The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
HIDDEN HEROES: Bev McPherson, a fifth year senior crossing guard, ensures pedestrians’ safety as she greets a familiar face
Crossing guards put community safety first
WE’RE OBSESSED: Junior Kamron Jamali, who plays May as part of the Advanced Drama cast, rehearses with the understudy cast before the opening night of “Call Me Obsessed.”
From Airport to Main Stage: “Call Me Obsessed”
BREAKING THROUGH: Senior Sailor Kensrue learns to use a chainsaw for releasing smoke and heat from structure fires at the OCFA Girls Empowerment Camp in September 2024
Fire Cadet Sailor Kensrue takes on the flames
NOT FOR EVERYONE: While working in high school is a great path for some, it’s not the best path for all students.
Teenage Employment: A choice, not a requirement
YOUTH STORIES IN FOCUS: Junior Anh Vo discusses his photograph in depth with science teacher Jordan Tyo at the OC Focus’ annual exhibit using the Photovoice method.
OC Focus: Empowering youth of color
Senior and CSF Club President Hannah Cho receives formal apparel at the CSF donation drive, preparing to send the contribution to Working Wardrobes.
CSF’s Donation Drive
Mindful Moments: Freshman Raegan Ivanista focuses on decorating her rock with acrylic markers at the Oak during Sleep for Success Week.
From School Spirit to Self Care: Sleep for Success Week advocates for mental health
BOOKLETS AND BLUEBOOK: Senior Erica Zou takes a practice AP Statistics test on Bluebook using digital formula sheets and scratch paper.
AP tests are going digital
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
PAWS FOR INCLUSION: Two young attendees share a moment with the school mascot during Irvine’s Disability Awareness Day, highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to foster belonging from the earliest years.
Acknowledging differences in IUSD’s Annual Abilities Awareness Event
SHARING EDUCATION: Senior Winnie Wei, president and founder of MORB, leads one of their weekly lunch meetings as members prepare to hear speeches from leadership candidates looking to continue the club’s mission to share educational resources.
Northwood’s Mexico Outreach Buddy creates special connections
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
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
Etiquette in the age of distraction
Etiquette in the age of distraction
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
OPEN UP: Experimental discussion among peers is crucial to ensure an environment full of diverse perspectives and speech.
Experimental thought in school is the point
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
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
April Howler Volume XVI – Issue VII, April 21, 2025
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
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
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…
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
A look inside Winter Guard’s season
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
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
Mei Ono

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief

Mei Ono is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of The Howler who has probably eaten tofu today.
All content by Mei Ono
Howler EIC sued for libel

Howler EIC sued for libel

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2022
HOCO NO MO’: Seniors Mei Ono and Rachel Gima celebrate their historic victory, breaking the precedent of cisgender courts.

It’s time to dethrone our outdated traditions

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2021

S1 Episode 01: Alumnus Jerry Liu brews success with local business Teaology

Mei Ono and Claire Chien
September 30, 2021
MEI THE FORCE BE WITH YOU: Senior Mei Ono leads The Howler into its 23rd year of publication.

Simply a-Mei-zing: Meet the newest Howler Editor-in-Chief

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2021

Tokyo Olympics head of games replaced just five months before the start

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2021
Trump creates the internet

Trump creates the internet

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2021
AN EMPTY SCHOOL: Smoke billows over Northwood as a firefighter combats the wind-fueled Silverado fire, which burned through the edges of the Northwood campus and the surrounding vegetation.

Silverado fire burns 13,000 acres, Irvine evacuates

Claire Chien, Mei Ono, and Anlon Zhu
November 6, 2020

How to make the most out of the iOS 14 update

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2020

There is a bad game Among Us

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2020
50 OUT OF 50: Acclaimed theater critic Alex rates the Irvine Spectrum’s new showstopping theater cinematic experience with the “highest score ever given in cinematic history”−a score nearly on par with the Cats movie.

Spectrum’s new 50D Theater Cinematic Sensation

Mei Ono and Erin Tsai
March 6, 2020
THE HOME STRETCH: Senior Justin Larson leads his team in warmups.

On track for their future goals

Abigail Fang and Mei Ono
March 6, 2020

Badminton tournament

Rocky Gao and Mei Ono
March 4, 2020
IT’S BOILING TIME: Climate scientists posit that Martha Stewart boiling Mother Earth into a soup could explain the mysterious origins of global warming. She may have added too much oil, for everything outside her kitchen is on fire.

Scientists confirm global warming doesn’t exist. Global boiling does.

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2020
Rising up at the Women’s March

Rising up at the Women’s March

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2020
A FUJI FORMAL: Seniors Adam Fujiwara and Yukako Fujimori were crowned king and queen at formal on Jan. 17.

Dancing in a winter wonderland at Winter Formal

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2020
PERSPECTIVE: Learning is a nonlinear process.

Integrated Science works toward the future

Ellen Wang, Mei Ono, and Anlon Zhu
February 13, 2020
NAP TIME: Seniors Johann Fernandez and Jack Kahulugan aren’t paying attention. Shame on them. Also, why does he have his phone?

Northwood’s No Napping November

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2019
GAME FACE: This year’s winter sports captains are ready to lead their teams to victory.

A winter season wonderland: say hello to a new class of leaders

Rocky Gao and Mei Ono
December 16, 2019
REJECTED!: Eyes on the ball and hands ready, senior goalie Adrian Fontao deflects the other team’s shot.

Boys Water Polo’s splash-tacular season

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2019
A look back on Star Wars history

A look back on Star Wars history

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2019

See behind the screens

Rocky Gao and Mei Ono
December 16, 2019
BAND TEN HUT: (left to right) Sepulveda, Fujimori and Miller prepare to call Marching Band to order.

Attention! This year’s drum majors

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2019

Trump administration targeting coaches as whistleblowers nationwide

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2019
Kid’s Corner: Howler Staff ruins your childhood TV shows!

Kid’s Corner: Howler Staff ruins your childhood TV shows!

Anlon Zhu, Mei Ono, Maizah Ali, and Anna Lim
October 28, 2019
RED MARIO DIDN’T STOP: Star driver Mario Mario mauled over and devastated two innocent Goombas.

tWo gOoMbAaz kiLLED in DUI

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2019
Sharing ideas at Northwood’s very first TEDx conference

Sharing ideas at Northwood’s very first TEDx conference

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2019
ISMH: Northwood’s latest integrated interdisciplinary course

ISMH: Northwood’s latest integrated interdisciplinary course

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2019

Safe athletes are happy athletes

Varun Vishnubhotla and Mei Ono
September 30, 2019
MEAN, MEDIAN, MIDANI: Teacher Nicole Midani helps senior Ethan Nguyen with a difficult statistics concept.

Meet Midani: methods, classes and more

Mei Ono and Varun Vishnubhotla
September 30, 2019

Summer breaking news: violence and tension

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2019

We will rock you

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2019

Boys Lacrosse

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2019

Coffee House

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2019

Senior plans

Mei Ono, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2019
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