The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
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
CHICAGO CHORDS: Junior Sarie Kwak, junior Ritieka Kumar and senior Matthew Kim perform with Jazz I at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville
From Blues to Bops: Performing on the Chicago tour
SCIENTIFIC SCHOLARS: Science Olympiad celebrates their second place win after the award ceremony
Science Olympiad places second at state competition
ICON SINCE 1999: Timby was chosen as Northwood’s mascot by parents, staff and students prior to the school’s opening in 1999. His original scraggly, gray fur was replaced by his current white and gray design around 2009.
Uncovering the history of Timby
A New Chapter Written Together: With surveys under way, students, staff and families help select Northwood’s next principal
A glimpse into finding Northwood’s new principal
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
FOSTERING DIALOGUE: AP Government teacher Steven Plete engages with a student students
Teaching AP Government during an election year
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
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 Yokota

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor

Rachel Yokota is a Northwood senior and the Managing Editor for The Howler. She has created a whole new level of freelancing by finessing her way out of The Howler roster for three years—and if she’s not hacking InDesign, you’ll find her at the pool. Rachel’s best friends are remove.bg and wordhippo.com (on the down low…).

All content by Rachel Yokota
We're all in this together!

We’re all in this together!

Karen Bruce, Kaylie Wang, Rachel Yokota, and Madeleine Pham
June 3, 2024
CHAMPIONS IN EVERY SENSE: Northwood Athletes of the Year Riley Bajorek and Zaid Yunis celebrate their accomplished high school careers and the enduring mark they have left on Northwood.

Northwood athletes honored as NHS and PCL top talent

Rachel Yokota and Anthony Park
May 23, 2024
BAWK BAWK: Junior Dylan Khang and math teacher David Lee flaunt their feathers at the CIF Southern Section Chicken Flinging Qualifier.

CIF sanctions girls and boys chicken flinging

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 5, 2024
FEARLESS ON THE FIELD: Captain senior Nikki Sanders cradles the ball outside the box as she strategizes her next move.

Girls lacrosse beats out Beckman and all odds

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 19, 2024
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS: Northwood teachers such as instrumental arts director Whitney Tavlarides strive to constantly improve their programs.

Northwood ranks No. 1 in IUSD

Rachel Yokota and Anthony Park
September 2, 2023
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
LAST DANCE: These four seniors enjoy their final year with the team as Northwood girl's volleyball heads into CIF for victory.

SENIOR SPEAK: Girls volleyball on their last season

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 31, 2022
Student Speak: Why Your Sport?

Student Speak: Why Your Sport?

Rachel Yokota, Managing 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
ALL OUT SPRINT: Sophomore Derek Hitchens (left) and senior Christopher Leung (right) race to the finish at Meadowood Pool.

Diving in with Chris and Derek

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
August 21, 2022
NICE TO MEAT YOU: Ricebunn's iconic Salmon and KBBQ Beef Onigiri wrapped up and ready to go!

Fusion Foods at their Finest: Ricebunn

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
June 1, 2022

NHS alumni Ashley Dasom Lee

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 13, 2022
GRITO: Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer sing their hearts out in UCI’s Winifred Smith Hall.

Mariachi from past to present

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 12, 2022
FOR THE WIN: With the help of The Howler's flawless guide to the Winter Olympics, junior Tiana Gao takes gold in Short Track Speed Skating.

Winter Olympic Sports for Dummies

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
February 22, 2022

Reform after slurs directed at Portola students

Annabel Tiong and Rachel Yokota
February 10, 2022
PARADING THE STREETS: Members of local fraternities were part of the motorcade that included antique cars and leaders in the Black community, from state senators to kickboxing champions.

42nd Black History Month Parade

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
February 10, 2022

CSALT serves athletes

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
February 10, 2022
DRILLING IT INTO MEMORY: Girls JV basketball head coach Erin Halle (left) assigns the girls different numbered positions while teaching them how to execute an offensive drill.

Back to the Pack: Return of the alumni

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
December 9, 2021
STRESSING OUT: A student tries to not cry while reviewing cross sections in math.

How to avoid putting the “pro” in procrastination for finals week

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
December 6, 2021
5 Solutions to Beat the Traffic Driving You Crazy

5 Solutions to Beat the Traffic Driving You Crazy

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
November 22, 2021
How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
November 3, 2021
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Rising population growth in Irvine poses challenges to resident satisfaction in the future.

Harmful Irvine population growth

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 27, 2021

S1 Episode 4: Ringing In: Northwood’s new bell schedule two months later

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 20, 2021
YOU WISH YOU WERE A T-WOLF: Junior Timberwolves encourage the crowd to cheer at a football game.

Cheering with the future T-Wolves

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
September 29, 2021
SINGING THE NiGHT Away: Attendees sing their hearts out at the karaoke station.

Mask-erading at Midnight: Senior Gala 2021

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 27, 2021
HONORING NORTHWOOD: Along with Distinguished School, Northwood has also received several other awards that are proudly displayed on the campus.

Northwood honored as a California Distinguished School

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 3, 2021

Students speak out at Virtual Advocacy Trip

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 23, 2021
IS SHARING CARING?: Netflix has recently begun to crack down on password sharing, leading to frustration among long-term users.

Pursuing Netflix Password Sharers: A Potential Mistake

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 17, 2021
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior Stephanie Chen practices her volleyball fundamentals.

Girls Beach Volleyball joins CIF scene

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 22, 2021
UNFINI(SHE)D: Both Harris and Guntrip join the fight for women’s rights, continuing a legacy of persistence.

Women’s (Her)story Month: Celebrating women then and now

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 22, 2021
SWITCH AND PLAY: The Nintendo Switch has been the focus of Nintendo Directs since 2017, when the console was released.

2021 Nintendo Direct: Five Fantastic Features

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 5, 2021
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