Northwood offers a wonderful array of classes outside of its standard core credits. One of the most unique independent work classes is the Advanced STEM Research program. This class is the pinnacle of science at Northwood and allows students to explore the field that interests them the most. A few exemplary projects include those by Will Schneid ‘25, Michael Peluso ‘25, Leo Doyle ‘25, and Lokoah Paye ‘25.

Normatec recovery boots. Photo provided.

Doyle and Paye are working together on an exciting project focused on recovery. The inspiration for the project came from their animosity towards being restrained from playing due to injuries. The general outline for their project is to “compare three different recovery methods for Northwood athletes: foam rolling, Normatecs, and massage gun. Results will be measured through a surveyed ‘feel good scale’ scale that each subject answers after the use of recovery tool,” Doyle said. Using these methods will be an important study for the health and well-being of the Northwood School athletes. “We are excited to find out which method is best and for us and to share that with the rest of the school and hopefully help the athlete community,” Paye added. Using scientific methods, these two will aim to measure subjects from all teams: Hockey, skiing, soccer. Both students said they would like to thank both Ms. Walker and Mr. Donatello for their help in pursuing the project and motivating them.

The Helios sensor. Photo provided.

Will Schneid ‘25 and Michael Peluso ‘25 are working on another sports-focused project that is looking at the effect of plyometric exercises for on-ice performance. “We are going to use a group using a warm-up incorporating plyometrics directed by Will and me and another group not doing the plyometrics. We will then see how each group’s power and explosiveness improve to see if the plyometrics have an effect,” Peluso said. They will be using the Helios sensor, a wearable device to enhance hockey performance by tracking key metrics such as skating speed, stride length, acceleration, and impact forces, to measure results. This small, helmet-mounted device provides players and coaches with real-time data and insights, helping to improve players’ performance.

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!

We owe thanks to the walk around Mirror Lake: those 3 miles that have given us the walks and talks of a lifetime, fostering relationships never to be forgotten. Northwood students and faculty have used Mirror Lake as kindling to warm and fulfill all relationships. Many students at Northwood use Mirror Lake as a reason to spend more time with the people they care about, preserving what time we have left with one another. For the seniors, we use it to make the most of the months we have left in beautiful upstate New York. This time spent walking around the lake is never regretted; rain or snow, cold or warm, most would argue that the time spent was well worth it.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

Taking the time to appreciate what this walk has done for us is something I believe we would all benefit from. For those who are unaware of the experience, here is what you need to know. Mirror Lake is a small lake bordered by the town of North Elba and Northwood School. It is a sister lake to Lake Placid. In the summer, the trees are green, and the water is warm; fall colors illuminate the foliage as the season shifts and the wind grows colder. Soon, the falling leaves turn to falling snow, and our hallmark-looking town is lit up with Christmas lights. The snow disappears too soon, and the flowers reappear; the cold recedes into the ground as green grass appears. For Northwood students, the long seasons of their beloved sports are wrapping up, and Spike Ball nets are back on the fields. As the grass gets greener and the air gets warmer, the music turns back on, and spring is here. For seniors, though, spring means the end is near. The games outside make laughs more meaningful and time more precious. The walks around the lake are limited and all that much more impactful; the memories of years in the past or earlier that fall flood back in, and the wishes of going back arise. Wanting to do it all over again, make those friends again, laugh like you did when you first met, and never let the feeling of love for this place and the people go. And although you never will, soon, these experiences will exist only in good memories.

So, enjoy the walks and the talks, enjoy the laughs and the smiles. Let yourself have all the fun in the world and experience the beauty of not only the land but of the relationships being fostered. Appreciate the people you are with, because just as Mirror Lake will not be in your backyard forever, these people will not be within a handholding reach for much longer. So, hold on tight while you still can.