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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
Erin Choi

Erin Choi, Co-Managing Editor

All content by Erin Choi
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast

Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast

November 23, 2021
Once the link is clicked, press the “Get Tickets” button to purchase tickets.

How to Purchase CIF Football Tickets Online

November 4, 2021
Lion-Dragon Dancers performed at the Irvine Global Village Festival on Oct. 9. Pictured are the dancers and four lion heads, which can weigh as much as 15 to 20 pounds (depending on the amount of ornaments), according to sophomore Deko Hsiao.

Students Bring History to Life through Dragon and Lion Dancing

November 3, 2021
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

October 18, 2021
“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

October 14, 2021
The Bulldogs perform their end-of-game ritual, celebrating Portola’s 6-0 win streak as victorious cheers erupt from the students.

Bulldogs Leave a Victorious ‘Legacy’ against Beckman High Patriots

September 28, 2021
In adolescence, Michelle Zauner often clashed with her mother over nearly everything: clothes, studies, hair. The only common ground between them was their love for Korean food, ingredients that can be found in H Mart, a Korean-American supermarket chain. “Crying in H Mart” is dedicated to Zauner’s relationship with her mother.

Author Michelle Zauner Cries in H Mart: A Uniquely Korean Remembrance of Her Mother

May 27, 2021
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
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
Machine Learning Club president Lavanya Gupta starts the inter-school competition over Zoom to test students on their knowledge of machine learning, a type of data analysis that predicts decisions based on past patterns.

Machine Learning Club Launches First Club Competition

April 12, 2021
Junior Jay Hernandez assembled a box to store their Dungeons & Dragons supplies as well as smaller, unfinished art projects. Plastered on top of the box is a painting by Hernandez of the symbol of “The Bureau of Balance,” where most of the Balance Arc of the D&D podcast “Adventure Zone” starts. The symbol is adorned with forget-me-not flowers, which reference the main plot point of the podcast: to remember the past, according to Hernandez. “It was also a reminder to me to hold tight to the precious memories I’ve made with my friends,” Hernandez said.

Art through the Eyes of a Dungeon Master: Junior Jay Hernandez

March 8, 2021
American politics revolves around the Democratic and Republican parties; but according to NPR, Americans prefer government between the center. Pushed to choose between two extremes, many do not vote at all.

Americans Don’t Vote, but They Should

February 5, 2021
Alex and Ethan Zhang are in charge of the stock trading sect within the Finance and Stock Trading Club. Activities center around discussion of stock trading and new trends in the market.

Ethan and Alex Zhang Indulge in Stock Trading

February 1, 2021
Playing team-oriented sports while being physically distanced can create some disconnect between team players. “I think the biggest thing would be playing against each other as a team and going to the games and having that adrenaline rush and experiencing the program and playing in a competitive environment, as opposed to just getting better,” junior varsity volleyball player and sophomore Sarika Menon said.

Orange County Moving into Purple Tier and its Impact on Student Athletes

January 20, 2021
Gov. Newsom announced that California residents can now opt in for COVID-19 exposure notifications through the app “CA Notify.” According to Newsom, the app does not track location and is designed to help slow the transmission of COVID-19.

Newsom Issues New Lock-down Order

December 18, 2020
Pandemic Culture Transforms Patterns of Social Interaction

Pandemic Culture Transforms Patterns of Social Interaction

December 3, 2020
Anne Hathaway stars as the evil Grand High Witch. In Zemeckis’ adaptation, witches have bald heads, no toes and three knobbly, bird-like claws on each hand.

Zemeckis’ ‘The Witches’ Could Have Been Great

December 1, 2020
I tend to fill the paper a lot. Instead of just focusing on one main part, I like adding a lot of details and filling up the composition,” senior Grace Hong said.

Senior Grace Hong Sets No Limits for Creativity

November 18, 2020
Every Saturday mornings, sophomore and figure skater Katherine Chang practices at the Great Park ice rink in Orange County. Chang has been skating since she was 5 years old.

Sophomore Katherine Chang Reclaims Passion for Figure Skating

October 26, 2020
California’s dry climate nurtures forest fires. Homes surrounded by dry grass and bush are especially vulnerable to burning down.

California’s 2020 Forest Fire Season Deemed ‘The Worst’

September 18, 2020
Junior Justin Choi studied video essays and free YouTube lessons to learn about cinematography. Currently, he takes Video Production to learn more about camera work and filmmaking. See more on his Instagram account, @justinc.review.

Self-taught Critic Justin Choi Rates Movies, TV Shows and Games

September 14, 2020
From the very beginning, a vivid color palette injects vitality into each of the frames. Even battle scenes (which are conventionally dull and gray) are kept lively with pops of primary red.

Live-Action ‘Mulan’ Disappoints

September 11, 2020
Coach James Welker passes on knowledge of the building industry, which he garnered from his time under a general contractor. The pictures showcase household furniture and structures he has previously built.

Building Industry Technology Academy Teaches Handy Household Skills

May 25, 2020
Why Soap_ (4)

Using Soap

April 16, 2020
Notable individual awards include seniors Simrat Singh for first place in Sports Writing, Farhad Taraporevala for third in Critical Review, Shawyan Rooein for third in Newspaper Layout, Ki Joon Lee for fourth place in Sports Writing, Ajinkya Rane for sixth place in Editorial Writing, Maya Sabbaghian for ninth place in Editorial Writing and Tiffany Wu for seventh place in Feature Writing.

Portola Pilot Secures Super Sweepstakes Award at Orange County Write-Offs

March 12, 2020
8. Top with pre-cooked steak.

Best of Both Ramens: Ram-Don Makes Appearance in Oscar-Winning Film ‘Parasite’

March 11, 2020
According to Pantoja, her surroundings are not obstacles that block her from writing. Instead, she views everything around herself as inspiration. “Whenever I come up with an idea I write it down anywhere. Sometimes it’s on my phone, sometimes it’s on a post it note,” she said. “You Matter to Me” is expected to be finalized and published by the end of Feb. 2020.

A Message from Maria Pantoja to You: ‘You Matter to Me’

February 24, 2020
The late Juice Wrld, along with XXXTentacion, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Frankling and many more was mourned by millinos after his unexpected death. The artists no longer here today are immortalized through their songs.

Rewinding Back to The Top Songs of the 2010s

January 6, 2020
Social Studies teacher Daniel Hunter extends his appreciation for American history by learning about colonial period recipes and trying them out.

Cooking in the 1700s with Daniel Hunter

December 20, 2019
Seniors in Winter Varsity Sports and the Gaps They Leave Behind

Seniors in Winter Varsity Sports and the Gaps They Leave Behind

December 16, 2019
Weekly vendors at the OC Great Park market sell locally-grown fruits and vegetables and exclusive, artisan-made products. The farmers market takes place in the Great Park on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Farmers and Artisans Congregate at the OC Great Park Farmers Market

November 26, 2019
Branching out from his original base of hip-hop, Kanye West has ventured into R&B, synth-pop, electro, soul, baroque pop and, most recently gospel.

Kanye West Decides to “Use This Gospel”: “Jesus is King” Album Review

November 20, 2019
Out of her desire for students to achieve college and career success. Pa Shia Escoto dedicates herself to helping students discover occupational courses.

ROP Career Specialist Prepares Students for Beyond High School

November 4, 2019

Diamond Jamboree’s Hottest

October 4, 2019
From left to right, counseling interns Jamie Murphy, Diana Gutierezz, and Chloe Pines help orient and support students throughout the tumultuous times of high school.

Chat with New Counseling Interns

September 23, 2019
Shifting from Senate to Council

Shifting from Senate to Council

September 18, 2019
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Erin Choi