2023 February – The Mirror

Meet the Five New Students Who Started in the Second Semester

February 28, 2023 by Anayo Etumnu Jnr

Northwood School welcomed five new students for the second semester, including three ninth graders, one junior, and one senior. The Mirror had the opportunity to interview each of these students to get to know them better and share their stories.

Ivan Favreau ’25 (Photo Provided).

First, we have Ivan Favreau, a local North Country resident from Tupper Lake who enjoys fishing. A ninth grader, Ivan has two dogs at home, and he shared that he is enjoying his time at Northwood, even though it’s been a bit harder than he anticipated. Nonetheless, he finds the community to be welcoming.

Kenneth Guchinskiy ’26 (Photo provided).

The second ninth grader is Kenneth Guchinskiy, also known as Kenny. He is from Goshen, New York. He came to Northwood to join the freestyle ski team and spends his free time skating and skiing with friends. Kenny has a younger brother and is adjusting well to life at Northwood.

Jacob Slagel ’26 (Photo provided).

Jacob Slagel, the final ninth grader, is originally from Seattle, Washington. A member of the Varsity Hockey team, he has a passion for hockey, especially playing goaltender. Jacob is drawn to this position as it’s the backbone of the team, and he enjoys the pressure that comes with it. Despite the challenge, he strives for perfection and maintains a positive outlook on the game.

Samantha McHale ’24 (Photo provided).

Northwood also welcomed Samantha McHale, a junior from suburban Chicago, Illinois, who is a figure skater. Samantha has an older sister, and she used to play hockey before pursuing figure skating. She hopes to help grow the figure skating program at Northwood.

Jordan Shullenberger ’23 (Photo provided).

Finally, Jordan Shullenberger, a senior from Waterbury, Vermont, joined the Northwood soccer program and plans to spend a postgraduate year at Northwood. He has an older brother and appreciates the structure that Northwood provides.

Northwood is excited to welcome these five new students, each bringing unique talents and passions to the school community.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Thursday is Ring the Bell For Northwood

February 28, 2023 by Mirror Staff

Northwood School’s 7th annual Ring the Bell fundraising event is set to take place on March 2nd. This highly anticipated event creates an atmosphere of enthusiasm, excitement, and support for the school among its alumni, parents, and friends. With the option of an online fundraiser, alumni and parents from around the world can participate in this fantastic event and contribute to the Northwood Fund.

Mr. Thomas Broderick, who is leading this year’s Ring the Bell event, considers it the biggest celebration for Northwood. “We call it a day for Northwood where we ask our alumni, students, and parents to give back to the school,” he said. This is the perfect opportunity for the Northwood community to show their appreciation for the school and give back to it in a meaningful way.

All funds raised through Ring the Bell go to the Northwood Fund, which supports some of the school’s highest priorities, such as financial aid and LEAP. The Northwood family can donate from all over the world, making it an incredibly powerful annual celebration that is vital for Northwood.

This year, Northwood is looking to involve 100% of the student body in the act of philanthropy by having them make calls, write appeals, or thank you letters to those connected to Northwood. Mr. Broderick is encouraging students to consider making a donation in the amount of their graduation year should they choose to fiscally participate and give back to their school. Click here to Ring the Bell for Northwood and show your support for the school’s continued success.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Study of Concussed Fruit Flies May Add to Understanding of Traumatic Brain Injuries

February 28, 2023 by Hung Nguyen

Abby with the HIT Device (Photo: Hung Nguyen ‘25).

Advanced STEM Research is a unique, year-long course offered at Northwood. Students can pick their topic of interest, devise a plan of operation, conduct experiments, and ultimately present their findings at the Hub in the final weeks of school. This year, Abby Sinclair ‘23 is researching the effect of diets on fruit flies’ ability to withstand concussions.

The experiment begins by feeding two fruit flies with two different diets. One group is fed a controlled diet, primarily carbohydrates, while the other will be fed a keto diet with more protein. The flies will then be struck at different angles using the High Impact Trauma (HIT) device, and observation will be made within 24 hours. Noted details include mortality rates and aggressive behavioral patterns. According to Sinclair, Sinclair hopes to see whether the data results can translate to humans with a traumatic brain injury, given that humans and fruit flies share 75% of the disease-fighting genes.

Proceeding with the preliminary observation, Abby will run three additional treatments: the control diet group, the keto diet group before and after being concussed, and the keto diet group after being concussed with the control diet group before the concussion. The upcoming procedure will be for the control group. The flies will be concussed at four combinations of hits: one hit at 40°, two hits at 40°, one hit at 90°, and two hits at 90°, respectively. After that, Sinclair will monitor the flies for the following 48 hours instead of 24 hours to record the mortality rate in the period. As mentioned, she will note any behavioral changes resulting from diet and hit combinations.

Abby developed the basic experimental design over the summer. “Originally, I came up with this idea while talking to my cousin, who was experimenting with reducing mortality in fruit flies. It piqued my interest, and the materials were accessible, so I contacted Mrs. Walker in the summer to see how we could make this happen. Once the school year started, I talked with Mr. Roy for guidance in creating the HIT device,” Sinclair said.

“I decided to take this course because I wanted to be challenged in Biology and get a taste of lab work,” she said. “I’ve liked the independence of structuring my time and how the project will turn out, the ability to make my own decisions, working out the process of dealing with fruit flies and the process of trial and error. I’ve learned the patience needed to carry out the experiment. There have been obstacles throughout the project. One instance is trying to keep the fruit flies alive, especially during the past winter break. Ultimately, I’m enjoying the class because I have learned a lot and would encourage others to take it,” added Sinclair.

Sinclair will pursue a pre-med curriculum in college, where she will continue her studies in Biology. She aspires to one day become an anesthesiologist.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Valentine’s Dance at Hub a Hit

February 27, 2023 by Aly El Mofty

Northwood School had a packed and unique Valentine’s Day this year. The evening began with a traditional formal dinner, but with a twist: the teachers served as waiters! The students enjoyed several different entrees the talented kitchen staff prepared and finished the dinner with French macarons for dessert.

After dinner, the students gathered around the living room, waiting for the buses to take them to the Hub for a Valentine’s Day dance. It was the first such event at the Hub since it opened in February 2020. Senior party planner Junior Happi organized the Valentine’s Day dance. His goal was to “improve the social dynamic of Northwood School.” Noah Leddel, another senior, was also a huge contributor to the Valentine’s Day dance as the DJ, and he kept the party bouncing.

The ground floor of the Hub was used as the dance floor, and the upper floor was used for a movie night. The dance gave students an opportunity to have a normal high school experience by going to a dance party. It was also an excellent way to introduce these sorts of parties to international students and give them a taste of what the United States has to offer.

Overall, the Valentine’s Day dance party was a success; it included the usual party anthems, some old classics, and most importantly, some slow dancing that mostly all the students took part in.

Thebe Mosehathebe ’23 described the night as one of his most enjoyable nights in the four years that he’s been at Northwood. He feels that all the sports teams are starting to mix a lot more with these social events being thrown.

“I hope these parties keep getting thrown as it is gives me something to look forward to and enjoy beyond school and soccer,” Mitchell Baker ’25 said.

Junior Happi looks to keep his title as the school’s designated party planner, promising to continue to plan enjoyable events for all students of the school. This mini-party was also a little taste of what’s to come later in the year when Northwood prom arrives: it’s safe to say the students will be more than excited for that.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Visual Arts at Northwood: “It Starts with a Line”

February 27, 2023 by Hung Nguyen

Artist: Giordan Gulati ’24

In addition to the many programs offered at Northwood, it also offers a humble but proud visual arts program. In charge of the classes is Ms. Van Slyke, a painter and teacher who has hosted eight workshops, and 18 juried exhibitions and won 9 awards for her work with pastels. She began her tenure at Northwood in 2009 and has been part of the community ever since.

In the Drawing and Painting class, students study Pablo Picasso and his artworks in Cubism. There, they learn about Cubism, watch a documentary on Picasso, and understand the world around the artists at the time and how it influenced their art. They are creating a still-life Cubist drawing and will soon begin a Cubist painting.

Artist: Giordan Gulati ’24

In Adirondack Art Exploration, students learn about folk art and Adirondack artists. One of these artists is Edna West Teall, a deceased folk artist who lived in the Adirondacks. They learned of her style of art and put their learning into practice. Other notable artists students learned about: Georgia O’Keeffe, Harold Weston, Rockwell Kent, and Winslow Homer. In addition, students also explored their art in person. They have gone to the Museum of Plattsburgh to see the art of Rockwell Kent in person and visit a local artist in Saranac Lake to appreciate her art gallery and discuss with her. Not to mention, students will sometimes be able to go outdoors to paint in the Adirondacks.

Intertwined with the classes, the rising artists also learn different art techniques: drawing perspectives, buildings, landscapes, and portraits. It all started with a line. Then, line thickness is added to the equation. After that comes value contrast (shading). Eventually, it comes to the larger context: composition, where to place things on the canvas, and color. Ultimately, students will learn more and more art techniques as they hone their skills and learn about the different genres of visual art.

Artist: Tam Nguyen ’23

Building students’ art portfolios is one of the program’s most significant points of pride. “Every year, we have students go to major art schools, which is huge for a small school like us: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Pratt Institute, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Otis [College of Art and Design], and all sorts of visual art schools. That’s a good background to have for a small school like ours,” expressed Mrs. Van Slyke. Even without an AP Art department, Northwood has been able to support emerging students in building their art portfolios. With that being said, those in pursuit of fine arts will often have supplemental aid elsewhere.

“I think [the art program] enriches the population to a great extent,” Van Slyke said. “I’d have students come in that haven’t had art in years, especially some of our students who are more geared toward athletics. They come in here and are a little afraid that they haven’t taken drawing or painting since they were kids and love it. Now all of a sudden, they find that they’ve got other people in this room that’s like them, and they allow themselves to be okay with failing, learning slowly and then skill building.

Artist: Giordan Gulati ’24

I’m thinking of my drawing class right now because there’s a group of boys there and they’re so focused and into drawing that it relaxes them. There’s so much stress in other parts of our lives because everyone is so busy that drawing and art allow them to be single-minded, focus on what’s in front, and let everything else go. This year, I’ve seen so many students who have never taken art latch on to it and enjoy coming to class and enjoy art. I think that’s how it enriches kids. They may never draw again or take another art class but now they know that they can draw, paint, know that they can find a place of peace—a place where it clears their mind—and that they can do it.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

My Favorite Place in Lake Placid: Morgan Smith ‘24

February 27, 2023 by Maegan Byrne

Oakley at the dam off the Jackrabbit Trail in Lake Placid. Photo provided.

“I’m a day student at Northwood, and my favorite place to be in Lake Placid is in the water at the dam off the Jackrabbit Trail. I like to get sandwiches at Simply Gourmet, then hike up the trail and sit at the top of the waterfall at the dam. I like swimming there, playing fetch with my dog, Oakley, and hanging out with friends or family. It’s my favorite place because I get to spend time with my favorite people, and it reminds me of the summer.”

As told to Maegan Byrne ’24

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Dorm Tour: Junior Happi ‘23

February 27, 2023 by Cedric Lemaire

Welcome to Junior Happi’s dorm room. Junior Happi ‘23 is a senior at Northwood from Zimbabwe. He is fluent in French and English and is the striker for the Boys U20 Soccer team. Junior Happi boasts a single room on the first floor of Bergamini and is one of its Residential Assistants.

This spacious single [technically, it’s double, but he has it to himself – a perk of being an R.A.] is enough room for Junior to make himself at home and incorporate his creative touch on things. “I have made this into a second home,” remarks Junior.

This is a central piece of Junior’s room; each item is a piece from home. He has a Zimbabwe flag and a Cameroon flag because those are his two nationalities. “This hat [in the center] was given to me by my grandfather.” The two scarves are of Manchester United and Barcelona, his two favorite childhood soccer clubs. “I have this work ID because I worked at the FISU World Games.” Finally, “This key was given to me by my father.”

“Religion is a big part of my life.” Junior saves room for his religious items: “I have rosary beads, my prayer book, and the Bible.”

“Each item represents a part of my life in America; the boxing gloves are what I’ve used ever since I was a kid, and I love boxing. The groundhog was a gift because I found out my birthday is on Groundhog Day. The pumpkin was a gift from Henry’s aunt, who I often stay with during the breaks. The protein powder is obvious, and the plant and banner represent home. This is one of the most important parts of the room,” Junior expresses.

Music is a big part of Junior’s lifestyle—he is always on AUX. Whether in the gym, on the field, or just chilling in the room, he is constantly listening to something.

Junior has an extensive shoe collection consisting of mainly soccer cleats, but he is covered for any occasion. “I do not know how it got this big, but here we are.”

Junior uses these bistro lights to create a homey vibe in his room, and I can attest firsthand—it is nice. Junior agrees, saying “It’s everything I need.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People Tagged With: DormRoomTour

Students, Staff Volunteered at World University Games

February 27, 2023 by Maegan Byrne

Maegan Byrne ’24 and Nori Fitzsimmons ’24 present the medals at a medal ceremony at a FISU World University Games Nordic event at Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

During the extended Christmas break, Northwood offered a LEAP course to volunteer in the FISU games. Five students volunteered: Nora Fitzsimmons ’24, Maegan Byrne ’24, Morgan Smith ’24, Griffin Beam ’25, and JT Wint ’25. Three staff, Mrs. Wright, Mr. Shergold, and Mrs. Wint, helped volunteer during the games and coordinated for students.

Northwood was given the opportunity to be a host for the ceremonies. Some of the group carried the trays with medals and mascots, while others were athletes’ hosts or flag raisers. “It was a great experience to put yourself out there in front of all the cameras. It was interesting because a lot of volunteers were less visible, and the students got to go out there and represent the community and FISU,” Mrs. Tara Wright said.

The students were allowed to choose which days they wanted to volunteer and where they wanted to volunteer. Maegan, Nori, JT, and Mrs. Wint volunteered at Mt. Van Ho.

Nori and Maegan were mainly in charge of carrying the trays that had mascots and medals. They were able to meet athletes from all over the world and get out of their comfort zone by being recorded for television.

JT helped as an athlete or presenter host. He would give guidance to the athletes or guest presenters and direct them through the ceremony.

Griffin Beam ’25 presents medals at the ski jumps during the FISU World University Games.

Mrs. Wint raised the flags for multiple Nordic events. “I wanted to support the community and athletes. I never got to go to the 80’s Olympics, so it was cool to experience something similar,” Mrs. Wint remarked. She was also very proud that out of the three gold medals won by the U.S. in Nordic, she was the one to raise all three flags for the ceremonies.

Morgan volunteered for FISU as one of the mascots for the games. Morgan wore a Mac the Moose costume to all the venues to take pictures with athletes and spectators and promote the games. Morgan worked the whole two weeks of the games but also helped do work before and after. Before the games, Morgan went to Rockefeller to skate as Mac the Moose and help promote the games. She also met the governor as well as Miss America. Morgan describes her experience: “It was a lot of fun, stressful at times, but in the end, it was enjoyable.”

Northwood was given a lot of responsibility during the games; everyone acted maturely and did a great job. It was a great experience for the people involved and helped FISU and the community.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Jordan Shullenberger ’23

February 20, 2023 by Cedric Lemaire

“I started playing soccer when my parents signed up for the rec league when I was five. I wasn’t very good. I was kind of small and skinny. I kept playing rec through the years. I started to really like it, so my parents signed up for a club when I was maybe eight or nine. It was called Capital Soccer, and then I played Capital until freshman year when I switched to Far Post Soccer Club and my high school team. This year, the fall season ended, and at the end of the semester, I decided to transfer. Soccer at Northwood is better, and the exposure is better, and it’s just a better environment.

“Northwood feels like more of a community in that I’m seeing the same people every day, spending a lot of time with the same people, and getting closer to people around me. At my old school, it felt like I didn’t know anyone besides my friends and the people in my grade and the grade below me.

“I want to play college soccer, and I also want to improve my grades and get better socially, come out of my shell a little because I’m not the most talkative person, just developing socially, physically, academically, and mentally.

“I’m very close with my family, and only seeing them every other week is tough. I am just developing self-reliance. Not depending on my parents so much to do things for me…it’s kind of like the push into the real world.”

As told to Cedric Lemaire ’24. Photo provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Wall Street Veteran Teaches New Financial Markets Class

February 19, 2023 by Aidan Lasky

Mr. Jeff Miller (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge)

A new class this semester has been a hit with many students. It is called “Introduction to Financial Markets” and is taught by varsity hockey Coach Jeff Miller. Many parents and students were asking for a class like this, and many are excited to see such a class in the Northwood course offerings. This is how the class came to be and how it went in its first few weeks.

Coach Miller, or “Millsy,” is known for more than coaching hockey at Northwood. Previously he taught statistics, and he also plays a vital role in the admissions office. Many Huskies don’t know that before Northwood, Coach Miller had an outstanding career working for investment firms on Wall Street and in Boston for 20+ years. With this resume, there is no better person to teach Northwood Students about Finance.

“Given my experience in financial markets, I figured it may be a natural fit for me to teach a course that would give Northwood students a head start into the world of finance,” Miller said. Soon after gaining approval for his new class idea, he began designing the class over the summer.

The class aims to provide students with a general understanding of financial markets. “I hope to give the students a financial foundation they can use the rest of their life, especially when it comes time to make their own investment decisions,” Miller said. The class has already started learning about Banking, Bonds, The Federal Reserve, Stocks, and Commodities.

Miller likes to make classes exciting rather than just spewing information. Just a couple of weeks ago, the class had a mock Federal Open Markets Committee meeting before the Washington meeting. This allowed students to understand what goes into these real-life decisions.

“Down the road, we will take a deep dive into the stock market and learn about mutual funds, short selling, and Warren Buffet.” Miller has the class watch clips of the CNBC financial news network and use Yahoo Finance to gain information relevant to the class. This teaches the students how they can access this information when they start making their own decisions regarding finance.

Miller is off to a good start with the class, he said. “I enjoy sharing my passion and experiences with them, and the students have been very engaged and curious in class, which is great.” Being in this class, I can attest to the fact that I enjoy it a lot. Coach Miller makes class fun, and his course always provides a nice break from the hardcore information I may be getting in some of my other classes.

I look forward to seeing how this course continues, and it’s great to hear that Coach Miller has been loving teaching this course. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” he said. If you have any questions regarding this course, feel free to reach out to Coach Miller. He would love to tell you more about the class.