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
Parmin Zamani

Parmin Zamani, News Editor

Parmin Zamani is the News Editor for her second year on the Portola Pilot. She’s really looking forward to working with all the new staff members and unearthing all the interesting news on campus. When she’s not struggling with InDesign, you can find her studying at a café, listening to the Weeknd (most likely the House of Balloons mixtape!), or debating whether to spend money on yet another cup of coffee.

All content by Parmin Zamani
As a well-rounded student-athlete, senior Rocky Palacio balances a busy academic life and athletic schedule, taking on challenging STEM classes and long football practices. He said that he tries to stay focused on his goals and avoid giving in to distractions. “My academics have always been a strong focal point of my parents for me, but also personally, I value them a lot,” Palacio said. “Especially if youre good at academics and you pursue athletics, then it could take you to a lot of places. Working hard in the classroom also translates into other areas of your life and just opens a lot more opportunities.”

Senior Rocky Palacio Displays Achievements in Both Academics and Athletics with the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | April 12, 2024
Comedians hosting award shows should tailor their jokes to focus attention on the achievements of their guests in the audience rather than bringing them down. “I think its inappropriate for them to be making jokes that could offend others, and instead, they should be making jokes that could make everyone laugh,” junior Anaika Nagireddy said.

Award Show Hosts Need to Step Back From Offensive Jokes

Parmin Zamani, News Editor | March 8, 2024
Sophomore Sophia Kim and Parker Abernathy from Foothill High gaze into each other’s eyes at the start of their romantic night at Winter Formal. Couples often match their corsages and boutonnieres, and the male often wears a tie that is the same color as their date’s dress.

Bulldogs’ Outfits Shine in ‘A Night Under the Lanterns’ Winter Formal

Hannah Ko and Parmin Zamani | February 5, 2024
Art projects can add a splash of color to coursework that is otherwise considered mundane or repetitive, increasing students’ enjoyment in the class. Visual arts teacher Mat Pace says that giving students’ chances for original artistry can enrich learning experiences and provide balance in more arduous classes. “Taking a break from a heavy math class would be nice to just focus on a spectrum of color or something thats so different than what theyre doing,” visual arts teacher Mat Pace said. “We can put a mathematical equation in almost anything as well, so maybe when theyre thinking about that art project they’re thinking how math relates to that.”

Teachers Should Liven Up Regular Coursework with Creative Art Projects

Parmin Zamani and Jordan Hata | January 12, 2024
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” came out in theaters on Nov. 17 featuring a young and ambitious Coriolanus Snow in the defining moments of his life. Viewers watch throughout the film as Snow progresses from a relatively innocent student to a cunning, driven person that goes on to become the despotic leader from the original films.

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Review: A Compelling and Thought-Provoking Prequel

Parmin Zamani, News Editor | November 29, 2023
Zaara Batla and Vianna Pineda are the only two seniors on the flag football team. “It was just being part of a new group, a new team, seeing how far we could get in our first season,” Batla said. “That was really exciting to me.”

Seniors Vianna Pineda and Zaara Batla ‘Snatch’ the Opportunity to Play Flag Football in Their Last Year

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | November 14, 2023
Under the moon’s glow every Halloween, children fill the streets in their venture to pack their trick-or-treat baskets to the brim. Within every bag lies clear winners (and losers), each candy a sentimental link to our favorite memories or stark reminder that our taste buds will be left disappointed.

A Halloween Hierarchy: ‘Unwrapping’ the Best and Worst Spooky Season Treats

Ruhi Samudra and Parmin Zamani | October 31, 2023
Wide receiver and sophomore Zoe Del Rosario attempts to evade two of Northwood High’s players as they try to pull her flag. To improve for future games, head flag football coach Julie Primero said that the team needs to work on their catching and communication with each other.

Flag Football’s Tough Loss Shapes Goals for the Rest of the Season

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | October 2, 2023
Portola High should bring back the old pep rally schedule to reduce student confusion and maximize efficiency. 48 of 60 students polled on Instagram voted they preferred the old pep rally schedule over the new schedule.

Bring Back Our ‘Pep’ with the Old Pep Rally Schedule

Parmin Zamani and Jordan Hata | September 22, 2023

Opt for ‘Oppenheimer’ over ‘Barbie’

Parmin Zamani, Photo Editor | May 30, 2023
The front of the gallery displayed paintings and sketches from Portola High students. Teachers from each school in Irvine Unified selected a few students’ artwork for awards. “I think its just a huge honor to be able to now say that I have some students whose artwork has been shown in the museum,” visual arts teacher Kearci Thompson said.

Portola High Hosts Inaugural District Honors Art Show

Ruhi Samudra and Parmin Zamani | May 30, 2023
Lauren Van (right) paved the way for her younger sister Hailey Van (left) to start dancing. “When I was younger, I would always watch my sister doing ballet,” Hailey Van said. “My mom said that I was really interested in doing it, so she signed me up, too.”

Dance Duo: Sisters Hailey and Lauren Van Connect through Shared Talent

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | May 22, 2023
Outfielder and sophomore Bianca Morrell hits a triple towards left outfield, allowing her to secure third base. Softball (4-13) won against University High 23-10 on April 27 at the home stadium, officially concluding its season and marking the most wins in program history, according to the PHS Dog Pound Instagram.

Softball Ends Season on a Positive Note with 23-10 Win Against University High

Parmin Zamani | May 8, 2023
Senior Adna Parva worked with her family to create this Haftsin from scratch by obtaining all of the necessary materials. Parva’s family likes to employ a theme for their Haftsin each year, with white and gold being the preferred color scheme this time around, according to Parva.

Nowruz Celebrations Connect Persian Students to Culture in a Historic Year for Iranians

Tara Vatandoust and Parmin Zamani | March 23, 2023
Center midfielder and senior Yasser Mallisho scored two goals on Senior Night. “It was amazing, you know, last league game of my life,” Mallisho said. “High school’s been an amazing time starting since sophomore year in varsity, and it’s been a hell of a ride.”

Boys’ Soccer Wraps up League Season with 3-0 Senior Night win against Sage Hill

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | February 15, 2023
Midfielder and senior Artin Salehi made the second goal for the Bulldogs in their game against Sage Hill High. Jordon said he tried to put senior players on the field as much as possible for their last league game, leading them to push each other harder than they have before.

[Photo]

Junior Santiago Becerril takes a break from his usual position as goalie and works to finish off the game with his teammates farther down the field. “Everyone here knew what we needed to do, and so, collectively, I think that was the biggest strength of the night,” boys’ soccer coach Benjamin Jordon said.

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Press Pause on the Podcast and Open up an Article Instead

Parmin Zamani, Photo Editor | January 30, 2023
Junior Kevin Huang, junior Stone Evenson, junior Andy Yi and senior Marco Machado play “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay on the side stage to entertain the audience as bands set up.

Student Band +1ZP Wins Annual Battle of the Rock Bands

Parmin Zamani, Photo Editor | December 16, 2022
Oh My Ghods Pottery owner and recurring seller at the market Sarah Ghods describes her small business and draws in shoppers with her display of handmade ceramics.

Small Businesses Exhibit Imaginative Products at the Woodbury Town Center

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | December 7, 2022
Sophomore Brandon Phomsavanh stops at the middle of the Moro Ridge Road trail in Crystal Cove State Park during one of many mountain bike rides with his father, Lee Phomsavanh.

Mountain Biker Brandon Phomsavanh Trails up to New Heights

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | December 7, 2022
S3 Episode 01: Clowns, Ghouls and Killers: A Reflection on the Horror Genre

S3 Episode 01: Clowns, Ghouls and Killers: A Reflection on the Horror Genre

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Arnav Chandan, Aditi Salunkhe, Arshia Sista, and Parmin Zamani | October 23, 2022
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” Netflixs latest hit from Korea, held the No. 1 spot for six weeks for non-English series, according to Deadline.

K-Drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” Takes Meaningful Steps Towards Autism Representation in Mainstream Media

Skyller Liu and Parmin Zamani | September 9, 2022
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The student news site of Portola High School
Parmin Zamani