Volume XXIII, Issue VII: April 13, 2022
4515 Portola Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92620
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News
A&E
Accent
Honors Concert
Ash Girl takes the stage
Transfer Students
In for a Wild Ride: Welcome to Northwood, future T-wolves!
Ellie Chan The Northwood Howler
CLUBS FOR LIFE: Senior Corina Lee (left) listens as Club Commissioners junior Annabel Tiong (middle) and senior Jenny Zhang host a club presidents’ meeting outlining the new club handbook. By Erin Tsai
Staff Writer
Hi future Timberwolves! Welcome to Northwood, the happiest place on Earth. Just kidding, this isn’t Disneyland. But just because we aren’t the happiest place on Earth doesn’t mean that high school’s a drag either. Fall season launches us right into football season, where you can experience the incredible school spirit in our student section. Glance into the cheering crowd and you will spot a sea of matching colors based on the dress up days. The pep squad keeps the crowd hyped up as students with face
paint scream loudly. With the marching band’s vibrant music and color guard’s mesmerizing flag choreography, you will discover that halftime never fails to be spectacular. “Marching band has been a really great experience for me because of all the time that we spend with one another,” junior June Lee said. “Being involved in the first few rallies of the year and all of the football games just adds to that sense of school pride.” Northwood, with over 2000 students, is probably unlike any other school you’ve been at. But don’t worry, we’re not like most of the high schools you see on TV. At North-
wood, our counselors are here to support you whenever you need, and our Link Crew, made of upperclassmen, are here to help freshmen like you transition to high school life. “I’ve done two years of Link Crew and it’s pretty fulfilling to be able to make people feel like they belong in a community,” senior Sarah Hsu said. “I know that once I leave, they’ll continue to make Northwood a great environment.” At our school, there’s also a class for everyone to find and expand on their passions while also meeting others with the same interests. There’s the typical electives you’re already familiar with—orchestra, art
and drama. But here at Northwood, we’ve got so many more options to offer. You could take technical theater to learn the behind-the-scenes of every musical and play we put on. You could audition for a jazz ensemble. You could take video production, computer graphics or even journalism (psst—join The Howler!). Another way to get involved on campus is to join ASB and class council. As a part of these groups, you’ll be in charge of bringing many school events to life, from school dances to sip and studies, while being a part of a tightly knit and supportive community that is one of the most enthusiastic at Northwood. Look out for
Freshman Class Council applications and election information when the school year starts if you’re interested. With all of this said, it’s easy to ignore all these things and just stay in your comfort zone, but there are so many ways to create memories for a lifetime here. From Spanish Club and Mock Trial to Acapella Club and Academic Decathlon, you can join one of the 80+ clubs we have, or even create one of your own. Take an elective that you’ve never thought to take. Try out for something you’ve never heard of before. The world is yours to explore, so make the most of the short four years you have at Northwood. Catch ya’ later, T-wolf.
A night of art and performance at Irvine Talks Chapter V By Parashar Bharadwaj Staff Writer
Silently huddled on the grass patch surrounding a dimmed high school amphitheater, students and parents intently listened to the thoughtful, genuine stories of high school students from all across Irvine. The fifth edition of Irvine Talks, an event where students reflect on the past and hope for the future through a variety of self-expression methods from music to speech, took place on April 2 with the theme, “Pieces of Me.” Held at Portola High School, students engaged in performances surrounding topics such as anxiety, sexuality and disabilities. Five
Northwood students took the stage over the weekend: juniors Layan Alasseel and Christine Kuftedijan along with seniors Delaney Wong, Shinhye Park and Amithi Ravi. “The best part about performing was knowing that I have a chance to share my journey growing up and the challenges I’ve faced, especially doing so with my best friend,” Alasseel said, who performed with Kuftedijan. “Having someone with a
similar story showed me that I wasn’t alone and that someone was there for me, and that was an amazing feeling.” The organizers of the event had the sole idea of inclusivity in mind, aiming to allow stories that often go unnoticed in the hustle of daily life to receive the recognition they deserve. “Irvine Talks is about celebrating vulnerability and individuality across all six of our IUSD high schools,” Irvine Talks publicist junior Ayushi Das said. “It brings our community together for a heartwarming night of storytelling, and allows us to pause our fast-paced lives for a few hours and find comfort in other people’s journeys.” The event ran smoothly, with initial musical showings from Northwood juniors Howard Wu and Noelle
Escalante. Performing songs like from Irvine high “Blessed” by Daniel Caesar, “Isn’t schools who worked She Lovely’’ by Stevie Wonhard to plan the event der and “Just the Two of after school on weekUs” by Grover Washingdays as well as weekends. ton, the musicians felt that “Every decision we their performances helped made was difficult, but set the mood. the outdoor event came “Since we went before the together beautifully event, we kind of made everyin the end, making one relaxed,” Wu said. “Nothe countless early body knew what to expect morning and late unless they had been before, night hours of work and all of the musical perworth it.” Das said. formances were nice and Stay tuned for Irchill. I would say that set vine Talks Chapter VI, a soft prelude to something which will take place heavy later.” next year, continuing to Credit for the successful inspire and represent high event also goes to the people beschool students from all Andrew Lee The Northwood Howler hind the scenes: students across the city.
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ACCENT/A&E
April 13, 2022
The Northwood Howler
Alumna Ashley Lee’s ‘boom’ in the film industry By Rachel Yokota Staff Writer
Northwood Class of 2018 graduate Ashley Dasom Lee lives her life through a camera lens. Her portfolio after high school as a producer rapidly expanded from filming for Northwood’s television program, NTV, to assisting with the production of BTS’s “Permission to Dance” music video filmed at the United Nations General Assembly and producing for viral internet personality and illusionist Zach King. Lee’s passion for producing film emerged when she joined NTV as a senior, where she worked as a camera operator. Despite this role, Lee was still able to delve into the other aspects of film-
making due to the freedom that NTV granted for personal projects. “NTV allowed me to make whatever I wanted and I knew that this was my last high school year if I were to do anything film related,” Lee said. “I decided to make a film for the Orange County Film Festival and try everything and every position within making a film. And then, I realized producing was
what I was really good at, and so I went with that route.”
While Lee was at Northwood, she met many teachers and coaches who have supported her and her passion for film. While he no longer teaches at Northwood, one of these remarkable figures in Lee’s life is English teacher Phil Roh, who taught Lee in her FORCE Critical Theory and Literature class. “I emailed him to get in touch a few years ago and I sent him a film that I did and some of my poetry too, and he was just so
proud of me,” Lee said. “It’s so reassuring to hear him and the other teachers I’ve kept in touch with say that they’re proud of me for what I’ve done and what I am doing.” Lee is now a senior at Chapman University, and credits her choice to attend to the encouragement of the college and high school students she met through NTV’s FilmEd* summer program. As a college student, Lee has produced commercials for businesses such as Halaballoo and the construction company Bobcat, along with over 15 independent films and shorts along with poetry and photographs. She is now in the final stages of producing her senior thesis film for her major in creative producing, which is a documentary on a family of undocumented immigrants titled “El Soñador.” “If I could give advice to incoming students, I would say high school is the time to do it and try new things,” Lee said. “I decided to go out for ASB my sophomore year going into junior year and I didn’t get it. I tried out for swim captain and I didn’t get it. And then I tried out for class council and then I didn’t get it. I also tried out for Link Crew leaders and didn’t get any of it. It was really heartbreaking, but I got into NTV. So whatever you do, don’t stop trying.”
photo provided by Ashley
Lee
LIVE TO CREATE: Alumna Ashley Lee (middle left) poses with internet creator Zach King (middle right) on the set of “Ninja Cupid #3” as a co-producer.
Stellar Stories: Love for the arts at Northwood
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Art meant a lot to me, especially when I was struggling with depression and anxiety. It gave me time to express myself because it was the first time that I could paint whatever I wanted. Mrs. Rohrs creates a very open environment for students to socialize. I talked to my friends about my emotions, politics and philosophy. It got me to realize there are other people like me and it opened up my world. Art connected me to the best people and most welcoming people in my life. I know it’s a tough choice with all of the difficult classes, but you’re taking so many classes, so might as well take a class that you love, right? — Kira Matsuoka (10) Visual Arts
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Richelle Gunawan The Northwood Howler
I’ve always liked to sing. I really wanted to join choir this year and it’s turned out pretty well. I remember when we had our first concert. I had a solo, so that was cool. It was kind of nerve-wracking but fun. Being in choir has helped me gain a lot of skills, and not just artistically. I have more confidence to talk to people more. I’ve also learned just to be a lot nicer to people, to respect everyone. For anyone that is looking to join choir, I would just say that if you want to join choir or were at least considering it, just go for it. I’ve had a lot of fun in it, and you’re probably going to have a lot of fun too. — Ronith Anand (9) Vocal Music
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When I heard there was dance at Northwood, I just really wanted the opportunity to express myself through dance and learn and bond with other dancers. The shows are always a good experience because I get to see the works of other students. I also really enjoyed the couple of bonding days we had with Dance Theater before school started where I got to meet everyone, and everyone was just really welcoming and nice. A lot of people don’t want to do dance because they think they can’t dance or they don’t know how to, but you should join. Through dance you can learn and find out what you do enjoy.
I’m part of the lighting crew and I’m also assistant technical director, so I kind of oversee and overlook all the other crews. I met a lot of really cool people through working on “Theory of Relativity,” and I made a lot of memories during production. Joining tech seems a bit daunting at first, but you’ll really grow a community with it. It’s a lot of work. So be ready to be at school for hours and hours on end, but the payoff is really worth it. I think that it’s important to notice that tech crew does a lot for these productions. I’ve met some of the most amazing people at Northwood through tech, and they aren’t appreciated enough. — Kathryn Sun (11) Technical Theater
— Sophia Yang (9) Dance
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Northwood boasts a variety of Visual and Performing Arts classes, with everything from drama to screenprinting. In these classes, you’ll get the opportunity to learn from the best and form lasting friendships. But don’t take it from me, hear about Northwood’s VAPA program from the artists themselves.
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Staff Writer
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By Erin Tsai
Adrian Chen The Northwood Howler
The Northwood Howler
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The Northwood Howler
April 13, 2022
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Students speak up on the significance of student voice
Staff Writer
The spirit of high school comes from the voice of its students, essential for celebrating a diverse high school campus in which feelings of belonging are at the forefront. In order to embody the spirit of the timberwolves, it is essential for students to seek out opportunities to develop their ideas and passions. According to a 2016 study by the Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations, only 36.75% of high schoolers feel like they are a valued member of their school community, a feeling that can be combated if students find outlets to express their opinions and develop their leadership. Among these possible programs are ASB, NTV, The Howler and Yearbook. Northwood’s ASB offers further insight into what it means to shape the culture of our campus by providing student leadership opportunities
and a place to share feedback on what is happening on campus. Composed of mostly upperclassmen, opportunities for freshmen to join ASB exist for the elected freshman class president and vice president. “As a member of ASB, if you say something, you notice that people genuinely care for what you say,” senior vice president Andy Hoang said.
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As a member of ASB, you have the ability to stand up and add something that may switch someone’s opinion. —Andy Hoang (12)
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By Arya Bhattacharjee
“Even if everyone leans towards one idea, you have the ability to stand up and add something that may switch someone’s opinion.” Northwood’s student-run broadcast, NTV, is also a great example of how students can cultivate a community and sense of individuality on campus. Each NTV episode is created entirely by students, under the supervision of Steve Sellwood, and features topics that the NTV staff feel are worthy of discussion. These include spotlighting athletic achievements, promoting school theatrical productions and featuring student life. While freshmen are not able to join NTV directly, a great place to start honing these skills is in the introductory elective, Video Production. “NTV is a really unique outlet where students can engage in filmstyle media. It’s not really academically related, so I think that it’s nice to engage in a different type of artistic medium to showcase student life,” senior Carolyn Ngyuen said.
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The Howler is really what you make of it, especially since it is a student publication; you can go in any direction you want. —Annabel Tiong (11)
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HOWLING TO THE PACK: Saadhvi Ramkumar (10) and Inaya Jaffer (10) relate to opinions in the paper.
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Adrian Chen The Northwood Howler
If video production isn’t for you, The Howler, Northwood’s official newspaper, is another outlet for students to showcase their talents, develop leadership and express opinions about the ongoings of campus. Composed of a variety of contributors, this student-run publication creates a community where student voices are valued above all else. Those interested in joining The Howler should start by taking Beginning Journalism. “The Howler has allowed me to tap into my creativity and write about stuff that I wouldn’t normally see,” junior Annabel Tiong said. “The Howler is really what you make of it, especially since it is a student publication; you can go in any direction you want.”
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Yearbook highlights different people based on what activities they do and even the opinions they have. I think it allows a lot of people in different groups to have a voice at Northwood. —Zainah Ali (10)
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NTV is a really unique outlet where students can engage in film style media. It’s not really academically related, so I think that it’s nice to engage in a different type of artistic medium to showcase student life. —Carolyn Ngyuen (12)
Northwood’s Yearbook staff features the experience of an entire year at Northwood High School. As a result, students in Yearbook will find the ability to look at our school from a broader perspective, and share that perspective with all students and staff. Freshmen interested in opportunities within Yearbook can look for applications later in the school year. “Yearbook highlights different people based on what activities they do and even the opinions they have,” said sophomore Zainah Ali. “I think it allows a lot of people in different groups to have a voice at Northwood.”
Skills such as leadership and problem solving are developed through these activities in ways that can’t be learned by sitting in a traditional academic classroom. Regardless of the value one can find within their academic prowess, student voice offers an equally important opportunity to improve one’s abilities throughout their future. High school is not a place where students should be silenced. Northwood’s students all have the ability to speak freely for themselves and remain passionate about the things they love. Your time at Northwood belongs to no one but yourself. Your voice will ring free.
Inspiration for Perspiration: Completing your P.E. credits By Diego Moreno Staff Writer
Instead of an overview of various sports and games in P.E., sometimes you just want to focus on one. Fortunately, Northwood offers students diverse ways to complete the required two year P.E. graduation requirement, make new friends and learn important life skills. Marching Band: The largest Arts program on campus, Marching Band is open to students of all levels, granting them free access to football games and the opportunity to be a part of the Classifieds: Northwood High Students and faculty members may place classified ads in The Northwood Howler by contacting the Business Manager at: northwoodnewspaper@gmail.com The Northwood Howler is published by Northwood High School as an open forum for exchange of news and ideas. Views expressed in The Northwood Howler do not necessarily represent opinions of the NHS administration or the Irvine Unified School District. Signed letters to the Editor are welcomed and encouraged. They can be placed in Adviser Marina
large Northwood instrumental family with no prior instrumental experience required. A season of Marching Band provides students with a full semester of P.E. credit. Note that freshmen are still required to take regular P.E. or play a sport in conjunction with Marching Band, and enrollment in an orchestra or band class is also mandatory. “My experience was that it was a lot of fun but it Alburger’s mailbox or delivered to Room 1102. The Northwood Howler reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and clarity. Advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinion of the newspaper. Mission Statement: To serve as a medium for school news and the expression of student ideas while adhering to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eugenie Chang ADVISER Marina Alburger
took hard work especially when you’re new to it,” freshman Aya Takase said. “I recommend that freshmen take it because you make so many friends in different grade levels.” Color Guard: If you don’t want to play an instrument, color guard is an equally enjoyable experience. Labeled the “sport of the arts,” color guard marches alongside the band and tells a story through flag spinning and rifle tossing. They work in tandem with the Marching Band to support school spirit, and after the field season, they go on to compete on their own during their indoor winter guard season. When taken together, col- o r
guard and winter guard provide a full semester worth of P.E. credits. “Color guard has always been a place for me to go to,” sophomore Arya Wategaonkar said. “I have a lot of friends in color guard as well. I absolutely recommend the class.” Dance: Different from other sports in that it only takes up a single elective spot, dance frees up student schedules for more electives. Dance 2 and above require students to pass an audition, but freshmen who make the team will earn a full year of P.E. credits.
COPY EDITOR Karen Bruce
VIEWPOINT EDITOR Rhea Gupta
BUSINESS MANAGER Aniket Kamat
LAYOUT EDITOR Rita Lai
SPORTS EDITOR Annie Lee
NEWS EDITOR Karen Wang
JUNK EDITOR Annabel Tiong
PHOTOGRAPHERS Adrian Chen Andrew Lee
ACCENT EDITOR Noelle Escalante
THO EDITORS Kevin Sohn Parashar Bharadwaj
A&E EDITOR Jonathan Kang CENTERSPREAD EDITOR Saba Nabaeighahroudi
Rachel Gunawan The Northwood Howler
PHOTO EDITOR Ellie Chan GRAPHIC EDITOR Richelle Gunawan
“My experience in Dance has been wonderful,” junior Kiara Kuriakose said. “I have met a lot of people who I would consider my close friends, and I learned a lot about dancing and became a better performer overall.” If neither option appeals to you, both Water Polo and Football are non-cut sports that provide a full year worth of P.E. credits. However, these sports require you to enroll in both 7th and 8th period, so they reduce room in your schedule for other electives. After your freshman year, offerings open up even more. Students can look forward to Yoga, Basketball, Court sports, Weight-training or Fitness and Strength as alternatives to Co-Ed P.E. If you are feeling very athletic, sign up for Warrior Fitness.
GRAPHIC ARTISTS Rachel Gunawan Chloe Song STAFF WRITERS Parashar Bharadwaj Arya Bhattacharjee Ashley Lee Diego Moreno Erin Tsai Rachel Yokota
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April 13, 2022
Tickle your inner Twolf
The Northwood Howler
The Origin Story of our Timby: From Pup to Pride of the Pack
ellie ChAn The Northwood Howler
THE WOLF KING: The newborn T-wolf looks over his soon-to-be pack. By Ashley lee Staff Writer
Dear Reader, As you leave the memorable experiences of being a “sevi” and “octi” behind, say hello to department and lunchtime with your online communication
days of pondering upon how to ing the purpose of their life, an make students improve their epiphany many feel pressured to come to. In the process, teachers decided that it was time for a created an assignment that would be an “anchor,” guiding students long-deserved break. Then, she felt something like a beacon of light underwater bumping into her leg and The next week was the Kickmoved away, thinking it was a bulldog. To her surprise, it had off Football Game, so Rouch fangs. Rouch started by asking brought Timby where he heard: the cub its name, but the wolf “D-E-F E-N-D. DEFEND. THE DEN.”
tools. After seeing all the posters of Timby, you probably have Timber sounds weird. “A name is who you are. Your identity,” she you through the tale of how Tim- responded. by came to be at North Howling Rouch beamed. “How about High School. In a land far far away… just kidding; too cliche. Once Rouch worked with the Humanupon a time, there lived a prin- ities Department to select novels cipal named Lessaly Rouch. After that assist students in investigat-
the mention of his home, the den, and he felt an intense connection to the school. Fast forward two years, after gathering the knowledge he had gleaned from his two years hu-
complete without serving as a mascot to develop camaraderie. One day, during Homecoming Prep, Timby ran into a bucket of navy paint. When the paint streaked his silver and white fur, he came across a group of singers who suddenly shrieked “white, silver, navy blue” (listen And the rest is history. I apologize for the abrupt ending, but I trust your abilities with literary analysis to discover the sig-
are essential to identities. Timby hopes to see all of you, his adorcombining it with the excitement ing fans, during the next football at the game, Timby realized that season. Until next time!
Dear Alfredy: Plz, How to stop drifting?!
AdriAn Chen The Northwood Howler
WHEN THE MANE HOMIES BREAKUP: Is friendship really magic? Or is it just earth science? By AryA BhAttAChArjee Staff Writer
DEAR PAN GAEA: This is one of the most classic cases of platonic shift. The eruption of emotions within your friend has caused them to break off and slowly shift away from the rest of you. But worry not! A couple million years should be ample time for your friend group to shift back together.
Friend groups are an essential part of any student’s high school experience, but keeping healthy relationships can prove to be quite the challenge. Alfred Wegner, doctor of plate-onic relationships, has offered to advise students who have found themselves DEAR WEGNER: at the edge of the crust. While I dearly love my close friends, sometimes I feel like they’re kind of boring. DEAR WEGNER: One of our group’s friends Like, there isn’t much to has recently gotten into a do when I’m around them, relationship, and they’ve y’know? Do you have any started to drift away from idea what we could do tothe rest of us. We all want gether so that we could the best for them, but get closer to each other? - CRU STEE we’re starting to get tired of them ignoring our plans in favor of their “be- DEAR CRU STEE: loved.” What can we do? Activities such as sight- PAN GAEA seeing can really help you
bond. Places such as the San Andreas Fault, the Appalachian Mountains and the Marianas trench are all great places which can reveal why your friendship might have some cracks. DEAR WEGNER: There are some people that I would like to get closer to, but it feels like there’s a wall between us. What would make it easier for me to talk to them? - MANN TELL DEAR MANN TELL: I like to call this period the “ice age,” where you may feel the need to be cold to each other, but it should melt away rather quickly. Just don’t go playing icebreaker games with new people; it may very well break apart all your chances.
Chloe song The Northwood Howler