Wolfgang Lux has a very different schedule from other students at Northwood. He plays a bit for the varsity hockey team but mostly does luge. He’s been playing hockey for 12 years now, and he started this passion around 6 years old by just shooting pucks with his dad in the backyard. Luge is his main sport, and he is one of the best in the country for his age. You don’t see him very often at Northwood, since he’s always gone for competition or training in many European countries such as Austria, Germany, and Latvia. He is currently on the USA Junior National Luge Team and works hard on and off the track to accomplish his goal of making the USA Olympic team.

“I learned about Northwood when Northwood recruiters came to my hometown. I was interested in the high level of hockey, and later toured the school and right away fell in love. This was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve grown more than anything in the past 4 years at Northwood. I am forever grateful to be given the opportunity to be at this amazing school.

“My plan for next year is to go to basic training for the military and continue with my luge through the winter.

“I learned a lot at Northwood, especially how to be independent. I’ve learned to become more open with people and found myself always learning something new every day. The culture at this school has taught me my values, leadership skills, social skills, and academic excellence.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. I have learned that sometimes I can struggle so much that I learn the true strength I have to keep going.

“My biggest advice would be to take risks! Coming to Northwood was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, and one of the best ones, too. Take risks and fail so you can learn.”

As told to Charles Pigeon ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Mr. Justin Felhaber ’14. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

A day in the life of Justin Fehlhaber ‘14 is hectic, being involved with many roles on campus, from hockey to college counseling to teaching English and being a team Dean. “On a typical Tuesday, our team will have a lift in the morning, which I’ll lead them through, and then we’ll head straight to the rink for our team practice. The lift can be as early as 6:45 am, so getting into practice could be anywhere from 8:15 to 10 o’clock.”

“After that, we’re going to rush back, shower up, grab lunch, and try to get as much protein as possible. We then have our first flex of the day, where I might meet with students about projects they have ongoing or any check-ins they would like to do to boost their grades. Throughout the day, I’ll typically teach my two American literature classes, guiding them through independent projects or leading class discussions. The rest of the academic day might be sprinkled with individual meetings with students outside of flex period or team Dean meetings with hockey players, managing their academics. I’ll also do lots of different grading assignments and a lot of lesson planning. Classes are busy, and I love to be prepared for those. I’ll also review students’ college essays and then meet with Mr. McCauley about different students throughout the academic day. That’ll be before our nighttime flex, in which there will be another opportunity to meet with students.”

“At 5 pm, work ends, and I eat a big dinner that I either make myself or get at the cafeteria. I then follow the day by getting a workout in or participating in a men’s league hockey.  I will also sometimes be on duty for study hall from 8 to 9:30 or on gym duty from 6 to 7:30. I finish the day by checking in the boys’ 2^nd hall, making sure the lights are off and everyone is going to bed. I try my best to be to bed by 11:30 to wake up with a contagious smile.”

“Language barrier wasn’t a problem at all for me; it was more the culture. People act differently to where I am from, and I had to get used to that.

“I’ve learned a lot from Northwood, like a lot. The culture is so special that you can feel it everywhere you go; it’s way better than any other school or team I have ever been to. The guys are so close to each other, and it was so easy for me to make friends. Whether it is staff or students, they are so friendly and are willing to help you at any time. Northwood prepared me for college not only hockey-wise but academically also. I am way more confident in school.

“I am not sure what I will do for next year, but many doors have opened since I arrived at Northwood. I am still deciding and looking at my options, but coming back to Northwood and doing a post-grad year would sound awesome since this year passed so fast. It was so fun.

“The quote I will leave Northwood with is sweet and simple, but that’s what I remind myself every day. ‘Today is the youngest you will ever be.’ Some advice I would give is that you should never regret doing something you can’t change anymore.”

As told to Charles Pigeon ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I was born and raised in Brick, New Jersey. I learned about Northwood through the old Prep hockey coach, Coach Morris. He used to talk to my father a lot, and that’s how I ended up meeting Coach Mallaro. My cousin, Camden, also went to Northwood and had only good things to say about it. At first, I wasn’t too sure about going to a boarding school since I had never left home. For the last three years, I played with the NJ Titans and went to Brick High School, where my entire family also graduated. I had a big decision to make, but I realized that Northwood is a lot like college, and it would prepare me for success. I was thrilled and excited to come here, but leaving all my friends and family was hard.

“It didn’t take long to get new buddies; my problem now was that I was too occupied enjoying my time here. I had trouble finding time to call my girlfriend and my family, I was having so much fun. This place is so special, and it’s for sure been the fastest school year I ever had. I have grown as a player and as a person at Northwood. I have learned how to live away from home and develop another side to my game. It is very easy to succeed at Northwood since you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals. The culture here is contagious; everyone respects each other and pushes each other hard to achieve our individual goals.

“My plan for next year is to play for a junior hockey team and take a few online college courses. I can proudly say that I am ready for college, not only hockey-wise but also academically. Although, I am still tempted to post-grad and come back for one more year, since memories over here are life lasting.

‘But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing’ James 1:4.

“My biggest advice for everyone is to just think less!’’

As told to Charles Pigeon ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Louis Ihrt ‘27. Photo provided.

Louis Ihrt ‘27, a 16-year-old from Monaco, is a new student at Northwood School. He has played soccer since he was six and has an 11-year-old sister who plays hockey. His hobbies include swimming, reading, creating his music, and camping. Initially wanting to be a firefighter, he later expressed an aspiration to become a businessman, planning to start with internships to learn from experienced professionals. He speaks three languages fluently: French, German, and English. His favorite food is sushi, but he also enjoys lasagna. He listens mostly to house music, chill rap or his own music. He went to many soccer academies in Europe, but he decided to change schools and experience a new adventure in the United States. Last year, he decided to go to Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida, which he loved, but he wanted to focus more on academics, so he decided to join Northwood.

Ihrt is adjusting well to Northwood and Lake Placid. “I find the classes easy, but there is a significant amount of homework,” Ihrt said.  He enjoys the schedule and social life, despite not knowing many people yet. He thinks his room is small with a springy bed, but he improved it with a mattress topper. He appreciates the turf for soccer practice and finds the facilities excellent.  He thinks the food is great, compared to the last schools he attended in Europe and Florida. Louis also values the school’s close-knit community, likening it to a family.