The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
HIDDEN HEROES: Bev McPherson, a fifth year senior crossing guard, ensures pedestrians’ safety as she greets a familiar face
Crossing guards put community safety first
WE’RE OBSESSED: Junior Kamron Jamali, who plays May as part of the Advanced Drama cast, rehearses with the understudy cast before the opening night of “Call Me Obsessed.”
From Airport to Main Stage: “Call Me Obsessed”
BREAKING THROUGH: Senior Sailor Kensrue learns to use a chainsaw for releasing smoke and heat from structure fires at the OCFA Girls Empowerment Camp in September 2024
Fire Cadet Sailor Kensrue takes on the flames
NOT FOR EVERYONE: While working in high school is a great path for some, it’s not the best path for all students.
Teenage Employment: A choice, not a requirement
YOUTH STORIES IN FOCUS: Junior Anh Vo discusses his photograph in depth with science teacher Jordan Tyo at the OC Focus’ annual exhibit using the Photovoice method.
OC Focus: Empowering youth of color
Sophomore Ella Yu sells a matcha brownie to a friend as a part of the Seeds Club at Sophomore Movie Night.
Sophomore Movie Night returns
Senior and CSF Club President Hannah Cho receives formal apparel at the CSF donation drive, preparing to send the contribution to Working Wardrobes.
CSF’s Donation Drive
Mindful Moments: Freshman Raegan Ivanista focuses on decorating her rock with acrylic markers at the Oak during Sleep for Success Week.
From School Spirit to Self Care: Sleep for Success Week advocates for mental health
BOOKLETS AND BLUEBOOK: Senior Erica Zou takes a practice AP Statistics test on Bluebook using digital formula sheets and scratch paper.
AP tests are going digital
PAST MEETS PRESENT: Unserviced bus stops along Portola await new life through the Irvine CONNECT expansion. 1. Portola Parkway - Orchard Hills Drive intersection
Transportation Commission recommends extending bus service to Northwood
PRESERVING THE PAST: A preserved glimpse into Orange County history, Old Town Tustin stands as a gateway into early California architecture and history.
Historic spots in OC
RADIANT ROBOTICS: Northwood Robotics Club President and Technodream 50881A Team Manager Jia Dave works alongside her fellow board members on their VEX robot, configuring the controller and debugging errors.
Technodream 50881A: First all-Northwood VEX robotics team
PAWS FOR INCLUSION: Two young attendees share a moment with the school mascot during Irvine’s Disability Awareness Day, highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to foster belonging from the earliest years.
Acknowledging differences in IUSD’s Annual Abilities Awareness Event
SHARING EDUCATION: Senior Winnie Wei, president and founder of MORB, leads one of their weekly lunch meetings as members prepare to hear speeches from leadership candidates looking to continue the club’s mission to share educational resources.
Northwood’s Mexico Outreach Buddy creates special connections
Northwood senior Ellen Wang presents a cash prize to Sunrise Venture’s Pitch Summit finalists as Mayor Farrah Khan congratulates them for winning the fan favorite award. Photo provided by Ellen Wang
Northwood students rise to their full potential with Sunrise Venture
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
TINY TERROR ON TWO LEGS: The infamous Chicken Jockey from The Minecraft Movie
“A Minecraft Movie” crumbles at its craft
ROTTEN TO THE CORE: The new “Snow White” movie brings the beloved Disney princess and her evil stepmother to life.
The new live action “Snow White” is apple-solutely disastrous
JAZZED UP: Sophomore percussionist Ryan Koo lays it down on the vibraphone in his performance during their performance at Irvine Jazz Festival.
Jazz takes first place at Irvine Jazz Festival
HITTING THE HIGH NOTES: Senior Louis Gaigneux leads the choir in a rendition of Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go” during the choir showcase during the Night of the Arts.
Northwood arts perform during Fine Arts Week
Etiquette in the age of distraction
Etiquette in the age of distraction
Northwood Q&A
Northwood Q&A
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Looking back with staff
Sock-Tober: Appreciating the smaller luxuries
Sock-Tober: Appreciating the smaller luxuries
OPEN UP: Experimental discussion among peers is crucial to ensure an environment full of diverse perspectives and speech.
Experimental thought in school is the point
GIRL POWER: Women don’t have to achieve in every field to measure up.
Redefining feminism
PROTECTION MATTERS: Get vaccinated now to keep our community safe.
The dangers of antivax
BATTLE OF THE ADVISEMENTS: during a student forum meeting, 15 individuals from different advisements volunteer to play a game of musical chairs in order to win a pie party.
Student Forum’s under-appreciated benefits to campus
CALENDAR CONFUSION: Students struggle with the awkward time between winter break and the new semester.
New Year, New Me… But Not Yet: Break between the semesters
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Fast Splash: Northwood swim surges at PCC finals
BEHIND EVERY KILL: Varsity boys volleyball setter Jonathan Tan performs a jump set, positioning the ball high up in order to execute a quick attack with his teammate.
Varsity boys volleyball served wins at their face-off against Sage Hill
Ready for More: Senior Austin Diaz back on the track after breaking school records.
Austin Diaz is gaining speed
COMMANDING THE MOUND: Senior Carter Liu winds up and delivers a pitch in baseball’s opening league game against Irvine High.
Varsity boys baseball batters up for the season
BRAINROT TO THE MAXX: Attention Based Learning techniques prove to be anything but beta.
Northwood implements Attention Based Learning on campus
Comic: Birthdays during testing season
Comic: Birthdays during testing season
TERRIFIC THEMES: The Met Gala will never fail to amaze audiences with outfits in accordance to these themes.
Majestic Met Gala theme ideas
FROM BURN BOOKS TO TEXTBOOKS: Teens tackle trigonometric equations instead of tribulations, chasing career aspirations, not devious schemes.
Beyond the Cliché: Exposing Hollywood’s high school myths
CRIES ALL AROUND: Charger conveys their utter misery owing to the departure of their one and only true love.
Devastated charger sends a tearful goodbye
April Howler Volume XVI – Issue VII, April 21, 2025
March Howler Volume XXVII – Issue VI, March 19, 2025
Jan/Feb Howler Volume XXVI - Issue V, February 24, 2025
Jan/Feb Howler Volume XXVI – Issue V, February 24, 2025
Nov/Dec Howler Volume XXVI – Issue IV, December 16, 2024
Nov/Dec Howler Volume XXVI – Issue IV, December 16, 2024
October Howler Volume XXVI - Issue III, October 31, 2024
October Howler Volume XXVI – Issue III, October 31, 2024
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
Northwood through Timby’s eyes
What's really behind inflation...
What’s really behind inflation…
Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students
Teaching AP Government during an election year
BACK IN THE ACT: Northwood alum Katherine Paladichuk performed "Shrek" at Northwood during her high school career.
Katherine Paladichuk: Former Northwood acting star to Broadway performer
Take it from us: Senior gives advice
Make Your World Better: an interview with Sandy Banks
Make Your World Better: an interview with Sandy Banks
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
SETTING THE STAND: Freshman Class Council members Carson Lv, Bella Shim, Abbie Kim and Mischka Rajula set up their Cake Pop Stand during lunch.
Class councils celebrate the holidays
IN THE DEEP END: Varsity water polo goalkeeper junior Sidney Francisco De Paula Junior contests against El Toro High School as he lines up for a strategic throw.
Northwood’s fall sports in full swing
STAY IN THE LOOP: Senior Valentina Nguyen works on intently her next crochet piece, a red hat, which she is making as a commission from her Instagram account @valentinacrochets
Unique hobbies at Northwood
PRECISION IN EVERY STRIKE: Sophomore Sophia Chen hits the keys on the vibraphone during marching band’s morning practice.
Beat by beat: A behind-the-scenes spotlight on Northwood’s marching band
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
Introducing California Colleges
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Inside T-wolf Thank Yous
The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets
The Northwood Howler presents Northwood beauty secrets
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
Adrian Chen

Adrian Chen, Photographer

Adrian is a Northwood senior and photographer for The Howler. In their spare time, they enjoy singing, journaling, and finding things to add to their stationery collection (we’re going to ignore the fact that they already have enough stationery to last them the next twelve lifetimes).
All content by Adrian Chen
ON YOUR MARK, T-WOLVES: Sophomore Nick Keith readies his aim for a second place finish in dodgeball.

Clash of the Classes: School spirit comes howling back

Parashar Bharadwaj, Staff Writer
February 10, 2022
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: Students measure the change in jaw size from previous human species to their own.

Not Gonna Anthropologize for Enjoying this Class

Diego Moreno, Staff Writer
May 31, 2022
This article feels like a college essay and I don’t like it

This article feels like a college essay and I don’t like it

Adrian Chen, Photographer
May 27, 2022
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Teacher speaks: An inside look

Tyler Wong, THO Editor
May 18, 2022
CAN YOU HANDEL IT?: With four scoops of sweetness in a small, only the most skilled ice cream snackers can successfully consume Handel’s huge ice creams.

The scoop on Handel’s Ice Cream

Karen Bruce, Editor in Chief
March 29, 2022
TOO SOON TO GO MASKLESS: Senior Abby Sepulveda reaches for a mask to wear indoors in accordance with the school mask mandate.

Drawbacks to removing school mask mandates

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 10, 2022
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Seven Northwood students commit to collegiate athletics

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
March 11, 2022
GRITO: Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer sing their hearts out in UCI’s Winifred Smith Hall.

Mariachi from past to present

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 12, 2022
Self-Love: I show self-love to myself by taking care of myself. I remember that episode of ‘Parks and Recreaction’ where they talk about self-love—treat yo self, you know? That’s how I view self-love. I watch movies, eat ice cream and have a good time. - Patrick Smith (12)

Endearment’s especial embodiments

Diego Moreno, Staff Writer
February 10, 2022
READY TO RUN: Freshman Riley Thai sprints towards the soccer ball, scanning the field to determine whether to dribble the ball or pass it to her teammate during a practice scrimmage.

Rising cases increase precautions

Karen Wang, News Editor
February 10, 2022
PARADING THE STREETS: Members of local fraternities were part of the motorcade that included antique cars and leaders in the Black community, from state senators to kickboxing champions.

42nd Black History Month Parade

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
February 10, 2022
Facebook switches it up: Seniors Mihir Joshi and Gabriel Macatula discuss the reasoning behind Facebook’s recent name change to Meta.

Hitting the jackpot: Business and Finance Club soars to new heights

Mihir Kulkarni, News Editor
December 13, 2021
Everyone’s a winger: Many families are hoping to make the OC Turkey Trot a yearly tradition, both for the exercise and the bonding experience

#FEASTMODE: Race the cluck

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
December 9, 2021
Consistent care: Hearts Against Hate is now on their fifth cycle of creating care packages for Asian American elders.

Hearts Against Hate

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 9, 2021
Put in the work, put in the hours: Debaters dilligently refine their cases with research and new pieces of evidence.

Mind Games: Northwood’s academic teams rise to the occasion

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
December 9, 2021
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: Sophomore Julien Valladares studies a college brochure as they search for a school matching their interests.

The reality of college admissions

Parashar Bharadwaj, Staff Writer
December 9, 2021
DRILLING IT INTO MEMORY: Girls JV basketball head coach Erin Halle (left) assigns the girls different numbered positions while teaching them how to execute an offensive drill.

Back to the Pack: Return of the alumni

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
December 9, 2021
A final farewell: Freshman Lucas Nguyen and junior Chris Song perform Northwood's Alma Mater with the band in memory of a student who passed away last month.

Encore! VAPA’s festive Finter Concert

Yejin Heo, Staff Writer
December 9, 2021
THE BEAUTY OF SILENCE: Otamatone concertmaster conductor soloist Itzhak Perlman performs John Cage’s 4’33” in the Irvine City Classical & Modern Music Concert Hall.

4’33”: Silence is Golden

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
November 5, 2021
SWINGING SEASON: Sophomore Jia An perfects her putt while practicing for an upcoming match.

Girls Golf: Undefeated champions have a tee-rific season

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
October 28, 2021
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The (baza)arty at 626 Night Market

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 27, 2021
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MUN back in action and in person

Annabel Tiong, Junk Editor
October 27, 2021
OUTSIDE OR INSIDE, NO MATTER: Color Guard captain junior Sydney Huang performs in the rally confidently on her home turf.

Homecoming rally kicks off a week of nostalgia

Parashar Bharadwaj, Staff Writer
October 27, 2021
LGBTQ+ TRAILBLAZERS: (left to right) Harvey Milk, Laverne Cox, Lady Gaga, Neil Patrick Harris and Anderson Cooper, each prominent figures in their respective fields.

LGBTQ+ History Month: Pride in the Past and Present

Erin Tsai and Yejin Heo
October 28, 2021
WHO WORE IT BEST?: History teacher Sandy Banks’ (left) formidable pose gives him an edge in this claw-petition, but will it be enough to defeat Kitty Clooney’s (right) chic trio of glittery cat ears, paws and tail?

Simply superior staff ‘stumes

Yejin Heo, Staff Writer
October 28, 2021
SISTERHOOD: Seniors Aditi Sreenivas (left) and Sofia Partridge (right) portray sisters Jo and Beth from the musical “Little Women” as they sing “Some Things Are Meant To Be,” a final duet before Beth’s death.

The world’s a stage for theater

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
October 27, 2021
Neon pride: The Northwood student section rallies the team to victory against Crean Lutheran.

Timberwolves football comes back with a roaring victory

Annie Lee, Viewpoint Editor
September 29, 2021
A Helping Hand: Hope Squad spreads mental health awareness and offers peer-to-peer support.

Hope Squad In Action

Eugenie Chang, Managing Editor
September 23, 2021
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