“Northwood has just really been special. It has broken through the expectations I had for the year, and I am thankful for the year I’ve had. I’ve made strong relationships with faculty and students. I would never have met any of these people if I had not come to Northwood. Seeing my friends every day and always having my friends around, it’s nice always to have someone around to talk to or mess around with. I will also miss having every meal with my buddies and doing the little things like playing soccer on the turf or having great conversations.

“I am planning to take a postgraduate year at Northwood next year. Taking a PG year is the best option for my hockey career and my academics. The hockey here is amazing, and I have all the opportunities here with the faculty to get into a great college in the future.

“Adam [Sherman] and I grew up together. Pretty much every hockey team I played on, he did as well. I met Max [Stracar] two years ago when I went to play for the New Jersey Avalanche. He has become one of my best friends over the past two years. It was very nice coming here with them; it is just nice to know that if all else failed, I still had them no matter what. It was like an extra layer of comfort in a way. Also, watching them take risks and become friends with everyone helped me come out of my shell a little bit and put myself out there to meet new people. They have had a really positive impact on my life.

“I picked Northwood because it just felt right. I grew up in Saratoga, New York. We played a ton of hockey in Lake Placid when I was younger, and I had vacationed here before. Before coming to Northwood, I was already pretty familiar with the Lake Placid area and Northwood. It was just the perfect spot for me. It’s not too far from home, and the education you get here is just great. The hockey is also amazing and was the right fit for me.”

As told to Keven Betsch ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“One of my favorite years at Northwood was my first year at Northwood, 2022-23, since we had almost a month and a half off from school in the middle of the year for FISU Games. Also, we didn’t have school on Fridays that year, which is really nice.

“Over my four years at Northwood, I’m super proud of the program that we’ve built here. I was the only ski jumper in my first year here. In my second year, we got one more, Mitchell Penning ’25, from Canada. And the next year, we expanded to Mitchell, Henry, Eli, Max, and me. This year, we added Islay, Duncan, and Cadel. So, from one to seven.

“Some highlights of my time at Northwood ski jumping are probably last year, winning Junior nationals for ski jumping, and getting second for Nordic Combined. That’s one of the main reasons I decided to defer my enrollment at Bates College and come back for a PG year.

“I was a Nordic Combiner, which combines cross country skiing and ski jumping for most of my career, and then after winning nationals for ski jumping last year, I decided to focus all my efforts on ski jumping and see how far I could take it. I came back to qualify for the Junior World ski championships this year, and I almost did. On another day, maybe I would have been on that team. But that’s part of the sport. Anyone can have a good day, and anyone can have a bad day. I worked hard, making up a lot of ground and getting myself to the level I needed to be at. On another day, it could have been me, and that’s what I am going to take away from this and be proud of. Now it’s back to work.

“As of now, I intend to move to Lillehammer, Norway, next year with Henry Loher ’26 as well as a few other US athletes to train and compete there. The US team is based there, and it also cuts down on travel, since most of our competitions are in Europe.

“I’m going to miss the people. Although most of my friends graduated last year, Northwood still feels like home. I’ll often catch myself saying I’m going home when I’m talking about Northwood. It goes to show that if you spend enough time with people, they become like family.

“Shout out Ben LeBlanc, great teacher. In junior year, I was probably two units behind for most of the year after extensive back-to-back travel, and he helped me catch up. Also, he drives us every day to ski jumping practice.

“Also, Marge. Marge used to be a Nordic coach, so we talk a lot and spend a lot of time together. She is super nice, and I’m going to miss talking to her every day.”

As told to Sasha Luhur ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Patrick McCormick ’26 and Zack Klaich’s ’27 dorm room is located on the second floor of the Bergamini Dorm. Their room is a cozy spot that is quite popular among Berg residents. Without further ado, let us get into the room tour!

This is Zack’s dresser and closet area, where he keeps his clothes and toiletries. If you notice in the bottom left, Zack also has a snack cart. While it is not very full right now, it is usually stocked to the brim with delicious snacks that are a favorite of many Berg residents, especially Willem McArthur ‘27.

Continuing with Zack’s side, we have his desk set up. TV and video games play a significant role in Zack’s life, so he has the classic monitor and Xbox Series X setup. Studying is also important to Zack, so he keeps his space clean to complete his weekly LeBlanc physics homework. His current TV show is “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and he watches it nightly.

Now, moving on to Patrick’s side, he has the same setup as Zack, except he has a closet where Zack just has a rack and shelves. Patrick stores his sweatshirts, button-down shirts, and suits in his closet. On top, he has a snack bin that holds his fuel for hockey and some snacks like M&Ms.

Here is a broader view of Patrick’s setup. In his dresser, Patrick stores essentials like socks, underwear, pants, and his coveted GVN Performance shirts. On top of his dresser, Pat has a picture of his family, as well as his Hydration water bottle and GVN Performance shaker bottle, which he uses to mix creatine and get big and strong. His side also has a mirror, which he and Zack use to make sure they are looking fly before heading to class.

Wrapping up the room tour is Patrick’s desk. Like Zack, Patrick enjoys playing video games and watching TV, primarily EA Sports Formula 1 2025. He brought his steering wheel and pedals all the way from Orland Park, IL, to play, showing his passion for F1. Like his roommate, Patrick is very locked in on his studies and takes school extremely seriously, so he keeps his space clean for homework and studying.

All photos by Andrew Sherland ’26.

Drew Tulloch ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Drew Tulloch ’26 is a third-year senior at Northwood and is on the Varsity Hockey team. This year, he has been learning how to cook a wide variety of foods for his Peak Pathway project. He has been watching hours of video on technique and diverse ways to cook. He is working alongside his parents in the kitchen.

According to Northwood’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.”

Tulloch’s interest in cooking is personal. “I grew up eating a lot of Italian food and other types of food from around the world because my family likes to travel a lot. I feel like I have a pretty wide palate and a good taste for food with all the diverse types of cuisine I have had,” said Drew.

Drews has cooked many new dishes and experimented with different spices, herbs, and sauces. He has served dishes such as steak with peppercorn sauce, fettuccine alfredo, lemon chicken, salmon lasagna, and more. He said, “I think I’ve protected my craft, but there’s more to learn.”

Above: some of the dishes that Tulloch has made during his Peak Pathway. Photos provided. 

Drew’s parents have always made great chicken cutlets (his father) and lasagna (his mom). They also cook exceptionally good meals every day, staying creative. Drew said, “Growing up with my parents being good cooks, I feel like I always took well-cooked food for granted. So, this year I wanted to learn the skill of cooking so I could feed myself in college, repay my parents for all the meals they have cooked me, and have the skill to be a good cook in general.”

Ella Malloy’25 at College of the Holy Cross. Photo: Holy Cross Athletics

Ella’s time at Northwood during the 2024-2025 school year was nothing short of incredible. She made the most of her time on campus, building strong relationships with teammates, classmates, and faculty. Her positive attitude and commitment to improving each day made her a respected member of the Northwood community. Ella played defense on the Girls Prep team and came to school committed to play NCAA D1 hockey at the College of Holy Cross. Since graduating, she has moved on to play for Holy Cross in the Hockey East division. I recently had the chance to catch up with Ella and talk about her time at Northwood, her transition to college hockey, and what she has learned along the way. Here is what she had to say, as told to Rylie Griffiths ’26.

“My favorite moment at Holy Cross so far was scoring my first college goal. My parents were both there. It was the end of September, our first weekend playing, and it was my first game. You couldn’t have written a better first game. Beyond that, I love my team and have become really close with everyone, from my class to the upperclassmen. Our team is doing really well this year. We’ve broken several program records, reached 10 wins, and are nationally ranked for the first time. It’s a really exciting time, and I feel grateful to be part of writing a new chapter at Holy Cross.

“The biggest adjustment I’ve noticed from high school to college is definitely the hockey. Not necessarily the pace, but trying to find your role on a new team with teammates that could be four or five years older than you. At Northwood, I had an established role and knew that what I contributed to the team was consistent. In college, it’s not that way when you walk in the door. It can be really difficult to find your role as we play fewer games, so you have to perform your best when you’re given the opportunity.

“I feel like my time at Northwood really showed me the type of person and player I wanted to become. We were lucky to have such a talented group, with girls going on to so many different places. Everyone brought something unique, and I tried to learn from that. Seeing what I admired in others and how I could bring those qualities into my own life as a player and as a person. That also applied to the teachers and staff. Gilly, for example, always had so much energy. It was hard to be in a bad mood around him, and that stuck with me. In college, there are long days with classes, practices, lifts, and games, but I’ve tried to bring that same positive energy every day. Northwood taught me the importance of being someone people want to be around.

“What I miss most about Northwood is the people. The people truly make the place. The campus is beautiful, and walking by the lake every day was something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but when I look back, it’s the memories with people that stand out the most—the fun we had as a team, in class, and in the dorms. I still check in with a lot of people from Northwood because they’re always on my mind.

“My favorite Northwood memory was winning the Challenge Cup in Washington. That was an incredible feeling. Winning the Northwood tournament was also really special. I loved those moments because our team worked hard and truly earned it. There’s nothing better than holding a trophy over your head with your teammates.

“My future plans right now are to major in biology or neuroscience at Holy Cross. I recently got into a biology research lab for next year, which will help me build my résumé and work toward my goal of attending medical school after I finish my undergraduate degree. I also want to keep playing hockey for as long as possible. Going pro would be incredible, and while I know there’s still a lot of work ahead, it’s something I’d love to pursue.”

“Hmm, a childhood lesson that I keep with me to this day. I think it has to be perseverance, just because in general, when I was younger, I started soccer super late. My dad told me that if you want to someday get good, you will have to persevere through being the worst on your team and all the challenges that come with it, and just grind your way through that process. So, I think perseverance has helped me throughout my journey here.

“A moment that was big for me this year, definitely like winning the first games early this year. I think those games early in the season helped me and the group get together and have positive vibes from the start, and not have a slow start like we did last year, when we struggled with chemistry off the bat. So yeah, winning early really helped us a lot with the group’s cohesion and everything.

“My favorite place in the world is Northwood’s Indoor Turf because everything about it is so good. It helped build my character; all the 6 am training sessions, all the extra hours I’ve put in have definitely molded me as a person. It’s probably the place where I have spent most of my time here. So, the indoor turf is my favorite place in the world.

“In ten years? In ten years, I see myself as someone who’s achieved more than just being an athlete. I’m not sure what field I’ll go into or what my life will look like, but I want to be known as more than just an athlete and to diversify my portfolio.

“I think the memories I’ll take away from Northwood are definitely just the simple stuff, playing cards late with Marvyn and all the guys just chilling at the hotel, and the bus rides where you are just with the guys and enjoying your time there.”

As told to Noah Moodey ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I grew up in Chazy, New York, and hockey has always been a huge part of my life. Coming to Northwood was a big decision, but I knew I wanted to push myself. I wanted more exposure for college hockey and stronger academic opportunities, and Northwood offered both. When I toured campus and talked to people who had gone here, something just felt right. I could picture myself growing here.

“One of the most meaningful parts of my time here has been winning the Northwood tournament two years in a row. It was so fun to win with my friends. The feeling in the rink, seeing teammates, classmates, and teachers all supporting each other. It made me realize how special this community is and how much it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

“Since coming here, I’ve changed a lot as a person. I used to be quieter, but Northwood helped me come out of my shell. People here are welcoming, and it makes it easy to connect and be yourself. I’ve become more confident, more social, and more open to new experiences.

“A fun fact about me is that I love bus trips, the conversations, and the time spent with my teammates. Those moments remind me that this experience is about more than hockey. It’s about growing up, building relationships, and becoming the person I want to be.”

As told to Casey Morrissey ’27 Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“Northwood is a very charming place and a really good place to be if the goal is self-improvement. The knowledge that I have gained has given me a better outlook on what I want to do with my life.

“A lot of schools admitted me, and Northwood was a place I felt was going to be great for me for better self-improvement.

“Northwood is a quiet place, and I really like being here. I always feel a sense of focus and peacefulness when I am doing my schoolwork. There are no distractions that interrupt me.

“After Northwood, I will go to college, and I want to be a writer or artist. I like these because I can be creative, and others can see my creativity.

“Northwood has helped me become a much calmer person. In my younger years, I was not very calm. Now I have learned to be more patient with stuff and to control the way I feel.”

As told to Parker Thompson ’26. Photo by Mr. John Spear.

“I’ve tried a lot of sports throughout my life, like golfing and basketball, but my favorite has always been basketball. I also love Ultimate Frisbee, and I still do it a lot during break when I go home with my friends. I have six cats and a big family since my sister just had a baby.

“My name’s Jingxi, but people call me Willow here. I live in the southwest of China, and my city is called Kunming, Yunnan. People also call it Spring City because it’s very warm and pleasant, unlike here.

“Northwood spring has always been my favorite part of being at school, no matter which year, because spring is so alive. We get to climb again, everything comes back, and there are more activities to do. I still really enjoy winter, too, especially snowboarding, and the Wilmington route on Whiteface is my favorite.

“This is my third year at Northwood. I’m so excited to graduate. I came to Northwood because my brother-in-law graduated here about ten years ago.

“I’m extremely excited about this year because it’s my senior year, and I’m working on an independent Peak Pathway project. I’m building a darkroom at Northwood. At the end of the year, I’m really excited to show everyone what I’ve learned, like developing film and making film strips. I hope to bring a more artsy part to Northwood.”

A told to Jacob Slagel ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.