Six Northwood female students recently won recognition for their computing-related achievements. It’s the third year in a row that Northwood’s girls have received such recognition and more girls were honored this year than ever before. Two girls were honored in each of the previous two years.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.

Top row, from l to r: Emilie Venne ’20, Angie Castillo ’21, and Braelyn Tebo ’20
Bottom row, l to r: Kate Hagness ’21, Lexi Hooper ’20, and Miranda Bookman ’20
All photos: Mr. Michael Aldridge

The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner, Honorable Mention, Rising Star, and Certificate of Distinction designations at National and Regional Affiliate levels, serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and all U.S. overseas military bases. Regional Affiliate Award programs are hosted in 79 locations nationwide by NCWIT Alliance member organizations—a powerful, national network of universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women from every community.

The Northwood School winners at the regional affiliate award level include:

• Emilie Venne ’20 – Winner
• Angie Castillo ’21 – Honorable Mention
• Braelyn Tebo ’20 – Honorable Mention
• Kate Hagness ’21 – Honorable Mention
• Lexi Hooper ’20 – Rising Star
• Miranda Bookman ’20 – Rising Star

Venne is the first Northwood girl to win the award and Tebo earned the recognition for the second-straight year.

Congratulations to the amazing women for this accomplishment and thank you to Mr. Jeff Martin, robotics team coach and chair of Innovation, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship at Northwood.

For a complete list and to learn more visit 2020 Aspirations Award Recipients.

In the final minutes of study hall on Monday, Headmaster Mr. Michael Maher sent the following message to students:

Dear Northwood Community:

I have officially declared tomorrow, January 21, 2020, a Headmaster’s Holiday! Jack Dugan ’17, a sophomore at Providence College, a Hobey Baker Award candidate and currently the leading scorer in NCAA Division I hockey, has agreed to help me with my announcement:

Our hockey teams and their coaches worked so hard this past weekend, and they deserve some downtime after our hockey tournament. I’ve been impressed with the work of all of our students and faculty this school year and take this occasion to acknowledge their collective commitment. Go Huskies and enjoy the day off!

– Mr. Maher

Tuesday’s Schedule

• 7:40 AM: Hot HIIT with Mr. Jeon
• Extended breakfast from 7 – 10:30 AM
• Bus to Whiteface at 11:00 AM
• Lunch from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Students are required to check-in at lunch
• Jitney bus at 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM
• Fitness Center from 2:30 – 4:30 PM
• Tuesday evening will be a regular dinner and study hall.

Come and Learn Mindfulness (CALM) introduces students to a variety of mindfulness techniques to help them bring these practices into their daily lives. Each daily session approaches mindfulness differently and taps into the diverse expertise of our faculty. Scholarly research confirms that mindfulness practice decreases stress and anxiety, increases attention, improves interpersonal relationships, strengthens compassion, and confers a host of other benefits.

“Over the past several years we’ve noticed that teens seem to be coming under increasing pressures. To help our students learn a variety of techniques to manage their stress, we’ve created CALM. We’re excited to be able to offer these daily opportunities for our students’ well-being,” says John Spear ’88, Assistant Head for School Life.

In a statement released to the press and on its social media feeds, Northwood School yesterday announced new programming in dance for the 2020-2021 academic year. The program will be distinctive among high school programs, the statement says, as a result of having both a performance-based and an academic component. It will have options for students wanting a high-level dance experience to further their opportunities at the collegiate level and for students with limited or no dance experience who are looking to experiment or strengthen as an athlete.

The new dance program is in partnership with Dance Sanctuary founders, Mandi Maiore and Vanessa Pillen. From their Saranac Lake location they have has been instilling the skills and technique of dance as an art form and teaching classes since opening their studio in September 2016.

“The new partnership with the Dance Sanctuary builds on our existing partnerships in our growing visual and performing arts program,” states Michael Maher, Head of School. “We see the Adirondack region as an extension of our campus and we are fortunate to have organizations like the Dance Sanctuary, Lake Placid Center for the Arts and others, that help us expand the opportunities for our students.”

Dance infused into Northwood’s schedule will provide the flexibility of being able to layer dance and academics simultaneously allowing students to push themselves to higher limits. This will provide Northwood students with first-hand learning experiences to help develop and deepen their interests in specific subject areas while being able to perform and dance at a high level.

“During the school year, the Northwood dance program will allow students the time to dive into several different kinds of genres of dance, and really build that good foundation in all those genres while also pursuing to study the art of dance,” states Mandi Maiore.

The dance programming through agility training will also benefit the ski racers, hockey players, soccer players, and more. The foundation of dance will integrate flexibility, strength, agility, and core strength into all athletics benefiting different athletes. Whether experimenting and taking a course to see how it develops their flexibility or core strength or becoming a serious dancer at the collegiate level, offering these courses is going to benefit them all.

“It may surprise some athletes to know that dance actually benefits all athletes,” states Vanessa Pillen. “That includes soccer players, hockey players, and skiers. The foundation of dance, especially when you’re talking about flexibility, strength, and agility, carries over into all athletics and this program will benefit all different athletes.”

Northwood will host an information session for dancers interested in this new partnership. The event will be on Saturday, January 25 at the Dance Sanctuary studio on Main Street in Saranac Lake.

Compiled from the Northwood School news release.

What’s crispy and gold on the outside and tender and warm on the inside? Welcome to Chicken Nugget Day — Northwood students’ most anticipated day of the year.

Graduation, Prom, and formals do not matter as long as we have chicken nuggets on our plate. “I’m very excited about Nug Day. It’s my favorite day,” Anneliese Munter ‘22 said.  “Chicken Nugget Day makes me feel whole,” said Miranda Bookman ‘20.

More nuggets, please! (Photo: Miranda Bookman ’20).

Junior Amelia Brady loves nuggets. (Photo: Miranda Bookman ’20).

Nuggets in all their glory (Photo: Miranda Bookman ’20).

As the line winds into the living room, everyone is in awe of what is to come. No matter what country, continent, or planet you are from, the beautiful nuggets bring the Northwood community together. Whether you top the poultry morsels with barbecue, ranch, buffalo, or ketchup, the combinations are endless as you bite into the hot, crunchy goodness.

“Nug day is the most important day of the school year,” said Cian Murphy ‘22.

In contrast to the students, the kitchen staff dreads the stampede and havoc caused by chicken nuggets in the dining hall.  “They’re wonderful…Lovely,” the kitchen staff said sarcastically when asked about nugget day.

“Oh my god, I’m so excited! I was having a pretty bad day, but then my friends said, ‘Gabby, it’s Nug Day,’ and I was like ‘Yes!’ I started crying. That’s how much Nug Day means to me,” Gabby Cote ‘21 said.

Reminding kids of Christmas day, Chicken Nugget Day is on the way.

The 2019 Northwood School commencement weekend began, as is tradition, with the Senior Dinner on the night of Friday, May 17th. This is a highlight activity of the weekend as families and friends gather under the tent, spending some quality time together, sharing a meal and celebrating their special graduate. Graduates often invite their friends and favorite faculty/coaches to join them at their table. A few awards are distributed and the Cum Laude Society is recognized.

The main attraction, however, is always the Senior Video. This year, senior Sarah Bennett directed the video, which was widely praised as the best senior video ever.

The Northwood School Class of 2019 commencement ceremony took place on May 18th, 2019. This was the one hundred-twelth commencement ceremony in Northwood School history.

Following the ceremony, the graduates proceeded to ring and walk under the Victory Bell and receive their Northwood Alumni pin. This is another one of Northwood’s beautiful traditions. It signifies the transition from high school to the greater world and entry into the great family of Northwood Alumni.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019

CLASS OF 2019 HONOR SPEAKERS

Morgan Broderick
Lake Placid, NY
Attended Northwood School for five years.
Click here for a transcript of Morgan’s speech

Isaac Newcomb
Lake Placid, NY
Attended Northwood School for three years
Click here for a transcript of Isaac’s speech

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS

Dr.Barbard Dill and Dr. Richard Smith

FACULTY PRIZES

THE JAMES HERD FULLERTON FACULTY PRIZE

James Herd Fullerton graduated from Norwich University in 1930 and joined the faculty at Northwood School in 1932. During his Northwood career, Jim would serve as a math and science teacher, hockey, baseball, and football coach, crew coach and Director of Athletics.

Throughout his more than thirty years at Northwood (1932-1955), Jim Fullerton established a reputation as a caring, compassionate teacher and an innovative, thoughtful coach. But it was through sheer force of his character that Jim Fullerton had the greatest influence on a generation of Northwood graduates. There are countless stories of Jim coming to the aid of a student or player in need of some sage advice, a pat on the back or some firm direction. Mr. Fullerton passed away in 1991.

The Fullerton Prize is awarded annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated the most significant professional growth and/or had the deepest impact upon the overall character development in the student body during the academic year. The winner must embody the qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion, and love of students so valued by Coach Fullerton. The prize is intended to enhance the professional and personal growth of the faculty recipient.

I am pleased to award this year’s Fullerton Prize to Noel Carmichael, who embodies the qualities that still live through the legend and legacy of Jim Fullerton. Noel, please come forward to receive this award.

THE DR. VANDERLYN R. PINE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Dr. Vanderlyn R. Pine is a native of New Paltz, New York and graduated from Northwood School in 1955. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1967 and his Master’s Degree in 1969 from Dartmouth College. Dr. Pine earned his Ph.D. from New York University in 1971.

While at Northwood, Van Pine excelled in athletics as a member of the ice hockey, football and track teams. In addition, he was the first Editor-in-Chief of the Mirror, the school’s newspaper, and was involved in the total life of the school as he served on a wide variety of committees. Two of Dr. Pine’s children, Brian, Class of 1981 and Daniel, Class of 1982, graduated from Northwood. Dr. Pine was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1986. In the fall of 1997, he was elected Chair of the Board and assumed his current position of Emeritus Chair in 2014.

The Pine Award, an engraved Boston Rocker chair, is given to the faculty member who: “Demonstrates dedication to his or her students; exudes energy and enthusiasm for learning; fosters respect for scholarship and provides a consistency of preparation and classroom delivery which stimulates students to want to learn.” The members of the Northwood student body select the faculty winner through nomination and vote.

This year’s winner is Ben Runyon
THE IRA A. FLINNER AWARD

Ira Flinner served Northwood School as its headmaster from 1926 to 1951. During his long and legendary service, he fostered excellence in academics and character. His influence is with us today, and it lives on through the achievement of this year’s recipients of the Ira A. Flinner Award: Isaac Newcomb and Joanna Rosenbluth.
THE HARRY MacDONALD AWARD

Harry MacDonald served behind the scenes at Northwood School for thirty years. The award in his name honors a student for whom giving is more important than receiving and who puts the greater good in front of his or her own interests. For all she has done for the greater Northwood School community, we extend our gratitude to: Morgan Broderick.
LUSSI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

A $4,000 Scholarship, $1000 per year for four years, is awarded to a student who has achieved outstanding performance in academics, demonstrated excellence in a co- or extra-curricular activity, and who is attending a four-year college or university next year. This year’s co-winners, sharing in this scholarship, are: Aiden Smith and Chelsea Smith.
THE ANNE EDWARDS AWARD

There’s an essence to Northwood School that cannot be put into words. Instead, it shows itself in the actions and character of its community. For thirty-four years, no one displayed this essence better than Anne Edwards. Inspiring community service, offering a maternal shoulder to students in need, even teaching hockey players to knit, Annie wasn’t just an instructor. She was a living personification of the school itself. This year’s award goes to that student who, like Annie Edwards, understood and fully lived the Northwood experience. Our thanks to Zhuoxian (Simon) Ou.
THE JUDITH K. GOOD STUDENT COUNCIL AWARD

The Judith K. Good Student Council Award is given in honor of Mrs. Judith Good, who served the Lake Placid community as a mediator and conflict resolution specialist for more than twenty years. The recipient is chosen and the award is given by students themselves in recognition of the qualities of character they see, knowing that student better than any faculty member possibly could. To Aimee Headland – your classmates thank you for being yourself so truly and giving to others so generously.

URFIRER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This plaque is awarded annually to a member of the Senior Class who, over their last three years at Northwood, has shown the greatest academic growth through their hard work and determination to succeed. The award is given in memory of Mr. Roland Urfirer of Lake Placid, who served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1973 to 2014. We are pleased to recognize Lanxin (Jessica) Lin for her achievements.

THE EDWARD M. GOOD HEADMASTER’S PRIZE

This prize is awarded to the student or students in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the headmaster, advised by the faculty, is an individual who has, through his/her character and enthusiasm, contributed in a positive way to enhance the culture of Northwood School. This year, the winner is: John Biechler.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Senior Scholastic Awards, honoring the two graduating seniors who have achieved the highest academic averages over the past year.

The second highest ranking scholar – Joanna Rosenbluth

The highest ranking scholar – Chelsea Smith
SCHOOL SEAL PRIZE

The School Seal is the visual representation of what we are and what we stand for. The annual prize is awarded to the senior who best lives up to the high ideals of our Core Values: Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, Integrity, and Respect. Just as the School Seal represents our school, so does the work and influence of this year’s winner embody all that we aspire to be. This year’s recipient is: Lanxin (Jessica) Lin.
THE NORTHWOOD AWARD

This plaque is awarded to the senior who has shown through influence, character, and service to be the outstanding citizen of the school community, embodying our highest ideals and offering a consistent willingness to work for the betterment of his/her classmates and school. This is Northwood’s highest award. This year’s winner is: Matthew Shanklin.

SENIOR DINNER AWARDS – FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019
LINDA FRIEDLANDER AWARD

This plaque is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics and in women’s sports. The recipient is chosen for her accomplishments and enthusiasm in developing both her intellectual and physical being. The winner is: Sarah Coombs.

TIM HYDE HOCKEY AWARD

This is an award given each year by Mr. & Mrs. F. Stillman Hyde and family, in loving memory of Tim Hyde, who graduated from Northwood in 1962. It is given to the hockey player who, in the opinion of the coaches, best exemplifies Tim Hyde’s love of the game and his “never quit” attitude; no matter how stiff the opposition. The winner is: Andrew Gilbert.

CHARLES HOLT HOCKEY AWARD

Charlie Holt served as a teacher and coach at Northwood School from 1955 to 1962. After Northwood, Charlie was hockey coach at Colby College and the University of New Hampshire. Considered one of the “true gentlemen” of the game, Charlie Holt embodied the best qualities the game has to offer. A plaque is awarded annually by Northwood School to the members of the boys and girls hockey squads who have shown the best sportsmanship in practice and in games. The winners are: Cole Leal and Aimee Headland.
MALCOLM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

The permanent trophy was given by the late Herbert L. Malcolm, former Headmaster of the Lake Placid School now Northwood School, and the individual plaque is awarded each year to the male and female students who, in the opinion of the faculty Athletic Committee, have shown the best sportsmanship in athletics throughout the year. The award recognizes qualities of character that enhance the excellence of the teams on which the individuals participate and that reflects positively on Northwood as an institution during athletic competition. The winners are: Alex van Schalkwyk and Jane Baumer.
MARK “DILL” DRISCOLL SKI AWARD

Mark Driscoll, Class of 1970, was the complete skier, competing in cross-country, jumping, and alpine events. His legacy is one of extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication. As an athlete, a student, and a student leader, Dill was one of the school’s most positively influential characters. The school named the premier ski team award in his honor. This year’s winner is: Sarah Bennett.
TIM SMYTHE AWARD

This award is given to the student athlete of the North Country who best displays Tim Smythe’s leadership and courage and who inspires their teammates to rise to any challenge. The winner is: Will Arquiett.
ENGLISH PRIZE

The English award goes to a student for whom literature is a passport to all lands and ages, for whom writing is an opportunity to convey worthy ideas with passion and grace. The winner this year is: Aleksei Rutkovskii.
SCIENCE PRIZE

The Science award is given to a senior who has demonstrated both interest and achievement in the field of science. This student has a strong desire to understand scientific concepts and has an inquisitive mind. In addition, this student thinks about the topics beyond the scope of the classroom and completes every assignment with diligence and effort. This year’s winner is: Isaac Newcomb.
MATHEMATICS PRIZE

The Mathematics award is made to a student who combines talent with hard work, and whose curiosity and creative thinking provide a lively model for maximizing learning in mathematics. The winner this year is: Joanna Rosenbluth.
LANGUAGE PRIZE

The Language prize is awarded to the student who passionately pursues skill in the speaking, reading, and writing of a foreign language. For French, this year’s recipient is: Sarah Coombs.
SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIZE

The Social Science award is presented for excellence in the appreciation and understanding of issues in the Social Sciences. This year’s winner is: Lanxin (Jessica) Lin.
ARTS PRIZE

Creativity, passion, energy, and a zest for artistic excellence are qualities that describe the recipient of this award. The Arts Department Prize goes to: Yuqi (Jessie) Li.
ESL PRIZE

The English as a Second Language Prize is given to the senior who has excelled both in English language fluency as well as cultural fluency. This student, through hard work, patience, and involvement, has enriched the Northwood community. The winner this year is: Pedro Paggi Simoes.
DEO B. COLBURN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Deo B. Colburn scholarships are awarded to students of Essex and Franklin counties who have demonstrated good scholarship and strong character during their years in secondary school. The grants come from the foundation established by Mr. Colburn, Northwood’s long time neighbor. This year, the following student has been selected to receive this award: Kevin Quinn.