Recap: The 2025 Commencement Ceremony

All photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At the 118th Northwood School commencement was held on May 17, 2025. What follows is a summary of the awards and distinctions from the event.

Read this article from Adirondack Daily Enterprise (May 20, 2025) for more information.

Speakers

Sophia DeAnzeris and Cedric Lemaire were the class speakers.
Pam Scheideler ’90 was the commencement speaker.

Head’s Council Recognition

Sophia DeAnzeris
Cara Dempsey
Diego Green
Jack Kroll
Sydney Kuder
Lohkoah Paye
Michael Peluso
Alex Randall
Will Schneid
Jenny Tran
Abigail Van Dorn

VANDERLYN R. PINE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

The Pine Award 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.

Dr. Scott Campbell

STUDENT PRIZES & AWARDS

THE IRA A. FLINNER AWARD

Ira Flinner served Northwood School as 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 recipient of the Ira A. Flinner Award.

William Schneid

THE HARRY MacDONALD AWARD

Harry MacDonald served behind the scenes at Northwood School for thirty years. The award in his name honors students for whom giving is more important than receiving and who put the greater good ahead of their own interests. For all he has done for the greater Northwood School community, we extend our gratitude to:

Jonathan “JT” Wint

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 extracurricular activity, and who is attending a four-year college or university next year.

Charles Leduc

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. Whether serving as a dorm parent, teaching French, leading our community service group, offering a maternal shoulder to students in need, or teaching hyper-competitive athletes to knit, Annie wasn’t just an instructor; she was a living personification of the school itself. This award recognizes a student who, like Annie, has understood and fully lived the Northwood experience. This year’s award goes to:

Alexander Randall

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Judith K. Good Student Leadership 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 in a fellow classmate. Sophia DeAnzeris, 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 Julianne Brochu for her achievements.

THE DON MELLOR AWARD

The Don Mellor award goes to that student whose participation in outdoor activities embodies Don’s love of our Adirondack environment and his determination to push himself and others to expand the boundaries of their courage. Whether scaling a rock face, rafting in whitewater, or simply living a worthy life, hundreds of Northwood’s students are braver, more prudent, and kinder people after their adventures with Don. This award is going to:

Alexander Randall

THE HEADMASTER’S PRIZES

This prize is awarded to the students in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the head of school, advised by the faculty, are individuals who have, through their character and enthusiasm, contributed in positive ways to enhance the culture of Northwood School.

Today, we honor a truly exceptional student, Lohkoah Paye. Throughout his years at Northwood, Koah has been a steady and dependable presence in every aspect of school life. Whether in the classroom, on the soccer field, or leading the Multicultural Student Club, Koah exemplifies accountability, responsibility, and grace. He was unanimously voted to serve as the president of the Multicultural Student Club and also served on the Headmaster’s Council—two roles that reflect the deep respect his peers and faculty have for him. Despite recently facing a tough injury, he continues to inspire his peers with his unwavering positivity and commitment. He may be a quiet force, but his impact is undeniable. We are proud to present the Headmaster’s Award to a truly remarkable human being—Lohkoah Paye.

The second recipient is one of the most consistently exceptional individuals in our community. Whether in the classroom or on the soccer field, Diego Green’s unwavering dedication and excellence shine through. He ranks among the top academically and is indispensable to our soccer program, always getting the job done with quiet leadership and integrity. His high moral standards and ability to lead by example make him a role model to his peers. Diego is not only a high achiever but also a thoughtful and tremendous human being. The Northwood community has been privileged to have him, and we are proud to recognize his remarkable contributions today.

When I asked faculty about who should receive a headmaster’s prize, one name kept coming up …. John Spear referred to this young lady as “solid on her feet and true to her values…..”Her advisor, Leigh Riffle, said, “She is the kind of person others look up to…A remarkable teammate and a loyal friend…. She has always put her teammates before her own interests.” I asked Ms. Carmichel about the first words that come to mind when she thinks about her, and she said, “her kindness and her smile…she’s principled and hardheaded in a good way.”  And Mr. Gilligan said, “This kid has courage….she made the decision 3 years ago to leave Newfoundland without ever setting foot in Lake Placid to embark on an unknown journey.  She leaves Lake Placid with lifelong friends, mentors, and a cemented legacy in the girls’ hockey program. ” For her selflessness, her willingness to stand for what she believes in, her courage, and yes, for her positive hardheadedness, it is my honor to present Laura Dyke with a headmaster’s prize!

When this young lady first walked through the doors at Northwood, she was quiet, reserved, and kept her cards close. She didn’t demand the spotlight, and frankly, she didn’t need to. From the beginning, she carried herself with quiet determination, a deep sense of purpose, and a work ethic that spoke louder than words ever could. She never took shortcuts. She just did the work, day in and day out, in the gym, in the classroom, and on the hill. Her recent commitment to Bates College, one of the country’s top-ranked Division I ski programs, might’ve surprised some, but it didn’t surprise Sydney Kuder. Her commitment and vision for herself never wavered. Sydney’s journey is a powerful reminder that quiet confidence, backed by consistent action and grit, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.  It’s a pleasure to recognize Sydney Kuder with a Headmaster’s Prize

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Senior Scholastic Awards honor the two graduating seniors who have achieved the highest academic averages over the past year.

: The highest ranking scholar: Casey Clausen

: The second highest ranking scholar: Meghan Crowley

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 has exemplified 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: Michael Peluso

THE NORTHWOOD AWARD

This award is given to a senior who has been, through influence, character, and service, an outstanding citizen of the school, embodying our highest ideals and showing a consistent will to work for the betterment of the entire Northwood community. This is our highest award. This year’s winner is: Sophia DeAnzeris

REMARKS MADE BY HEAD OF SCHOOL MR. MICHAEL MAHER

My Hopes for You

Before handing out diplomas, I’d like to share two hopes that I have for you, the soon-to-be graduates of the great class of 2025!

My first hope is that you keep Northwood in your heart and continue to embrace the school’s core values.

The awesome power of AI provides opportunities to advance society  in unprecedented ways, but AI also has the capability to overwhelm us with misinformation and misrepresentations that could challenge our moral foundation and impact our basic sense of right and wrong.

Our school values -Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Courage- are timeless principles, and adhering to them is a pretty good recipe for living a rich and meaningful life. During times when the world seems to be spinning out of control, when you might feel confused or disorientated by the rapid pace of change, take a deep breath and draw strength from the values that anchored you at Northwood and by the relationships that you formed with your classmates and teachers. We’ll be here for you, so stay in close touch!

My second hope is that you find a profession that you really love. I feel so fortunate to have found that profession. Working with kids has been the most inspiring part of my life. I hope I’ve helped a few kids along the way. But I know for certain how much my life has been enhanced by my interactions with you….how much you, Ad have inspired me by your courage to be yourself, how much you Sophia have inspired me by your grace and kindness, how much you Julianne have inspired me by your ability to change… how much you Will Schnied have impressed me by your strength and integrity….and so many more…I’ve learned that mentorship done well means that we as teachers benefit every bit as much as do our students. So, thank you, the members of the class of 2025, for being such good kids and for confirming in all of us the power of teaching.