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
Nora Aljazzar

Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor

Nora Aljazzar is the Assistant News Editor for her second year on the Portola Pilot. Nora is looking forward to writing more stories this year that can positively impact the community at Portola! When Nora isn’t drinking coffee while reading a great book, you can find her listening to Phoebe Bridgers or watching New Girl.

All content by Nora Aljazzar
Pride of Portola Season Overview

Pride of Portola Season Overview

Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor | October 3, 2025
Varsity runner and sophomore Azra Gercek breaks her Personal Record (PR) at the Annual Woodridge Cross Country Classic by over a minute, placing fifth overall at the invitational.

Cross Country Breaks Records at Annual Woodbridge Classic Invitational

Nora Aljazzar, Assistant News Editor | September 29, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is considered to be one of most positively reviewed Marvel movies. After recently releasing low rated films like “Deadpool and Wolverine” and “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*” scored a high 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Thunderbolts*” Tackles Mental Health Amid High-Stakes Action Plot

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | May 13, 2025
When Perlman started voicing her experiences to the public, she was motivated as she came to realize the importance of sharing her own wisdom. “I strongly believe we have to tell our story before we die,” Perlman said. “This is what I live for.”

Holocaust Survivor Eva Perlman Shares Experiences With Students

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | May 8, 2025
The official album art for The Crux, illustrated by graphic designer Felipe Flores, shows Djo (Joe Keery) leaning out a window, looking down at a surreal street scene below, which is a visual metaphor for the album’s perspective: detached and observant.

[Photo] “The Crux” Studio Album Encapsulates the Human Experience

Aditi Salunkhe, Co-News Editor | April 18, 2025
Students need to learn a second language in order to reap the positive effects people gain from language learning such as an improved level of cultural awareness and a boost in one’s brain reserves.

More Than Just a Requirement: Why Multilingualism Matters

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | March 10, 2025
Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29. President Carter served for one term in office and was an active leader in Habitat for Humanity International after his term. “I think one of the biggest positives is what a president can do after they finish their term as president,” American history teacher James Ferrel said. “So one of the things is that sometimes we hear certain presidents just kind of go into obscurity. What I think, though, is that Carter has definitely continued a legacy of giving back to the community and being a servant, a public servant, for the people.”

Jimmy Carter’s Death Inspires A National Mourning Day On Jan. 9

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | January 24, 2025
Workers and volunteers join together in the Operation Christmas Child processing center in Orange County to assemble charity boxes filled with toys and basic necessities for children in need.

Operation Christmas Child Gives Joy To Children This Holiday Season

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | January 6, 2025
“Wicked,” a cinematic adaptation of the original musical, follows the story of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch as they explore their magical powers at Shiz University in the whimsical Land of Oz.

‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation Leaves Audiences Spellbound by its Magic

Aditi Salunkhe and Nora Aljazzar | December 6, 2024
Country musician Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables” album retells family stories and Appalachian tales.

Tap Into Dolly Parton’s Newest Studio Album “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables”

Marianne Chan and Nora Aljazzar | December 2, 2024
Ofrendas created by Spanish Two were displayed in the upper 1000 Student Commons. “The students in the Chinese class and the students from the French program also came to join,” said Spanish teacher Otto Lopez. “Almost 350 students at school participated in the tradition.”

Honoring Tradition: Students Remember the Spirit of Dia de los Muertos at Portola High

Nora Aljazzar and Sruti Allani | November 8, 2024
Class Council displays each homecoming build built for the four class themes before debuting their dance during the homecoming halftime show against University High. Each grade level was assigned a Pixar movie, where freshman had "The Incredibles," sophomores "Monsters Inc.," juniors "Cars," and seniors "Toy Story.” “Class Council started getting involved in the beginning of the school year.” Spanish teacher and Class Council advisor Otto Lopez said. “Once they found out the theme, they started doing the backdrop build. They started choreographing the dance. They started thinking about outfits and costumes to wear.”

Class Council Arranges for Pixar-Themed Homecoming Dance

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 25, 2024
This is an example of the type of AI-generated image (created by Midjourney) that has been used on social media platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although it is easier than the actual fake hurricane images to prove these images are fake because of the pixelated nose, it is still important to practice media literacy to be able to recognize deepfakes such as these.

Do Not Fall into the ‘Storm’ of AI Generation

Nora Aljazzar and Stephanie Hwang | October 22, 2024
DECA vice president and senior Harini Rameshbabu introduces an ice breaker activity at the annual Portola High Business Mini Conference. Having put in the time to cultivate the conference, Rameshbabu addresses her peers in the opening activity. Rameshbabu said that her intention to join the business program came from longing for self-discovery. “I just wanted to gain more leadership skills and just overall, learn more stuff about myself and gain communication skills,” Rameshbabu said. “I thought it was a great way for me to learn what I do best and learn what works for me and not.”

Fellow IUSD Schools Join Portola High Business Mini Conference for the First Time

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 11, 2024
Musicians today have a large influence on their fans, and sometimes their fans are affected by the words they say. Thus, it is important for fans to form their own opinions rather than sorely listening to their favorite artists’ takes on political and social issues.

Follow the Music, Not the Musicians

Stephanie Hwang and Nora Aljazzar | October 3, 2024
City of Irvine Peer Support Team Coordinator Jodi Rahn accepts an award honoring her 30 years of service to the Irvine Community. “Jodi has this rare combination of being compassionate and caring, but also incredibly hard working and tenacious, and that's just something that you don’t often find in the same person,” Assistant Chief of Police Noelle Smiley said.

Irvine City Council Meeting Honors Long-Serving Employees

Nora Aljazzar, Staff Writer | October 1, 2024
Formula One club founder and junior Keerthana Pillai recaps F1 competitions and their drivers to club members to open up discussions about them amongst one another. “We’re just like reading and yapping about different things,” Pillai said. “I think that's really nice because there aren't as many F1 fans as there are basketball fans or NFL fans, so it's nice to have a space specifically for that sport where we can talk about it with other people who are interested in it.”

The F1 Club is Off to a ‘Roaring’ Start

Nora Aljazzar and Stephanie Hwang | September 24, 2024
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The student news site of Portola High School
Nora Aljazzar