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

Madeleine Pham, Centerspread Editor

Madeleine Pham is the Centerspread Editor of The Northwood Howler. She might seem experienced at art at this point, but she doesn’t know how to use an Apple Pencil. She lives on Goodreads – don’t even think about looking for her account (please it’s kind of embarrassing). Also don’t ask her about her lefts and rights. What you can (and should) ask her about is her love for a good spreadsheet, and the status on the current book she’s (hopefully) reading.

All content by Madeleine Pham
BARREN BLACK FRIDAYS: A changing consumer culture alters how Black Friday is celebrated.

What happened to Black Friday?

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
November 29, 2024
NO BIG SHOT: Sports tryouts really aren’t as difficult as they seem.

How to survive your first sports tryout

Jordan Chu, Staff Writer
November 6, 2024
Screenshot 2024-11-04 at 9.40.01 AM

Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
Screenshot 2024-11-04 at 9.24.31 AM

Sock-Tober: Appreciating the smaller luxuries

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
BRAINROT TO THE MAXX: Attention Based Learning techniques prove to be anything but beta.

Northwood implements Attention Based Learning on campus

Kyle Lee, Staff Writer
September 30, 2024
Learning to let go

Learning to let go

Courtney Lee and Madeleine Pham
August 20, 2024
We're all in this together!

We’re all in this together!

Karen Bruce, Kaylie Wang, Rachel Yokota, and Madeleine Pham
June 3, 2024
2 (1)

Comic: Not having hobbies

Madeleine Pham, Centerspread Editor
May 21, 2024
APPLICATION ANSWERS: There are many qualities that make a good ASB candidate beyond what may seem to be obvious.

ASB Applications: Authenticity in applying

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
April 8, 2024
ILLEGAL TRANSPORT: Kids was caught in violation of the new ruling.

Swithoum sees uptick in legal proceedings after IVF ruling

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
March 29, 2024
SHOULD WE CALL 911?: Teachers may need resuscitation after these senior pranks.

Senior prank season tips and tricks

Zoe Yan, Staff Writer
March 25, 2024
YOUR VOTE MATTERS: Voting for local elections allows for grassroot change and more direct impacts.

Voting in local elections means local change

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
March 21, 2024
ALL OVER THE OSCARS: "Barbie" tends to dominate film conversations despite the many successes of this year's Oscars.

No one wins the Oscar for best snub

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 8, 2024
[JUNK]Toxic_Parents(color)

“Oh… That’s not…”

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
February 20, 2024
HELP, MY CRUSH IS GHOSTING ME: It’s frustrating to have a crush on someone who won’t even text you back, but our advice can help.

Good, Bad and Ugly: I found my husband?

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
LOCAL LEARNING: UCI provides Irvine residents with an education full of resources and experiences closely available to them.

UCI: Not just the university in your backyard

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
December 21, 2023
PICTURE-PERFECT PRESSURE: A drive to do better results in students pushing for the unattainable.

STEM isn’t the only path to success

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
December 16, 2023
THE LATEST LANGUAGE: Tone tags are an efficient way to clarify a person’s speech.

How we adapted to online communication through tone tags

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
November 29, 2023
TIMBY’S ALMANAC 2023: Gear up and hunker down in preparation for this year’s weather forecast.

Irvine, California: Accurate one-year weather forecast

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
October 4, 2023
[JUNK]MARIAH_CARIE(color)

Mariah Carey begins defrosting

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
November 5, 2023
DWELL ON THE DEN: After graduating, Northwood alumni wade through life drawing experiences from their high school years.

Beyond the Rolling Hills and Majestic Oak: Alumni speak

Courtney Lee, Copy Editor
November 13, 2023
TUESDAY-WEEN: Even on a school day, the spookiness is unstoppable.

Quick Halloween fits

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
November 3, 2023
A-MAIZE-ING TIPS YOU AUTUMN KNOW: Enhancing cafeteria food for the fall is quite simple.

How to spice up your cafeteria food

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
Taking things slow

Taking things slow

Madeleine Pham, Centerspread Editor
October 20, 2023
YOUR VOTE, YOUR VOICE: Research polticians before you cast your vote.

When School Walls Speak: The harm of forced outing

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
September 29, 2023
NOT REALLY FEELING LIKE MYSELF TODAY: The newest installment to the world of “Adventure Time” honors its predecessor through its innovation and thematic complexity.

“Fionna and Cake” doesn’t take just the cake (but the whole bakery kingdom)

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
September 28, 2023
JUST SCROLLING BY: Trump browses through Pinterest boards, ready for a picture-perfect mugshot.

A look into Trump’s Pinterest board

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 18, 2023
Untitled design (14)

Barbie’s Advice (and Ken’s unsolicited but not necessarily unwelcomed opinion)

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
August 30, 2023
BREAKING PLASTIC CEILINGS: The ‘Barbie’ movie portrays the trials and triumphs of female identity.

Celebrating feminism with Barbie

Karen Bruce, Editor in Chief
August 25, 2023
PROM STRUGGLES: Asking someone out to prom can often be a handful

Good, Bad, and Ugly: Prom-ise we can help!

Elena Higuchi, Annabel Tiong, and Eugenie Chang
May 22, 2023
FIGHT OR FIGHT: Luz and her friends from Boiling Isles keep their guards up in a seemingly unwelcome forest.

Goodbye, Owl House

Jihoo Yoon, Managing Editor
May 2, 2023
DIVERSITY IS DELICIOUS: Cultural foods and healthy eating are not only delectable and comforting but can hold the same nutritional value as the normalized Western diet.

Analyzing cultural diets in relation to healthy eating

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
April 11, 2023
LIVE FOR THE APPLAUSE: Artists stress over aspirations, projecting them onto the audience and each other while reaching for the “flawless” performance.

Pressure in the Performing Arts: How students experience perfectionism

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
March 14, 2023
UNKNOWN RIPPLES: To be grateful has so many positive side-effects that you may not ever consciously notice, but will enrich your and others' lives.

The butterfly effect of gratitude

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
February 17, 2023
CONVERSATIONS FOR THE SOUL: Podcasts can inform, tell stories and comfort those in need.

Podcast Mania: Five podcasts to tingle all five senses

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
February 15, 2023
GO-PHER IT: a groundhog rises from its burrow to determine the coming season

Unveiling the Truth About Groundhog Day: Myths, Folklore and Tales

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
February 1, 2023
CASE COUNTS: California Teacher of the Year Ben Case describes the different types of cadences to his class.

The analysis of intervals: Music theory with Ben Case

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 9, 2022
Home for the Holidays: Decorating with poinsettias and fresh trees may not "point" in the most sustainable direction.

The dangers of over planting for the holidays

Noelle Escalante, A&E Editor
December 1, 2022
TALK TO ME: An extra pair of hands means more students’ academic needs are met during tutorial.

Student tutors can help us make the best of every tutorial

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
November 21, 2022
NO REST FOR THE TICKET: Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concert tickets go on sale Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST. Will you be one of the lucky few to snag the most coveted ticket of the month?

How to ensure tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour

Ally Venezia, THO Editor
November 14, 2022
[JUNK]_House_of_Horrors1(Color)

Northwood’s Campus of Horrors: A tour that leaves you howlin’

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 31, 2022
Screenshot 2022-09-26 002842

Northwood Text Messages Exposed

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
INCLUSIVITY: Northwood Class Councils could better represent the student body

Reforming class councils for better representation

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
September 26, 2022
STOKED FOR SEPTEMBER: Let’s just ignore the smoke and fire and drink pumpkin spice lattes.

Falling for September

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
September 23, 2022
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