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
Annie Xiao

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer

Annie Xiao is a staff writer for her first year on the Portola Pilot. When Annie is not worrying about failing EM2 and AP HUG, she can be found in the dance studio pursuing her passion for Chinese Dance or racking up an astonishing screen time on Instagram reels. Annie identifies herself as a huge foodie and loves sipping on the occasional matcha latte while enjoying all sorts of delicious asian cuisines. This year, Annie is really looking forward to making lasting connections within the Pilot community!

All content by Annie Xiao
Over fall break, the members of the City of Irvine High School Youth Action Team hosted the annual YATsgiving event at Heritage Park Community Center on Nov. 30, highlighting the spirit of giving during the holiday season. At the event, 130 students from high schools all across IUSD joined together to enjoy a free pancake breakfast, socialize and participate in hands-on volunteer projects.

Flipping for a Cause: Youth Action Team’s YATsgiving Serves Pancakes and Community Spirit

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | December 6, 2024
Board members of the Better2Thrift club pose for the camera at their first meeting. “We’re going to be donating 60% of our profit to charities and environmental causes,” vice president and junior Farouk Merzougui said. “I think that’s a big part. When you have a club, you really need to put some change in the community.”

Secondhand Style, Winning Impact: Inside the Better2Thrift Club on Campus

Suhana Kaur and Annie Xiao | December 5, 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
Dressed up as babies, the counseling department poses for a picture at their table beside their plates of food, ready to enjoy their chili and sides of cornbread and stuffed potatoes.

Staff Goes ‘Bone-Appetit’ at Annual Chili Cook-off

Annie Xiao and Suhana Kaur | November 12, 2024
Freshman Nikitha Thota rummages through her pencil case in search of her favorite stationery item. Thota’s initial love for stationery was largely influenced by her older sister’s obsession with stationery, Thota said. “She used to always bring a bunch of pens home, then when I a little kid I would just see all this stuff, and I would think it's really cool. It wasn't me really going out and getting [stationery]. It was really just me taking it from her.”

Students Dive Into Stationery: A Look Into Portola High’s Pen Connoisseurs

Annie Xiao and Mary Lee | November 1, 2024
Vocalist of Crocs ‘N’ Socks and junior Suah Yang bundles up in a cardigan and black sunglasses for the cozy “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood. “I’ve loved to sing since I was a little kid,” Yang said. “I’ve been doing choir for a long time, but last year Mr. Traska was like, ‘oh why don’t you do studio music,’ because I love to perform pop songs, and with a band. Performing it gives me joy because expressing my feelings through music is really fun.”

A Showdown for the Ages: Student Bands Rock the Stage

Claire Liu and Annie Xiao | October 15, 2024
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Annie Xiao