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
Dheeksha Bhima Reddy

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Centerspread Editor

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy is the co-Editor-in-Chief for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. Through her newfound obsession of drinking coffee (cold brew with almond milk and the littlest pump of vanilla), she hopes to use her excessive amount of energy to get to know and encourage the staff members while expanding the reach of the production. On a normal day, you can see Dheeksha cuddling with her dog, listening to K-R&B songs, or sending Cara instagram reels that she probably already saw.

All content by Dheeksha Bhima Reddy
Q&A With the Portola Pilot Seniors

Q&A With the Portola Pilot Seniors

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 25, 2023
Senior Leena Malik and sophomore Hannah Ko compete in the varsity 100-meter hurdles event. Malik finished in second place at 17.05 seconds and Ko finished in sixth place at 17.84 seconds, both qualifying for Pacific Coast League finals.

One Hundred Sixty Track and Field Athletes Qualify for PCL Finals

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 2, 2023
HOSA club president and senior Varsha Raju and competitor and senior Joanna Rhim discuss potential test questions and analyze a case study before the forensic science event in Sacramento. Twenty-two out of the 30 members who competed in the regional competition qualified to participate in the State Leadership Conference and eight members qualified for the international level, according to Raju.

[Photo] HOSA Club Participates in its First Year of In-Person Competitions since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hannah Ko and Stephanie Hwang | March 30, 2023
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has grossed global sales of $331 million with the first day of its release, making it the seventh largest blockbuster movie from Marvel Studios, according to CBS News. Its new and unique heroine brings a fresh aspect to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and represents a great victory in the film-making industry for women.

[Photo] ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ ‘Claws’ Its Way into Viewers’ Hearts

Hannah Ko, Staff Writer | November 22, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-11-18 at 9.32.28 AM

S3 Episode 01: Clowns, Ghouls and Killers: A Reflection on the Horror Genre

S3 Episode 01: Clowns, Ghouls and Killers: A Reflection on the Horror Genre

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Arnav Chandan, Aditi Salunkhe, Arshia Sista, and Parmin Zamani | October 23, 2022
To start off the night of harmonies enlaced with themes of social justice, Canta Bella performed the song “Waiting for the World to Change,” which encapsulated the ways of facing hardships throughout history.

We Are The World: Choir Sings the Past and Present to Call For Social Justice in Fall Vocal Concert

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Michael Sun | October 19, 2022
Biden’s loan forgiveness plan, introduced August 24, provides benefits that will undoubtedly benefit struggling workers. However, the funds required to pay for this action are greatly overlooked — a potential $1 trillion will come from taxpayer’s wallets, according to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Budget Model, a nonpartisan research initiative that analyzes the economic impact of fiscal policy.

[Photo] Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Fails to Meet Even Liberal Criterion

Michael Sun, Staff Writer | September 22, 2022
Korean pop girl group TWICE performs “Scientist” at the Dickies Arena in Texas during the TWICE Fourth World Tour “III” in February. Over the past few years, K-pop has become an international sensation. TWICE is the first K-pop girl group to headline and sell out a U.S. stadium.

We ‘Talk That Talk’ About these Summer K-pop Releases

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | September 7, 2022
The letter-grading system prevents students from escaping the high expectations maintain a high academic standard rather than exploring their identities through adolescence.

It’s Time to Take a ‘Pass’ at a Better Grading System

Arnav Chandan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 23, 2022
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[Photo] S2 Episode 05: Crunch, Munch, Scrunch — A Punch of ASMR

Ryne Dunman, Emma Haag, and Kayla Moshayedi | May 3, 2022
High gas prices in the United States cannot forever be blamed on Russia. President Biden and Congress need to take action to take pressure off the backs of millions of Americans, so that they can worry less about simply refueling their vehicles.

[Photo] Forget Russia – Let’s Lower Gas Prices Ourselves

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | April 26, 2022
“Bridgerton” promotes diversity with the portrayal of the new season to bring inclusion within the cast on screen as it adopts color-blind casting.

[Photo] Color-Blind Casting Fosters Inclusivity in Media Beyond Race

Cara Chan and Arshia Sista | April 22, 2022
Senior Michael Vu finishes up his last touches on Hoshino Ichika, the main character of video game series “Collar X Malice.” Combining the styles of different artists in the AP Studio Art class, the mural showcases not only the diversity of styles in anime art but also the synergistic sense of community within the class.

AP Studio Art United through a Unique Medium: Anime

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | April 18, 2022
S2 Episode 04: Women's Rights: Exploring Feminism during Women’s History Month

S2 Episode 04: Women’s Rights: Exploring Feminism during Women’s History Month

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Claudia Lin, Ryan Jung, Shaina Taebi, and Tara Vatandoust | March 31, 2022
With California’s school mask mandate lifted on March 12, students are now given the freedom to not wear a mask if they choose so. With Omicron variant cases down, Californians should celebrate the fact that the state is moving closer to life before the pandemic.

[Photo] Making Masks a Choice in Schools is a Victory

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | March 28, 2022
Batman has been played by many actors since the 1940s, some of the most famous being Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, George Clooney, Michael Keaton and Robert Pattinson.

The Batman Legacy: Ranking the Top Batman Films

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | March 22, 2022
Senioritis Podcast Graphic

[Photo] S2 Episode 03: Senioritis: An Expert’s Guide on Identification and Prevention

Sidra Asif and Ryan Jung | March 9, 2022
Lion dancers performed traditional lion dancing to Chinese music to help promote their club.

[Photo] Cultures Pin Their Mark at Portola

Arshia Sista, Staff Writer | March 3, 2022
Senior Mehar Gulati is seen helping in a local food drive as a form of seva. Seva refers to the act of selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of the betterment of the community. This is an important practice which many Sikhs, like Gulati.

The Saddening Reality of Sikh Representation

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Sidra Asif | March 3, 2022
Students assemble in a line in front of the mini coffee shop. The coffee shop offered many options such as hot chocolate, and the crowd favorite, Affogato, which one of three people at the dance ordered, according to the barista.

Winter Formal Returns ‘A Night Under the Stars’

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Centerspread Editor | February 16, 2022
Goalie and senior Stella Jung plays a key role through the majority of the first quarter as the Bulldogs primarily stick to a defensive position.

After Unfortunate Loss, Girls’ Water Polo Sets Goals for Next Season

Arnav Chandan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | February 15, 2022
Americans are expected to spend a total of $6.2 billion on jewelry for Valentine’s Day this year, a significant increase from $4.1 billion in 2021, according to the National Retail Foundation.

[Photo] Are You Breaking Bank on Valentine’s Day? That’s Heartbreaking

Cara Chan, Assistant Features Editor | February 14, 2022
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[Photo] It’s Time to Throw Out the Rotten Tomatoes

Tyler Kim and Tara Vatandoust | January 25, 2022
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

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | January 11, 2022
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 doesn't have to be full-on like research, but just being aware,” a sophomore who would like to remain anonymous said.

[Photo] Homophobia Is Not Making Anyone Less Gay

Shaina Taebi and Tara Vatandoust | January 11, 2022
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

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Arnav Chandan | December 6, 2021
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S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Cara Chan, Ryan Jung, and Tara Vatandoust | November 14, 2021
From the MET to Portola: Homecoming’s Best Dressed

From the MET to Portola: Homecoming’s Best Dressed

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | October 29, 2021
On the right, science teacher Michael Tang stands next to two-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, with friend and fellow movie buff Paul Hsu on the left at a premiere for the 2019 film “1917.” Deakins won Oscars for "Blade Runner 2049" and "1917" and is one of Tang's favorite cinematographers.

Profile of a Cinephile: Science Teacher Michael Tang

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | September 30, 2021
Junior Jack Lipson waits for his sixth-period AP Statistics class to begin. In eighth grade, Lipson mastered calculus and is now studying elementary analysis at University of California, Irvine.

The “White Genderqueer Activist… with a Big Ego” from Stanford Online

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Ryan Jung | September 29, 2021
As their high school athletic careers come to a close, senior athletes reflect on what it meant to be a Bulldog and what they look forward to in their next chapter as college athletes.

Senior Athletes Switch Sides: Bulldogs Get Recruited to…

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Celine Lee | June 4, 2021
COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities

COVID-19 Guidelines for Universities

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | May 26, 2021
How to Get a Work Permit

How to Get a Work Permit

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Ryan Jung | May 25, 2021
Junior Aryan Shrivastava breaks his personal record and school record by jumping a height of 5 feet 8 inches, approximately the height of a full grown adult. While the concept of the event is seemingly simple, gaining enough momentum and power to jump high enough backwards while also making sure the entire body is in line is very difficult.

Girls’ and Boys’ Track and Field vs. Irvine May 13

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 19, 2021
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

Celine Lee and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 11, 2021

Tips for SATs and ACTs by Portola High Students

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | May 7, 2021
The new CDC guideline allows more flexibility within a classroom as only three feet of space is required between students. This is a positive sign for the traditional model in the 2021-22 school year as the allowed flexibility will provide space for more students and shows a positive trend in schools returning to regular models, according to IUSD public information officer Annie Brown.

CDC’s Classroom Spacing Criteria Changes

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | April 14, 2021
Whether it is Black Lives Matter or Stop Asian Hate, both minorities are fighting for the same thing: freedom and equality. Rather than pointing the blame at other minorities for racism, Asian Americans and Black Americans need to protest together in order to dismantle systems that suppress them.

Fighting Racism with Racism: An Impossible Battle Against Black and Asian Hate

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | March 22, 2021
Plastic bags can be reused or repurposed as many necessary items, such as a reusable bag. This helps reduce plastic waste in oceans and the environment, while still looking stylish.

Minimizing Waste for Sustainable Living in COVID

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | March 2, 2021
For those on a gluten-free diet, this crispy breaded shrimp from China Moon Restaurant is an excellent choice. With a light, starchy breading over a flavorful mini salad, this shrimp dish is popular for good reason. Although China Moon Restaurant does not offer delivery options, it is well worth the trip for takeout considering the array of gluten-free options and the many precautions they take to avoid gluten contamination.

Quarantine-Style Lunar New Year Calls for Home-Style Restaurant Food

Cara Chan, Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, and Naila Talib | February 19, 2021
Pictured in September 2010, Madeline and her husband Jason Greenwood eat sundubu-jjigae at her favorite restaurant in Wonju, South Korea. Greenwood keeps in touch with some of her Korean co-workers and students she worked with while she was an ESL teacher at a middle school. “I'm Facebook friends with some of the students that were 13 when I taught them,” Greenwood said. “It's almost ten years ago now, and they’re 23, and they graduated college. It’s so fun to see them.”

Teachers who Lived Abroad: Madeline Greenwood’s Journey Travelling, Learning and Teaching in Italy and Korea

Celine Lee and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | February 3, 2021
The deal between HBO Max and Warner Bros. allows movie watchers to enjoy films such as “Wonder Woman 1984,” “Dune” and “The Matrix 4” either in theaters or at home by streaming on HBO Max for one month.

[Photo] HBO Max-Warner Bros. 2021 Deal Surprises Movie Chains

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | January 27, 2021
The model minority myth hurts both Asian Americans and other minorities, which can further perpetuate racism against Asian Americans and racism against underprivileged minority groups, downplaying the chances of other minorities to pursue an acceptable societal status and creating a rigid set of regulations of how an Asian must act in the community.

Model Minority Myth Magnifies Misunderstanding

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | January 7, 2021
During former President Barack Obama’s term in 2016, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused Supreme Court Justice hearings for former President Obama’s nominees. However, he strongly pushed for a new nominee during the final year of President Trump’s term, exposing the hypocrisy of McConnell and the Republican-majority Senate.

Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination Marks a Concerning Departure from Precedent and Principle

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Cara Chan, and Ryan Jung | December 2, 2020
In addition to the typical music production and songwriting, BTS has chosen to take part in the concept development, visual design, set curation, photographs and video direction of this album, according to Rolling Stone, to thoroughly reflect their emotions during unusual times.

BTS Album Shows That ‘Life Goes On’ Despite Pandemic

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | December 2, 2020
A family can celebrate Thanksgiving while still understanding and acknowledging its history. Thanksgiving’s story is important, but the holiday has modernized into a different meaning.

[Photo] We Should Celebrate Thanksgiving Despite its History

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | November 24, 2020
Although there are certainly positive attributes to the electoral college, the cons ultimately outweigh the pros, which explains why 58% of American adults would prefer if the system were abolished, according to the Pew Research Center.

The Electoral College is Ruining America’s Democracy

Charlotte Cao and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | November 19, 2020
Despite the pandemic, freshman Vismaya Sista is still celebrating many traditional aspects of Diwali, such as bursting firecrackers and sparklers. Due to COVID-19 regulations, many families are celebrating themselves instead of with larger groups.

The Pandemic Did Not Dim the Lights on Diwali

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Naila Talib | November 17, 2020

Pumpkin bread

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | October 30, 2020

The Great Zoom Baking Show

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | October 23, 2020
Although traditional Halloween celebrations might not be possible during quarantine, there are still many ways to make Halloween exciting. One way is by dressing up your pet in a unique costume and enjoying the special day with them.

Pet Costumes Brighten Up COVID-Halloween

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | October 22, 2020
Freshman Vismaya Sista uses her long periods of free time in quarantine to look around the world, whether it be in a smaller scale of her backyard or the world within the comfort of her car, and capture the stillness of the world around her. She said she hopes her pictures are a source of inspiration for people looking to get into photography.

Boredom Be Gone with Creative Quarantine Hobbies

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | October 21, 2020
All departments are working on their own equity and social justice based goals to audit their curricula. This is reflected in social studies classrooms through lessons and activities on Black contributions to philosophy, major world events and American culture, according to social studies department chair Jon Resendez.

Teachers Adopt Racially-Diverse Curricula to Support Anti-Racism

Akshay Raj and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | September 28, 2020
COVID-19 Testing Locations in Irvine

COVID-19 Testing Locations in Irvine

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Staff Writer | September 24, 2020
Sports like volleyball, soccer and tennis are resuming practices, but with modifications that fit in line with guidelines by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. These include implementing a minimum of six-feet separation between the players and coaches, as well as mandating face coverings for non-strenuous activities and having sanitary equipment available.

[Photo] Sports Resume Off-Season with Modifications

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | September 14, 2020
Unemployment within the United States stood at 18 percent on April 16, comparable to nearly 25 percent during the Great Depression in the 1930s.

[Photo] A Failed Economy Will Be More Detrimental Than COVID-19 Itself

Ryne Dunman, Contributing Writer | April 20, 2020
Junior Esther Moon explores the topic of material wealth and its value in society using a printmaking piece with gold acrylic paint embellishments.

AP Studio Art Talents Culminate in 15-Piece Portfolios

Kate Hayashi and Dheeksha Bhima-Reddy | March 25, 2020
BTS’s “Map of the Soul: 7” features four versions, all with different colored covers, including shades of pink and white, blue and black, blue and red, and blue and orange. The number “7” symbolizes the seven members of the group as well as the number of years they have been together.

BTS Takes ‘ON’ 2020 With New Meaningful and Sentimental Album

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | March 10, 2020
Red Velvet attended KCON LA on Aug. 2, 2015, a year after its debut. Since the beginning of its career, the group has been on the rise, eventually leading to the success of the new album, “The ReVe Festival: Finale.”

Listeners Would Be ‘Psycho’ to Miss the New Red Velvet Album

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Cara Chan | February 18, 2020
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Dheeksha Bhima Reddy