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
News
FIRST Robotics president and senior Amy Shok adjusts the robot created for the Orange County Robotics competition before a game. “We had to make sure that everything was going according to plan, and if there was any problem, we were prepared to fix it,” Shok said. “I think that problem-solving mindset was evident in our robot as well. Our robot had a lot of different changes made because the original design didnt account for things such as how the robot would be made.”
FIRST Robotics Team Creates a ‘Crescendo’ at Orange County Competition
Sonia Wang and Kayley Winata | April 9, 2024
Mayor Farrah Khan delivered her final State of the City Address, which included a reflection on the city’s economic growth and future goals. “As we move forward, let’s continue to build on this legacy, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Khan said. “Let’s shape a future that honors our shared achievements and reflects our common values.”
Mayor Farrah Khan Unveils Vision for Future Progress in State of the City Address
Aditi Salunkhe, Assistant Sports Editor | March 27, 2024
Junior Bill Song, senior Gabe Mutsvangwa, junior Sophie Guilfoile, junior Evelyn Lai, senior Kate Abalos and junior Mia Jong (left back to front right) represented Portola High at the 2024 IUSD Sacramento student advocacy trip. The trip encourages critical thinking and student engagement in political discussion, according to Resendez. “You have to sit in a room with a legislator, and have the courage to stand up and say, I have a story to tell, and you need to know about it,” Resendez said.
Portola High Students Join Annual IUSD Sacramento Student Advocacy Trip
Mary Lee, Staff Writer | March 21, 2024
Speaker Alvia Lee addresses an audience of students from different schools during his workshop at the High School Youth Action teen’s (HSYAT) teen summit event. The workshop centered on mission and vision and included recountings of the speaker’s lived experiences. “It was nice that we were able to work with the people beside us,” teen summit attendee and sophomore May Li said. “The most memorable aspect was when the speaker wanted us to ask them what our best traits were, because sometimes you might not notice what they are until you’re told.”
An Electrifying Occasion: HSYAT Celebrates 30th Annual Teen Summit
Marianne Chan, Photo Editor | March 18, 2024
People of Portola High
Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”
Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair
Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024
Girls Who Code (GWO) co-President and senior Injila Adil hands a microphone over to Planet Protectors President and junior Sahana Ananth during their meeting on March 20. The two clubs plan on collaborating to code an app designed by Planet Protectors that promotes environmental consciousness, according to GWO co-President and sophomore Avnit Kaur.
Girls Who Code Club Celebrates STEM Field Trailblazers for Women’s History Month
Maya Tedini | March 28, 2024
Sophomore Avnit Kaur works to strengthen her case with her speech and debate teammates. “The thing I love about the Lincoln-Douglas style is that we have to debate on both the affirmative side and the negation side of the resolution,” Kaur said. “It really helps you think on both sides rather than being fixated on one idea.”
From Prep to Podium: Sophomore Avnit Kaur Lands a Spot at the State Debate Tournament
Alice Ahn and Maitri Allani | March 26, 2024
Portola High South Asian Student Association (SASA) board members throw up colored powder to commemorate the success of the event. “Portola has one of the largest attendance,” Sonthalia said. “Thats purely because of how big our club is as SASA and how many members we have. Im just so happy to see that Portola has so many people here that come together and are celebrating with us.”
South Asian Student Association Vibrantly Celebrates Holi
Michael Sun | March 20, 2024
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Features
Hair has become a vessel for self-expression for many due to its versatility. “I just love my hair,” freshman Kate Song said. “Style is something that you could switch up. But my hair is kind of something that shows how I love this color, or I love this style.”
Bulldogs Express True ‘Colors’ Through Dyed Hair
Kayley Winata | April 12, 2024
Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses
Not-So-Objectively Reviewing Some of Portola High’s AP Courses
Cindy Mei and Michael Sun | April 8, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
All that Jazz: IUSD Jazz Ensemble Festival Spellbinds Audience
Marianne Chan and Claire Liu | April 12, 2024
One of senior Yunseo Kwon’s favorite pieces in her portfolio submission is her self portrait because it represents her experience with different art mediums and styles. “It incorporates design elements that I’ve been learning recently and the realistic art I’ve been doing for a long time so combining them to make me felt like my identity is being revealed through my artwork,” Kwon said.
Orange County Register Artist of the Year Semifinalists Senior Yunseo Kwon and Junior Michelle Lu Rise to Success
Marianne Chan and Stephanie Hwang | April 10, 2024
“Dune: Part Two” was released in theaters on March 1 as a sequel to “Dune: Part One” released in 2021. Building upon the storyline laid out in Dune: Part One,” the film dives deeper into the desert planet of Arrakis, forming a story of community, power and betrayal.
The Ascension of Paul Atreides: “Dune: Part Two” Captures Fascinating Transition from Hero to Villain
Claire Chan, Front Page Editor | March 27, 2024
Opinion
Students themselves benefit most by actively participating in the exercises within their PE class. “Coaches or PE teachers get disappointed because its like, ‘Im not upset that youre not doing what I asked you to do. Im upset that youre going to continue to be like this,’” PE teacher and Athletic Director Peter Abe said. “And thats only going to hurt you long term, which will lead to things that they cant even fathom in terms of illness and disease.”
Yes, PE Classes Are Worth Your Effort
Mary Lee, Staff Writer | April 12, 2024
A ban on the sale of fur clothing is the most straightforward way to discourage animal cruelty. “Fashion brands that use real fur have no regard for animal welfare,” Biology Club member and sophomore Grace Li said. “That’s why more and more public attention is being directed towards fur alternatives.”
Faux Fur, Real Ethics: Why It Is Time for the United States to Ban Fur
Claire Liu, Staff Writer | April 10, 2024
Students need to normalize taking a variety of classes that are not necessarily APs so that they have non stressful and fun classes in between their more challenging ones. “I’m not against APS,” junior Nero Xu said. “I think APs are a good challenge and can help you look good for colleges. What I’m against is students cramming APs even though they clearly don’t like it or are overwhelmed by it.”
APs or Actually Problematic?
Elizabeth Gao and Stephanie Hwang | March 29, 2024
Most people don’t consider dropping a class when it’s dragging them down. Here’s why they should.
The Hard Question of Hard Classes: Drop or Stay?
Jordan Hata, Staff Writer | March 15, 2024
Sports
Junior Leon Yang makes a putt on hole six at Portola High’s home course, Rancho San Joaquin. Boys’ golf (6-1) won against Irvine High with a final score of 194-196 on March 21. Their next game will be against Sage Hill on April 9.
Boys’ Golf ‘Putts’ Away 194-196 Victory Against Irvine High
Tyler Kim | March 29, 2024
Multi-sport coach Julie Primero and girls’ lacrosse huddle to discuss strengths and weaknesses from their last game as well as new strategies to implement in their upcoming matches. “Coach Primero is a really hands-on coach,” lacrosse player and sophomore Isabelle Borrison said. “She loves to get involved with us and show us exactly what were doing wrong. She watches our form and footsteps and gets little details that you wouldn’t see if you were watching the game.”
From the Dance Floor to the Playing Field: All-Star Coach Julie Primero Redefines Coaching Excellence
Sky Nguyen and Kelly Yeh | March 28, 2024
Issues
April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6
April 2024: Volume 8 Issue 6

 

February 2024: Volume 8 Issue 5
February 2024: Volume 8 Issue 5

 

January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4
January 2024: Volume 8 Issue 4

 

December 2023: Volume 8 Issue 3
December 2023: Volume 8 Issue 3

 

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The student news site of Portola High School
The student news site of Portola High School