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
Sophomore Ella Yu sells a matcha brownie to a friend as a part of the Seeds Club at Sophomore Movie Night.
Sophomore Movie Night returns
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
PRESERVING THE PAST: A preserved glimpse into Orange County history, Old Town Tustin stands as a gateway into early California architecture and history.
Historic spots in OC
RADIANT ROBOTICS: Northwood Robotics Club President and Technodream 50881A Team Manager Jia Dave works alongside her fellow board members on their VEX robot, configuring the controller and debugging errors.
Technodream 50881A: First all-Northwood VEX robotics team
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
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
More Than Meets the Eye: Northwood artists paint their way to District Honors
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
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
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Legacy of the Pack: Athletes give back
Fast Splash: Northwood swim surges at PCC finals
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
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
Rhea Gupta

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor

Rhea Gupta is the Viewpoint Editor of The Howler with an extreme obsession with coffee, not for the caffeine but for the taste. If she isn’t spending her time taking a nap for over 2 hours, you can find her chefing it up in the kitchen (with the select few meals she can make), dedicating her time to OC SASA or eating vanilla sponge cake (which she definitely did not make herself).

All content by Rhea Gupta
EXPLORING THE PISTACHIO WORLD: The dessert possibilities are endless with pistachios.

2024 is NUTS for pistachios

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
June 3, 2024
SIMPLE STUDYING: Students now feel compelled to take the SAT with the recent changes.

Standardized tests are the best baseline

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
May 6, 2024
HANDS-ON HUES: Junior Ashley Nguyen gets a spider painted on her hand during Night of the Arts.

Fine Arts Week: A blend of talent and creativity

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
April 18, 2024
TAKE COVER: A Northwood student takes shelter from the rain under an AP Enviro sanctuary.

Northwood innovates to combat unbearable weather conditions (rain)

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 4, 2024
LOVE ON THE BRAIN: Bold teen relationship hot takes you need to hear

Howler hot-takes on teen relationships

Rhea Gupta and Courtney Lee
February 14, 2024
EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT: Senior Harshil Verma tutors senior Burhan Lukmanjee after school.

TutorHigh: Shining high for Irvine one lesson at a time

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 20, 2023
HEADLINE OR PUNCHLINE?: Hasan Minhaj’s comedy can cross the boundaries of journalistic integrity.

Where do we draw the line for comedians to embellish the truth?

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 28, 2023
THE BIG PICTURE: "Even though it’s a fun game-like simulation, it helps students take a moment to seriously think about how they should spend and save their money. They have to think not only about themselves, but also their spouses and children." — parent volunteer Jim Leung

A “Bite of Reality” into our financial lives after high school

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 9, 2023
MELTING DOWN ICE: ICE teacher Nicole Midani engages with her students to explain how students can help stop climate change.

Melting traditions with ICE

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
September 19, 2023
BHARATANATYAM TAKES THE STAGE: Senior Ananya Badari and Woodbridge Junior Shrinidhi Sriram perform a Dhanashree Thilana.

“Any Body Can Dance”: OC SASA takes the stage

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
May 23, 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
COLORFUL CANDY FOOTWEAR COVERED?: A change in M&M shoe choice covered on outlets intended to report on more pressing matters.

Stop the Outrage: Cable news sensationalism of non-problems

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 13, 2023
VAXXING TO STOP SLACKING: New senioritis vaccine could prevent further disease transmission at Northwood.

IUSD approves new senioritis vaccine just in time for Prom

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 12, 2023
4.0 ALERT: Senior Aditya Hari and junior Sahithi Allam connect instantly thanks to Timber over their transcrizzpts.

Meet Timber: Northwood’s new dating app takes campus by storm

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
February 14, 2023
New Year, New Laws: 2023 California state laws now taking effect

New Year, New Laws: 2023 California state laws now taking effect

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
February 14, 2023
TWO-TIME CIF Champions: Running back senior Adam Harper clinches the championship plaque as the team excitedly rallies him on. (One in a Million Shot)

FIRST TIME EVER: Football to state finals

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 9, 2022
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
Members of Namaste Northwood and Muslim Student Association draw intricate henna designs in a collaboration with Art Club.

Connecting with Culture at Northwood: A student speak

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 1, 2022
MAJESTICALLY UNDER A SPELL: Queen of Fairies (Areesha Suhail) along with her fairies in service tend to an animal.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream review

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 18, 2022
Timby’s tips on maintaining a fursuit

Timby’s tips on maintaining a fursuit

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
October 31, 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
Centerspread: California Propositions

Centerspread: California Propositions

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
October 31, 2022
THE DIRTY TRUTH: By ignoring the shame WOC have endured for wearing these same features, this “effortless” aesthetic, that draws inspiration from WOC culture, has brought to attention that society has equated “clean” to fair skin.

The “Clean” Girl trend is WOC Culture

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
October 3, 2022
Many social media influencers like Andrew Tate use their platforms to disseminate discriminatory ideas, and quickly gain a popular following off of hype.

Justified censorship of online extremism

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
September 26, 2022
Crossword of Tennis Terms

Crossword of Tennis Terms

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
September 26, 2022

How likely are you to survive in an NHS class

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
September 26, 2022
THE LIGHTER THE BETTER?: The stigma against dark skin perpetuates harmful relics of the Indian caste system and British colonial rule in South Asians.

Colorism in South Asia and its impact on Irvine’s community

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
May 29, 2022
HSYAT’s 28th annual Teen Summit event was put together by the hardworking subcommittee comprising YAT staff and high school volunteers.

HSYAT Teen Summit Event

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
May 20, 2022
READING BANNED BOOKS: These titles are a few out of the many enlightening banned books.

The forbidden knowledge found via banned books

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 28, 2022

Exposé: Looting leprechauns steal time

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 11, 2022
TOO SOON TO GO MASKLESS: Senior Abby Sepulveda reaches for a mask to wear indoors in accordance with the school mask mandate.

Drawbacks to removing school mask mandates

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 10, 2022

Discussing the Capitol Insurrection in schools

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
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
DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN: Freshman Caitlyn Tran excitedly talks to sophomore Anika Aloni in their cat costumes.

Winter guard’s first competition of the season

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
February 10, 2022
Consistent care: Hearts Against Hate is now on their fifth cycle of creating care packages for Asian American elders.

Hearts Against Hate

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 9, 2021
This or That?

This or That?

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
December 9, 2021
CHAMBER TAKES THE STAGE: The Chamber Singers perform on Concordia’s grand stage as part of the Concordia festival.

Northwood choir performs at Concordia festival

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
November 12, 2021
How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
November 3, 2021
FILTERING THROUGH FEEDS: Students are exposed to social media everyday, making regulation critical.

The necessity of holding social media companies accountable

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
October 28, 2021
Pocket discrimination and what it says about equality

Pocket discrimination and what it says about equality

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
October 16, 2021
How schools should address politics in the classroom

How schools should address politics in the classroom

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
September 29, 2021
Downfall of Democracy

Downfall of Democracy

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
September 29, 2021
Dance 2 students end the Wednesday night show with “Come Alive” from “The Greatest Showman.”

Showcasing Northwood’s dancers after a hard year

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
May 13, 2021
LOCKED UP: Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin found guilty for George Floyd’s death

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
April 29, 2021
WE ARE NOT A VIRUS: America’s youth speaks up during a Stop Asian Hate protest organized by Melanated Youth.

Asian hate crimes must be eliminated

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
April 13, 2021
A trip to Cancun: Sen. Ted Cruz escapes to Cancun amid a crisis in Texas

Ted Cruz’s great escape

Rhea Gupta, Viewpoint Editor
March 12, 2021
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