The 2019 Northwood School commencement weekend began, as is tradition, with the Senior Dinner on the night of Friday, May 17th. This is a highlight activity of the weekend as families and friends gather under the tent, spending some quality time together, sharing a meal and celebrating their special graduate. Graduates often invite their friends and favorite faculty/coaches to join them at their table. A few awards are distributed and the Cum Laude Society is recognized.
The main attraction, however, is always the Senior Video. This year, senior Sarah Bennett directed the video, which was widely praised as the best senior video ever.
The Northwood School Class of 2019 commencement ceremony took place on May 18th, 2019. This was the one hundred-twelth commencement ceremony in Northwood School history.
Following the ceremony, the graduates proceeded to ring and walk under the Victory Bell and receive their Northwood Alumni pin. This is another one of Northwood’s beautiful traditions. It signifies the transition from high school to the greater world and entry into the great family of Northwood Alumni.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019
CLASS OF 2019 HONOR SPEAKERS
Morgan Broderick
Lake Placid, NY
Attended Northwood School for five years.
Click here for a transcript of Morgan’s speech
Isaac Newcomb
Lake Placid, NY
Attended Northwood School for three years
Click here for a transcript of Isaac’s speech
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS
Dr.Barbard Dill and Dr. Richard Smith
FACULTY PRIZES
THE JAMES HERD FULLERTON FACULTY PRIZE
James Herd Fullerton graduated from Norwich University in 1930 and joined the faculty at Northwood School in 1932. During his Northwood career, Jim would serve as a math and science teacher, hockey, baseball, and football coach, crew coach and Director of Athletics.
Throughout his more than thirty years at Northwood (1932-1955), Jim Fullerton established a reputation as a caring, compassionate teacher and an innovative, thoughtful coach. But it was through sheer force of his character that Jim Fullerton had the greatest influence on a generation of Northwood graduates. There are countless stories of Jim coming to the aid of a student or player in need of some sage advice, a pat on the back or some firm direction. Mr. Fullerton passed away in 1991.
The Fullerton Prize is awarded annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated the most significant professional growth and/or had the deepest impact upon the overall character development in the student body during the academic year. The winner must embody the qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion, and love of students so valued by Coach Fullerton. The prize is intended to enhance the professional and personal growth of the faculty recipient.
I am pleased to award this year’s Fullerton Prize to Noel Carmichael, who embodies the qualities that still live through the legend and legacy of Jim Fullerton. Noel, please come forward to receive this award.
THE DR. VANDERLYN R. PINE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Dr. Vanderlyn R. Pine is a native of New Paltz, New York and graduated from Northwood School in 1955. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1967 and his Master’s Degree in 1969 from Dartmouth College. Dr. Pine earned his Ph.D. from New York University in 1971.
While at Northwood, Van Pine excelled in athletics as a member of the ice hockey, football and track teams. In addition, he was the first Editor-in-Chief of the Mirror, the school’s newspaper, and was involved in the total life of the school as he served on a wide variety of committees. Two of Dr. Pine’s children, Brian, Class of 1981 and Daniel, Class of 1982, graduated from Northwood. Dr. Pine was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1986. In the fall of 1997, he was elected Chair of the Board and assumed his current position of Emeritus Chair in 2014.
The Pine Award, an engraved Boston Rocker chair, is given to the faculty member who: “Demonstrates dedication to his or her students; exudes energy and enthusiasm for learning; fosters respect for scholarship and provides a consistency of preparation and classroom delivery which stimulates students to want to learn.” The members of the Northwood student body select the faculty winner through nomination and vote.
This year’s winner is Ben Runyon
THE IRA A. FLINNER AWARD
Ira Flinner served Northwood School as its headmaster from 1926 to 1951. During his long and legendary service, he fostered excellence in academics and character. His influence is with us today, and it lives on through the achievement of this year’s recipients of the Ira A. Flinner Award: Isaac Newcomb and Joanna Rosenbluth.
THE HARRY MacDONALD AWARD
Harry MacDonald served behind the scenes at Northwood School for thirty years. The award in his name honors a student for whom giving is more important than receiving and who puts the greater good in front of his or her own interests. For all she has done for the greater Northwood School community, we extend our gratitude to: Morgan Broderick.
LUSSI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
A $4,000 Scholarship, $1000 per year for four years, is awarded to a student who has achieved outstanding performance in academics, demonstrated excellence in a co- or extra-curricular activity, and who is attending a four-year college or university next year. This year’s co-winners, sharing in this scholarship, are: Aiden Smith and Chelsea Smith.
THE ANNE EDWARDS AWARD
There’s an essence to Northwood School that cannot be put into words. Instead, it shows itself in the actions and character of its community. For thirty-four years, no one displayed this essence better than Anne Edwards. Inspiring community service, offering a maternal shoulder to students in need, even teaching hockey players to knit, Annie wasn’t just an instructor. She was a living personification of the school itself. This year’s award goes to that student who, like Annie Edwards, understood and fully lived the Northwood experience. Our thanks to Zhuoxian (Simon) Ou.
THE JUDITH K. GOOD STUDENT COUNCIL AWARD
The Judith K. Good Student Council Award is given in honor of Mrs. Judith Good, who served the Lake Placid community as a mediator and conflict resolution specialist for more than twenty years. The recipient is chosen and the award is given by students themselves in recognition of the qualities of character they see, knowing that student better than any faculty member possibly could. To Aimee Headland – your classmates thank you for being yourself so truly and giving to others so generously.
URFIRER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This plaque is awarded annually to a member of the Senior Class who, over their last three years at Northwood, has shown the greatest academic growth through their hard work and determination to succeed. The award is given in memory of Mr. Roland Urfirer of Lake Placid, who served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1973 to 2014. We are pleased to recognize Lanxin (Jessica) Lin for her achievements.
THE EDWARD M. GOOD HEADMASTER’S PRIZE
This prize is awarded to the student or students in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the headmaster, advised by the faculty, is an individual who has, through his/her character and enthusiasm, contributed in a positive way to enhance the culture of Northwood School. This year, the winner is: John Biechler.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The Senior Scholastic Awards, honoring the two graduating seniors who have achieved the highest academic averages over the past year.
The second highest ranking scholar – Joanna Rosenbluth
The highest ranking scholar – Chelsea Smith
SCHOOL SEAL PRIZE
The School Seal is the visual representation of what we are and what we stand for. The annual prize is awarded to the senior who best lives up to the high ideals of our Core Values: Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, Integrity, and Respect. Just as the School Seal represents our school, so does the work and influence of this year’s winner embody all that we aspire to be. This year’s recipient is: Lanxin (Jessica) Lin.
THE NORTHWOOD AWARD
This plaque is awarded to the senior who has shown through influence, character, and service to be the outstanding citizen of the school community, embodying our highest ideals and offering a consistent willingness to work for the betterment of his/her classmates and school. This is Northwood’s highest award. This year’s winner is: Matthew Shanklin.
SENIOR DINNER AWARDS – FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019
LINDA FRIEDLANDER AWARD
This plaque is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics and in women’s sports. The recipient is chosen for her accomplishments and enthusiasm in developing both her intellectual and physical being. The winner is: Sarah Coombs.
TIM HYDE HOCKEY AWARD
This is an award given each year by Mr. & Mrs. F. Stillman Hyde and family, in loving memory of Tim Hyde, who graduated from Northwood in 1962. It is given to the hockey player who, in the opinion of the coaches, best exemplifies Tim Hyde’s love of the game and his “never quit” attitude; no matter how stiff the opposition. The winner is: Andrew Gilbert.
CHARLES HOLT HOCKEY AWARD
Charlie Holt served as a teacher and coach at Northwood School from 1955 to 1962. After Northwood, Charlie was hockey coach at Colby College and the University of New Hampshire. Considered one of the “true gentlemen” of the game, Charlie Holt embodied the best qualities the game has to offer. A plaque is awarded annually by Northwood School to the members of the boys and girls hockey squads who have shown the best sportsmanship in practice and in games. The winners are: Cole Leal and Aimee Headland.
MALCOLM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
The permanent trophy was given by the late Herbert L. Malcolm, former Headmaster of the Lake Placid School now Northwood School, and the individual plaque is awarded each year to the male and female students who, in the opinion of the faculty Athletic Committee, have shown the best sportsmanship in athletics throughout the year. The award recognizes qualities of character that enhance the excellence of the teams on which the individuals participate and that reflects positively on Northwood as an institution during athletic competition. The winners are: Alex van Schalkwyk and Jane Baumer.
MARK “DILL” DRISCOLL SKI AWARD
Mark Driscoll, Class of 1970, was the complete skier, competing in cross-country, jumping, and alpine events. His legacy is one of extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication. As an athlete, a student, and a student leader, Dill was one of the school’s most positively influential characters. The school named the premier ski team award in his honor. This year’s winner is: Sarah Bennett.
TIM SMYTHE AWARD
This award is given to the student athlete of the North Country who best displays Tim Smythe’s leadership and courage and who inspires their teammates to rise to any challenge. The winner is: Will Arquiett.
ENGLISH PRIZE
The English award goes to a student for whom literature is a passport to all lands and ages, for whom writing is an opportunity to convey worthy ideas with passion and grace. The winner this year is: Aleksei Rutkovskii.
SCIENCE PRIZE
The Science award is given to a senior who has demonstrated both interest and achievement in the field of science. This student has a strong desire to understand scientific concepts and has an inquisitive mind. In addition, this student thinks about the topics beyond the scope of the classroom and completes every assignment with diligence and effort. This year’s winner is: Isaac Newcomb.
MATHEMATICS PRIZE
The Mathematics award is made to a student who combines talent with hard work, and whose curiosity and creative thinking provide a lively model for maximizing learning in mathematics. The winner this year is: Joanna Rosenbluth.
LANGUAGE PRIZE
The Language prize is awarded to the student who passionately pursues skill in the speaking, reading, and writing of a foreign language. For French, this year’s recipient is: Sarah Coombs.
SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIZE
The Social Science award is presented for excellence in the appreciation and understanding of issues in the Social Sciences. This year’s winner is: Lanxin (Jessica) Lin.
ARTS PRIZE
Creativity, passion, energy, and a zest for artistic excellence are qualities that describe the recipient of this award. The Arts Department Prize goes to: Yuqi (Jessie) Li.
ESL PRIZE
The English as a Second Language Prize is given to the senior who has excelled both in English language fluency as well as cultural fluency. This student, through hard work, patience, and involvement, has enriched the Northwood community. The winner this year is: Pedro Paggi Simoes.
DEO B. COLBURN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Deo B. Colburn scholarships are awarded to students of Essex and Franklin counties who have demonstrated good scholarship and strong character during their years in secondary school. The grants come from the foundation established by Mr. Colburn, Northwood’s long time neighbor. This year, the following student has been selected to receive this award: Kevin Quinn.
