Anna Monette

It’s the People, Not the Place: Seniors Reflect on their Experience

May 14, 2026 by Anna Monette

As the year wraps up and all seniors have many lasts, many of us reflect on what makes Northwood so special.

“Something I will miss most is its location. Something I have tried to take advantage of during my time here is the access to the outdoors. There are so many great places to swim, run, bike, hike, or hang out with your friends outside. I am really going to miss running around and swimming in the lake with my friends,” said Jack Kroll. Lake Placid is such a special place and gives everyone at Northwood an opportunity to explore the outdoors. Many people describe Lake Placid in winter as a snow globe, and although it is just a location, it is one that Kroll and his classmates will miss very much.

“I would say going to the fire and listening to music, or when the beach is open, and everyone is there,” said Anja Robertson. Although this may seem like little details, things like these are what people remember and have such a huge impact on them. Leanne Laurin also said, “Going in town with friends and playing cards in the living room,” showing that it really is the small things that make Northwood so special.

Most people had the same answer: “the people” or “the community.”

“My favorite part of being at Northwood is the bonds I have built with everyone. Over time, teammates have become more than just people I play with; they have turned into close friends I can count on. Some of the best moments happen off the field, especially when we are all together at hotels during trips. Those times are full of laughs, inside jokes, and the enjoyment of being around each other. It is those memories and connections that make the experience so special and something I will always remember. “It’s the people, not the place,” said Ashton Khory. Khory put this perfectly into words, and when you think about it, it’s crazy how automatically over half the seniors I asked said the people, since we are surrounded by people who come from different countries and have so many different backgrounds. Still, we are all so like-minded and came to Northwood for a chance to be better people, and every day we push each other to be better.

Northwood is such a special place with very special people, and it has given me and many others memories we will never forget.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Exam Season Tips

May 13, 2026 by Anna Monette

As the end of the year approaches, so do finals, AP Tests, and final projects. Although studying is harder by the end of the year, since all anyone wants to do is be outside in the nice weather or with their friends, it is important to focus on your schoolwork and grades to make sure to end the year off right.

One study habit that I think is important and helps me get more done is to schedule breaks. For example, study or do your homework for about 45 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. This can help you not get overwhelmed and help you really focus on your work for 45 minutes, and then take a 10-minute break to help your brain rest, then you can get back to work.

Another thing that helps me study and get my work done is to hide my phone from myself. For me and many others, my phone can be a big distraction and keep me from getting work done. So now one helpful thing I do is either lock my phone in my safe and don’t allow myself to use it until I’m done with my work, or if that is too tempting, I give my phone to a trusted friend who won’t give it back until the end of study hall.

An important thing to remember is that, even though it is spring and most of us are not in season, make sure you still get plenty of rest and eat the right food. This can help ensure your brain is well-rested and will help you do better on your tests.

Remember, if you get stressed during your test, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Good luck in all finals!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Training Smarter: What WHOOP Taught Me About Performance and Recovery

April 30, 2026 by Anna Monette

This article is part of Northwood School’s Peak Pathways Program—a year-long, student-driven independent study that empowers students to explore topics they are passionate about in depth. Through research, creativity, and real-world application, students take ownership of their learning and produce meaningful work that extends beyond the classroom.

Many Peak Pathways projects culminate during Publication Week, when students share their work with authentic audiences. By publishing in The Mirror, these students contribute to a broader conversation, offering original perspectives, insights, and creative expression to the Northwood community and beyond.

The WHOOP band and phone interface. Photo: whoop.com.

I am a third-year senior here at Northwood, and I have been in the Peak Pathway for two years now. It has taught me many real-world lessons and given me a chance to earn credit for learning about topics and developing skills I truly care about. Last year, I helped the Lake Placid community by volunteering in a learn-to-skate program with little kids. This year, I took my focus in a different direction, focusing on the wearable technology WHOOP and how it can help me improve as an athlete.

At the start of this project, I was most interested in how data could be used to improve training and if the WHOOP was accurate. I did not realize at the time how detailed and impactful WHOOP’s data could be. Throughout the project, I collected and analyzed my WHOOP data, focusing on key metrics such as heart rate, variability, resting heart rate, sleep quality, and daily strain. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how closely these variables are connected. For example, when I slept poorly, my recovery score dropped, directly affecting how I performed the next day.

This graph shows the positive effect water had on my WHOOP recovery score.

Another thing I did throughout this project was to conduct many experiments, such as comparing working hard and overworking, how hydration affects you, the effects of Screen Time, the effects of morning light, the effects of naps during the day, and many more. I learned a lot about these topics and about myself through doing them. My favorite experiment was hydration; I did a week of drinking lots of water, and my WHOOP recovery showed how powerful the impact was for me.

Another experiment that taught me a lot was the difference between hard work and overwork. I looked at my data for a few days. I would work hard, not recover, and continue to over-push for the next few days, which ended up setting me back instead of improving, as shown by my WHOOP data and how I would wake up feeling. I also listened to many podcasts about this, which taught me it is OK to take days to recover.

Overall, this project changed the way I think about training and recovery. I now understand that performance is not just about working harder, but about finding the right balance between effort and recovery. This experience helped me build self-awareness around topics I am passionate about and gave me tools and knowledge that I can continue to use in the future.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World Tagged With: PathPathwayPub

For the Record: Reese Combe ’26 Brings Original Album to Life

April 24, 2026 by Anna Monette

This year in the Peak Pathways Program, Reese Combe ’26 has been going above and beyond, creating her own album. According to Northwood’s website, “The Peak Pathways Program at Northwood is a flagship academic offering that provides students with a transformative, year-long independent study experience. This customizable program empowers students to take ownership of their education by pursuing in-depth projects on topics they are passionate about, fostering personal growth, and preparing them for success in high school, college, and beyond.”

Reese Combe ’26 performing at the Winter Concert. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

For class, she is writing an album called “For the Record.” She is writing 5-6 original songs, and her favorite is her most recent, “Reminds Me of You”. One of her songs was even posted on Northwood’s YouTube during Giving Day. That song was called “Big Yellow House.”

Reese has always loved music since she was little, and she loves all kinds. The class helps her connect with music on an even deeper level. She loves music because “you can be so creative, and each song and genre is so unique.” In college, she plans to pursue a career in the music industry. After college, songwriting or performing are among her goals.

Reese Combe ’26 performing at the Spring Concert. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

Reese has also excelled at one of the main focuses of the Peak Pathways Program: creating real-world connections. Her favorite real-world connection so far is Caroline Jones, a member of the Zach Brown Band. “My Call with Caroline Jones was super insightful. She gave really great advice about taking advantage of the opportunities that you are given, especially at my age. And that her biggest regret was holding herself back because she was scared of sharing her music,” Reese said.

Her publishing plan is to perform a concert at Northwood, featuring all her original songs and playing some covers.

Filed Under: People, Top Story

53 Wins and More: Reflecting on the Girls’ Hockey Season

March 26, 2026 by Anna Monette

The girls’ hockey team, seen here celebrating their fourth Northwood Invitational championship in a row. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The girls ended their season this Sunday, finishing with a 53-18-2 record and ranked 7^th in the country. Along with two tournament wins and having all seniors continue their hockey and academic careers in college, this group showed what it means to play Husky hockey and work hard.

Although the team fell short in the league championship game, losing 3–2 to NAHA in double overtime, the result does not diminish the resilience and determination they showed all year.

For the seniors, the final game carried an even deeper meaning. Not only did it mark the end of the season, but also the end of their time at Northwood and their youth hockey careers. For many, the reality of it all did not fully set in until the final whistle blew. In that moment, everything—from early morning practices to long weekends and cold winter days—felt worth it. It’s something many would do again without hesitation.

This year’s team was especially close-knit. Despite early doubts from others who believed the team was “too young,” the players proved otherwise. They grew together throughout the season, building strong chemistry and continuing to trust the processes every day, which led them to one of the top rankings in the country.

This group definitely raised the bar for the teams to come and set a new standard for future Northwood teams.

Filed Under: Sports

Looking Forward to Spring at Northwood

March 20, 2026 by Anna Monette

As many students wrap up their sports season, the weather starts to get nicer, and snow starts melting, many people wonder what they are going to do with their free time. Here are some of the many activities Northwood students enjoy during the Spring.

Playing Spikeball after dinner is a popular spring activity at Northwood. Photo provided.

One of the most popular activities is Spikeball. Many students got a preview of this in the fall when we played before dinner, but in the spring, Spikeball is played almost all night until students are forced to go inside for study hall. Spikeball can sometimes get very intense, but it is always a fun time. It is also a wonderful way to talk to people you have never talked to before.

Another fun activity is hiking up Cobble. Now that the snow is melting, it is easier to get up, and the short hike offers a great view. I especially recommend doing this during sunrise or sunset to get the full effect of how beautiful the place we get to call “home” is. Cobble is always a fun time, whether it’s with a huge group of people or just you and a friend.

Atop Cobble in the spring. Photo by Eliza Quackenbush ’25.

An activity that is still done in winter but is much more enjoyable in nicer weather is a walk around the lake. In the past, many students would stop at Starbucks along the way to grab a refreshing drink during the warmer months. However, this spring, the Starbucks location that students often visited was closed, which changed the experience a bit for those who enjoyed making it part of their walk. Also, sometimes hockey players will put on roller blades and roll around the lake instead of walking. Either way, walk or roll, this is another great way to spend your time during spring and enjoy the company of others, or enjoy a walk and the beauty Lake Placid has by yourself.

Last but not least, and definitely a favorite among all students, is Northwood Beach. Although it will be some time before this is open, you can promise that at least half the Northwood students will be there on a nice, warm day. It is the perfect place to swim or kayak, enjoy the sun, and play lawn games.

Although many students are sad as their season comes to an end, there is much to look forward to about spring at Northwood.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Pre-Game Ritual Penelope St-Pierre ‘27

March 12, 2026 by Anna Monette

This edition of student-athletes’ pre-game rituals features Penelope St-Pierre ‘27. This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Penelope St-Pierre ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“Before a game, it would be rare that you would hear me say a word. I get up super early on game days, and the first thing I do is text my dad, my biggest supporter. We will talk about hockey and have a good laugh. If we play early in the morning, I don’t eat anything, but if we play later, I will eat something. But I hardly ever eat before games, and if we have two games, you’ll always find me eating chicken or pasta with fruit.

“ Two hours before the game, I always have my headphones on, listening to my music. That’s my focus time. I’m in my bubble so I don’t hear anything around me. As soon as I arrive, the first thing I do is put on my hockey socks and change for warm-ups. On the road, Meg and I always sit beside each other in the locker room. I always warm up in slides; it’s been my ritual since the beginning of the season. No matter how cold it is, I will always be in slides. After warming up, I take five deep breaths to calm myself down and release the stress and pressure. Then I will go look at the rink and the ice for a little.

“About 20 minutes before the game, I sit alone against the wall. I talk to myself, I say positive things, and I remind myself why I’m here and all the sacrifices I’ve made to get here. I do that for about 5 minutes. About 15 minutes before the game, I start getting dressed. My skates are always the last piece of equipment I put on. It takes me about five minutes to get fully dressed.

“Then, I leave the locker room and sit on the floor across from Franny and Gilly, and we talk about hockey. About eight minutes before going on the ice, I go back to the locker room with my coaches. I am always the last to sit down and I splash some water on my face.

“Here we go! Our team always has two songs that we have a ritual for, and then it’s game time! And finally, after the team cheers, I always do my handshakes with Reese, Annette, and Sara.”

As told to Anna Monette ’26.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: PreGameRituals

Humans of Northwood: Rylie Griffiths ’26

February 25, 2026 by Anna Monette

“My favorite place to eat in town would be Jimmy’s 21 Eatery. Their Italian food is amazing. I always get the chicken parmesan. I also love the atmosphere, especially when we get to sit at the end of the restaurant overlooking Mirror Lake.

“Growing up from K to 12, I only had three girls in my class, and all the boys were in hockey, so naturally, it was something I wanted to try. It was hard to convince my mom to switch from figure skating, but as soon as I put on hockey gear at a birthday party, she couldn’t take it off. And ever since then, I continued to fall in love with the sport.

“The quote that inspires me is very simple, but I heard it nonstop growing up. My dad would always tell me, ‘The worst they can say is no.’ I still live by that today, and I apply it to all areas of my life as it forces me to have several plans when I take action on something.

“I heard about Northwood through hockey. When looking to play prep hockey in the States, the first thing an advisor told me was to play for a great coach. As soon as I toured and met Gilly, I knew I could develop as a player under his coaching style. This made my choice on where to go easy.

“Northwood is special to me because of the one-of-a-kind opportunities you get to experience. It has been a privilege to work, learn, grow, live, and laugh alongside people who were strangers in September and quickly became family.

“Once I graduate, I will be attending Post University in southern Connecticut to play Division I hockey in the fall. I will be studying finance and look forward to travelling back and forth to NYC in my free time.”

As told to Anne Monette ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Students Gather on Campus for Super Bowl Celebration

February 23, 2026 by Anna Monette

Before coming to Northwood, most students either spent Super Bowl Sunday with their families or did not watch the game at all. This year, many students who were on campus pushed couches together and gathered around the TV to watch the game as a group. Many described the night as having a very “home-like” feel.

Students gather in the living room to watch the Super Bowl game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Photo provided.

The crowd was made up mostly of girls’ hockey players, skiers, and members of the 16U hockey team, while many other students were still traveling for competitions. Although only about half of the group was actively watching the game and the other half was there mostly to socialize, everyone had a great time. “It was so much fun. I always watch it at home with my family, so it was so special to be able to do it here,” said Autumn Kelly ’26.

The dining hall helped make the night feel complete by providing classic Super Bowl food, including pizza, wings, and vegetables with ranch. Sitting together, eating game-day food, and watching on the big screen made it feel like a break from the usual routine.

Although the football game itself was a little on the boring side, since neither team had much offense, students still enjoyed watching the commercials and talking about which ones were their favorites.

Students gather in the living room to watch the Super Bowl game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Photo provided.

There was also a big debate about the halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. Many students thought the show was shorter than usual, and others didn’t enjoy it simply because they don’t listen to his music. Other students loved the performance and got up to sing along. “I love Bad Bunny. I thought his performance was quite good, even though a lot of other people thought otherwise. I found it very interactive, especially when he was talking to the camera almost like he was talking to us through the TV, and I loved his message about inclusivity,” said Sara Martin ’26.

Overall, it was a great night and a great way to bring the community together.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Girls’ Hockey Takes on the Toboggan Chute

February 10, 2026 by Anna Monette

The girls’ hockey team had a much-needed off weekend, and although it was mostly full of rest, about half the team took on the toboggan chute in Lake Placid. This was the first time for many of the girls, and although they passed by it daily, they either did not have time or were too scared. It was a fun time for all of us, and we were glad we did it.

At the toboggan chute. Photo provided.

Although it was very cold us nine bundled up and walked down though the lake at right after brunch “I’ve always wanted to do this and even though I’ve been here for three years ever winter seemed to pass by and I never had the time to do it” Oceanne Thiffault-Michel ’26 said “Being a senior I’m so happy I got to do it and ever happier I got to experience it with my team”

Normally, it is $10 for kids and $20 for adults to go down, but since we went to Northwood and were considered locals, we got to go down for free. We waited about 30 minutes, which was not a warm wait, but it was worth it. “It was definitely a cold wait, especially because we took the lake across, so my feet were already cold, but the wait seemed to pass fast since we were all laughing and talking during the wait,” said Ryan Erster ’27

About to launch down the toboggan chute. Photo provided.

Once at the top, we realized it looked much steeper than it did at the bottom. We separated our group into a sled of five and a sled of four. Once we were up, we all started to get excited. “I did this once before when I was about four years old, so I do not remember anything. I will definitely remember, and I will also remember how scared I was before my sled took off. I was on the first sled to take off, and after the guy assured us that we were safe, we were pushed down. I screamed a lot on the way down,” Said Lily Pratt ’26

Once we finished this fun, thrilling adventure, we immediately went to Fresh Tracks to get hot chocolate and end a great day.