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
Krisha Konchadi

Krisha Konchadi, Front Page Editor

Krisha Konchadi is the front page editor this year on the Portola Pilot. Along with editing and creating the front page, she loves making graphics and writing stories about events on campus and in Irvine. Outside of school, she loves painting, baking, trying new boba places and going on facetime with her friends. She is super excited to be a part of the newspaper, and hopes to create memorable moments and stories this year.

All content by Krisha Konchadi
President Biden’s plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour forces states to comply and applies pressure on landlords and employers by driving operating expenses up.

[Photo] Leave it to States and Cities to Set Minimum Wages

Ryan Jung and Aadi Mehta | May 17, 2021
While students may challenge themselves by taking on a rigorous course load packed with APs, they should have the self-knowledge to drop courses if their mental health falters.

[Photo] To Manage AP-Related Stress, Student Initiative Is the Key to Success

Emma Haag and Ryan Jung | May 10, 2021
A quick Google search for “Boba in Irvine” on Google shows that there are 20 shops in Irvine alone. To such entities, the boba shortage poses risk of bankruptcy or unemployment; for many, carrying boba is a factor that pulls customers in.

Boba Shortage Casts Calamity onto Californians

Ava Caleca, Erin Choi, and Krisha Konchadi | May 5, 2021
If implemented, vaccine passports will violate privacy rights and make it harder for people to travel because of low vaccine availability in the country.

[Photo] The United States Should Not Move Forward with Vaccine Passports

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | May 4, 2021
Deciding which college to attend is a large milestone during high school. Although it is not the most common choice, choosing to attend community college can provide various benefits financially and mentally.

[Photo] The Power of Attending Community College Is Underestimated

Clara Ferreira Lopes and Haruka Noda | May 3, 2021
Students often share the fears that they will get rejected from their dream school, they will not know what major to choose or they will eventually grow to dislike the university they commit to, according to Challenge Success. These internalized feelings may unconsciously start to appear on the surface when people make hurtful comments.

[Photo] Party vs. Pretentious: The Dangers of College Perceptions

Ava Caleca, Media Director | April 23, 2021
Mainstream pop artists: Doja Cat and J Balvin; rap artists BROCKHAMPTON, A$AP Ferg and A$AP Rocky; and r&b artists SZA and Khalid released their long-awaited music on April 9 that had fans anticipating the release.

[Photo] Hot New Releases to Add to Your Spring Jams

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | April 21, 2021
Junior Havanna Eleyadath natively speaks Malayalam, independently studies Egyptian, Icelandic, Gaelic, Welsh and Latin and is taking Spanish III this school year.

[Photo] This Student Can Translate Hieroglyphics. And Speak Six Languages.

Ryne Dunman, Naila Talib, and Celine Lee | April 9, 2021
At a James Madison Memorial Meeting, social studies department chair Jon Resendez speaks with the fellowship’s Board of Trustees. Resendez offers his thoughts about Constitutional teaching in American schools and discusses the possibilities of a new Constitutional Convention for the organization.

For Passion Civics Teacher, a 200-Year-Old Document Is the Key to Nuancing Today’s Politics

Ryan Jung and Krisha Konchadi | April 7, 2021
Home football games allow the football team, marching band and cheer team to unite Portola High under the banner of school spirit.

[Photo] Football, Cheer and Marching Band Reunite for the Football Season

Ryne Dunman and Justin Tang | March 26, 2021
This raw image shows the bottom of the Perseverance rover against the red of the Mars ground. For more images, check out NASA’s Mars Perseverance raw image collection.

Perseverance Rover Takes a Grand Landing in Student Interest

Krisha Konchadi and Aryan Mittal | March 26, 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?

[Photo] COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | February 3, 2021
Emily Competes with cheer at United Spirit Association Nationals in February 2020. “Watching the competitive cheer programs are really fun,” Emily Wei’s mom, Jennifer Wei, said. “They're just really exciting. They're kind of like ice skating, you know, it's like they do all this practice, and then it's like two minutes - they perform their routine.”

Emily Wei at the Front of the Formation

Krisha Konchadi, Front Page Editor | February 1, 2021
Though students' focus on the distinction between online and in-person summer programs this year is founded on a variety of concerns, they should not lose sight of the undoubtedly positive experiences that all types of summer programs, whether virtual or physical, bring to the table, including insights offered by mentors and college-level expansion upon typical high school curricula.

[Photo] Let Interests, Not Logistics, Guide Summer Program Selections

Justin Tang, Staff Writer | February 1, 2021
Netflix's hit television series "Cobra Kai" has been renewed for its fourth season which is scheduled to release January 2022 with the original cast and more guests.

[Photo] Season Three of Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ Honors Original ‘Karate Kid’ Films

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | January 29, 2021
Exposure to differing viewpoints will result in decreased polarization.

Playing team-oriented sports while being physically distanced can create some disconnect between team players. “I think the biggest thing would be playing against each other as a team and going to the games and having that adrenaline rush and experiencing the program and playing in a competitive environment, as opposed to just getting better,” junior varsity volleyball player and sophomore Sarika Menon said.

Orange County Moving into Purple Tier and its Impact on Student Athletes

Akshay Raj, Krisha Konchadi, Aryan Mittal, and Erin Choi | January 20, 2021
Steve Lacy has exhibited his talent in producing songs for artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Denzel Curry in songs such as “PRIDE” and “If Tomorrow's Not Here,” respectively. Lacy is also an important member of the 2015 Grammy-winning band, “The Internet.”

The Highs and the Lows of ‘The Lo-Fis’

Krisha Konchadi, Front Page Editor | January 8, 2021
Over the past months, students have been struggling with a common phenomenon known as “quarantine fatigue,” causing them to feel exhaustion and a lack of motivation associated with the new restrictive lifestyle of sanitizing and mask wearing that COVID-19 has brought.

[Photo] How to Cope with Quarantine Fatigue

Grace Baek, Staff Writer | December 18, 2020
With the ASB announcement that clubs must meet virtually for the foreseeable future, clubs have turned to Zoom to hold their meetings whether they intend to prepare for competitions, engage in community outreach or raise awareness for social issues.

[Photo] Clubs Face New Challenges in Distanced Settings

Ryne Dunman and Ryan Jung | December 1, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests became prevalent throughout the country around early June, as evidenced by this local protest which took place at the Irvine Civic Center on June 3.

Socially-Distanced Justice Movements Bring Activists Together

Ava Caleca and Krisha Konchadi | November 24, 2020
Many high school students are planning to vote when they are eligible, especially after the recent election.

[Photo] High Schoolers Voice Goals as Future Voters

Haruka Noda, Social Media Team | November 19, 2020
As seniors scramble to make finishing touches on their profiles and submit college applications, this year’s seniors have been burdened with another difficulty: the cancellation of SAT and ACT tests.

[Photo] Seniors Travel Out of State for Standardized Tests

Grace Baek and Charlotte Cao | November 11, 2020
High winds worsened the fire, in turn causing air quality to decrease as thick layers of smoke began covering areas of Irvine. According to the National Weather Service, gusts of wind were blowing at around 45 miles per hour in the wildfire affected areas. This photo was taken in the Woodbury neighborhood at 9 a.m. on Oct. 26.

Silverado Fire Prompts School Closures and Mandatory Evacuations

Krisha Konchadi, Front Page Editor | October 26, 2020
After many years of debate experience, Singh says testing his abilities at an extremely high level, he is finally able to see his progress, and is proud of how far he has come.

Junior Amitoj Singh Cuts Close to Nationals at Yale Invitational Debate Tournament

Krisha Konchadi and Emma Haag | October 22, 2020
Musicians Joji (left), Bryson Tiller (middle) and 21 Savage (right) all released new hit albums within the last month for fans to play on repeat. Each artist made a comeback with a refreshing twist to their old styles, surprising many fans but disappointing others.

[Photo] Finally, New Music to Add to My Playlist: Bryson Tiller, Joji and 21 Savage

Kayla Moshayedi and Emma Haag | October 16, 2020
With the increased use of social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, cancel culture has grown to take a larger toll on celebrities and influencers than it ever has before.

[Photo] The Toxic Rise of Cancel Culture

Emma Haag and Madeleine Young | October 14, 2020
The University of California's(UC) vote to phase out the SAT/ACT helps and benefits students to their advantage or are a detriment to other students compared to others.

[Photo] H2H: University of California Drops SAT/ACT Requirements

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | September 18, 2020
The Top of the World, Laguna Beach, is the traditional spot that most Irvine High schools host their senior sunrise, because of the local shops and breakfast spots nearby, and the breathtaking view of the ocean and sky from high elevation.

Seniors Socially Distance at the Top of the World

Krisha Konchadi and Clara Ferreira Lopes | September 14, 2020
Under in-person instruction, freshmen would vote for their ASB leaders during their advisement period. This year, freshmen can vote on Canvas from their homes.

[Photo] Freshmen Campaign Week and Elections Held Virtually

Ryne Dunman, Business Manager | September 11, 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.

[Photo] Remembering Chadwick Boseman: The Loss of a Superhero

Kelthie Truong and Sidra Asif | September 10, 2020
Although AP classes on campus typically start junior year, some sophomores had the option to take AP Computer Science Principles and AP Human Geography. Specific APs, like world language APs, had unique submissions such as portfolios and voice recordings.

College Board’s Lack of Concern for Students Landed Them a Lawsuit

Emma Haag and Krisha Konchadi | June 3, 2020
Tanaka Farms has helped upwards of 500 affected families every week with the assistance of local farms, non-profits, volunteers and donations.

Tanaka Farms Provides Generous Community Lift and Service

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | June 1, 2020
This year’s election is anything but traditional, and presidential candidates should strive to create realistic policy goals.

[Photo] Healthcare and Voting Advocacy are Crucial to a Presidential Victory

Ajinkya Rane, Co-Managing Editor | May 21, 2020
Before Coronavirus cases increased exponentially in California, heavy waves of pollution in the air caused by combustion and crowds of people led to faded views of mountains and landscapes. Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s enactment of a stay-at-home order on March 19, combustion on the roads and during gatherings have decreased 48% along with traffic according to U.S. News.

[Photo] Why the Coronavirus has Helped the Environment

Aadi Mehta, Contributing Writer | May 20, 2020
Protests have spawned across California in an act to challenge the state’s stay-at-home order and social distancing restrictions.

[Photo] Stay-at-Home Protests Inspire Economic and Social Resurgence within California, Starting with OC Beaches

Ryne Dunman, Contributing Writer | May 20, 2020
Jjigae is a Korean cabbage broth stewed with vegetables or meats. Freshman Charis Kim shows a variation of jjigae known as kimchi jjigae, in which part of the soup base is made up of spicy kimchi.

Students Learn the Art of Ethnic Heritage and Familial Culture during Intercultural Week

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | May 12, 2020

Students Should Be Allowed To Opt Out

Krisha Konchadi | April 28, 2020
Just like how an affected GPA would impact high schoolers’ chances of getting into college, college students’ impacted GPAs affect their chances of being hired for a job or being admitted to a post-undergraduate program. However, mental health and wellbeing should undoubtedly be put above achieving good grades.

[Photo] H2H: Should Students Be Allowed to Opt Out of the Credit/No Credit System?

April 28, 2020

How COVID-19 Social Media Posts Cause Mass Hysteria

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media Team | April 23, 2020
Many influencers on social media apps such as Instagram have been promoting self-isolation and positivity with the use of their ‘Stay Home’ stickers, while others have been using it to spread exaggerated information that brings a negative view to COVID-19.

[Photo] H2H: Has Social Media Benefited or Harmed Teens During Quarantine?

April 23, 2020

[Video] How to Make a DIY Mask for Covid-19

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media Team | April 20, 2020
The club's current project is to create a pencil case. They make and finalize their 3D design on the software Fusion360 and then upload this program to sophomore Ryan Yang's at-home 3D printer.

3D Printing Club Fuses its Way into the Future

Krisha Konchadi and Minnah Tanzeen | April 7, 2020
Goyal attended a DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) state conference, and competed in tests for “Startup Business Plan” and “Intro to Finance” to experience the competitive and timely manner of the business world.

How One Student is Following Her Passions This Summer

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | April 6, 2020
Uzi may have meticulously planned the release date of March 6, the 66th day of 2020, to show the numbers “666” to represent his affiliation with satanism.

Lil Uzi Vert Debuts His Three Personas in ‘Eternal Atake’

Emma Haag and Krisha Konchadi | March 27, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-03-17 at 6.33.58 PM

[Photo] H2H: How Far Should You Take Senior Assassins?

William Hsieh and Simrat Singh | March 18, 2020
As the coronavirus continues to spread, it is easy for people to succumb to fear and hate in order to cope with the uncertainty of the next few months. However, labeling all Asians with a disease strips them of their humanity and leaves them as innocent victims to harassment and hate crimes.

[Photo] Coronavirus Pandemic Should Bring Compassion for Asians, Not Contempt

Ariana Wu, Staff Writer | March 20, 2020
The Alley had its grand opening on Feb.17, when the first 100 people were eligible to receive free merchandise and a half-off drink price. Since its opening, there is often a line outside the store.

The Alley is an Ally for All Boba Lovers

Emma Haag and Krisha Konchadi | March 16, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-03-02 at 9.02.09 AM

[Photo] Are High School Relationships Worth Pursuing?

March 2, 2020
In an interview with Elite Daily, Robert Glatter, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, explains how having a crush on someone can cause the release of dopamine and serotonin. Due to the release of these "feel-good" chemicals, the beginning stages of love can make you feel good mentally, and may even act as a form of self-motivation.

How Does Your Crush Make You Feel?

Krisha Konchadi, Emma Haag, and Minnah Tanzeen | February 26, 2020
Since a lot of kids in Irvine are financially dependent on their parents, once they enter college, they are hit with a whole new realm of problems they have never learned to deal with. “Especially growing up in a pretty affluent area such as Irvine, I’ve never really had to worry about dealing with money problems. But now that I’m a senior in high school, with the independence to drive, have a job and whatnot, I’m really worried for my future and balancing life with financial issues,” senior Faith Nguyen said.

Financial Literacy Must Be Mandatory in High School

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | February 18, 2020
Juniors Eric Hao and Rachel Abalos and senior Joseph Kim didn’t realize they had ten minutes to perform their two minute song. An hour before it started, they decided to sing a mashup of "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder and “Can't Take My Eyes off of You" by Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons, which they had talked about the day before.

Student Artists Take on Youth Action Team’s 14th Annual Akustikoff

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media Team | February 6, 2020
Boys basketball celebrates its league win after senior Mohsen Hasheimi shoots a game-winning shot in the last second of the game. The teammates celebrate their comeback after losing to Beckman 49-60 earlier in the season.

Bulldogs Take First in League with Last Minute Shot

Emma Haag and Krisha Konchadi | February 4, 2020

Teachers React to TikToks

Emma Haag, Krisha Konchadi, and Minnah Tanzeen | January 28, 2020
The Australian megafires as seen by the Himawari 8, a Japanese weather satellite show the overhead conditions of the continent. Smoke from the fires in Australia has reduced air quality, forcing citizens to evacuate, and has reached as far as Chile, according to NPR.

1.25 Billion Animals Killed as Australia’s Megafires Continue

Minnah Tanzeen and Krisha Konchadi | January 21, 2020
Starting off in 2010, the popular social media platform Tumblr influenced many to dress with the internet fads popular on the site. This laidback youthful style included floral prints, skinny jeans and graphic tees.

Fashion Through the Decade

Ava Caleca and Krisha Konchadi | January 7, 2020
During the holidays, students are able to kick back and enjoy their vacations, whereas teachers have the hassle of "adulting".

How Students and Teachers Unwind for the Holiday Season

Krisha Konchadi | December 19, 2019
Although the idea of using a root vegetable to create a pie might be repulsive to some, it actually creates for a sweeter flavor profile and closely resembles a pumpkin pie’s nutty and smooth taste.

How to Prepare a Nontraditional Full Course Meal for Your Thanksgiving

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media & Marketing Team | November 25, 2019
How Early is Too Early to Celebrate Christmas?

How Early is Too Early to Celebrate Christmas?

Krisha Konchadi and Ava Caleca | November 19, 2019

Christmas Celebrations Should Wait Until December

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | November 19, 2019
Nicole Jackson works on promoting healthy life decisions and creating a comfortable environment for students on campus

Nicole Jackson Helps Students through the Maze of High School

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media and Marketing Team | November 1, 2019
Junior Mona Tavassoli fills in the Orion backdrop. Students from all four houses gathered on Oct. 12 to paint backdrops and rehearse dances for the halftime show. ASB’s efforts were more organized this year because of the increased participation and spirit of the student body.

Putting Forth Portola’s Last Forthcoming

Krisha Konchadi and Minnah Tanzeen | October 24, 2019
Senior Paris Zhuang designs five vivid and intricate designs that all couple together as one collection, which exemplify the types of designs she would implement for people as she tries to bridge the gender gap.

Student Artists Prepare for College in the Art World

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media & Marketing Team | October 21, 2019
Sophomores Julianne Kim (left), Maham Khan (middle) and Mishtee Shaw (right) hold up posters for the returning Biochemistry Club and the new Astronomy Club.

Kicking Off A New Year of Clubs

Krisha Konchadi and Minnah Tanzeen | October 8, 2019
How Bulldogs are Making Bank This Summer

How Bulldogs are Making Bank This Summer

Helena Hu and Krisha Konchadi | June 3, 2019
Donate to Portola Pilot
$200
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Krisha Konchadi