The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
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?
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
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
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
ASB vice president and junior David Kim waved the Portola flag before the start of the pep rally as students sat in their designated class sections.
Making the Homecoming Pep Rally a Reality
Before they left, Bassma Ennarah, Zara Kareem, Grace Bashawaty, Aarushi Anil, Celine Aoki and Saachi Pavani took a group photo to keep the memory of their senior trip. “[Taking a group photo] is something very sentimental, Ennarah said. “Especially since we have been online for so long, so I think that’s what makes keeping those memories especially important this year.”
Bulldogs Have Their First Senior Trip in Universal Studios
The prospect of a National Merit Scholarship has attracted students to take the PSAT, while its role as a preparatory test for the SAT has also been a factor, despite more schools going test-optional or test-blind.
Juniors Take PSAT as UC and CSU Systems Go Test-Blind
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
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?
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
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
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
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
Literary and language arts teacher Vinny Rico performs a calisthenic move called lunge jumps. Although Rico mainly instructs yoga, he has also taught a variety of other fitness classes, such as pilates, spin and bar. “One thing I for sure love is I get to spend time with my friends and people that I enjoy being around, and I think that the best thing about teaching yoga is the community,” Rico said. “The people who go to yoga are just very positive, grateful and good energy.”
Literary and Language Arts Teacher Vinny Rico ‘Maintains Balance’ in the Yoga Studio and the Classroom
Sophomore Brian Kim reads “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton, a book that depicts Greek, Roman and Norse mythological stories. Kim said he used the book to gain insight into the opposing side of his stance and explore how the author portrayed the western stories. According to Kim, the book provided contrast he was able to reference when mentioning the portrayal of other non-western subjects such as how Buddhism spread to other cultures, a topic he explored in his research journal. He also referenced the book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari to develop background knowledge on early human history, culture and religion.
Sophomore Brian Kim Creates Current Connections to History
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
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
Cooking $20 Thanksgiving Feast
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
The installation “Together, but Apart” was the start of seniors Elyse Dudley’s and Mia Zappala’s artistic partnership. Seniors Kate Brooks, Julie Epps and Clara Ferreira Lopes stand inside the completed project to literally see the world through a different colored lens.
A Friendship Full of He(art): Seniors Elyse Dudley and Mia Zappala Strengthen their Bond Through Art
The Pride of Portola placed third overall in Division 4a with a score of 79.725. “I honestly think that the performance was, overall, the best performance I’ve ever been a part of in my whole band career; the energy and the audience’s reaction really made me proud of our show production,” assistant drum major and senior Seira Homma said. “I had to make that the best that we’ve ever done, and also, as a leader, set an example for the others to follow. It’s our last-ever performance. It was my last-ever performance. And, you know, the other students have next year and more. But it was my last performance as a senior. It’s kind of sad. I still can’t believe that it’s over.”
Pride of Portola Takes Final Bow at Last Competition of the Season
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
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
Sophomore Emma De Felippo, junior Riya Takagi, senior Yuri Suh, sophomore Ashley Jiang, sophomore Bahati Laizer, junior Shreedevi Murugan, sophomore Amber Lea and sophomore Kaili Hellewell rehearse a student-led choreography titled “human.” This piece is about creating a distinction between the physical components of a human and what it means to actually be human, according to choreographer and sophomore Ashley Jiang.
Student Choreographers ‘Break the Ice’ In Preparation For Winter Dance Concert
When the murder (Roman) is revealed to the audience, she stops to talk to the dead body about her plan all along. To help prepare for the performance, the rehearsals took three weeks and they would start memorizing lines and choosing the characters through an audition process.
First Dinner-Theatre Performance Serves a Perfect Blend of Comedy and Mystery
Senior Jiyoun Yoo often finds herself learning as she is in the middle of creating a new piece. She revises her pieces in order to perfect the small details, according to Yoo.
Jiyoun Yoo Taps Into Her Own Creative World
Junior Nicole Wang works on her next art piece, a pencil sketch. Although her commissions are usually digital drawings, Wang prefers to work on paper. “ I like how it looks when its in a sketch form,” Wang said. “I put more hard work into that.”
Nicole Wang Draws for Emotions
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
After reactivating all her social media, Mitski returns with her hit single “Working for the Knife,” accompanied by its music video. She will embark on a national tour in early 2022, accompanied (hopefully!) by the release of a new album to premiere on stage.
Mitski Makes a Clean Cut from Her Old Sound with ‘Working for the Knife’
Fall Starbucks Drinks Review
Fall Starbucks Drinks Review
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
Local golf courses’ current preference for maximizing profits rather than supporting students has contributed to the struggles the golf teams face this year, including long commutes to games and individual fees for practices.
The “Long Drive Contest”: How Privately-Owned Golf Courses Contribute to Golf Teams’ Struggles
Sophomore Quinn Schatz asked sophomore Lisa Liu to Homecoming after second period and she was very excited to see that he took the time to cut up tennis balls for the proposal.
Personalize that Proposal
Sophomore Kaylin Wong rides her electric bike home from school along Irvine Blvd. on Oct. 6. The roadway abuts the Eastern Transportation Corridor Toll Road – the crossing where freshman Shifa Harsolia was hit while cycling home from school on Sept. 10.
Wearing a Helmet Doesn’t Prevent Biking Accidents: Being Defensive Does
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
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
Boys’ Water Polo Makes Waves Against Cypress High at Game of the Week
Boys’ Water Polo Makes Waves Against Cypress High at Game of the Week
Alumnus Kiyan Dhanidina and senior Khalil Dhanidina show off their Irvine United Warriors gear. Khalil Dhanidina is currently one of the captains of the hockey team.
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 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?
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
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
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
Moll waves a large flag with an image of Buster the Bulldog as students enter the stadium. Behind her, the Pride of Portola, which includes marching band and color guard, have already taken their places on the field. “Getting to play in the marching band and show off to the entire school, it was pretty fun,” clarinetist and freshman Danny Song said.
Gallery: In-Person Pep Rallies Return
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
Tips for SATs and ACTs by Portola High Students
Tips for SATs and ACTs by Portola High Students
Junior Havanna Eleyadath natively speaks Malayalam, independently studies Egyptian, Icelandic, Gaelic, Welsh and Latin and is taking Spanish III this school year.
This Student Can Translate Hieroglyphics. And Speak Six Languages.
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?
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
April 2021: Volume 5 Issue 4
April 2021: Volume 5 Issue 4
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
Sidra Asif

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer

Sidra Asif has been a Portola Pilot staff member for two years and is excited for this school year! Outside of school, you can find Sidra reading  or playing with her cat named Frog

All content by Sidra Asif
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.

[Photo] Irvine Faces Redistricting as 2020 Census Data Nears

November 29, 2021
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?

Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?

November 23, 2021
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

November 16, 2021
Literary and language arts teacher Vinny Rico performs a calisthenic move called lunge jumps. Although Rico mainly instructs yoga, he has also taught a variety of other fitness classes, such as pilates, spin and bar. “One thing I for sure love is I get to spend time with my friends and people that I enjoy being around, and I think that the best thing about teaching yoga is the community,” Rico said. “The people who go to yoga are just very positive, grateful and good energy.”

Literary and Language Arts Teacher Vinny Rico ‘Maintains Balance’ in the Yoga Studio and the Classroom

November 1, 2021
Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films

Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films

October 28, 2021
Senior Kristen Fong sings and plays the guitar to “Vienna” by American singer and songwriter Billy Joel. “I was less nervous than I thought I was going to be, but then I got on stage, and then I was like, ‘Okay, keep going, alright,’ and then I immediately forgot the lyrics in the middle of the song,” Fong said. “But I think my recovery was alright.”

First Ever Talent Show Features Diverse Student Talents

October 8, 2021
Junior Nicole Wang works on her next art piece, a pencil sketch. Although her commissions are usually digital drawings, Wang prefers to work on paper. “ I like how it looks when its in a sketch form,” Wang said. “I put more hard work into that.”

Nicole Wang Draws for Emotions

September 29, 2021
As of Sept. 15, The top five songs on Billboard’s “The Hot 100” were all from Drake’s newest album, “Certified Lover Boy.” Rock band The Beatles are the only other musicians with this record, according to Billboard.com.

Drake’s New Album Is Certifiably Lovable

September 17, 2021
Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month

Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month

May 17, 2021
Like many other clubs, the newly added Scientia Club had to adapt its interactive activities to be virtual and hosted weekly Zoom meetings during which club members collaborated to create their first magazine issue, pictured above.

Scientia Journal Club Explores Fusion of Science and Writing

May 12, 2021
Online classes do not offer social interaction for students who may need it for a better high school experience.

Students Should Consider The Benefits of Traditional Instruction Model

April 27, 2021
YAT staff members, teen summit committee members and juniors Alex Zhang and Ethan Zhang promote the event around campus by talking to students and showing them promotional posters. High attendance numbers depend on student-led promotion, social media and word of mouth being two examples.

YAT Hosts 27th Teen Summit

April 15, 2021

Companies with Racist Logos and Mascots Should be Boycotted

March 24, 2021

Teachers Answer Students’ Questions

March 22, 2021
Social studies teacher Wind Ralston, Spanish teacher Caroline Aldemir and choir director Adrian Rangel-Sanchez all received their vaccinations at Families Together of OC on Feb. 24.

Teachers Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

March 16, 2021
Portolas Girl Scout Cookie Favorites

Portola’s Girl Scout Cookie Favorites

February 24, 2021
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for distribution, many myths are circulating about what vaccine, some are going as far as to say that the COVID-19 vaccine could cause potential harm. In a world devastated by the pandemic, what information is accurate?

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked

February 3, 2021
“Soul” breaks ground in Pixar Animation history by being the first film to feature an African-American protagonist. Behind the scenes, Pixar also defies expectations in representation by including one of the most diverse voice casts, which has a majority of Black voice actors.

Pixar Pours Heart and ‘Soul’ into Existential Animated Film

January 22, 2021
Released on Nov. 27, Cyrus’ seventh album “Plastic Hearts” has climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.

Miley Cyrus’ New Genre-Bending Album Rocks the Music Industry

December 15, 2020
Over the last few centuries, industrialization and population growth have resulted in increased carbon emissions, thus increasing global temperatures. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and improve the Earth’s environmental condition by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, which may include using sustainable alternatives, buying less, eating less meat and recycling more.

An Environmental Responsibility for Humanity

November 20, 2020
Corduroy pants: Junior Natalie Ho sports a thrifted pair of tan corduroy pants. Popularized in the 1970s for their distinct, vertical ribbing, corduroy pants are a soft and comfy piece perfect for the fall season.

Generation Z’s Guide to Fall Fashion

November 17, 2020
Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

November 5, 2020
Students are required to be 6 feet apart from each other during all school activities. At lunch, however, students must be extra careful as not wearing masks makes them extra vulnerable.

Students Must Physically Distance During Breaks

October 29, 2020
On April 25, Travis Scott held a virtual concert in the popular video game “Fortnite,” which over 12 million people attended from all over the world, according to Rolling Stone.

Musicians Explore the New World of Virtual Concerts

October 8, 2020
A Swedish Doctor injects the Coronavirus vaccine into an AstraZeneca volunteer. The many stages of vaccine development depend on the success of previous trials.

Potential COVID-19 Vaccine is in Development

September 21, 2020
Playing the first Black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, late actor Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther is a milestone for the Black community.

Remembering Chadwick Boseman: The Loss of a Superhero

September 10, 2020
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Sidra Asif