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
Ally Venezia

Ally Venezia, THO Editor

Ally Venezia is a senior and THO editor for the Northwood Howler (without her, you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now). If she’s not in the newsroom, she’s probably at the track learning how to run away from her problems. And if she’s not in either of those places, she’s probably at Starbucks getting her daily fix of 300mg of caffeine.

All content by Ally Venezia
November/December 2023 Centerspread

November/December 2023 Centerspread

Rikkie Gunawan, Karen Bruce, and Ally Venezia
December 13, 2023
RADIANT ROBOTICS: Freshman Jia Dave demonstrates the correct way to construct a VEX robotics build to club observers, prospective members and competitors.

Peering into engineering with Robotics Club

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
April 14, 2023
IN THE HEAT OF HATRED: An angry crowd of antisemitic protestors gather outside of a synagogue.

Antisemitic hate on the rise in the United States

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
March 16, 2023
FOR THE SCORE: Captain senior Amelia Wagner leads the charge against Beckman High School.

Northwood girls lacrosse charges into the spring season

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
March 13, 2023
UNKNOWN RIPPLES: To be grateful has so many positive side-effects that you may not ever consciously notice, but will enrich your and others' lives.

The butterfly effect of gratitude

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
February 17, 2023
INSTILL SOFT SKILLS : Turning away from academic and extracurricular pressures, State of the Student offers a variety of activites designed to hone a greater understanding of Northwood core values.

I HEART NHS: Goes further than just a T-shirt

Jaycee Hendrickson and Ally Venezia
February 13, 2023
RAISING THE ROOF: Home construction begins on Fresco, completing the final neighborhood of Eastwood Village.

State-wide housing crisis affects residents close to home

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
December 9, 2022
BEVERAGES TO BEST YOUR AVERAGES: While sipping on these cozy drinks, remain cautious of your time management and then be sure to enjoy your well deserved winter break. (Sophia Ho)

Cram for exams with this ‘gram-worthy drink programme

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
December 9, 2022
GRASPING AT STRAWS: The debate of plastic versus paper straws has caused an increase in paper straw usage, but are they really helping to save our environment?

The paper versus plastic straws debate

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
November 16, 2022
NO REST FOR THE TICKET: Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concert tickets go on sale Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST. Will you be one of the lucky few to snag the most coveted ticket of the month?

How to ensure tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
November 14, 2022
ADVOCATING FOR ACCESSIBILITY: Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Community Support Specialist Maureen Muir shares solutions regarding student accessibility to mental health resources.

Introducing LGBTQ+ Liaison: Maureen Muir

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
October 31, 2022
STRANGER DANGER: The trick-or-treating season has more devious tricks than delectable treats.

Hidden horrors of the haunting holiday Halloween

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
October 31, 2022
Screenshot 2022-10-19 234916

Student/Teacher Speak: Mask Wearing at NHS

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
October 19, 2022
New bell schedule rings happy chimes and dismal alarms

New bell schedule rings happy chimes and dismal alarms

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
September 26, 2022
GO THE DISTANCE: Junior Kenny Kamikawa weaves through the competition during the JV boys race at the Saddleback Cup Challenge.

Cross Country: How they get their start

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
September 26, 2022
FEAST YOUR EYES: Northwood’s newly-elected delectable Homecoming court stands proudly at the top of the food chain.

A Royal Treat: Homecoming Food Court

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
September 26, 2022
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