Northwood Life – The Mirror

Entrepreneurship Class Hosts Pitch Competition

February 3, 2026 by Sasha Luhur

The Hub’s ground floor set up for the speed-pitch competition. Photo from Thomas Broderick.

Northwood’s Innovation Hub was well-lit on Wednesday night, January 28th, as fourteen students filed down from the Hub’s top floor. They made up the Entrepreneurship class, taught by Mr. Tom “Brody” Broderick, who had organized a pitch competition for his students. This night was especially important for the class, with $1200 dollars on the line for the winning pitch. The winner will be announced at school meeting on Monday, February 2.

Ms. Jill Walker, one of Northwood’s science faculty, participated as a volunteer judge for the pitch competition. “I loved hearing what you students have come up with. It was very moving to me how creative and thoughtful many of the projects were, and what a cool experience that is in high school to be thinking about, and even for some of the kids, implementing this already. So I thought it was very interesting,” she said.

Students engage for the first round of pitches. Photo by Mr. Broderick.

“One of the things I love about being a teacher is that it gives me hope for the future, right? Seeing what you guys are doing makes me really proud. It’s amazing where you guys have been taking this already in high school. I’m so not an entrepreneur, so it’s beyond my wheelhouse, but it is still very interesting.”

A common challenge for both judges and students was the time constraint of the competition. “A number of the kids were rushing, and I didn’t have time to go back and ask the questions I wanted to ask,” said Ms. Walker, but said that she “got more accustomed to the process” the more pitches came by. Sasha Luhur ’27, who pitched her hearing aid device, commented, “Time is obviously a huge constraint. There are all the things we need to get into the pitch, but you also want to engage well with the judge, obviously. It challenged me to think on my feet and adapt to the situation as the night went along.”

Harry Vant ’26 pitched his real estate flipping company. “I liked that I could get feedback on my project, and people could tell me what I could improve on it,” he said.

Harry Vant ’26, left, pitches his real estate business. Photo by Mr. Broderick

Reflecting on the experience, Harry added, “For me and Ricky [Henrik Hinse ’27], we had real estate related companies, so it was hard for us to answer some questions like ‘What’s your next step?’” He also spoke about preparing for the pitch, saying, “Before, I felt quite nervous. But then afterwards, I found out I really liked it, and it was quite easy to do. I’d probably like to do it again.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Cold and Snow Sweeps Across North America

February 2, 2026 by Josh Baker

A huge winter storm is sweeping across North America, leaving snow, ice, and widespread damage in its wake. The actual snowstorm began on January 22, 2026. The storm has moved from Northern Mexico all the way to Canada. This has made it one of the most expensive and chaotic snowstorms people have seen in a long time. Snowfall has been extremely heavy across the South and Midwest, the Northeast, and here in Lake Placid, New York. In many communities across the Northeast, forecasts predict more than a foot of snow, dangerous subzero temperatures, and unsafe ice accumulation before the snowstorm reaches the East Coast.

Unfortunately, the snowstorm has taken many lives along its way. By the evening of January 27, this storm had caused at least 60 deaths in the United States, as announced by USA Today. It was also announced in the report that among the deaths, 3 brothers aged 6, 8, and 9 died after they fell through the ice on a pond. The family was peacefully playing on the ice until the youngest brother fell in. The other two brothers then tried to save his life.

The Storm has also caused runs on grocery stores from Texas to Mississippi to Washington, D.C., leaving shelves bare and inventories depleted.

Photo from: Fox Baltimore News

Although here in Lake Placid, New York, there have been no reported deaths, the storm’s effects have still been major. The snow has continued to pile up, burying sidewalks and rooftops both within Northwood School and throughout Lake Placid. The snow has transformed this beautiful town into a snow globe.

As someone from Melbourne, Australia, this experience feels like something I would never have imagined, given that the last time there was snow in the City of Melbourne was 1986. Walking past the Berg Dorm and throughout the school felt unique to me, especially seeing the amount of snow on the rooftops and the pathways to my classes. I would imagine this would be similar for some other Northwood students from countries like Ghana, Brazil, and others.

Bergamini Dorm at Northwood School. Photo by Josh Baker ‘28

Overall, the Lake Placid community and other communities across the country have responded well. There have been many videos online showing neighbors offering to help shovel each other’s driveways, bringing people closer. The storm has been a lot more than just dangerous weather. It carries experiences that people will remember for a lifetime.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Skating History: Prep Hockey Players Take on the Rideau Canal

February 2, 2026 by Owen MacLean

Skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Photo provided.

The Prep Hockey team had the weekend of January 24-25 off from games. It is unusual to have a weekend off in the last half of the season, so a small group of players decided to leave Lake Placid for a little road trip up to Ottawa, Ontario. Devin Smith ’26, Cody and Kevin Betsch ’26, and Parker Thompson ’26 headed across the border to stay at my house. The goal of the trip was to skate on the Rideau Canal.

So, what is the big deal about skating on the Rideau Canal? Well, firstly, the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. After the War of 1812, information regarding the United States’ plans to invade Upper Canada from Upstate New York along the St. Lawrence River was received. This would have severed access from Montreal, Quebec, to Kingston, Ontario. To ensure safe passage for military vessels between the two cities, a 125 -mile canal route was planned. Construction of the canal took six years. As many as 1,000 men died building the canal, mostly from malaria. In the end, the United States never took military action, and the canal became a well-used shipping lane. Today, the canal is mainly used in the summer by boaters sailing between rivers. In the winter, Ottawa maintains a 4.8-mile stretch of the canal in the downtown area for skating, where you can see the Parliament Building (the Canadian equivalent of the White House).

We left on Friday after school and crossed the border into Canada. The trip from Lake Placid to Ottawa is quick. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the drive is about 138 miles from school to my house. Our plans looked a bit precarious when we saw the weather forecast. A massive storm system was moving up the US, and Ottawa was supposed to be one of the coldest places on earth that weekend. Our plan to skate the full length of the canal was not looking promising. The temperatures were projected to be about -22 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of -34 degrees.

So, we bundled up on Saturday night with the guys borrowing neck gaiters to cover their faces and warmer gloves and headed down to skate the canal. “It was pretty cold, my neck warmer froze, and my eyelashes froze over,” Kevin Betsch ’26 said.

We were not sure how long we could skate in the freezing cold, but once we got out there and the canal was lit up, we decided to skate the whole length back and forth and covered 9.6 miles. “I thought it was gorgeous; the lights and the parts of downtown we got to see were amazing. It was an experience I will never forget,” Devin Smith ’26 said.

Near the end of our skate, we stopped for an Ottawa delicacy, a Beavertail: fried dough that is stretched into the shape of a beaver’s tail and topped with cinnamon and sugar, or maple spread. “They were really good. I really liked the maple on it; it was a lot different than the fake stuff we get here,” Betsch said. It was so cold we stopped to sit in a warming hut to eat our Beavertails so our hands didn’t freeze.

This was a fun weekend to share with some of my teammates, so they could experience a bit of Canada and see some of the special things Ottawa has to offer. It was an experience they will never forget.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Senior Gains Stock Trading Experience in Peak Pathway

February 2, 2026 by Yosef Spear

Ethan Nau ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Ethan Nau ’26 has been working on a finance Peak Pathway class. According to the school’s website, “The Peak Pathways Program at Northwood is a flagship academic offering that provides students with a transformative, year-long independent study experience. This customizable program empowers students to take ownership of their education by pursuing in-depth projects on topics they are passionate about, fostering personal growth, and preparing them for success in high school, college, and beyond.”

Nau chose this class before arriving at Northwood because he wanted to be well-prepared for finance courses in college. Ethan’s dad is a well-known entrepreneur, and Ethan looks up to him and has always wanted to become an entrepreneur himself. Ethan also takes the Entrepreneurship class with Mr. Broderick.

Nau has done a lot of research on stocks and run a stock market simulation, doubling his money. A stock market simulation is a way to engage in real-time stock trading with virtual money to understand the concept before using real money. Ethan has learned that you need to be careful and know what you are doing before using real money.

Mr. Miller, who worked on Wall Street, gave Ethan reading suggestions at the start of the year that Ethan has been pursuing. Ms. Prime has helped Ethan stay on track with his work and be more efficient with his time.

Ethan said, “I have never been able to take classes like this before. It has really helped me prepare for college and for life later. I feel lucky to be able to take the entrepreneurship and finance Peak Pathways. I think everyone should get into stocks at some point in their lives, sooner rather than later, because it is a great way to gain important knowledge. Watching the market every day has shown me how hard it is to predict movements within the market.” Ethan’s tip for everyone is to buy when the stock is low and watch trends, so you can get the most out of selling where you predict the top will be.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Burger Review: Stewart’s Shops

February 1, 2026 by Cody Betsch

Welcome back to another Lake Placid Burger Review, where Parker Thompson ’26 and I give honest ratings on the burger spots in Lake Placid. We take into consideration flavor, price, and quality. On the menu today, we have an Upstate New York staple, Stewart’s Shops. Stewart’s is a very popular spot in the Northwood community, and as we all know, it has amazing ice cream. So today, we’re reviewing the burger to see about a potential hidden gem.

The Stewart’s Shops in Lake Placid near the Olympic Center. Photo provided.

The burgers are often sold in a 2-for-$6 deal. It comes with just a patty, bun, and cheese; however, it has 23 grams of protein per burger. This makes it a great meal to grab if you want a cheap way to get in your protein. Now for the review, “You know, for the price, and it being a gas station burger, this is really good. It’s a little flat, but the burger tastes great,” said Thompson. We both got to eat one for only 6 dollars, and it tastes good. You can’t really beat that. This makes Stewart’s burgers almost cheaper than McDonald’s, and they taste better, in my opinion.

Stewart’s Shops cheeseburgers. Photo by Cody Betsch ’26.

Overall, Stewart’s burger is a step below the others on this list. However, given the price and protein content, this is a pretty good option. For my rating, 6 flat. Parker’s rating was a 6.7.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Opinion

Frigid Temps Hit Lake Placid

February 1, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Photo of frozen noodles outside campus. Photo by Jacob Slagel ’26.

This week’s cold and storms have made basic routines harder around Northwood and Lake Placid. For some students, the biggest problem has been getting to school safely. For others, it has been the short walks between buildings that suddenly feel longer when the wind picks up.

Luke Monaco ’27 said the roads near school and around Lake Placid have been rough. “It was tough to get to school and back home,” Monaco said. He explained that one night, he chose to stay over rather than drive. “I had to spend the night because the roads were too bad to drive that, and I was worried I wouldn’t get home in one piece,” he said. Monaco described the roads as “unplowed,” with “a lot of ice and snow,” and said they looked “very slippery.” His advice for anyone driving is to be patient. “Drive very slow and stay alert, because it’s really hard to stop and turn,” he said. He also added that day students should not feel pressured to take risks. “If you’re a day student at Northwood, feel free to stay over,” Monaco said.

Marley Tracy-Deuss ’27, also a day student, said the cold has been noticeable even once students make it to campus. “It’s been really cold walking between classes,” he said. His main reminder was basic but honest. “You’ve got to remember to wear a jacket,” he said. He also mentioned layering for anyone who is outside more than a quick walk. “Wear layers,” he said.

The National Weather Service forecast for Lake Placid shows why the week has felt so intense. The forecast included an Extreme Cold Warning for Friday morning, with below-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The same forecast shows the cold continuing through the weekend, with very low overnight temperatures and daytime highs staying near or below freezing.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service forecast suggests it will remain cold, even if it warms slightly early next week. It won’t be a quick return to normal; it’ll be just a small step up from the worst of it.

For students, the takeaway has been pretty simple. If the roads look bad, take it slow, check the conditions before you leave, and do not force a drive if it does not feel safe. If you are walking between buildings, dress for the cold even if you are only outside for a few minutes. As Tracy-Deuss put it, “wear a jacket,” and do not treat it like a typical winter day.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Faculty Apartment Tour: Dr. Ben LeBlanc

February 1, 2026 by Jack Kroll

Dr. Ben LeBlanc at his apartment door. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Today, we take a rare look at one of the apartments that Northwood faculty and staff call home. Dr. Ben LeBlanc has taught at Northwood since 2021, living on Third East the entire time.

When you first walk in, one thing is immediately clear: LeBlanc loves to run. The main hallway is lined by racks of running shoes, bins of running hats, and hanging running coats. The shoe collection used to be much larger, he said; last year, he donated 120 pairs of shoes to a fundraiser led by former teacher and soccer coach Mr. Martinez. The shoes went on to help kids in Honduras. LeBlanc runs an average of 3,000 miles a year, which is why he goes through so many pairs of shoes.

Ben LeBlanc’s main apartment hallway. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Racks of running shoes in LeBlanc’s apartment. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Leblanc also has a spin bike in his apartment for when he needs a break from running or when it’s too cold outside. He also has a road bike that he uses in the summer to get more base endurance hours.

Like any good athlete, LeBlanc emphasizes recovery after training. In his apartment, he has foam rollers, resistance bands, and an ankle-stretching device. He also has his own set of Normatecs similar to those Donny has in the training room.

LeBlanc’s spin and road bike. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

LeBlanc’s recovery tools. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Leblanc’s dog, Ellie, has her own special spot in the apartment. She has two dog beds perched on a coffee table in LeBlanc’s living room. Ellie also has a massive Pikachu stuffed toy that is her favorite. She’s also featured in artwork around the apartment.

Also in LeBlanc’s living room is a desk that he uses to check the physics subreddit, as well as a kitchen. LeBlanc eats his main meals in the dining hall, but he occasionally cooks in his kitchen.

Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Ellie, LeBlanc’s beloved Frenchie. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Outside of the living room, he has a laundry room, a small bathroom, and a bedroom.

Dr. LeBlanc’s desk. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Dr. LeBlanc’s bedroom. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Dr. LeBlanc’s laundry room. Photo by Jack Kroll ’26.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

The College Process is Different for Athletes

January 30, 2026 by Yosef Spear

Seniors at Northwood have gotten far in their college application process, with a handful of athletic commitments and numerous non-athletic acceptances. Most of the senior class has submitted at least one application. The college counseling office has been working hard to assist seniors with their college applications.

As of January 16, over 60 Northwood School seniors have applied to colleges for next year. Over 400 applications have been submitted by Northwood students, and 25% of the decisions have been released. Acceptances are approaching 70 now.

Tziyon Morris ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Senior Tziyon Morris’s college process has been different and has progressed sooner than others’, as he is an athlete who committed to Old Dominion University for soccer. “Last year I was out for the beginning of the year due to an injury,” Morris said. “This caused me to reclass into the class of ’26. Once I returned from my injury, they continued the recruiting process with me. They needed to see me in person, but because of the injury, I sent them game footage. They invited me to visit and attend an ID camp over the past summer. From there, they wanted me to sign,” Tziyon added. He did not apply to any other schools, unlike most high school seniors who submit multiple applications.

Alexander Darby ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Alex Darby, ’26, is a soccer player here at Northwood who has not yet committed. He has applied to schools that suit his interests in both soccer and academics. The coaches at each school he’s applied to have expressed deep interest in him in soccer, so once he officially hears back from the schools, he will be able to sort through all his offers and choose the one that has what he’s looking for in a college. “My process has been applying to multiple schools that coaches have told me to apply to and going on multiple visits,” Darby said. “I am aiming for a high-level school with good academics and where I am valued. My commitment is dependent on where I get in. The process has been exciting and stressful, but I know whatever happens will be the right next step for me,” he added.

Charles Pigeon ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Charles Pigeon ’26 is a hockey player, and his process is much different from others because he will be playing junior hockey while attending a college in Canada. He will not have much time to devote to college during juniors, but after juniors, he hopes to attend a college in America while playing Division I hockey. “I am planning to play juniors back home in Canada, where there is a counselor, and because of that league, we are called special students,” Pigeon said. “I plan to play for 2-3 years while attending a college in Canada. After juniors, I plan to play D1 hockey at another college, and I hope to commit to that D1 college in the next year or two. Something different about me is that I do not like online school, so I plan to attend college in person while playing on a junior team.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Two Ghanaian Soccer Talents at Northwood

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

There are two Ghanaian student-athletes, Abdul Baaki and Samuel Andoh, who are making an enormous impact on the field here at Northwood School. They have both brought unique stories filled with talent, sacrifice, and hard work, inspiring others in the soccer program.

Abdul Baaki ’28 (left) and Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo provided.

Abdul Baaki ’28 and Samuel Andoh ’28 share a lot more than just their home country. Both grew up in Ghana with an ambition to succeed educationally and in soccer. They both flew thousands of miles to chase their dreams at Northwood. But their journeys were quite different before intersecting here at Lake Placid.

Abdul grew up in Kumasi, one of Ghana’s largest cities. It is a well-known city for producing soccer talents. Ever since Abdul could touch a ball, his ability stood out immediately. Many people knew that he had something special about him. His talent was seen by Indian Mountain School, which eventually offered Abdul a scholarship. He stayed in the program for three years, continuing to develop both on and off the pitch. His experience at IMS prepared him well for the next step in his career, leading him to Northwood. Now he is playing as a winger for the U17s as a 2010. Despite being younger than many on the team, he has consistently been on the score sheet, using his incredible technical ability and speed. His style of play reflects flair and creativity, a trait commonly associated with West African soccer.

A young Abdul with Mohammed Kudus. Photo provided.

Andoh’s journey to Northwood began even earlier. Andoh left his home in Ghana to join Northwood School as a 9^th grader. He had a clear goal: to chase his dream of becoming a professional soccer player and to have an education that was not possible in his hometown. The adjustment to Northwood meant not only a new country but also a new academic system, faster-paced learning, and a different style of play. Despite these challenges, Andoh has performed well, establishing himself as a key player in the U17s.

Andoh with Mohammed Kudus. Photo by 3Sports Ghana

On the field, Andoh plays as a Striker and brings a physical style shaped by his experiences in Ghana. He was previously named Player of the Tournament at a competition held in Ghana by Mohammed Kudus, a Ghanaian who currently plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Andoh is known for his skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability. This has helped him establish himself as a consistent goalscorer for the U17s.

Watch Mohammed Kudus’s Instagram post regarding the tournament: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLxfjhoN9xr/?igsh=aTgxZGJ2OGU0dWp6

Interview with Samuel Andoh and Abdul Baaki regarding their journey so far:

What is the most significant difference between playing soccer in Ghana and playing here?

Abdul: “The biggest difference is physicality. In Ghana, soccer is a lot more physical than here.”

Andoh: “The biggest difference is the surface. In Ghana, we do not have the resources we have here, so instead of turf, we played on rough grounds.”\

What are your goals this year?

Abdul: “My goal is to have 70 goals and assists by the end of the year.”

Andoh: “My goal is to score 60 goals by the end of this year.”

What has been the hardest adjustment since moving to Northwood?

Abdul: “The hardest part has been the travel schedule. When we get back from games at 01:00 a.m. and must go to school, it is hard.”

Andoh: “The hardest part has been trying to communicate with others.”

Together, Abdul and Andoh are a lot more than just talented soccer players. Their stories contain sacrifice, resilience, and the nature of opportunity. These stories show how special this opportunity at Northwood is and how Northwood can be a big step in a person’s life.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Dorm Room Tour: The Betsch Brothers

January 28, 2026 by Casey Morrissey

Welcome to Kevin ’26 and Cody Betsch’s ’26 room. This is their second year of boarding at Northwood. The twin brothers live on Second East at the end of the hallway leading towards the West side of the main building. They have one of the more unique rooms on campus. Their room features rustic wood paneling lining the walls and ceiling. They also have a magnificent view of the front entrance. Their room is one of the larger ones on campus.

The Betsch brothers’ room on Second East. Photo: Casey Morrissey ’27.

One interesting thing about their room’s construction is that their light switch is located outside the room, in the hallway.

The light switch. Photo by Casey Morrissey ’27.

In the corner of the room, they keep their beloved fishing rods. Both twins love to fish; they are excited to spend some time on the dock in the spring and, hopefully, catch some fish.

The Betschs’ fishing poles. Photo by Casey Morrissey ’27.

Next up, the gaming setup. This is where Cody plays his favorite game, Call of Duty – only after all of his work is done, of course. Overall, an upgrade from their room in Berg last year.