2022 February – The Mirror

Ring the Bell for Northwood!

February 26, 2022 by Mitchell Baker

This year marks the 6th annual Ring the Bell. The special day of fundraising creates enthusiasm, excitement, and support for Northwood School. The March 3rd event celebrates the spirit and generosity of Northwood School’s alumni, parents, and friends. There will be an online fundraiser which allows alumni and parents from all around the world to participate in this fantastic event.

Mr. Tom Broderick is organizing this year’s Ring the Bell for Northwood. “Ring the Bell is the biggest celebration for Northwood,” Broderick said. “We call it a day for Northwood where we ask our alumni, students, and parents to give back to the school.”

This is a perfect opportunity for the Northwood community to show their appreciation for the school. All funds raised through Ring the Bell go to the Northwood Fund which funds some of the school’s highest priorities, including financial aid and LEAP.

Broderick emphasized that “This idea of a giving day is more of a celebration where we try to get everyone enthusiastic about the school.”

There is a role for current students in the Ring the Bell. “What I would love is if every student gave their donation equal to their graduating year,” said Broderick, “so if you are a 2022 graduate you would donate $20.22.”

Some students might ask why should I donate my hard-earned money to the school? Mr. Broderick said “To support the school. Student donations show that you love the mission of the school and are willing to give to support it.”

Ring the Bell for Northwood gives the Northwood family an opportunity to give back. Parents, students and alumni can donate from all over the world. Ring the Bell is a potent annual celebration that is crucial for Northwood. This year the school would love to have 100% student participation in the donations to the annual fund. Give back to the school and donate equal to your graduation year. Click here to Ring the Bell for Northwood.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Prep Hockey Hopes to Win First PHC Championship

February 25, 2022 by Jack Kent

Early yesterday morning, coaches and players alike on the boys Prep Hockey team boarded a charter bus and left campus for remote Faribault, Minnesota with the goal of winning the first-ever Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) League Championship. The PHC, which is in its first year, is comprised of six different North American prep schools including Mount Saint Charles Academy, South Kent School, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, St, Andrew’s College, Culver Academies, and of course, Northwood School, all of which will be attending the playoffs to compete to be the champions of the league. The league’s top seed, Shattuck St. Mary’s is hosting the tournament.

Assistant Coach Steve Mallaro is optimistic about the upcoming weekend. “I think it will be a good weekend for us. It’s been a long season so hopefully we can put together a good effort this weekend,” Mallaro said.

Northwood and Shattuck-St. Mary’s players in the handshake line after a Northwood Invitational game in 2017 (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge).

This weekend marks the first time this season the Prep team has traveled by plane for a hockey-related outing. Having finished second in the East division, the team will need to face off against Culver at 2:30 PM CST today to ensure their spot in the semifinals against Shattuck-St Mary’s, whose regular season record earned them a bye in the first round. If the Huskies can defeat Shattuck, they will play in the finals on Sunday at 11:30 AM CST.

The tournament seedings were determined by the outcome of designated league games. Each team ended up playing eleven league games this season.

“It’s a big weekend for our school as a whole,” said Mallaro. “We’re going out there to represent Northwood and who we are.”

Every game this weekend will be streamed live on HockeyTV. Standings, stats, and the schedule for the weekend can all be found on the official PHC website.

Filed Under: Sports, Top Story

Northwood Alum Drury has Sights Set on Gold in Beijing

February 11, 2022 by Colter Cheney-Seymour

Kevin Drury ’06 (Photo: Getty Images)

Northwood graduate Kevin Drury ‘06 is competing in the Winter Olympics Games in Beijing, China. Drury is 33, competes for Canada and was born and still resides in Toronto, Ontario.

Drury competes in ski cross, a freestyle event where skiers must race through a challenging course at top speeds against 4 other competitors. Drury was a talented alpine racer at Northwood and later found success on the ski team at University of Vermont as he got second in the giant slalom in the 2011 NCAA championships.

This will be his second time competing for Canada in the Olympics. He also competed in PyeongChang in 2018 where he finished fourth, just shy of the podium. More recently, Drury has gained a lot of success and respect after receiving silver in the 2020 world cup for ski cross. This makes Drury won of the top competitors in the world for his sport and a favorite to podium or win this year’s Olympics.

All of Drury’s heats will take place on Friday, February 18. A complete schedule of his competition is available here.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Real World, Sports

Soccer Team Goes 3-1-2 in Albany Showcase

February 11, 2022 by Colter Cheney-Seymour

On February 6, Northwood’s soccer programs traveled to Albany to compete in a college showcase. Both the U17 and U19 teams participated in the event. This was a great opportunity to play on a full-length pitch since the players have been training on Northwood’s small indoor field for several months.

Calem Tommy ’22 in action at home on Northwood’s new turf field (photo provided).

Games were only 40 minutes long with only 2 minutes between games, which resulted in each Northwood team playing three games on Sunday.

The games kicked off when the U17 team played a hard-fought game against Quick Strike FC. This match ended 0-0 with strong effort from the young Huskies. Next up the U19s started their weekend with a demanding 3-0 win against the NY Alleycats. Goals came from Liam Doyle ’22 and Junior Happi ’23.

The U17s bounced back with a strong 2-0 victory with goals coming from Gonzalo Munoz ’25 and Saquiel Ming ‘24. Shortly after the older Huskies entered the pitch again to take on New York Elite. The final score was 4-0 in favor of the U19s, with goals coming from Calem Tommy ’22, Doyle and Noah Ledell ’23.

Each squad had now played two games with one remaining. Both teams would play against Hoosac school in the afternoon. For the U19s, this was a highly anticipated matchup, considering Hoosac had beat them in a friendly back in December. Unfortunately, U17s lost 2-0 but they did show strong character by playing until the last minute. The older squad played an extremely close game by they could not avenge December’s loss and the score ended with no score. Each team had plenty of chances to score but the most prominent example would be a Hoosac breakaway that Senior Aristide Gry saved.

This rounded out a strong showing for the Huskies who will now rest up before a busy spring schedule.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Kelting, Wissler Compete in Nordic Super Tour

February 11, 2022 by Colter Cheney-Seymour

Graphic: Northwood Athletics

Two Northwood student competed in the Lake Placid Super Tour for Nordic skiing. Bella Wissler ’23 and Sophia Kelting ’23 skied against some of the top competition in the country recently. The first day of skiing incorporated sprints using the classic technique. Each skier would have to race in a heat and they only would advance if they were one of the top two skiers in that race. Kelting ’22 moved through her first heat and qualified for the quarterfinal. Unfortunately, that was as far as she made it, but considering her competition it was an outstanding result.

The second day of racing incorporated a different technique called skate skiing. This form of Nordic skiing is similar to ice skating but still with the use of poles and longer skis. The race was a 10 kilometer mass start, which means every racer starts at the same time. This form of racing can be more confusing and is more likely to result in exciting finishes. The Northwood girls represented the school well as Kelting finished 37^th and Bella Wissler finished 97^th overall. This rounded out an intense and challenging weekend for skiers of all ages.

Sophia K. ’23

Bella W. ’23

Filed Under: Sports

Composting Program Improves School’s Sustainability

February 11, 2022 by Conrad Katzander

A student puts compostable waste into the Blue Line Compost bucket (photo: Conrad Katzander ’22)

Northwood’s Environmental Club is working to advance sustainability at Northwood by diverting our food waste from the landfill through a new composting initiative. Northwood is partnering with Blue Line Compost, a local small business, to help manage the collection process and turn our food waste into great compost.

Northwood generates a significant amount of food waste in the form of pre-consumer and post-consumer waste every day. The food waste that we throw into the trash goes to the landfill and creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Food waste also takes up valuable space in the landfill. By sending our food waste to Blue Line Compost we will significantly reduce our carbon footprint as a school and will also benefit the community by creating amazing soil that can be used by the people who grow our food.

Composting is an easy thing that can substantially benefit the community.

According to the Blue Line Compost web site the company “is committed to rebuilding soils, helping our local agricultural community, and working within our local economy.”

What can we compost at Northwood?

Anything that is edible, sauces, soups, bread, bones, meat, fish, citrus, egg shells, shellfish, coffee grounds, coffee filters, napkins, paper towels, paper towel rolls, parchment paper, wooden stirrers, shredded office paper, brown paper bags, and compostable paper take-out containers.

What can’t we compost at our school?

Metal, glass, plastic, ashes, compostable plastic, gum, wax, brines or cures, bulk salt, pet food, pet waste, baby wipes, dryer sheets, lint, junk mail, or receipts.

The composting program began shortly before February break and will continue through the end of the year and hopefully beyond.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Growing Lettuce Without Soil: Advanced STEM Research

February 11, 2022 by Conrad Katzander

Peppi DelliQuadri ’22 with his Advanced STEM research project (photo: Conrad Katzander ’22)

In the Friedlander Science Building you can find an interesting room with ongoing independent scientific research projects. As you walk into the classroom, you see romaine lettuce growing without soil inside large tents. This is for the Advanced STEM Research class at Northwood. It’s a scientific research class where each student picks their own research project. Students are doing research on drones to collaborating with a local Orthopedic surgeon on a case report for a patient had knee replacement that got infected. The STEM program at Northwood allows students to work on hands-on projects of their choice and learn about the scientific research process.

Staff writer Conrad Katzander ‘22 interviewed Peppi DelliQuadri ‘22 about his research project.

KATZANDER: What Is the name of your project?
DELLIQUADRI: “Effects of Photoperiod on Growth of Baby Romaine Lettuce Using Ebb and Flow Hydroponics.”

What are you trying to learn? What’s your goal?
For my project I’m learning how to grow romaine lettuce without soil. Using water with Hydroponics in the room, we are determining the specific effects of photoperiods on the growth of little gem romaine lettuce growing inside grow tents using ebb and flow hydroponics.
The goal is to use the research process as I go, collecting data along the way, and documenting my whole process.

How long will this project take?
I did lots of research and found out that lettuce grows great in a hydroponic system. I decided growing lettuce for 45 days was a perfect amount of time, so that way I could test the results and harvest. It also is short enough that I could have another trial.

What are you using for materials?
The project is located in the science building, and it’s a closed system so we can control the humidity and temperature of the room for the lettuce. I am using hydrofarm megagarden systems with one LED in each tent. I use Masterblend 4-18-38 complete combo fertilizer for nutrients which I mix into the closed system. I started the seeds in rockwool before transplanting them into the system after 5 days of growth. I Check the pH every 3 days and I adjust the pH depending on if it’s too low or too high. And I track their growth.

Will you take research process with you wherever you go next?
Yes, I will take the research process with me as I plan to study agriculture in college.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Formal Dinner Performance Showcases Music Program

February 11, 2022 by Mitchell Baker

It has been a difficult winter, with sports teams hit by COVID outbreaks and the freezing cold weather has made it difficult to stay motivated. As the Trimester comes to an end, students look forward to the formal dinner. On Wednesday, Northwood hosted an exhilarating formal dinner.

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Formal dinners occur about once per month. It’s an occasion that allows students to dress up and socialize after a long exhausting term. After a scrumptious dinner there was a potent music performance produced by music teacher Mr. Adam Stewart and his students.

“What music will be played after the formal dinner?” Mr Stewart asked in an interview a few days before the show. “We’re doing a nice variety of music that our students have chosen. It is mostly music from movies or the radio, so hopefully our audience will recognize it and enjoy!”

Some of the songs included “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana and “Yesterday” by the Beatles. Students are excited to hear their peers perform these songs.

“We are always trying to do something special to make the formal dinner memorable,” Stewart said. “This time around the formal dinner lined up with the end of the trimester, so my classes have plenty of music to perform. I believe performing is a quintessential part of music learning. This opportunity to perform in front of the community is a chance to benefit our performers and listeners,” Stewart added.

Stewart hopes the music performance after the formal dinner will inspire more students to join the superb music program here at Northwood. “Our program took a brief hiatus prior to my arrival, so in many ways it feels like we’re waking up from a long winter’s nap. Many students are eager to pick up where we left off, while others have their own musical priorities. This gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate what we want out of this program while still prioritizing individual goals. Hopefully I’m doing a good job establishing a safe space to take risks as a performer here at Northwood so that students of all ability levels feel comfortable trying new things.”

The future of the music program is bright, many young talented students here at Northwood are eager to step into the music world and learn new things. Stewart is optimistic about the future of the program. “My plan is to prioritize supporting any music-based student initiatives. This means that if you want to learn an instrument, learn to sing, start a band, or learn to compose music, I’m here to support your goals.”

So far Stewart’s efforts have led to the formation of a Jazz Band and Acapella ensembles as well as monthly Open Mics at The Hub.

“I want each student at Northwood to feel supported exploring their musical curiosity, whether that involves studying to audition for All State, creating content for social media, or even mixing beats to support your freestyling. If you are willing to try, I’m here to support you!”

The formal dinner was a fantastic where students got to dress up, eat some fancy food and listen to some awesome tunes.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

U19 Team Champs in Vermont

February 11, 2022 by Mitchell Baker

The champion U19 squad at the end of the Far Post Tournament in Vermont. (Photo: provided)

The Northwood Soccer team recently competed in the Far Post Winter Tournament in Vermont. It was a fantastic tournament which allowed the new players to familiarize themselves with their teammates playing styles.

The U17 team’s first game was challenging. They played Far Post 2 who were a much bigger side. The Huskies started slow but picked up the pace towards the end of the game and played some excellent soccer. Jeremy Tsang ‘23 scored a beautiful free kick. The final score was 5-1 for Far Post 2.

The second game for the U17 was much better. They played a side who beat the previous team they lost to. Coach Martinez made some fantastic tactical changes which helped the team start and finish strong. The team won 5-1 with Gonzalo Munoz ’24, Mitchell Baker’25, Lohkoah Paye’24, Sachiel Ming ‘24, and Tsang each netting goals for the Huskies.

The overall morale of the team was high as they came into a huge game the following day. The U17 Huskies started the game strong against Burlington Futbol Club with Baker scoring a goal to put the team in the lead. The team fought hard for the whole game; however, Burlington Futbol Club scored with just a minute left. A minor tussle broke out, which led to a controversial decision from the referee to end the game early. It was a disappointing draw which put the squad in second place in their group.

Just minutes after the controversial draw, the team was told they had 10 minutes to rest before playing another game. The team was exhausted but they pushed hard. Far Post 1 opened the scoring, but the team replied with Tsang putting them back in the game. Later in the game Baker scored a goal to put the team in the lead. Far post 1 quickly replied with two quick goals. The Huskies didn’t lie down. Jace Donowa’25 scored a full pitch goal which had the bench and team going crazy. Far post responded with another goal which ended the game 4-3 for Far Post 1.

Northwood’s U19 team played a fantastic tournament, going undefeated in all games. They won their first game 3-0 against Far Post 1. Their second game of the day against Seacoast 1 was a very entertaining game with Northwood coming out on top 5-2. They finished the group in first place with 9 points after beating Bridgeton Academy 5-2. They advanced to the final against Seacoast 2, a team the U17 Huskies soundly beat 5-1. The U19 Huskies were clearly the dominant side. The final score was 2-0 to Northwood. The goal scorers for the U19 team for the tournament were Calem Luke’22, Thebe Mosehathebe ’22, Junior Happi’23, Liam Doyle’22 and Connor DeAngelis ’22.

Coach Jon Moodey was very pleased with both teams. “The Far Post winter invitational tournament was a remarkable success for the Black Rock team here at Northwood,” Moodey said. Moodey noted that the U19s went on to win the championship and the U17s were just one goal away from playing against the U19s in the final. “The U17 team played a fantastic tournament battling hard until the end,” Moodey added. The coach as particularly proud of the older squad. “The U19 team was classy and won in great style. Overall, it was a fantastic weekend for both teams and for Northwood School,” boated Moodey.

Filed Under: Sports

Humans of Northwood: Shashwath Sunkum ‘22

February 7, 2022 by Conrad Katzander

I spontaneously decided to come to Northwood and change the trajectory of my future, but little did I know that I would find a place half-way across the world I can call home. The experience has been a surreal one, with delightful surprises each day. The remarkably amicable community has been so welcoming, making my transitions from life in India seamless. Nestled in the Adirondacks, the sky is both metaphorically and literally the limit. The opportunities available to explore one’s varied interests are seemingly infinite. I have been intellectually challenged by esoteric men, the likes of Mr. Reed, Mr. McCauley, Mr. LeBlanc & Mr. Emery. Unexpectedly, I found a passion for recreational skiing. Ms. Fagan expertly taught us beginners this skill, making us all fall in love with it. Although my short time at Northwood, is approaching its completion, I can proudly say that Northwood School & the town of Lake Placid, are an integral part of my identity.

As told to Conrad Katzander ‘22 (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge)