Hamish Riddell

Three Recommendations from Machai Davis ‘25

May 12, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

Machai Davis ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Everyone has different views and opinions on certain movies, and people’s opinions can influence others. Getting insights into what others are interested in is a very important yet interesting task. Today, we will get an insight from junior soccer player and The Northwood Mirror staff writer Machai Davis. Machai Davis is from Bermuda and has been at Northwood for two years and is coming back for this third. He will recommend a song, movie, and experience in life to achieve. Let’s go get an insight into his recommendations.

“Paper Loving” by Christopher Martin

For his song, Machai Davis chose “Paper Loving” by Christopher Martin. This song holds a special place in his heart. “It’s just a song that I grew up with. Back home in Bermuda, we would listen to that song a lot and it’s just part of our culture. It might be a little different to what Americans over here at Northwood would listen to but it is a song that I find great and I enjoy it a lot. You should give it a listen.”

Avengers: Endgame

“I know it is already pretty famous, but I cannot miss out on an Avengers Endgame. This movie is so great, anyone who has not watched it has got to watch it. Back in Bermuda, I used to watch it with my cousins before we moved away from each other so this movie holds a little sentimental value. It’s about superheroes but in the real world. Honestly, it’s just great, and you have to give it a try.”

Vist Bermuda

For the last recommendation from Machai, it is a simple, short, and sweet trip to Bermuda, his homeland. “I know this is not something extravagant, and it’s just my home, but the place I live is excellent. Bermuda is a place that does not seem real. You have crystal clear blue waters and great weather. The food is unique and the people too. To take a trip to Bermuda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am so happy to be there. So yeah, if I had to recommend one experience, it would be to go and see Bermuda.”

We thanked Machai for his time and his recommendations. If you want to look at any of his recommendations, you can see the links posted with each recommendation.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Real World Tagged With: ThreeRecommendations

Soccer Teams Take Trophies in Spring Showcase

May 11, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

The Black Rock FC | Northwood spring showcase, a triumphant event for our under-seventeen and nineteen teams, was held at Northwood School the last weekend in April. This was the first home weekend in a while and the last for the year. The weekend was a resounding success, with both teams bringing home a trophy and winning the whole showcase for their respective age groups—a stellar end to the soccer season.

The Under 17s played four games and went 4-0. The first game on Friday night was against rival Hoosac School. The 17s scored first and ended the game 5-1, with striker Said El Eyssami ‘26 grabbing a hat trick. Saturday rolled around, and the 17s had games against Kings United and Athletico Samborondon, respectively. They pulled away to an early lead, with Said and Hamish Riddell ‘26 getting a goal each to seal the game 2-0. With a 4-hour wait ahead, they prepared themselves for a tough game against Ecuadorian team Atheltico Samorondon, which they comfortably won 4-1 with goals from Said, Diogo Charraz ‘25, Diego Green ‘25, and Jace Donawa ‘25. On Sunday, the 17s were up against the hardest competition of the weekend, the Boston Bolts from Massachusetts. Bolts scored an early goal first, but that did not phase the Northwood squad. They came back to win it 4-1, with Said getting another hat trick. The 17s had a very successful 4-0 record on the weekend to round off their season.

The U19 team with their trophy. Photo provided.

The 19s also faced a four-game weekend, yet they had a rest day on Friday. They faced two opponents on Saturday. The Boston Bolts fell to the Huskies with an 8-0 scoreline. Mitchell Baker ‘24 had three, Sachiel Ming ‘24 and Jordan Shullenberger ‘24 each tallied two. The next game came around against South Bronz United, and the Huskies crushed them five goals to one. Mitchell had another four goals. Sunday came, and the 19s faced Boston Bolt’s other team, which managed to scrape away with a draw of 3-3. In the last game, and for the trophy, the team faced a local squad, Plattsburgh FC. Plattsburgh got beat 4-0 with a first goal for Cederic Lemaire ‘24.

The U19 team with their trophy. Photo provided.

The weekend was a tremendous success, and the teams are immensely grateful to all the fans who came out and showed their support. Your presence and cheers made a significant difference. We look forward to an even better season, with the memory of this victorious weekend to inspire us.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Living Room Piano Cherished by Students

May 8, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

Yosef Spear ’26 learning a song on the living room piano. Photo provided.

Northwood is a community. Many different factors and special ornaments each help to construct the well-known, connected community we know as Northwood School. One of those factors is the living room piano. The living room piano was introduced in the school to bring the community together in a public place. The enjoyment of music has brought together many different countries and diversities. Background music performed by a wide variety of students in the living room at any time is a pleasant occurrence. Many different students have dove in head first to learn the instrument as a result of the availability and warm society that is created by it.

“I never considered myself a music enthusiast, but the piano has ignited a genuine passion within me,” shares Trey Frantz ’25. “I’ve learned numerous songs and the joy the piano brings is unparalleled. I practice in the auditorium, but it’s in the living room where the magic happens.” The piano’s presence is a beacon of opportunity, inspiring students to embark on a musical journey they never thought possible.

He added. Nico Cedeno ’24 is a very well-known pianist who has played a wide variety of popular songs that everyone loves. “I did not know piano at all since before coming to Northwood,” Nico said. “I have been here for four years. and I’m yet to master it, but I can perform a lot of songs I like. I learned the piano from Northwood and consistently played in the living room. The fact that the piano is in such a well-known spot that everyone can hear it when someone plays is a great thing. I never thought I would find such a love for the instrument, but I guess I have.”

Yosef Spear ‘26 has newly found the piano as a hobby. “It is a hard instrument to learn at first. I think it is great to learn, though, as it is something you can use for the rest of your life.” Yosef has just taken the mandatory 10th-grade Introduction to Music class with Stew started his piano journey there, and has continued it independently.

Nate Wright ‘25 was in the living room recently, listening to a student play the piano. “I think it is great. The fact that so many people can play it is cool, and I love listening to it.”

The living room piano is not just a musical instrument. It’s a testament to the spirit of Northwood. Its presence can transform the room, infusing it with life and joy. Loved by a diverse array of individuals, it stands as a symbol of our inclusive community, where everyone’s musical talents are celebrated.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Brawl Stars: The Video Game Sweeps Northwood

March 30, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

Brawl Stars is a popular shooting game with different characters and abilities. It was released in December 2018 and only recently seems to have overtaken Northwood, with dozens of students obsessed with the game. The game involves various characters who possess different weapons and modes of attack. Players pursue this game by winning showdowns and other events that give you trophies in return. The more trophies you have, the better you are considered. Obviously, when Brawl Stars was originally released, the hype around the game was immense. The excitement, like any other spectacle in life, has its ups and downs. However, recently, at Northwood School, Brawl Stars is making a marvelous comeback.

Students playing Brawl Stars in the dorm. Photo: Hamish Riddell ’26.

Noah Moodey ’25 is a Brawl Stars enthusiast. “Brawl Stars was only just introduced to me a few months ago,” he stated. “I won’t lie. I was not hugely impressed right off the bat, but as I played more, I grew to like it and now I am at a proud 9,000 trophies.” Needless to say, Brawl Stars is now one of Noah’s top mobile games.

Northwood is an athletic school that honors many athletic achievements, yet players need rest and downtime. Many members of the boys’ Varsity Hockey team use this downtime in between classes and off the ice to play Brawl Stars. Pete Moore ’25 is an avid Brawl Stars competitor. “I was off it for a little bit, but me and buddies have been playing a ton recently and I have to say I am having an exciting time,” Moore said. “It is quick and easy to get into matches, and it is just a great game,” he continued, “I am about to reach 25,000 trophies, which is considered, in the modern game, a great tally. I do not know when the game will die down, but as of now, it is great,” Moore added.

Students playing Brawl Stars in the library. Photo: Hamish Riddell ’26.

Across Northwood, if you see a student with their phone turned on its side, it’s likely they are playing Brawl Stars. People may say that video games and technology are not good for people. Many disagree and note with Brawl Stars you can enjoy it with friends constantly. Having conversations about new additions or recent games. You do not have to spend hours on end grinding it away. It is an easy-to-access game. 10-minute break? Our students are in the game.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Warm Winter Bad News for Snow Sports Athletes

March 15, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

Aston Ferrillo ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The 2023-24 Lake Placid winter has been unimpressive. Global warming is a significant, well-known problem that has been a primary factor in recent depressing winters. Here at Northwood, we pride ourselves on our snow sports athletes, yet our earth cannot provide a sustainable winter for them to enjoy the sport they love. With temperatures reaching 54 degrees at the beginning of March and rain during February, life was difficult for Northwood’s winter sports athletes.

Aston Ferillo ’26 is a NYSEF/Northwood Alpine ski racer who is disappointed in the weather this winter. “It just sucks, and there is nothing we can do about it,” said Ferrillo. “If you think about five years ago, there was more snow,” he recollected. Weather directly affects his sport and he feels helpless when the weather is bad. “It’s not life or death, but we will just have a shorter season, but we can’t do anything about it which might even be the worst part,” he added.

Whiteface Mountain is the major training and competition venue for alpine, freestyle, and snowboard athletes in the region. The Whiteface season opened in November, which is consistent with the previous season; however, last season ended in late April, but Whiteface watchers say it’s not likely that the mountain will be open into April. The athletes have alternatives and fun ways to train and get snow when none is found here, as they went on early-season trips to Colorado and Austria in recent years.

Marcos Alvarez ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“It is getting too warm too quick,” said Spanish ski racer Marcos Alvarez ‘26. “There is not enough snow, and obviously, I do not like it.” Marcos expected more snow and better conditions in Lake Placid than his home in Spain, but that hasn’t been the case this season. “In Spain it snows more, which is crazy since I came here for skiing. It is not too different because in Spain, it is very hot too, and it gets warm like here.”

The Northwood snow sport athletes have been disappointed with this winter. All they can do is hope for a better one next year and hope that there is a possibility of a little more cold and snow this winter.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Sports

Soccer Teams Faring Well in Can-Am Cup

March 8, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

The U17s in early 2024. Photo provided.

The Can-Am Cup tournament is the first 11-side tournament in which the Northwood soccer teams competed in 2024. The tournament has a prolonged structure that stretches over 4 months. The first group games started in mid-November and will go on until the middle of March.

The Northwood soccer program traveled to Tinton Falls, New Jersey, to play the second and final round of group games. Both teams went 4-0, resulting in a combined 8-0 record for the weekend. The teams played one game on Friday, two games on Saturday, and one last game on Sunday.

The 17s’ first competitive game of the second round of group games was against Valencia FC. The scoreline showed a 3-1 victory to Northwood | Black Rock with Richard Szekely ‘27 grabbing his first Northwood goal. Saturday, the 17s played their toughest games against Woodbridge and RMPUS, with the scores 3-1 and 4-1, respectively. The final game on Sunday against Far Post was a tight match. Although it was a friendly, the 17s went all out to win. A single goal from goal machine Diego Green ’25 secured the 1-0 win. Diego was the player of the weekend with 3 goals and 2 assists.

The 19s played RMPUS on Friday night and came away with a comfortable 2-0 win with striker Mitchell Baker ‘24 scoring both goals. On Saturday, they played Valencia FC and Woodbridge, winning 2-1 and 4-0, respectively. On Sunday, the 19s played their final game against their Black Rock “brother” High Mowing School in the pouring rain. They finished their chances and earned a 4-1 victory. Star performances from Leo Doyle ‘25 (on his first matches back from injury) with 4 goals and Baker with 7 goals.

The unbelievable performances from both teams truly show what Northwood School is capable of. Ending the weekend with 8-0 combined is a first for the program in the 2023-2024 season, which is an incredible feat. With many college coaches looking on, many players showcased themselves. With every team, many things can always be improved, but 8-0 goes without saying as a successful weekend. The teams look forward to the winter showcase in New Hampshire and are preparing more than ever.

Filed Under: Sports

How Student-Athletes Spend the Time on Long Road Trips

February 29, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

The soccer team on a road trip. Photo: Hamish Riddell ’26.

Northwood School is a home for many athletes. As an athletic school, traveling long distances to get to tournaments and matches comes with the package. From our ice hockey team to our soccer team, there’s plenty of expertise on how to pass the time. Today, you will gain an insight into how our athletes beat boredom on these long hauls.

“We have some long journeys. We took a 14-hour trip to Virginia at the end of last year for a tournament going into spring break. It surely does take it out of you. Personally, my rides will be unintentionally split up into blocks,” said Jace Donawa ’25, a U17 soccer player from Bermuda. “Depending on how long the journey is, I’ll just chill for the first hour or so while watching Netflix or listening to music. After that first chunk, I’ll socialize, play games with my teammates, and talk with people. If we go to a game, I’ll use the last part to lock in and prepare, but if we’re heading back to school, I’ll probably just sleep.”

Varsity hockey student-athlete Justin MacLeod ‘26 said he mainly sleeps or talks to friends. “Our longest trip was to Boston for a tournament. I just spent my time talking to the boys and getting prepared. I slept a lot as we got up early or got back late,” MacLeod said.

Northwood Outing Club member Nate Benjamin ‘26 took a 14-hour trip to get to the famous Red Rocks near Las Vegas, Nevada. “I slept a lot as that Red Rock trip was my longest road trip by far. The NOC group does not normally travel far distances, but that Red Rocks trip was a special one, and it was different for me as I had never traveled that far in one go with NOC before.”

FIS ski racer Sam Rudy ‘24 lamented the mode of travel for most ski racers. “You know what our downfall is? We never take charter buses, even on our 6-hour trip to Maine for a ski race. Apart from that, I can spend my time well. Normally I sleep, but if I’m not too tired or cannot sleep, I’ll just talk with the team, and that seems to pass time quickly.”

Getting opinions and points of view on how different athletes pass their time is an interesting and unique way to look at how our athletes live their lives. Northwood School hosts great athletes; this is just another look into how they live and thrive.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Colin Kis ’24

February 28, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

My family and I frequently vacationed in Lake Placid before we moved here, and it was during these vacations that we first learned of Northwood. All I remember was loving this school. Before that, I lived in the borough of Queens in New York City. I went to a Catholic school in Forest Hills, Queens, from nursery to 8th grade. I had the same classmates throughout my whole time at the school, which made meeting new people at Northwood intimidating because I wasn’t constantly meeting new kids. Throughout my time in NYC, I socialized with my friends primarily by playing video games since it was what we loved to do. To this day, I still play video games whenever I have free time. I still play with my three other best friends.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I could not have an in-person graduation at my school. Instead, I graduated on Zoom and later had a car parade through the school parking lot to get my diploma. The summer after my graduation, I moved to Wilmington. I loved Wilmington more than NYC because it was quiet, had beautiful nature, and allowed me to do fun activities, such as skiing.

I used to play tennis a lot when I lived in NYC. I played at the USTA and the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills. Until about 7th or 8th grade, I wanted to become a tennis pro, mainly because my grandma said she always wanted to watch me play at the French Open; however, I eventually realized I did not have the skill to become a tennis pro and decided to focus entirely on academics. My favorite activity to do during my free time is playing video games. My love for video games started when I would watch my father playing video games. I was so invested in what he was playing. When I was young, I played Skylanders, Minecraft, and Roblox. Now, I play Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch 2, Minecraft, For Honor, Payday 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and games from the Yakuza series.

I’ve really liked my years at Northwood. I’ve met many great students and faculty who are incredibly kind. I’ve enjoyed my classes and co-curriculars in all my years here. My favorite activity is skiing at Whiteface during the winter with the Ski & Snowboard Club. I’ve had an excellent relationship with the people on the crew and in the Ski & Snowboard Club. My crew teammates and I always have fun during trips to regattas. After Northwood, I plan to go to college and major in a STEM-related subject, and after go to medical school to achieve my dream of being a medical doctor.

As told to Hamish Riddell ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Humans of Northwood: Tianche (Tony) Yu ‘26

February 3, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

I am from Shanghai, China. I led a placid life of undeserved comforts interlaced with pockets of self-inflicted bouts of anxiety and gloom. My inner world thrived – as it still does now, teeming with creations that I transcribed to ink on forgotten pages of pixels on silent screens. It’s certainly not the most interesting life to lead, especially when compared to the cacophony of experiences others seemingly go through on a daily basis.

As may be extrapolated from the text above, I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with writing. I am not entirely refined in my craft just yet. My diction requires some extreme thinning to have my writing read like that of an actual person as opposed to the incoherent ramblings of a psychopath, and I have yet to contribute anything truly substantial to the field of language arts. I’ve also recently picked up programming and basic 3D modeling; I enjoy music and long discussions of topics I am familiar with.

I would be attending a school in Shanghai if I were not at Northwood. I am never able to see where the future leads. Most predictions of mine tend to age poorly, as I would have never expected to find myself in Northwood a few months ago. After seeking out a few potential schools for my younger brother, I had the idea of finding a school in America to continue my education instead. This throwaway thought snowballed into a last-minute search for potential candidates for schools I could join until eventually, I found Northwood as one of the options. It was chosen after a week or so of painful deliberation between a few schools that had also accepted me.

Looking to the future, as I have mentioned beforehand, I am terrible at predicting my own. If I had to concoct a plan on the spot on what I would like to accomplish, it would be to get into shape a little bit more, expand my vocabulary and range of writing styles, and be a better student. Generic, but then again, I know better than to remain reckless underneath the grimace of fate.

As shared with Hamish Riddell ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Edouard Brochu ‘24

January 31, 2024 by Hamish Riddell

My life has revolved around skiing. My whole community did. All my friends back home in Saint-Ferréol-Les-Neiges, Quebec, are skiers. We did all our dumb stuff together, and we were inseparable. They were the ones who I spent all my time with.

I went to camp in the States every summer as a kid, so I became bilingual quickly, which I think is pretty sweet.

I went to a private elementary school in Quebec City and then to a public high school near my house, and I have been a competitive ski racer since before I can remember. So, at one point, I looked for better programs from my local ski club and school. Northwood seemed like a good option, so I just went for it and was hoping for the best.

Northwood is a sweet place. Very few schools have a community like it. Obviously, It has its flaws, like most things in life, but I don’t regret choosing this school.

My teammates are like the brothers I never had. I was extremely close to Pedro and Sam, and I couldn’t say anything bad about the ski team we had and have. I love our team and spending time with them.

I applied to college a month ago to study aerospace engineering while skiing at the same time. I am waiting for a response and hoping to get in to further my academics in aerospace engineering, which I am super passionate about, and skiing, which I obviously love.

As told to Hamish Riddell ‘26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.