The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
CHICAGO CHORDS: Junior Sarie Kwak, junior Ritieka Kumar and senior Matthew Kim perform with Jazz I at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville
From Blues to Bops: Performing on the Chicago tour
SCIENTIFIC SCHOLARS: Science Olympiad celebrates their second place win after the award ceremony
Science Olympiad places second at state competition
ICON SINCE 1999: Timby was chosen as Northwood’s mascot by parents, staff and students prior to the school’s opening in 1999. His original scraggly, gray fur was replaced by his current white and gray design around 2009.
Uncovering the history of Timby
A New Chapter Written Together: With surveys under way, students, staff and families help select Northwood’s next principal
A glimpse into finding Northwood’s new principal
FIGHTING FIRES: The Silverado fire in 2020 burned through several acres of Irvine, including Northwood, before being contained.
Fire risk increases around Northwood
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
BUCKLE UP: Though the yellow school bus was once a staple of American childhood, home-to-school transportation has become a rarer sight in school districts across California. "31933 2011 Blue Bird 77 Maximum Passenger School Bus" by bsabarnowl is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
IUSD Board of Education approves 2024-2025 Transportation Plan
CAPTURING COMPASSION THROUGH CARDS: Two members of NOW club decorate cards during lunch, writing empowering messages to women that inspire them.
NOW Club decorates for Women’s History Month
LASTING LEGACY: Principal Leslie Roach is an inspiring leader, mentor and supporter who works hard to make Northwood a positive place for all. She transitions to a new role at the district office next school year.
Principal Leslie Roach to become IUSD Executive Director of Student Support Services
A SECOND HOME: The Katie Wheeler Library welcomes its guests with knowledge and serenity.
Irvine negotiates with county to keep Katie Wheeler Library open
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
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
SUBLIME SKINCARE: Junior Jessy Elias and alumni Jasmine Elias show off their Se.Lo serum products.
Glow with Se.Lo: Northwood entrepreneurs spread self love through skin care
RESTORING THE LAND: Junior Fuzhi Yang helps tend native plants at the back of the 900s building during ICE period 4. Photo provided by Nelly Tsai
ICE sprouts a new campus restoration project
COOKING WITH CONFIDENCE: Senior Robert Nguyen hones his skills during his internship at Terrace by Mix Mix, a Filipino-French fusion restaurant located in South Coast Plaza.
‘Don’t Limit Yourself to A Recipe’: Robert Nguyen’s exquisite taste for culinary
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
PASSÉ-ING PERIOD: Teachers join dance students in their annual flash mob for Northwood’s yearly Fine Arts Week.
Chassés, Surprises and Smiles: Dancers excite Northwood at first teacher-student flash mob
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
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
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
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
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
COMING IN FIRST: First baseman Katerinna Rizos prepares her throw to home base as she diligently trains for her upcoming game.
Katerinna Rizos: Swinging to success in softball
CHARGING TO SUCCESS: Senior Ryan Loo dribbles towards the goal in a varsity boys soccer game.
Winning With A Passion: Boys Soccer ends a successful 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
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
September Howler Volume XXVI - Issue II, September 24, 2024
September Howler Volume XXVI – Issue II, September 24, 2024
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…
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students
Teaching AP Government during an election year
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
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
Kaylyn Chen

Kaylyn Chen, Photographer

Kaylyn Chen is a senior photographer for the Northwood Howler! She loves Christmas and has no problem being exploited for child labor as long as you pay her with animal fries.

All content by Kaylyn Chen
COOKING WITH CONFIDENCE: Senior Robert Nguyen hones his skills during his internship at Terrace by Mix Mix, a Filipino-French fusion restaurant located in South Coast Plaza.

‘Don’t Limit Yourself to A Recipe’: Robert Nguyen’s exquisite taste for culinary

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
March 26, 2025
CAPTURING COMPASSION THROUGH CARDS: Two members of NOW club decorate cards during lunch, writing empowering messages to women that inspire them.

NOW Club decorates for Women’s History Month

Nancy Sun, Staff Writer
March 26, 2025
THE STORY BEHIND THE ART: Juniors Amy Yang and Farnaz Farmanian express their unique cultural experiences by creating acrylic paintings for their AP Studio Art portfolios.

AP Studio Art: Cultural creativity

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
February 28, 2025
FEEDERS FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS: Junior Yun Wen, president of the bird club, presents slides on how to create DIY bird feeders from scrap plastic containers.

Northwood’s Bird Club is soaring

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
February 27, 2025
CAPTURING THE FESTIVITY: At the Spectrum Lunar New Year Celebration, sophomore Jiwoo Park snaps photos of a performer playing on a dizi, a type of Chinese flute.

A glimpse into the Spectrum’s Lunar New Year celebration

Jay Bruce, Staff Writer
February 20, 2025
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

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
December 12, 2024
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

Kaylyn Chen, Photographer
December 5, 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
CRAMMING CRISES: Junior Lauren Cilderman catches up on homework late into the evening.

Healthy Homework Act signed into law

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
SELF-EXPRESSION IS IN STYLE: During club rush, senior fashion club president Dae Truong and other members pass out fliers and candy to students, telling them about the club's agenda and mission in order to advertise their club.

Love & Lace brings Northwood fashion a new flair

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
November 12, 2024
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

Thierry Wijaya, Staff Writer
November 6, 2024
CRAMMING ON CAFFEINE: Senior Santi Vanegas sips on a honey lavender latte, one of the house species from The Mugs menu, while working on his schoolwork.

Not your cup of tea? Try The Mugs

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
November 9, 2024
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

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
November 7, 2024
SINGING STARS: The Acapella Club passes out candy and fliers during Club Rush.

Club communities foster connections at Club Rush

Anna Cho and Shreya Aithal
October 31, 2024
CONNECTING THROUGH CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Senior Malaika Mateti holds a tray of candles in her traditional South Asian attire while celebrating Diwali with her friends.

Shedding Light on the Festival of Light: Diwali

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
October 30, 2024
ENGAGING EXPERIMENTS: During a Biotechnology IVC class held on Northwood campus each Tuesday, students prepare for their weekly labs by carefully reading the lab instructions, putting on safety goggles and gloves and collecting the necessary materials with precision.

Beyond High School: Unlocking potential with dual enrollment

Lian Le, News Editor
October 23, 2024
CELEBRATING THROUGH STOCK PAPER, STICKERS AND SHARPIE: Senior William Ryee writes a heartwarming card for a close friend’s birthday. He strategically uses his large sticker collection to decorate and personalize his gift.

The Power of Cards: A priceless gift of gratitude

Lauryn Chew, Accent Editor
October 5, 2024
GRACEFULLY GALLOPING: Equipped with her safety gear and riding helmet, equestrian senior Julie Heninger practices riding her horse, Irco, at the stable grounds in San Juan Capistrano.

Equestrian Julie Heninger is the mane character

Sienna Hidalgo, Staff Writer
October 1, 2024
THE ART OF CROCHET: Junior Shriya Balaji works on her latest project, a green blanket, while sitting beside some of her other works, including a crocheted portrait of herself.

Hooked on Fun: Shriya Balaji’s crochet journey

Sienna Hidalgo, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
LEARNING THE BASICS: Freshman Paige Volpe practices signing the ASL alphabet with her partner during class. As with verbal languages, mastering the alphabet is a critical first step toward engaging in more challenging, personal conversations.

Building bridges and community through ASL

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
September 26, 2024
APPROACHING APPLICATIONS: Senior Stanley Suen works on his Common App in the college and career center after school.

California legislature passes bill to ban legacy admissions at private colleges

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
BIRTHDAY BASH IN A SASH: Timby celebrates his 25th birthday as students line up for free ice cream sandwiches distributed by ASB.

A Toast to Timby: Honoring his 25th birthday

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
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