The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
Looking back with staff
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
Honoring the deceased for Día de los Muertos
Honoring the deceased for Día de los Muertos
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S VIRAJ: Senior Viraj Kadakia toggles with the controls in an airplane before his flying class starts. He is practicing his take-offs and landings in preparation for his pilot's license examination in November.
The sky’s the limit for pilot Viraj Kadakia
LITTER-ALLY RECYCLING: The army of alumni architects assiduously assign areas to apply the assorted artifacts (what a mouthful!).
Lost and Found items are hard at work (literally)!
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
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
Introducing California Colleges
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
Helena Zhou

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer

Helena Zhou is a Northwood senior, a staff writer for The Howler, and an ardent advocate for pineapple on pizza and oysters. Some of her favorite things in life include hikes, (non-alcoholic) Choya, and Love is War stans. In her free time, if she’s not mindlessly scrolling through the dumpster fire known as Twitter, you can catch her binge-watching Chinese and Korean dramas.
All content by Helena Zhou
Case wins Teacher of the Year

Case wins Teacher of the Year

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
March 12, 2022

What would you change about Northwood?

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
March 3, 2022

How Good are Drivers at Northwood?

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
October 24, 2021
ONE YEAR EQUALS 365 OPPORTUNITIES: Vlasova practices tennis and the piano to use each moment.

Media influencer Vera Vlasova redefines Carpe Diem

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 29, 2021

Origin Story: No limits to Integral

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 29, 2021
Na-bi and Jae-eon reunite in front of their sculpture in the final episode.

Watching Nevertheless was One of the Biggest Disappointments in my Life

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 29, 2021
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS: Son aims to score during practice.

An interview with soccer star Paul Son

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
May 30, 2021
Being Watched: Blocksi brings up ethical concerns within online learning.

Blocksi: Where Do We Draw the Line with School Surveillance?

Helena Zhou and Ryan Wu
May 26, 2021
STRESSED OUT: Students and teachers may be up for a rough ride with next year’s schedule.

Flaws with the IUSD standardized high school bell schedule

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
April 22, 2021
DEFENDING SKILLFULLY: Junior Harry Kim swiftly receives a serve.

CIF regulations spark controversy

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
April 22, 2021
OSCAR-WORTHY: For his performance in “Minari,” Steven Yeun becomes the first Asian American to be nominated for a Best Actor award.

Notable Oscar Nominees

Ryan Wu and Helena Zhou
April 13, 2021
TO THE MOON: GameStop shares soared over 1,600% at the height of the trading frenzy.

The intersection of Robinhood, Reddit and Wall Street

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
March 22, 2021

In Brief

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
March 22, 2021
xQc loses to MoistCr1TiKaL in six moves by an opening checkmate trap similar to the Scholar's Mate.

PogChamps 3

Helena Zhou and Ryan Wu
March 12, 2021
CDA Section 230: The future of politics on social media

CDA Section 230: The future of politics on social media

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
February 12, 2021
What will your future bring based on your character?

What will your future bring based on your character?

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
February 11, 2021
“Wandavision” made its debut on Jan. 15, commencing Phase Four of the MCU on a peculiar, but enchanting, note.

Wandavision: An enchanting first look

Ryan Wu and Helena Zhou
January 27, 2021

200 IQ studying strategies to ace your finals

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
January 7, 2021
LOOKING FORWARD: Farrah Khan pushes for a progressive Irvine.

New Mayor Farrah Khan on COVID-19 and civil rights

Rachel Gima and Helena Zhou
January 7, 2021
Winter essentials: Wardrobe must-haves

Winter essentials: Wardrobe must-haves

Hari Sreeramagiri and Helena Zhou
January 7, 2021
Start-Up: Struggles and Successes of the Netflix drama

Start-Up: Struggles and Successes of the Netflix drama

Helena Zhou and Ryan Wu
January 7, 2021
Worldwide sensation Draco Malfoy has become an instantaneous trend on TikTok and Wattpad.

Harry Potter: A Surprising Revival

Helena Zhou and Ryan Wu
October 20, 2020
Rolling towards the season: Welcome Coach Pask!

Rolling towards the season: Welcome Coach Pask!

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
October 5, 2020
Among Us top 5 tips and tricks for true imposters

Among Us top 5 tips and tricks for true imposters

Ryan Wu and Helena Zhou
October 5, 2020
FALLing in love with unbeleafable seasonal movies

FALLing in love with unbeleafable seasonal movies

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
October 1, 2020
Howler exclusive: interview with a decorated Zoom bomber

Howler exclusive: interview with a decorated Zoom bomber

Helena Zhou and Diego Moreno
October 1, 2020
A pioneer for women's rights, Justice Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court for twenty-seven years.

Remembering Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ryan Wu and Helena Zhou
September 27, 2020
INNOQUIP EQUIPS: Technology Director junior Jenny Zhang drops off masks, which will be sent to healthcare workers around the globe.

Student-led organizations rise to the occasion

Lana Hwang and Helena Zhou
September 27, 2020

ALUM for Northwood fall kickoff

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 27, 2020
Virtual Space

Virtual Space

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 27, 2020
The Legend of Korra in a Nutshell

The Legend of Korra in a Nutshell

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
September 19, 2020
TWO WALKS OF LIFE: Junior Benjamin Liu prepares to get into the pool before swim practice.

Finding passion in high school

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
April 14, 2020
CYBERSECURITY: Juniors Tiffany Sun and Emma Li debug an error in their antivirus software by writing code in the C++ language.

Irvine Hacks 2020: city’s first high school hackathon

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
March 6, 2020
MAKING DREAMS CRUMB TRUE: Senior Alina Catiller finds her passion in culinary arts and works hard to bake a perfect batch of cookies.

Alina Catiller: (proof)ing her skills in the kitchen

Claire Chien and Helena Zhou
February 13, 2020
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