The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
Personality Quiz: Which of these school supplies are you?
A POP OF PERSONALITY: Senior Olivia Kesler showcases the unique apple backpack she purchased on Depop and the variety of keychains on her bag, including a beetle and a Rilakkuma bear.
Bag decorations that personalize the pack
DEFEND THE DEN: Sophomore Cassidy McCallon guards the goal at a JV girls water polo away game.
Introducing summer skills camps
PLAY HARD, REST HARD: Boys tennis, like all Northwood sports, takes a break in the summer during the CIF Dead Period.
What is the CIF mandated Dead Period?
COACHING CHAMPIONS: Boys volleyball head coach Brendan Geck encourages his players during a home game.
Qualities coaches look for in student athletes
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
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
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
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
Marine Biology teacher Gabby Kim-E assists students as they discover the anatomy of mussels.
Elective Expo booming with interactive showcases
GLIMPSE INTO ADVOCACY: Former IUSD superintendent Terry Walker discusses policy issues with Northwood representatives Lauryn Chew, Alice Park, Niharika Mahesh, Caleigh Nystrom, Emily Yokota, Louise Macatula and history teacher Zane Pang.
From School to Sacramento: A look inside what students advocate for
Northwood students who work
Northwood students who work
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
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
TURNING THE PAGE: Librarian Peter Fatzaun explores staff-recommended reads in the media center.
Book it to the Media Center for new staff picks
MUNCH ON MASTERPIECES: The “More Than You Can Chew” exhibition, housed in the Great Park Gallery, allows viewers to interact with an engaging collection of artwork about food.
“More Than You Can Chew”: Great Park’s contemporary exhibit
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
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
MAKING HIS MARK: Senior Jeremiah Tak weaves through the defense, scanning the field for his next move in their game against Irvine High.
Boys lacrosse “sticks” a win at their first home league game
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
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
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
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
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
Hispanic Heritage Month: An interview with Joey Cabrera
Hispanic Heritage Month: An interview with Joey Cabrera
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
Megha Kishore

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer

Megha is a senior staff writer for the Howler. She likes to walk and swing

All content by Megha Kishore
STITCH, SEW, SHOE: Senior Ginee Hong embroiders sun and moon designs on her shoes in Maker’s Studio.

Maker’s Studio opens up students’ artistic creativity

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 21, 2025
STICK AROUND: Lacrosse captain senior Kiki Estrella rallies her team.

Cut or No-Cut: The reasons behind the roster

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 4, 2025
Northwood students who work

Northwood students who work

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 28, 2025
SHAPING VOICES: Choir director Tyler Alessi heads Treble Clef, vocally guiding his students through Cantate Domino.

Alessi honored by IUSD as 2024-25 Teacher of Promise

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 25, 2025
D1 Bound: Seniors Bridget Chantharath, Derek Hitchens, and Will Chen sign their national letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.

Northwood’s committed athletes

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
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

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
November 19, 2024
BLACKOUT POETRY: Senior Louis Gaigneux creates poetry by blacking out parts of book pages at Dead Poets Society’s weekly club meeting.

Dead Poets Society Club turns everyday life into poetry

Anna Cho and Megha Kishore
November 1, 2024
HOMECOMING HAZE: Northwood’s student section rallies behind their team with blue chalk, fueling the Homecoming spirit.

Repping school spirit with Homecoming

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
BE(LEE)VING IN YOURSELF: Flag Football Coach Harry Lee delivers feedback to his team at practice.

Harry Lee: Building a coaching legacy

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 29, 2024
Introducing new staff at Northwood

Introducing new staff at Northwood

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 17, 2024
COLLEGE LEVEL CHOREOGRAPHY: Drum major senior Erica Zou helps conduct the Northwood marching band during their performance at the USC football game’s halftime show.

Northwood at USC Band Day

Megha Kishore, 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
SENIOR CELEBRATION: (Left to right) Seniors Izabel Vicente, Esma Hurmali and Lena Hussain laugh together while cheering on their friends completing the bounce house obstacle course at the senior barbecue after school.

Enjoying the end of high school with senior events

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
June 3, 2024
FILMING IN ACTION: NTV members utilize their film skills at the Fine Arts Assembly.

From Frame to Film: NTV individual projects

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
LEARNING HANDS-ON: Senior Justin Sanders practices repairs and adjustments to the car in his Automotive Technology ROP class.

ROP Classes: Exploring and Experiencing Unique Careers

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
April 9, 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
GO BEYOND COLLEGE BOARD REQUIREMENTS: Non-AP science courses allow students to build a more specified view of a particular field.

Beyond the AP: The benefits of niche sciences

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 21, 2024
ROOF RENOVATION: Construction workers patch up Room 501’s roof to prevent further leakage during a rainy day.

Howler Investigates: Room 501 construction

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 15, 2024
ARE KIDS STILL KIDS?: Social media can cause kids to age faster.

Anti-aging skincare trends age kids faster

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 15, 2024
BUSINESS BOSSES: Every henna that Halwa Henna owners juniors Yasmine Obaid and Iman Light make are personal with a goal to empower all of their customers.

Halwa Henna: Empowering students one henna at a time

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 14, 2023
Speaking for a cause: Senior Skylar Leung shares her thoughts on the Thrive skit to reveal how high schoolers actually feel about school.

Dialogue Night: Initiating staff-community conversations

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 13, 2023
EXPLAINING THE EXHIBIT: Freshman Dana Elquza explains details in her exhibit to the judge during her direct examination of an expert witness.

Defeating the Struggles: Mock Trial Club’s comeback season

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 4, 2023
LEAF IT ALL ON THE FIELD: For fall athletes, sweater weather is rather a time to dawn their jerseys and cleats.

Looking back on a decorated 2023 fall sports season

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
November 4, 2023
SLAYING THE STAGE: Actors practice their dragon formation in fight call rehearsal.

Fight or Fight? A glimpse into combat choreography

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
November 3, 2023
FEELING THE RHYTHM: The Northwood Dance Team electrifies the Homecoming Rally on Oct. 13.

Dance Expands: Changes to Northwood’s dance program

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 22, 2023
Students share their spectacular summer concert experience

Students share their spectacular summer concert experience

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 30, 2023
HIGH SPIRITS: Timby’s Troop leads school cheers at the football game against Laguna Beach High School.

Timby’s Troop: A spirited addition to Friday Night Lights

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 27, 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
JUST A GLIMPSE OF OPPORTUNITY: Finances often outweigh ability for summer programs.

Socioeconomic bummers of summer programs

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
May 27, 2023
ATTRACTING THE ASSESSOR: A board hopeful manipulates her interviewer through tenacious tactics like submitting NHS confessions.

How to unlock your interview rizz

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
May 9, 2023
CAUGHT IN THE CYCLE: An Internet user goes through many articles on the Bieber and Gomez feud, completely engulfed in the pointless drama.

Selena vs Hailey: Who’s in the wrong?

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
April 17, 2023
QUESTIONS FLYING: Senior Yusrah Khan hosts a Kahoot about Disney Princesses for National Organization of Women club

Yusrah Khan (12)  – NOW Feminism Club President

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
HOME RUNS GALORE: Senior Riley Bajorek practices batting with the Girl’s Varsity softball team out on the field

Riley Bajorek (11) – Softball Captain

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
A PROUD WINNER: Senior Alison Abravanel stands in front of the Speech and Debate competition trophies

Ali Abravanel (12) – Speech President

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH: Senior Hinanui Swider encourages students to talk about their culture at Polynesian Club

Hinanui Swider (12) – President of Polynesian Club

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
IT’S ALL UP TO THE VOTERS: Irvine mayor Farrah Khan is sworn in for her second two-year term in a December ceremony. If the district election system is passed, mayor would be the only candidate to run at large.

Irvine City Council puts district elections to the vote

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 17, 2023
SHAKE IT OFF AND SWIFT-LY NAME THAT TUNE: Freshman Damareus Tyler and Junior Kai Mo play Guess-the-Song at BSU's Lunch Fest.

Northwood celebrates Black History Month

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 28, 2023
WHO ARE YOU OPENING YOUR HEART OUT TO?: The individual on the other side of the screen may not be as they seem.

Swipe left on e-dating: The dangers hidden in the dark

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 14, 2023
LOOKING FORWARD AND LEAVING A LEGACY: Coach ‘Paco’ Gonzalez and his son watch a water polo game at Tustin High School as their family cheers in support.

Honoring water polo coach Francisco ‘Paco’ Gonzalez

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Seniors Ryan Kessler and Andrew Penrod take to the dance floor with their friends.

A Sparkling Snow Ball: Winter Formal at Bowers

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 3, 2023
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
COUNT THE PINS: Senior Aiden Tak holds his opponent during a match at the Lancer Open.

For the Fall: Northwood wrestling leaves it all on the mat

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
ASB publicist and junior Katerina Tolkachev edits clips of Northwood’s pep squad at the senior night and white lie themed football game.

Keeping it real with ASB reels

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
November 9, 2022
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Sophomore Eleanor Wu calls on President Biden to act on recent Iranian injustices.

Student activists stand with Iran through protest

Rhea Gupta and Megha Kishore
October 31, 2022
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS: Northwood teachers such as instrumental arts director Whitney Tavlarides strive to constantly improve their programs.

Reforming the pack: Northwood’s efforts in WASC visit

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 31, 2022
MELODIES LEFT AND RIGHT: Music fills the empty space.

The Masterminds of October: Recently dropped albums

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 31, 2022
DOUBLE UP: Combining the Pillsbury cookie with other ingredients like pumpkin spice or chocolate chips is a sure way to make the flavors burst out.

Fun ways to use Pillsbury cookie dough

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
October 29, 2022
The Freshman Forte: How they stand out in the stands

The Freshman Forte: How they stand out in the stands

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
Northwood Text Messages Exposed

Northwood Text Messages Exposed

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
School Resources Rule!

School Resources Rule!

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
September 26, 2022
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