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
Jana Malek

Jana Malek, Staff Writer

Jana Malek is a staff writer for the Portola Pilot. She is excited to spend her final year running around with a camera behind deadline. When she’s not writing articles for the pilot she can be seen immersed in a book, listening to music or frantically trying to save her dying plants.

All content by Jana Malek
Co-captain and senior Rishi Vridhachalam exhales after landing a skillful backhand swing. Boys’ tennis went on to defeat Northwood High 12-8 during its April 18 home match at the tennis courts. The team’s current league standings are 9-5.

Boys’ Tennis Celebrates Hard-Fought Victory against Northwood High

Jana Malek and Michael Sun | April 27, 2023
Fears that time is running out and the environment will collapse in the near future has spurred feelings of helplessness and desperation among young individuals. “I think there should be a lot more to be done to educate citizens on how you can take action in ways such as making public comments at city council meetings and just getting to know your representatives in general,” animal and environmental protection club president and senior Katherine Chang said.

Eco-anxiety Is a Step Forward to Saving the Environment

Jana Malek and Mary Lee | April 13, 2023
Muslim Student Association co-vice president and sophomore Shifa Harsolia and MSA board member Eshal Khoso led a club meeting on March 21 in room 602 to discuss potential locations to host an iftar, a gathering where Muslims break their fast together. The iftar will take place on April 4, alongside nearby MSAs at Beckman, Irvine and Northwood high schools.

Ramadan: A Month of Detoxification for Muslims

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | March 22, 2023
Sophomore Ethan Kim goes in for a one-handed backhand. Kim is in his second year of playing for boys' tennis and is currently the team's best singles player, according to Pan.

Boys’ Tennis Narrowly Loses Against Beckman High

Jana Malek and Michael Sun | March 21, 2023
With their corny dialogue and swoon-worthy scenes, these films can keep you company throughout Valentine's Day.

Ranking the Top Valentine’s Binge-Worthy Rom-coms

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | February 13, 2023
Social studies teacher Wind Ralston takes a photo with the girls' golf team to celebrate winning CIF Division 3. “He's always ready for the team whenever we need it,” sophomore Katie Le said. “If we have a question, he's right there ready to respond through text message or email.”

Wind Ralston Selected As Orange County Girls’ Golf Coach of the Year

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | January 25, 2023
Gift giving is an endearing method to share love and show thoughtfulness. “It shows not only do I listen to you, but I also care about you,” junior Sarah Alkatib said. “I'm going to take the time to get a gift for you.’”

Gift Giving Gives More Satisfaction than Receiving

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022
Mock trial visited Santa Ana's Central Justice Center on Nov. 2, 9, 14 and 16 for the first four rounds of the competition. “With mock trial, you're going to a real courthouse. You're talking to a real judge. It's insane,” senior Amelia Luong said.

Mock Trial Qualifies For Play-offs, Making it to Top 16 in the County

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | November 30, 2022
Ceramics, photography and art teacher Donovan Miller demonstrates how to throw a plant pot to his advanced and AP 3D design students. The funds raised from selling the pots will go toward helping the visual art board to raise funds for its annual show.“I don't have a ton of time to make my own artwork anymore,” Miller said. “Normally when I do a demonstration for a project, I like to use that as an opportunity to kind of explore my interest in art.”

Ceramics Teacher Donavan Miller Expresses Himself Through The Arts

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | November 3, 2022
Ambassador and senior Aslesha Chandra listens as senior and transfer Thomas Bittencourt explains his transfer journey to Portola High. “It's complicated; it was pretty worrying,” Bittencourt said. “This isn’t speaking on the ambassador program. It's just like moving from state to state getting unpacked and probably one of the biggest worries for me would be GPA transferring.”

Portola Ambassadors Provides a Helping Hand to New Transfer Students

Jana Malek and Gwyneth Yung | October 24, 2022
The Black Student Union club puts up a booth during club kickoff on Sept. 21. “When I first came to Portola, I was looking for clubs to join, and I looked at the club list to be a part of something and have a group of people to relate to,” club secretary and senior Jesulayomi Bello said. “I heard they were starting a Black Student Union, and I thought that it would be a lovely way for me to be a part of it.”

[Photo] First Black Student Union Club on Campus Represents Black Joy and Perseverance

Sidra Asif and Claire Chan | October 20, 2022
Fashion Institute of Technology fashion club president and senior Kori Martinez and vice president and senior Paola Morales interact with passing students to promote their club. Sponsored by FIDM, the clubs purpose is to get people into fashion and teach the basics of sewing, according to Martinez.

One Hundred Fifty-Two Clubs Gather at Two-Day Club Kickoff Event

Jana Malek and Gwyneth Yung | September 27, 2022
While fast fashion is an affordable option for many people, it can lead to harmful environmental consequences.

Overconsumption is Ruining The Environment

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | September 26, 2022
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

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | December 17, 2021
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

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | November 9, 2021
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

Ryne Dunman, Co-Editor-in-Chief and Jana Malek | October 7, 2021
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The student news site of Portola High School
Jana Malek