Ahmed Elganainy

Humans of Northwood: Nicolás Cedeño Silva ‘24

May 8, 2024 by Ahmed Elganainy

“I am from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I am a Senior and have been at Northwood since my Freshman year. I chose Northwood because it gives me all the opportunities I want to become whatever I want to become. It has a great soccer program has sent many players to great colleges. One of the things I like the most is the community. All the teachers are there for me when I need them, and the same goes for the students, who are amazing people.

“In my free time, I like to play the piano. I started to learn how to play the piano a year ago in the living room. If you have been with me since freshman year, you have probably seen my progress. I love dancing. I like to dance to all types of music. If you see me, I will probably be dancing.

“At college, I want to keep playing soccer while getting a degree, and hopefully, if things go well, I can get drafted into the MLS.

“After four years at Northwood, what I am going to miss the most is going on trips with the soccer team and the bonfires at the pavilion. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at Northwood, and I will always remember Northwood as a great place.”

As told to Ahmed Elganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Sebastian Pribula ‘24

December 6, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I came to Northwood this year because I wanted to become an independent young man who can bring something new to modern society. I also want to improve my hockey skills to pursue my dreams in college.

My favorite part about Northwood is the community. Everyone is like a big family, and we share the same space for a long period of time. This special place will teach you to appreciate the people you have around you and that you are never alone in whatever you are going through.

I enjoy doing photography and videography to capture bright moments of athletics and other types of events. One interesting thing about me is that whatever I do, I will finish it no matter what.

As told to Ahmed Elganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Roman Kravtchouk ‘24

December 6, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I’m from two places, kind of: Montreal and Moscow. I’ve live mostly in Montreal. I came to Northwood in 2022, and after graduation I want to go play junior hockey. My favorite part about Northwood is probably the discipline, character and organization it can build in you.

Apart from hockey, I like to do schemes with my brother from Montreal. An interesting thing about me is that I speak 3 languages: English, Russian, and French.

As told to Ahmed Elganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Commentary: A Call For a Ceasefire!

November 15, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

Israeli protesters demonstrate outside the Israeli army’s headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for a ceasefire in the war on Gaza, October 28, 2023. (Oren Ziv)

I’m sure everyone is following what’s happening in the Middle East right now, especially what’s happening between Palestine and Israel.

So, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to share with you my perspective as an Egyptian who was born and raised in that region.

First, some historical context: Egypt was attacked by Israel in 1967 and lost some territory in what’s known as “The 6-day War.” Later, in 1973, Egypt retaliated and won its land back.

Then, both countries decided that there had to be everlasting peace between Israel and Egypt, and they signed a peace treaty in 1979 brokered by the United States.

This is important for reasons I will explain later.

Now, back to the present day. On October 7^th, a Palestinian militant group called Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages.

There is no doubt that any sane person would condemn the killing and kidnapping of civilians. For me especially, as an Egyptian, we understand the evil that Hamas brings, as they crossed the borders during the Egyptian revolution in 2011 and attacked prisons in Egypt, releasing most of the terrorists that were being held there, who later became responsible for a lot of terrorism that took place in Sinai between 2011 till 2016.

So why do I condemn and actually hate Hamas, yet my commentary is titled, “A call for a ceasefire”?

Ever since what happened on October 7^th, Israel has been retaliating on the city of Gaza, where the Israeli government says that most Hamas militants are. However, the following points are missed by the Israelis:

Most Hamas leaders are not in Gaza or on Palestinian land but rather living very comfortably in Qatar, Turkey, and Iran.
So far, Israel has killed more than 8,000 Palestinians in the bombing campaign; more than half of this number are children, but do you know how many Hamas members have been killed? Six. Yes, only six, because Hamas militants hide inside the Gaza tunnels during the bombings, leaving the innocent Palestinians to be killed.
Moreover, Israel has cut electricity, water, and fuel from Gaza and has been allowing only small amounts of aid from neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan to hospitals and from the Red Crescent to reach Gaza, thus creating an impossible situation for more than 2 million in the sad city of Gaza.

So where will this leave the 250 hostages? Hamas has already claimed that 50 of them have been killed from the Israeli air strikes while the prime minister of Israel is now preparing for a land invasion of Gaza.

In conclusion, what Israel is doing now is inhumane for innocent Gaza civilians and is risking the lives of its own people who are held hostages.

Therefore, an immediate ceasefire is a must, something that almost all the countries in the United Nations have called for and was only opposed by the U.S. and a few other countries.

A cease-fire would put a hold on all the killing of innocent lives and would give Israel the chance to negotiate the release of the hostages that Hamas is holding.

What will happen next, only God knows, but I know that just like Egypt and Israel managed to sustain their peace now for over 40 years, a fair and just peace must be reached between the Palestinians and the Israelis for the sake of all of us.

That’s why I call for a ceasefire!

Filed Under: Opinion

Humans of Northwood: Arthur Kaufmann ‘24

November 15, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I am a first-year postgraduate student at Northwood. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I also spent the majority of my childhood. Prior to moving to Northwood, I studied in Florida for two years.

I want to study kinesiology in college and deepen my awareness of the human body. I chose Northwood in an effort to improve my athletic performance while maintaining a solid academic standing. The people here have been so hospitable and supportive and have made me feel at home during my time here.

In addition to soccer, when I have free time, I particularly enjoy playing the piano and hanging out with friends. Something interesting about me is I am the youngest of three brothers and have three nationalities Filipino, Swiss, and Japanese.

As told to Ahmed El Ganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Anderson Smyth-Trider ‘24

November 15, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I am a first-year senior from Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada. I came to Northwood for its unique academic approach and great hockey team. My favorite part of Northwood has been road trips with the hockey team and my STEM research projects.

Other than hockey, I enjoy hanging out with friends and working out. Something interesting about me is that I speak French, as I am from the only bilingual province in Canada!

As told to Ahmed El Ganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

An Idiot’s Guide to Soccer: Offside

November 1, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

If you have watched a game of soccer before, I am sure you’ve wondered what offside is. I am here to tell you all you need to know so that you can be an informed fan of Husky soccer.

According to Law 11 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game, a player is in an offside position if he or she (any part of the head, feet or body) is closer to the opponent’s goal line than the second to last defender and the ball – and he is in the opponent’s half of the field.

That is the official rule, but it’s confusing, so let me explain it better. The offside rule in soccer is a way to ensure fair play and prevent goals from players hanging in front of their opponent’s goal. A player is considered offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defending player (usually the goalkeeper is last the last defender) when the ball is played to them.

It is not a violation merely to be in an offside position. It only becomes an offense if the offside player gains an advantage from being in that position or interferes with an opponent. The rule is applied to encourage skillful gameplay while preventing unfair advantages.

If a player is deemed offside, the opposing team is awarded a free kick or an indirect free kick, depending on the location and circumstances of the offside offense. The free kick is taken from the place where the offside violation occurred.

We asked a few hockey players what they think the offside rule is, and this is what they had to say.

“If you’re behind the defense of the other team before your teammate plays the ball,” Pete Moore ’24 said.

“Doesn’t the ball have to cross before you?” asked Ritter Coombs ’25.

“The player has to be in front of the last defender before the ball is played,” said Will Schneid ’25.

So, obviously our hockey players need this explainer. They have the idea of it correct, but not 100%.

Here is a diagram and a short video of what is an offside position and what is not:

Read other articles in the “Idiot’s Guide to Soccer” series.

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: IdiotGuideSoccer

Soccer Teams Have Strong Showing in Family Weekend Matches

October 31, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

Mitchell Baker ’25 in action at home in the rain on October 7, 2023. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

This was an exciting weekend for the Soccer team, with many goals scored for both teams. This weekend was special because it was Family Weekend, and the players got to play in front of their families in an exciting weekend.

Starting with the U17s on Saturday, they had their first game against Hoosac School, which was an easy game on paper, but Hoosac came with passion and determination to try to get a positive result after losing 6-1 the week before. They were on track for redemption, winning 1-0, until Said El Eyessami ’26 equalized with some time to go for the Huskies to try to grab a last-minute winner and complete the comeback. But one goal was all they were able to get on Saturday in a tie game that was very tough.

Next, the U19 squad faced Kiski School, which was also exciting. The boys conceded a goal early to go down 1-0 until Jordan Shullenburger ’24 equalized to make it 1-1, but that was all, and Northwood lost the game 3-1 in what was a difficult and hard-fought game.

Sunday was a different outcome, from the weather to the result. Starting with the U19s, they were playing against Phelps School and were ready to win and wouldn’t be happy with any other result. Northwood went down 1-0 early on once again, but Syracuse-bound Sachiel Ming ‘24 equalized to make it 1-1, but Phelps scored again to end the half ahead 2-1. Following a few substitutions and some tactical changes by Coach Moodey, Mitchell Baker ‘25 scored an equalizer to make it 2-2, and very soon after, Baker scored again on a penalty to make it 3-2 for the Huskies. Phelps responded again, and it looked like the match would end in a 3-3 draw until Baker did what he does best and scored the winner on an amazing cross from Sam Knauf ’24 to win the game for the Huskies 4-3, earning them their first 3 points in the Prep Premier League.

The U17 team was played IHC School, which was another very tough game. The game started with IHC going up 2-0 early on, but the boys did not give up, and Diogo Charraz ’25 scored an amazing free kick from outside the penalty box to get one back to make the score 2-1. Jace Donawa ’25 scored the equalizer with a few minutes to go, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

“This weekend went great. We had a lot of players who haven’t previously had much playing time get to participate, which is essential to their development, so that was really important,” head coach Jose Coss said. “In the IHC game, we saw an impressive performance. The team was resilient and fought hard to overcome a 2-0 score at halftime and had plenty of chances to win the game. We are playing game to game. Keep on reinforcing team spirit and companionship while working on our playing style as we have done so far,” Coss added.

Filed Under: Sports

Humans of Northwood: Li Feng ‘24

October 11, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I am a senior from South Korea. This is my first year at Northwood School, and I’d like to hopefully stay for another year before going to university.

My agent works with Coach Moodey, and he reached out to Moodey asking if I could join the soccer team as a senior. Thankfully, Coach agreed, and that’s how I made my journey to Northwood.

So far, I’ve been enjoying my experience, being exposed to various cultures and activities I would have never been exposed to. Although soccer is my favorite interest, I am also intrigued by entrepreneurship and innovation. After Northwood, I hope to study at a university that offers a great entrepreneurship or economics program.

As told to Ahmed Elganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Nicolás Cedeño Silva ‘24

October 11, 2023 by Ahmed Elganainy

I am from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I am a Senior and have been at Northwood since my Freshman year. I chose Northwood because it gives me all the opportunities I want to become whatever I want to become. It has a great soccer program that has sent many players to great colleges. One of the things I like the most is the community. All the teachers are there for me when I need them, and the same for the students, who are amazing people.

In my free time, I like to play the piano. I started to learn how to play the piano a year ago in the living room. If you have been with me since my freshman year, you have probably seen my progress. I love dancing, I like to dance to every type of music. If you see me, I will probably be dancing.

At college, I want to keep playing soccer while getting a degree, and hopefully, if things go well, I can get drafted into the MLS.

After four years at Northwood, what I am going to miss the most is going on trips with the soccer team, and the bonfires at the pavilion. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at Northwood, and I will always remember Northwood as a great place.

As told to Ahmed Elganainy ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge