, we count the orders and make sure we have all the right sizes, all the right numbers [to] make sure they're all good and then we just go deliver it to the classrooms.”

‘Pressing’ On: Portola Printing Makes Progress In Business Goals

Marianne Chan and Alice Ahn | May 6, 2024
Sophomore Avnit Kaur works to strengthen her case with her speech and debate teammates. “The thing I love about the Lincoln-Douglas style is that we have to debate on both the affirmative side and the negation side of the resolution,” Kaur said. “It really helps you think on both sides rather than being fixated on one idea.”

From Prep to Podium: Sophomore Avnit Kaur Lands a Spot at the State Debate Tournament

Alice Ahn and Maitri Allani | March 26, 2024
Chameleon (Viola Davis) is the newest villain in “Kung Fu Panda 4.” When Po learns that Chameleon has orchestrated Tai Lung’s resurgence, he commits to a journey to stop the shape-shifting sorceress’s devious scheme to steal the chi of various Kung Fu masters from the Spirit Realm and expand her power.

‘Cooking’ Up Character Growth: ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Embraces Familiarity in Cinema’s Ever-Changing Landscape

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | March 25, 2024
Sophomore Wonny Jang raises his shinai and strikes his opponent with precision. “My favorite part about kendo is the friendships I’ve been able to make,” Jang said. “I’ve met so many great people doing this activity and they’re definitely one of the top reasons why I keep going back to practices even when I don’t feel motivated.”

Wonny Jang ‘Strikes’ to the Top Through Kendo

Alice Ahn and Maitri Allani | March 5, 2024
Team captain and senior Deyanna Hashemi playfully attempts to steal the ball from utility player and sophomore Isabella ‘Bella’ Detloff. “It helps you, knowing what that person is gonna do and being able to trust them,” Hashemi said. “If I pass to Bella, I know she's not going to lose the ball. She's gonna make a good pass or shoot it.”

‘Diving’ into Friendship: How These Girls’ Water Polo Passing Partners Bond In and Out of the Water

Alice Ahn and Kayley Winata | January 23, 2024
Despite the 2023 SAG-AFTRA writers’ strike, Hollywood did not fail to deliver a sleigh full of enchanting new holiday films, ensuring that the magic of the season lit up screens with warmth.

‘Snow’ Thank You to These New Christmas Movies

Maitri Allani and Alice Ahn | December 20, 2023
Amidst the digital age, mobile planners have become far more prevalent than physical planners; only 21 of 65 students polled on Instagram voted that they use a physical planner.

The ‘Pixel-Perfect’ Planner: Why Digital Planners Outshine Physical Ones

Alice Ahn and Cindy Mei | October 12, 2023
Girls’ tennis co-captain and senior Victoria Sarabosing gets ready to return a serve. She was recruited by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to play Division III Tennis. “Victoria has definitely become more of a leader this year and has led our girls into becoming closer,” girls varsity tennis assistant coach Maithy Do said. “That has led her to becoming a player that stands out, in addition to her commitment and the qualities that she brings to the team.”

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Shows Their ‘Love’ for Girls’ Varsity Tennis Captain and Senior Victoria Sarabosing

Alice Ahn and Maitri Allani | October 10, 2023
Mid-autumn festival volunteer and sophomore Nollie Chen passes out Pocky snacks to festival attendees. “It’s important for these cultural events that bring people together to have food, not just as an incentive to come together but as something to bond over,” Chen said. “For a lot of people, food is culture, and it’s what brings people together.”

Guests ‘Moon’ Over Culture at the Great Park Mid-Autumn Festival

Alice Ahn and Kayley Winata | October 9, 2023
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Alice Ahn