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
Ava Caleca

Ava Caleca, Media Director

All content by Ava Caleca
600,000 children, ages 12-15, have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine across the nation, according to NBC News. Refer to the City of Irvine Covid-19 Resources for a nearby vaccination center.

Children Ages 12-15 Now Eligible for Vaccination

May 20, 2021
Senior Tyler Huang (2) goes up for a right hand layup after stealing the ball, with senior Nate DiCostanzo (21) trailing from behind to get a rebound if needed. Compared to previous games this season, every player had the opportunity to score. Players from the bench scored 75 of the points, already putting them at an advantage against University High for the entirety of the game.

Boys’ Basketball Defeats the Trojans in Ninth League Game

May 14, 2021
Seniors passions have led them to a variety of colleges and universities — some across the country and others right at home.

Seniors Make Major Decisions for Future Success

May 7, 2021
A quick Google search for “Boba in Irvine” on Google shows that there are 20 shops in Irvine alone. To such entities, the boba shortage poses risk of bankruptcy or unemployment; for many, carrying boba is a factor that pulls customers in.

Boba Shortage Casts Calamity onto Californians

May 5, 2021
A Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth after Yearlong Closure

A Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth after Yearlong Closure

April 30, 2021
Students often share the fears that they will get rejected from their dream school, they will not know what major to choose or they will eventually grow to dislike the university they commit to, according to Challenge Success. These internalized feelings may unconsciously start to appear on the surface when people make hurtful comments.

Party vs. Pretentious: The Dangers of College Perceptions

April 23, 2021
‘Framing Britney Spears’ explores controversial modern-day topics such as conservatorship and misogyny to showcase the downsides associated with stardom.

The Dark Side of Fame: ‘Framing Britney Spears’

April 6, 2021

How to Bake a Minimalist Cake

March 12, 2021
“Chemtrails Over The Country Club” has received over 9 million views on YouTube, surpassing her last single, “Let Me Love You Like a Woman,” which has 3 million views.

Lana Del Rey Shares New Hit Single After Delaying Album Release

February 5, 2021
Harry Styles chose to sing three songs off of his second album. The singer Performed “Fine Line,” “Adore You, “Golden” and “Watermelon Sugar” in front of a vintage airstream van, which contributed to a camping theme.

This Year’s Jingle Ball Had Fans ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’

December 18, 2020
Released on Nov. 27, Cyrus’ seventh album “Plastic Hearts” has climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.

Miley Cyrus’ New Genre-Bending Album Rocks the Music Industry

December 15, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests became prevalent throughout the country around early June, as evidenced by this local protest which took place at the Irvine Civic Center on June 3.

Socially-Distanced Justice Movements Bring Activists Together

November 24, 2020
While the PSAT may appear less essential to college admissions, the NMSQT is an opportunity for students to get a head start in applying for scholarships if they score high enough within a certain percentage of Portola High school.

Portola High Offers PSAT with COVID-19 Safety Protocols

October 14, 2020
Many student athletes play in front of college recruiters in order to establish relationships with them.

Student Athletes Try to Find Solutions For College Recruitments

September 29, 2020
The Fair Food Drive-Thru features classic foods from the Orange County Fair such as fried Oreos and Cathy’s Cookies. Fans of Cathy’s Cookies can visit their Instagram @cathys_cookies to see where the food truck will be for that day.

Fair Food Drive-Thru Safely Serves Up Fan Favorites

September 18, 2020
Traditionally, the alma mater would be performed live by orchestra members, but social distancing measures require that the song only be played via recording.

Behind the Scenes of Creating the Alma Mater

June 2, 2020
Education specialist Desiree Shaffer waves a “Go Bulldogs” sign to incoming cars of students and family members, who show their appreciation even behind windows and masks. From a safe distance, Shaffer stops to check in and chat with the families before sending them down the line of other cheerful staff members.

Caravan for Special Education Creates Smiles From 6 Feet Away

May 28, 2020
Amid the coronavirus concerns, many devoted fans have questioned if the Disney resorts will reopen before 2021.

The Future of Disney: Coronavirus Update

May 7, 2020
Portola High’s class of 2020 will be the first class to plan a senior gift. The executive board for the gift will consult administration as well as local colleges for help in planning once school resumes, according to ASB treasurer and senior Kyle Sugita.

Gifting the Class of 2020 the Opportunity to Be Remembered

March 19, 2020
As guests get ready to board the ride, an army of Stormtroopers are there guarded by cast members dressed as soldiers for the First Order to contribute to the theming of the ride.

Take a First Look at the First Order with Disneyland’s New Attraction

February 10, 2020
Senior Saif Habibeh steals the ball back from University High, searching to make a pass to an open teammate. Saif Habibeh scored a total of four points for the Bulldogs.

Boys’ Basketball Emerges as Pacific Coast League Champions with 9-1 Record

February 7, 2020
According to Rolling Stone, Fine Line has over 52 million streams, including more than 38,000 album sales.

[Photo] Harry Styles’ New Album is ‘Golden’

January 29, 2020
Starting off in 2010, the popular social media platform Tumblr influenced many to dress with the internet fads popular on the site. This laidback youthful style included floral prints, skinny jeans and graphic tees.

Fashion Through the Decade

January 7, 2020
51,000 lights glimmer over Sleeping Beauty’s castle, making the holiday season even more magical for all to enjoy.

Celebrate New Holiday Events and Treats at the Disneyland Resort

December 2, 2019
How Early is Too Early to Celebrate Christmas?

How Early is Too Early to Celebrate Christmas?

November 19, 2019

Don’t Apologize for Getting in the Holiday Spirit Early

November 19, 2019
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

September 19, 2019
Disney Fans Assemble: Changes Underway at Disney Parks and Online

Disney Fans Assemble: Changes Underway at Disney Parks and Online

September 13, 2019
Concert Chorale and Portola Singers performs “Hooked on a Feeling” as the opening piece of the action packed evening filled with numerous productions.

Audience ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ at Pops Concert

June 5, 2019
According to The New York Times, Mena Massoud hadn’t watched the original “Aladdin” cartoon until after he was casted as Aladdin himself. He only knew of the story because it was a well-known Egyptian folktale.

Aladdin Shows Audiences ‘A Whole New World’ with the Remake

May 31, 2019
By focusing on the thoughts and questions of the incoming freshmen class, Link Crew will prepare to welcome the class of 2023 to campus next year.

Link Crew Focuses on Welcoming Incoming Freshmen on Campus

May 22, 2019
Disney Expands Film and Park Properties

Disney Expands Film and Park Properties

May 10, 2019
Sundresses are simple and easy to wear for any special occasion. Urban Outfitters currently has options for $60, while Forever 21 has a large variety for only $12. Sundresses can be worn casually with a pair of Vans or with a pair of heels for a special occasion.

Hop Into Spring with These Fashion Trends

March 26, 2019
After purchasing a pie for $1, students had the opportunity to pie any of their favorite teachers.

Pie-A-Teacher Serves Up Wishes

March 20, 2019
Chinese 3 students perform a vivid, southern-style traditional lion dance to represent prosperity and harbor good luck for the new year.

[Photo] Chinese Class Shines the Moonlight on Lunar New Year

February 14, 2019
Light-washed denim jeans are a classic in winter fashion for their combination of 90s nostalgia and modern style. Denim jeans are found in most clothing stores and can be priced anywhere between $30-$85; Levi’s jeans are fan favorites.

Walking Through a Winter Fashion Land on Campus

January 31, 2019
Concert Orchestra prepared for their performance by practicing weeks in advance to make the production as grand as can be.

Performing Arts Prepares to Jingle All the Way at Winter Concert

December 18, 2018
Only one week after the movie debuted in theaters, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” has a domestic gross of $143,334,185.

Wreck-it-Ralph Breaks Both the Internet and Box Office Records

December 12, 2018
Dressed as a baker accompanied by his fellow gingerbread men creations, this particular performer follows a parade float featuring a 6-foot tall book titled “How to Make the Perfect Gingerbread House.”

Enter a Winter Wonderland with Disney’s Christmas Parade

December 11, 2018
The young dancers learned a routine for their performance in the winter concert on Dec. 7-8.

Junior Bulldogs Dance Their Way Into The Spotlight

November 9, 2018
The new buildings that opened this year added an extra area for students to learn, while also creating more space around campus.

New Portions Opened on Campus

October 22, 2018
The green spell lemonade, and graveyard cupcake were a few of the many Halloween treats we tested.

999 Happy Haunts at Disneyland

October 12, 2018
Sophomore Alene Hata opens up the dance with a leap as Jaylin Moreno stands from her opening pose.

Swaying to the Choreography Showcase

June 6, 2018
Blueprints in the Blue Sky Cellar show guests a variety of new concepts going into the making of Pixar Pier and what guests can expect to find on June 23.

Linger with Luxo on Pixar Pier

June 5, 2018
Post Malones second album has already hit large numbers of sales, perhaps indicating a successful publication of music.

Post Malone May be the Next Big Rockstar: ‘beerbongs & bentleys’ Review

May 14, 2018
Freshmen Abby Hopper, Ariana Wu, Akshay Raj, Faith DeNeve, Jane Kim and Satvik Chennareddy presented their project “Higher Empathy for Youth” to students and panelists in the audience.

Changing the Community with Empathy Exemplars

April 10, 2018
Disneys Food and Wine Festival features a wide variety of delicious dishes among the stands.

How to Dine at the Disney Food Festival

March 29, 2018
Freshman and lead alto saxophone Kevin Du warms up for first period jazz band with the song Bluestart.

Noteworthy Jazz Band Plays With Its Soul

March 29, 2018
As the opening routine for the second day of Fine Arts Week, Dance 2 and Company performed their collaboration piece, including a mashup of Jason Derulo and Jax Jones.

Continuing the Second Day of Fine Arts Week On Pointe with the Dance Department

March 22, 2018
“A”-ty-Nine Percent

“A”-ty-Nine Percent

February 23, 2018
Finger foods such as vegetables and dip are usually found each year on family tables for the Super Bowl.

Making the Super Bowl a Touchdown of Traditions

February 5, 2018
Honey and Butter boast their whimsical creatures throughout the store, only to be enjoyed by their customers.

Confection Perfection: The Sweet Combo of Honey and Butter

January 23, 2018
If you feel that the food is expensive, you can get the AP Sip and Savor Pass for $45 for free eight food items at the food stands.

Hungry For The Holidays At The Happiest Place On Earth

December 21, 2017
The toys will be dropped off under the house trees in the student union.

Giving Back to Others: Toys For Tots

December 19, 2017
McMurray showcases her abilities while throwing the ball during practice.

Protecting the Pedigree: First Female Football Player

December 12, 2017
H2H: Should We Have Houses After Four Years?

H2H: Should We Have Houses After Four Years?

December 4, 2017

Speaker for the House: Why The System Works

December 4, 2017
This is an example of a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.

A Culturally Diverse Thanksgiving

November 22, 2017
Different cultures have slightly different meals for Thanksgiving, however, the traditional aspects of this holiday meal seem to be present at the dinner tables of many who celebrate it.

[Photo]

November 22, 2017
Disney decorates the gates to California Adventure.

Spending Halloween at Disneyland

October 17, 2017
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The student news site of Portola High School
Ava Caleca