The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
TEACHING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY: Federation of Jewish Students co-presidents junior Adiv Yair and senior Tom Per- el discuss the traditions and significance of Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday celebrated in mid-October that focuses on repentance and atonement.
Federation of Jewish Students fosters beloning
Honoring the deceased for Día de los Muertos
Honoring the deceased for Día de los Muertos
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S VIRAJ: Senior Viraj Kadakia toggles with the controls in an airplane before his flying class starts. He is practicing his take-offs and landings in preparation for his pilot's license examination in November.
The sky’s the limit for pilot Viraj Kadakia
LITTER-ALLY RECYCLING: The army of alumni architects assiduously assign areas to apply the assorted artifacts (what a mouthful!).
Lost and Found items are hard at work (literally)!
DISHONORABLY DECOMMISSIONED: Nobody exactly knows what will happen to the physical form of Siri Alexa Bixby, but we can assume that he’ll get what he rightfully deserves in the end
AI counselor given the pink slip and shut down
MENDEZ IS MANDATORY: Mendez v. Westminster, a key yet underrated case during the Civil Rights Movement, is now to be taught in all California schools.
Mendez v. Westminster headed for Statewide instruction in California
DISTINCTLY DECORATED: History teacher Greg Guy's advisement won the Advisement Door Decorating Contest.
A Doorway to School Spirit: Advisement Door Decorating Contest
ADVANCING ACCESSIBILITY: Senior Erica Zou walks along the newly-modified accessible sidewalk near the front office.
Howler Investigates: Sidewalk Renovations
GEARED FOR CONVENIENCE: The new racks sit almost full in just their first week open allowing students a new, more convenient place to park their bikes.
New bike racks at Northwood
APPROACHING APPLICATIONS: Senior Stanley Suen works on his Common App in the college and career center after school.
California legislature passes bill to ban legacy admissions at private colleges
SELF-EXPRESSION IS IN STYLE: During club rush, senior fashion club president Dae Truong and other members pass out fliers and candy to students, telling them about the club's agenda and mission in order to advertise their club.
Love & Lace brings Northwood fashion a new flair
PROTECTING THE PETS: ASPCA board members junior Emily Tamura (left), junior Emily Huang (middle) and senior Urika Tandiono (right) announce upcoming volunteer opportunities at animal shelters in a club meeting.
ASPCA’s pawsitive impact on animal rights
CRAMMING ON CAFFEINE: Senior Santi Vanegas sips on a honey lavender latte, one of the house species from The Mugs menu, while working on his schoolwork.
Not your cup of tea? Try The Mugs
NO MATTER HOW LO(W), HE'S HERE HELP: Northwood Mental Health Specialist Steve Lo talks to a student in his office.
Managing Mental Health: Meet Northwood’s mental health specialists
CONNECTING THROUGH CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Senior Malaika Mateti holds a tray of candles in her traditional South Asian attire while celebrating Diwali with her friends.
Shedding Light on the Festival of Light: Diwali
DANCING WITH SERENITY: Sophomore Grace Li refines her moves in her fourth period dance choreography class.
Flow Into Formation: Expressing creativity through student choreography
A PLUM OF SUSPICION: Professor Plum receives a mysterious envelope from Mr. Wadsworth, setting the stage for a night of intrigue and deception in Northwood’s production of “Clue."
Northwood’s “Clue” on stage served up murder and mystery at its finest
CRAFTING CLUE: Costume head junior Kaylee Fernandez perfects Wadsworth’s mustache for Clue play’s dress rehearsal.
The Heroes Behind the Capes: Northwood’s costume team
INKING IT IN: Junior Nathan Tuason carefully transfers his design onto a shirt, guided by screenprinting teacher Robert Stuart.
Screen Print Design’s impact on artistic vision
AGATHA ALONGSIDE WANDAVISION: Episodes of "Agatha: All Along," a sequel to the beloved "Wandavision," will have new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+ for fans of magic and mystery.
A promising start to “Agatha All Along”
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
Learning to let go
Learning to let go
We're all in this together!
We’re all in this together!
March 2024 Centerspread
March 2024 Centerspread
YA LIKE JAZZ?: Northwood’s Jazz Junction showcases their musical talent with an improvisation led by Junior Sooho Cho (center left) and Senior Drew Maragay (center right) at Northwood’s Club Rush.
Niche gave Northwood activities a C+ rating. Respectfully, we disagree
Celebrating Wimptober
Celebrating Wimptober
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE: Choosing the military over the conventional college path can have its benefits.
Silver and Navy to Red, White and Blue: College vs. the military
CELEBRATING TRADITION: Elders from the Gabrielino-Tongva, Acjachemen and Oaxaca tribes pose in traditional attire.
From erasure to empowerment: The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
CLUBS, CLUBS AND MORE CLUBS: Local students are overwhelmed by the vast quantity of clubs on campus.
There are too many clubs on campus
NO BIG SHOT: Sports tryouts really aren’t as difficult as they seem.
How to survive your first sports tryout
BE(LEE)VING IN YOURSELF: Flag Football Coach Harry Lee delivers feedback to his team at practice.
Harry Lee: Building a coaching legacy
BRUNSON’S GUARD GAME: Junior Jacob Whang mimics his favorite player Jalen Brunson’s three-point celebration.
Tip-Off Talks: Northwood students share their NBA picks
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
GAME DAY ENERGY: Northwood’s JV Pep Squad kicks off the home game by energizing the frosh football team from the sidelines.
Behind the cheer: Northwood’s pep squad
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
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
August Howler Volume XXVI, Issue I – August 20, 2024
June Howler Volume XXV, Issue VII - June 3, 2024
June Howler Volume XXV, Issue VII – June 3, 2024
April Howler Volume XXV, Issue VII – April 17, 2024
Katherine Paladichuk: Former Northwood acting star to Broadway performer
Katherine Paladichuk: Former Northwood acting star to Broadway performer
Introducing California Colleges
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
Day of the deadines
Day of the deadines
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Introducing new staff at Northwood
Katherine Paladichuk: Former Northwood acting star to Broadway performer
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
Profiles in Science: Northwood science teachers dish on how they discovered their passion for science and their journey to Northwood
Profiles in Science: Northwood science teachers dish on how they discovered their passion for science and their journey to 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
Connecting Eras with Art: AP Art History Teacher Zane Pang talks about the importance of understanding world history through art.
Gallery: Elective Expo
DESK: Junior Issac Lee and Senior Bharathi Kaliraj open the first Fine Arts Assembly and NTV Broadcast since before Covid-19.
Looking back on the fine arts assembly
Step 7 - Distribution: The paper is finally printed and it’s ready to be shared with the school
Behind the scenes of the Northwood Howler
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
Aya Takase-Songui

Aya Takase-Songui, Photo Editor

Aya Takase is the Photo Editor for The Howler, who claims to like horror films but as of now has only watched 3. Despite coming from a long line of professional gardeners, she lacks a green thumb and has killed every household plant she touches.

All content by Aya Takase-Songui
SAVOR THE FLAVOR: Sophomore Sooho Cho and junior Allen Wen compare the unique chip flavors at H Mart for a savory treat after a long day at school. For many families and friends, sharing and receiving snacks are acts of love, care and connection.

Munching on Nostalgia: AAPI childhood snacks

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
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
LET THEM COOK: Sophomore Ellie Ji practices the skills she learned in culinary class to bake a class recipe.

Delectable Dishes: How Culinary Arts cooks up new creations

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
May 17, 2024
BIKES AWAY: Citizens of Irvine pick up their bikes and helmets at Woodbridge Town Center to begin cycling to UCI.

CicloIrvine: Celebrating community, connection and clean air

Lauryn Chew, Accent Editor
May 15, 2024
DESK: Junior Issac Lee and Senior Bharathi Kaliraj open the first Fine Arts Assembly and NTV Broadcast since before Covid-19.

Looking back on the fine arts assembly

Aya Takase-Songui, Photo Editor
April 29, 2024
WASHED AWAY: The winter guard captivates their audience with their performance of “Car Wash.”

Marching together for P.E. credits

Lauryn Chew, Accent Editor
April 29, 2024
FILMING IN ACTION: NTV members utilize their film skills at the Fine Arts Assembly.

From Frame to Film: NTV individual projects

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
JUBILANT JAZZ: Senior Luis Maldonado solos over “Strut” on his guitar at the IUSD Jazz Festival.

Northwood’s festival feats

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
April 22, 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
HAPPY UPON THE HILLS: Principal Leslie Roach and Northwood Teacher of the Year David Lee get ready and excited to welcome incoming freshmen to the next four years at high school.

Dear Future T-wolves: Welcome to Northwood

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
April 18, 2024
TASTE OF DELIGHT: Junior Gabby Lan savors a Fluffy Fluffy pancake souffle.

Tustin District’s Newest Pancake Cafe: Fluffy Fluffy

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
April 10, 2024
FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Lily Ye (left) and Hannah Cho (right) share a moment in the SAC, before election results on Friday. In their election videos, each show their dedication, humor and a commitment to uplifting the Northwood community.

To Cook or to be Cooked: ASB President speech analysis

Courtney Lee, Copy Editor
March 28, 2024
DECLARATION OF SLAYDEPENDENCE: Women plan their escape into Canada after their rights expire.

SCOTUS announces women as ““full citizens””

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
March 25, 2024
FINDING BALANCE: Junior Ines Khodja continues to practice her softball swing during practice even through Ramadan fasting.

Playing the Long Game: Ramadan’s impact on athletes

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
March 22, 2024
HELPING OUT IN HUMANITIES: English teacher Jennifer Guy checks in with freshman Muchen (Rachel) Wu in the English Essentials class.

The ESL experience at Northwood

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
March 19, 2024
NEW TO IRVINE: Shoppers take a look at the new OluKai storefront at the Irvine Spectrum.

Grand Opening: OluKai’s Night of Aloha

Hannah Liu, A&E Editor
March 19, 2024
WE BRING YOU JOY: Sonny Angels are sighted hanging on the edges of Northwood students’ computers daily, staring at the students while they work.

Sonny Angels: The consumerist secret that toy companies don’t want you to know

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
March 14, 2024
Laughing and Lunch: After a long day of helping and advising students, Northwood counselors Allison Singer (left) and Bailey Phenicie (right) take a special lunch break together in the College and Career Center to relax and reflect upon their week.

Giving Gratitude: National Counselor Appreciation Week

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
Step 7 - Distribution: The paper is finally printed and it’s ready to be shared with the school

Behind the scenes of the Northwood Howler

Aya Takase-Songui, Photo Editor
December 22, 2023
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior Samuel Vo and junior Allen Wen practice holiday tunes.

MUSE-ic to the Ears: Bringing melodies to the community

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
December 15, 2023
Speaking for a cause: Senior Skylar Leung shares her thoughts on the Thrive skit to reveal how high schoolers actually feel about school.

Dialogue Night: Initiating staff-community conversations

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
December 13, 2023
FREEDOM FOR FLAGS: IUSD Board discusses the future of flag policies in IUSD schools, specifically any flag that is not a California flag.

IUSD Board Meeting: Crowd debate flag policy, focus on Pride Flag

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
December 6, 2023
LEAF IT ALL ON THE FIELD: For fall athletes, sweater weather is rather a time to dawn their jerseys and cleats.

Looking back on a decorated 2023 fall sports season

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
November 4, 2023
TRIPLE THREAT: Teacher-coaches Megan Stuart, Nicole Grau and Harry Lee coach their respective teams to bring Northwood more wins. Additional photo credit: Andrew Le

Impacts Beyond the Classroom: Teachers who are also coaches

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
November 4, 2023
LAW-A-RIDING: Freshman Max Haymes gets ready to bike home safely by putting his helmet on properly.

Efforts to improve bike safety in response to recent accidents

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
October 18, 2023
Screen Shot 2023-10-15 at 2.31.04 PM

Northwood’s campus through an AP Art History Student’s lens

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
October 16, 2023
NORTHWOOD ARCHITECTURE UP CLOSE: During its empty hours, Northwood's orange stucco architecture glistens in the setting sun.

Northwood’s campus through an AP Art History Student’s lens

October 15, 2023
AN APPRECATION OF THE ARTS: Dance students enjoy the class as they perfect their choreography, exploring the beauty of the arts through their movement.

Prop 28 ignites a renaissance in education

Courtney Lee, Copy Editor
September 30, 2023
Matcha Vanilla Swirl soft serve

Matcha love for the quali-tea drinks and snacks at Junbi

Lauryn Chew and Amy Jeon
September 28, 2023
NEW ADDITION: Freshman counselor Bailey Phenicie discusses various success strategies with freshman Sean Leong.

Introducing a new counseling method for freshmen

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
September 27, 2023
CLARIFYING MISCONCEPTIONS: IS3 teacher Jordan Tyo answers a student’s questions about the IS3 course.

A closer look into the Integrated Science curriculum

Anna Cho, Staff Writer
September 20, 2023
COMING BACK FULL CIRCLE: Alessi reflects on how far he has come as he plays music, looking forward to a new school year at Northwood.

Introducing Alessi: An alumni with ambition and passion

Jihoo Yoon, Managing Editor
August 30, 2023
TIMBY WOULDN’T STAND FOR THIS: Northwood student unions protest against unfair treatment and hostile working environments in very effective ways.

Northwood student unions on strike against corporatism

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
August 30, 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
A STICKY SITUATION: Hand sanitizers left outside the bathrooms can be used as a substitute for soap until vandalism comes to an end, as seen right of sophomore Hunter Welch.

Northwood’s new restroom policies

Riya Gupta and Alyssa Quintana
April 24, 2023
A BETTER FUTURE: Sophomores Jasmine Le and Ashley Cao discuss issues regarding mental health and teen culture in their focus group.

Student voices help reform Irvine’s Strategic Plan

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
April 12, 2023
SCIENCE MATTERS: Sophomore Anika Bhat (middle) collects her medal at Chapman University after advancing to the state level competition, winning second place in the Physiology/Medical division of OCSEF for her investigative science project.

Northwood shines at OC Regional Science Fair

Eugenie Chang, Managing Editor
April 12, 2023
HOME RUNS GALORE: Senior Riley Bajorek practices batting with the Girl’s Varsity softball team out on the field

Riley Bajorek (11) – Softball Captain

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
A PROUD WINNER: Senior Alison Abravanel stands in front of the Speech and Debate competition trophies

Ali Abravanel (12) – Speech President

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH: Senior Hinanui Swider encourages students to talk about their culture at Polynesian Club

Hinanui Swider (12) – President of Polynesian Club

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023
QUESTIONS FLYING: Senior Yusrah Khan hosts a Kahoot about Disney Princesses for National Organization of Women club

Women Speak: Advocating Change at Northwood

Megha, Kishore
March 27, 2023
SOONTOFU JJIGAE: The meal comes with a raw egg in the side for the customers to put into the jjigae. The jjigae is so hot that the raw egg becomes well-cooked within minutes.

Cho Dang

March 17, 2023
READY FOR TAKE OFF: Junior Kristen Lew and sophomore Gabby Lan carefully wind up the rubber band to propel their plane for the Regional flight competition.

Northwood Science Olympiad advances to State

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
March 10, 2023
DEEPER MEANINGS: Wind Symphony flutist seniors Christy Han (left) and Badrish Ananth (right) perform “Requiem for the Unarmed.”

Welcoming spring with band and orchestra Festival Concerts

Ellen J. Wang, Staff Writer
March 11, 2023
A SWEET SURPRISE: Willy Wonka lead senior Ze Xi Isaac Lee and the rest of the cast opens the night with their inviting performance of “The Golden Age of Chocolate.”

Northwood’s Willy Wonka: An invitation into the “World of Imagination”

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
BIG EARS, BIG PERSONALITIES: Poe, one of the nine rabbits currently up for adoption at IACC, overcomes her usual shyness as caretaker Janice Morreale hands her a chew toy.

Hay everybun, lettuce jump into ear-resistable bunny ad-hop-tion

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
February 15, 2023
PAVING THE WAY: College & Career Specialist Kathi Smith outlines the IVC Advisement procedure.

Tackling the California community college enrollment low

Riya Gupta, Sports Editor
February 15, 2023
Northwood Philharmonic Orchestra cellists prepare to perform “Overture to Marriage of Figaro” under the guidance of director Ben Case.

Northwood Performers take the stage at the annual Northwood Area Concert

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
January 23, 2023
COMMITTING TO KNITTING: During one of Knit-Work Club’s lunch meetings, sophomore Saya Ryu guides junior David Grannis-Vu in creating his first row of knit stiches.

Darn! Don’t miss unraveling these yarn adventures

Olivia Cai, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
ANOTHER TERM?: Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan faces competitors in a debate held at UCI.

Meet the candidates: 2022 Irvine mayoral elections

Shreya Aithal, Staff Writer
October 31, 2022
HERE TO HELP: Megan Ostovarpour, lead counselor at Northwood Highschool, encourages students to reach out and use the many resources available to students, not just the counselors.

Reaching out for mental health support

Kaylie Wang, Accent Editor
November 7, 2022
BOOKED AND BUSY: Peter Fatzaun decorates a new book display.

Packing the Shelves at the NHS Library

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
September 29, 2022
WARM SMILES ALL AROUND: Nathan Parr, Jordan Tyo, Soo Sim, Nathalie Nguyen, Catherine Cali, Kyle Ennis and London Carter (left to right) smile in anticipation for the coming year. Bailey Phenicie overlooks student files (left) while Ennis catches up on emails (right).

This autumn, don’t ‘fall’ behind on getting to know Northwood’s new staff

Jaycee Hendrickson, Sports Editor
September 26, 2022
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