Northwood Life – The Mirror

Northwood Robotics Kicks Off 2026 Season at Hudson Valley Regional

April 29, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Photo provided.

Northwood’s Robotics Team traveled to its first competition of the 2026 season recently, marking the group’s first official event of the year, the Hudson Valley Regional. The competition brought together teams from across the region and gave Northwood students a chance to test their robot after weeks of preparation.

In the lead up to the event, the team had been putting in extra time outside of class to get ready. “Our robot has made a lot of progress. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve had some really productive students coming in… and we’ve been really putting in the hours,” said Orrin Tracy-Deuss ’27. He added that the team focused on “getting the robot systems working, getting the code perfected, and getting our drivers used to the controls.”

Photo by Jacob Slagel ’26.

Along with building and coding, preparation also involved organizing equipment and planning for anything that could go wrong. “We got to get all of our parts packed… so that if something breaks on the robot while we’re in the competition, we have the equipment to fix it in between matches,” Tracy-Deuss said. He described the process as “a big game of Tetris.”

Going into the competition, there was a mix of excitement and pressure. “I’m very excited for it… there’s a lot of stress and a lot of things to get done,” he said. Still, he emphasized the team’s mindset, “We’re just going out there to have a good time… and hopefully do a good job.”

Looking ahead, the Robotics Team is already preparing for its next competition after April break. With their first event completed, the team now has a better sense of what to expect and what to improve on moving forward.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Northwood Welcomes Executive Coach for Leadership Seminar

April 29, 2026 by Yosef Spear

Marc Geuvermont. Photo: Marc Guevremont Inc./Facebook.

Executive Coach Marc Geuvermont came to Northwood on Thursday, March 19th, to lead a special seminar on Leadership. He is now a leadership coach for the Utah Mammoth hockey team and has a history of working with 5 different NHL teams.

He talked about four types of leadership styles: the “Driver” style fits people who take the lead quickly, and others listen to what they say. The “Influencer” style suits someone who does rather than talks; they lead by example. The “C Primary” fits people who follow a process and like to improve gradually, every day. People can be multiple types of leaders at the same time, but most are naturally 1 or 2.

Mr. Geuvermont spoke about discipline over default. He is referring to people needing to adapt and shift their leadership style (discipline) rather than sticking to a single style (default). He said, “When I was your age, I thought I had to be all things to all people.” He went into further detail, explaining that when his leadership style is not supportive, he shifts to support others. Then, he went on to say, “I will never quit on you; therefore, I will never fail.”

He gave students advice on how to have a successful business in any profession, because he himself has failed several times but is now running a successful business. Mr. Geuvermont said, “If anything, you are a product that is going to go into the marketplace to add value, whether you pursue sports, business, or anything of interest to you. You must solve a problem for your client that they cannot solve on their own. Make them make more money or save them more money. Make life easier for them.”

We students learned that you cannot go from a problem to an outcome. You must figure out the root cause, then develop the recipe to fix it. A team’s root cause can be that they do not know how to lead. If that is the case, you need to tell them what leadership skills they need, along with a specific recipe. If you understand and fix the root cause of the problem, the problem goes away. If you want to change the results, you must change the culture. The leader is the one who changes the culture.

Mr. Geuvermont ended the special seminar by telling the students what to do about failure and when life gets rough. He said, “An event will happen that is bad, and you will start to feel many emotions, from disappointment to being extremely angry. Everyone goes through this. You have no control over that event, but we carry the e options with us, as if we had decided to be unsuccessful. We have no control because the mistake was in the past. We live in the present. Emotion will be born out of the event, which is okay, but they are only supposed to alert you that something is not right. Your job is just to read your emotions and respond appropriately. You have full control of how you think and feel about it, as well as how you respond. You can respond positively and supportively to your team, or you can respond negatively and break your hockey stick and rage, but then that makes event number 2. The whole team will start to break apart if you respond negatively. Three steps to respond positively are: first, take three deep breaths; your brain needs oxygen, and when you are emotional, you breathe shorter, making your decision-making skills worse. Second, find what is important now. Third, respond with your strength. This is how a team responds quickly to the events that happen.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Dorm Room Tour: Hunter Cadbourne ’27 and Miles Van Mullen ’27

April 25, 2026 by Casey Morrissey

Welcome to Hunter ’27 and Miles ’27’s room. The two juniors on the Prep Hockey team have put together a really solid setup that’s both clean and comfortable. Their room on the 2^nd floor of Berg isn’t over-the-top, but it’s clear they’ve made the most of the space and kept it well put together.

Hunter and Miles’ room. Photo provided.

One of the first things you notice is how organized everything is. Their closet is dialed—hoodies, shirts, and jackets are all hung up neatly, with shoes lined up underneath, and belts hung on the door. It’s especially impressive during hockey season when things can get busy.

The lofted bed. Photo provided.

The lofted bed is probably the best feature in the room. Underneath, they’ve set up a desk and TV area that works as a place to get work done and relax. It’s a good spot to unwind after practice or to watch something at the end of the day, and the lighting gives it a nice, relaxed feel.

A dresser in Hunter and Miles’ room. Photo provided.

On the dresser, they keep all their everyday essentials—water bottles, toiletries, and other things they use regularly—so everything is easy to grab. There’s also a jersey hanging above it, which adds a simple but personal touch to the room.

Overall, Hunter and Miles have a really well-balanced setup. It’s clean, functional, and has just enough personality, making it a great space for balancing school, hockey, and downtime.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Nate Banjamin ’26

April 24, 2026 by Yosef Spear

“Hi, my name is Nate Banjamin, and I am from Millstone, New Jersey. I lived in New Jersey until I was 15, then I moved to Westport, New York. My family moved to Westport so they would be closer to me while I attended Northwood. This is my 4^th year here, so I am in my senior year. I have been skiing all my life and love freestyle, so I decided to join the freestyle team during my junior year here at Northwood.

“My favorite color is red, and I like to fish, play guitar, hike, rock climb, etc. I was part of NAS here during my first and second years, so that is when I developed my love for hiking and rock climbing. Something people would not know about me is that I used to play hockey. I played hockey for 2 years during middle school, but stopped when I got to Northwood.

“After 2 years of being a boarding student, my parents bought a house next to Northwood so I could become a day student. During my free time and on weekends, I like to go into town with friends, ski, work out, and relax. I think my favorite thing to do in Lake Placid is get food in town with friends, preferably Fresh Tracks or Soulshine.

“After I graduate from Northwood, I will go to college for computer engineering because I want to be a coder/programmer later. Something else I want to do is explore new countries and start a business.

“Looking back on my four years here, I have become more confident, better at school, been on many adventures around the world, met a lot of new people, enjoyed becoming a day student, and become more independent. I have learned to be myself always.”

As told to Yosef Spear ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Meet Stella: The Newest (and Fluffiest) Member of the Northwood Community

April 24, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Two Northwood hockey coaches recently welcomed a new puppy named Stella.

Photo: Ms. Franny Gerardi.

Mr. Tommy Spero said he and Ms. Franny Geradi got Stella on a Saturday, a little over a week ago, in early April. Stella is about six months old and is most likely a German shepherd mixed with some lab or retriever. Spero said the name came after going through many options. “We went through like 10 or 15 names, and that one kind of just stuck out the most to us,” he said.

Spero said they had been thinking about getting a dog for a while and wanted a younger one they could raise themselves. He said they decided to take the rescue route and eventually found Stella through the New Rochelle Humane Society. “We met her and couldn’t say no,” Spero said.

So far, Spero said, the first week has gone better than expected. “She’s just catching on to things quickly,” he said, though he added that there is still plenty of work to do. He described Stella as “very mellow, even for a puppy.”

One moment that stood out came when Stella went into her crate by herself for the first time. Spero said that was unexpected, but a good sign. He also said one of the best parts so far has been the company she brings to the table. “It’s just her being around us all the time,” he said.

Students who want to say hi to Stella are welcome to, Spero said, as long as they approach her slowly and let her get comfortable first. Even though she is still settling in, Stella has already become a new part of daily life for the two coaches.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Dorm Room Tour: James Martin ’26

April 23, 2026 by John Spear

If you head up the main stairwell and go two doors down in the Second East dorm hall, you will find a desolate nook of success and organization. This is the habitat of RA and 4-year senior James Martin. For four years, Martin has been a cornerstone of the Northwood community, serving as a resident assistant for the last 4 semesters in the East halls. While that may seem like a tall task, Martin expertly keeps the behavior on the hall in check while also maintaining a top GPA schoolwide and playing a key role on the U19 soccer team.

Photo: Noah Moodey ’26.

Martin keeps a relatively clean and sparse room, but the few details carry significant meaning. The giant red-and-white flag on the wall bears the emblem of his homeland, Hong Kong, which he says helps him feel closer to home and reminds him of why he’s here at Northwood. The three shelves in the corner are neatly organized into 3 sectors: soccer, snacks, and literature. His efficient personality is displayed in the layout of the shelves as he can always grab and go whatever he needs, whether he needs a book for class, his gear for training, or just a snack to tide him over till the next mealtime, it’s all there, ready to go.

Photo: Noah Moodey ’26.

In front of his room is the productive sector; here he keeps his yoga mat rolled out, ready to go for both his stretching and core routines, which he makes sure to do every weeknight. “I just find that doing habits such as these really help keep me grounded and focused; it allows me to better myself each day and maximize my performance on and off the field,” James said.

Studying is a big part of James’s life, and as such, the environment needs to be optimal for it. A big part of the study environment James has created is the room’s lighting and ambiance. He has a set of L.E.Ds running under his bed, which form an under-glow of sorts, and another set of lights running up to the top corners of the room, which provide a nice overall ambiance. This allows him to set various tones and moods in his room, helping him in multiple ways.

Photo: Noah Moodey ’26.

The final aspect of James’ room, which is different than the rest, is the collection of basketball cards that sit on his desk. This has been a long-standing hobby of his, which has come to fruition this year. While most aren’t very valuable, there are a few he holds dear for both their value and sentimental meaning. This is just a small touch, but it adds a lot more character to the room.

So, in conclusion, while it may not seem like a very flashy or extravagant room, Martin has built a habitat that suits his style on and off the field. Many hidden key factors allow James to continue his amazing Northwood career, and he contributes significantly to the success of the environments he creates for himself.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

New Racquet Sports Offering

April 22, 2026 by Rylie Griffiths

Spring has arrived at Northwood! Students are back from break and are counting down the last month of classes. If you ask any returning students, they would tell you that spring is the most exciting season here. Warmer weather, finishing up final projects, and making the last memories with their closest friends for the year, or for seniors, their final memories at Northwood. Exciting events are all over the calendar, but one activity is happening all month long: spring co-curriculars. Options for students include running club, golf, gym training, lacrosse, and, new this year, racquet sports. Both students and faculty are thrilled to introduce this new activity, given the rising popularity of pickleball and the classic, fan-favorite tennis.

Photo: Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

The coaches for the inaugural season of racquet sports are Franny and Rachel. They have been planning for several months on how to bring their ideas to fruition. The logistics of making this available to 17 students are not easy. However, they managed, and the students were on the courts for the first time this week.

The students have been itching for racquet sports to begin. I have even heard rumors that students were practicing their skills over spring break to dominate when they return. When asked, junior Cora Major ’27 shared her thoughts on this. She said, “I love the competition. Obviously, it is a spring sport meant to be enjoyed, but I find the most fun in competitive games, and I’m most looking forward to tournament-style pickleball days. My second favorite thing about racquet sports is spending time outdoors, enjoying fresh air and gorgeous mountain views. I can’t wait for the sunny weather to arrive!

Standing nearby, senior Anna Monette ’26 added, “I’m so glad that we can offer this activity this spring! It is a stress-free, fun activity that also allows me to spend time with my friends. My final weeks at Northwood are winding down, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my afternoons.”

So far, racquet sports have received nothing but positive feedback across the board. It is great to see the Northwood community passionate about something new and exciting. It is still unconfirmed, but there is a good chance that racquet sports will be offered in the coming spring.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Inside the Owner’s Box: Northwood Students Explore St. Lawrence in Montreal

April 22, 2026 by Owen MacLean

Three Northwood School students were recently treated to a memorable evening in Montreal after being invited to a special admissions event hosted by St. Lawrence University.

View from the owner’s box. Photo: Owen MacLean ’26.

Held on March 24, the event brought a small group of prospective students and their families together in a unique setting inside the owner’s box at a Montreal Canadiens game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Known for having one of the loudest atmospheres in the NHL, the Montreal crowd did not disappoint, creating an electric environment throughout the night as the Canadiens skated to a 5-2 victory.

The experience was made possible through the generosity of St. Lawrence University alumni Geoff Molson and Kate Finn Molson, who hosted the group for the evening. The Molson family is the majority owner of the Montreal Canadiens.

Northwood students, Elizabeth Gauvin-Langevin ’26, Rafaelle Fondacaro ’26, and Owen MacLean ’26 were among a select group of invited attendees. The event offered more than just an opportunity to watch NHL action; it provided an inside look at the St. Lawrence community in an informal environment.

View from the owner’s box. Photo: Owen MacLean ’26.

Also in attendance was Jonathan Kent, Vice President for Enrollment Management, who spoke with students and families about academic programs, campus life, and what sets the university apart. Several coaches from different St. Lawrence University sports teams were also there, including the women’s hockey team’s Head Coach. Conversations throughout the evening gave attendees the chance to ask questions and connect directly with university representatives.

“It was an incredible experience that was unlike most college admissions events,” Fondacaro shared. “Being able to learn more about St. Lawrence from the staff in person really helped gain a better idea of how the school might be and if it is the right fit for me.”

The event reflects a growing trend among universities to create meaningful, personalized experiences for prospective students as they make their final college decisions. This event targeted Canadian students as St. Lawrence University looks to increase its international enrollment. By combining athletics, alumni engagement, and admissions outreach, St. Lawrence showcased what it offers prospective students.

Northwood’s strong college preparation process continues to see students recognized with unique opportunities like this. As the final buzzer sounded in Montreal, these students left with some lasting memories from the excitement of the game to a clearer picture of what their future at St. Lawrence University could look like.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Sports

Dorm Room Tour: Owen Maclean ’26

April 20, 2026 by Cody Betsch

Today, we are taking a look at Owen Maclean ’26’s room here at Northwood. This is Owen’s second year here, and he has been living away from home for 4 years. He lives in a single room on the third floor of the East Dormitory.

Owen prides himself on keeping his room as clean as possible. He said the lack of decoration is because he likes the clean, simple look of his room. He also mentioned that he did not want to bring a bunch of stuff from home to decorate because it would take away from the personality of his room back home. “Having to go back to a barren room back home would feel a little bit off.”

Photo: Cody Betsch ’26.

One of the reasons Owen requested this room is the third floor’s quiet compared to the second floor on the east. He also loves the view from his window.

If you look to the right, you can see the wrapping paper on his door. This is an ongoing Northwood tradition for the Christmas season. He mentioned that he enjoys the wrapping paper on his door because it adds the right amount of character to his room.

Photo: Cody Betsch ’26.

Owen keeps his jacket in the most accessible spot so that when he wakes up early for hockey, it is always in the same spot and is easy to get to. On his desk, he has his PlayStation 5 and his TV. He often plays Grand Theft Auto 4 to pass the time, whether between classes or at nighttime. He is an avid fan of the Calgary Flames, Seattle Seahawks, and sports in general. He uses his TV to stay up to date on his favorite teams and tune in to watch some hockey when he can.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Dorm Room Tour: Cora Major ‘27 and Tessa Barton ‘27

April 20, 2026 by Rylie Griffiths

Cora Major ‘27 and Tessa Barton ‘27 have my number one pick for the best double dorm room on campus. It can be scary arriving at Northwood in September unsure about your rooming arrangement, but luckily for these two, they got the best roommates they could have asked for. From complete strangers in the fall, they have developed a strong lifelong friendship. So strong, I had to do a deep dive into this room and find out how the pair work so well together.

Tessa’s bed, desk, and dresser. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

First is Tessa’s side of the room. Having lofted beds with desks underneath saves valuable space. This gives them a hybrid workspace that they use both for getting ready and for doing homework. On her desk is a big mirror, desk organizers, and a candle warmer. Whenever you walk into this room, you will be sure to find her there.

Cora’s bed, desk and standing organizer. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

Cora’s side has a similar set up and carries the same theme. They share the same room decorating style with light colors and a sense of summer. Their lights are the cherry on top of all of it. To add to this, they are both quite aesthetic as demonstrated on their personality boards hung up on the walls. Both boards hold pictures of friends and family, meaningful quotes, cards, and letters. These boards bring the room to life and are a great way to make it feel more like home.

Their closet with anything you could need. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

My favorite feature of their room is their walk-in closet. It is one of the biggest in the girl’s dorms, being very open and even has its own window. They have carefully organized it and always keep it neat and tidy, just like the rest of their room. Together, they have a ton of clothes that they share with each other and friends. If you need a coat or shoes for going out, they have every style you need.

Their huge window. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

Finally, the gigantic window. It makes the already large and bright room feel even bigger and allows for even more light. Also, with their room facing the academic building, they are always able to say hi or wave to friends that are walking to class. This fits with their outgoing personalities and is just another reason why they have the best double.