The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
Looking back with staff
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 belonging
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)!
SWITCHING SYSTEMS: Heritage Park Regional Library is one of many libraries in the city that will soon join the Irvine library system.
Irvine to transition to city-run library system
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
CRUNCHWRAP CRUSH: Finals week desperation leads to some less-than-tasty test-taking troubles.
How to Fail Your Finals: Finals week horror stories
CHEW ON THIS: Chew chows down on Le Shrimp Noodle Bar’s Cantonese-Japanese fusion dishes at their new Irvine Spectrum location.
Wok-hei meets ramen at Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
READY FOR LUNCH: Nutritional services associate II Cesily Hadley takes inventory of the leftovers from the morning break before clearing them out in preparation for the lunch rush.
What happens to cafeteria leftovers?
BARREN BLACK FRIDAYS: A changing consumer culture alters how Black Friday is celebrated.
What happened to Black Friday?
BAKING LESSONS, HISTORY AND BITES: Senior and Global Baking Club President Joyce Zhang shares a lesson on the recipe and rich history of cornbread while handing out fresh samples during this month’s meeting.
Global Baking Club’s sweet influence on culinary delights
CAPTURING THE SPIRIT: Sophomore Matthew Chan brings Christmas spirit to life through the South Coast Repertory’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”
Bringing Holiday Magic to Life: Matthew Chan’s journey in “A Christmas Carol”
WAYS TO BE "WICKED": Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) stun audiences with their musical performances.
“Wicked,” you will be popular
TENSION INCREASING: Grief and anger spark changing dynamics between Vi and Jinx.
A visually stunning sequel to “Arcane: League of Legends”
LUXURIOUS LANGSON: UCI curates a museum of American Impressionist art.
Local art museums to explore during Northwood’s first full Thanksgiving Break
MELODIES AND MEMORIES: Sameer Gadhia of Young the Giant joins Northwood Chamber students for a quick picture after their performance.
A Giant Harmony: Chamber performs with Young the Giant at IPSF Gala
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
Learning to let go
Learning to let go
We're all in this together!
We’re all in this together!
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
HOLIDAY HISTORIES: While Thanksgiving can be a time to celebrate family traditions, it’s equally important to recognize the history behind it.
Acknowledging the past of Thanksgiving with holiday spirit
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
ON PAR FOR SUCCESS: Senior Captain Annabelle Wong completes her swing, intently watching the ball’s trajectory down the fairway
Driving to Victory: Girls’ golf celebrates a stellar season of success
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
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
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
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
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
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
Introducing California Colleges
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
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
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
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
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
Isabella Torrales

Isabella Torrales, Graphic Editor

Isabella Torrales is not real. Isabella Torrales is not real. Not real! Not real! yodelayHEEhoo!!!!!!! But who knows. Isabella Torrales is not real but she is out there. Out on a rocket adventure, eating gold medal ribbon ‘til they die out there… Out in the trenches, trying to forget something very sad that happened to her a long time ago… or just outside the media center exit, drawing silly things and sharing cookies and poetry andOkay I’m done yapping I draw i write i’m chill Hit me up as you please! YOLO is my LIFE!

All content by Isabella Torrales
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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