2024 October – The Mirror

Prep Hockey “Three-Peats” at South Kent Invitational

October 22, 2024 by Pete Moore

The Prep Team celebrates it’s third consecutive championship at South Kent. Photo provided.

The Prep Hockey team recently won its third consecutive championship at the South Kent Fall Invitational tournament. The Mirror spoke to a few of the players to understand what the accomplishment means to them.

“It means a lot, you know, being a second-year player, and having won it two years in a row. It’s a great feeling,” said Parker Thompson ’26. “Especially because it is such a prestigious tournament with top-level teams, it feels great to win it again, and I’m already looking forward to winning it again next year to make it a four-peat” Thompson added.

“Even though this is my first year at Northwood, I can feel how important winning this tournament was,” Henry Kress ‘26 said. “Even when coach Mallaro said, ‘We have a chance to do something special’ before the third game, I could sense how much it meant to the returners and the coaching staff to win this tournament. This was a big weekend for us as a team, beating a PHC [Prep Hockey Conference] rival in South Kent, and two good teams in the New Jersey Rockets and UCC. We’re going to build off this weekend moving forward,” Kress added.

“Being a part of a three-year win streak at the South Kent tournament is a very cool thing to have been on the team,” Drew Donatello ’25 said. “Being at Northwood for so long, I have always found it cool to have something to strive for that the team has accomplished before. I’m glad this year we could add to the win streak and that we can pass it on to the team next year,” Donatello added.

“I think it’s awesome,” said former Husky forward and two-time South Kent champion Ritter Coombs. “I think it shows what kind of program Northwood has had and continues to have. I think Coach Mallaro does an unbelievable job. We always went into that weekend with confidence and a willingness to win no matter what. Obviously, it is another PHC team. I think winning another PHC team’s tournament is awesome, and it’s one of the most meaningful tournaments of the year. I know Will Schneid, Mike Peluso, and Gavin Carr are doing an unbelievable job letting the traditions live on. Winning it back-to-back years wasn’t easy, so I can’t imagine going into the rink for year 3. Huge Props to the returning players and incoming guys for bringing it back to the Wood!” Coombs added.

Filed Under: Sports

Humans of Northwood: Cara Dempsey ‘25

October 22, 2024 by Natalie Gaeckle

“What inspires me the most at Northwood is the opportunities I am given. For example, I was able to take a robotics course this year, and even though I have no experience with robotics, it has become one of my favorite classes, and I am very grateful to have experienced it.

“While looking at other schools as I was entering high school, Northwood stood out to me right away. I have always been aware of it through NYSEF and from my older siblings going here, and it was solidified that I wanted to go when I heard more about it. I really liked the unique opportunities that Northwood gives students and the support that student-athletes get. I feel like there is an obvious goal of academic and athletic balance and achievement that stuck out to me.

“My favorite thing about the community at Northwood is the diversity, even in such a small student body. It was definitely a huge factor in my decision when I was considering high schools. I like that my friends aren’t just the people directly in my bubble, and I have met people I wouldn’t meet otherwise. I also love the school spirit, and I think it is definitely brought out when cheering for our teams and during Winter Carnival.

As told to Natalie Gaeckle ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Living Room Card Games a Positive Addition

October 22, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

Photo by Sophia DeAnzeris ’25.

Since Family Weekend, a new obsession has taken over students’ free time in the living room: playing cards. When free time was common during the Family Weekend mini-break, students resorted to card games to connect and spend their time. A diverse mix of students play together, which allows for groups of kids to come together, and has continued ever since. Now that school is back in session regularly, cards have stuck, and many feel and hope they will continue to stay.

“I’m not sure how this phenomenon began exactly, but I hope it continues and faculty are allowed to join in. I’m on duty this weekend and would love to play my favorite games, ‘Pitch’ and ‘Sets and Runs. ‘” Ms. Lisa Wint, who has a huge impact on the community at Northwood, said.

With so many different kids spending time at the “card table,” the feedback from the community has seemed to have a positive effect. “Well, first, I think it’s a fun activity. I think it brings many people together,” said Nathaniel Poole ’25, who has been a frequent player since the beginning. “Walking through the living room, you look around and see ten different kids sitting around the table and everyone coming together and having a great time. It’s definitely been a positive environment with everyone in and out of the living room,” Poole added.

“I love what I am seeing in the living room this year: students from all co-curriculars hanging out with each other and just generally having a blast through card games rather than staring at their phones,” said Ms. Wint. “It’s wonderful to see the kids having fun through friendly competition, interacting and sharing their family and culture’s popular card games,” Wint added. A large takeaway from this is the limited time spent on phones. When students are playing, phones are a rare sight amongst the group.

Anna Monnette ‘26 has also enjoyed her time playing cards and hopes that it will continue to be a regular living room activity. “I think my relationships with different students have grown because of playing cards. Since Family Weekend, I’d say I’ve played at least one card game a day, and I feel I have also spent less time on my phone. Everyone comes together while we’re playing. It’s a lot of fun!”

This seemingly small addition has undoubtedly had a positive affect on the Northwood community in and out of the living room!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Jacob Brunton’s ‘25 Pre-Game Ritual

October 22, 2024 by Michael Peluso

Jacob Brunton ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Jacob Brunton ’25 is a 2^nd-year member of the Northwood Prep hockey team, and he has a unique pregame routine. All the Prep team members would agree his routine is extreme compared to the rest. His routine is consistent but varies depending on where the game is, what time the game is, and other factors.

A full 8 P.M. home game routine starts with waking up 12 hours before game time. From there, Jacob will get dressed and walk into town to the Soulshine Bagel shop to get bacon, egg, and cheese. He then comes to the team stretch and does a light workout. Jacob then tries to get in a 2-hour nap before he walks back into town to go to the rink, sharpen his skates, and grab a coffee from Starbucks before coming back to school. Once back at school, he has his pregame meal of pasta and chicken, then gets in the shower and listens to the same songs as he showers. After getting ready, he will sit in the living room for 40 minutes before the bus picks players up to head to the rink.

Once he gets to the rink, he has another set of superstitions to go through. He can do these things no matter when or where the game is. He gets changed right away from his suit into the undergear that he wears for the game, puts his Northwood shorts on, and has no shoes. He then tapes both of his sticks and puts them blade up in the locker room while the team warms up and he dresses. Once he is in his equipment, he leaves the room 30 minutes before game time and goes through a stretching routine and some meditation.

Brunton as a recent game. Photo provided.

Some days he cannot accomplish all the things he would like to before game time, but he has three things that must happen, no matter what. “My pregame coffee is a must; I usually walk to a nearby Dunkin or Starbucks if we are on the road,” Brunton said. He will settle for a hotel coffee if neither of those is local.

“My second big thing is my stretching routine; I need to make sure my body is in the best shape possible for every game,” he said. His last must is his meditation routine. He believes being in the right head space for a game is the most important way to be prepared.

Brunton said he has been superstitious for a lot of his life, which is where this comes from. “If something is working, why switch it up?” Although he said if he is going through a slump or the team is not winning games, he may change some of the details but will stay consistent with most of his routine.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports Tagged With: PreGameRituals

An Appreciation for the Walk Around Mirror Lake

October 22, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

We owe thanks to the walk around Mirror Lake: those 3 miles that have given us the walks and talks of a lifetime, fostering relationships never to be forgotten. Northwood students and faculty have used Mirror Lake as kindling to warm and fulfill all relationships. Many students at Northwood use Mirror Lake as a reason to spend more time with the people they care about, preserving what time we have left with one another. For the seniors, we use it to make the most of the months we have left in beautiful upstate New York. This time spent walking around the lake is never regretted; rain or snow, cold or warm, most would argue that the time spent was well worth it.

Photo provided.

Taking the time to appreciate what this walk has done for us is something I believe we would all benefit from. For those who are unaware of the experience, here is what you need to know. Mirror Lake is a small lake bordered by the town of North Elba and Northwood School. It is a sister lake to Lake Placid. In the summer, the trees are green, and the water is warm; fall colors illuminate the foliage as the season shifts and the wind grows colder. Soon, the falling leaves turn to falling snow, and our hallmark-looking town is lit up with Christmas lights. The snow disappears too soon, and the flowers reappear; the cold recedes into the ground as green grass appears. For Northwood students, the long seasons of their beloved sports are wrapping up, and Spike Ball nets are back on the fields. As the grass gets greener and the air gets warmer, the music turns back on, and spring is here. For seniors, though, spring means the end is near. The games outside make laughs more meaningful and time more precious. The walks around the lake are limited and all that much more impactful; the memories of years in the past or earlier that fall flood back in, and the wishes of going back arise. Wanting to do it all over again, make those friends again, laugh like you did when you first met, and never let the feeling of love for this place and the people go. And although you never will, soon, these experiences will exist only in good memories.

So, enjoy the walks and the talks, enjoy the laughs and the smiles. Let yourself have all the fun in the world and experience the beauty of not only the land but of the relationships being fostered. Appreciate the people you are with, because just as Mirror Lake will not be in your backyard forever, these people will not be within a handholding reach for much longer. So, hold on tight while you still can.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Machai Davis ‘25

October 22, 2024 by Jace Donawa

“I am a 3-year senior hailing from Bermuda. I am a part of the U-19 boys soccer team and hope to attend college through soccer recruitment. I am enjoying my time at Northwood and would not change it for the world. I will remember it for the rest of my life. There have been many difficulties, but the community has always been there for me.

“I came to Northwood because the head coach of the soccer team, Jon Moodey, recruited me. I met Coach Moodey when I was around 13 years old when he came to my club in Bermuda. I visited numerous schools in Connecticut, but COVID slowed the process. Years later, I got the opportunity to come to Northwood, and it was something I could not turn down.

“My favorite part of Northwood is Winter Carnival without a doubt. This is the time of the year when the school spirit is highest, and everyone comes together.

“My goals for the year are to be consistent both academically and athletically, which, after my previous two years, I feel that I have down to a T. My biggest motivation for achieving these goals is setting a good example for my younger brother [Kimani Davis, 26’], who also attends Northwood.”

As told to Jace Donawa ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Ski Jumpers Have Impressive Early Results

October 22, 2024 by Jack Kroll

Northwood’s 2024-25 Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Team is the biggest team the school has ever had. The team is not only making noise with their size but also their results. Earlier this month, Mitchell Penning ‘25 traveled to a FIS (Federation of International Skiing) Cup in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, where he scored his first career FIS Cup points. The FIS Cup is the first level of international competition; to score points in it, you must get top-30 in a competition. Mitchell is “really happy to get some points,” and it “opens the door for me to be able to go to Continental Cups,” which is the second level of international competition in Ski Jumping.

Henry Loher ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

From Switzerland, Mitchell traveled to Otepaa, Estonia, where he met up with Henry Loher ‘26. Otepaa was Henry’s first FIS Cup. Henry competed in three competitions in Otepaa, and his best result was 33^rd. Henry says he “wishes he had scored points” since it was the goal of the trip but is “happy to experience competing against some of the best in the world.” In the same competitions, Mitchell scored more points, securing another 30^th place.

Mitchell and Henry returned to Lake Placid from Estonia just in time for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined USA National Championships. Luckily, they didn’t have to travel far as the competition was right here in Lake Placid, New York, as a part of the 2024 Flaming Leaves Festival. On the first day of the competition, Northwood had four athletes in the top 30 on the Normal Hill. Henry had the best result, getting 13^th. That afternoon, Jack Kroll ‘25 and Max Fey ‘28 competed in the Nordic Combined race. The race was Max’s first ever 10k Nordic race and he got 9^th. Henry, Jack, and Mitchell competed in Sunday’s Large Hill event, and all three finished in the top twenty, with Mitchell getting 10th.

Henry Loher ‘26 on the HS128, Photo by Nancie Battaglia.

Jack Kroll ‘25 on the HS128, Photo by Nancie Battaglia.

NYSEF Northwood Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined head coach Colin Delaney is “happy that the team is growing and getting great results.” Delaney says he “can’t wait to see what they do this winter.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

Recognizing Accountability: Franny Gerardi’s Fitness Center Initiative

October 22, 2024 by Griffin Beam

Coach Franny Gerardi (Photo Provided)

To promote accountability and respect among student-athletes, Ms. Franny Gerardi, the Assistant Girls’ Hockey coach at Northwood School, has implemented a new initiative in the fitness center. Recognizing the need for a more organized space, she has hung up photos showing the expected condition of the gym after use. This initiative aims to put students into better habits and create a stronger sense of community among Northwood’s athletic teams.

“I was often frustrated when my girls would come in to lift, and the fitness center was a mess,” Gerardi said. “This initiative is not just about cleanliness; it’s about building respect and accountability. I believe that if we all take care of this space together, it will strengthen our school community,” Gerardi added.

The results of this initiative have been great so far, with Gerardi noting, “I’m already seeing positive results. The photos serve as helpful reminders for students to put things back in their place. It’s about taking ownership of the space we all share.”

The idea came from her observations during fitness center training sessions, where equipment was often left scattered, and the gym was often being used improperly. “This space is incredibly important for the progression of our athletes,” Gerardi said. “We need to keep it nice for everyone who uses it, from the girls’ hockey team to the boys’ hockey team and soccer players.”

Students have responded positively to the changes. Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25, a member of the girls’ hockey team, shared her opinion on Gerardi’s changes, “I think the changes to the fitness center are definitely a good addition. We have a nice big gym that everyone in the school uses, and it stays a lot nicer when everything is put back into place and kept neat and clean. As a team, I think it is now the expectation to keep the fitness center organized the way it should be.”

Gerardi’s initiative aims to improve the physical state of the fitness center and to bring together the student-athlete community at Northwood School. “When we show each other respect by keeping our shared space clean, we’re setting an example for all students,” Gerardi remarked. “It’s about accountability, teamwork, and taking pride in our school.”

With these changes, Franny Gerardi is making moves towards not just a cleaner fitness center but a better and more respectful athletic community at Northwood School. The impact of her initiative may well extend beyond the gym, teaching values that can last a lifetime.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Catching up with Mitch Baker ‘24

October 22, 2024 by Jace Donawa

Mitchell Baker ’24. Photo: Georgetown Athletics.

Northwood Alumni Mitch Baker 24’ was a 3-years soccer player who came to Northwood from Australia. After a successful Northwood career, Baker landed at one of the best universities in the country, Georgetown University. Despite only having spent a few months there so far, Mitch has many reflections to make on his time since graduation last May.

“So far, college has been fun,” Baker said. I have had the opportunity to meet new people from all over America and other countries with different backgrounds. It is very different in comparison to Northwood because I’m in the city now, where everything seems more accessible, and the level is a lot higher in terms of quality and demand when it comes to the classroom and playing soccer. It feels as though it is at the next level which can be difficult, but so far, I am definitely enjoying my time,” Baker added.

Balance, Northwood’s theme for the 2024-25 school year, is also a theme of Baker’s time at Georgetown. “Being able to balance school and Soccer is pretty difficult. I think it is somewhat harder than Northwood, but I think Northwood prepared me well for this type of situation because of the amount of traveling with the soccer team. With that being said, the classes are a lot harder, so the work is more difficult, but having to do work on the road over the last few years really helped me mentally prepare for this situation,” Baker said.

Baker is off to a strong start in soccer. “In terms of Soccer, I’m very happy with the season so far, but there’s obviously room for improvement. I tend to set the bar really high for myself, so it’s rare that I’m satisfied, but I feel as though I started the season off well in terms of goal-scoring. Recently, I haven’t been scoring quite as much, but my game has really developed in terms of the technical side and the little details. I know that in due time, the goals will come and that I just have to keep working hard and focus on the smaller things that contribute a lot to the team,” Baker said.

There are things he misses about Northwood. “The part I miss most about Northwood is definitely the people. Being there for 3 years, I saw the same people every day for three years of my life, which allowed me to build many close connections and friendships. Going from seeing these people every day to not seeing them at all is strange. Northwood had a very family-oriented vibe, making it a lot easier for me personally. I like to challenge myself, so I don’t necessarily miss the easy lifestyle, but with it being easier, it was a lot more fun.”

Baker has some advice for seniors who aspire to play sports in college. “I think student-athletes should have big summers coming into college, I think senior year in high school and the summer before college should be a grinding period. It’s important because you don’t want to come to college and start slow as everything is a lot harder. You have to be fit for your sport because you don’t want to spend half of the season trying to get fit because the season is only so long. At Northwood, with the school being so small, you’re only competing with very few people, so I’d say don’t get complacent, as Northwood is a small pond compared to college. You have to be disciplined, but at the same time, they say college is supposed to be the best four years of your life, so make the most of it and relish your time,” Baker added.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Seniors Reflect on “Last First Quarter”

October 22, 2024 by Sydney Kuder

Friday, October 18^th, marks the end of the first quarter for Northwood’s 2024-2025 school year. For seniors, it’s the last first quarter of their time at Northwood. I asked a few of them for their reflections on this quarter.

Cara Dempsey ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

For Cara Dempsey ‘25, the first quarter was a solid base for the year. “I hope to have an upward trajectory and feel good, but know there are improvements to be made.” Her favorite part of this quarter was her Robotics class. She had never taken a hands-on class like robotics before and enjoyed working with the tools. As for next quarter, she is looking forward to starting the ski season and training in Copper, Colorado, in November.

Teegan Wardlaw ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Teegan Wardlaw ‘25 has had an okay start to the year. “I haven’t been getting preferred grades because I’m still adjusting to my hard classes this year. I am taking AP Lit, Advanced STEM Research, Advanced Humanities Research, studio hours, and Calc.” She has also been stressed about her college applications and looks forward to submitting them next quarter. She loved meeting new people and making new friends in the first quarter. “As a senior, I want to connect with everyone at the school before I leave,” Wardlaw said.

Michael Peluso ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Michael Peluso ‘25 feels confident. “I did well this quarter and am grateful to the support system I have here at Northwood for making the start of the year as great as possible.” Mike is on the Prep team, which has won two tournaments. He has loved building a connection with the hockey team this year. Next quarter, he looks forward to improving his academic standing and submitting his college applications.

Leo Doyle ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Leo Doyle, ‘25, feels stressed about this quarter but still thinks he has managed to stay on top of his work. He has loved being back playing soccer at Northwood but is sad that this is his last year here. For Leo, he can’t wait to submit his college applications next quarter. He also wants to enjoy his last year at Northwood and make lasting memories.