Li Feng

Catching Up With Sam Knauf ‘25

January 14, 2025 by Li Feng

Sam Knauf ’24. Photo: Washington College Athletics.

Recently, I caught up with Sam Knauf ’24, a Northwood alum now studying and playing soccer at Washington College. Reflecting on his first year, Sam shared insights about academics, athletics, and the transition to college life.

“My first impression at Washington College was how much free time I had as a freshman. With just two classes a day, I found myself with a lot of downtime,” Sam reflected. But as the year progressed, things quickly changed. “The lessons and assignments started piling up, and I realized that ‘free time’ wasn’t as free as I thought. It was more so that we (freshmen) are able to adjust to the demanding lifestyle of a college student-athlete.”

One highlight of Sam’s college experience so far has been being a part of the soccer team. However, being far from home has been one of the more challenging adjustments. Still, Sam’s love for the sport keeps him grounded and motivated.

“Soccer has been genuinely more enjoyable, but the biggest difference between Northwood and Washington College is the roster size. With so many players, everyone has to actually fight for a starting spot or even just playing time,” he shared. Interestingly, Sam sees strong similarities between Northwood and Washington when it comes to playing style and quality. “The quality of players, such as their technical abilities and intelligence on the field, was pretty even between high school and college. It wasn’t a significant difference, meaning that the standard at Northwood is exceptionally high and competitive.”

Here is an insight into what a typical day looks like for Sam—a peak into Sam’s general schedule:

8:30 AM: Wake up and get ready for a 9:30 AM class.

10:20 AM: Class ends, followed by a quick trip back to his room before grabbing lunch

11:00 AM: Lunch around 11:00AM

12:00 PM: Homework or a short nap—depending on the day.

1:00 PM: Head to the gym for about an hour.

2:30 PM: Second class of the day, which runs until 3:45 PM.

4:00 PM: Team training begins—about an hour and a half of hard work on the field.

6:30 PM: Dinner with the team at the dining hall.

Evening: Finish homework, relax, and get ready for bed.

Sam has found a balance between academics, athletics, and downtime while adapting to the demands of college life. He credits Northwood for preparing him well. “Northwood taught me how to manage my time, which has been a huge help here,” Sam said.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Soccer Team’s Cold Plunges Have Many Benefits

November 5, 2024 by Li Feng

Cedric Lemaire ’25 also contributed to this article.

Northwood School owns a small property on Mirror Lake, a space the community uses to its advantage. One unique tradition for the soccer team is the lake ice bath, where players immerse themselves in the icy waters to boost recovery and mental resilience.

Last year, players like William Bujold ‘24, Leon Brody ‘24, and Coach Martinez began the tradition of regularly plunging into the ice-cold lake, challenging both the body and mind. As winter approaches, the water temperatures continue to drop, making each session a true test of endurance.

Photo provided.

After a challenging loss to Kiski School in the Prep Premier League this season, the U19 team renewed its ice-bathing tradition as a ritual and served as a punishment. At 7 am on a 33 F° Monday, 26 guys sacrificed their time, comfort, and sleep for the team’s greater good. Despite the icy water and nipping air, everyone persevered and managed to dunk as a team.

This practice, backed by recent studies, provides benefits beyond physical recovery. According to researcher Maya Shetty (“Jumping into the Ice Bath Trend! Mental Health Benefits of Cold-Water Immersion”), Cold water immersion (CWI) stimulates the body’s hormonal stress response, explicitly impacting cortisol, a primary stress hormone. Unlike other stress responses, cortisol levels decrease after immersion, helping regulate stress and promote resilience. The intense initial shock of freezing water also triggers noradrenaline, a chemical messenger that helps transmit nerve signals across nerve endings to another nerve cell.

Regular participation in CWI is essential as it helps the body adapt to stress more effectively, builds resilience, and reduces overall stress reactivity, making it a valuable practice for physical and psychological resilience. Most importantly, embracing this challenge fosters harmony and enhances team chemistry, bringing everyone closer to the shared experience of overcoming discomfort.

Accordingly, the team has seen positive effects after cold plunges. “For the rest of my day, I was filled with higher energy levels and a pep in my step,” Cedric Lemaire ‘25 said.

“The morning cold plunges not only help with recovery, but it starts your day off right and energizes you for what’s to come,” Trey Frantz ’25 said. “They also force you to do something out of your comfort zone, which builds character,” Frantz added.

The U17 team, inspired by the other team, organized their own team plunge. In addition, some players have made a pact to do a cold plunge every Monday morning until Thanksgiving break. Braving the elements and resisting the urge to sleep in will be a true test of character, but what the water teaches you is that it is all worth it in the end.

“I love the way it makes my body feel after for the rest of the day and hope to do more with more people,” Hamish Ridell ’26 said.

As the Northwood team makes this commitment, the cold plunge becomes more than just a physical challenge; it’s a symbol of their shared dedication to growth and improvement. They have learned that the willingness to push through discomfort can shape their game and character.

As the team looks ahead to the playoffs in November, eager to face rival schools, the cold-ice bath tradition will display a renewed squad that is focused, resilient, and ready to face any challenge confidently.

For more on the science behind these benefits, you can read further STANFORD CENTER ON LONGEVITY.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

U19 Soccer Team Defeats Two College Teams

November 5, 2024 by Li Feng

The Skidmore soccer pitch. Photo: Li Feng ’25.

After a dominant 4-1 victory against Paul Smith’s College on Thursday, October 17th, the U19 soccer team traveled to Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, October 22nd, for a friendly match against Skidmore College. During the visit, the team was welcomed by Skidmore’s Head Coach, Brad Campion, in his first season as head coach of the Skidmore Men’s Soccer team.

Murray-Aikins Dining Hall at Skidmore College. Photo: Li Feng ’25.

The visit included a meal at the renowned Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, known for its distinctive circular architecture and ranked among the top 10 college dining halls in New York by Niche.com. Afterward, the players took a campus tour, exploring academic buildings, student dormitories, and recently constructed athletic facilities designed for student-athletes.

The team was then invited to a Q&A session with Coach Campion and several senior players from the Skidmore soccer program. This provided a valuable opportunity for the U19 players to ask questions, learn about the program, and gain insight into the collegiate soccer experience, benefiting from the expertise that Coach Campion and the team shared.

In the match against Skidmore’s reserve team, the U19 squad secured a 2-1 victory, with all players marking their minutes on the field. Both goals were scored by Said El Eyssami ’26, with assists from Leo Doyle ‘25 and Li Feng ‘25.

With two successful games against D3 collegiate teams under the belts, the U19 team will now be anticipating another intense Prep Premier League matchup against Kiski School and Spire in the upcoming weekend, October 26th and 27th.

Filed Under: Sports

The Soccer Team’s Festive Warm-Up Music

October 29, 2024 by Li Feng

As the season transitions from fall’s vibrant leaves to winter’s first snowfall, the U-19 soccer team has also shifted our warm-up music. Typically, our warm-up playlist consists of high-energy rap songs, with various players taking turns selecting songs. Occasionally, Spanish-speaking players will play Spanish music, though two-thirds of the team would remain quiet, unfamiliar with the lyrics. Most of the time, though, rap dominates, keeping everyone hyped. Yet, on rare occasions, ETA by NewJeans makes its way onto the playlist, acknowledging the South Korean players on the team and welcoming our diversity. Despite our different languages, upbringings, and perspectives, music becomes a shared language that brings us closer.

Recently, the squad’s playlist took a festive turn with the first snowfall of the 2024-25 school year. The team burst into holiday spirit with Christmas music, celebrating the changing season. Songs like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and “Santa Tell Me” By Ariana Grande set a joyful tone and brought a sense of unity to the team. The familiar jingles and upbeat melodies filled the field with anticipation, reminding us that the holidays were approaching. The playful, light-hearted songs fueled our spirits, making warm-ups feel less like preparation and more like a shared experience of excitement, where we would sing along, and count down the days until our holiday wishes would come true.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Paulo de Tarso Marcilio ’25

October 15, 2024 by Li Feng

“When I was nine, my parents took me to Ushuaia, Argentina, where I skied for the first time. I loved every second of it. The cold air, the rush of gliding down the mountain, and the feeling of freedom on the snow. Even though I had never skied, I felt connected to the sport. Unfortunately, since I grew up in Brazil, where it’s hot year-round, skiing wasn’t something I could look forward to regularly. As much as I wanted to keep going, there was no snow back home, and I didn’t have many opportunities to travel to places where I could ski again.

“For years, skiing became just a memory. Growing up in a country without snow meant it was hard to stay connected to that passion. Skiing wasn’t popular where I lived, and I didn’t know anyone else who shared that same love for the sport. But everything changed when I moved to Northwood. Being surrounded by snow and mountains brought that excitement rushing back. About three months after I arrived, I got back on the slopes, and it felt like I had never stopped. The thrill was just as intense as during my first experience in Ushuaia.

“Despite playing soccer and not getting to ski as often as I’d like, every time I do, it’s unforgettable. One of my favorite memories is teaching my great friend, Eduardo Aguiar, who used to attend Northwood, how to ski. He had never skied before, and it was a challenge to teach him, but those couple of hours were some of the best times I’ve had on the mountain. We laughed, struggled, but most importantly, celebrated each little step as he learned, and by the end of the day, he was already improving.

“Those moments on the mountain, whether skiing solo or with friends, always remind me why I love the sport. It’s more than just the speed and the rush; it’s about creating memories, challenging yourself, and sharing experiences with others. Those are the moments I’ll continue to build and hold on to.”

As told to Li Feng ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Students Take a Journey Through Local History

October 11, 2024 by Li Feng

Experts provided students with in-depth insights into historical artifacts, allowing them to examine them more closely and appreciate their historical significance. Photo provided.

On Thursday, September 26th, the AP U.S. History (APUSH) class from Northwood School ventured on an educational field trip to Fort Ticonderoga. The visit, established as part of a local history initiative, was designed to immerse students in key moments of American history while connecting them with the region’s rich historical landscape. Fort Ticonderoga, a significant site during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, provides an ideal setting for students to grasp a visual representation, enhancing their understanding of the war.

The decision to establish this field trip began last year, “inspired by the idea that exploring a local historical site would enhance the curriculum,” said Mr. Shergold, who teaches the APUSH class. Fort Ticonderoga’s strategic importance in early American conflicts makes it a perfect fit for Northwood’s history classes. Located near Lake Placid, the Fort offers a unique way for students to see firsthand how their region connects to national and global history.

Mr. Shergold, who teaches both regular and AP US History, remarked on the importance of exposing students to local history, stating, “We can sometimes feel quite isolated up here, but Fort Ticonderoga shows us how our area has always been part of something bigger. It’s a great way to connect the local to the wider world.”

Due to logistical constraints, only the APUSH class participated in this fall trip. However, there are plans for U.S. History students to visit the Fort when it reopens in the spring. The decision to focus on local history was rooted in a desire to show students how the Lake Placid region connects to broader historical narratives. This field trip was intended to emphasize the importance of these connections while allowing students to explore their local significance in the context of world events.

During the visit, students explored some of the most prized artifacts at the Fort, including Alexander Hamilton’s epaulet and a collection of original muskets. Expert lectures provided students with in-depth insights into these artifacts, allowing them to examine them more closely and appreciate their historical significance.

Students ventured out onto Lake Champlain in a replica bateau, a traditional wooden boat. Photo provided.

However, as Mr. Shergold noted, “the highlight of the day for many was a hands-on experience when the group ventured out onto Lake Champlain in a replica bateau, a traditional wooden boat. Rowing the boat themselves, the students experienced firsthand the geography and strategic location of the Fort from a unique vantage point on the water.” This interactive experience brought the historical setting to life in a way that classroom lectures simply cannot match.

Northwood School has a unique connection to Fort Ticonderoga, as the land and the Fort are owned by the Pell family, one of whose descendants is a Northwood alum. This historical and familial link adds an extra dimension to the relationship between the school and the Fort, and the continued visits help to maintain and strengthen this bond.

The field trip was a valuable experience, providing both academic enrichment and a memorable adventure for the students. Plans are already in place for future visits, with Northwood School eager to continue its support of Fort Ticonderoga’s educational mission.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Peak Pathway Profile: Randall Learns Boat-Building

October 4, 2024 by Li Feng

Alex Randall ’26 with the canoe he built over the summer. Photo provided.

The Peak Pathways Program, Northwood School’s exciting evolution of its successful Independent Initiatives, has returned! The program is structured in a way that provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in a year-long, self-designed exploration of a topic or field that aligns with their future aspirations. Northwood continues to foster an environment where students learn and actively engage in research and critical thinking, transforming education into a lived experience.

This summer, Alex Randall ‘25 undertook an ambitious project: constructing a 15-foot canoe in his garage. He is preparing to build a second, larger canoe as part of the Peak Pathways Program, which encourages students to apply their skills to real-world projects. His initial canoe served as a test, using cheaper materials to minimize mistakes and learn the fundamentals of boat building. “I wanted to gain some first-hand experience before diving headfirst into a new project,” Alex explained. “I started with cheaper materials to avoid making costly mistakes.”

Guided by his grandfather, an experienced boat builder, Alex tackled a foreign process. The project involved bending different widths of wood to form the canoe’s shape, followed by applying fiberglass to waterproof the wooden planks. One of the more challenging skills he mastered was steaming wood to make it flexible enough to bend. Reflecting on his learning experience, Alex noted, “One of the most remarkable skills I had to master was bending wood through steaming. This technique softens the cell walls, allowing the wood to become flexible.”

Alex Randall works on the wooden canoe he built over the summer. Photo provided.

While rewarding, the project was not without its difficulties. Balancing the time between his summer job and the demands of canoe construction was tough, and the extended periods of waiting for glue to dry often delayed progress. Nonetheless, Alex remains committed to refining his skills through this experience.

Looking ahead, Alex plans to build a second, larger canoe with greater width, depth, and more intricate details than his first attempt. This next phase of the project will push his skills further as he continues to grow through Northwood’s Peak Pathways Program. By allowing students to design their projects, the Peak Pathways Program equips them with practical problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Programs like this prepare students for a rapidly changing world by promoting their strengths and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, making them better prepared to adapt and innovate.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Dr. Scott Campbell

September 24, 2024 by Li Feng

“In addition, I completed a one-year business degree in Arts and Creative Leadership, also at Wisconsin. Over the years, I’ve explored my academic pursuits with a career in music and theater, which has given me a deep understanding and empathy for students. I know the challenges they face, having spent considerable time in school myself.

“Throughout my academic journey, I’ve seen many students enter graduate school without clear direction, which often leads to frustration. I believe that education is only as valuable as the effort and curiosity you bring to it. If you are passionate and driven by questions you want to answer, the experience becomes rewarding and even enjoyable.

“In my teaching, I encourage students to explore their interests and guide them in discovering what resonates with them. I design projects that allow for this exploration, encouraging both engagement and personal growth.

“I am deeply grateful for the educational opportunities I’ve had and through it, I recognize the privilege of time, resources, and good fortune that many don’t have. Having completed three advanced degrees, I have no regrets. Time is finite, but I’ve made the most of mine, and I aim to help students do the same.”

As told to Li Feng ’25. Photo provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

A Night to Remember: First Formal Dinner of the Year

September 17, 2024 by Li Feng

Just over a week into the new school year, Northwood has celebrated one of its cherished traditions: the first formal dinner night. This event marked the start of the year with elegance, camaraderie, and a sense of unity that brought the entire school community together in a uniquely memorable way.

Formal dinner night is more than just a meal—it is an experience. Students upgraded their usual school dress code to formal attire, stepping into an atmosphere that combined the luxurious feel of fine dining with the warm familiarity of school life. Students dressed up for the special occasion and had the chance to socialize with peers and staff members they might not normally interact with.

Photos by Ms. Ingrid Van Slyke.

As students entered the beautifully arranged dining hall, its transformation was plain to see. The tables were elegantly set, and excitement was palpable as students anticipated the evening ahead. The dinner menu was a delightful change from the usual meal offerings, featuring a variety of dishes: from fresh seafood to perfectly served steaks, along with rich desserts. It was a refreshing break from routine, offering the community a chance to savor something special.

But the night was not just about dressing up and enjoying delicious food—it was about celebration and bonding as a community. After dinner, the evening took on a new and lively twist for a friendly yet highly competitive dodgeball tournament between dorms. This surprise addition to the night sparked laughter, friendly rivalries, and plenty of team spirit as students battled it out for dorm pride. The energy from the tournament brought everyone together in a playful, spirited way, adding an element of fun and excitement to the formality of the dinner.

This first formal dinner set a positive tone for the year ahead, reminding the school of the importance of gathering, the joy of shared experiences, and the thrill of friendly competition. There will be many more formal dinners, but this one, the first of the year, has already set the standard for what is to come. The evening was a celebration of Northwood’s community: one that values tradition, connection, and a delicious meal shared among friends.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Cultivating Knowledge: Exploration of Hydroponics in STEM Research Class

May 15, 2024 by Li Feng

Jenny Tran ’25 (right) explaining her research to Ms. Katie Weaver at the recent Advanced Research Poster Symposium at the Hub. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At the heart of Northwood School’s educational approach is a deep exploration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The school fosters a unique learning environment that not only encourages students to absorb knowledge but also to actively engage in research and critical thinking. This approach transforms education into a lived experience, setting the stage for innovative projects like the one led by Jenny Tran ’25.

Photo provided.

In one of Ms. Jill Walker’s STEM classes, Jenny Tran ‘25 stands out as a great example of student-driven projects. Jenny is dedicated to testing optimal nutrient intake while growing lettuce using hydroponics, which utilizes water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. This process in a well-designed and scientifically formulated hydroponic system will ensure that plants maintain the same mineral content as those grown in soil, making farming more viable in areas with extreme droughts and low soil quality.

Witnessing the food insecurity issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in her hometown, Jenny ventured into this project with a mission in mind. “During COVID, I saw an article about food insecurity in Ho Chi Minh City, where I live. Many families couldn’t afford nutritional food. I wanted to see if hydroponics could solve food insecurity in urban settings,” she explained.

Photo provided.

Ms. Jill Walker’s class is not just about consuming information. It’s about actively engaging in the educational journey, fostering independence and adaptability. For Jenny Tran ’25, this approach has been instrumental in her pursuit of understanding hydroponics and its potential impact on food insecurity. She sees this project as a valuable learning opportunity, a stepping stone towards her future studies in biology.

The emphasis on student-driven projects like Jenny’s extensive project illustrates the school’s role in providing a platform where problem-solving and creativity skills are encouraged and expected. The journey through STEM education at Northwood is not limited to textbooks but allows students to navigate their paths, set goals, and bring their ideas to life.