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
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 28, 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
December 1, 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 18, 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
June 1, 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
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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 14, 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 10, 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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