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
Sondos Elbershawi

Sondos Elbershawi, Photographer

I really enjoy anything spontaneous, I don’t know where I’m headed next, but I do know it’ll be a good time. My friends and family are my top priorities (at the expense of my wallet) and I go out of my way to make the most of a bad situation. Most of my time is contributed to music, volleyball, and anything extroverted. I hope to one day explore foreign studies and really make a change, no matter how cheesy that sounds.
All content by Sondos Elbershawi
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
Being Watched: Blocksi brings up ethical concerns within online learning.

Blocksi: Where Do We Draw the Line with School Surveillance?

Helena Zhou and Ryan Wu
May 26, 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
A FRESH START: Northwood’s Track and Field team huddles up following an exciting competition.

New Season: In-brief of spring sports

William Baik, Staff Writer
April 23, 2021
SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS: Incoming ASB officers and juniors Snigdha Maddula and Yun Seo Lee help creatively decorate a mannequin for Northwood’s annual Fine Arts Week event, celebrating all types of art.

Leading the Pack: Northwood’s newest ASB officers

Annie Lee, Viewpoint Editor
April 23, 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
TO THE MOON: GameStop shares soared over 1,600% at the height of the trading frenzy.

The intersection of Robinhood, Reddit and Wall Street

Helena Zhou, Staff Writer
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
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
YOUR ASB PRESIDENT: Senior Kara Chu details her distance learning school experience and president duties as she answers rapid fire questions.

I JUST VOTED!: Senior Audrey Landis explores the vote.org website in preparation for the election.

Khan wins election for Irvine mayor

Erin Tsai, Staff Writer
November 6, 2020
ASB TEA: Senior Kara Chu shares her distance learning experiences, along with her duties and expectations for the year.

“73 Questions” with Kara Chu

Erin Tsai and Yejin Heo
September 27, 2020
MAN DOWN!: A Northwood wrestler systematically pins down his opponent.

Wrestling tackles winter season

Rachel Gima and Ryan Wu
February 14, 2020
MIXING IT UP: Students go wild as Bonnema plays one of the crowd favorites: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.

DJ the night away with Aaron Bonnema

Dylan Yee, Staff Writer
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
OH SNAP!: Juniors Audrey Prickett, Andrew Kim and Evan Choi (left to right) decorate the roof of their gingerbread house with icing and colorful candies.

A gingerbread home for the holidays

Pranav Gaddam, Staff Writer
December 16, 2019
STAY ENGAGED! : Cell phones in the back keep the students on track

Face time is better than FaceTime

Varun Vishnubhotla, Sports Editor
November 1, 2019
CELEBRATE: Northwood Athletics displays its hard-earned award.

Crafting teams with character

October 28, 2019
SQUARE UP: Junior Jen Li sets up the team’s next play while her teammates get ready.

Pack attack: Timberwolves deck out

Mihir Kulkarni, News Editor
October 28, 2019
TIME-OUT: Coach Nobles provides advice to his athletes to help foster a successful season.

Sprinting into season: Welcome Coach Nobles!

September 30, 2019
CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP: (left to right) Freshmen Ariela Kao, Lindsey Kung and Neela Michaelsen practice for their new TikTok video.

Into the world of TikTok

Erin Kim, Accent Editor
September 30, 2019
TAKE A HIKE: Sophomores Elyse Tran and Chloe Mumolo bask in Irvine’s beauty.

Breathtaking places to hike

Nawal Abdul, Staff Writer
August 22, 2019
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