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Portola Pilot
Health assistant Mike Byer organizes student files at the health office. On their fifth day of quarantine, students can take a rapid COVID-19 test. If the results are negative, they may return in-person the next school day; however, if the results are positive, they must stay home the full duration of their 14-day quarantine, according to school nurse James Matejcek.
‘Will IUSD Close Schools? Will Winter Formal be Cancelled?’ – Answering Your COVID-19 Questions
Led by assistant drum major and senior Seira Homma and drum major and senior Bia Shok, the Pride of Portola marching band played pep tunes, such as the school fight song and “Word Up” by Cameo.
Gallery: Winter Pep Rally
Tustin High School juniors and seniors who have prior Model United Nations experience judge the delegates based on the quality of their position paper, debate and overall participation.
Portola’s MUN Club Enters their first MUN Conference after COVID-19
The proposed map for the California Senate district splits Irvine between its northern and southern regions. This redistricting drawing plan is one of the most drastic of the proposed changes to the California Assembly and the federal Senate.
Irvine Faces Redistricting as 2020 Census Data Nears
An FBI spy attended meetings and prayers at the Islamic Center of Irvine to identify potential terrorists, according to ABC News. “I can still confidently walk into a mosque and still confidently pray,” Muslim Student Association co-vice president and senior Abdallah Fares said. “Knowing that in the end we can protect ourselves, whether its through the legal system, whether simply just through our own confidence or our own pride in our religion.”
Orange County Muslim Americans Ask the Supreme Court to Allow Lawsuit Against The FBI
Health assistant Mike Byer organizes student files at the health office. On their fifth day of quarantine, students can take a rapid COVID-19 test. If the results are negative, they may return in-person the next school day; however, if the results are positive, they must stay home the full duration of their 14-day quarantine, according to school nurse James Matejcek.
‘Will IUSD Close Schools? Will Winter Formal be Cancelled?’ – Answering Your COVID-19 Questions
The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, shown here with a syringe, could expand its accessibility to children ages 5-11 if the FDA approves its request for authorization. The vaccine is already available for those 12 and over, and booster shots are available per CDC criteria.
Pfizer Seeks Authorization from FDA for Vaccine Usage on Ages 5 to 11
COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities
COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities
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
The Walgreens in Woodbury Town Center is a vaccination center. Fully vaccinated individuals have looser COVID guidelines to follow, according to the CDC.
CDC Updates Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals
Health assistant Mike Byer organizes student files at the health office. On their fifth day of quarantine, students can take a rapid COVID-19 test. If the results are negative, they may return in-person the next school day; however, if the results are positive, they must stay home the full duration of their 14-day quarantine, according to school nurse James Matejcek.
‘Will IUSD Close Schools? Will Winter Formal be Cancelled?’ – Answering Your COVID-19 Questions
Led by assistant drum major and senior Seira Homma and drum major and senior Bia Shok, the Pride of Portola marching band played pep tunes, such as the school fight song and “Word Up” by Cameo.
Gallery: Winter Pep Rally
Tustin High School juniors and seniors who have prior Model United Nations experience judge the delegates based on the quality of their position paper, debate and overall participation.
Portola’s MUN Club Enters their first MUN Conference after COVID-19
While Allison Jo and Ashley Jo share a close bond, the twins took precautions to ensure their applications were personal to them. “If we were going to ask [each other] questions, they would just be really broad ones,” Ashley Jo said. “I think the only information that we actually shared with each other was financial stuff, because obviously, our financials are going to be the same.”
Senior Twins Named First Questbridge Finalists in School History
Individual awards for the contest include senior Ryne Dunman for first place in Features Writing, senior Michelle Kim for third place in Opinion Writing, senior Clara Ferreira Lopes for second place in Photography, sophomore Tara Vatandoust for second place in Features Writing and sophomore Tyler Kim for third place in News Writing.
Portola Pilot Takes Off at Virtual CSUN Journalism Day Conference
The proposed map for the California Senate district splits Irvine between its northern and southern regions. This redistricting drawing plan is one of the most drastic of the proposed changes to the California Assembly and the federal Senate.
Irvine Faces Redistricting as 2020 Census Data Nears
An FBI spy attended meetings and prayers at the Islamic Center of Irvine to identify potential terrorists, according to ABC News. “I can still confidently walk into a mosque and still confidently pray,” Muslim Student Association co-vice president and senior Abdallah Fares said. “Knowing that in the end we can protect ourselves, whether its through the legal system, whether simply just through our own confidence or our own pride in our religion.”
Orange County Muslim Americans Ask the Supreme Court to Allow Lawsuit Against The FBI
To conclude the Student Advisory Board on Education conference, delegates worked on electing the next student board member, a high school senior who sits on the State Board of Education as its seventh member. Each year, SABE hosts an election process that narrows down 12 semi-finalists to the top six, and after, the SBE reduces it to one, according to Tesoro High senior Stephanie Hu.
Student Advisory Board on Education Conference Develops Policy Proposals for State Board of Education
Green shrubbery has re-emerged onto the landscape of Limestone Canyon Regional Park, although the charred remains of some plants are still visible. “Everything is coming back now, and I can see that theres visibly more growth,” sophomore Justin Yi said after doing environmental volunteer work with the Irvine Korean Parents Association & Volunteer Committee. “You can see Mother Nature letting everything grow back a year after the fire.”
One Year After the Silverado Fire, What Has Changed?
Two men walk around the Great Park, showcasing their traditional Korean attire. Korean traditional clothing for males usually consisted of long robes with wide sleeves and a black hat with two flaps on the side.
20th Irvine Global Village Festival Celebrates a Cultural Explosion After One Year Hiatus
The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, shown here with a syringe, could expand its accessibility to children ages 5-11 if the FDA approves its request for authorization. The vaccine is already available for those 12 and over, and booster shots are available per CDC criteria.
Pfizer Seeks Authorization from FDA for Vaccine Usage on Ages 5 to 11
COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities
COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities
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
The Walgreens in Woodbury Town Center is a vaccination center. Fully vaccinated individuals have looser COVID guidelines to follow, according to the CDC.
CDC Updates Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals
Relatives who lost a family member due to the Coronavirus surge are outside Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospital in New Delhi on April 21, according to the Associated Press. New Delhi has become a major hotspot during the surge.
India’s Healthcare System Collapses as Coronavirus Cases Surge
Marisa Wilkerson stands in front of the U.S. Capitol Building during 2017 when she moved to Washington, D.C. for her internship with an interest group during college.
Social Studies Teacher Turns Political Advocacy to Teaching Political Literacy
Actress Elaine Stritch, Stephen Sondheim, and actress Jane Russell converse on the set of Sondheim’s musical “Company” in 1971. The show proved to be a success for the composer, winning four Tony Awards that year, including the award for Best Musical.
Authentically Human: The Legacy of Stephen Sondheim
Sophomore Tabatha Perdomo, junior Mia Linville and senior Nicole Phillip use a seam ripper to dismantle a pair of old jeans for their patches.
In with the Old, Out with the New
Senior Thivinya Kobbekaduwa holds up a Sri Lankan flag. Kobbekaduwa was born in Sri Lanka and was inspired to give back to her home city of Kobbekaduwa after hearing news of underfunded schools in Sri Lanka from her aunt.
Thivinya Kobbekaduwa Helps Underprivileged Sri Lankans Skim Through a New Chapter of Education
Seniors Cecilia Mou, Shaun Baek and Rachel Shim pose for their photo during snack. Mou decided to dress up as Lofi Girl, the profile picture of a YouTube channel that streams lo-fi playlists. Baek dressed as the well-known and beloved Disney character Winnie the Pooh. Shim wore a monochromatic look, pairing a white outfit to match her bunny ears.
Looking Back on the Creepy and Cute Halloween Costumes on Campus
Symphonic Orchestra unites with Portola Singers on stage to perform George Frideric Handel’s “Sinfonia” and “For Unto Us A Child Is Born.” “[Choir] had invited us to play at their concert last week, and so this is sort of a reciprocal thing where they’re going to come and sing with us at our concert,” instrumental music teacher Desmond Stevens said.
Annual Winter Instrumental Concert Sweetens Holiday Cheer
Portobellas choir performs an a cappella rendition of “Carol of the Bells” by Pentatonix. An a cappella performance is a special type of polyphonic singing that does not involve any musical accompaniment.
Choir Students Upraise the ‘Spirit of the Season’ in Annual Winter Vocal Concert
Various students across all dance classes performed “Don’t Call Me Back” to the song “These Boys Ain’t It” by Saygrace, which included themes of female empowerment.
Annual Winter Dance Concert ‘Breaking the Ice’ Leaves Audiences in Shivers
Following the performances, C.O.D.E. guitarist and senior Desmond Wong accepts the Best Set award for his group from instrumental music teacher Kyle Traska. Engineering teacher Anthony Pham designed and created the trophies, according to Traska.
Striking a Chord: Battle of Rock Bands Nails Audience Engagement
Sophomore Jack Kendig sings “Sleigh Ride” composed by Leroy Anderson in preparations for the winter concert. The Treblemakers chose to keep their music a secret while preparing for the concert.
First All-Male Choir Stands up to Any Treble
With the return of many Sony franchise villains such as Green Goblin, Electro and Dr. Otto Octavius, it was difficult to understand the role that many of them played. Only a select few played a major position, while others such as the Lizard were present for the sole purpose of fan service. Condensing the movie to a select villain with a strong motive would be a better decision for the overall plot.
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is a Tangled Web of Nostalgia
Taylor Swift Finally Gets to ‘Begin Again’ in ‘Red’ Re-Recording
Taylor Swift Finally Gets to ‘Begin Again’ in ‘Red’ Re-Recording
Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films
Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films
Daniel Craig appears as James Bond in a London scene from the film “No Time to Die.” Craig has been critically acclaimed for his acting while playing the character over a span of 15 years.
‘No Time to Die’ Review: Daniel Craig Proves He’s Still the Best Bond in Final Film
“Dear Evan Hansen” released in movie theaters on Sept. 24, starring Ben Platt as the titular character. While the film was written by Steven Lenson who wrote the narrative of the original Broadway show and directed by Stephen Chbosky, a director well known for previous works on adolescent mental health, the film received mixed response from audiences.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Translates Poorly to Big-Screen
Creating a more LGBTQ+ inclusive environment can be as simple as using someone’s preferred pronouns, avoiding the use of derogatory language or refraining from referring to someone by their deadname. “You could educate yourself. It doesnt have to be full-on like research, but just being aware,” a sophomore who would like to remain anonymous said.
Homophobia Is Not Making Anyone Less Gay
Larger papers overshadow local ones and, in response, many local papers end up disappearing or becoming what is known as “ghost newspapers:” publications whose staff is so small that it becomes nearly impossible to publish articles regularly.
Breaking News: Read your Local Newspaper
Youth are often not held completely responsible for their crimes, especially first degree felonies like homicide and sexual offenses. The number of juveniles receiving a life sentence without parole dropped 6% even though the number of serious youth crimes increased by 13% within the past five years, according to New York Times.
Setting a Standard: Trying Juveniles for First-Degree Assaults
Moderate Democrats have feuded with Progressives over the size and provisions of Biden’s Build Back Better plan. Even if some provisions are removed, the bill will still be beneficial and necessary to tackle climate change.
Despite Opposition, Biden’s Newly-Passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Includes Important Measures For Climate Change
California’s state-wide free meal program must expand across the nation to ensure equal academic opportunity.
Extend Free School Meals Across the Nation
An Open Letter to the Portola High Community: Redefining Irvine Student Culture
An Open Letter to the Portola High Community: Redefining Irvine Student Culture
Activism is a marathon; make sure to watch your step.
Staff Editorial: Putting Action into Student Activism
While many may see online school as a way to do minimal work, students and teachers must work in tandem to manage Emergency Distance Learning.
Staff Editorial: Students Cannot Afford to Slack Off
Staff Editorial: Student Tracking Takes Steps Backward in Progressive Education
Staff Editorial: Student Tracking Takes Steps Backward in Progressive Education
Academic dishonesty often occurs in a cyclic pattern when there is no firm cheating policy in place. With 57% of teachers at IUSD agreeing that cheating is a problem at their schools, a stronger stance from the district is necessary.
Promoting Academic Integrity Through Student Efforts
Defender and sophomore Kyle Hwang attempts to fend off opposing players from the ball in order to look for a scoring opportunity in the second half. Hwang’s role as defender makes him responsible for preventing the opponents from scoring.
Boys’ Soccer Shoots for the Stars Against Orange High
Running back and linebacker and senior Nova Kebelli tries to loosen the grasp of the opposing teammate as he tries to be in an open position to receive plays. Coming back to a more typical season after an unconventional year, head football coach Peter Abe gave advice for future seasons. “You should come out here and enjoy all the benefits high school athletics can provide for you,” Abe said. “And because of that and great high school programs, you are also going to become a better person in the process. So live it up, enjoy all of that. Your only job is to be a good person, be a good student and have a whole lot of fun while youre still a minor.”
CIF Football Game Results in Bulldog Loss After Strong 7-3 Season Standing
The Bulldogs (7-5) played their final football game of the season against Dana Hills High on Oct. 29, losing 28-35. Despite the loss, varsity football will advance to CIF, with the team’s first CIF game to be held in the stadium on Nov. 5, according to defensive coordinator and physical education teacher Desmond Hernandez.
Gallery: Football vs. Dana Hills Oct. 29
Though the game ended with the Patriots winning 1-3 , the team captains noted that effort, not the number of wins, is most important to the girls’ volleyball team. “The only thing that you can control every game and every practice is your effort and willingness to put in work,” Jordan said. “We could be the worst team in league, or the best, but no matter what, if you put in the effort and you play the hardest you can, you’re always going to have a good time.”
Senior Night Serves Up Girls’ Volleyball Graduates
Sophomore Noam Garibi shoots the penalty shot on the goal from the 5- meter line during the second quarter. He scored four points in total throughout the game.
Boys’ Water Polo Turns the Tide at Fifth League Game, Defeating Woodbridge High
Senior Khalil Dhanidina Skates His Way to the Top
Senior Khalil Dhanidina Skates His Way to the Top
Alumna and assistant coach Faith DeNeve says her view of volleyball shifted after becoming a coach. “Becoming a coach has made me more aware of the harder choices like having to choose who plays, how much they play, when you need a timeout versus when you should just let the team push through,” DeNeve said.
Love for Volleyball Leads Alumna Back to Coach
Many felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that be in regards to mental health, physical health or academics. Freshman Zoe Wynn was particularly affected in regards to her golfing game. “When COVID hit, it was kind of challenging for me because I wasnt able to practice, and all I did was hit on this mat at home, and I got really bad at golf,” Wynn said. “I just told myself that if I keep trying, then I will see the progress eventually, and more practice cant hurt. So I just kept doing it.”
Freshman Golfer Zoe Wynn is Ace-ing the Competition
Growing up, social studies teacher and junior varsity girls’ soccer coach Samantha Ezratty has always wanted to teach kindergarten due to her love for kids. After volunteering with them, she said she realized that her love for history was something she wanted to pursue for the rest of her life as she was always involved in her high school’s student government, and it was the first place she learned to write.
Girls’ Soccer Program Scores a Goal with New Coach Samantha Ezratty
Senior Ashley Presnell currently plays attacking positions on the field. Starting as a midfielder her sophomore year, she built her skills over her junior and senior years to be well-suited for the position. “As someone who plays on attack, I wasn’t a high-scoring player in previous years, so for me, my personal battle was taking more shots on goal, and that’s something that I’ve worked towards improving all four years and I finally feel confident about it this year,” Presnell said.
Senior Ashley Presnell Sticks to the Sport She Loves
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?
15. Coat the top of your cake with the cake crumbles. You can also decorate your cake with any leftover whipping cream you might have. Enjoy your sweet potato cake!
A Korean Sweet Potato Cake Recipe to Spice up Your Fall
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?
S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?
S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?
15. Coat the top of your cake with the cake crumbles. You can also decorate your cake with any leftover whipping cream you might have. Enjoy your sweet potato cake!
A Korean Sweet Potato Cake Recipe to Spice up Your Fall
The Bulldogs (7-5) played their final football game of the season against Dana Hills High on Oct. 29, losing 28-35. Despite the loss, varsity football will advance to CIF, with the team’s first CIF game to be held in the stadium on Nov. 5, according to defensive coordinator and physical education teacher Desmond Hernandez.
Gallery: Football vs. Dana Hills Oct. 29
The VAPA department dressed up as social studies teacher Wind Ralston. According to music teacher Desmond Stevens, he attempted to grow a beard similar to Ralston’s for the costume.
Staff Halloween Costume Competition Stirs up Good-Natured Rivalries
Seniors Cecilia Mou, Shaun Baek and Rachel Shim pose for their photo during snack. Mou decided to dress up as Lofi Girl, the profile picture of a YouTube channel that streams lo-fi playlists. Baek dressed as the well-known and beloved Disney character Winnie the Pooh. Shim wore a monochromatic look, pairing a white outfit to match her bunny ears.
Looking Back on the Creepy and Cute Halloween Costumes on Campus
From the MET to Portola: Homecoming’s Best Dressed
From the MET to Portola: Homecoming’s Best Dressed
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
At John Wayne airport, sophomore Klara Parang stands next to the 2001 Challenger 605 after successfully navigating her first solo take-off on the runway.
The Portola Pilots: Sibling Duo Soars The Sky
AP Testing Advice
AP Testing Advice
Pop Performance drummer and sophomore Sky Jaan practices with his band, which consists of guitarists junior Cody Maier and senior Trevor Howden and bass player and senior Jeffrey Wang.
Drum Roll Please for the Only Drummer in Pop Performance, Sky Jaan
How to Cope with Rejection
How to Cope with Rejection
Lopez teaches his Spanish 2 class, circling verbs like ‘camino’ (I walk) and ‘terminamos’ (we finish) and underlining key terms like ‘cansado’ (tired) and ‘las clases’ (classes). ¡Qué interesante!
Meet Portola’s New Profes
How to Get a Work Permit
How to Get a Work Permit
Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month
Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month
Holocaust Survivor Returns to Tell his Story Amid Rising Antisemitism
Holocaust Survivor Returns to Tell his Story Amid Rising Antisemitism
S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?
S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?
S1 Episode 05: Cultural Touchstones: How Do You Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage?
S1 Episode 05: Cultural Touchstones: How Do You Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage?
S1 Episode 04: Musical Milestones: “What Does Music Mean to You?”
Turning to a New Page: What will 2021 Bring?
Turning to a New Page: What will 2021 Bring?
Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?
Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?
December 2021: Volume 6 Issue 4
December 2021: Volume 6 Issue 4
November 2021: Volume 6 Issue 3
November 2021: Volume 6 Issue 3
October 2021: Volume 6 Issue 2
October 2021: Volume 6 Issue 2
September 2021: Volume 6 Issue 1
September 2021: Volume 6 Issue 1
May 2021: Volume 5 Issue 5
May 2021: Volume 5 Issue 5
With the return of many Sony franchise villains such as Green Goblin, Electro and Dr. Otto Octavius, it was difficult to understand the role that many of them played. Only a select few played a major position, while others such as the Lizard were present for the sole purpose of fan service. Condensing the movie to a select villain with a strong motive would be a better decision for the overall plot.
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is a Tangled Web of Nostalgia
Symphonic Orchestra unites with Portola Singers on stage to perform George Frideric Handel’s “Sinfonia” and “For Unto Us A Child Is Born.” “[Choir] had invited us to play at their concert last week, and so this is sort of a reciprocal thing where they’re going to come and sing with us at our concert,” instrumental music teacher Desmond Stevens said.
Annual Winter Instrumental Concert Sweetens Holiday Cheer
Portobellas choir performs an a cappella rendition of “Carol of the Bells” by Pentatonix. An a cappella performance is a special type of polyphonic singing that does not involve any musical accompaniment.
Choir Students Upraise the ‘Spirit of the Season’ in Annual Winter Vocal Concert
Attracting many students to the lunch performance event in the beginning of lunch, ASB president and senior Amitoj Singh sings “thank you, next” by Ariana Grande. He sings while the orchestra, band, and choir members get set up to perform right after.
Fine Arts Lunch Performance ‘Rapped’ up the Semester with Holiday Tunes
Various students across all dance classes performed “Don’t Call Me Back” to the song “These Boys Ain’t It” by Saygrace, which included themes of female empowerment.
Annual Winter Dance Concert ‘Breaking the Ice’ Leaves Audiences in Shivers
Jeanne Jelnick, a retired teacher and beloved member of the Portola High community, reminisces on her time at Portola High while shifting focus to writing and theatre.
Momma J: Where is She Now?
Marisa Wilkerson stands in front of the U.S. Capitol Building during 2017 when she moved to Washington, D.C. for her internship with an interest group during college.
Social Studies Teacher Turns Political Advocacy to Teaching Political Literacy
Actress Elaine Stritch, Stephen Sondheim, and actress Jane Russell converse on the set of Sondheim’s musical “Company” in 1971. The show proved to be a success for the composer, winning four Tony Awards that year, including the award for Best Musical.
Authentically Human: The Legacy of Stephen Sondheim
Freshman Mourya Nunna applies fertilizer to an orange tree while volunteering at Farm and Food Lab on Oct. 6. Farm and Food Lab club members bond and cooperate under the supervision of executive director of Farm and Food Lab at Great Park Nathan Gipple.
The Farm and Food Lab Club Cultivates Passion for Farming
Long-term math substitute teacher Eugene Hung (right) was a featured panelist at the KPCC panel in May 2018 where he discussed the impact of the #MeToo movement on faith communities. In addition to his work as a speaker, Hung has written for various faith-based and secular publications, such as the Huffington Post, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians and Christians for Biblical Equality.
Shattering the Silence
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
Clara Ferreira Lopes

Clara Ferreira Lopes, A&E

Clara Ferreira Lopes is the A&E Editor for her second year on the Portola Pilot. She is excited to work with the Pilot staff and create long lasting memories. Outside of the newsroom you can find her performing on stage with her fellow actors, reading cheesy romance novels, being outside in nature surrounded by her loved ones (including her dog named Princess Leia), and hosting themed movie nights where dressing up is imperative.

All content by Clara Ferreira Lopes
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?

Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?

December 14, 2021
Sophomore Tabatha Perdomo, junior Mia Linville and senior Nicole Phillip use a seam ripper to dismantle a pair of old jeans for their patches.

In with the Old, Out with the New

December 2, 2021
Senior Thivinya Kobbekaduwa holds up a Sri Lankan flag. Kobbekaduwa was born in Sri Lanka and was inspired to give back to her home city of Kobbekaduwa after hearing news of underfunded schools in Sri Lanka from her aunt.

[Photo] Thivinya Kobbekaduwa Helps Underprivileged Sri Lankans Skim Through a New Chapter of Education

November 22, 2021
Freshman Mariana Alvarado-Rivera, junior Gustavo Alvarado-Rivera and their mother Rosana Rivera transform their house into an alien abduction site, using blow-up aliens and skeleton figures. The glow-in-the-dark stickers on the windows and bright lights placed above and near the house illuminate the decorations even during the nighttime.

Check Out these Local Haunts Before They Disappear

October 29, 2021
Thirteen seniors from Portola High were among the 2,100 students who qualified as semifinalists in California by meeting the cutoff score of 221. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors, causing cutoff scores to differ by state. All students who meet the cutoff score for their state automatically qualify as semifinalists, regardless of their score relative to others.

Thirteen Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists During Pandemic PSAT Testing

October 1, 2021
Val Estrada Brings ‘Hope’ to Students and Staff

Val Estrada Brings ‘Hope’ to Students and Staff

September 17, 2021
Senior Samir Behera performs as Mr. Forbes in the play “The Wreck on the 5:25,” the last play of his high school theater career.

[Photo] Senior Samir Behera Takes Theater beyond High School

May 18, 2021
Deciding which college to attend is a large milestone during high school. Although it is not the most common choice, choosing to attend community college can provide various benefits financially and mentally.

The Power of Attending Community College Is Underestimated

May 3, 2021
In order to include a variety of books for the competition, each one was selected based on the genre and writing style. Some prominent titles included Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo and Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Dayton.

[Photo] Students Compete in First Battle of the Books

March 26, 2021
Freshmen Ashley Tabayoyong, Jaime Lin and Elyse Berger gather together before cheer practice on March 24 along with their other upperclassmen teammates. “I really like having a lot of people to hang around with; its really fun at practice,” Lin said.

Meet the Pep Squad’s Only Three Freshmen

March 26, 2021

New Performance Group Brings Fresh Pop and Rock

February 19, 2021
Junior Camryn Chung aims for a shoot in an endurance drill during water polo practice. Players are not yet allowed to pass balls to one another due to COVID-19 precautions but are permitted to pass to coaches.

Getting Ready to Kick Off Fall Season

February 13, 2021
Another contribution to the musical on TikTok was the creation of the “fake playbill based off of key art by Jess Siswick. Creators collaborated, exchanged ideas, and produced the final product using the PLAYBILLder, a feature offered by Playbill.com that allows artists to create their own professional-quality playbills.

‘Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical’ Reinvents Theatre

February 9, 2021
One of Youth Action Team’s first at-home projects was an online summer volunteer camp that allowed YAT members to hear from other non-profits like Big Brother Big Sister and Hearts2Heroes and to assist them with other projects, like making care packages.

Student Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand from Home

January 29, 2021
Six students share what they received from friends and family for the 2020 holiday season. Even with the stress of the pandemic and final exams, these presents added joy and relaxation to the students’ lives.

Christmas Presents Create a Cheerful Ending to 2020

January 14, 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
A Glimpse into Student Futures of the Coronavirus Era

A Glimpse into Student Futures of the Coronavirus Era

December 11, 2020
Senior Sonia Goyal and junior Amy Chen perform their socially-distanced number called Bola Rebola. All of Dance Company performed the same dance for the video pep rally, but in small groups of five to seven people.

Student Performers Show School Spirit for the Holiday Season

November 24, 2020
Many students have yearly Thanksgiving plans and traditions that wont be able to occur because of COVID-19. The introduction of video conferencing programs like Zoom create a new way to be around family without in person gathering aspect.

Celebrating Thanksgiving from a Distance

November 23, 2020
The High School Experience : How Freshmen Can Get Involved in High School Life Online

The High School Experience : How Freshmen Can Get Involved in High School Life Online

November 5, 2020

Quarantine Books: What Have Students Been Reading?

November 3, 2020

[Video] A Thrifting Guide to Finding Halloween Costumes

October 21, 2020
With the new hybrid model, teachers and students are changing their learning habits to adapt to the struggles of distance learning.

Teachers and Students Share Struggles with Learning Models

September 23, 2020
The Top of the World, Laguna Beach, is the traditional spot that most Irvine High schools host their senior sunrise, because of the local shops and breakfast spots nearby, and the breathtaking view of the ocean and sky from high elevation.

Seniors Socially Distance at the Top of the World

September 14, 2020
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Clara Ferreira Lopes