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
Ellie Chan

Ellie Chan, Photo Editor

Ellie Chan (Elle) is a Northwood senior and Photo Editor for The Howler. No one can recognize them without their bucket hat.

All content by Ellie Chan
Breaking News: Howler photographer tries to write article

Breaking News: Howler photographer tries to write article

Ellie Chan, Photo Editor
May 26, 2023
UNDER THE STARLIT NIGHT: Seniors Dmitry Yudnikov and Melissa Eberle enjoy a carriage ride at prom.

Enjoying a ‘Starlit Night’ at Coto de Caza

Eugenie Chang and Jonathan Kang
May 26, 2023
LAN-GAUGING INTEREST: The hot pink Language Ambassadors flyer catches the eye of every student on campus, including senior Arjun Suresh.

Language Ambassador program

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
April 28, 2023
ACA-PERFECT: Northwood’s acapella group Unaccompanied Minors rehearse for Night of the Arts.

Night of the Arts: VAPA electives will capture your he(arts)

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
April 12, 2023
LEADERS OF THE PACK: Student Rep Ida Ahola (right) and Student Forum President Anthara Thirupathi (left) share their experiences about the various leadership roles they've had throughout highschool.

Various leadership positions on campus

Annie Lee, Viewpoint Editor
March 24, 2023
BIBIMBAP: This delectable dish is the mixing of many vegetables with rice and chili sauce to create a wonderful new concoction.

K-Pop Street Food

March 17, 2023
STRIKE A POSE: Junior David Grannis-Vu steps onto the dance floor with moves he choreographed himself at the “Extensions” show.

With Guts and a Golden Smile: David Grannis-Vu

Ellen J. Wang, Staff Writer
March 13, 2023
FOR THE SCORE: Captain senior Amelia Wagner leads the charge against Beckman High School.

Northwood girls lacrosse charges into the spring season

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
March 13, 2023
A WINTER WONDERLAND: Seniors rejoice at the sight of graupel outside their government class.

March Miracle: “Snow” lands on NHS

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
March 10, 2023
IT’S RAINING HEARTS AND LOVE LETTERS: Some people like the rain better than other people.

Taking a deep dive into the “A” of LGBTQIAP+

Ellie Chan and Rita Lai
February 14, 2023
BACKSTAGE BLIZZARD: In a Wonka musical rehearsal, Senior Blake Yavuz watches the snow fall onstage as they carefully control the size of the snowstorm from the ropes backstage.

Blake Yavuz: The mastermind behind the Wonka stage

Jihoo Yoon, Managing Editor
February 13, 2023
CHEERS TO A NEW YEAR: UCI student musicians play to a nostalgic Chinese melody under the aroma of cherry blossoms.

Year of the Rabbit: UCI’s Lunar New Year

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
February 16, 2023
WHAT CANDLE WILL YOU LIGHT?: In the mural painting, each student drew a candle using the prompt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark" to emphasize the importance of making progress in difficult times.

Human Rights Week fosters student activism

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
January 20, 2023
PASSION AND GROWTH: “I’ve been drawing for a really long time but when I’m looking back at my old drawings, even from just one or two years ago, I can see the growth,” Hall said. “When you’re in it, you don’t realize how much you’re growing.”

Oceane Hall: A Northwood senior makes big waves in the art scene

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
December 9, 2022
TREBLE MAKERS: Viva Cantar seniors Catie Jamieson and Aditi Kurup dance their hearts out to “Down, Down the Chimney.” (Ellie Chan)

Performing arts musicians shine at thaw-dropping winter concerts

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
WELCOME TO THE NIGHT: Junior Ashlee Brannen's "Lost in the Night" dance draws the audience into the show with a stunning center formation.

“Fall”ing for dance’s “Fallout”

Karen Bruce, Editor in Chief
November 27, 2022
Members of Namaste Northwood and Muslim Student Association draw intricate henna designs in a collaboration with Art Club.

Connecting with Culture at Northwood: A student speak

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 30, 2022
MAJESTICALLY UNDER A SPELL: Queen of Fairies (Areesha Suhail) along with her fairies in service tend to an animal.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream review

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 17, 2022
PROMISES AREN’T (CE)REAL: Breakfast foods have nutritional value but are not as essential as portrayed.

Taking the breakfast myth with a grain of salt

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
October 31, 2022
A LOVING LANGUAGE: Senior Bruce Duong practices ASL by describing the short film “The Black Hole” to his partner during class.

Achieving inclusivity by learning American Sign Language

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
October 31, 2022
FINDING THE SP(ICE) OF LIFE: An unexpected ‘cheese’y encounter.

Freeze the Day: Heartwarming memoir of a Cafeteria Icebox

Annabel Tiong, Junk Editor
October 31, 2022
TRICKS IN TREATS: Being wary of homemade treats and inspecting candy wrappers for pinholes, tampering or tears can save you a trip to the ER from allergies or ingestion of potentially dangerous substances. Although the chances of houses serving "rainbow fentanyl" and other drugs are low, it's better to eat one less sweet this Halloween than be tricked while having a treat.

Five ways to stay safe while trick-or-treating

Ellie Chan, Photo Editor
October 29, 2022
CARTING TO H-MART: Senior Sydney Hoang browses the endless flavors of Pocky at the newly opened H-Mart in Westpark Plaza.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 11, 2022
GO THE DISTANCE: Junior Kenny Kamikawa weaves through the competition during the JV boys race at the Saddleback Cup Challenge.

Cross Country: How they get their start

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
September 26, 2022
BACK TO THE BASICS: Viva Cantar demonstrates the intricate technique required with sight-reading.

Choir’s back-to-school Informance

Elena Higuchi, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
SWINGING TO victory: Freshman Zoe Yan aims precisely as she perfects her strike under the greenery at the Oak Creek Golf Club.

History on Turf: Girls golf shatters decade long record

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Seniors Nick Cortes and Destiny Crisantos enjoy a night of dancing, singing and pictures, all while red-carpet ready

Grammys at The Oak: Northwood takes on Homecoming

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
ALL OUT SPRINT: Sophomore Derek Hitchens (left) and senior Christopher Leung (right) race to the finish at Meadowood Pool.

Diving in with Chris and Derek

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
August 21, 2022
NORTHWOOD’S TRUE COLORS: Northwood’s school spirit shines through in the athletic director’s office.

A Marvelous Mural Masterpiece

Noelle Escalante, A&E Editor
August 21, 2022
TA(KANG) RISKS: Senior Jonathan Kang is ready to “figure it out” by proudly leading The Howler into its 24th year of publication.

Meet Jonathan Kang: The Howler’s newest Editor-in-Chief

Jonathan Kang, Editor-in-Chief
August 21, 2022
TIS THE (BTS) SEASON: T-wolves rejoice with greatly missed friends and excitedly anticipate the new school year on registration day.

Campus from a glance: Back to School Edition

Karen Wang, News Editor
August 21, 2022
IN THE AIR: Time seems to move slowly as students compete in a water-bottle flipping competition.

Clash of the Classes: School spirit comes howling back

Parashar Bharadwaj, Staff Writer
February 10, 2022
NICE TO MEAT YOU: Ricebunn's iconic Salmon and KBBQ Beef Onigiri wrapped up and ready to go!

Fusion Foods at their Finest: Ricebunn

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 31, 2022
Seniors Ethan Chen, Liam Condy, and Luke Garcia joyfully perform as a part of Jazz 1 during the annual Jazz at the Oak event on May 13.

Northwood’s musicians jazz up the night

Mihir Kulkarni, News Editor
May 28, 2022
HANDS-ON: Seeds members are truly hands-on when it comes to plants.

Planting the seeds for terrariums

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
May 9, 2022
DSC_9779

Reaching One’s Dreams: The struggles of first generation college students in the US

Annie Lee, Viewpoint Editor
April 25, 2022
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: Seniors Albert Gao and Brooke Guan review their Honor Chorus music backstage before the performance.

Honors Concert celebrates IUSD’s 50th anniversary

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
March 22, 2022
DSC_9411

S1 Episode 10: Teachers Cook: Cooking up a love of teaching

Diego Moreno and Ellie Chan
March 18, 2022
MO STUDENTS, MO PROBLEMS: Spanish teacher Haydee Vicente teaches verb conjugations to studious, empty desks, amazed that their silent pronunciation is still better than her students’.

Studentless learning system to be introduced next fall

Diego Moreno, Staff Writer
March 13, 2022
‘GREEN’ING WIDELY: Senior Carlene Nhu can’t believe her luck.

So you think you have any luck?

Annie Lee, Viewpoint Editor
March 17, 2022
NO SUGARCOATING IT: Junior Omair Rana scans a box of Frosted Flakes, noting the significant price increase of the product.

Holding corporations accountable

Diego Moreno, Staff Writer
March 13, 2022
ENSEMBLES UNITE: Violinists freshman Lucas Nguyen (left) and senior Michelle Yoo (right) in Philharmonic Orchestra perform “Prelude from Carmen” with Wind Symphony for the first time since the pandemic.

March-ing to a novel melody

Karen Bruce, Editor in Chief
March 10, 2022
FOR THE WIN: With the help of The Howler's flawless guide to the Winter Olympics, junior Tiana Gao takes gold in Short Track Speed Skating.

Winter Olympic Sports for Dummies

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
February 22, 2022
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE: Performances included traditional Chinese dancing, music and martial arts that enthralled the crowd.

Year of the Tiger roars in

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
February 10, 2022
DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN: Freshman Caitlyn Tran excitedly talks to sophomore Anika Aloni in their cat costumes.

Winter guard’s first competition of the season

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
February 9, 2022
Bel Canto entertains the audience with an upbeat and humorous choralography of “Mister Santa” in pajama-themed costumes.

Northwood’s musicians shine bright at Winter Gala concert

Mihir Kulkarni, News Editor
December 15, 2021
TRASH OR TREASURE: Rising food waste from school lunches continues to exacerbate the existing supply chain crisis.

Prevalence of cafeteria food waste

Arya Bhattacharjee, Staff Writer
December 9, 2021
TAKING THE STAGE BY STORM: Even while fully masked, Northwood’s dancers captured the hearts of many through their expressive movements during Fallout.

A journey through dance

Eugenie Chang, Managing Editor
December 2, 2021
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