The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
LEE-DING THE WAY: Editor-in-Chief senior Courtney Lee previews her last Back-to-School issue and prepares to lead The Northwood Howler through the 2025-26 school year.
Got three minutes? Get to know Howler’s editor-in-chief
A HEARTFELT GOODBYE: President Timby, Dash Bolt and other beloved Humor page characters bid their last farewells.
Saying goodbye to The Howler’s Humor page
RESPONSIBLE TOOL USE: With correct boundaries, AI can be used to enhance students’ academic succe
Boundaries Over Bans: Keep AI in classrooms
CALLING THE SHOTS: Freshman Jocelyn Lee plays quarterback during a mixed summer practice.
Time to get ready for the fall 2025 sports season
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
Teacher Speak: Where did staff go over summer break?
REGAL RECREATION: The iconic castle design of Northwood Community Park may see more structures, themed equipment and terraced landscaping.
City begins planning Northwood Community Park renovations
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
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
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
Welcome to Northwood: Comprehensive Campus Guide
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
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
August Howler Volume XXVII - Issue I, August 2, 2025
August Howler Volume XXVII – Issue I, August 2, 2025
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
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
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
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

Lauryn Chew and Courtney Lee
March 21, 2025
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, Online Editor-in-Chief
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, Online Editor-in-Chief
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, Editor-in-Chief
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, Arts & Entertainment 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, Editor-in-Chief
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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