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
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
BUCKLE UP: Though the yellow school bus was once a staple of American childhood, home-to-school transportation has become a rarer sight in school districts across California. "31933 2011 Blue Bird 77 Maximum Passenger School Bus" by bsabarnowl is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
IUSD Board of Education approves 2024-2025 Transportation Plan
CAPTURING COMPASSION THROUGH CARDS: Two members of NOW club decorate cards during lunch, writing empowering messages to women that inspire them.
NOW Club decorates for Women’s History Month
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
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
From Sunrise to Sunset: A day in the life of students in Ramadan
SUBLIME SKINCARE: Junior Jessy Elias and alumni Jasmine Elias show off their Se.Lo serum products.
Glow with Se.Lo: Northwood entrepreneurs spread self love through skin care
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
PASSÉ-ING PERIOD: Teachers join dance students in their annual flash mob for Northwood’s yearly Fine Arts Week.
Chassés, Surprises and Smiles: Dancers excite Northwood at first teacher-student flash mob
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
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
Blast to the Past: Looking back on childhood favorites
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
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
COMING IN FIRST: First baseman Katerinna Rizos prepares her throw to home base as she diligently trains for her upcoming game.
Katerinna Rizos: Swinging to success in softball
CHARGING TO SUCCESS: Senior Ryan Loo dribbles towards the goal in a varsity boys soccer game.
Winning With A Passion: Boys Soccer ends a successful 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
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
September Howler Volume XXVI - Issue II, September 24, 2024
September Howler Volume XXVI – Issue II, September 24, 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
Isabella Torrales

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor

Isabella Torrales is a very normal person who sometimes forgets to omit Oxford commas in AP style due to having never taken Beginning Journalism. What she can remember are video game strategies, cookie recipes and to keep her Spotify username a secret, lest someone discover her awful music taste. If you ever need her, she’s easy to find, and will be happy to help you out. (You may even glean a sweet treat on the way!)

All content by Isabella Torrales
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

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
April 29, 2025
AN OVERLOOKED LAW: Upholding and improving 504 plans are crucial for students of a wide range of disabilities.

Removing 504 plans threatens student rights

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
April 23, 2025
What's really behind inflation...

What’s really behind inflation…

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor
March 24, 2025

Personality Quiz: Which of these school supplies are you?

Hannah Liu and Isabella Torrales
March 24, 2025
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP: Injured athletes persevere through the recovery process to get back in the game.

How injured athletes stay resilient

Anna Cho and Zoe Yan
March 4, 2025
SYNTHESIZING STYLE: Dressing for the weather requires the right balance in your technique.

Weathering in style

Anthony Park and Aimee Pan
February 21, 2025
A WAYFINDER’S RETURN: An older and more confident Moana returns to the screen in Disney’s newest animated sequel “Moana 2” as she sets sail for distant lands, finding new and old friends along the way.

“Moana 2”: Disney’s newest successful sequel

Raya Abu-Tarif, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
NEW YEAR, NEW START: Resolutions should focus on achievable goals, not just empty promises.

The correct way to set yearly resolutions

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!: It is crucial to regonize the cultural aspects of all holidays in addition to Christmas

Moving beyond Christmas exclusivity

Amy Jeon, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
CRUNCHWRAP CRUSH: Finals week desperation leads to some less-than-tasty test-taking troubles.

How to Fail Your Finals: Finals week horror stories

Jordan Chu, Staff Writer
December 13, 2024
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

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
November 5, 2024
CHAT GPTEACHER: Siri Alexa Bixby is willing and able to take any question you ask him.

Meet Northwood’s new AI generated counselor

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
September 28, 2024
Senior year's just a beginning

Senior year’s just a beginning

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor
October 15, 2024
[THO]_(VP)_COLOR_Senior_Year's_Just_A_Beginning

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”

Lian Le, News Editor
September 23, 2024
ASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER: A glimpse into the distant future where students can practice a new batch of sports to become the very best.

Redefining school spirit with Olympic sports

Sohum Sarwate and Timothy Shin
August 23, 2024
ESSENTIAL OR EXCESSIVE?: Back-to-school shopping drives unnecessary spending.

The hidden costs behind the back-to-school shopping seas

Luna Bouhairi, Viewpoint Editor
August 21, 2024
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

Karen Bruce, Editor in Chief
May 6, 2024
FIGHTING STIGMA: Those suffering from addiction deserve support and recognition of bravery, not unfounded criticism.

The Fentanyl Epidemic: The case for empathy in our crisis

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
May 1, 2024
[THO]_brandy_hellville

One Size Fits Most: how Brandy Melville hides behind branding

Alyssa Quintana, Staff Writer
April 29, 2024
Political Cartoon: College Application Season Comes to a Close

Political Cartoon: College Application Season Comes to a Close

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor
April 19, 2024
SHOULD WE KEEP ADVANCING? Ethics should continue to play a prominent role in future innovations.

Technology’s Limit: When is it too much?

Timothy Shin and Karen Bruce
March 21, 2024
YELLOW SLIP OF DOOM: The ominous late slip warrants a disapproving stare from teachers as Northwood students rack up tardies.

Evaluating Northwood tardy policies

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
March 21, 2024
CHANGING CINEMA FROM A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY: Star Wars was a technical and thematic marvel for its time that many still cherish today.

The Pawscars: Northwood teachers talk their favorite movies

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
March 5, 2024
[JUNK]_Color_Microtrends_Rodent_It_Girl

TikTok’s newest “ins” for spring and summer 2024

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
February 21, 2024
10 OUT OF 10: A student cheers on the stellar five-star couples with their green flag qualities.

Fictional couples to learn from

Raelle Tiong, Sports Editor
February 14, 2024
REPORTING LI—AHHHHHH! FIRE! FIRE! WE’LL BE BACK AFTER A SHORT BREAK!: Local news stations report on a nationwide chaos caused by enthusiastic teenagers.

Northwood faces power outage caused by Disney+ show

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
December 18, 2023
MALFUNCTION MADNESS: School administration urges students to care for restroom amenities.

STEM isn’t the only path to success

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
December 16, 2023
QUESTS OF THE ANCHOR: Humanities students will need some pro gamer strategies to beat this final boss.

Game Guide: How to beat the Fall Anchor

Timothy Shin, Humor Editor
November 27, 2023
FINALLY FINDING FOREIGN FLUENCY: For language classes to be effective in the long run, they should be offered in schools at an earlier age.

Education Earlier: The benefit of learning a language young

Vincent Yang, Staff Writer
November 2, 2023
Happy 'Mexican' heritage month

Happy ‘Mexican’ heritage month

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor
October 8, 2023
Original cover published by Dutton Penguin.

f(x) = Oddly specific book recs

Courtney Lee, Copy Editor
October 9, 2023
VARIANT APPROACHING: It is highly recommended to test and receive updated COVID vaccines to protect against the new BA 2.86 variant.

A New Foe Has Appeared: BA 2.86

Jihoo Yoon, Managing Editor
October 1, 2023
CLOS(ET)ED IN: Forced outing policies in educational institutions protect no one while harming the lives of countless LGBTQ+ youth.

When School Walls Speak: The harm of forced outing

Anthony Park, Staff Writer
September 29, 2023
PATRIOT PAGEANTRY: If there's one thing America does right, it's creating mascots for customers to drool over.

Top 10 hottest brand mascots

May 16, 2023
Screenshot 2023-03-30 at 3.44.38 PM

April 2023 Centerspread: Greetings from NHS

April 14, 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
GREEN IS NOT THE AMERICAN DREAM: The delectable sweetness of honeydew parfaits tremendously outshines the alleged symbolism of the green light.

Green With Envy: Lit analysis tips to leave you seeing green

Aishwarya Ramasubramanian, Online Editor In Chief
March 15, 2023
MARCHING IN MARCH: St. Patrick’s Day paraders bring traditional dances and instrumental performances to the streets of New York City.

The authenticity of St. Patrick’s Day traditions

Sohum Sarwate, Editor In Chief
March 14, 2023
REWRITING HISTORY: The new AP African American studies course that was recently passed has already been stripped of much of the topics in the original curriculum due to conservative backlash.

The importance of AP African American Studies

Sohum Sarwate, Editor In Chief
March 2, 2023
LOVE IS IN THE WORDS: The best romance novels form a compelling narrative that is sure to leave audiences intrigued yet satisfied.

Alternatives to traditional romance books

Aishwarya Ramasubramanian, Online Editor In Chief
February 23, 2023
[JUNK]_NHs_Anime

How to live out your romance manga dreams at NHS

Annabel Tiong, Junk Editor
February 13, 2023
WHO ARE YOU OPENING YOUR HEART OUT TO?: The individual on the other side of the screen may not be as they seem.

Swipe left on e-dating: The dangers hidden in the dark

Megha Kishore, Staff Writer
February 14, 2023
WHAT PERSONALITY TYPE ARE YOU?: Despite their popularity, four letters are not the end all be all.

Personality tests fail to get personal

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
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

December 10, 2022
[JUNK]_Am_I_The_Bad_Guy_(Color)

Lucy Kim, Staff Writer
October 31, 2022
GLOWING FACES: Wearing sunscreen is the number one tip that Northwood teachers, and indeed most experts, suggest. That being said, sliced cucumbers never hurt anybody.

Teacher Speak: How Northwood Teachers keep their Skin Fresh

Noelle Escalante, A&E Editor
October 7, 2022

Why no football?

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor
September 26, 2022
Screenshot 2022-09-26 000724

Studying with or without music? Pros and cons

Rita Lai and Annie Lee
September 26, 2022
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