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
Ashley Lee

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor

Ashley Lee is a Northwood senior and the A&E Editor for The Howler. She enjoys watching Kdramas, hiking and eating green tea ice cream. But her ultimate dream is to sit on top of the Golden Gate Bridge with Baymax.
All content by Ashley Lee
CREATIVITY AT ITS CORE: Senior Kate Hudson mixes three pieces—River by Leon Bridges, Twilight by Elliot Smith and The Greatest by Cat Power—to express her emotions of graduating and starting a new life.

Sharing “My Storybook” at Coffee House

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
May 30, 2022
Thriving amidst the unknown

Thriving amidst the unknown

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
May 27, 2022
Timby Origin Story

Timby Origin Story

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
April 18, 2022
STANDING UP WITH COURAGE: Fairy in the Mirror junior Catie Jamieson (right) lifts Ashgirl senior Sofia Partridge (left) from the ground, encouraging her to believe in herself instead of looking to magic.

The Ash Girl: A fairytale for the times

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
April 11, 2022
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: Making someone smile is the simplest way to make a difference in someone’s life.

HowlerHow: 3 ways to make other people smile

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
March 20, 2022
A tale untold: The hidden crew

A tale untold: The hidden crew

Ashley Lee and Arya Bhattacharjee
February 10, 2022
Junior Adam Harper dodges a defense player from Big Bear to score a touchdown as junior Ryan Kesler blocks another player.

Northwood wins its first CIF game

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
November 9, 2021
MOMENT OF FRIENDSHIP: In one of the only hopeful scenes of the series “Squid Game,” players Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong play a round of marbles after spending time sharing their life stories.

Analyzing Squid Game: A down-to-earth reflection of human nature and capitalism

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
November 2, 2021

S1 Episode 3: Recognizing cultural diversity and finding a path towards acceptance

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
October 18, 2021

Around the World: Movie Edition

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
August 19, 2021
Irene Lee performs with NYO

Irene Lee performs with NYO

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
August 19, 2021
BORN TO LAX: Senior Ethan Koers propels the ball to a teammate as the long-stick midfielder in a game against Edison High School.

Ethan Koers becomes Northwood’s first NCAA lacrosse recruit

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
May 22, 2021

Raya takes off on Disney

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
April 23, 2021
April 2021

April 2021

Richelle Gunawan and Ashley Lee
April 23, 2021
THE SUCCESS TO FARMING: After rejecting an offer to purchase a divining rod to find water, Jacob teaches his son, David, where they should dig for water, which is needed for farming.

Minari: A forgotten voice waiting to be heard

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
March 3, 2021
REWIND: Junior Mihir Joshi visits the Vital Link desktop browser after the College and Career Fair to rewatch one of the workshops that he missed.

IUSD students and parents attend the virtual College and Career Fair

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
February 26, 2021
TRANSPOSED: Protagonist Joe Gardner allows himself to perform “in the zone” when he first rehearses with Dorothea Williams.

The latest Pixar film fails to reach everyone’s “Soul”

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
January 25, 2021
People continue to cast their ballots in-person during the primary election despite the pandemic.

The relevance of voter suppression in 2020

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
November 22, 2020

Challenging beauty standards

Ashley Lee and Rachel Gima
November 15, 2020
In 2010, "Alice in Wonderland" generated over one billion dollars in ticket sales.

Disney’s transition from animation to live-action films

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
October 10, 2020
How to tackle 2020: movie edition

How to tackle 2020: movie edition

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
August 20, 2020
A&E Tips to Relieving Stress

A&E Tips to Relieving Stress

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
August 20, 2020
A WAR ON TWO FRONTS: Armed men wear masks to patrol the streets of Sanaa, Yemen, during a 24-hour curfew, as concerns regarding COVID-19 grow.

Crisis in Yemen: In the Midst of COVID-19 and a War

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
June 29, 2020
LET ME TALK: Northwood graduate Tori Oriola uses a megaphone to amplify her voice, as she spreads awareness about the Black Lives Matter movement in one of the rallies she attended.

Tori Oriola on Black Lives Matter: “Your voice matters”

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
June 11, 2020
TEST PREP: A student attempts to solve practice problems to prepare for the SAT.

University of California Suspends SAT and ACT for Admissions

Ashley Lee, A&E Editor
May 26, 2020
What’s your spirit Pokémon? Teacher’s edition

What’s your spirit Pokémon? Teacher’s edition

Ashley Lee and Anlon Zhu
March 10, 2020
Ban the backwards Body Mass Index

Ban the backwards Body Mass Index

Kathy Chun and Ashley Lee
March 10, 2020

Charmed: finding luck in life

Nawal Abdul and Ashley Lee
March 6, 2020
THE PERFECT DUO: Juniors Samridi Iyer and Sean Yan perform the song “Jealous” by Labrinth on stage.

Akustikoff: performing beyond the notes

Cameron Arcand and Ashley Lee
February 13, 2020
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