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
Kelly Yeh

Kelly Yeh, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Kelly Yeh is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. Outside the newsroom, Kelly can be found perfecting her daily matcha latte, cafe hopping, splurging on concerts, binging TV shows or harassing her dog, Teddy. She is excited to make the most of her senior year and cherish every last moment with Pilot.

All content by Kelly Yeh
The new artificial turf on Portola High’s campus has beautified the campus while serving as extra space for students to gather and connect.

Replacing Natural Grass With Turf Enhances Portola High’s Environment

Sophia Kim and Kelly Yeh | September 18, 2025
Irvine Korean Parent Association member Hyojin Kwon stands by the snack table and hands out Korean snacks and drinks to science teacher Meghan Truax. “They had a ton of food,” Assistant Principal Brandon Emery said. “They had a really good selection like, beef, vegetarian, spicy, which was really nice and considerate to different people's dietary needs. They had videos playing in the background of K-pop. It was really interesting to have that. And it was really well attended. People seemed really happy with it.”

Korean Parent Association Give Teachers a Taste of Appreciation with Cultural Lunch

Kelly Yeh, Assistant News Editor | May 14, 2025
A student places their phone in the designated classroom chart. With California schools cracking down on phone use, tools like these help minimize distractions and promote a more respectful, focused learning environment.

Hands Off Your Phones: Redefining Classroom Culture at Portola High

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | May 2, 2025
Students often feel unheard in their school environment, but by taking the Panorama Survey seriously, they can make their voices count and drive meaningful change on campus.

Make Your Mark: Why the Panorama Survey Deserves Student Attention

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | March 17, 2025
Gardening for Good member and junior Kate Shin and junior and co-president Chloe Shin plant succulents together, marking the creation of the club’s first garden. Through activities like these, the club has formed a close and connected atmosphere. “We really care about creating a really inclusive community where every single person in the club is super connected and really interested in gardening,” Chloe Shin said.

Gardening for Good Cultivates Community at Portola High

Kelly Yeh, Assistant News Editor | March 7, 2025
Goalie and senior Giselle Lu leaps up in the water and attempts to block a shot made by Long Beach Polytechnic High. Similarly, utility player Serena Wang managed to make several crucial saves. “We didn’t have as many members of defense as their offense, but we were able to stop the goals and shut them down because we helped each other by basically crashing onto the person with the ball and taking the ball,” Wang said.

Girls’ Water Polo Persists Through Teamwork Despite Tough Loss

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | December 13, 2024
During her English Language Development class, social studies teacher Taryn Sorrentino walks around the room, assisting students during work time. As an AP instructor, she emphasizes the importance of time management. “The first couple of weeks of school, it comes as a shock to students how much they are required to read and how much time it's going to take to really master the content of this course,” Sorrentino said. “The biggest skill I hope to teach students is just how to manage their time and also being mindful of all the things that they sign up for.”

Meet Portola High’s New AP Human Geography Teacher

Zoha Syed and Kelly Yeh | December 12, 2024
Freshman Daniil Babenko and his dance partner Reagan To glide across the stage at the Empire Open Dance Festival, one of the many competitions they have participated in together. “A competition that stands out to me is when we went to China to represent Team USA,” To said. “It was such an incredible experience because it was one of our first times competing internationally.”

From Studio Lights to Olympic Heights: Freshman Daniil Babenko Takes Steps Toward Stardom

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | November 14, 2024
Administrative Assistant Christina Sanchez answers one of many calls throughout the day from a parent, allowing for the school to continue operating efficiently. “I think that because I have a lot of years of experience, that I'm able to help things run smoothly,” Sanchez said.

The Faces of Portola High: Meet the Front Office Team

Jinseo Hong and Kelly Yeh | October 10, 2024
Boba’s rising popularity makes it a favorite drink for many, and new shops are opening regularly. In this review, we will be exploring two of the latest arrivals: 3Cat and Macu Tea.

Exploring New Boba Shops: A Blend of Atmosphere and Taste

Kelly Yeh and Sophia Kim | October 4, 2024
Assistant Principal Brandon Emery discusses how the new school year is progressing with sophomore Tiran Ng and freshman Arshdeep Makar, an integral task that ensures smooth and productive days for the rapidly growing student population. “I think Portola is definitely striving to find its identity in the district,” Emery said. “Being the most populated school on campus in the district, it's emerging as a forefront — like a school that’s testing new ideas and serving as a model for new schools in the district,” Emery said.

New Assistant Principals Steven Chai and Brandon Emery Brew Up a New Campus Culture

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | September 23, 2024
Written with her brother FINNEAS, Billie Eilish’s third studio album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” delves into her perception of self, love and happiness, providing her audience a raw look into her thoughts and emotions.

Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” Dives Into Vulnerability and Reflection

Camille Clement and Kelly Yeh | May 28, 2024
To add the final component of her look for prom, senior Rithu Madhyanam carefully applies lipstick while looking in the mirror.

Getting the Party Started Before Prom: Activities Bulldogs Planned Prior to the Dance

Kayley Winata and Kelly Yeh | May 9, 2024
Attacker and sophomore Olivia Ganes scoops the ball and cradles it through two players from Irvine High. Ganes was able to play more aggressively during this game, according to head girls’ lacrosse coach Julie Primero. “Olivia scoring three goals was crazy,” utility player and sophomore Claire Hsin said. “I'm super proud of her for that.”

Girls’ Lacrosse Uses Adaptive Strategy to Secure Victory Against Irvine High

Sky Nguyen and Kelly Yeh | May 1, 2024
Multi-sport coach Julie Primero and girls’ lacrosse huddle to discuss strengths and weaknesses from their last game as well as new strategies to implement in their upcoming matches. “Coach Primero is a really hands-on coach,” lacrosse player and sophomore Isabelle Borrison said. “She loves to get involved with us and show us exactly what we're doing wrong. She watches our form and footsteps and gets little details that you wouldn’t see if you were watching the game.”

From the Dance Floor to the Playing Field: All-Star Coach Julie Primero Redefines Coaching Excellence

Sky Nguyen and Kelly Yeh | March 28, 2024
Chameleon (Viola Davis) is the newest villain in “Kung Fu Panda 4.” When Po learns that Chameleon has orchestrated Tai Lung’s resurgence, he commits to a journey to stop the shape-shifting sorceress’s devious scheme to steal the chi of various Kung Fu masters from the Spirit Realm and expand her power.

‘Cooking’ Up Character Growth: ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Embraces Familiarity in Cinema’s Ever-Changing Landscape

Alice Ahn and Kelly Yeh | March 25, 2024
Junior Joanna Peng utilizes a MacBook and iPad after school to work on assignments. One of Peng’s most used products is her iPad due to its versatility. Peng uses it as a computer using a magic keyboard and also uses it to draw and make calls. “I've bought iPads since the first generation when it came out, [I’ve bought the] minis, and then I crashed [the iPad 3] under my table,” Peng said. “It's something that I continue to buy and continue to use most often in my life.”

Junior Joanna Peng’s Room is Ripe with Apple Products from Seed to Macintosh

Kayleen Kim and Kelly Yeh | February 21, 2024
Sophomore Jenny Park, sophomore Darin Nguyen and sophomore Andrew Zhang guide mentee and sophomore Justin Mach’s mallets when playing the marimba, Mach’s favorite instrument to play, according to Mach. “The big piece in the beginning is just building that rapport and trust between the mentees and the mentors,” education specialist Melody Resendez said. “If we can get that going in a year, that alone, it's a huge accomplishment.”

United Sound ‘Amplifies’ Inclusivity in Music

Kayley Winata and Kelly Yeh | February 15, 2024
Junior Giselle Lu performs her last solo piece in her synchronized swimming career in Guangdong’s state competition in August 2020. Lu swims to Two Steps From Hell’s “Archangel,” and it took many months to master the solo routine. After Lu received 0 points in one of her figures, Lu said she was unmotivated to compete in the solo event because she thought she could not make up for the mistake. “I think the story of this piece defines and represents the art of synchronized swimming — the perfect combination of strength and grace,” Lu said. “It shows that women can be both beautiful but still have their own masculine side.”

China’s National Synchronized Swimmer Giselle Lu Makes ‘Figures’ in Irvine

Kayleen Kim and Kelly Yeh | January 10, 2024
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The student news site of Portola High School
Kelly Yeh