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, Assistant Features Editor

Annie Xiao is the Assistant Features Editor for her second year on the Portola Pilot. This year, Annie is looking forward to writing exclusively A&E stories and interviewing people from many ends of the Portola community. Outside of school, Annie can be found in the dance studio pursuing her passion for Chinese Dance, racking up an astonishing screen time on TikTok, and definitely not doing her reading.

All content by Annie Xiao
As college admissions become increasingly competitive, students are pressured to be involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Oftentimes, students will create and join clubs not out of passion, but for the purpose of building their resume.

Club Culture at Portola High Raises Questions About Prestige Over Passion

Annie Xiao, Assistant Features Editor | September 23, 2025
Dance Company captain and senior Zurie Tran dances to “Move to Miami” by Enrique Iglesias. For Tran, performing is just one part of what Dance Company does at school events. “As Dance Company, part of our job is to make sure that we're cheering for everybody,” Tran said. “We make sure other people know how spirited we are, so we can show we have that Portola pride.”

Portola Dance Company Brings the ‘Heat’ to Welcome Back Rally

Annie Xiao and Nicole Ferguson | September 16, 2025
Before his event, senior Brian Nguyen stretches as he prepares to dive into the pool during one of his last meets and opportunities to bond with his swim teammates. “I feel like I've grown more out of the pool, and learning to be a part of a team that really bonds with each other well. And you know, we all hang out. We're good friends,” Nguyen said.

Portola Swim Seniors ‘Splash’ into College

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | May 23, 2025
Freshman Isaac Chhiv hits a powerful forehand during practice. As one of the only two freshmen on the varsity team, Chhiv brings the energy and competitiveness needed to succeed in higher levels, while simultaneously training for consistency in skill during matches, according to head coach Natasha Schottland. “I've really appreciated seeing that growth from Isaac,” Schottland said. “There are a lot of boys who are at his level or higher, and allowing him to have that competitiveness with them is really important for his growth.”

Meet Freshmen Garran McKay and Isaac Chhiv, the Latest Rising Stars of Boys’ Tennis

Annie Xiao and Suhana Kaur | May 13, 2025
Instrumental Music Director Matthew Distante conducts the Wind Orchestra in a rendition of “At the Strongholds of En Gedi” by David Holsinger, an intense and cinematic traditional composition. During the teaching process, Distante said that he emphasizes three key philosophies when it comes to a successful performance: confidence, preparation and focus. “We teach that a lot, and I think that if students are checking all three of those boxes, that's an absolute success of a performance,” Distante said.

“That’s All, Folks!”: Instrumental Music Department Closes the Year with a Cartoon-Inspired Concert

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | May 12, 2025
Varsity swimmer and senior Gavin Nicholson executes a backstroke start into the boys’ 200-yard medley relay. This season, the team aims to focus on boosting their overall spirit through bonding activities, such as beach practices and a bonfire, according to head coach Steven Richards. “We have a really good, strong team spirit on our team, Richards said. “I want to see that continue.”

Swim ‘Dives’ to Victory in First League Meet Against Woodbridge High

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | March 17, 2025
Doubles player and sophomore Aditya Joshi tosses the ball into the air in preparation to serve during the second set. Joshi and his partner, junior Smaran Mallojula, won the set 6-2. “I think overall the team did pretty good,” singles player and sophomore Anthony Nguyen said. “I’m pretty happy with the outcome.”

Match Point: Boys’ Tennis Secures Victory Over San Marcos High

Suhana Kaur and Annie Xiao | March 12, 2025
Senior Ana Girnita and freshman Sonja Rajkovic represent the Eastern European and Balkan Heritage Club during the cultural club fair at lunch. Unlike other cultural clubs, the club covers a vast array of regions, including the Caucuses, Baltic States and central Europe. Members who are close to their Eastern European roots have found a home through the first-year club, inspiring their decision to showcase at Intercultural Week, according to Girnita. “It’s just a great opportunity for students to participate and engage with different cultures,” Girnita said. “The most enriching experiences I’ve had are international programs where I’ve gotten to meet students from all over the world, and I feel like just sharing that part of ourselves allows for a lot of self-expression and also just improves our understanding of the world around us.”

[Photo] Intercultural Week Showcases the Rich Tapestry of Portola High’s Cultural Community

Suhana Kaur, Staff Writer | March 3, 2025
In celebration of Peanuts' 75th Anniversary, Knott's Berry Farm debuts the new musical “Let’s Celebrate!” on the Calico Mine Stage. The daytime show features singers, dancers, and the beloved Peanuts gang characters.

Knotts Berry farm Celebrates the 75th Birthday of Snoopy and the Gang

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | February 28, 2025
Lead guitarist and junior Ethan Williams and rhythm guitarist and senior Eddie Chen rock the stage in a rendition of the Tran-Siberian Orchestra piece “First Snow,” which is conducted by instrumental music director Desmond Stevens. “Being able to have the rock musicians on stage with the orchestra musicians and having the full wind band on with everyone else puts nearly 100 students on stage together,” Stevens said. “Then [having] that element of all the lighting and effects and the students in the control room running that at the same time really builds [a] larger community.”

A Look Behind the Stage at Portola Proms: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience

Annie Xiao, Staff Writer | February 7, 2025
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
Donate to Portola Pilot
$235
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Annie Xiao