The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
AIRPOD WARRIOR: Me, oblivious and happy, before I lost three pairs of AirPods and four cases.
Nice humble songs by Megha
Gravity Lost: The sky was never the limit
Gravity Lost: The sky was never the limit
AAAAAND ANOTHER THING: [CENSORED] [REDACTED] [BABY SCREAMING] [SIRENS] [SILENCE].
SHOCKING: Irvine woman still doesn’t know words to alma mater despite being a senior
FASHION KILLER: Me and my snowman fitted up since day one.
How (not) to lose a guy in 10 days
DÉRACINEMENT: A one-year-old’s innocent grin, a fleeting warmth of fragile light before the gathering shadows.
Breathing through the end of liminality
Portola Parkway - Orchard Hills Drive intersection
Irvine City Council approves extending bus service to Northwood
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
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE: Senior Winnie Wei visits Bowdoin College’s marine laboratory during her college visit.
Senior Winnie Wei is winn-ing in her STEM research
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
PLAYING PERCUSSION: junior Yun Wen strikes the bars with four mallets during percussion ensemble’s performance at Jazz at the Oak.
Percussion ensemble lights up the night at Jazz at the Oak
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
Senior highlights
Senior highlights
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
A MEANINGFUL GIFT: Sometimes even cleaning up desks can make a teacher feel appreciated.
Recognizing and appreciating teachers year-round
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
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
June Howler Volume XXVI - Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
June Howler Volume XXVI – Issue VIII, June 2, 2025
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
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
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
PLANK PARTY: Junior Alice Baik (left) and senior Caleigh Nystrom (right) hold plank during warmup in preparation for the first Spring Show rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes: Northwood’s dance show
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
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
Rita Lai

Rita Lai, Accent Editor

Rita is the Accent Editor for Northwood High School, and her favorite class is Calculus. In her free time, she likes to frolick in strawberry fields and does competitive curling. She likes to dye her hair a lot.

All content by Rita Lai
Crossing from one end of the bridge to the other

Crossing from one end of the bridge to the other

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
May 26, 2023
SASS & PIZZAZZ: Dance theatre junior Marisa Chacon (left) and Senior Catie Jamieson stare at each other intently as they recreate the interesting tension of La La Land’s iconic bench scene.

Dance BTS and show

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
May 10, 2023
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Though some students might forever fear the impending doom of approaching deadlines, others find efficiency in working close to deadlines. (Isabella Torrales)

The controversy of procrastination

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
April 10, 2023
IT’S RAINING HEARTS AND LOVE LETTERS: Some people like the rain better than other people.

Taking a deep dive into the “A” of LGBTQIAP+

Ellie Chan and Rita Lai
February 14, 2023
HANDWRITING JUST AIN’T RIGHT: When there’s more efficient and fair methods of evaluating students, educators should consider turning away from handwritten work.

Student anonymity in grading

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
January 6, 2023
NEVER TOO SICK FOR MUSIC: A fortunate choir member has the opportunity to showcase his seasonally acquired skills, admittedly to the chagrin of his fellow performers.

Top 5 reasons to come to school sick

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
December 10, 2022
Rating political signs

Rating political signs

Karen Wang, Annabel Tiong, and Rita Lai
November 8, 2022
Northwood’s Campus of Horrors: A tour that leaves you howlin’

Northwood’s Campus of Horrors: A tour that leaves you howlin’

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 31, 2022
DAY 1: I named him Doug. He came into existence on Sept. 2. He was born from the marriage of 50 grams of filtered tap water and 50 grams of whole wheat flour.

Sourdough September

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 13, 2022
Studying with or without music? Pros and cons

Studying with or without music? Pros and cons

Rita Lai and Annie Lee
September 26, 2022
LIBRARY LEVITY: Freshmen Emma Walton (left), Adam Elkoustaf (middle) and Shada Sirat (right) enjoy a bright moment of reprieve during their study session.

Good, Bad and Ugly: Advice for a frenzy of freshmen fears

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
September 26, 2022
Taken by Elle Chan

New (Academic) Year’s Resolutions: Northwood Edition

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
September 14, 2022
Spring times bring May rhymes

Spring times bring May rhymes

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
May 21, 2022
CRADLED CHOOK: Ke’s younger sister demonstrates the proper way to hold a chicken.

Happy-Go-Lucky Poultry Day: Clucky pet chickens

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
March 19, 2022

Seven Northwood students commit to collegiate athletics

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
March 11, 2022
Dialing... VAPA Line

Dialing… VAPA Line

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
March 11, 2022
SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTIONS: Piled on textbooks are other reading material on Black History and antiracism, available at Northwood’s school library.

Black history’s lack of depth in American schools

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
February 28, 2022
Super Bowl Traditions

Super Bowl Traditions

Annie Lee, Rita Lai, Chris Song, and Karen Wang
February 10, 2022
HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES!: Senior Devon Huang readies himself to shoot a free throw at an away game against University High School.

Winter captains lead the charge

Rita Lai and Annie Lee
February 10, 2022
FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: (left to right) Junior Vero, freshman Charlie and juniors Charlie and Niki are one of the many groups of friends just spending time together during tutorial, showing the less commercialized but still appreciated aspect of platonic love in relationships.

Different types of love languages: “Amor-e” ways to show your amour

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
February 10, 2022
Eclectic electives to take in the Spring semester

Eclectic electives to take in the Spring semester

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
January 5, 2022
Everyone’s a winger: Many families are hoping to make the OC Turkey Trot a yearly tradition, both for the exercise and the bonding experience

#FEASTMODE: Race the cluck

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
December 9, 2021

MCU’s latest addition

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
December 9, 2021

Northwood custodians sweep us away

Noelle Escalante and Rita Lai
October 28, 2021
BBQs by land and sea

BBQs by land and sea

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 28, 2021

Our truths: TEDx Talks

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 27, 2021
SISTERHOOD: Seniors Aditi Sreenivas (left) and Sofia Partridge (right) portray sisters Jo and Beth from the musical “Little Women” as they sing “Some Things Are Meant To Be,” a final duet before Beth’s death.

The world’s a stage for theater

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
October 27, 2021
writer_artist_swap

Writer/Artist Swap

Richelle Gunawan, Graphic Artist
October 28, 2021
Odd October occasions

Odd October occasions

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
October 5, 2021
Which Northwood Bug Are You?

Which Northwood Bug Are You?

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
September 29, 2021

Orchard Hills asphalt plan takes on lawsuit

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
September 29, 2021
ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS: Travelers awaiting their flight stroll through a historical gallery at the John Wayne Airport.

Historic sites of OC

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
September 29, 2021

How to grow an at-home miniature herb garden

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
June 6, 2021

STATE TESTING ramps up

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
May 30, 2021
A half-sin table spread of sabzeh (سبزه) – grown sprouts, samanu (سمنو) – sweet pudding, senjed (سنجد) – Persian olive, serkeh (سرکه) – vinegar, seeb (سیب) – apple, seer (سیر) – garlic, and somāq (سماق) – sumac.

March Equinox

Rita Lai, Accent Editor
March 18, 2021
Load More Stories