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
CALLING THE SHOTS: Freshman Jocelyn Lee plays quarterback during a mixed summer practice.
Time to get ready for the fall 2025 sports season
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
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
SAFETY, NOT STARES: Gym policies must be reformed to protect the safety of all people, including female-presenting individuals who dress for comfort, not attention.
Beyond Fear of Falling Weights: Women’s reality in fitness
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
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

Anna Cao, Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Anna Cao, a junior this year. If you’re ever looking for me, just know I’m an avid book lover!

All content by Anna Cao
DIVING DYNAMICS: Freshman Hanna Muncy captured mid-air in a pike position with her legs and arms extended and finishing into the water with a head-first entry during April 5 meet.

Belly Flops Not Included: PCL champ Hanna Muncy

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
June 5, 2025
SENIOR SEND-OFF: Junior Leanna Lo cuts a photo from a collage of old pictures to commemorate the graduating seniors.

Leaving the Den: How Northwood celebrates its seniors

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
June 3, 2025
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

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
May 16, 2025

Passions of the Pack: Leadership on Campus

Courtney Lee and Anna Cao
April 22, 2025
Marine Biology teacher Gabby Kim-E assists students as they discover the anatomy of mussels.

Elective Expo booming with interactive showcases

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
March 17, 2025
TRADITION IN TUNE: Sophomore Amy Liang plays traditional Chinese music on her violin for the South Coast Chinese Orchestra.

Students celebrate Lunar New Year at Segerstrom

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
February 28, 2025
ACE IN ACTION: Junior Jack Schultz dominates the pickleball court with a sharp serve.

In a Pickle: New pickleball tournament

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
February 26, 2025
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

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
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

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
TENSION INCREASING: Grief and anger spark changing dynamics between Vi and Jinx.

A visually stunning sequel to “Arcane: League of Legends”

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
December 3, 2024
PROTECTING THE PETS: ASPCA board members junior Emily Tamura (left), junior Emily Huang (middle) and senior Urika Tandiono (right) announce upcoming volunteer opportunities at animal shelters in a club meeting.

ASPCA’s pawsitive impact on animal rights

Lian Le and Anna Cao
November 10, 2024
TEACHING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY: Federation of Jewish Students co-presidents junior Adiv Yair and senior Tom Per- el discuss the traditions and significance of Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday celebrated in mid-October that focuses on repentance and atonement.

Federation of Jewish Students fosters belonging

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
November 6, 2024
BULLSEYE BEAST: Sophomore Ryan Koo practices shooting at Mile Square Regional Park Archery Range

Archer Ryan Koo never misses the mark

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
GOTTA GO FAST: Every day, student Dash Bolt uses his supersonic cosmic powers of speed and aerodynamics to zoom to the front of the lunch line before anyone else on campus.

Lightning Lane: Meet the student who’s always first for lunch

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
October 3, 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
EMPOWERING MINDS: Peer tutor senior Daijelle Morris helps a student understand math concepts.

Tutor Center switches to morning session

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
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