Avery Novia

Dorm Tour: Sophia Miller ‘24

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

Sophia Miller is a Senior from Sun Valley, Idaho. This is her first year at Northwood and her first time at a boarding school far away from home. She lives in a basic single room on Second West. Here is a little tour!

Photo by Avery Novia ’24.

Sophia loves music. Her record wall is full of old vinyl, which was given to her by her dad. Every time she walks into her room, it reminds her of home. Her favorite one is The New England Express album.

Photo by Avery Novia ’24.

On this wall is the Taylor Swift Eras Tour Poster that Sophia got when she saw her live in Seattle. Below the poster is a dream catcher she has had since she was younger; it has been in every room she has lived in. Her pink Squish Mellow was a gift from her best friend, Mia, back at home. The bouquet of dried flowers was a gift from Mia’s mom, and they serve as a token of remembrance from their Eras Tour trip.

Photo by Avery Novia ’24.

Sophia bought this tapestry from a small shop in Idaho. This little decoration fills up the empty space in her room and makes it feel cozier. Below are more record sleeves, also given to her by her dad. Also pictured is her beloved Airpod Max, which she never leaves without. They come with her to every class, every gym session, and every travel, no matter what.

Sophia’s room is filled with love, whether from her parents or friends. It is a welcoming and unique space for her. She loves to have visitors at any hour of the day. Her room is the spot to be.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People Tagged With: DormRoomTour

Northern Lights Seen From Campus

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

A solar storm displayed the Northern Lights beautifully above our campus this past Friday. This happens when the sun throws out electrically charged particles that collide with the atoms of our atmosphere. This was a special moment for the Northwood community; it brought us together for the last weekend of the 2023-24 school year. Some students viewed the lights from the field or other spots on campus. The lights were only visible from Lake Placid for 10-15 minutes, starting around 11:20 and ending around 11:30 p.m. Those lucky enough to see it took some amazing photos to share with you all.

Photos provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Dorm Room Tour: Jenny Tran’ 25

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

Jenny Tran is a Junior from Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam. This is her second year at Northwood and studying in the States. Jenny lives in a basic single room on First West. Here is a quick tour of her room!

Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

Jenny’s snack shelf is always brimming with her favorite, Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup that reminds her of home. She buys different things every week, not just for herself, but to share with her friends, who love to raid her collection whenever possible.

Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

Her memory wall lives right above her bed. She started collecting pictures, letters, tickets, and other small sentimental things at the beginning of this school year. Her favorite things in her collection are her plane tickets because they remind her of her travels. She also likes the pictures of her and her friends from back home. They live so far away, and looking up is always a friendly reminder of their presence in her life.

Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

Jenny gets ready every morning and puts her jewelry in the mirror. Above it are posters that remind her to stay positive and motivated throughout the day. She loves jewelry, and last year, in her art class, she made her own dish to hold all her rings.

Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

On the left are all of Jenny’s pieces created before she came to Northwood. She used to draw and paint a lot growing up. On the right side of the wall are a couple of posters she bought as souvenirs in South Korea. She also has other pieces found at thrift stores and art galleries.

As you can see, Jenny has LED lights and a sunset lamp that are always on, creating a nice ambiance for studying and relaxing. The things Jenny has collected and how she has set up her room are tokens of who she is. It is a welcoming space that is unique to her.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People Tagged With: DormRoomTour

Dancers Showcase Skills in Spring Recital

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge

This past weekend, six Northwood students performed in the Dance Sanctuary’s spring show, “Out of this World.” They have been preparing for this recital since we returned from holiday break in January. There were 27 dances, and our students showcased their abilities by performing in five different dance styles: ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and junior and senior company.

For Teagan Wentzel ’24, this was her last recital with the Dance Sanctuary; she performed a solo during the Junior and Senior Company group dance. Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty, Mrs. Noel Carmichael, even performed in a beautiful dance with the Adult Modern group. It was evident that everybody worked hard to put on a fantastic show. I asked one of our very own students, Jenny Tran ’25, a few questions about her experience, and here is what she said.

The Mirror: “How were your practices leading up to the show?”

Jenny Tran: “To be honest, practice was very chill. Because of how much time we put in, I have gotten used to the routine and knew exactly what I had to do to prepare for the recital.”

TM: “How did you feel about your performance?”

JT: “Dancing with my friends is an awesome experience I am grateful to have had. Even though I messed up at some parts, I felt great about my performance at the end.”

TM: “What will you miss about the seniors leaving this year?”

JT: “I am really going to miss Teagan. We always goof around during practice, and she has also helped push me a lot.”

Jenny said her favorite dance was their contemporary piece to the soundtrack from “La La Land.”

Another student, Ashley Guevara ’24, who came to support her friends, said, “The recital was amazing. I love watching my friends show off something they worked so hard at. They all did great, and I’m super proud of them.” She also agrees that her favorite dance was the contemporary piece.

Paulo Marcilio ’25 said his favorite dance was the hip-hop piece to songs from the “Barbie Movie.” He said that the show was great and fun to watch. He is not the biggest fan of stuff like this, but he had a great time and enjoyed it a lot.

Overall, this was a great night. At the end, we all ran up to give our dancers hugs and congratulate them on their accomplishments. We finished off by celebrating with pizza and wings. Good job, everybody; we cannot wait to see what you guys have in store for this fall!

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Climbing Adirondack Rock

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

Rock climbing in Cascade Pass. File photo.

Northwood Outing Club climbers have gotten lucky with an exceptionally sunny and warm spring. Mr. Bob Emery has been taking students to explore the beautiful rocks and cliffs of the Adirondacks. They’ve had the opportunity to visit classic spots like the Beer Walls, Jewels and Gems, Pitchoff, and more. Skills such as belaying, anchor building, and knot-tying have been prioritized this season. Although almost everyone is at a different experience level, all kids can have the same fun experience as one another and bond over fun in the outdoors.

Students have had the opportunity to climb with the amazing Don Mellor on climbs such as Frosted Mug (5.9), Flying and Drinking and Drinking and Driving (5.10a), which was first put up by Mr. Mellor himself, and Tequila Mockingbird (5.10b). Individuals have had their own triumphs in climbing this season. For instance, Avery Novia ’24 had the incredible opportunity to work alongside Doug Ferguson, owner of Mountain Skills Climbing Guides, during her AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course. Other students, like Alex Randall ’25 and Colton Cushman ’25, have stepped up to lead routes and set up top-rope climbs for their peers, demonstrating their growing confidence and skills.

Mr. Emery has given the NOC climbers a unique opportunity to push themselves, learn new technical skills, and get outside. While working with him, he gives lessons on the different types of anchor building, gear placement, and safety while climbing. As the 2023-24 school year ends, we could not be more grateful to Mother Nature for this beautiful weather. Northwood students will reflect on and remember their amazing adventures with the NOC climbing program this spring. Returning students are already giddy for this upcoming fall and cannot wait for what lies ahead as they enter their next year of school here in the incredible Adirondacks.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Braving the Whitewater

May 12, 2024 by Avery Novia

Alex Randall ’25 white-water kayaking in the spring of 2023. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

This spring, Mr. Bobby O’Connor, Mr. Matthew Roy, and Mr. Eric Adsit have been guiding students through the Intro to Whitewater Kayaking, a program that prioritizes safety without compromising on the thrill. Whitewater kayaking involves using a kayak to navigate along wild rapids formed by the river. These students practice their paddling skills, exits, and safety techniques daily, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the Adirondack rapids.

To start, students were taught baseline skills such as how to hold their paddle, correct clothing and gear, and how they should fit inside their boat. This was taught on dry land so everybody could feel comfortable and start on an equal playing field for the beginning of the season. During these land sessions, everybody got fitted for equipment such as wetsuits, helmets, spray skirts, and the kayak itself. Once all the students found their perfect fits, they were taught how to wear their gear, correctly fit it to the boats, and adjust the boat to their liking.

After these fittings, students were brought to the North Country Community College pool. Here, they learned how to get comfortable in the water without the pressure of being pushed down a moving river. These pool sessions started with learning how to get into your kayak, how to produce strong strokes with the paddle, and how to wet exit. Every Wednesday for three weeks, these basic skills were practiced, and over time, some students even learned their roll – an essential skill for any whitewater paddler to have in case of capsizing. Between these sessions, Mr. O’Connor began taking paddlers to live water. They started easy on places like Mirror Lake and Lake Placid, which have no rapids but eventually moved on to rivers such as the west branch of the Ausable, the Saranac River, and Redford.

As the weeks pass and the students become more adept at handling technical terrain, their strength and skills will continue to grow. At the end of the year, a select group of these paddlers will embark on a thrilling adventure: the Sea Kayaking LEAP in the United Kingdom. This two-week paddling trip through Europe will provide them with a unique opportunity to work with experienced paddling instructors and paddle alongside professionals such as Steve Maynard, the SUNY Plattsburg kayaking instructor. The anticipation for this adventure is palpable, and despite the current year ending, the students are already looking forward to the next season of kayaking with the Northwood Outing Club.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

What to Expect from NOC this Spring

March 27, 2024 by Avery Novia

Renaud Lalancette ’24 in a whitewater kayak. Photo: NOC.

This winter, the Northwood Outing Club (NOC) tackled the world-class Whiteface Mountain, skied the Adirondack backcountry, and climbed multiple pitches of classic ice climbs. Unfortunately, we had a warmer winter than usual. However, on the bright side, this early spring means that NOC can jump right into warm-weather activities as students return from spring break.

During this awkward transition between winter and spring, the ice is too melted to climb, there is not enough snow to ski, but the temperature outside is too cold to rock climb, and there are still partially frozen rivers and lakes. These circumstances make it difficult for students to participate in various recreational activities, so instead of just sitting around, Northwood Outing Club Director Bobby O’Connor likes to offer lessons on the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course, strength train in the climbing gym, and go on small hikes like Balanced Rocks, or Catamount Mountain, when the weather is warm.

When the Northwood Students return from break, we will begin our spring schedule: classes in the morning and extracurriculars in the afternoon. For many athletes, their seasons are over, meaning they will get the choice to join NOC and explore the Adirondacks. Mr. O’Connor and other experienced mentors will bring students paddling, rock climbing, fly fishing, and hiking this spring season. Although some sports may sound intimidating for beginners, they are all suitable for any experience level. Learning how to paddle takes place in Mirror Lake, with the help of the excellent Mr. Roy. NOC athletes will learn the basics of whitewater kayaking: safety precautions, the necessary gear, how to use it, and how to get used to being in a kayak and paddling it. Once you are comfortable, learning how to roll a kayak properly is the next step. This is a necessary skill when paddling white water. Once you master all the basic techniques, you will have opportunities to get out onto actual Adirondack whitewater.

Kayaking isn’t the only beginner-friendly activity; rock climbing is also an all-level sport. When going out with the group, Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Emery ensure routes are accessible to all participating students. Not only do we enjoy climbing, but we also learn the basic knot-tying and belaying skills that go with it.

Regarding fly-fishing, students will set out with Mr. Garvey first, learning about the correct equipment and how to cast on our indoor turf. After mastering the cast, students will take to the water to catch some fish!

April is an exciting time in the school year, and joining the Northwood Outing Club makes it even more fun. Spending time with old friends, making new connections, being active, and spending time outside in this beautiful area is just a tiny part of what makes NOC unique. We can’t wait to get out there and end the school year on a high note! Hopefully, we will see you out there; happy spring!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Emma Hathaway ‘24

March 27, 2024 by Avery Novia

“Living in Wilmington [NY] is very nice. The community is friendly and close because it is such a small town. I also enjoy having such quick access to Whiteface Mountain. Skiing is one of my hobbies outside of school, so it’s nice to be a mile or two away.

“I came to Northwood last year as a junior. Before that, I went to Lake Placid High School. I decided to switch schools because I thought it would be a better fit for me and strengthen my academics. I really enjoy the different people who go to Northwood. It’s a super diverse community compared to my old school, and it is nice to be able to meet friends who don’t live locally.

“As an independent student at Northwood, I don’t have a set sport to play. For my extracurriculars, I do CARE, which is Northwood’s community service program, and last year, I was a part of the dance team. I really enjoy working with CARE. They do a lot to help the community, and a big lesson I’ve taken away is to help others no matter what because you never know when somebody needs it and how big of a difference it can make.

“My plan for the rest of the year is to spend the last couple months of school with my friends and making as many memories as possible. I’m going to NCCC for college to study nursing, so I don’t have to worry about decisions anymore. After grad I’m going to spend the summer having fun and preparing to move into school.”

As told to Avery Novia ’24. Photo provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Northwood Jitney Essentials

February 28, 2024 by Avery Novia

Every Sunday from 3-4, Northwood students can grocery shop at Price Chopper. The trip to the store is called “Jitney.” Although this doesn’t seem like the most exciting adventure in the world, it is trendy. This time is used to buy drinks and snacks in bulk, stock up on candy, and purchase other essentials. I interviewed six students to get a little taste of their favorite tastes! These were the answers I received.

Ashley Guevara ’24: Lays Kettle Cooked Salt and Vinegar Chips and Berry Lemonade Health-Ade Kombucha.

Pete Moore ’24: Stacy’s Pita Chips and Microwave popcorn.

Jorja Gillis ’25: Matt and Steve’s The Extreme Bean – Garlic and Dill.

Sophia Sherman ’25: Tazo Chai Tea and Blueberries.

Léa Lambert ’24: Strawberries and raspberries.

Gus Garvey ’25: Blood Orange San Pellegrino, salami and cheese that can be put on Triscuits and fruit.

The most popular answer is berries, and for a good reason. I can level with Léa, Gus, and Sophia; I would be lying if I said I don’t get berries every time I go on a Jitney run. They go perfectly with yogurt, cheese, and chocolate or alone as a snack. Although Northwood has a lovely variety of fruits during breakfast and lunch, accessing your own fresh berries is a delightful treat.

Ashley is not the only one that proves that having your favorite drinks at your fingertips is a popular choice. While the school has a fountain machine, a hot chocolate machine, and a station for making tea or coffee, nothing can beat cracking open a cold can of San Pellegrino when studying for classes after midnight. A personalized homemade chai can be just the right thing to start your day with, and a cold glass of kombucha might be the perfect remedy if you’re not feeling at the top of your game.

Chips and popcorn are an obvious essential not only for your household but also for Pete’s snack drawer; however, pickled beans are a unique personal pleasure that is, as far as I’ve heard, only an essential for Jorja.

Because most of Northwood’s population is athletes, they are not always here to buy their favorite snacks every week. Thankfully, they have apps like Instacart or DoorDash that allow them to get their chips and fruit delivered at the push of a button.

Life at Northwood School is excellent, and the community makes it home, but what’s a home without your favorite foods and drinks?

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Outing Club Transitions to Winter Mode

December 14, 2023 by Avery Novia

Skiing and riding at Whiteface. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

All spring the Northwood Outing Club (NOC) participates in paddling, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and various other types of recreational activities. The fall season begins in September, but since the Adirondacks tend to get chilly quickly, it ends around late October or early November.

During the off-season, when it is too cold to go outside but too warm for snow and ice, NOC takes its annual Thanksgiving break trip to the beautiful Red Rocks Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. When school begins again, there isn’t much for the crew to do. They keep busy by traveling to climbing gyms from Burlington, Vermont all the way to Queensbury, New York. There are more local spots in Lake Placid, like Mt Van Hovenberg, and the climbing gym at Paul Smith’s College, located thirty minutes away in Paul Smith’s, NY. If traveling can’t work, staying at school and using Northwood’s climbing gym is always a great option.

Ice climbing. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

Now that it is December, the snow is falling, and the ice is forming. For NOC, this means that they can get back outside to participate in sports like ice climbing, skiing/snowboarding on the famous Whiteface Mountain, in the backcountry, and even cross country. Even if you have never tried these activities, NOC gives everybody the opportunity to participate and learn. With the amazing Bobby O’Connor as the teacher and the wide range of equipment that Northwood can lend out, every student is able to experience winter sports in the Adirondacks.

The NOC winter season entails students being able to ice climb in areas like the North Face of Pitchoff, Cascade Pass, and the Chapel Pond area. They are also able to ski tour up Wright Peak then go down the Angel Slides or take easier days through the Penny Glades. Students can ski the toll road or at Mt Van Hovenberg, take daily trips to ski and snowboard on Whiteface Mountain, and occasionally Gore Mountain.

On the gondola at Whiteface. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.

The opportunity to recreate in this beautiful area isn’t the only amazing thing about NOC in the winter; you also get to connect with others who share the same love and interest in these sports. Whether it be friends from school or professionals in the field, these connections allow you to enjoy going on these trips even more.

December is just the beginning of the Northwood Outing Club 2023-24 winter season. There are still many months to go. Holiday break is arriving quickly; sadly, this will put a small pause on all their adventures. You’ll get the chance to see these amazing students around the Adirondack Park when they get back, but until then, happy winter!