Eliza Quackenbush

Family Support Makes Northwood Tournament Special

February 4, 2025 by Eliza Quackenbush

For different people, there are various aspects that make time special, but one thing is common throughout most events in people’s lives, and it is the impact of having the support of family. At Northwood, it takes a community to make the experience work, whether deciding to move away from home then, packing the child’s things, and moving them out for a fresh start. Our families influence development, whether they are with you often or not. That is why their presence in significant times is so prominent and can be the most memorable. Last weekend, Northwood hosted the 45^th annual tournament, where various teams came to compete across three different divisions. Along with this, families upon families arrived in beautiful Lake Placid to watch their sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters play. And not just that, they also got to attend the senior nights for their child’s given team. As many seniors would agree, having parents and family members there made the difference in making it the most memorable night.

Eliza Quackenbush ’25 and her family at the Northwood Invitational Hockey Tournament last month. Photo provided.

When taking the time to ask two seniors what their perspectives were, there were very similar responses. Gracie Hurlbut, ‘25, a three-year senior, states, “It was a milestone moment for me and reminded me of who helped me get to where I am today. Having them there was a highlight to an already meaningful and exciting weekend.” Another three-year senior, Hilary Wilkin, ’25, stated, “Having my parents travel such a long way to watch me play at one of our last home weekends was something I will never live down. They have put in so much time and effort for me and my development over the past three years, and I can not thank them enough. Needless to say, having them there was extremely meaningful.” These opinions highlight an overall team morale theme over the weekend. Joy spread throughout the bench during games, and the energy radiated throughout the arena. This energy and hard work led the girls’ hockey team to yet another championship.

There are many people to thank when it comes to putting weekends like this together, and no one more than our relatives. Thank you for the support; from the bottom of everyone’s heart, nothing means more than family.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Filming the Girl’s Hockey Trip to Minnesota

February 3, 2025 by Eliza Quackenbush

My GoPro came in the mail, and initially, it was intended for much less than filming an entire trip, but when the bags piled high in the buses as we geared up to leave for Minnesota, the idea came to mind. What if I filmed this trip? Day by day, I thought, something we can look back on. When I produced this, I never intended to make it sad, but it turned into filming the seniors and the last trip we would take to Minnesota.

The Huskies on the ice in Minnesota. Photo provided.

Waking up every morning, whether it was nearing nine or waiting for the sun to rise, we would grab the GoPro and start the morning vlog. Filming the classic hotel morning wakeups with two other teammates, getting ready for the long day to come, the cold walks to get breakfast, where the piercing Minnesota cold allowed such intensity for us to see our breath. To film where we would play, the rinks that hold anywhere from four to ten thousand people. To the people and seniors who were experiencing this all for the first time, watching their eyes gaze up into the stands and across the ice and imagining the feeling of skating in a place that was the home to so many stars.

Getting to relive these experiences through another lens will go unnoticed for a while, and that is okay. With the memories fresh in our consciousness, they are not entirely missed yet. However, there will come a day when they no longer live on so easily, and these videos will be cherished. They will be remembered in a way that holds power; to the seniors, power is time with the people you care about. There is nothing better than looking back on a time when you were surrounded by the people you care so deeply about in such a new and telling environment. Not to say that the undergraduates will not agree with that statement, but they will get to do it all over again next year, just with different people.

And that goes into my last point: the people. After I finished looking through the film from the weekend, it dawned on me that no matter what I filmed or where, looking back would always mean something because I was with these people. So maybe it was not Minnesota that made this time special; it was the people with whom it was spent. It does not always have to be a big trip or an out-of-the-ordinary experience to realize your time with these people, your family, is limited. While these trips always hold boundless joy and memories, nothing is more significant than knowing it does not take place or event to make the time with your community fulfilling.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Jorja Gillis ‘25

January 18, 2025 by Eliza Quackenbush

“Be interested, not interesting. It’s what my father told me for the entirety of my life. Those were his words of wisdom before any situation, important or not. I think about this often. When going into a conversation or any opportunity I reflect on what I could take out of it rather than my input. My father has been extremely influential in structuring who I want to become. Along with my father, my elder brother has played an equally significant role. He has been someone I can look up to in the ups and downs of life.

“Coming to Northwood was an experience like many others when it comes to leaving home and starting at a new school. I left home at 12 to pursue hockey after playing on boys’ teams for most of my youth. Before attending Northwood, I went to OHA and played in Kingston, Ontario growing up.

“Next year, I will play at Canton University to continue my hockey journey into college. This process has made me think about my family’s role in this journey and how much I appreciate them. My mom’s tenacity to take me to camps in the summer and her continual support when it comes to my in-season training have been tremendous. None of this would have been possible without the support and belief of my old coach, John Hoskins, who has given me the necessary tools and approaches to grow my game, and me as a person. He grew my love for hockey and gave me the confidence to try out for the AAA boy’s hockey team by making it as a girl sparked my motivation to move away from home and pursue the sport.

“As someone who has now spent 5 years away from home, I am accustomed to the normality of this way of life, and in that, Northwood has taught me some unbelievably valuable lessons. A lesson that I reflect on in every aspect of life is my coach saying, “The last five are our best five.” Take this and implement it into everyday life, no matter what you are doing, and do it with all your ability. To finish strong because you never want to leave a situation knowing you could have given more effort. Because regret is worse.”

As told to Eliza Quackenbush. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Living Room Piano Promotes Inclusivity

November 5, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

Shane Tronoski ’25 at the living room piano. Photo by Eliza Quackenbush ’25.

Music is an integral part of contemporary life, yet it is often experienced privately, with everyone engaging in unique ways. It serves as a bridge that connects individuals to their cultural backgrounds and heritage; however, every song is interpreted differently by each listener, regardless of the lyrics, genre, or rhythm. Although the words remain unchanged, individual connections and interpretations create a diverse experience. This variance highlights the significance of music in people’s lives. Some individuals hold a profound bond with music, while for others, it evokes memories tied to family or specific individuals.

Music not only links us to our heritage but also plays a defining role in cultures worldwide. At Northwood, the sound of music fills the living room as students gather around the piano, learning new songs together. This includes students who have never had prior piano experience.

“Arriving at Northwood, I had no background with the piano,” Autumn Kelly ‘26 said, “but the chance to learn a song alongside my friends before we board the bus for practice or in between classes is something I cherish unexpectedly.”

Northwood embraces and promotes diverse cultural backgrounds, with the piano serving as a medium for this inclusiveness. Whether it’s sharing traditional songs or playing something familiar, the piano is a welcoming space for everyone.

Integrating music into our daily lives offers a wonderful opportunity. We can create moments of shared enjoyment by learning tunes that others may recognize, even if our connections differ. It’s essential to take the time to appreciate what others are practicing and recognize its significance to them. Moreover, by listening to those around us, we can gain insight into their cultures and broaden our perspectives. Each day offers a chance to learn something new, even through the piano.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Girls’ Hockey’s Rivalry with Stanstead College

October 30, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

The Girls’ Hockey team in action against Stanstead recently. Photo provided.

The definition of rivalry is “competition for the same objective or superiority in the same field.” When it comes to Northwood Girls Hockey and Stanstead College, every match is a battle for victory. The weekend of October 19th featured a two-game series between these teams, where tempers flared and nerves were high. The energy in the arena was palpable, with tension thick in the air. Both teams anticipated this showdown since their last match in the summer tournament. As skates met the ice, warm-ups served as the pulse of the venue, with the vibrant sounds of hockey and music filling the space.

These matches were meant to give us insight into what this team could look like as the year progresses and ending the weekend with a split 1-1 record suggests that the race for the trophy will continue fiercely. When I mention fighting for a right, I refer to it from Northwood’s standpoint. Two years prior, Northwood’s girls’ hockey team triumphed over Stanstead in the semifinals of the JWHL league championship, marking the first upset against them that season. The next year, we entered the season with that mindset, and encounters with Stanstead were consistently intense.

This year, every time we faced this team, the games went into overtime. There hasn’t yet been a definitive win this season, the games have always gone into a shootout or extra periods. The rivalry this team experiences is no trivial challenge. Expect high-level hockey, close scores, and intense gameplay. Anticipate enthusiastic fans who understand what these matches mean. Expect girls over 40 who prioritize the game of hockey over many other interests and prepare for some of the most intense play you’ve ever witnessed. This is a rivalry at its finest.

“They will continue to be one of the hardest teams we face, and we will be the same for them. This rivalry will only continue to grow,” said Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25, assistant captain of the Northwood girl’s hockey team.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

An Appreciation for the Walk Around Mirror Lake

October 22, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

We owe thanks to the walk around Mirror Lake: those 3 miles that have given us the walks and talks of a lifetime, fostering relationships never to be forgotten. Northwood students and faculty have used Mirror Lake as kindling to warm and fulfill all relationships. Many students at Northwood use Mirror Lake as a reason to spend more time with the people they care about, preserving what time we have left with one another. For the seniors, we use it to make the most of the months we have left in beautiful upstate New York. This time spent walking around the lake is never regretted; rain or snow, cold or warm, most would argue that the time spent was well worth it.

Photo provided.

Taking the time to appreciate what this walk has done for us is something I believe we would all benefit from. For those who are unaware of the experience, here is what you need to know. Mirror Lake is a small lake bordered by the town of North Elba and Northwood School. It is a sister lake to Lake Placid. In the summer, the trees are green, and the water is warm; fall colors illuminate the foliage as the season shifts and the wind grows colder. Soon, the falling leaves turn to falling snow, and our hallmark-looking town is lit up with Christmas lights. The snow disappears too soon, and the flowers reappear; the cold recedes into the ground as green grass appears. For Northwood students, the long seasons of their beloved sports are wrapping up, and Spike Ball nets are back on the fields. As the grass gets greener and the air gets warmer, the music turns back on, and spring is here. For seniors, though, spring means the end is near. The games outside make laughs more meaningful and time more precious. The walks around the lake are limited and all that much more impactful; the memories of years in the past or earlier that fall flood back in, and the wishes of going back arise. Wanting to do it all over again, make those friends again, laugh like you did when you first met, and never let the feeling of love for this place and the people go. And although you never will, soon, these experiences will exist only in good memories.

So, enjoy the walks and the talks, enjoy the laughs and the smiles. Let yourself have all the fun in the world and experience the beauty of not only the land but of the relationships being fostered. Appreciate the people you are with, because just as Mirror Lake will not be in your backyard forever, these people will not be within a handholding reach for much longer. So, hold on tight while you still can.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Humans Of Northwood: Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25

October 15, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

“A few years ago, my grandpa told me, ‘You never know who’s watching.’ He meant this regarding hockey and recruiting and how I also need to put my best self forward to have integrity always. But over time, I have implemented it into my daily life, and it is something I live by to this day. It lives on with how I carry myself and present myself to the outside world. I think about his words often, and they have shaped my mindset to what it is today. Always improving while always being kind. Because he is right, you never know who could be watching.

“I joined Northwood last year as a junior from Saratoga Springs, NY, seeking an environment that would foster both my athletic development and academic aspirations. Next year, I am excited to attend the University of Vermont, where I will compete in Division 1 ice hockey while pursuing a future career in sports broadcasting. The aspect I value most about Northwood is the multitude of opportunities available and the unwavering support provided in every endeavor, whether on the ice or in the classroom.

“I cherish the unique atmosphere of living in Lake Placid, as these experiences are unparalleled compared to what I might find back home. At Northwood, I have encountered a community of like-minded individuals, all driven by similar passions and aspirations, facilitating meaningful connections and making it effortless to forge strong friendships.

“If someone were looking into Northwood and asked me my biggest takeaway, I would tell them it is the drive you have to have to be in a place where everyone is working for a common goal. You constantly work and find ways to differentiate yourself from the same groups. Northwood has been the best thing when it comes to experiencing and putting myself in a position to be uncomfortable, fulfilling what I have dreamt of, and making lifelong friends. We are so lucky to be here.”

As told to Eliza Quackenbush ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Catching up with Halle Mules ‘24

October 11, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

Halle Mules ’24 in her first year at St. Lawrence University. Photo: SLU.

Halle Mules ’24 as a Northwood senior. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Halle Mules is a 2024 Northwood graduate continuing her academic and hockey career at Saint Lawrence University. As many remember, Halle’s energy was contagious; she was a joy to be around outside of the classroom and an excellent student within it. When talking with Halle, she reflected on her time at Northwood and what was different about going to college, including what has been the hardest.

“The hardest thing is time management; there is so much going on all day between school and hockey that there is little time to plan out what needs to get done,” Mules said. “In college, you are not reminded of upcoming exams or assignments, you are not coddled whatsoever,” she added.

Mules said the hockey team provided her with a friend group right away. “Knowing right when I got here, I had friends within the team was comforting; however, having the independence to do whatever you want, whenever you want, means you have to cycle that into your time management,” Mules said.

Halle also talked about how Northwood prepared her, and what advice she would give to Northwood students. “Northwood prepares you for living away from home and making friendships with people. Being a part of the whole hockey program at Northwood was something that prepared me well for college hockey, the long season, and being on the road making you practice time management and a rigorous schedule,” reflected Mules.

Her advice is to master time management. “If you can get on top of trying to manage time, start now by finding what works for you. Working on time management and avoiding procrastination because you cannot do that in college. You need to take classes where you need to get your independent work done,” Mules advised.

Mules also has advice about the social side of college. “In hockey, you are with your teammates so much that it is good to try and get out of that conformity, but being able to bond with other people. Whether that is in classes and bonding with those who do not play sports or are a part of something else, it helps you expand groups and make stronger connections,” Mules said.

Halle is someone to look up to, and seeing how she is thriving in college, these words of wisdom should not be taken lightly. As she progresses in her first year, outside and inside of school and hockey, we wish her the best of luck.

Stay in touch, Halle, you are missed!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Girls’ Hockey Season Preview

October 3, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

The girls’ hockey team gathers before a game. Photo provided.

With the season kicking into play, I would like to introduce the Northwood Girls Hockey team. With 12 newcomers and 10 college commitments, this team has begun their journey to success. Long days and hard practices might sound like a drag to most, but to the girls’ hockey team, every moment is a chance to get better and train with a group of people you only get one season with. As Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25 says, “We are so lucky to be here.” Although the jokes come out of it, she points out something we all need to appreciate every day. This year’s team is diverse, with players coming from South Korea and Japan, to Arizona and Montana, to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and of course, New York State.

Coming from diverse backgrounds, we embrace the differences in the game’s characteristics and strive to learn from each other every day. Coach Gilligan states, “It is a neat variable that our kids get to learn from their teammates about different experiences and how they came up. Everyone’s path is different and seeing how different people move into different chapters of their lives is something that every kid can benefit from learning about one another.”

Coach Gerardi says, “It is beneficial for the team because we have a different identity than we have been in the past. We have learned a lot about what each girl brings and aim to maximize each girl’s skill set to enhance our style of play.”

Starting off the season, we had 7 college commitments, and going into our 5th week, we are proud to announce that we can add 3 to that list. Gracie Hurlbut ‘25 will attend Castleton in the fall, Eliza Quackenbush ‘25 committed to Long Island University, and Oceanne Thiffault-Michel ‘26 committed to Rochester Institute of Technology. Along with these accomplishments, all the returners from the years before welcome the new girls to the team and its culture.

One big weekend is always the height of attention to the girls’ hockey community, not only for the players but their families too. In January, we will all gather in Lake Placid to compete in the annual Northwood tournament and aim to raise the trophy for the third year in a row. Ella Malloy ‘25 states, “As a newcomer, I am excited to defend the title and play in our house in front of family and friends”. Many new girls share this same opinion. Anna Monette ‘26, a second-year junior, states: “The tournament brings our community together in the light of competition, and that’s something everyone should look forward to”. This weekend is a chance to bring together family and friends while celebrating the seniors who will be heading into the new chapters of their lives in the fall. So welcome, everyone. The girls’ hockey team is encouraged and excited to share with you the potential this group holds. There is no better support than this community that we are so proud to represent. Go huskies.

Filed Under: Sports, Top Story

Essay: The Power of Failure

September 24, 2024 by Eliza Quackenbush

How do you learn from continual successes? Maybe there are patterns to success, but they are found within what works, and what doesn’t. And when finding what doesn’t work, something needs to fail. When things succeed, they are repeated, and patterns arise. Northwood School comprises 97% of student-athletes who fall under the same stressors: the need to perform and to compete while balancing academics at high standards. What is the equation that makes up the perfect student-athlete? How many times must we fail to get it right?

Failure doesn’t have to be congruent with every learning experience a person faces, it will not always arise with the simplistic lessons of life. To fail is to learn and grow. To succeed is also to learn and grow, and there is a balance between the two that allows the scale to be even. Let’s apply this to Northwood. To do poorly on a test is disappointing, as is looking back over study habits and thinking that the work could have used more time and attention. Was this a mere coincidence or a failure within a process? The process. And we learn from that process. On the athletic side, take a hockey game, for example, a player makes a bad pass which inadvertently results in the other team scoring. This player will hesitate to make this pass again without a second thought. That, right there, is growth.

When being asked if an individual needs to fail to succeed, Northwoods athletic trainer, Andy Donatello, states, “Some of the things I am most proud of have come as a result of failure, with an outcome of success”. He speaks about the accomplishments of his career and how certain failures have led to the life he leads today. We all will fail, at some point. And when we do, the people around us are the ones that build us back up, brick by brick. Word by word. Our communities are what make us whole, and diminishing the light in that is something that Northwood has never experienced. As a community, we need to embrace failure as a place for growth instead of resentment, accept it, give it attention, and together we will move along. Because what are we if not one?