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
Alyssa Quintana

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer

Alyssa Quintana is a senior staff writer for The Northwood Howler. Her redeeming qualities include owning a heart-shaped carabiner and sharing a personality type with Charlie Brown. If you care for your safety, don’t ask for her Letterboxd.

All content by Alyssa Quintana
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students

Teaching AP Government during an election year

Alyssa Quintana, Raelle Tiong, and Courtney Lee
February 24, 2025
WINTER WISHES: Seniors Belle Bolin and Angelina Guo decorate the front office windows in preparation for the holidays.

Window painting with Northwood Art Club

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
25 YEARS OF CHANGE: Prioritizing staff-student connections fosters a more supportive community.

Then vs. Now: Northwood’s growing community

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
DANCING WITH SERENITY: Sophomore Grace Li refines her moves in her fourth period dance choreography class.

Flow Into Formation: Expressing creativity through student choreography

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 13, 2024
SPRINTING WITH STYLE: Cross country captain senior Christine Nam delivers her handmade and custom blue and silver hair ribbons to teammate sophomore Braelynn Lynch in preparation for an upcoming cross country championship meet.

Game On: A look into game day traditions at Northwood

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
Northwood’s “Clue” on Stage: Meet the suspects

Northwood’s “Clue” on Stage: Meet the suspects

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
RIDING INTO GRADUATION: The Class of 2024 visited Universal Studios in May during their senior trip.

October over May: Senior trip date change

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
September 26, 2024
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites

Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS ON AND OFF CAMERA: Director Coco Wu (Northwood Class of 2023) and location manager Nicole Toshima (Northwood Class of 2023) work together during a production meeting to search for locations to film a cabin scene

“Iris”: Capturing change and friendship on film

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
June 4, 2024
Debunking arguments for banned books

Debunking arguments for banned books

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
June 3, 2024
One Size Fits Most: how Brandy Melville hides behind branding

One Size Fits Most: how Brandy Melville hides behind branding

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
April 29, 2024
ART VS. THE ARTIST: Where does the distinctions between the two end?

Can we appreciate art separate from the artist?

Alyssa Quintana and Luna Bouhairi
March 21, 2024
FUN WITH FRIENDS: (From left to right) Juniors Stevens A., Dristi Goswami and Sailor Kensrue play with Jenga blocks provided by ASB and Thrive during lunch

Bringing campus joy as a “Part of the Pack”

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 15, 2024
ALL OVER THE OSCARS: "Barbie" tends to dominate film conversations despite the many successes of this year's Oscars.

No one wins the Oscar for best snub

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 8, 2024
Mariah Carey begins defrosting

Mariah Carey begins defrosting

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 5, 2023
MASCOT MOVIE NIGHT: Tommy the Trojan, Timby and Buster enjoy a (mostly) scare-free movie.

Halloween movies for scaredy cats

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 3, 2023
HOWLER INVESTIGATES: Bee problem on campus

HOWLER INVESTIGATES: Bee problem on campus

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
October 31, 2023
YOU CAN’T MAKE MONEY BY SPENDING MONEY: Northwood math teachers are horrified at economic productivity.

Math teachers react to Girl Math

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
October 4, 2023
WARRIOR TO WOLF: Quarterback Eddie Ma looks to connect with teammates against Crean.

Creating a New Legacy: Quarterback Eddie Ma

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
October 1, 2023
NOT REALLY FEELING LIKE MYSELF TODAY: The newest installment to the world of “Adventure Time” honors its predecessor through its innovation and thematic complexity.

“Fionna and Cake” doesn’t take just the cake (but the whole bakery kingdom)

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
September 28, 2023
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING: Izabel Vicente (11) and Haydee Vicente take and teach Spanish 4 respectively, in each other’s awe as the in-class experience brings them together. (Andrew Le)

Mothers on Campus: from the students that get to call them ‘mom’

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
May 15, 2023
A STICKY SITUATION: Hand sanitizers left outside the bathrooms can be used as a substitute for soap until vandalism comes to an end, as seen right of sophomore Hunter Welch.

Northwood’s new restroom policies

Riya Gupta and Alyssa Quintana
April 24, 2023
LIGHT IT UP: Lighting technicians like Adalynn Duchene are some of many to thank for illuminating a night of witchcraft and wizardry.

NHS Puffs Production

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 22, 2023
REJECT REJECTION: No more salting your soup with tears with these methods.

Creative ways to reject rejection

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 16, 2023
LIVE FOR THE APPLAUSE: Artists stress over aspirations, projecting them onto the audience and each other while reaching for the “flawless” performance.

Pressure in the Performing Arts: How students experience perfectionism

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 14, 2023

STUDENT SPEAK: Classmates on dates, both sweet and tart

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
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