The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
LEE-DING THE WAY: Editor-in-Chief senior Courtney Lee previews her last Back-to-School issue and prepares to lead The Northwood Howler through the 2025-26 school year.
Got three minutes? Get to know Howler’s editor-in-chief
A HEARTFELT GOODBYE: President Timby, Dash Bolt and other beloved Humor page characters bid their last farewells.
Saying goodbye to The Howler’s Humor page
RESPONSIBLE TOOL USE: With correct boundaries, AI can be used to enhance students’ academic succe
Boundaries Over Bans: Keep AI in classrooms
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
CONVERGING CULTURES: At the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, AA Lit performer senior Sheryl Satur gives a speech about her artwork which addresses colorism.
AA Lit-erally diversifying student representation
REGAL RECREATION: The iconic castle design of Northwood Community Park may see more structures, themed equipment and terraced landscaping.
City begins planning Northwood Community Park renovations
Portola Parkway - Orchard Hills Drive intersection
Irvine City Council approves extending bus service to Northwood
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
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE: Senior Winnie Wei visits Bowdoin College’s marine laboratory during her college visit.
Senior Winnie Wei is winn-ing in her STEM research
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
PLAYING PERCUSSION: junior Yun Wen strikes the bars with four mallets during percussion ensemble’s performance at Jazz at the Oak.
Percussion ensemble lights up the night at Jazz at the Oak
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
Senior highlights
Senior highlights
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
A MEANINGFUL GIFT: Sometimes even cleaning up desks can make a teacher feel appreciated.
Recognizing and appreciating teachers year-round
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
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
August Howler Volume XXVII - Issue I, August 2, 2025
August Howler Volume XXVII – Issue I, August 2, 2025
June Howler Volume XXVI - Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
June Howler Volume XXVI – Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
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
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
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
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
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
Andrew Le

Andrew Le, Photo Editor

Andrew Le is a senior and Photo Editor for The Northwood Howler. In his free time he likes to listen to music.

All content by Andrew Le
THE HOWLER EXPERIENCE: From tracking the intensity of a hangar fire to capturing the joy of campus events or the adrenaline of live sports, and even Mr. Rubin eating a rubin, no two Howler assignments look or feel the same.

The Howler Experience: Brick by brick

Andrew Le, Photo Editor
June 12, 2025
Portola Parkway - Orchard Hills Drive intersection

Irvine City Council approves extending bus service to Northwood

Jay Bruce, Accent Editor
June 11, 2025
CLASSROOM TO KITCHEN: Sophomore Cameron Sabbaghian slices roti dough for his classmates to enjoy with their chicken curry.

The fall is looking sweet with Baking and Pastry

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
April 23, 2025
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

Jay Bruce, Accent Editor
April 21, 2025
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

Raelle Tiong, Arts & Entertainment Editor
March 25, 2025
COACHING CHAMPIONS: Boys volleyball head coach Brendan Geck encourages his players during a home game.

Qualities coaches look for in student athletes

Sohum Sarwate, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2025
CHARGING TO SUCCESS: Senior Ryan Loo dribbles towards the goal in a varsity boys soccer game.

Winning With A Passion: Boys Soccer ends a successful season

Zoe Yan, Staff Writer
March 14, 2025
MAKING HIS MARK: Senior Jeremiah Tak weaves through the defense, scanning the field for his next move in their game against Irvine High.

Boys lacrosse “sticks” a win at their first home league game

Luna Bouhairi, Managing Editor
March 10, 2025
HEADLOCKED-IN: Senior Elliott Son pins his opponent in Wrestling’s League Finals.

Northwood wrestling is the pin-nacle of success

Thierry Wijaya, Sports Editor
March 4, 2025
STACK IT UP: Senior Jonathan Zhu dives into a fresh, fluffy heap of strawberry-flavored I Heart Cheesecake Pancakes while spending quality time with his best friends.

Retro brunch at I Heart Pancakes

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
February 27, 2025
CLASSROOM TO CAREER: History teacher Greg Guy leads the efforts to create a new education-based career course.

Careers in Education set to be offered next year

Thierry Wijaya, Sports Editor
February 26, 2025
EDUCATION FOR ALL: Northwood is commited to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status, in accordance with law.

Immigration resources

Sol Hwang, Staff Writer
February 26, 2025
D1 Bound: Seniors Bridget Chantharath, Derek Hitchens, and Will Chen sign their national letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.

Northwood’s committed athletes

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
PREHISTORICAL PASSION: Timby celebrates the great discovery of a treasure trove of various gizmos, gadgets and thingamabobs once owned by the average American youth in the late 20th century.

Unearthed alumni time capsule is a fur-raising discovery

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
December 19, 2024
SHINING BRIGHT: Senior Ryan Loo charges downfield in varsity boys soccer’s pre-season win.

New field lights to be installed at Northwood

Sol Hwang and Raelle Tiong
December 19, 2024
UNDER THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: The Northwood football team runs out through the banner for their final league home game against Fountain Valley High School.

Football finishes a feat-filled season

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
SETTING THE STAGE: Choir co-presidents seniors Ronith Anand and Jane Wang, the program’s first ever student emcees, guide the audience through each piece of Northwood’s Winterfest concert.

Student emcees kick off Winterfest

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
READY FOR LUNCH: Nutritional services associate II Cesily Hadley takes inventory of the leftovers from the morning break before clearing them out in preparation for the lunch rush.

What happens to cafeteria leftovers?

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2024
BAKING LESSONS, HISTORY AND BITES: Senior and Global Baking Club President Joyce Zhang shares a lesson on the recipe and rich history of cornbread while handing out fresh samples during this month’s meeting.

Global Baking Club’s sweet influence on culinary delights

Lian Le, News Editor
November 21, 2024
FROM PLAYER TO COACH: JV coach and former Northwood football player Danial Kamel (Class of 2023) observes the home game against Aliso Niguel High School, guiding his JV squad with the same passion he once brought to the field as a player

Recognizing the importance of our frosh/soph and JV teams

Sol Hwang, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
CHARGING ON THE GO: Senior Jimmy Chen charges up at Northwood Town Center.

EV chargers should be installed at Northwood

Thierry Wijaya, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024
SERVING APPRECIATION: Instructional assistant Rita Day receives a complimentary lunch at the fall luncheon

PTSA Hospitality gives back to Northwood staff

Sol Hwang, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
HOMECOMING HAZE: Northwood’s student section rallies behind their team with blue chalk, fueling the Homecoming spirit.

Repping school spirit with Homecoming

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
BRUNSON’S GUARD GAME: Junior Jacob Whang mimics his favorite player Jalen Brunson’s three-point celebration.

Tip-Off Talks: Northwood students share their NBA picks

Thierry Wijaya, Sports Editor
October 22, 2024
Color 4

It Runs in the Family: Siblings shout out their other halves

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
TEAMWORK AND STRATEGY: Players meet for a 2:30 check-in with coaches in the theater to finalize their game plan.

A behind-the-scenes look at Northwood’s varsity football team’s game day experience

Andrew Le, Photo Editor
October 10, 2024
GEARED FOR CONVENIENCE: The new racks sit almost full in just their first week open allowing students a new, more convenient place to park their bikes.

New bike racks at Northwood

Sol Hwang, Staff Writer
October 4, 2024
Navigating new Routes: College and Career Specialist Kathi Smith helps senior Vincent Yang with the CaliforniaColleges website.

Naviance now replaced with CaliforniaColleges

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
September 25, 2024
THE NEW PASSES: Senior Anton Kingsley wears the bathroom pass around his neck in order to use the restroom during class.

Restroom Regulations: New bathroom pass policy

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
September 25, 2024
SEAMLESS SHUTTLE CONNECTIONS: Senior Pranit Prabhakar waits for the Irvine CONNECT Shuttle.

The Irvine CONNECT is on the right track

Thierry Wijaya, Sports Editor
September 24, 2024
A SWEET START: Caffe In Coffee Roasters welcomes its guests with a display of fresh pastries and variety of drinks during its soft opening.

A Sweet Success Story: A glimpse into Tustin’s newest cafe

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
September 19, 2024
ThE PACK IS BACK: (From left to right) Sophomores Cole Kuang, Ian Moon, Arsh Verna and Ryan Koo catch up on their summer stories while waiting in line for Kick-Off Day.

Welcome Back T-wolves: Latest campus updates

Lian Le, News Editor
August 20, 2024
GO FOR THE GOAL: Senior Joseph Harper scores a touchdown during a padded scrimmage as the football team prepares for new schools and competition to be added to the Foxtrot League.

Northwood faces major Pacific Coast Conference shakeup

Raelle Tiong, Arts & Entertainment Editor
August 21, 2024
Untitled design

Summer Student Speak: Northwood’s creative endeavors

Hannah Liu, A&E Editor
August 20, 2024
SCHEDULING SMARTER: With the help of online tools such as Google Calendar, students can better manage stress during the school year by tracking upcoming deadlines and blocking out time for studying, socializing and resting.

Stairways to Success: Steps to stay organized

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2024
SPRINGING TO VICTORY: Spring season athletes end off the year with numerous school records, league wins and CIF placements while also balancing academic endeavors such as AP testing season, finals and extracurricular activities outside of their sport.

The best of this year’s spring sports season

Anna Cho and Shreya Aithal
June 5, 2024
COACHING in CODE: Computer science teacher Catherine Cali guides senior Kiyavash Khaghani through his coding project.

Enjoying the end of high school with senior events

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
June 3, 2024
CHAMPIONS IN EVERY SENSE: Northwood Athletes of the Year Riley Bajorek and Zaid Yunis celebrate their accomplished high school careers and the enduring mark they have left on Northwood.

Northwood athletes honored as NHS and PCL top talent

Rachel Yokota and Anthony Park
May 23, 2024
RACING TO THE TOP: Northwood’s Girls Track and Field races to victory in their home joint meet with University High to later win Co-Champions in league with several athletes showing their skills at CIF.

Spring sports recap

Andrew Le, Photo Editor
May 22, 2024
BATTER UP: Senior Mia Fogle winds up to hit the ball out of the park.

A look inside softball’s successful season

Zoe Yan, Staff Writer
May 13, 2024
IGNITING PASSION: Sophomore Lauren Low passionately delivers her speech for the position of Vice President in Odyssey of the Mind

Club Elections: Democracy or demise?

Courtney Lee and Raelle Tiong
May 2, 2024
SPEEDY SUCCESS: Senior Dheer Patel practices his baton hand-off before lining up for his race at Northwood’s Track Senior Night.

A T-wolf record year

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
April 29, 2024
MEMORABLE MINIMUM DAYS: Freshman Siyavash Khaghani, Junior Ameer Ahmed, Junior Isaiah Walker and Junior Micheal Tran discuss their afternoon plans.

Ways to make the most of your minimum days

Jihoo Yoon, Managing Editor
April 22, 2024
FEARLESS ON THE FIELD: Captain senior Nikki Sanders cradles the ball outside the box as she strategizes her next move.

Girls lacrosse beats out Beckman and all odds

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 19, 2024
HANDY HELPERS: A tech staff member takes papers to deliver to a classroom

The ins and outs of Northwood’s tech staff team

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
April 19, 2024
TOGETHER TOWARDS EXCELLENCE: Freshmen Colin Harris and Doah Lee help each other with math homework in the Media Center.

Northwood recognized as California Distinguished School

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
April 18, 2024
LEARNING HANDS-ON: Senior Justin Sanders practices repairs and adjustments to the car in his Automotive Technology ROP class.

ROP Classes: Exploring and Experiencing Unique Careers

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
April 9, 2024
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Winter athletes shatter school records in CIF

Zoe Yan, Staff Writer
March 22, 2024
GO BEYOND COLLEGE BOARD REQUIREMENTS: Non-AP science courses allow students to build a more specified view of a particular field.

Beyond the AP: The benefits of niche sciences

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 21, 2024
HIKING TOWARDS HAPPINESS: Junior Jonathan Zhu finds fresh air and peace by exploring the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Hiking spots for spring

Lian Le, News Editor
March 19, 2024
SPIKING TO SUCCESS: Sophomore Abhi Shrivastava prepares to score a point in their preseason game.

A look into boys volleyball’s league preparations for success

Zoe Yan, Staff Writer
March 14, 2024
TAKING IT TO THE RIM: Senior Zaid Yunis drives to the basket in a game against University High.

He Shoots, He Scores: Zaid Yunis reaches 1,000 points

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
February 21, 2024
SAFETY IN SIGHT: Northwood’s school resource officer Tanya Ayalde waits to be tasked with protecting students across Irvine.

Beyond The Badge: A look into Northwood’s school resource officer Tanya Ayalde

Luna Bouhairi, Managing Editor
February 21, 2024
KICKING OFF THE SEASON: Center senior Aryan Mascarenhas works to connect goals in their preseason game.

Boys soccer prepares for league play

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
December 17, 2023
SEASON’S SYMPHONIES: Students showcase their musical talent onstage as an assortment of rhythms and melodies intertwine, marking the start of a festive season.

Late fall and winter shows call forth festive feels

Shreya Aithal and Riya Gupta
December 15, 2023
ASBESTOS IN THE AIR: The historic North Hangar continues to smolder as authorities plan for its destruction.

Ongoing air quality concerns following Tustin Hangar fire

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
November 20, 2023
TAKE IT TO THE PAINT: Sophomore Sam Alegre breaks past the Mustang’s defense and reaches up for the layup.

Boys basketball dominates Costa Mesa in home opener

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
November 16, 2023
HISTORY HEATED UP: As of Nov. 7, 2023, evening, parts of the Tustin hangar were still ablaze as the OCFA stopped active work for firefighters’ safety.

Tustin Landmark Up in Flames: The loss of WW2 hangar

Shreya Aithal and Riya Gupta
November 8, 2023
BRIDGING CULTURES: Junior Arjun Patel practices his Mandarin through writing and sound out words.

One of 23: Arjun Patel selected nationally to learn Mandarin

Ellen Wang, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
MARKET PLACE MAKEOVER: Irvine Company announces and displays their future plans for The Market Place outside the construction site.

Marketplace Redevelopment: Irvine’s upcoming hub for affordable housing

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
October 27, 2023
COUNTING THE COST: Senior Matthew Morikawa reviews last year's FAFSA to prepare for this year's new application opening.

Upcoming changes to FAFSA

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
October 17, 2023
SOLID SPORTSMANSHIP: Senior Ryan Murphy and senior Eddie Ma share a low five.

FINAL PUSH: Senior Eddie Ma looks for last minute pass in the final minutes of their game against Crean Lutheran.

GAME-PLANNING GURUS: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma discusses with offensive coordinator Phil Roh about their next play.

SIDELINE SPECTATORS: Senior Eddie Ma and junior Jack Brucker watch from the sidelines their defense work at stopping Crean Lutheran from scoring.

MASTER OF THE PASS: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma launches the ball down to his teammates.

FROM THE POCKET: Senior Eddie Ma watches Northwood's offensive team work their magic against Crean Lutheran high school.

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