People – The Mirror

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

Go-To Gas Station Snacks: Parker Borden ‘27

February 12, 2026 by Gavin Kruger

Parker Borden ’27. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

In this inaugural edition of Northwood “Go-To Gas Station Snacks.” I felt that it was only right for the following guest to be the first: he is a good friend of mine, and somewhat of a snack connoisseur, Parker Borden ’27. Before I dive into his order, Borden mentioned that this is not his “dream order,” but his typical order, consisting of items that he can reliably find at any gas station.

Without further ado, here is Parker Borden’s gas station order:

Airhead Xtreme Sours
Honey Roasted Cashews
Body Armor

Strengths: Balanced, satisfies cravings, and cohesive.

At first glance, the order touches all the bases: the airheads take care of any sugar cravings, the cashews give you that savory balance to counter the sweet candy, and Body Armor is an all-around healthy drink to hydrate for athletic weekends. This is this order’s biggest strength: It takes care of the three types of cravings – sweet, savory, and thirst.

Summary: I really enjoyed this order. The airheads were sour but weren’t overwhelming, and they tasted great. Surprisingly, I would say the cashews were the best part of the order; they are healthy, and the honey-roasted flavor really hit the mark. Body Armor was a really smart choice for a drink. It was not so flavorful that it overwhelmed your taste buds; rather, it served as a thirst-quenching option that complemented the snacks without being overpowering.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Opinion, People

Catching up with Nathaniel Poole ’25

February 9, 2026 by Kevin Betsch

Nathaniel Poole ’25. Photo: Instagram.

At the end of the 2024-2025 year, Nathaniel Poole’s short but meaningful time at Northwood was something special. Nathaniel spent only one year at Northwood, but he became a favorite around campus during his time there. He made the most of every moment and did not take his senior year for granted. Nathaniel spent his single season at Northwood on the Prep team as a defenseman and committed to Union College to play NCAA Division 1 hockey. He now plays for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, which is the top junior hockey league in the United States. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to speak with Nathaniel and gain insight into his life as a junior hockey player.

“I currently play for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, and I am a defenseman,” Poole said. He then talked about what it is like to play junior hockey. He said, “Honestly, compared to Northwood, it is much less fun and much more of a grind. However, I am enjoying my time here so far. The hockey is amazing, and the days go by so fast because I’m so busy. I’m also in a great location, so when I have time off, I can go to the University of Nebraska for football or basketball games. It’s been hard, but it’s also a blast.”

“In my one year at Northwood, I really learned and grew so much as a person. Northwood has a way of connecting you with people and forcing you outside of your comfort zone in a great way,” Poole said when asked about his time at Northwood. “Northwood prepared me for the rest of my life. The way you learn to talk to people and take risks is a thing that prepares you for the rest of your life, and I will use those skills in the future, whether it’s in college or in a job,” Poole said. “I also really miss Northwood. My time there was so short, and being able to go to class with your best friends every day was special. The memories I made at Northwood will never be forgotten.”

“My plan for next year is to play another year in the USHL, and then hopefully I will be ready to play at Union,” Poole said when asked about his plans for the future. “I hope to have a great season next year and really settle into the junior life and get more comfortable, that will elevate my game, and I want to be a premier defenseman in the league next year.”

Nathaniel has a younger brother, Brennan Poole, who now attends Northwood. Brennan plays hockey for the 16U team, and Nathaniel ended our conversation in classic brotherly fashion: he said, “Be hard on Brennan for me!”

Filed Under: People, Real World, Sports

Pre-Game Ritual: Jett Travis ’27

February 9, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Jett Travis ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

This edition of student-athletes’ pre-game rituals features Jett Travis. This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Jett Travis ’27 is a first-year Junior and member of the Northwood Varsity hockey team, and he had a unique pre-game routine. Jett adds, “Every time I do this routine, I feel like I can play at the best of my game.”

“My day starts when I wake up, and I do a couple of stretches. Then hop in the shower and listen to music that fires me up for games. I keep jamming out while I put on my suit.”

“I hop on the bus that takes the team and me to the Olympic Center. The moment I stepped off the bus, the mood changed to all business. Before entering the locker room, shoes must be removed to keep the floor clean. Change into the warm-up gear to get comfortable and get my skates sharpened by Coach Tommy Spero before the coach’s meeting.”

“After the meeting, I throw on my AirPods and turn on the band AC/DC before I grab my tape bag and my game stick. I step into the arena and start taping my stick with white tape: the knob and halfway down the blade, from middle to toe. It always must be black tape.”

I would play soccer with the team for three games, and during warm-ups, we used a dynamic warm-up that got my legs moving. A good there-and-back of High knees, Butt kicks, Side shuffle, karaoke, Super Marios, Leg risers, can openers/closers, Hamstring stretch, and sprints.

“When it comes to hitting the tunnel, that’s when everyone and everything is blocked out of my mind, and that’s when I know I’m ready for this game.”

“If something is working, why switch it up?” Jett said. Jett has stuck with this routine for many years, and it shows that it keeps him at the top of his game. As it does not seem Jett is slowing down anytime soon.

Filed Under: People, Sports Tagged With: PreGameRituals

Pre-Game Rituals: Jett Jewett ’26

February 4, 2026 by Gavin Kruger

This edition of athletes’ pre-game rituals features Jett Jewett, who embodies the essence of simplicity and versatility. Jewett plays on the U19 soccer/football team, operating primarily as a defensive-minded midfielder, but has recently shown potential as a more box-to-box midfielder, one who can provide output both in defense and going forward. This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Jett Jewett ’27. Photo: Northwood Soccer/Instagram.

Though he has no superstitions, he does have a structured, consistent routine. “The night before game(s), I stretch out and do mobility work – after a long bus ride, my body is usually sore. So, I’ll hop on the bike at the hotel gym, if they have one; if not, I’ll just stretch out. Lastly, I need to get at least 8 hours of sleep. On gameday morning, I start by drinking a bottle of electrolyte at breakfast, then I always eat a Banana and an Orange. After that, I shower and then take the bus to the game. Once I get on the bus, I turn on my music; my two artists are Gunna and Drake.”

All athletes have gas station must-haves; some are healthier than others, prioritizing discipline and high-quality ingredients over sugary junk food. Jett falls into the healthy category: “I always get trail mix, specifically the bag with the M&M’s. On top of that, I grab myself a vitamin water – I keep it healthy.”

“I would suggest that you do not change anything on gameday – meaning don’t do things that you haven’t done before,” Jewett advises. “If you start preparing in ways that you don’t normally do, you subconsciously make the game feel bigger than it actually is. I stick to my routine and keep it simple; that works for me,” he added.

“What player inspires me? Kevin De Bruyne. I wouldn’t say that my playstyle is similar to his, but he’s been my favorite player from a young age; So, I don’t have a player who I try to model my game after, however, De Bruyne is the one that’s inspired me.”

Filed Under: People, Sports Tagged With: PreGameRituals

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

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

Northwood Alum Selected in First Round of MLS Draft

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

After a breakout sophomore season at Georgetown University, in which Mitchell Baker ’24 helped the Hoyas win the Big East Championship and make the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, many started saying that an MLS Club would draft Mitch. After all, he was the 8th leading goal scorer in the country, a 2nd Team All American, a Mac Herman Semifinalist, a unanimous selection for the All-Big East team, as well as being a “true freshman”, having gone to college a year early at 17 years of age.

Baker celebrates a goal for Georgetown. Photo: Georgetown Hoyas

The Colorado Rapids post announcing Baker’s pick. (Instagram)

On December 18^th, 2025, Baker’s dream became a reality when he received a call from the Colorado Rapids at the 10^th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, marking the start of his professional soccer career. With that selection, Mitchell made history for Northwood, becoming the first alumnus to be drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, a huge milestone for both Mitch and the school.

Before his journey to the United States, Mitch, born in Melbourne, Australia, spent 10 years in Hong Kong, which led him to take up soccer instead of Australian Rules Football. He played for the Kitchee FC, a local professional academy, and the Hong Kong Football Club. Upon returning to Australia, Mitch played for Melbourne Victory (an A-League academy). Halfway through his freshman year, Baker made a huge move to the US at age 15 to Northwood School. Moving across to the other side of the world was challenging for Mitchell as he had to adjust to an entirely new environment. Although it was hard, it played a huge role in his character development.

Whilst Mitch had always been tall, he only physically developed after he arrived in the USA and switched from CB/CM to striker. He made a significant impact on the Northwood/Black Rock soccer program. During his sophomore year, he scored 56 goals and 19 assists, placing him on the radar for colleges across the country. Shortly after his sophomore year, he committed to Georgetown University. In his Junior year, Mitch scored 73 goals and 13 assists as a U19. That successful season allowed Mitch to make another bold decision, deciding to join the Georgetown Hoyas a year earlier than expected. Mitch totaled 141 goals and 39 assists in 121 games in his 2 and a half years at Northwood, a record that will be hard to beat.

Baker celebrates a goal while at Northwood. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At Georgetown, Baker continued to grow beyond the score sheet. Georgetown coaches, teammates, and commentators were very impressed with Mitch’s technical skills and footwork, given his 6-foot 5 frame. They were also impressed by his aerial skills and his ability to hold the ball up and kick off both feet with equal skill. These skills were on display as he scored a brace as the Hoyas defeated UCF 2-0 in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Division 1 tournament.

Baker’s unique athletic attributes, paired with his consistent performances, attracted many MLS scouts who were looking at potential draft picks. What makes his selection even more special is that he told clubs he would not leave college until after he graduated.

Baker is a sophomore in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown, majoring in Finance and minoring in Entrepreneurship, and he is accelerating his graduation path. He still managed a 3.8 GPA despite his workload and earned Second Honors last semester.

Interview with Mitch Baker regarding his Draft Day and journey:

What did it feel like when you got drafted 10^th overall in the MLS Superdraft?

“It was a dream come true. You look back at where it started and how tough the journey was, but it is satisfying to know that it was all worth it at the end of the day.”

What does it mean to be the first Northwood Alumnus drafted in the first round?

“It’s a special achievement for me, considering how big a role Northwood played in getting me to where I am. I’m just proud to represent the school in this way.”

Who are you most thankful for along the way?

“My family, without a doubt. I’m also thankful for the coaches and teachers at both Northwood and Georgetown because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

How did you find the move from Australia to the United States?

“At first, it was challenging being away from mates and family, but overall, I think it forced me to mature and develop as a person.”

What excites you the most about joining the Colorado Rapids?

“I’m excited to be in a competitive environment surrounded by people with similar goals to me. I’m also excited because I think this will give me a feel for the professional lifestyle. Being drafted is great, but it doesn’t guarantee a contract (unlike other sports drafts). There is a lot of hard work to come, but I’m ready for the challenge!”

Baker’s journey from Melbourne to Lake Placid, to Washington, DC, and potentially Colorado is quite remarkable. His journey involved risk and hard work, which paid off. As he continues his path, his story will be seen as a milestone for the Northwood program, and it will be exciting to watch!