The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
HARP TO HEART: Sophomore Bia Yoo practices the harp during lunch to prepare for Northwood’s winter instrumental concerts
Northwood taps into unique musical strengths
READY, SET, BRAWL: Northwood freshmen Kevin Chen, Manvir Kalra and Evan Jung plan their strategy for the next round of the tournament
HSYAT hosts brand new Brawl Stars Tournament
GIVING BACK: Senior Katherine Jiang donates cans to the canned food drive bins outside of the SAC.
Thanksgiving food drive competition
DANCING INTO THE FUTURE: Northwood dance students practice in 2003 (left); Dance Theatre sophomore Mirabelle Wang and junior Madison Chang perfect their choreography during rehearsal, preparing to bring their routine to life on stage (right).
Then vs. Now: How Northwood’s dance program all began
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Northwood Girls Flag Football team celebrates after winning the first ever CIF Division II title.
Girls Flag Football wins CIF championship
SWITCHING SYSTEMS: Heritage Park Regional Library is one of many libraries in the city that will soon join the Irvine library system.
Irvine to transition to city-run library system
MENDEZ IS MANDATORY: Mendez v. Westminster, a key yet underrated case during the Civil Rights Movement, is now to be taught in all California schools.
Mendez v. Westminster headed for Statewide instruction in California
DISTINCTLY DECORATED: History teacher Greg Guy's advisement won the Advisement Door Decorating Contest.
A Doorway to School Spirit: Advisement Door Decorating Contest
ADVANCING ACCESSIBILITY: Senior Erica Zou walks along the newly-modified accessible sidewalk near the front office.
Howler Investigates: Sidewalk Renovations
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
CRUNCHWRAP CRUSH: Finals week desperation leads to some less-than-tasty test-taking troubles.
How to Fail Your Finals: Finals week horror stories
CHEW ON THIS: Chew chows down on Le Shrimp Noodle Bar’s Cantonese-Japanese fusion dishes at their new Irvine Spectrum location.
Wok-hei meets ramen at Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
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?
BARREN BLACK FRIDAYS: A changing consumer culture alters how Black Friday is celebrated.
What happened to Black Friday?
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
CAPTURING THE SPIRIT: Sophomore Matthew Chan brings Christmas spirit to life through the South Coast Repertory’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”
Bringing Holiday Magic to Life: Matthew Chan’s journey in “A Christmas Carol”
WAYS TO BE "WICKED": Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) stun audiences with their musical performances.
“Wicked,” you will be popular
TENSION INCREASING: Grief and anger spark changing dynamics between Vi and Jinx.
A visually stunning sequel to “Arcane: League of Legends”
LUXURIOUS LANGSON: UCI curates a museum of American Impressionist art.
Local art museums to explore during Northwood’s first full Thanksgiving Break
MELODIES AND MEMORIES: Sameer Gadhia of Young the Giant joins Northwood Chamber students for a quick picture after their performance.
A Giant Harmony: Chamber performs with Young the Giant at IPSF Gala
Looking back with staff
Sock-Tober: Appreciating the smaller luxuries
Sock-Tober: Appreciating the smaller luxuries
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
Learning to let go
Learning to let go
We're all in this together!
We’re all in this together!
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
HOLIDAY HISTORIES: While Thanksgiving can be a time to celebrate family traditions, it’s equally important to recognize the history behind it.
Acknowledging the past of Thanksgiving with holiday spirit
YA LIKE JAZZ?: Northwood’s Jazz Junction showcases their musical talent with an improvisation led by Junior Sooho Cho (center left) and Senior Drew Maragay (center right) at Northwood’s Club Rush.
Niche gave Northwood activities a C+ rating. Respectfully, we disagree
Celebrating Wimptober
Celebrating Wimptober
ON PAR FOR SUCCESS: Senior Captain Annabelle Wong completes her swing, intently watching the ball’s trajectory down the fairway
Driving to Victory: Girls’ golf celebrates a stellar season of success
NO BIG SHOT: Sports tryouts really aren’t as difficult as they seem.
How to survive your first sports tryout
BE(LEE)VING IN YOURSELF: Flag Football Coach Harry Lee delivers feedback to his team at practice.
Harry Lee: Building a coaching legacy
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
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
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
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
September Howler Volume XXVI - Issue II, September 24, 2024
September Howler Volume XXVI – Issue II, September 24, 2024
August Howler Volume XXVI, Issue I – August 20, 2024
June Howler Volume XXV, Issue VII - June 3, 2024
June Howler Volume XXV, Issue VII – June 3, 2024
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
Reconnecting during the holidays
Reconnecting during 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
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
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
Hispanic Heritage Month: An interview with Joey Cabrera
Hispanic Heritage Month: An interview with Joey Cabrera
Profiles in Science: Northwood science teachers dish on how they discovered their passion for science and their journey to Northwood
Profiles in Science: Northwood science teachers dish on how they discovered their passion for science and their journey to Northwood
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
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
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
Inside the Irvine Unified Council PTA's Student Advocacy trip to Sacramento
Inside the Irvine Unified Council PTA’s Student Advocacy trip to Sacramento
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
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, Accent Editor
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, Staff Writer
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, Staff Writer
October 22, 2024
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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, Staff Writer
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, Sports 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, Accent Editor
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, Viewpoint 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 yesterday 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.

HEADS OR TAILS: Senior Rylan Littlejohn, junior Tao Sun, junior Joseph Harper and senior Eddie Ma line up for the coin flip in their game against Crean Lutheran.

READY FOR A COMEBACK: Senior Eddie Ma, junior Joseph Harper and junior Tao Sun lead their team back out to the field after half time.

ARM IN ARM: Senior Eddie Ma and junior Tao Sun walk off the field and let their defensive squad take over.

HUDDLING UP, HATCHING A PLAN: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma relays the next play to his team while down against Crean Lutheran High.

SCANNING THE FIELD: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma looks for an opening to pass the ball.

THE ART OF OFFENSE: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma tells his offensive squad their next play.

CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma and junior Joseph Harper celebrate after a completed pass between the two.

MAKING HISTORY, ONE PLAY AT A TIME: Quarterback senior Eddie Ma fakes a run with Junior Jack Brucker in a game against Crean Lutheran High School

Creating a New Legacy: Quarterback Eddie Ma

Creating a New Legacy: Quarterback Eddie Ma

Andrew Le, Photo Editor
October 1, 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
THE POWER OF WORDS: Sophomore Luna Bouhairi discusses the joys of participating in speech and debate with board member senior Sabrina Tang.

Limited prep captain Luna Bouhairi, you have the floor

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
September 28, 2023
THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT: As Northwood students are getting ready to sleep at home, some of Northwood's staff are still watching over the school in the dark.

Northwood at Night

Andrew Le, Photo Editor
May 18, 2023
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