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
Keyur Joshi

Keyur Joshi, Photographer

As a staff photographer on the Northwood Howler, Keyur Joshi is legally allowed to stalk people for a photo. So if you see him hiding in a bush, don’t be alarmed. In his free time, he loves catching up with the Warriors and his winning fantasy football league (obviously).

All content by Keyur Joshi
Hardest Class Studnet Speak-3

Student Speak: Which science is the most challenging?

Kyle Lee, Staff Writer
November 17, 2024
EMPOWERING MINDS: Peer tutor senior Daijelle Morris helps a student understand math concepts.

Tutor Center switches to morning session

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
DANCING WITH SERENITY: Sophomore Grace Li refines her moves in her fourth period dance choreography class.

Flow Into Formation: Expressing creativity through student choreography

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 13, 2024
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

Anna Cao, Staff Writer
November 6, 2024
GUIDING MINDS: SciConnect Initiative instructor freshman Lydia Lo and co-founder junior Leanna Lo teach soph- omore Jessica Zhou about the trophic pyramid using their student-created science curriculum for the Ecology event.

Sharpening science skills with SciConnect Initiative

Jordan Chu, Staff Writer
November 6, 2024
ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE: Seniors Jessica Li, Allen Wen, Ellie Guo and Elise Kong take their senior photos before the game.

Beat by beat: A behind-the-scenes spotlight on Northwood’s marching band

Keyur Joshi, Photographer
November 8, 2024
EXPRESSIONS AND IMPRESSIONS: Members of Northwood’s Improv Club play a game of “Remote Control,” in which actors improvise dialogue to fit spontaneous settings and locations called out by the audience.

Improv Club at GameCon event

Sienna Hidalgo, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
NO MATTER HOW LO(W), HE'S HERE HELP: Northwood Mental Health Specialist Steve Lo talks to a student in his office.

Managing Mental Health: Meet Northwood’s mental health specialists

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
SAVE MY SEAT STITCH: Senior Russell Nguyen leaves Mrs. Wells’ Stitch plushie in his seat in order to grab the bathroom pass.

Stuffed animals put a paw-some twist on bathroom passes

Sol Hwang, Staff Writer
October 3, 2024
HARK ATTACK: Spirit and Rally Commissioner junior Nathan How attacks the new school year, re-energizing Northwood’s student section at the Beach Bash football game by leading cheers and chants.

A look into ASB’s hype process

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
September 30, 2024
PICKLEBALL PLAY: Freshman Leo Liu practices his skills on the basketball court in preparation for the new lines to be painted in.

New pickleball lines painted on blacktop

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
September 30, 2024
PITCH PERFECT: Tenor singer sophomore Arsh Gupta prepares his voice during a ten minute vocal warmup in his Concert Chorale class.

Concert Chorale: Northwood’s newest choir

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
Connecting Eras with Art: AP Art History Teacher Zane Pang talks about the importance of understanding world history through art.

Gallery: Elective Expo

Keyur Joshi, Photographer
May 28, 2024
AMAZING ADVICE: Freshman Zoya Ahmed and Senior Daniella Pierce discuss everything from academics and friends in high school

Take it from us: Senior gives advice

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
May 23, 2024
APP-SOLUTELY INSPIRING: Senior Jeet Parikh discusses his entrepreneurial endeavors in app development and desire for social impact.

Glowing with Pariglo: Jeet Parikh’s tech journey

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
Studying Outdoors: a student writes down her ideas at a table outside after class.

Breaking the Cycle: the importance of working outside

Hannah Liu, A&E Editor
May 2, 2024
ADDICTING ENERGY: Junior Gabby Lan continues to study with the help of an energy drink.

That extra ounce of caffeine boost will not boost your GPA…

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
April 22, 2024
THANKS THAT THRILL: English teacher Sara Katlen lights up a student’s day with a T-wolf Thank You.

T-wolf Thank Yous have returned

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
April 18, 2024
DO BETTER NEXT TIME: The mantra of an overworked high school student who fails to see their effort pay off in competitions– but maybe it’s not entirely their fault.

The harsh reality behind Irvine schools dominating Orange County competitions

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
April 17, 2024
BEHIND THE SCENES: Sophomore Class Council members Emily Hill and Nicole Theodoreau discuss and plan the first ever movie night at Northwood.

Movie Night: Northwood’s newest event

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 28, 2024
“WELCOME BACK TO THE CARE CAFÉ PODCAST”: Senior Kristen Lew’s podcast has over 30 episodes featuring various speakers to serve as an accessible and affordable resource for students’ mental health.

The Care Café: Advocacy is always on the menu

Hannah Liu, A&E Editor
March 19, 2024
BATTER UP: Senior Riley Bajorek initiates a friendly team handshak

We love our captains

Hannah Liu and Riya Gupta
February 21, 2024
CLEARING THE PATH TO GRADUATION: Samantha Otten (left), Abigail Wu, Corey Okamoto and Chris Vien (right) discuss their stories and experiences that influenced their decision to graduate early.

Early Bird Gets the Worm: Stories about graduating early

Lauryn Chew, Accent Editor
February 16, 2024
STROKES OF IDENTITY: Northwood Taiwanese Club board member sophomore Suzan Whiteside demonstrates Taiwanese Calligraphy and its importance to Taiwanese culture.

Cultural diversity on campus

Keyur Joshi, Photographer
December 22, 2023
EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT: Senior Harshil Verma tutors senior Burhan Lukmanjee after school.

TutorHigh: Shining high for Irvine one lesson at a time

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 20, 2023
(FUN)DRAISING: Freshman Zulyamar Velazquez practices for the team’s upcoming game, where the big head cutouts will be displayed.

Featuring Le Crescente

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
December 15, 2023
Junior Kenny Zhang and freshman Tony Wen use effective study methods, such as the Pomodoro method and spaced repetition, to solve problems during tutorial.

Dialogue Night: Initiating staff-community conversations

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 13, 2023
EUSTRESS IS GOOD FOR YOU: Maintaining stress in a healthy manner can serve as a motivator for students to take on challenges.

Can stress be channeled in a healthy manner?

Courtney Lee, Copy Editor
December 15, 2023
VENTURING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Guest speaker Anthony Glenn, the CEO of CarDana, discusses the importance of connections when it comes to growing a business.

Igniting an entrepreneurial spark with Entrepreneurship Club

Aishwarya Ramasubramanian, Online Editor In Chief
December 7, 2023
TEE-TIME: Northwood girls golf junior Shivali Shrivastava prepares for postseason competition at Oak Creek Golf club.

Girls golf stays undefeated in CIF

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
October 31, 2023
TIME FOR TACKLING TRIATHLON TRAINING: Senior Madison Ledgard (left) stretches before cross country practice.

Madison Ledgard takes on national triathalon competition

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
November 4, 2023
HIGH SPIRITS: Timby’s Troop leads school cheers at the football game against Laguna Beach High School.

Banagas-Engelerdt is Northwood’s newest assistant principal

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
September 27, 2023
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