Lea Lambert

Students’ February Break Plans

February 9, 2024 by Lea Lambert

According to most students, we are entering the hardest part of the year. Northwood skiers and hockey players are entering the most challenging part of the season with playoffs FIS races looming. The soccer teams also have a few big tournaments that are coming up. Northwood athletes are always asked to give their maximum effort all year long, but at one point in the year, it gets tiring to manage being a student-athlete. For this reason, Northwood has a traditional mid-winter break in mid-February. Everyone appreciates these 10 days because it gives students a chance to keep up with schoolwork and take a little break before the final push.

Teegan Wardlaw ’25 enjoying the Adirondacks with her family. Photo provided.

Most of the students don’t go home for a long period of time and some even stay the whole week on campus because of games or competitions. I asked around for some of our students’ plans for the Winter Break.

Teegan Wardlaw ‘25 – a day student from Lake Placid – will enjoy the Adirondacks by going skiing at Whiteface Mountain with her family and local friends. She also plans on going to the gym which is her favorite hobby besides skiing.

Sasha Luhur ’27 and her family celebrating Chinese New Year last year. Photo provided.

Sasha Luhur ‘27 (boarding student from Bloomington, Indiana) is going home to celebrate Chinese New Year with her parents. She is excited because she’ll get to have her mom’s Asian food again and celebrate with them. She is also planning on seeing friends from her old skating club, which she is excited about.

Leigh Riffle (a faculty member here at Northwood) is staying in Lake Placid for the week, she will be enjoying calm moments with her family. She and Hannah (her daughter) will be getting a haircut which she is excited about.

Eliza Quackenbush ‘25 (girls’ hockey team) mentioned she wasn’t going back to her home state of Montana. The girls’ hockey team are off to Arlington, Virginia for the week. While they are there, they will be visiting monuments and going shopping, but the main focus of the week will obviously be their hockey games.

FIS team competing at Eastern Cups. Photo provided.

Elleanore Pelletier ‘25 (a FIS member on the Northwood ski team) is also spending her Winter break here in Lake Placid. She will be training at Whiteface and will be competing in some Eastern Cup competitions with other athletes on the FIS team.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Entrepreneurship Class Solves Real-World Business Problem

January 30, 2024 by Lea Lambert

To start the second semester, the Entrepreneurship class led by Mr. Thomas “Brody” Broderick came up with the project of solving a real business problem: The Lake Placid Toboggan Chute. If you’ve walked on Main Street before you’ve probably recognized it by its massive size. This 30-foot-high structure sends toboggans down an ice-covered chute onto frozen Mirror Lake. This is one of locals’ and tourists’ favorite activities to do in the winter. It’s the perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping and have fun with friends.

Photo: Village of Lake Placid Parks Dept.

Students at Winter Carnival 2021. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge

Since safe ice is defined as 4” thick for foot traffic, achieving this thickness takes some cold weather, and with global warming, this has become a real challenge for the safety of the Lake Placid Toboggan chute. For many years, they were able to start rides in December, but some years, including 2024, they can’t start until February. With global warming increasing, what will it look like ten years from now? That’s why the Entrepreneurship class decided to take responsibility for finding a solution and developing a pitch for the Village of Lake Placid Parks Department.

To start the project, “Brody” had to interview each student to see their strengths so he could assign team captains. The chosen captains then had the choice to either trade or keep members of their team with other members from other teams if they reached an agreement with another captain. The teams will compete to find the best solution.

This will be an enriching experience for students, pushing them to be creative and work together. Maybe one of our three teams will come up with the best plan for the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute and get to have a lasting impact on our community.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Most Listened To Songs Lists Reveal Insights Into Student Lives

January 23, 2024 by Lea Lambert

Music has been a part of the human experience for millennia. We define it as vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. It plays such a big part in our everyday life; music accompanies us in our best moments and in our harder moments. Every year, Spotify and Apple Music come out with a personalized listening summary (Wrapped) of your year. It shows us our favorite songs, artists, and genres. Renaud Lalancette ‘24 referred to it as a reflection of us; people get to see and compare their favorite songs with friends, and it’s a nice way to see what you have in common. So, I asked Northwood students their thoughts about their Wrapped of 2023, and here’s what they had to say:

Mathis Baril’s ‘24 most-played song was “Red Room” by Offset, Teegan Wardlaw’s ‘25 most-played song was “July” by Noah Cyrus, Luke Smith’s ‘26 was “Privileged Rappers” by Drake and 21 Savage (played 236 times), Jack Kroll’s ‘25 was “Growing Sideways” by Noah Kahan.

When these students compared their most-played songs, they realized that some of them had quite different music tastes and others enjoyed listening to the same type of music.

When I asked them how music reflected their life, half of the group described music as an effective way to set a vibe and help them get in the zone where they can focus and be more productive. The other half said it amplifies the emotions they are in at the precise moment. Elleanore Pelletier ‘25 said music can change her mood just by hearing the first couple notes of a song. Arielle Haccoun-Choquette ‘24 said music puts her in a better mood because music evokes memories of people she loves, and remembering them makes her feel good.

What people appreciate the most about the yearly Wrapped is the minutes of listening. This tells you how many minutes you spent on the app playing music. Luke Smith ‘25 had 78,000 minutes of listening, which equated to 51 days. That staggering statistic made Smith realize that he couldn’t live without music.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

The Story of a Ski Camp

January 4, 2024 by Lea Lambert

How would you feel if for one day you were an alpine skier traveling the world in the chase of snow? Some people would say it’s idiotic to travel so far just to ski, but there is a lot they don’t know about an alpine skier. When the Northwood ski team travels to camps like Chile or Colorado, the misconception is that they are just fun vacations. Thus, this article will have spoilers of some untold stories and facts about ski training camps.

Dinner as a team. Photo provided.

Heading to the mountain. Photo provided.

Lea Lambert & Sophia Schupp at a 6 am ski training. Photo provided.

First, the team realized during their first ski trip was the number of bags, suitcases, ski bags and boot bags that we needed to travel with. I asked Cara Dempsey ‘25 what her ski bag was made of when she leaves for a trip like Colorado. Her ski bag includes two pairs of slalom skis, two pairs of giant slalom skis and four jackets because she gets cold easily. She added that one of the hardest parts of a camp is carrying all our bags to the airport.

Secondly, another fact that not everyone knows is that skiers need to wax and sharpen their skis every day after a ski session. When I asked Sydney Kuder ‘25 how she does her skis, she said that she always starts by passing the white stone on her base edge, followed by the black, red and yellow stones over her side edges. Knowing how to take care of our skis is one of the biggest factors for a good ski session because if our skis are not sharp enough, skiing on ice is almost impossible.

Following this, something that not a lot of people know about is our diets. Three times a day we need to prepare healthy and nutritious meals by ourselves. Cooking may not seem especially important, but fueling our body with healthy foods has a big advantage in terms of the levels of energy and recovery that we all need. I asked Elleanore Pelletier ‘25 what her go to meal is when she’s at ski camps: pasta with meat sauce and vegetables is her favorite meal, she cooks it a lot.

If ski camps teach us one thing, it must be autonomy and self-discipline. Skiers are all incredibly grateful to have the chance to travel to such cool places, but we would be lying if we hadn’t mentioned that at times it is particularly challenging.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Ski Racers Train in Colorado

December 13, 2023 by Lea Lambert

Here they are again, on the road. In November, the Northwood ski team packed up their skis and headed to Copper, Colorado. This is its second on-snow camp this season, and as the season gets closer, athletes are starting to get ready to race. Since the trip to Valle Nevado, Chile, we had a six-week training schedule where we built our strength in the fitness center. Three or four days per week, we had to wake up at 5:30 to head to the fitness center. On the days where we did not lift in the fitness center, we would either do conditioning workouts like sprint intervals or runs around the lake. We even got the chance to go skate on the 1932 Olympic rink. We discovered some skills while having a blast. These last six weeks were a bit tiring, but it had such a good outcome since it made us reach our peak at the perfect time.

Training hill at Copper Colorado. Photo provided.

Teegan Wardlaw ’25 & Lea Lambert ’24. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

A chairlift ride at Copper Mountain. Photo provided.

A question the ski team gets asked a lot is “Why go so far for so long just to find snow?” Olivia Levesque ‘24 answered this question by proving her point that traveling to Copper, Colorado gives us the opportunity to get the optimal training to prepare ourselves because once the race season starts it gets harder to find time for snow training since we are racing most of the time. This camp includes three blocks of four ski days, as discussed by our coaches, they figured out that it was enough ski time for us. Jeremy Transue, the Head Coach of the Women’s’ ski team, said that staying for too long at such a high altitude can also have a negative side. Since we will be staying at more than 3,700 meters for two weeks, we need to make sure every athlete gets enough hydration, sleep, and a good diet to maximize their training.

Finally, I would say that even if ski racing requires sacrifices and dedication, the ski team is all incredibly grateful for having the opportunity to travel to such cool places and meet such wonderful people.

Staff writer Lea Lambert ’24 is a member of Northwood’s ski team.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Coming Soon: New Flag Football League

November 16, 2023 by Lea Lambert

Northwood Flag Football League. Logo designed by Sebastian Pribula ’24.

Flag football saw its debut in the 1930s in the military. It was the perfect way for cadets to stay fit and play one of the most popular games in the country without getting injured. Last year, flag football was shortlisted as a proposed discretionary event for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and now flag football is an official Olympic sport. It seems very appropriate now that Northwood should have its own league, being situated in an Olympic town.

I remember when I first visited Northwood, I saw a soccer turf, and I knew right away football was not something popular here, but I wanted to make it a thing. In my first year here, we casually played around with a football, but I was hoping for more. Last summer, when I was in Quebec, I played in a five-against-five mix league, and that’s when I knew Northwood needed flag football.

Julianne Brochu ’25 (left) and NFFL found Lea Lambert ’24. Photo provided.

The Northwood Flag Football League will include approximately ten teams of five. Each team would be made of three boys and two girls, and each team would have a captain. Playing five against five would allow us to play multiple games at once on the indoor turf. The five-player team includes an offense made of a quarterback, a snap, and three receivers. The defense is made up of one rusher, one safety, a mike, and 2 defensives players.

After having all the teams set, I plan to have a meeting in the auditorium to specify the rules so that we don’t have to deal with confusion in the middle of a real game.

This is strictly for fun, and everyone should participate because my one and only goal is to create a sense of unity (the school theme for the 2023-24 year) between students.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Entrepreneurship Class Provides Challenge and Opportunity

November 1, 2023 by Lea Lambert

How would you feel if you became a person who organized and operated a business and took on greater financial risk? Wouldn’t it feel exciting and inspirational? That’s how Northwood Entrepreneurship students feel every day. Entrepreneurship is a Peak Pathway led by Mr. Thomas ”Brody” Broderick.

What really is Entrepreneurship? Why do students enjoy this class so much? What made me so captivated by this class? For this, I needed to write down my thoughts because I couldn’t find the exact little thing that made me excited to go to class every day.

Brody at the Hub. Photo: Lea Lambert ’24.

Students at work. Photo: Lea Lambert ’24.

Teegan Wardlaw ’25 at work. Photo: Lea Lambert ’24.

The Northwood School Innovation Hub on Main Street. Photo: Lea Lambert ’24.

After some reflection, I’ve concluded that it challenges me. In my life, never have I had the task to either create a project on my own, build a brand, or start something that could make the world better. The idea that we can change something gives me a purpose to keep my ideas going further. I was having a challenging time finding an idea at first. I tried creating an avalanche rescue kit but failed. I then tried cut-proof speed suits for racers, but it still wasn’t the one. When I went back home for Family Weekend, I had a Thanksgiving dinner with my family. We brought the subject up and that’s when I realized, I found my idea, and ever since, nothing has changed my mind about it.

In the first week of school, Brody asked us a question. I asked Teegan Wardlaw ’25 what challenges her the most in the entrepreneurship class, she said, “Thinking of an idea and sticking to it is hard because I often don’t have enough self-discipline.” Wardlaw also mentioned that the independent class felt different than a teacher-led class. Teegan is one of only two girls in this class with me, but that doesn’t bother her. She knew she would be out of her comfort zone, but most of the time, that’s a good thing.

I think this class only brings benefits for students. It will help students develop their entrepreneurship knowledge and, who knows, maybe one day we will be following the story of a Northwood entrepreneur.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Sophia Schupp ‘24

November 1, 2023 by Lea Lambert

I’ve always had big goals in mind, and Northwood has helped me accomplish so many of them. I was not even two years old when I started skiing at Windham Mountain in southern New York. I knew right away I wanted to be a ski racer.

Skiing is and will always be the thing that makes me feel the most myself; I just feel so alive when I ski. Skiing has brought me opportunities that I will forever be grateful for, like traveling to such cool places and meeting friends who have always been there for me and quickly became my second family. I will always remember our long rides traveling to races and then stopping at Stewarts, where I would always get some cheese and some pickles.

When I came to Northwood as a freshman, I didn’t know at all what life had in store for me. I just knew Northwood was the right place. Now, as a senior, I know that college will be challenging, but I am fully ready to live it. Next year, I would like to attend a good university where I will be able to enjoy myself, pursue my education, and prepare for my future life.

One of the people who had an impact on my life during my time here at Northwood is Masie Crane’23. Masie graduated from Northwood last year as a four-year survivor, something I am looking forward to. Masie has always brought positivity to my life and always looked out for me just like a big sister does for her little sister. Even though she’s not here anymore, she is always there to support me.

As told to Lea Lambert ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Parker Asbridge ‘24

November 1, 2023 by Lea Lambert

I’ve always dreamed of attending High School in the United States, but I’ve never expected it to be as life-changing for me as it has been. When I first arrived at Northwood, everything was new for me. A new country, new hockey team, new teammates, everything was just unknown to me.

But it didn’t take long before I felt at home. One of the people who has marked my time here was Junior Happi ’23. I remember Junior welcoming me in Berg when I first got to campus. His positivity made me feel warmly received.

Before playing hockey, my parents decided to sign me up for gymnastics class. I enjoyed it, but it was not the sport for me. I needed something more active. That’s when my passion for hockey started. At age five, I got my first pair of skates back home in Halifax. Since then, I’ve been on the ice almost every day. Hockey has such an important place in my life, when I’m in the locker room with all the guys and we’re playing some music before a game, that’s when I feel the most myself and it’s something I’m going to miss next year.

Being at Northwood opened my eyes and made me realize how grateful I must be for the people around me when I’m so far from home. Having a second family here helps me keep my attitude and mindset right, and it helps me focus on my goals in life. One of my main goals is to play hockey at a good University in the United States. That way, I can pursue my education and reach my best potential in hockey and in life.

As told to Lea Lambert ‘24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Students Make the Most of Family Weekend

November 1, 2023 by Lea Lambert

Why is family weekend so important for Northwood’s community? Family weekend is a tradition here at Northwood. Students get to receive their parents on campus, show them around, talk, and reconnect with them.

Last weekend, approximately 70 families came to campus for Family Weekend. The annual event is the perfect opportunity for parents to come around and see what their kids’ daily lives look like, eat breakfast and lunch with their children, and experience the community. Family Weekend is highly anticipated by parents.

In the days before Family Weekend, every student is tasked with preparing a student-led conference — a PowerPoint presentation on their goals and progress so far this school year. For parents, it’s the perfect time to have deeper discussions with their kids about what’s coming next in their lives.

Katie Demers ’24 during Family Weekend (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge)

Lea Lambert at a mountain bike World Cup race. Photo provided.

Fall foliage during family weekend. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Devin Shakar ’24 during Family Weekend (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge)

Devin Shakar ‘24 said he played two home games against Stanstead College at the 1980 Olympic Arena. The first one was on Thursday, October 5, and the second one on the following afternoon.He said he was really excited to see families around campus during the weekend.

Katie Demers ’24 also had home hockey games. Her parents drove up to her games and took her home afterward. She said she had a blast riding her dirt bike at home with her brother and spending time with her friends.

Edouard Brochu ‘24 enjoyed his family weekend. His parents came to school, and they had a great time walking around campus. Later that day, they drove to Clarkson University to tour the campus and visit with his friend Pedro Gonzalez ‘23, who is a first-year student there. After his visit, Edouard went back home with his family to observe Canadian Thanksgiving and watch the Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup Mountain Bike Downhill Race, which was about 2 minutes away from his house.

Jacob Brunton ‘24 also had plans for the weekend. He received his parents on campus on Friday and played a game at noon in the Olympic Arena. After the game, he went to his home in Ontario and celebrated Thanksgiving with his family with a nice dinner.

Personally, I think Family Weekend was great, and having a chance to go home was a welcome break. We enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving dinner with some family members and watched the mountain bike downhill World Cup. Family Weekend also made me excited to go back to school and see my friends again.