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
Kate Hayashi

Kate Hayashi, Editor-in-Chief

Kate Hayashi is the co-editor-in-chief of the Portola Pilot. She draws all her writing inspiration from Michael Barbaro’s “hmms” in “The Daily.” Outside of the newsroom, you can usually find her running or hiking on various trails in Irvine with her cross country team or waiting in line to get rush tickets for the latest musical at Segerstrom Hall. She also loves going on nighttime walks with her mom and taking four-hour naps that mess up her sleep schedule.

All content by Kate Hayashi
“Prom?”: Seniors Find the One for Their Last Dance

“Prom?”: Seniors Find the One for Their Last Dance

Kate Hayashi and Ariana Wu | May 28, 2021
In the climax of the first season, Alina decides to stop hiding from the world and use her abilities to defend innocent Ravkans from the oppressive rule of General Kirigan, also known as the Darkling.

‘Shadow and Bone’ Captivates with Echoes of Today’s World

Kate Hayashi and Zara Shirwany | May 26, 2021
While the specifics of next year’s in-person learning model remain unclear, it is likely to be closer to traditional school, as pictured above.

Deadline to Choose Irvine Virtual Academy or Traditional Model is May 5

Kate Hayashi and Aryan Mittal | May 5, 2021
Juniors Sriya Boppana and Jessica Kim participated in Club-a-Palooza by viewing the posters around the school from the 600 building. Pictured below them are club posters for the Make a Wish and PHS Surfrider Clubs, which included QR codes for prospective members to find more information online about how to join.

ASB Hosts Annual Club-a-Palooza Event without In-Person Activities

Kate Hayashi and Ryne Dunman | April 27, 2021
Senior Emily Wei takes center stage in cheer’s performance of the song “Ready to Ride,” which they have been learning since February.

Gallery: Virtual Spring Pep Rally

Kate Hayashi and Michelle Kim | March 17, 2021
Phase 2, the final scheduled phase of vaccine rollout, includes all people 16 or older not already recommended for vaccination in Phases 1a, 1b or 1c, according to the CDC. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is “closely monitoring clinical trials in children and adolescents and will consider recommendations for use when a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in persons aged

Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Vaccine Underway for Children 12 and Older

Kate Hayashi, Co-Editor-in-Chief | March 9, 2021
According to sophomore Ellie Lian, “I, Too” by Langston Hughes introduced her to the Black artistic world of the early 1900s, supplementing her study of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” By Zora Neale Hurston.

American Literature Introduces Black Poets to Curriculum

Kate Hayashi and Aidan Jayakumar | February 23, 2021
Coach Brendan Murphy says that as a fiction-lover and a fan of “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings,” the sword-like movements of lacrosse featured attracted him to the sport more than others.

[Photo] New Boys’ Lacrosse Coach Brendan Murphy Steps in Strong with Passion and Dedication

Bia Shok, Features Editor | February 2, 2021
Harry Styles chose to sing three songs off of his second album. The singer Performed “Fine Line,” “Adore You," “Golden” and “Watermelon Sugar” in front of a vintage airstream van, which contributed to a camping theme.

[Photo] This Year’s Jingle Ball Had Fans ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’

Ava Caleca and Clara Ferreira Lopes | December 18, 2020
Shalonda Abubakar, the newest addition to IUSD’s community liaison team, is a resource for anyone in the Black and African-American community. She believes a positive mindset can hear everyone for success.

[Photo] Shalonda Abubakar Joins IUSD as Community Liaison for Black and African-American Families

Emma Haag, Ariana Wu, and Michelle Kim | December 11, 2020
Senior Angela Kim and freshman Rachel Kim’s father normally lives in Korea, but he always makes the visit back home for Christmas.

Korean-American Traditions Make for Double the Holidays

Kate Hayashi and Celine Lee | November 30, 2020
Those in favor of offering a larger variety of AP courses to underclassmen cite the educational benefits of the AP curriculum. Detractors argue that this move will impede students’ academic progression throughout high school.

[Photo] H2H: How Accessible Should Advanced Placement Courses Be for Underclassmen?

Ryne Dunman and Justin Tang | November 23, 2020
Senior Rishav Sen rescued two of his most treasured possessions: his late dog’s ashes and a signed photo of Kobe Bryant. Sen remarked that as he left his house, “I brought most of the things I needed, but I almost forgot shoes.”

Students Affected by Silverado Fire Evacuations Carry Pieces of Home

Kate Hayashi, Co-Editor in Chief | October 28, 2020
With one more year as a member of varsity volleyball, senior Kamdyn Tenorio said she hopes to continue penning her own story going forward, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 this school year.

[Photo] Kamdyn Tenorio Follows Through as Integral Team Player

Justin Tang, Staff Writer | October 13, 2020
Election Day will take place on Nov. 3, but the window to vote opened on Oct. 5. Irvine residents can vote from home, drop off their ballots at a drive-thru, return their ballots via the U.S. Postal Service or personally deliver their ballots to voting centers. Swipe right to view infographic on each candidate's policies.

Mayoral Candidates Prepare for November Election

Kate Hayashi, Editor-in-Chief | October 9, 2020
PHS Ambassadors typically give campus tours before the start of the school year, but due to COVID-19 regulations, changes had to be made.

[Photo] PHS Ambassadors Find New Ways to Work Under COVID-19 Regulations

Emma Haag, Sports Editor | October 7, 2020
According to head football coach and athletics director Peter Abe, the athletics department is constantly considering the balance between slowing the spread of the Coronavirus and maintaining the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of student athletes.

Football Prepares for Season with Socially Distanced Practices

Kate Hayashi, Co-Editor-in-Chief | September 24, 2020
Requiring club meetings to remain virtual even in the event students return to in-person instruction allows IVA students to continue to participate in clubs.

Clubs Go Virtual for the 2020-21 School Year

Ryne Dunman and Kate Hayashi | September 2, 2020
Traditionally, the alma mater would be performed live by orchestra members, but social distancing measures require that the song only be played via recording.

Behind the Scenes of Creating the Alma Mater

Ava Caleca and Kate Hayashi | June 2, 2020
Senior Matthew Kwon presented Integral, an app he helped develop, at Washington, D.C. after winning the Congressional App Challenge last year.

Edison Energy Names Senior Matthew Kwon Edison Scholar

Kate Hayashi and Aryan Mittal | May 21, 2020
Why You Should Start a Coronavirus Diary

Why You Should Start a Coronavirus Diary

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | May 1, 2020
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[Photo] H2H: Are Summer Programs Worth It?

Tatsiana Barysiuk, Justin Tang, and Martin Yoon | April 27, 2020
Staying Connected with Friends During Quarantine

Staying Connected with Friends During Quarantine

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | April 21, 2020
Social studies teachers Virginia Nguyen, Natasha Schottland, Emily Sheridan, Katie Wi and Shameemah Motala planned for Sam Silberberg to present his story via Zoom after California received its shelter-in-place order, according to Nguyen.

Holocaust Survivor Recounts Crisis and Isolation via Video Conference for World History Students

Kate Hayashi | April 17, 2020
Junior Esther Moon explores the topic of material wealth and its value in society using a printmaking piece with gold acrylic paint embellishments.

AP Studio Art Talents Culminate in 15-Piece Portfolios

Kate Hayashi and Dheeksha Bhima-Reddy | March 25, 2020
Seniors Leonard Yu and Ryan Shih work out a practice problem together on the day of the AMC exam.

Junior Kevin Du Advances to American Invitational Mathematics Examination

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | March 11, 2020
Teacher Anthony Pham, senior Benjamin Kim and junior Ethan Ho show the award for “Preparing Student-Athletes for the Next Competition: Esports.”

eSports Club Wins $20,000 Mega-Grant

Kate Hayashi and William Hsieh | February 25, 2020
Senior Donia Maymoun and junior Lindsey Yee prepare to take the ball after it lands. After a victory of 40-24 over Arroyo High two days earlier in the first round of CIF playoffs, the girls’ basketball team (18-9) ended its season with a loss of 41-48 to Xavier College Preparatory High in the second round of playoffs on Feb. 15.

Girls’ Basketball Round Two of CIF Playoffs 2/15

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | February 24, 2020
CIF Athletics Commissioner Rob Wigod, water polo coach Kate Avery and cheer coach Allison Leyva, joined seniors Dylan Gates (second from the left) and Alexandra Beltran (fourth from the left) on stage at the banquet as the athletes were recognized for their leadership and community-service qualities.

Alexandra Beltran and Dylan Gates Win Character Award

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | February 24, 2020
Sophomore Ashley Kwon calls her dad, who just finished performing a surgery in Seoul, for their daily check-in via FaceTime.

Mini Love Stories

Charlotte Cao, Claudia Lin, and Kate Hayashi | February 21, 2020
Congresswoman Katie Porter (third from the left) awarded seniors Patrick Cui, Stephanie Zhang, Brian Hawkins, Matthew Kwon and Jimmy Kang with a certificate to recognize their achievements.

Seniors Win CA-45 Congressional App Challenge

Kate Hayashi and Maya Sabbaghian | February 4, 2020
The Bulldogs played against Crean Lutheran High’s first girls’ water polo team, which allowed them to practice new defensive techniques and learn how to adapt to different playing styles.

Girls’ Water Polo Turns the Tide Toward Victory

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | January 13, 2020
Sergeant Mike Meyers on Captain, Officer Brad Boyer on Max, Officer Kendra McLoud on Lucky and Officer Tyler Hollenbeck (not depicted) on Dundee are the four members of the Irvine Police Department’s mounted forces unit.

Irvine Mounted Unit Is More Active During Holiday Season

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | December 12, 2019
Kayla Espiritu and 17 other juniors had their potluck dinner on Nov. 11, continuing the tradition of Friendsgiving that they started when they first entered high school.

Friends Become Family at ‘Friendsgiving’ Celebrations

Charlotte Cao and Kate Hayashi | November 26, 2019
Irvine Talks board members are charged with painting the mural for the event. Those painting the mural incorporated the theme of “Movement” in the artwork by making it a central focus of the work.

Record Number of Portola High Students Will Perform in Irvine Talks for an Evening of ‘Movement’

Maya Sabbaghian and Kate Hayashi | November 21, 2019
“The Testaments” was among the most anticipated books of this fall, according to Vox, Time and The New York Times, to name a few.

A Review of Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Testaments:’ What Ending Would You Like to Have?

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | October 28, 2019
Sophomore and mentor Garrett Lee shows junior and mentee Justin Silva where to place his fingers on the saxophone. For beginner students like Silva, memorizing the location and placement of the many fingerings for the instrument can be difficult, which is why Lee must undergo training in the form of videos and books in order to be able to effectively teach his peers how to play.

Food for the Soul: Special Education and United Sound Bring Music to Campus

Kate Hayashi and Lauren Hsu | October 23, 2019
Tiffany Park’s (left) favorite segment to shoot this year was a feature on Coffee Tomo, which will air in the upcoming PNN episode.

Tiffany Park Joins Skye Lee as PNN Anchor

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | October 23, 2019
Portolapp Team Splits in Two

Portolapp Team Splits in Two

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | October 16, 2019
Peer tutoring will no longer take place in room 852 like last year; instead, it will be held in room 1002.

Peer Tutoring Will Continue Despite Funding Shift

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | September 30, 2019
Literary and language arts teacher Desmond Hamilton explains the junior year six-point mastery learning rubric to parents during his Back to School Night presentation.

Behind the Scenes of Back to School Night

Kate Hayashi, Assistant Opinion Editor | September 17, 2019
Junior Stephanie Zhang and freshman Ryan Jung, collaborators in developing Portola’s new philosophy class, point out references to philosophical topics in the AP U.S. History textbook.

Stephanie Zhang Turns Passion into First Student-Made Class

Kate Hayashi, Contributing Writer | February 6, 2019
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Kate Hayashi