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
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
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
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
Rachel Gima

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor

Rachel Gima is a Northwood senior and Sports Editor for The Howler.

All content by Rachel Gima
Senior Spencer Ho jumps to return the ball to the other side of the court during the CIF-SS match against Servite High School.

Boys Tennis CIF

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
May 28, 2022
Short letter to my classmates

Short letter to my classmates

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
May 27, 2022
Shifting Gears: Changes to the parking permit system

Shifting Gears: Changes to the parking permit system

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
May 11, 2022
NEW KID NERVES: Northwood welcomes its new transfer students with open arms.

New to the Pack: Transfer students reflect on their transition to Northwood

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
March 29, 2022
Early Athletic Commitments

Early Athletic Commitments

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
November 17, 2021

Diving into summer with ISL

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
August 19, 2021

Instrumental Music: Performing with the Pandemic

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
May 30, 2021
Overlooked study tips

Overlooked study tips

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
April 26, 2021

Peek into Fine Arts Week

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
April 23, 2021

Northwood Student-Teachers

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
March 30, 2021
Superstitions

Superstitions

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
March 22, 2021

AcaDeca (Aca)Decks their competitors

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
March 22, 2021
SMACKDOWN STYLE: Junior Aiden Freeland takes down his opponent with force.

Wrestling tackles pandemic setbacks

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
February 12, 2021
AN ADVENTURE WITHIN REACH: Sophomore Grace Carmichael virtually explores the art of the Rijksmuseum, a national museum of the Netherlands, in the comfort of her own home.

Around the world in a single sitting

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
February 12, 2021
2021 fashion forecasts: Trends to shop

2021 fashion forecasts: Trends to shop

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
February 12, 2021
Jade rollers have become the new aesthetic addition to vanities across the globe, but dermatologists have contested the results they claim to produce.

Counterintuitive Skincare Trends

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
January 26, 2021
LOOKING FORWARD: Farrah Khan pushes for a progressive Irvine.

New Mayor Farrah Khan on COVID-19 and civil rights

Rachel Gima and Helena Zhou
January 7, 2021
WE 'CAN' DO IT: With masks and gloves to prevent the spread of COVID-19, sophomore class president Rachel How and vice president Eugenie Chang package thank-you cards and food donations.

Making Northwood’s distanced canned food drive count

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
January 7, 2021
Native American Samsoche Sampson performs a dance at a Native American Heritage Month celebration.

Native American Heritage Month

Rachel Gima and Tyler Wong
November 21, 2020

Challenging beauty standards

Ashley Lee and Rachel Gima
November 15, 2020

Seattle ‘defunds’ their police department

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
November 2, 2020
Good-bye to a Northwood Legend

Good-bye to a Northwood Legend

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
October 21, 2020
STOKED WHILE SOAKED: Head Coach Kyle Kim-E and Assistant Coach Is- abelle Comtois review the team’s playbook during a routine water break.

Girls water polo rises up the ranks

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
October 5, 2020
ONE, TWO, THREE, SMILE: Senior Kamryn Scott was in- spired by a painting in a restaurant in Buffalo, New York.

A guide to Northwood’s art gallery

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
October 5, 2020
Fall Treats with Tricks

Fall Treats with Tricks

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
October 4, 2020
Interviewing water polo sensation Max Abravanel

Interviewing water polo sensation Max Abravanel

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
September 27, 2020
Welcoming the new season with safe traditions

Welcoming the new season with safe traditions

Rachel Gima and Diego Moreno
September 27, 2020

Northwood’s Alma Mater: a virtual celebration

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
June 1, 2020
2020-2021 student leadership

2020-2021 student leadership

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
May 29, 2020
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS: Local students take the time to contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts by making care packages and masks.

Don’t stop me now: students respond to COVID-19

Pranav Gaddam and Rachel Gima
May 29, 2020
Balancing books for rookies

Balancing books for rookies

Rachel Gima, Sports Editor
April 14, 2020
Welcome, future Timberwolves!

Welcome, future Timberwolves!

Rachel Gima and Hari Sreeramagiri
April 14, 2020
BATTER UP: Junior Kamryn Scott perfects her pitching technique.

Full swing into Softball

Rachel Gima and Tyler Wong
March 6, 2020
MAN DOWN!: A Northwood wrestler systematically pins down his opponent.

Wrestling tackles winter season

Rachel Gima and Ryan Wu
February 14, 2020
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