Sophia DeAnzeris

Humans of Northwood: Rylie Griffiths ‘25

February 3, 2025 by Sophia DeAnzeris

“I like living a simple life, Northwood has allowed me to do that while also working for my goals. I think it’s important to value politeness and respect, that’s the way I was raised. The world is very small, you never know who you’re going to meet down the road. Everyone knows someone, and you never know what they can offer. Make the most out of every situation.

“This is my first year at Northwood. From the experiences and things I’ve learned over my first few months here, I knew being here for only one year wasn’t enough for my development in all aspects. I decided that I am coming back next year to grow and create even more fantastic memories. This year has flown by and I’m so grateful to extend my time here for another year on and off the ice.

“I’ve always played hockey close to home. Being from Carlisle, Ontario, I was lucky to have so many hockey opportunities all relatively close to home. I knew coming here would take my game to the next level. The culture at Northwood is something unmatched by anything I’ve been a part of. Knowing that you’re always supported by your team, coaches, and faculty gives you a great sense of joy.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from being here is holding myself accountable. It can be overwhelming moving away for the first time; you always have your parents to keep on you; no, it’s all up to you. With our flexible schedule, it’s critical that I stay on track while balancing school and training.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Hockey Players Stay Fit Over Break

January 20, 2025 by Sophia DeAnzeris

Athletes sometimes have a hard time staying on task when not in their team or school environment. Being away on a break can oftentimes take your mind off of what is most important in your sport for that short time away from your team and the goals at hand. But, the hockey players at Northwood never took their minds off their personal goals and their teams.

For most winter student-athletes, holiday break falls at the center of their busy season. Being away at school with the main focus being academic and athletic development means leaving campus or heading home can be a change. At Northwood, the hockey teams are on the ice and in the gym all week, building their strength and working toward the team’s growth. When the players go on break and become separated from the gritty in-house environment of Northwood, it’s no problem for them to take that drive and passion with them.

“Since we played at both the beginning and the end of winter break, I was only home for seven days. It was important to get rest while also staying in game shape. Body maintenance was at the forefront, but I also did a couple of light lifts and three long runs. This was not to beat the body down but to allow it to recover actively and not lose ground over the short break. I could also jump on the ice a few times,” said Pete Moore ‘25.

“I was on vacation for most of the break so being on the ice wasn’t much of an option. I love running and went on a run every day to stay in shape. I also spent some time in the gym preparing myself for a big January and the rest of the season!” said Penelope St-Pierre ‘27.

With a busy rest of the season ahead for all hockey teams at Northwood, they did a great job over break, continuing to put in the work to reach top potential for themselves and the teams.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Ella Malloy ‘25

January 14, 2025 by Sophia DeAnzeris

“I came to Northwood because I felt like I needed to go to a place where I could blend my academics and athletics at a high level. I think the part that shocked me the most was how close I got to the community so quickly. Every day when I wake up, I think to myself I wish I could have been here longer than just my senior year.

“‘’Doesn’t matter, get better,’ my dad has always said this to me since I was little. I find it applies to all aspects of my life and keeps me present where my feet are. It’s easy to look ahead, especially when I think about college, upcoming games, or where I want to end up in the future. Keeping me grounded and my motivation at its peak is its focus and the biggest thing I get out of it. My dad has always been a person I’ve looked up to my whole life. Having him work in hockey and coach at a high level has been a blessing as we share the love for the sport both so deeply. While I wouldn’t consider myself a superstitious person, the one thing I must do on game day is text both my parents that I love them. They both play such a huge role in me deciding the type of person I want to be in this world.

“The biggest takeaway about being at prep school is to throw yourself into everything. It’s easy to stay within your comfort zone and shy away from activities, but the memories are made when you’re stretching yourself outside your usual circle and enjoying the school for what it truly is: a tight-knit and vibrant community.

“Being from Carp, Ontario, and spending last year at our rival school Stanstead College, I am nothing but grateful that I decided to come to Northwood. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given to this point, not only by the people of Northwood but also by my family. With that being said, I am extremely excited to play Division 1 hockey at The College of The Holy Cross for the next four years. While I am only halfway through my year here at Northwood, I already feel like I’ve grown so much, not only as a player but, more importantly, as a person, and I am proud to call myself a Husky.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Head of School Finalists Visit Campus

December 14, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

Mr. Michael J. Maher recently announced his retirement, effective at the end of this school year (Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge).

Being a Head of School is no easy job. Overseeing everything that occurs on campus and figuring out what is best for the Northwood community is the top priority. Current Headmaster Michael Maher has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. After the countless things Maher has brought to Northwood, it is sad to say that his time is coming to an end. Since that announcement, Northwood has been searching for a new Head.

The search committee is a group of highly regarded members of the Northwood staff and board of trustees that have been selected to play the main role in looking for the next leader of the school. The committee has been hard at work since the announcement was made in early June of this year. As they sorted through the list of candidates that had applied for the job, they narrowed it down to the top three choices. This past week, the final three candidates were brought to campus for the first time and got to meet with members of the search committee and students.

“Having the candidates visit campus was an absolute necessity in the process for both the candidates and the Northwood community,” said Mrs. Wint, who is a member of the search committee. “It gave each of the finalists and their partners the opportunity to see our campus and experience first-hand the vibe and culture of our school community and the Village of Lake Placid. They needed to ensure that living in Lake Placid and leading Northwood School was definitely the right fit for them. The on-campus visits also gave the faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to get to know the candidates so they could offer their feedback as part of the formal search process,” added Wint.

The candidates had a full day exploring the beautiful campus and seeing the possibility of what their new job could look like. “Each candidate’s approximate two-day visit to Northwood was busy and structured and began with a complete tour of the campus,” Wint said. “They spent the bulk of their time in meetings getting acquainted with Northwood faculty and staff in open forums and in one one-on-one or small group sessions with current Head of School Mike Maher, administrative staff members, the Executive Assistant to the Head of School, athletic coaches, students, the Chief Financial Officer, the search committee, and the board of trustees,” Wint added. The focus of these meetings was for both the Northwood community members and the candidates to get to know each other by asking and answering questions. “The candidates also ate some meals in the dining hall and enjoyed the living room and fireplace. They all tried to spend some time talking to students and depending on the days of their visits, they attended an all-school seminar or an athletic practice. While the candidates were in meetings, their spouses enjoyed some fun time getting to know Lake Placid and the area better, and one adventurous spouse went ice climbing and cross-country skiing,” Wint said.

It was a great opportunity for all the candidates and for the future of the school!

Filed Under: Northwood Life

College Office Busy with Early Applications

November 5, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

David McCauley, Director of College Counseling. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Senior year is always busy for students: senior traditions, last firsts, and the dreaded yet exciting college process. For many students at Northwood, the application process has already been completed. With a school full of high-level student-athletes, some of whom knew where they would spend the next four years before their senior year started, the application process has already been in full swing. Others have already gotten a jump on the early applications with immense help from the college office and are eager to see what awaits in the upcoming years.

Mr. David McCauley is the director of college counseling at Northwood and has had a busy start to the school year, doing his best to help get seniors submitted to their schools. He spends countless hours contacting schools and meeting with students daily to find the right fit in a school and ensure everything runs smoothly.

“Honestly, it’s an ongoing process,” McCauley said. “The first and most important part of what we do is to review students’ interests, grades, and classes and suggest schools for their college list. The next is to lead students through the process of researching schools, introducing students to the college admission offices, and then completing and submitting the applications. The end of our work is calling and communicating with college admission offices to advocate for our students’ admission and financial aid,” McCauley added.

McCauley expressed gratitude toward the senior class this year in a number of ways, but most notably how well the seniors communicate with the college office. Going through the college process is not an easy task. The fact that the students are diligent in what must be completed is an important factor. It goes without recognition.

This year, the 2025 graduating class of Northwood has 81 students not just from all over the country but the world. With that, the seniors have had a jump start in the application process. 41 different schools have received applications from Northwood students, and it is only the beginning for Mr. McCauley, the college office, and the senior class. The future’s so bright for everyone!

List of schools Northwood students have applied to:

Babson College
Boston College
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Clarkson University
College of the Holy Cross
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Drexel University
Endicott College
Fairfield University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2)
Long Island University
Michigan Technological University
Northeastern University
Onondaga Community College
Oregon State University- Cascades
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Rochester Institute of Technology (3)
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Lawrence University (2)
Santa Clara University
Stony Brook University
SUNY at Albany
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
SUNY College of Technology at Canton (2)
SUNY Oneonta
Union College
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Miami
University of Minnesota
University of New Hampshire (2)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Vermont (7)
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Villanova University
Vermont State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Jacob Brunton ‘25

October 29, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

“When I feel like I’m going off track, I always look back at one thing that has been with me for years. When I was little, I would spend some time during the summer at a church camp near my house. There was one bible verse that I was asked to read out loud to the group, and ever since then, my dad has told me to make this the quote I live by. 1 Corinthians 16:13: ‘Be watchful, stand firm in faith, act like men, be strong.’

“This is my second year at Northwood, and I’m from Stevensville, Ontario. I came last year for my senior year from The Nichols School in Buffalo, NY. I wanted to be a part of the winning culture that Northwood has built over the years. I knew being here for one year wasn’t enough for my development, so I decided coming back for a post-grad year would be the best in all aspects.”

“Northwood has taught me so much in the short amount of time that I’ve been here, but the biggest takeaway thus far would have to be how to face adversity. Whether it be on the ice, off the ice, injuries, or problems with friends or family, I’ve learned how to navigate through anything I face.

“With not much free time between school and hockey, it can be a struggle trying to find some time to get out on the golf course, but when I can, it is always one of the best times. I’m a big golfer. I always have been, so being at Northwood and playing a few holes with my buddies is always a great time. We definitely have a fun time, but most of the time, we get into deeper conversations and learn a lot about each other in the process.

“It is still very early in the season to know what next year looks like for me hockey-wise, but I plan to play in either the North American Hockey League (NAHL) or the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). If a division three opportunity arises, then possibly taking one of those, but everything is still up in the air. I’m grateful for last year at Northwood and even more to have been able to come back and play here for another season.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Living Room Card Games a Positive Addition

October 22, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

Photo by Sophia DeAnzeris ’25.

Since Family Weekend, a new obsession has taken over students’ free time in the living room: playing cards. When free time was common during the Family Weekend mini-break, students resorted to card games to connect and spend their time. A diverse mix of students play together, which allows for groups of kids to come together, and has continued ever since. Now that school is back in session regularly, cards have stuck, and many feel and hope they will continue to stay.

“I’m not sure how this phenomenon began exactly, but I hope it continues and faculty are allowed to join in. I’m on duty this weekend and would love to play my favorite games, ‘Pitch’ and ‘Sets and Runs. ‘” Ms. Lisa Wint, who has a huge impact on the community at Northwood, said.

With so many different kids spending time at the “card table,” the feedback from the community has seemed to have a positive effect. “Well, first, I think it’s a fun activity. I think it brings many people together,” said Nathaniel Poole ’25, who has been a frequent player since the beginning. “Walking through the living room, you look around and see ten different kids sitting around the table and everyone coming together and having a great time. It’s definitely been a positive environment with everyone in and out of the living room,” Poole added.

“I love what I am seeing in the living room this year: students from all co-curriculars hanging out with each other and just generally having a blast through card games rather than staring at their phones,” said Ms. Wint. “It’s wonderful to see the kids having fun through friendly competition, interacting and sharing their family and culture’s popular card games,” Wint added. A large takeaway from this is the limited time spent on phones. When students are playing, phones are a rare sight amongst the group.

Anna Monnette ‘26 has also enjoyed her time playing cards and hopes that it will continue to be a regular living room activity. “I think my relationships with different students have grown because of playing cards. Since Family Weekend, I’d say I’ve played at least one card game a day, and I feel I have also spent less time on my phone. Everyone comes together while we’re playing. It’s a lot of fun!”

This seemingly small addition has undoubtedly had a positive affect on the Northwood community in and out of the living room!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Eliza Quackenbush ‘25

October 15, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

“It’s kind of a funny story, but even before Noah Kahn released the song ‘You’re Gonna Go Far’ it has always been something that my mom has said to me my whole life. When she was proud of me, when she was happy for me, when I was sad, and when I left home. ‘You’re Gonna Go Far.’ Taking that and living by it every single day and consistently remembering that I have so much around me. From my family, my community, and knowing that I have pushed myself to this point. I have made so many friends and so many lifelong relationships that I hope to keep in every step I take. Even if it is uncomfortable, it is something that is going to make me a stronger person every single day.

“I love the mountains, I always have. Being from Missoula, Montana it was easy to come here because it felt so much like home. I did not really want to live anywhere near a city so choosing Northwood because of its location was an easy decision. I joined Northwood two years ago, and I can honestly say it’s been one of my best decisions. I came here to pursue a higher level of hockey out of state, but I fell in love with everything about the school. Especially how everyone knows everyone, you have so much support in all aspects. Even with new kids every year, the community of this school is something no one takes for granted.

“After Northwood, I will continue my hockey career at the Division 1 level at Long Island University and major in Biology or become a veterinarian. Everything I have gone through to get to this point has allowed me to continue to work for my dreams.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

For Some Students, First Mountain Day was First Hike

October 11, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

The Northwood Community participated in the annual Mountain Day tradition this past week. All the Northwood students were divided into small groups of 8-12, with a leader keeping track of the group. On Mountain Day, everyone branches out deep into the Adirondacks to hike and explore the amazing park they live in. For many, this was not their first time trekking up a mountain or high peak, but for others, it was.

Photos provided.

First-year senior Nathaniel Poole ‘25, was one of those students who set foot on a hiking trail for the first time this past week. “I thought Mountain Day was really fun. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I had a lot of fun hiking,” Poole said. Being exposed to this environment is a great chance for students to get involved in activities they don’t normally have the chance to be a part of.

It was not just students who experienced hiking for the first time. The new girls’ hockey assistant coach, Franny Geraldi’s, hiked of the first time on Mountain Day. Gerardi, originally from Yonkers, New York, began her role as an assistant coach for the girl’s hockey program this past year and participated in her first Mountain Day and hike. She explained her experience. “I found the elevation was the most difficult for me. I have never really been in any sort of elevation in my life. It was a different type of workout than what I’m used to or have ever experienced.”

The common themes from everyone were the experiences and unusual activities they encountered throughout the day. “I think it gives us all a day to realize how grateful we are and how lucky we are to be surrounded by the high peaks and are given the opportunity to be able to bond as a school community together in a day outside of our co-curricular activities,” Gerardi added. “Seeing the view at the summit was definitely worth the adventure!”

This yearly experience allows for new opportunities and for members of Northwood to get a deeper understanding of what the Adirondacks has to offer and the memories to be made while doing so. They also get to spend time with people they don’t normally spend time with. It was truly a wonderful day for everyone at Northwood!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Top Story

Girls’ Hockey Players Enjoy Rare Off Weekend

October 3, 2024 by Sophia DeAnzeris

Girls’ hockey players Laura Dyke ’25 and Kate Elbrecht ’26 on Mountain Day. Photo: Mr. Jose Coss.

We are lucky enough to live, go to school, and play our sports in Lake Placid, so when the rare occurrence that a Northwood team has an off weekend happens, Northwood students take advantage of their home and its accommodation.

This past weekend, the Girls Hockey Team had their first off weekend. Some used it as a chance to go home for the weekend, while some stayed and used the town and the campus to its full potential.

First-year senior Meghan Crowley ‘25, was one of those students who made their way home for the weekend. “I wanted to be able to see my friends and family after not being able to see them for a bit since being here,” said Crowley. “I definitely enjoyed being able to see them, but I was also ready to get back to school on Sunday night and get back at it on Monday.”

While being at home is something that some players do not take for granted, many feel that staying back in Lake Placid this weekend was the move. Kate Elbrecht ’26 is new to Northwood and the team and experienced her first off weekend back on campus. “We roller-bladed all over town. We went and got Starbucks and spent time at the beach playing spike ball and jumping off the dock. We spent time together around campus and watched the Prep game in the living room.” Elbrecht explained. “I’m so glad I stayed on campus this weekend. I was able to hang out with my team and make memories around Lake Placid.”

Returning students did their job of showing the new students the ropes of a typical off weekend while also doing their normal weekend activities around town and campus. This also allowed the team to bond early in the season off the ice.

“I enjoy having a rare weekend off. I get closer to the team, and we have a lot of fun and have a lot of time to bond as a team,” Jorja Gillis ’25, a third-year senior forward, said. “This weekend, a few of us went out to dinner and showed the new girls what we do in town and back at school.”

With always having something to do around campus, student-athletes at Northwood are never bored.