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
Priscilla Baek

Priscilla Baek, Media Director

Priscilla Baek is Portola’s Media Director. She has spent five years of her life in Yemen immersed in charitable organizations. With a passion for writing and an intercultural background, she is excited this year to increase the variety of media to better reflect Portola’s culture. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, eating and laying out on the beach. Priscilla owes all her achievements to her family, friends and dog, Penny.

All content by Priscilla Baek
Deciding where to go to college can be a difficult task for any senior. With so many great schools out there, how can students make that final decision?

[Photo] Five Tips For Finding Your College Fit

Shawyan Rooein, Centerspread Editor | April 28, 2020

[Video] DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Priscilla Baek, Media Director | April 14, 2020
The force of senior and pitcher Jamison King’s fastball launches his upper body forwards. King’s standout grit and performance has been consistent since freshman year, according to coach Kevin Conlin.

Baseball Loses Against Defending PCL Champions the Patriots

Priscilla Baek and Kelthie Truong | March 25, 2020
Out of forty other Crafton Hills Fire Academy students, she was the only female. Though some relatives and peers doubted her ability to throw ladders and crawl through fires, she ended being one of the most respected students.

Corona Fire Inspector and Portola Mom Linda DeTorres Balances Family and Fire Prevention

Priscilla Baek, Media Director | February 19, 2020
Being a Part of Early Generation Z is Not a Bad Thing

Being a Part of Early Generation Z is Not a Bad Thing

Priscilla Baek, Media Director | January 29, 2020
Being A Part of Early Generation Z is Not a Bad Thing

Being A Part of Early Generation Z is Not a Bad Thing

Priscilla Baek, Media Director | January 23, 2020
The Air Force rank insignia for the most senior field-grade officer, colonel, is a silver eagle with an olive branch and and arrows in its talon. The eagles head turns toward the olive branch to symbolize the importance of peace before war according to Britannica.

Coach Rodney Anzai is First Japanese U.S. Air Force Colonel in History

Priscilla Baek, Media Director | December 4, 2019
money tree (1)

[Photo] Eco-Friend or Eco-Foe? The Fallacies of Fast-Fashion

Kelthie Truong, Backpage Editor | December 2, 2019
hamburger2 (1)

[Photo] When the Chicken Sandwich Craze Turns Deadly

Maya Sabbaghian, Co-Managing Editor | November 26, 2019
trashcan and bee

[Photo] Cleaning Up and Becoming Aware Will Lead to Student Safety from Bees

Manan Mendiratta, Sports Editor | November 25, 2019
A VSCO girl can be spotted by her colorful, oversized tee complete with scrunchie and Starbucks drink. Her makeup is kept natural, and her hair is slightly tousled for that effortless vibe.

Rise of the VSCO Girl

Jordan Lee and Priscilla Baek | November 5, 2019
In order to make consistent AP preparation across the country, College Board has released AP Classroom in addition to updated course guides to better inform students and teachers on the new curriculum-based AP exams. Students enrolled in AP classes will be signing up for the test in the following months using Classroom.

AP Classroom Revamps Students’ Exam Preparation

Priscilla Baek and William Hsieh | September 20, 2019
Running back and junior Trevor Yue receives a split pass by senior quarterback and co-captain Brandon Yue on the right wing to bypass Cerritos blockers. The Bulldogs are using a strategy, playing through the thirds, they practiced beforehand.

Bulldogs Continue Winning Streak with Victory against Cerritos High

Priscilla Baek and Ava Caleca | September 19, 2019
Freshman Bia Shok looks over the 2019 leadership responsibilities after receiving the position of woodwind captain and assistant drum major. She will work closely with drum major and junior Stephanie Tang, planning summer musical gatherings and extra practices.

Marching Band is Rocking and Rolling into 2019 with Rush’s ‘Closer to the Heart’

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | May 31, 2019
Tottenham offensive midfielder Christian Eriksen has been playing for the Spurs for six years, making a total of 206 appearances and 49 goals.

Tottenham and Liverpool Charge for the Cup

Priscilla Baek and Ki Joon Lee | May 31, 2019
Running Up the Score is Hurting High School Sports

Running Up the Score is Hurting High School Sports

Farhad Taraporevala and Priscilla Baek | April 18, 2019
Intensely guarded by University High players, forward and freshman Christine Chang does a stunning turn to get past the defense to try and shoot in the top right corner of the goal during quarter one.

Girls’ Lacrosse Takes Hard Hit in First Game

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | March 28, 2019
Junior Tyler Sylvester competes for Orion house in a game of capture the flag on the last day of the Olympics. Despite coming in second place in the Olympics, Orion still maintains a steady lead over the other three houses in overall standings.

[Photo] Pegasus Brings Home Gold in House Olympics

Helena Hu, Centerspread Editor | March 21, 2019
Gilliland tends to the horses at Camp Ronald Mcdonald for Good Times, where she initially volunteered with her cousin in 2016 and was recently hired in 2018.

Savannah Gilliland’s Job Takes her Deep into California’s Forests

Priscilla Baek and Tiffany Wu | March 4, 2019
Apple’s top productivity app, Forest (shown as the largest app), displays an adorable cartoon forest that engages users to continue staying on task. The Forest team donates part of its profits to Trees for the Future, which plants real trees in areas of deforestation like Ethiopia and Senegal. According to Forest, over 380,000 trees have been planted by the company’s donations.

Three Productivity Apps Make Students Smarter with Their Time

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | February 4, 2019
With one pen and notebook, designer and author Ryder Carroll, founder of the bullet journal, created an analog system that is orderly yet flexible. The system allows for such creative freedom that no two bullet journals are the same. As seen on Instagram, many people have showcased creative layouts and drawings.

A Bullet Journal Set Under $25 to Start Off the New Year and Budget

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | January 11, 2019
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[Photo] Pre-Game Tips

January 9, 2019
In the first half, midfielder and sophomore “SK” Kim keeps possession of the ball to pass to midfielder and junior Jonathan Kim. SK Kim uses his body to protect the ball from opposing players. At this level, players must be prepared to play physical and aggressive.

Boys’ Soccer Starts Off Season Strong

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | January 9, 2019
Each of the famed pork xiǎolóngbāo are made by hand by expert chefs. The soup dumplings are weighed and folded 18 times with lightning speed and a delicacy that comes only from hours of practice.

Dumplings Worth Waiting For at a Din Tai Fung Restaurant

Annie Qiao and Priscilla Baek | December 3, 2018
The New Number 10

The New Number 10

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | November 27, 2018
Following the myth of Orpheus presentation, concert orchestra played composer Christoph Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice.” Both students pointed out how the descending line later in the video contributed to Orpheus’ grief and the piece’s overall sad tone.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Students Speak the Languages of Word and Music

Priscilla Baek and Helena Hu | October 30, 2018
Junior Jessalyn Nguyen chants “victory!” while in her stunt. Nguyen is one of the team’s many fliers, and has been a flier for three years

The Ribbons and Bows Behind School Spirit

Julia Kim and Priscilla Baek | October 11, 2018

[Video] Testing Life Hacks

October 9, 2018
‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ is part of a trilogy by Jenny Han; fans eagerly await a possible film release for the second and third books: ‘P.S. I Still Love You’ and ‘Always and Forever, Lara Jean.’

Comparing Book to Movie: ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’

Priscilla Baek and Julia Kim | September 27, 2018
Due to the influx of many more students in the counseling office, administrators put up signs to keep students in line. Some students waited over an hour for a meeting during the first full week of school.

Unexpected Variables Lead to Schedule Issues

Priscilla Baek, Co-News Editor | September 14, 2018
World Cup Predictions 2018

World Cup Predictions 2018

Priscilla Baek and Simrat Singh | June 7, 2018
Displayed above from right to left are lemon, carrot, banana dark chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes. The original red velvet cupcake is shown on top.

Sprinkles Review: The Sprinkle on Top

Priscilla Baek and Dylan Vanek | June 5, 2018
Playlists for Finals Studying

Playlists for Finals Studying

Simrat Singh and Priscilla Baek | June 1, 2018
Comedian Bill Cosby has finally been convicted after countless accusations from allegedly over 50 women.

Bill Cosby Convicted on Multiple Accusations

Priscilla Baek and Ali Elmalky | May 31, 2018
Spring Top Dog Award recipients: (top row from left): Garrett Lim, Thaha Afridi, Tyler Olsen, Justin Tam, Adrian Valerin, Nolan Nam, Kaveh Wojtowich, Jason Chen, Donia Maymoun, Jane Kim,Yarden Gilat, Kaelene Siribandan, Tiffany Wu, Logan Dang, Eden Yeh. and Maddie Vo

Recognizing Athletes in a Paw-sitive Way at Spring Top Dog

Priscilla Baek and Helena Hu | May 25, 2018

Over 35 New Courses, Only 8 Periods

Priscilla Baek and Ali Elmalky | May 2, 2018

Workout Battle: Captain America vs. Star-Lord

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | April 27, 2018
Sophomore Kylie Palacio and freshman Justin Kim perform the second solo of “Oye”, the last song of the festival, in Spanish. Though there was a mike issue, both singers pushed through and kept their voices strong.

Vocal Festival: A Clinic for Choir

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | March 30, 2018
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Inside the Election Convention

Julia Kim and Priscilla Baek | March 27, 2018
Freshmen Annie Li and Abby Gomez jog their last lap of the mile run to pass the aerobic capacity section of the fitness test.

The Many Faces of Fitness Testing

Simrat Singh and Priscilla Baek | March 27, 2018
How-To: Calligraphy

How-To: Calligraphy

Priscilla Baek and Lauren Kettner | March 26, 2018

Assigned Seats: Purposeful, not Popular

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | March 15, 2018
Should There be Assigned Seating in Classrooms?

Should There be Assigned Seating in Classrooms?

Priscilla Baek and Julia Kim | March 15, 2018
Former ice hockey player and coach Sarah Murray oversees the hockey game at the practice Olympics match against Sweden.

Two Koreas, One Olympic Team

Priscilla Baek and Julia Kim | February 21, 2018
Valentine's Day Playlist: Give your Heart a Musical Beat

Valentine’s Day Playlist: Give your Heart a Musical Beat

Priscilla Baek, Helena Hu, and Ajinkya Rane | February 12, 2018
Madison Lam stretches on the field in preparation for her dynamic warm-up and track strides.

No Limits for Lam

Priscilla Baek and Simrat Singh | February 6, 2018
Here is a simple five minute bowl of shin ramen topped off with a fried egg and some kale.

Hack Your Ramen Addiction

Priscilla Baek and Jacob Kim | January 19, 2018
Saba Najafi performs “Mad Russian Christmas” on the piano during the second night of the winter concert.

Listen to a Winter Wonderland

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | January 11, 2018
For Thanksgiving Break, enter Hawkins, Indiana.

Storied Pasts and A New Cast: Stranger Things Season 2 Review

Priscilla Baek and Ajinkya Rane | November 21, 2017
Everything Wrong with 'It’s Thanksgiving'

Everything Wrong with ‘It’s Thanksgiving’

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | November 21, 2017
Who can't resist a nice batch of french fries?

Battle of the Four Fast Food Fries

Priscilla Baek and Dylan Thakarar | November 20, 2017
Portola voted for these top five Halloween candies.

[Photo] Portola’s Top 5 Best and Worst Halloween Candies

Ali Elmalky, Staff Writer | October 31, 2017
Flat and sophomore Taira Asakura looks to pass to wing and sophomore Dylan Gates on the right.

JV Boys’ Water Polo’s Second Loss Against University

Priscilla Baek, Features Editor | October 26, 2017
#12 quarterback and sophomore Brandon Yue makes a pass to one of his teammates while the Saddleback Warriors attempt to stop the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs Slam Saddleback Valley Christian High

Priscilla Baek and Annie Qiao | October 17, 2017
Hercules house president Anthony Lu checks the foam glow stick lights before the Forthcoming dance.

Behind the Scenes of Forthcoming Preparation

Priscilla Baek and Annie Qiao | October 13, 2017
Freshmen Vivian Lin and Mary Lu strike a smile for a photo during the dance.

A Step in the Right Direction at the Forthcoming Dance

Priscilla Baek and Annie Qiao | October 12, 2017
Sophomore Patrick Connolly eagerly grabs the sponge from his Pegasus teammate.

Portola Prepares for a Spirited Tour Across America

Priscilla Baek and Annie Qiao | October 4, 2017
Principal John Pehrson introduces the Portola symphonic band.

Five High Schools, Three Nights, One Festival

Priscilla Baek, Co-Editor-In-Chief | April 13, 2017
Boba from different places each had a unique taste of its own.

Best Boba in Irvine

Priscilla Baek, Co-Editor-In-Chief | February 23, 2017
Key Club holds a member meeting after passing out the Club's shirts.

The Key to Community Service

Priscilla Baek, Co-Editor-in-Chief | December 9, 2016
#24 running back Kai Horn gains yardage on a quick catch.

[Photo] Bulldogs Bark Past the Timberwolves

Stephanie Zhang, Sports Editor | November 12, 2016
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The student news site of Portola High School
Priscilla Baek