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
Nate Taylor

Nate Taylor, Front Page and Photo Editor

 Nate Taylor is the 2021-22 front page editor and photo editor. He is ready to improve his design skills and create memorable Portola Pilot front covers. He hopes to take quality photos, draw more cartoons and help build the multimedia section of the Pilot. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, playing with his dog and listening to punk music. 

 

All content by Nate Taylor

Senior Send-off: Seniors of the Portola Pilot Reflect on the Year

Emma Haag and Nate Taylor | May 26, 2022
The new California Math Framework draft acknowledges how mathematics education has remained as an obstacle for certain groups of students with limited access to an advanced course track. The new California Math Framework draft acknowledges how mathematics education has remained as an obstacle for certain groups of students with limited access to an advanced course track.

[Photo] New Math Framework: One Step Towards Equity or Ideological Pedagogy?

Martin Yoon, Staff Writer | May 24, 2022
Senior Puneet Singh is crowned Portola High’s first prom queen. “Probably one of the best moments of high school for sure,” Singh said. “Just because hearing everyone cheering and stuff like that is very, I didn't know how to like, it was unreal.”

Students are Enchanted at ‘Once Upon a Prom,’ First Prom Court

Nate Taylor and Lauren Hsu | May 10, 2022
Physical education and health teacher Brittany Frymire walks her students through a jump-roping drill during class. According to Frymire, the most important part of her daily workouts is music, ranging from relaxing country music for longer running sessions to lively hip-hop on more intense weight lifting days.

[Photo] Physical Education Teacher Brittany Frymire Puts Her Heart and Sole into Running

Cara Chan and Arnav Chandan | May 7, 2022

Reviewing Three Local Vegan Restaurants

Lauren Hsu, Celine Lee, and Nate Taylor | May 4, 2022
Assistant softball coach Jamie Gilbert and head softball coach Chloe Gilbert discuss the girls’ softball team’s defense as the team prepares to practice fielding on March 31. “Both of our coaches are very passionate about what they do,” senior Alexa Becerra said. “They’re both very strict, but they both have a very funny and charismatic personality, and it makes us all want to have more fun.”

Inseparable: The Story of Sisters and Softball Coaches Chloe and Jamie Gilbert

Nate Taylor and Justin Tang | April 11, 2022
Levinson needed to cast an actress who could portray the emotional volatility of an adolescent drug addict, in tandem with Rue’s mental health diagnoses — among them, ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression — and shifting relationships with friends, family and lovers. “I think that the toughest part of writing [Zendaya’s] character and sort of portraying a character that’s dealing with addiction is understanding the root causes of it and the sensitivity behind it,” Sam Levinson said.

[Photo] ‘Euphoria’ Doesn’t Glorify Drug Use — It Humanizes It

Ryne Dunman and Kayla Moshayedi | March 8, 2022
Internships afford students opportunities to branch out into fields more specialized than typical high school courses allow. Some ROP programs offered at Portola High include automotive technology and animal healthcare, according to ROP counselor Pa Shia Escoto.

[Photo] Not the Typical Day in the Office

Arnav Chandan and Justin Tang | February 11, 2022
Apart from immersing students in the world of imagination, reading can also prepare students for real-world situations. “You take away certain themes and lessons from books, and even if they’re not kids’ moral books, they help you prepare for certain things in life,” senior Aarushi Shankar said. “I get a lot more lessons from books than I do from other places.”

[Photo] A Novel Idea: ‘Reading Days’ Could Give Students Chance to Disconnect

Sidra Asif and Justin Tang | February 8, 2022

National Soup Month

Lauren Hsu, Celine Lee, and Nate Taylor | February 4, 2022
000 aaa this is not who we are graphic

[Photo] Staff Editorial: It’s Not Just One Bad Apple

January 31, 2022
Larger papers overshadow local ones and, in response, many local papers end up disappearing or becoming what is known as “ghost newspapers:” publications whose staff is so small that it becomes nearly impossible to publish articles regularly.

[Photo] Breaking News: Read your Local Newspaper

Charlotte Cao, Features Editor | December 8, 2021
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.

[Photo] Despite Opposition, Biden’s Newly-Passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Includes Important Measures For Climate Change

Aadi Mehta, Staff Writer | November 18, 2021
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 you're still a minor.”

[Photo] CIF Football Game Results in Bulldog Loss After Strong 7-3 Season Standing

Bia Shok, Co-News Editor | November 15, 2021
According to instrumental music teacher Desmond Stevens, Portola High is the only school in IUSD to have its very own street piano but the music program would be more than happy to take any unwanted pianos off of another person’s hands. Though instrumental music teacher Desmond Stevens does not play the piano by the theater, claiming he has “spatulas for hands,” he said he saw the value of leaving an instrument outside for the public. “We know that our student body has a lot of rich musical experience, whether or not they have the time in classes, so we wanted that opportunity for [the piano] to be open to anybody at any time,” Stevens said.

[Photo] Meet Tyrolean

Charlotte Cao and Grace Baek | November 15, 2021
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.

[Photo] The “Long Drive Contest”: How Privately-Owned Golf Courses Contribute to Golf Teams’ Struggles

Justin Tang, Back Page Editor | October 22, 2021
Upon entering Spanish teacher Kari Tubbs’ classroom, it is impossible to ignore the bright assortment of posters, photographs and artwork that cover nearly every inch of her walls. “Students tell me that they like it; they like that they come in and it’s colorful, they like that they come in and see different things, and there’s stuff to look at,” Tubbs said. “They get to know me through what I put up. That’s why I’ll just keep doing it.”

Letting the Inside Out: How Teachers Use Their Room Decor to Show Off Their Personalities

Lauren Hsu and Nate Taylor | September 14, 2021
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?

Cara Chan, Celine Lee, and Nate Taylor | June 2, 2021
Holocaust Survivor Returns to Tell his Story Amid Rising Antisemitism

Holocaust Survivor Returns to Tell his Story Amid Rising Antisemitism

Nate Taylor, Centerspread & Photo Editor | May 3, 2021
Cohort B of the Pride of Portola and color guard performs the first part of their field show during the first break on April 7. The new show music combines the fight song and alma mater as well as pep tunes like “Go Hot Dogs” and “Go Bulldogs” from previous years. This Fine Arts Week performance gave students and staff a preview of the show for the senior night football game on April 16.

Music teacher Kyle Traska’s eighth-period Contemporary/Pop Performance Ensemble class shows off their vocal skills and instrumental technique by playing a set of rock anthems on April 9. The group includes senior and guitarist Trevor Howden, senior and bassist Jeffery Mejia, sophomore and drummer Sky Jaan and junior and guitarist Cody Maier.

It has been one year since March 13, which is when schools had to close in response to the rising cases of the Coronavirus pandemic. The class of 2024 transitioned from middle school to high school with little-to-no at-school interaction, and they reflect on their journey so far.

[Photo] Class of 2024 Reflects on Year with Hybrid Learning

Michelle Kim and Haruka Noda | March 18, 2021
The James A. Musick Facility in Irvine was affected by the court’s order to release incarcerated people accused of low-level crimes. The order was a part of a larger effort to combat the jail outbreak of COVID-19 that spiked in January. The decline in cases came after several lengthy court hearings to urge releases. Several public activists as well as the judge involved with the case recently spoke out against Sheriff Don Barnes’ noncompliance with the order.

Sheriff’s Initial Response to COVID-19 Jail Outbreak Sparks Backlash

Nate Taylor | February 24, 2021
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former President Donald Trump, two of the most prominent politicians who have been idolized, regularly used social media sites like Twitter to communicate with their constituents, according to the Washington Post. These interactions lend themselves to the creation of online personas that attract Americans.

[Photo] American Politicians should not be American Idols

Charlotte Cao and Claudia Lin | February 23, 2021
After going viral on TikTok and other social media platforms, teens all around the world are watching Megan Is Missing, a horror/thriller movie all about a teenager going missing after meeting a fake person online.

[Photo] Mediocre Movie Gains Popularity for Obscene Content: ‘Megan is Missing’

Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi | January 13, 2021
The model minority myth hurts both Asian Americans and other minorities, which can further perpetuate racism against Asian Americans and racism against underprivileged minority groups, downplaying the chances of other minorities to pursue an acceptable societal status and creating a rigid set of regulations of how an Asian must act in the community.

[Photo] Model Minority Myth Magnifies Misunderstanding

Cara Chan and Dheeksha Bhima Reddy | January 7, 2021
Gov. Newsom announced that California residents can now opt in for COVID-19 exposure notifications through the app “CA Notify.” According to Newsom, the app does not track location and is designed to help slow the transmission of COVID-19.

[Photo] Newsom Issues New Lock-down Order

Aryan Mittal and Erin Choi | December 18, 2020
Students who choose not to prepare for standardized tests may face heightened pressure to take the tests in their senior year, especially if colleges opt for a test-mandatory policy following this admissions cycle.

[Photo] Colleges Are Going Test-Optional, but Students Need To Play It Safe

Ryan Jung, Staff Writer | December 8, 2020
Center online graphic

[Photo] Mindfulness Despite Madness

Emma Haag, Lauren Hsu, and Kayla Moshayedi | December 7, 2020
It is believed that every zodiac sign has their own distinct traits. While one’s zodiac sun sign plays a large part in determining personality traits, the moon and the rising signs can attribute individuals with more specific traits.

[Photo] Do Their Zodiac Signs Make These Teachers Compatible?

Emma Haag, Kayla Moshayedi, and Zara Shirwany | December 7, 2020
COVID-19 Specail graphic

[Photo] Pandemic Culture Transforms Patterns of Social Interaction

Grace Baek and Erin Choi | December 3, 2020
During former President Barack Obama’s term in 2016, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused Supreme Court Justice hearings for former President Obama’s nominees. However, he strongly pushed for a new nominee during the final year of President Trump’s term, exposing the hypocrisy of McConnell and the Republican-majority Senate.

[Photo] Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination Marks a Concerning Departure from Precedent and Principle

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Cara Chan, and Ryan Jung | December 2, 2020
With Black Friday deals already rolling in, its counterpart Cyber Monday is just around the corner as well. While both days share a similar purpose, it’s important to know the differences to get the most out of the annual events.

[Photo] Black Friday vs Cyber Monday – What’s the Difference?

Aryan Mittal, Staff Writer | November 24, 2020
Digital Thanksgiving

[Photo] How to Stay Safe during Thanksgiving

Aryan Mittal, Staff Writer | November 24, 2020
The Congressional App Challenge attracted record numbers of students, who invested unprecedented hours of code into almost 2,000 apps.

[Photo] Congressional App Challenge Reports Record Participation

Ryan Jung and Aryan Mittal | November 20, 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.

[Photo] An Environmental Responsibility for Humanity

Sidra Asif and Naila Talib | November 20, 2020
Growing political tension between Republicans and Democrats has spawned debate about the need for political parties in American society. Those in favor of political parties cite their services in streamlining governmental processes for politicians and citizens alike. Detractors argue they do more harm than good, dividing political groups and spurring polarization.

[Photo] H2H: How Does Partisanship Affect American Politics?

Ryne Dunman and Celine Lee | November 24, 2020
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders are the second most deadly category of mental illnesses, causing over 10,000 deaths each year. These numbers are only supported by the normalization of harmful behaviors on social media, such as sharing “target weights,” participating in group fasts and publicly criticizing bigger bodies.

[Photo] Putting an End to the Popularization of ‘Pro-Ana’

Lauren Hsu, Arts and Entertainment Editor | November 19, 2020
A HISTORIC SITE. The Irvine Ranch has a deep and rich history first established by the Irvine family to be slowly developed into the urban sprawl it is known as today. Established In 2005, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy works to protect and maintain the open natural spaces from encroaching development and neglect. The Ranch’s 30,000 acres are publicly owned and operated.

A Visual Aftermath of the Silverado Fires

Nate Taylor, Photos Editor and Centerspread Editor | November 16, 2020
Various Portola High teachers share their amusing Zoom-related stories and why they made them laugh. While virtual learning may cause a few mishaps and difficulties, these teachers believe it is worth it to keep students and staff safe.

[Photo] Teachers Share Their Funny Zoom Moments

Aryan Mittal, Staff Writer | November 11, 2020
Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

Sidra Asif and Nate Taylor | November 5, 2020
Because of its increasing popularity, the company that released “Among Us”, Innersloth, released merchandise for fans to purchase including t-shirts and plushies.

[Photo] A Popular Game is ‘Among Us’

Claudia Lin, News Editor | November 3, 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.

[Photo] Students Must Physically Distance During Breaks

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | October 29, 2020
Red Ribbon Week is held every year in efforts to help educate students about drug use. Although events will be distanced this year, they are nonetheless still interactive and help create a supportive school community.

[Photo] Red Ribbon Week Educates Students Through Distanced Interactions

Haruka Noda, Social Media Team | October 23, 2020
While the PSAT may appear less essential to college admissions, the NMSQT is an opportunity for students to get a head start in applying for scholarships if they score high enough within a certain percentage of Portola High school.

[Photo] Portola High Offers PSAT with COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Ariana Wu and Ava Caleca | October 14, 2020
Over the past few months, protestors toppled numerous Christopher Columbus statues across the nation, according to the BBC. Due to the harm that Columbus inflicted on the Indigenous community, many Americans believed that he is undeserving of commemoration.

[Photo] Celebrate Culture, Not Colonization, by Replacing Columbus Day

Charlotte Cao, Co-News Editor | October 12, 2020
Bridging Horizons is a student-run non-profit focused on education inequality in developing countries like India. Organizers chose to focus on India because of their personal and familial connections. The group first reaches out to schools in target countries and teachers in the United States to bridge the gap in communication. They set up digital meetings and start a dialogue about ways to improve schooling between the different education systems.

Nonprofit Bridging Horizons Improves the Indian Education System

Nate Taylor, Centerspread and Photo Editor | October 9, 2020
Students prepare themselves for grocery shopping with the help of a collection of videos created by special education department co-chair Melody Resendez. The videos include specific instructions and helpful visuals to make the process as thorough as possible.

[Photo] Special Education Shops From Home

Aryan Mittal, Staff Writer | October 8, 2020
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, of which playing wind instruments is known to be a superspreader, students are instead learning about musical composition. Though it may be a challenge, students are still able to harness their creativity while becoming familiar with new softwares.

Student Musicians Embrace the Art of Composition

Nate Taylor, Centerspread Editor | October 6, 2020
With school districts’ increased reliance on remote learning, high-speed internet access at home has become a higher priority for many students. Without a reliable online connection to their classes, students affected by the digital divide have no choice but to be less active participants in their learning.

[Photo] IUSD Serves as a Model in Bridging Today’s Digital Divide

Ryan Jung, Staff Writer | September 30, 2020
The fall play, “One Stoplight Town,” will be virtual this year despite the transition to the hybrid model, as there is no definitively safe way of sanitizing every piece of equipment after each student’s use, according to performing arts teacher Samantha Sanford.

[Photo] Shining the Spotlight: Tech Theater Works a Different Kind of Behind-the-Scenes

Bia Shok, Features Editor | October 1, 2020
Sparked by recent protests, a controversial debate around law enforcement and public funding has gripped the nation. Defenders of police point out the services that officers perform for their community. Those in favor of defunding police budgets believe other sources should receive funding.

H2H: Defund or Defend the Police?

Nate Taylor and Ryne Dunman | September 22, 2020

Defund the Police

Nate Taylor, Centerspread and Photo Editor | September 22, 2020
According to a 2017 study published by Occupational Medicine, longer working hours are associated with depression, anxiety and sleep issues. This research helps explain why students often feel exhausted and overwhelmed after each virtual school day, in which they have few breaks and the learning is continuous.

[Photo] Five Minutes Is Not Enough: Why the Distance Learning Schedule Requires More Breaks

Charlotte Cao and Aryan Mittal | September 21, 2020
To promote healthy behaviors and encourage environments that will reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that players refrain from sharing equipment, practice in a properly ventilated area and maintain physical distance as often as possible by focusing on individual conditioning.

[Photo] Sports Will Continue to Be Safe if Precautions are Followed

Bia Shok and Lauren Hsu | September 18, 2020
Back to School Night videos for each teacher will be around ten minutes long, mimicking the time schedule that physical Back to School Nights had.

[Photo] Asynchronous Videos Replace In-Person Back to School Night

Bia Shok, Features Editor | September 9, 2020
While accounts that shame people on social media may have good intentions, social media users often do not know the full story behind others’ choices. According to sophomore Michael Kwon, some students were reposted on troll accounts even if they were following social distancing guidelines or spending time outside with their families.

[Photo] “Quarantine Shaming” Needs to Stop

Lauren Hsu and Celine Lee | May 29, 2020
The Miracle for Youth tutoring service aims to provide one-on-one digital meetings with student volunteers and staff. Elementary students in need of tutoring as well as interested volunteers can apply via the website.

A Miracle For and By Irvine Youths

Chiara Ng and Nate Taylor | May 15, 2020
The American Journal of Public Health found nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance. According to a West Health-Gallup survey, an estimated 34 million people, one in eight American adults, say in the last five years they have had at least one friend or family member who died after being unable to afford medical treatment for their condition.

[Photo] Stop Deaths Caused by America’s Healthcare System

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 14, 2020
Tackling Art Under Quarantine

Tackling Art Under Quarantine

Nate Taylor, Photo Editor | April 22, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students found it harder to resist being on their screens. Students spend more time playing video games and scrolling through social media platforms during the time they would normally be at school.

[Photo] Students Need to Step Away From Their Screens

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | April 6, 2020
Democratic Primaries Timeline

Democratic Primaries Timeline

Nate Taylor, Photo Editor | March 26, 2020
The roles in tech theater are vast and rotate often to help build technician versatility. Regardless of role, tech theatre is dedicated to ensuring that the VAPA students’ hard work is visually presented in the best way possible. There are currently 26 students in Advanced Tech Theater: 20 core designers and six technicians.

[Photo] Technicians Work Hard Backstage to Bring Magic On Stage

Julia Kim, Opinion Editor | March 23, 2020
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.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Students Cannot Afford to Slack Off

March 19, 2020
1astros

[Photo] Should the Houston Astros Be Stripped of the World Series Title?

Claudia Lin and Simrat Singh | March 13, 2020
daylighsavings

[Photo] H2H: Is Daylight Saving Worth It?

Bia Shok and Jenny Won | March 9, 2020
The source of the novel coronavirus was said to be an open market in Wuhan, China, where live animals were being sold. While this family of viruses typically only affects animals, several strains are zoonotic, meaning that they have spread to humans as well.

[Photo] Panicking Is Not Protection: Put an End to the Coronavirus Hysteria

Lauren Hsu, Staff Writer | March 6, 2020
With Irvine having a reputation for being a “wealthy” community, it is easy for students to assume their peers around them have the same affluence. These generalizations can make it harder for students to share out their financial struggles and make them feel left out.

[Photo] Do Not Expect Everyone In Irvine to Be Wealthy

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | March 3, 2020
Freshman Caden Wu uses intricate folds and cuts to create a crane out of colored paper. The orizuru, or paper crane, is considered the most classic Japanese origami sculpture and is associated with celebration and hope.

[Photo] Art-Based Passion Day Sessions Offer Students a Break

Lauren Hsu and Chiara Ng | February 27, 2020
1 colored

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Student Tracking Takes Steps Backward in Progressive Education

February 26, 2020
Junior Mona Tavassoli adds finishing touches to the jewelry box time capsule. Each side of the box is dedicated to different important popular figures and symbols along with a side for Portola's specific local culture. The box was made to encourage students to write down special memories from the decade to be stored and re-opened in the future.

A Night for the Arts to Shine

Nate Taylor and Chiara Ng | February 19, 2020
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Nate Taylor