Northwood Life – The Mirror

Humans of Northwood: Reese Combe ’26

February 24, 2026 by Andrew Sherland

“Northwood has provided me with a sense of community that I have not felt anywhere else. Having spent 3 years at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, I have extensive experience with boarding schools. I felt instantly welcomed here and quickly meshed with my team and the community.

“My brother, Ryan, did a post-graduate year at Northwood, and he liked it a lot. He won the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship with the University of Vermont in 2024. My sister, Summer, currently plays NCAA Division 1 hockey at Stonehill University, and I recently committed to play there next season. I have always been super competitive with my siblings, and that has driven me to want to be better than them. I am super excited to play with Summer next year at Stonehill!

“I love to play sports. At Kimball Union, I was a three-sport athlete in ice hockey, track and field, and soccer. It sucks that Northwood doesn’t have a soccer team, but everything else makes up for it. I also enjoy surfing because it’s both peaceful and exhilarating. Before school, I usually go on runs to stay active. Lake Placid is beautiful, and I love taking advantage of the scenery.

“I currently take Peak Pathways with Ms. Prime, and I am writing an album. It is something that I have put a lot of effort into, and I might perform a song or two at the Spring Concert after formal. I enjoy making music because it lets me express myself in different ways. I have a lot of fun trying new things and being outgoing with others.”

As told to Andrew Sherland ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Autumn Kelly ’26

February 24, 2026 by Owen MacLean

“I am from Mississauga, Ontario, which is about a 6- hour drive from Northwood. Before coming to Northwood, I played for the Oakville Hornets in Ontario. My favorite artist is currently Drake.

“I chose to come to Northwood because I immediately felt at home on my tour of the school. I could not miss this amazing opportunity to live in Lake Placid, and the hockey program is well-known and strong.

“My favorite class at Northwood is Advanced Psychology. I really like how it is a college credit course. I also enjoy the material we have been learning so far.

“My favorite part about Northwood is my teammates. We are all so close because we are together all the time. Every moment together is so much fun. We are a very close family.

“The best memory that I have at Northwood is from last year at the end of the season. All the girls on my team sat by the fire, and we talked about all our good memories and things we don’t ever want to forget about the past year. This was really special.

“My plan for next year is to continue my hockey career and further my education. I am attending Long Island University, where I will play NCAA Division 1 hockey and major in business. I am really looking forward to it.

“My best advice for someone coming to Northwood is to enjoy every small moment. Your time at Northwood goes so fast. Never take anything for granted. Every early morning practice is a privilege.”

As told to Owen MacLean ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Anna Monette ’26

February 24, 2026 by Rylie Griffiths

“My family and I chose Northwood because it allowed me to have a better education and play hockey at one of the highest levels. I live about an hour away from here, and I have always been a homebody, so the thought of moving away from home at 15 years old scared me a lot. But the second I toured, I instantly felt that this place would soon become home, making the decision seem easy. To this day, it is still the best decision I have ever made, and I continue to enjoy every day here.

“The most important thing hockey has taught me is that it is more than a sport, and I can’t even imagine who or where I would be without it. The two biggest things hockey has taught me are resilience and hard work. I learned that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you have to get back up, work hard even when no one is watching, and hold yourself accountable. Although I learned these two lessons in hockey, I believe they apply way beyond the rink, and by living by them, I continue to push myself every day and get better.

“I can’t think of just one person who has had the biggest impact on my time here at Northwood. I believe everyone at Northwood, whether it is a teacher helping me get better grades or Jim telling me to have a good day every day when he serves me lunch. I believe my teammates, past and present, have had the greatest impact on me. They always push me to be the best version of myself and are always there for me on my best and worst days, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

“Northwood has given me countless memories that I will never forget, like winning the Northwood tournament three years in a row, days spent at Northwood beach, and more. But I think one of my favorite memories has to be when a group of my teammates and I walked into town to get Emma’s ice cream, then sat around a fire on Mirror Lake just enjoying each other’s company.

“Although I am very scared of college, I’m very excited to play hockey at the next level and hopefully meet new people and make new friends.

“Outside of school and hockey, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. And in the summer, I enjoy being on the water and surfing.”

As told to Rylie Griffiths ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Colten Murphy ’26

February 24, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

“I first fell in love with hockey with my dad. We went to an NHL game to watch my dad’s favourite team. At that moment, I wanted to play hockey too.

“The best thing about Northwood is the community because everybody is treated like family, and everyone looks out for each other. On my first day, I was nervous, but within a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“I transferred to Northwood for a better education and a better hockey program, as Northwood has both of those things. When I first visited Northwood, I knew it was the right school for me.

“My favourite place to eat at Lake Placid is Soulshine. The bagels at that place are to die for, and I usually get a bacon-and-egg bagel.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad, in hockey. He pushes me to my limits, knows I can handle it, and, in the end, makes me a better player and better person, and I am grateful to him.

“Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, whether that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that Northwood is my second home. I am truly thankful for this school leading me to a better future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

DoorDash Tips for Northwood Students

February 24, 2026 by Parker Thompson

The DoorDash logo.

Ordering DoorDash in a small town like Lake Placid can feel very different compared to ordering in a big city. At the same time, the app may show familiar spots like McDonald’s, Subway, Smoke Signals, China City, Bazzi’s Pizza, Heritage Indian Grill, and a few stores, such as Hannaford’s and Price Chopper. The overall number of restaurants is still limited. Because many local businesses run on smaller staff and shorter hours, availability can change quickly depending on the day, time, or how busy the kitchen is. Checking the app ahead of peak dinner hours can help avoid long waits or sudden cancellations.

One of the biggest challenges for customers is the limited number of dashers in the area. Unlike in larger cities, where drivers are almost always nearby, Lake Placid may have only a few people delivering at any given time. This means your order might take longer to be accepted, or in some cases, not get picked up at all. Ordering during busier meal windows, like early dinner, and tipping fairly can make your order more appealing to drivers deciding which deliveries to take.

Weather and distance also play a role in the delivery experience. Winter conditions and icy roads can all be factors that slow your delivery time, especially if you live outside the main village area. Clear delivery instructions and accurate location details help drivers find you faster and reduce confusion when they arrive.

Despite the challenges, DoorDash still gives Lake Placid residents and students a convenient way to enjoy local food without leaving home. The key is understanding that small-town delivery works differently. Being patient, planning, and having a backup option, such as pickup, can make the process smoother and more reliable.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Students Gather on Campus for Super Bowl Celebration

February 23, 2026 by Anna Monette

Before coming to Northwood, most students either spent Super Bowl Sunday with their families or did not watch the game at all. This year, many students who were on campus pushed couches together and gathered around the TV to watch the game as a group. Many described the night as having a very “home-like” feel.

Students gather in the living room to watch the Super Bowl game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Photo provided.

The crowd was made up mostly of girls’ hockey players, skiers, and members of the 16U hockey team, while many other students were still traveling for competitions. Although only about half of the group was actively watching the game and the other half was there mostly to socialize, everyone had a great time. “It was so much fun. I always watch it at home with my family, so it was so special to be able to do it here,” said Autumn Kelly ’26.

The dining hall helped make the night feel complete by providing classic Super Bowl food, including pizza, wings, and vegetables with ranch. Sitting together, eating game-day food, and watching on the big screen made it feel like a break from the usual routine.

Although the football game itself was a little on the boring side, since neither team had much offense, students still enjoyed watching the commercials and talking about which ones were their favorites.

Students gather in the living room to watch the Super Bowl game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Photo provided.

There was also a big debate about the halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. Many students thought the show was shorter than usual, and others didn’t enjoy it simply because they don’t listen to his music. Other students loved the performance and got up to sing along. “I love Bad Bunny. I thought his performance was quite good, even though a lot of other people thought otherwise. I found it very interactive, especially when he was talking to the camera almost like he was talking to us through the TV, and I loved his message about inclusivity,” said Sara Martin ’26.

Overall, it was a great night and a great way to bring the community together.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Red Rocks LEAP Trip Moved to Spring Break

February 21, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Northwood’s rock-climbing LEAP trip in Red Rocks has been moved from late November to spring break, with the new dates expected to run from March 27th to April 2nd. Students who signed up for the course originally planned to travel during the Thanksgiving break. The trip was postponed due to issues with the government shutdown last October.

Red Rocks, Nevada. Photo” Jacob Slagel ’26.

The Red Rock trip is part of Northwood’s LEAP program, which gives students a chance to step out of regular classes and do hands-on learning. In Red Rocks, the focus is on learning the fundamentals of single- and multi-pitch climbing, with an emphasis on skill-building, safety, and decision-making in the outdoors.

Marley Tracy-Deuss ’27, who is signed up for the trip, said the experience is still something he is looking forward to, even with the schedule change. “I thought it was a really great trip to get to just hang out with other climbers and other people from Northwood on a longer form trip,” Tracy-Deuss said. “It was great to be able to go somewhere where it was warmer and with great climbing.”

Red Rocks, Nevada. Photo” Jacob Slagel ’26.

Tracy-Deuss said he was disappointed when he heard the dates were changing, especially after preparing for a Thanksgiving trip, but he still plans to go.

“You know, it was kind of out of our hands,” he said. “I think it’s kind of a bummer, but, you know, we’re still going to get to go, and it’s still going to be just as good.” He added that even though plans changed, he is still excited to return to Nevada.

Red Rocks, Nevada. Photo” Jacob Slagel ’26.

“I was definitely, like, a little disappointed, because I had prepared to go during Thanksgiving,” Tracy-Deuss said. “But, you know, plans change. I’m so looking forward to getting out there.” With the trip now expected to take place during spring break, students will need to plan around travel days on either end of the week, depending on the final itinerary.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Entrepreneurship Students Pitch Business Ideas; Luhur Wins Prize

February 21, 2026 by Yosef Spear

Duncan Van Dorn pitches his business idea to faculty member Mr. Tim Weaver. Photo provided.

A couple of weeks ago, Northwood’s Entrepreneurship class held a speed pitch contest. Mr. Broderick is the teacher of this class, and he offers a lot of advice and connections. Everyone in the class has been working on their own business throughout the year, bringing their vision closer to reality. For most of the class, this was their first time presenting their business, and everyone had to pitch it to 14 different people individually. To make things harder, each pitch was on a strict 2-minute timer.

The contest winner was awarded $1,200, which will be given to them by check at graduation this year. Some students did not prepare enough, waiting until the last minute to get their pitch together, while others started the day they heard about the contest. The judges gave students feedback, so everyone received advice from wise adults.

The first-place winner was Sasha Luhur ’27. She is working on a hearing solutions company. The idea came from her experience as a half-deaf figure skater who cannot wear her hearing aid. Sasha cannot attend the entrepreneurship class during the school day because she has another class at that time. Instead, she does all her work outside of class in her own free time. This shows the dedication to her hearing solutions company and the challenging work she puts into it. Her dedication, hard work, and story inspired the judges, students, and teachers during the contest.

Sasha Luhur ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I wish I had more time to prepare, of course, but I think I’m always going to feel that way no matter how much time we’re given,” Luhur said. “Part of it was that I didn’t fully know what to expect, which was a challenge. I kept adding and trimming my pitch right up until 10 minutes before the bus left for the Hub, just because I kept thinking of more details to add while trying to conserve time. It really shows that this was a project where you had to be flexible, think on your feet, and really know your way around it,” she added.

Luhur’s product focuses on the needs of people with hearing impairments, especially athletes. “I’m creating products for hearing-impaired athletes, as well as for the many people who need hearing aids but choose not to wear them,” she said. “There were so many details, challenges, stories, and facts I needed to cover during the pitches, and I kept changing my pitch throughout the 14 2-minute rounds. I got feedback on areas of research I needed to expand, as well as general pitch presentation tips. It was challenging but fun, and I came away from it feeling much more confident in my business and its potential. There is something about presenting the business that makes it feel more real and motivates you before you even know the competition results,” added Luhur.

Luhur hopes to invest the prize money in her business idea. “I want to use it to finance more advanced prototypes, better 3-D modeling, and hopefully work towards acquiring a patent,” Luhur said. “I am excited to get the idea moving faster—it matters to me because my hearing is central to my life, and I know I can help people with similar struggles. That’s my biggest goal.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Faculty Member Attends Winter Olympic Games

February 14, 2026 by Owen MacLean

Mr. Felhaber (4th from left, middle row) at the Olympic Winter Games with his girlfriend’s family and friends. Photo: Summer Britcher/Instagram.

Northwood students and staff have been busy watching the Winter Olympic events happening at the Milano Cortina games on TV and streaming on their phones or laptops. While we are watching from afar in Lake Placid, Mr. Justin Felhaber ’14 has had a front-row seat to the Olympic Games. He is currently in Italy, taking it all in.

Speaking with Mr. Felhaber from Italy, he tells us that he will be at the Olympics for nine days. He is there to support his girlfriend, Summer Britcher, who is competing for Team USA in the Women’s Singles Luge event. She competed on February 9^th and 10^th.

The Games are primarily using existing venues across Northern Italy, including sites from the 1956 Winter Olympics and the 2013 Winter Universiade. Most ice events, such as hockey, speed skating, and figure skating, are being held in Milan. In contrast, the sliding and snow events are held in three main areas: Cortina (alpine skiing, biathlon, curling, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton), Valtellina (snowboarding and freestyle), and Val di Fiemme (ski jumping and cross-country skiing).

Summer Britcher is competing in the Women’s Singles Luge event in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Photo: Summer Britcher/Instagram

Mr. Felhaber is currently based in Cortina. “I am staying up the road in Vodo Di Cadore with her family,” he said.

There will be 116 medal events across 16 disciplines during the Games. Mr. Felhaber will be taking part in a few events: “I attended all of the luge disciplines and mixed doubles curling,” he said. He added that he has been having a really great time.

In asking Mr. Felhaber what his favorite Olympic moment has been so far, he says, “Getting to watch my girlfriend walk during the opening ceremonies was awesome. We were lucky to get a front row view and share the special moment with her.”

And finally, you cannot go to Italy without experiencing its famous cuisine. Mr. Felhaber says the best food he has had on the trip is pizza. “I have eaten pizza almost every day. The Cafe Crodo in Cortina was our favorite spot.”

We are looking forward to having Mr. Felhaber back on campus soon. Hopefully, he has some good stories to share.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Students Share February Break Plans

February 12, 2026 by Yosef Spear

February break starts this afternoon, and this is one of the most controversial breaks of the year. The break is too short for students to travel to faraway homes, but too long to stay on campus, so people look for alternative ways to enjoy their break. Lots of people plan to rest over the break, while the Utah Ski LEAP will be skiing in Utah.

Will Carou Jones ’27 will be racing in Mittersill and Proctor and staying at Northwood while he is not racing. He may be going home to New York City. He will only have a three-day break from school and skiing. “I am excited to be able to race while not worrying about missing school, but I wish I had a little more time to enjoy my break and make going home more worthwhile. If I end up staying at Northwood after racing, I will spend time with my day-student friends and go into town to eat. If I go home, I will see hometown friends and spend some time with my family,” Carou Jones said.

Theodore Ghanime ’26 is going to Northwood’s Utah LEAP this year. They left on February 4^th and will return on the 13th, so he will be there over some of break. He is looking forward to the park at Park City Mountain and the powder at the other mountains they will ski at. He said, “I have never been to Utah, so I am excited about this new experience. I am hoping Park City has features that will help me hit the park. I am happy to be doing this over the break because if not, I would just be going back home, which would be boring.” The Utah LEAP group held an avalanche training day before they left to ensure they were safe in the unlikely event of an avalanche.

Ethan Nau ’26 will be staying with his varsity hockey friends at Ray Peters’s ’27 house in Thousand Islands, New York. They are planning to have a peaceful break and relax. Since the break was not long, Ethan had to choose between staying at Ray’s house and going back to New Jersey. He wanted to be with his friends for one of his last breaks of senior year, so he chose to go to Ray’s house. Ethan said, “It is hard not to go home because my next break is not until late March, but I would rather just be with my friends from my team and enjoy my time with them. I would have to drive about 6 hours to go home, and Ray’s house is only 90 minutes away. We plan to take it easy over break and hang out with some of Ray’s hometown friends,” Nau added.

Carter Jackson, 26, is staying at school all break because he lives in Arizona, so traveling is not worth it. He hopes there are fun things to do in town and plans to get food, go to the movies, and sleep in. He said, “I unfortunately cannot go home, but at least I do not have to travel, so I will be well-rested once the break is over. I do not think I will wake up before 10:00 AM over the break, so I will enjoy sleeping in. A lot of my friends are also staying on campus over the break, so I will be able to spend time with them playing cards and going into town.”