An overhead shot of campus. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The 2024-25 school year is underway with the first two weeks of school done. However, it is already time to focus on the years to come, starting with Monday’s meeting on student-led tour guides.
Northwood’s initiative to have students lead family tours leaves a lasting impression on those who visit. I still remember my own tour five years ago. I entered campus, overwhelmed yet excited for what was to come. After countless meetings with faculty and teachers, the tour around campus with two college-bound soccer players offered a glimpse of the real Northwood experience.
Nerves, excitement, anxiety, or whatever you may feel can be eased when you can explore Northwood’s beautiful campus with someone of your generation.
The admissions office, which includes Mr. Gino Riffle, Ms. Elenor Mandigo, Ms. Carrie Wardlaw, and Mr. Jeff Miller, selects people for student-led tours . They are holding a meeting on Tuesday for those interested in giving their time to help tour applicants. Those called upon for tours are Blue Key Society Members, and their job entails the following:
“Dear Blue Key Society Member:
Congratulations on becoming a Blue Key Society Member (BKS). It is a special honor to be selected as an “ambassador” representing our School. The Admissions Office thanks you for accepting this responsibility and for being generous with your time. As a reminder you may be the first person many of our guests will meet upon arriving on campus, and very often this “first” impression will go a long way in making visitors feel comfortable while here at Northwood.
As you approach your responsibilities as a BKS, you should recognize that the best tours are those that mix sincere knowledge of Northwood with a willingness to let your personality shine. Remember to relax and be yourself. The Admissions Office has great confidence in each of you and thinks this could be the best group of BKS members ever.
In this handbook you will find a tour guide outlining the route your tour should take along with tips and reminders to help your tour go smoothly. New this year is a tour procedure that will give you more notice as to your tour date and time. Remember the Admissions Office is relying on you to place your personal touch on each tour by describing some of your own experiences here. These experiences can include anything from your first visit to campus, your first year at Northwood, your favorite teacher, a special memory with a roommate, an exciting victory in athletics or your first Northwood competition. It is through your ability to make a connection with each visitor that Northwood will continue to attract exceptional students like yourself.
Again, thank you for your time, your enthusiasm and your smiles!
Happy tours!”
Updated Blue Key Society Provided by Ms. Mandigo
Ms. Elenor Mandigo. Photo: Mr. MIchael Aldridge.
I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Mandigo to discuss the purpose and importance of these tours. I expressed to her the impact that my experience with these unique student-led tours had in making my decision and asked what they looked for in a student to entrust them with the responsibility of touring a family.
“Whoever is giving the tour and depending on what they are saying is representing what the school is,” Mandigo said. “And so, you want somebody who is informed and a good representation of the school,” she added.
Mandigo also explained how they assign a tour guide to a family, often putting a hockey girl with another hockey girl, and this is because “The parents and the students that are visiting feel more comfortable asking questions to the student. If it were an adult, maybe the student wouldn’t ask as many important questions.”
Her insight into how tours should be run was vast and I advise any Northwood students interested in leaving a lasting impression to attend Tuesday’s meeting to take the first step to becoming a Northwood tour guide.
Some “Tour Tips” shared by Ms. Mandigo.
How the tour works, shared by Ms. Mandigo.
