The Student News Site of Northwood High School

The Northwood Howler
HARP TO HEART: Sophomore Bia Yoo practices the harp during lunch to prepare for Northwood’s winter instrumental concerts
Northwood taps into unique musical strengths
READY, SET, BRAWL: Northwood freshmen Kevin Chen, Manvir Kalra and Evan Jung plan their strategy for the next round of the tournament
HSYAT hosts brand new Brawl Stars Tournament
GIVING BACK: Senior Katherine Jiang donates cans to the canned food drive bins outside of the SAC.
Thanksgiving food drive competition
DANCING INTO THE FUTURE: Northwood dance students practice in 2003 (left); Dance Theatre sophomore Mirabelle Wang and junior Madison Chang perfect their choreography during rehearsal, preparing to bring their routine to life on stage (right).
Then vs. Now: How Northwood’s dance program all began
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Northwood Girls Flag Football team celebrates after winning the first ever CIF Division II title.
Girls Flag Football wins CIF championship
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
Reconnecting during the holidays
Reconnecting during 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
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
Rachel Yokota

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor

Rachel Yokota is a Northwood senior and the Managing Editor for The Howler. She has created a whole new level of freelancing by finessing her way out of The Howler roster for three years—and if she’s not hacking InDesign, you’ll find her at the pool. Rachel’s best friends are remove.bg and wordhippo.com (on the down low…).

All content by Rachel Yokota
We're all in this together!

We’re all in this together!

Karen Bruce, Kaylie Wang, Rachel Yokota, and Madeleine Pham
June 3, 2024
CHAMPIONS IN EVERY SENSE: Northwood Athletes of the Year Riley Bajorek and Zaid Yunis celebrate their accomplished high school careers and the enduring mark they have left on Northwood.

Northwood athletes honored as NHS and PCL top talent

Rachel Yokota and Anthony Park
May 23, 2024
BAWK BAWK: Junior Dylan Khang and math teacher David Lee flaunt their feathers at the CIF Southern Section Chicken Flinging Qualifier.

CIF sanctions girls and boys chicken flinging

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 5, 2024
FEARLESS ON THE FIELD: Captain senior Nikki Sanders cradles the ball outside the box as she strategizes her next move.

Girls lacrosse beats out Beckman and all odds

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 19, 2024
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS: Northwood teachers such as instrumental arts director Whitney Tavlarides strive to constantly improve their programs.

Northwood ranks No. 1 in IUSD

Rachel Yokota and Anthony Park
September 2, 2023
TALK TO ME: An extra pair of hands means more students’ academic needs are met during tutorial.

Student tutors can help us make the best of every tutorial

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
November 21, 2022
LAST DANCE: These four seniors enjoy their final year with the team as Northwood girl's volleyball heads into CIF for victory.

SENIOR SPEAK: Girls volleyball on their last season

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 31, 2022
Student Speak: Why Your Sport?

Student Speak: Why Your Sport?

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
September 26, 2022
STOKED FOR SEPTEMBER: Let’s just ignore the smoke and fire and drink pumpkin spice lattes.

Falling for September

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
September 23, 2022
ALL OUT SPRINT: Sophomore Derek Hitchens (left) and senior Christopher Leung (right) race to the finish at Meadowood Pool.

Diving in with Chris and Derek

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
August 21, 2022
NICE TO MEAT YOU: Ricebunn's iconic Salmon and KBBQ Beef Onigiri wrapped up and ready to go!

Fusion Foods at their Finest: Ricebunn

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 31, 2022

NHS alumni Ashley Dasom Lee

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 12, 2022
GRITO: Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer sing their hearts out in UCI’s Winifred Smith Hall.

Mariachi from past to present

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 12, 2022
FOR THE WIN: With the help of The Howler's flawless guide to the Winter Olympics, junior Tiana Gao takes gold in Short Track Speed Skating.

Winter Olympic Sports for Dummies

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
February 22, 2022

Reform after slurs directed at Portola students

Annabel Tiong and Rachel Yokota
February 10, 2022
PARADING THE STREETS: Members of local fraternities were part of the motorcade that included antique cars and leaders in the Black community, from state senators to kickboxing champions.

42nd Black History Month Parade

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
February 10, 2022

CSALT serves athletes

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
February 10, 2022
DRILLING IT INTO MEMORY: Girls JV basketball head coach Erin Halle (left) assigns the girls different numbered positions while teaching them how to execute an offensive drill.

Back to the Pack: Return of the alumni

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
December 8, 2021
STRESSING OUT: A student tries to not cry while reviewing cross sections in math.

How to avoid putting the “pro” in procrastination for finals week

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
December 6, 2021
5 Solutions to Beat the Traffic Driving You Crazy

5 Solutions to Beat the Traffic Driving You Crazy

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
November 22, 2021
How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

How Do Sports Adapt to Weather Changes?

Rhea Gupta and Rachel Yokota
November 3, 2021
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Rising population growth in Irvine poses challenges to resident satisfaction in the future.

Harmful Irvine population growth

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 27, 2021

S1 Episode 4: Ringing In: Northwood’s new bell schedule two months later

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
October 19, 2021
YOU WISH YOU WERE A T-WOLF: Junior Timberwolves encourage the crowd to cheer at a football game.

Cheering with the future T-Wolves

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
September 29, 2021
SINGING THE NiGHT Away: Attendees sing their hearts out at the karaoke station.

Mask-erading at Midnight: Senior Gala 2021

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 27, 2021
HONORING NORTHWOOD: Along with Distinguished School, Northwood has also received several other awards that are proudly displayed on the campus.

Northwood honored as a California Distinguished School

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
May 2, 2021

Students speak out at Virtual Advocacy Trip

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 22, 2021
IS SHARING CARING?: Netflix has recently begun to crack down on password sharing, leading to frustration among long-term users.

Pursuing Netflix Password Sharers: A Potential Mistake

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
April 16, 2021
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior Stephanie Chen practices her volleyball fundamentals.

Girls Beach Volleyball joins CIF scene

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 22, 2021
UNFINI(SHE)D: Both Harris and Guntrip join the fight for women’s rights, continuing a legacy of persistence.

Women’s (Her)story Month: Celebrating women then and now

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 22, 2021
SWITCH AND PLAY: The Nintendo Switch has been the focus of Nintendo Directs since 2017, when the console was released.

2021 Nintendo Direct: Five Fantastic Features

Rachel Yokota, Managing Editor
March 5, 2021
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