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
Karen Wang

Karen Wang, News Editor

Karen Wang is a Northwood senior and News Editor for The Howler. In her free time she likes to play with her cat and organize her Google Drive.

All content by Karen Wang
Reflecting on the typical high school rollercoaster

Reflecting on the typical high school rollercoaster

Karen Wang, News Editor
May 26, 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
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
LOVE IS (NOT) SHARING A PASSWORD: Netflix’s response to their greatest loss of profits in history may further isolate its already dwindling audience.

The Next Media Inconvenience: Netflix password sharing crackdowns

Karen Wang, News Editor
February 24, 2023
Rating political signs

Rating political signs

Karen Wang, Annabel Tiong, and Rita Lai
November 8, 2022
HEART OF THE PARK: Pennywise on stage during KROQ Epicenter 2013 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, which was redubbed Five Point Amphitheatre in 2017. The venue used to be known as Irvine Meadows. This will be replaced with a permanent 14,000-seat venue by 2025.

New Irvine amphitheater seeks to rival Hollywood Bowl

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 31, 2022
RATINGS OVER REALITY: The recent influx in true crime dramatizations should remind viewers to consume this genre ethically and not as pure entertainment.

Where do we draw the line when it comes to true crime?

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 29, 2022
CARTING TO H-MART: Senior Sydney Hoang browses the endless flavors of Pocky at the newly opened H-Mart in Westpark Plaza.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 11, 2022
KEEN TO BE GREEN: Irvine's thriving plant scenery withstands blazing drought.

Water District Grant

Karen Wang, News Editor
September 26, 2022
TIS THE (BTS) SEASON: T-wolves rejoice with greatly missed friends and excitedly anticipate the new school year on registration day.

Campus from a glance: Back to School Edition

Karen Wang, News Editor
August 21, 2022
THROUGH THE CAMERA: Freshman Zaira Ulmer shoots for her first release “Wannabe” in the fall of last year.

Freshman Zaira Ulmer finds her voice through music

Karen Wang, News Editor
May 22, 2022
My panda, my choice: 13-year-old Meilin reveals her secret identity to her unsuspecting friend group.

Pixar’s new look through “Turning Red”

Karen Wang, News Editor
April 18, 2022
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Junior Calista Nguyen (left) and freshman Caleigh Nystrom (right) dance to lively K-pop.

Outstanding at The Oak: Northwood’s talent takes center stage

Karen Wang, News Editor
March 14, 2022
CLAIM, EVIDENCE, MEMIFICATION: The 2115 APUSH exam will require students to analyze memes, tweets, and random photos from obscure Instagram pages.

22nd century APUSH DBQ analysis

Karen Wang, News Editor
March 12, 2022
‘The Fallout’: Teen Coming-of-Age amidst tragic gun violence

‘The Fallout’: Teen Coming-of-Age amidst tragic gun violence

Karen Wang, News Editor
March 11, 2022

Senioritis mutates with junioritis variant

Karen Wang, News Editor
February 10, 2022
READY TO RUN: Freshman Riley Thai sprints towards the soccer ball, scanning the field to determine whether to dribble the ball or pass it to her teammate during a practice scrimmage.

Rising cases increase precautions

Karen Wang, News Editor
February 10, 2022
Super Bowl Traditions

Super Bowl Traditions

Annie Lee, Rita Lai, Chris Song, and Karen Wang
February 10, 2022
The Good, Bad and Ugly: Celebrating Valentine’s Day with A&E

The Good, Bad and Ugly: Celebrating Valentine’s Day with A&E

Yejin Heo, Noelle Escalante, and Karen Wang
February 9, 2022
Irvine in D.C.: U.S. Rep Katie Porter speaks with constituents at an anti-monopoly campaign stop introducing the Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act on Feb. 7, 2019.

Irvine faces division in redistricting

Karen Wang, News Editor
January 11, 2022

Un-brrrrr-lievable sights

Karen Wang, News Editor
December 8, 2021

MCU’s latest addition

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
December 8, 2021
“Scream” based on your Horror-scope

“Scream” based on your Horror-scope

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 31, 2021
The (baza)arty at 626 Night Market

The (baza)arty at 626 Night Market

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 27, 2021
SISTERHOOD: Seniors Aditi Sreenivas (left) and Sofia Partridge (right) portray sisters Jo and Beth from the musical “Little Women” as they sing “Some Things Are Meant To Be,” a final duet before Beth’s death.

The world’s a stage for theater

Rita Lai and Karen Wang
October 27, 2021

Oil spill at Huntington

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 27, 2021
Geology: For the Crater Good

Geology: For the Crater Good

Karen Wang, News Editor
October 12, 2021
Irvine’s lead in calling for carbon neutrality

Irvine’s lead in calling for carbon neutrality

Karen Wang, News Editor
September 29, 2021
CREATING THE MAGIC OF THE NIGHT: Three musicians of the Southland Mega Groove perform at the dance party for Irvine’s 50th anniversary at the Great Park while others dance.

Happy 50th anniversary, Irvine!

Karen Wang, News Editor
September 29, 2021
A Love for Trails: Outdoor enthusiasts can now access the beach more easily than ever.

Jeffrey Trails heads to the beach

Karen Wang, News Editor
September 29, 2021
Jam-packed colleges “do-nut” accept students

Jam-packed colleges “do-nut” accept students

Karen Wang, News Editor
May 30, 2021
Crispy samosas, tangy fruits and creamy Sheer Khurma make their way onto the table as sunset arrives. In the meantime, a clay tasbih, etched with ritual recitations, attached to beads known as the mohr are used as a physical guide during prayer.

Ramadan Traditions

Karen Wang, News Editor
May 11, 2021
AN EXCITING RETURN: Fairgoers browse the OC Fair’s midway, finding interest in the endless amusement rides, carnival games and concession stands.

A “Time for Fun” at the OC Fair

Karen Wang, News Editor
April 4, 2021
DELIVERING FOR AMERICA: A USPS driver delivers packages in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeJoy’s postal plan stirs up joy for some, concern for others

Karen Wang, News Editor
March 27, 2021
Drivers of snow-removal vehicles battle freezing temperatures, clearing routes for escaping the bitter cold.

How the Texas snow storm is just the beginning

Diego Moreno and Karen Wang
March 22, 2021

Resources for helping in an abusive household

Diego Moreno and Karen Wang
February 11, 2021
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