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
SAFETY, NOT STARES: Gym policies must be reformed to protect the safety of all people, including female-presenting individuals who dress for comfort, not attention.
Beyond Fear of Falling Weights: Women’s reality in fitness
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
TOE TO TOE-CHDOWN: The Northwood football team prepares an offensive play against Woodbridge.
Varsity boys football scores first W of the season
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
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

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief

lauryn chew (she/her) is a senior committed to facilitating critical dialogues for social change. Her secret to 6-foot-2 height: she’s composed of 50% Japanese sweet potato and 50% soybean.

All content by Lauryn Chew
CRAFTING CINEMA: Senior Noah Villanueva frames the camera for an NTV shoot.

Noah Villanueva’s films are like Noah-ther

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 4, 2025
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
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

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2025
Artistic Inspiration: Sophomores Minji Choi and Victoria Park showcase their exceptional talents, bringing passion, dedication and creativity to life through music and writing.

Meet YoungArts winners Minji Choi and Victoria Park

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2025
Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Lauryn Chew, Amy Jeon, and Lucy Kim
February 24, 2025
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

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2024
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?

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2024
CELEBRATING THROUGH STOCK PAPER, STICKERS AND SHARPIE: Senior William Ryee writes a heartwarming card for a close friend’s birthday. He strategically uses his large sticker collection to decorate and personalize his gift.

The Power of Cards: A priceless gift of gratitude

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 5, 2024
SCHEDULING SMARTER: With the help of online tools such as Google Calendar, students can better manage stress during the school year by tracking upcoming deadlines and blocking out time for studying, socializing and resting.

Stairways to Success: Steps to stay organized

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 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
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
PORTRAIT OF JOY: Freshman Jiyoung Yun created a char- coal portrait for Malak, a Syrian girl who enjoys writing stories. Photo provided by Kim Rohrs

The Memory Project: Giving back with art

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2024
STUNNING SPEECHES: Freshman Lydia Liu expressively delivers her dramatic interpretation to the competitors at the state qualifying tournament.

Northwood Speech and Debate is state bound

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2024
STRENGTH FROM SPINACH: Spinach is filled with nutrients that are vital for your body, and many cultures have their own ways of preparing it; with these three recipes from Nigeria, Korea and Turkey, everyone can enjoy adding leafy greens to their meals.

A plate of spinach a day keeps the leprechauns away

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2024
VOTE NOW: A woman puts her vote in a ballot box.

Preparing for the March 5 primaries

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2024
CLEARING THE PATH TO GRADUATION: Samantha Otten (left), Abigail Wu, Corey Okamoto and Chris Vien (right) discuss their stories and experiences that influenced their decision to graduate early.

Early Bird Gets the Worm: Stories about graduating early

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2024
D.I.Y. DECOR: Sophomores Bonnie Chen and Suzan Whiteside welcome good luck and prosperity in the new year with handmade chunlian (Spring Festival couplets).

Transforming tradition for the Lunar New Year

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2024
PICTURE-PERFECT PRESSURE: A drive to do better results in students pushing for the unattainable.

Never Good Enough: Toxic perfectionism

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2023
HEART OF COMMUNITY: Holding onto cultural traditions of Novena de Aguinaldos has strengthened Latin American communities.

Spotlight: Nine days of Novena de Aguinaldos

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2023
SANRIO SUPERHERO: Hello Kitty is more than just a character: she is an activist.

The Case of Hello Kitty: How cute culture cultivates change

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2023
FILIPINO FESTIVITIES: In a club meeting, Kai Club board members used a Kahoot with trivia questions to educate students about Filipino American culture and the importance of Filipino American History Month.

Northwood celebrates Filipino American History Month

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2023
A STEP TOWARDS EQUALITY: California public schools have begun implementing gender-neutral bathrooms with the introduction of Bill 760.

Gender-neutral bathrooms mandated in public schools

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2023
LIES IN DISGUISE: Fast fashion giants like H&M often manipulate consumers by marketing their clothing as both affordable and eco-friendly.

Greenwashing in fashion

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2023
CAUGHT GPT: Junior Andrew Hendrickson worries about AI being mis-detected in his essay.

Can we trust the quality of AI detection?

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
BREW-TEA-FUL AND TEA-LICIOUS: Junior Phoebe Chu studies in Junbi’s relaxing atmosphere while enjoying the Straight Up Matcha drink.

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

Lauryn Chew and Amy Jeon
September 28, 2023
HONORING THEIR SACRIFICES: The ground zero day laborers deserve recognition and appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices they made during the 9/11 recovery efforts.

Never Forget: Remembering the day laborers at ground zero

Lauryn Chew, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2023
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