“My piece of advice is to enjoy life, and to truly be grateful for what you have. A lot of people don’t appreciate what they have until they lose it, so it’s important to be grateful and embrace what you have, because you never know when you will lose it.

“If I could add one part of Chile into American culture, it would be unity. In Chile – especially during national holidays – there is a unique sense of togetherness and care, and families are always very united. It is a feeling you can’t truly understand unless you are part of the culture, so it is something I would bring to the US.

“My hidden talent is that I’m a barber. I took a professional course in Chile in 2024, and I’ve been practicing for three years now. I’ve continued to cut hair at Northwood, and it’s been great.

“Pineapple does not belong on pizza. Pineapple is a sweet thing; pizza is a savory food, so, for me, it is not acceptable, and I will not eat that pizza.

“Something interesting about me is that I’ve moved around a ton – but all within Chile. I was born in the capital (Santiago). I then moved up north, before coming back to Santiago. My family is currently living in La Serena.

“My favorite experience at Northwood was when we went to Costa Rica as a soccer team. We got to play football against some of the academy teams, which was cool. But for me, the best part of the trip was experiencing a new country, being in the city, and also spending time at the beach with my teammates. I made stronger friendships because of this trip, and it was a unique way of seeing a new country.”

As told to Gavin Krugger ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Murphy (left) and Demers. Photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Ryan Demers ’27 and Colten Murphy ’26 have been working on a training influencer project for Peak Pathways on the Instagram account @Better.Lift. 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.”

“Having a hockey training account on Instagram is a fantastic way to share your skills, workouts, and progress with others who love the game. It helps you stay motivated, connect with other players, and build your personal brand while showing your dedication and growth on the ice,” Colten Murphy ’26 said. “Starting this account has been a massive help for athletes, but also for us because showing that we are staying committed to the game and trying to reach the next level,” Colten added.

“I knew I wanted to do something like this to build an account where young hockey athletes can receive training and advice on reaching the next level,” Ryan Demers ’27 said. “Someone who helped me through this project is Sam Lyne ’24. He has been giving a step-by-step process on how to run this type of account and how to maintain it for people who will remain watching, like the video, and drop the follow button,” Ryan added.

“We created this hockey workout account to help young players understand what it really takes to improve and reach their goals. It shares simple drills, workouts, and training tips they can use on and off the ice to build strength, speed, and confidence,” Ryan Demers ’27 said.

“The account shows that progress does not happen overnight, but through hard work and consistency. By following along, young athletes can stay motivated, learn new skills, and develop strong habits that will help them grow both as players and as people,” Colten Murphy ’26 said.

This account is amazing if you don’t understand the workouts or don’t know what you are doing during a workout. It gives you all the advice you need in one place to reach the next level and chase your dreams.

“My advice: get your Common App done as fast as you can. Why?

“Well, I grew up in Quebec City, and it’s been like 10 years since I started ski racing. I started skiing at three and started racing at 8. I came to Northwood because of Leanne. We were really close, and she told me she was coming here and that I should come. So, I emailed the coach, and he said I should visit.

“I came here as a senior, and I really wanted to go to college in the U.S. However, no one told me when I got here how important the Common App is to get into college. Also, I wasn’t ready yet, so I decided to PG.

“Two years ago, I was doing all my schoolwork in French, and at Northwood I had to switch to English. My grades improved as I learned English, and during the second year, I got to know the teachers, which really helped me. I raised my grades, which helped me get into Babson next year.

“Switching from living in my house, being in another country, and speaking another language really made me grow.

“Seniors, just enjoy your last year here. Try to make as many friends as you can. I will miss my friends and the social life here. Here, you’re close to everyone and make good friends. Just being in the living room, talking to people, playing the piano, sitting by the fire, going to the games, and in the Spring, hanging out with everyone and going to the lake. I’m going to miss all of it.

MJ’s recent art project. Photo provided.

“I do not think pineapple belongs on pizza. I think I’ve never actually had one. So, I’m against it. My favorite meal in the dining hall is grilled cheese and tomato soup.

“During my free time or when I’m bored, I do art just to relax. I think it’s because of my mom. My mom is an architect, and since I was really young, I drew houses with her. I like drawing with her, and that’s maybe why I’m good at it.”

As told to Jack Kroll ’26 while working on her latest art project. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“This is my third year at Northwood. I am from Ottawa, Ontario, which is the capital of Canada. I am a goalkeeper for the U19 soccer team. I actually didn’t hear about Northwood from anybody, but I found it through my goalkeeper coach, who recommended that my parents and I look at prep schools in the US. He had sent some of his other keepers to the US in the past and said it would be a great opportunity that would open new possibilities. So, my family and I started looking at schools, and Northwood stood out as a great fit. We then emailed Mr. Riffle – who was head of admissions at the time – to see if there was an opportunity for me to come in for my sophomore year. We got a response in less than an hour; he explained that the U17s [soccer] team needed a keeper, and things moved pretty quickly.

“I like to play golf in Lake Placid during the off weekends in fall and spring at the Lake Placid Club. I picked up the sport recently and spent a lot of my free time playing to get better during the season. During my winter weekends off, I like to relax, do homework, and go into town with my friends.

“Something people would not know about me is that I am surprisingly good at solving Rubik’s cubes. I really got into it during COVID and lockdown, so it kind of became my thing, and I became really good at it.

“My dream job is to be a writer or reporter for Fox News, ESPN, or one of the major sports broadcasts. I love sports, specifically the NFL and the Premier League, and I consume content, look at stats, watch games, and all that. So, I see myself becoming a writer or analyst for some sports broadcasting or media outlets.

“The way I want to be remembered is as someone who worked really hard and didn’t take shortcuts. Effort and hard work are keys to giving your life meaning. Without effort and a work ethic, you lose a sense of direction, and time will end up passing you by.”

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

“My favorite place to eat in town would be Jimmy’s 21 Eatery. Their Italian food is amazing. I always get the chicken parmesan. I also love the atmosphere, especially when we get to sit at the end of the restaurant overlooking Mirror Lake.

“Growing up from K to 12, I only had three girls in my class, and all the boys were in hockey, so naturally, it was something I wanted to try. It was hard to convince my mom to switch from figure skating, but as soon as I put on hockey gear at a birthday party, she couldn’t take it off. And ever since then, I continued to fall in love with the sport.

“The quote that inspires me is very simple, but I heard it nonstop growing up. My dad would always tell me, ‘The worst they can say is no.’ I still live by that today, and I apply it to all areas of my life as it forces me to have several plans when I take action on something.

“I heard about Northwood through hockey. When looking to play prep hockey in the States, the first thing an advisor told me was to play for a great coach. As soon as I toured and met Gilly, I knew I could develop as a player under his coaching style. This made my choice on where to go easy.

“Northwood is special to me because of the one-of-a-kind opportunities you get to experience. It has been a privilege to work, learn, grow, live, and laugh alongside people who were strangers in September and quickly became family.

“Once I graduate, I will be attending Post University in southern Connecticut to play Division I hockey in the fall. I will be studying finance and look forward to travelling back and forth to NYC in my free time.”

As told to Anne Monette ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“Northwood has provided me with a sense of community that I have not felt anywhere else. Having spent 3 years at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, I have extensive experience with boarding schools. I felt instantly welcomed here and quickly meshed with my team and the community.

“My brother, Ryan, did a post-graduate year at Northwood, and he liked it a lot. He won the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship with the University of Vermont in 2024. My sister, Summer, currently plays NCAA Division 1 hockey at Stonehill University, and I recently committed to play there next season. I have always been super competitive with my siblings, and that has driven me to want to be better than them. I am super excited to play with Summer next year at Stonehill!

“I love to play sports. At Kimball Union, I was a three-sport athlete in ice hockey, track and field, and soccer. It sucks that Northwood doesn’t have a soccer team, but everything else makes up for it. I also enjoy surfing because it’s both peaceful and exhilarating. Before school, I usually go on runs to stay active. Lake Placid is beautiful, and I love taking advantage of the scenery.

“I currently take Peak Pathways with Ms. Prime, and I am writing an album. It is something that I have put a lot of effort into, and I might perform a song or two at the Spring Concert after formal. I enjoy making music because it lets me express myself in different ways. I have a lot of fun trying new things and being outgoing with others.”

As told to Andrew Sherland ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I am from Mississauga, Ontario, which is about a 6- hour drive from Northwood. Before coming to Northwood, I played for the Oakville Hornets in Ontario. My favorite artist is currently Drake.

“I chose to come to Northwood because I immediately felt at home on my tour of the school. I could not miss this amazing opportunity to live in Lake Placid, and the hockey program is well-known and strong.

“My favorite class at Northwood is Advanced Psychology. I really like how it is a college credit course. I also enjoy the material we have been learning so far.

“My favorite part about Northwood is my teammates. We are all so close because we are together all the time. Every moment together is so much fun. We are a very close family.

“The best memory that I have at Northwood is from last year at the end of the season. All the girls on my team sat by the fire, and we talked about all our good memories and things we don’t ever want to forget about the past year. This was really special.

“My plan for next year is to continue my hockey career and further my education. I am attending Long Island University, where I will play NCAA Division 1 hockey and major in business. I am really looking forward to it.

“My best advice for someone coming to Northwood is to enjoy every small moment. Your time at Northwood goes so fast. Never take anything for granted. Every early morning practice is a privilege.”

As told to Owen MacLean ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“My family and I chose Northwood because it allowed me to have a better education and play hockey at one of the highest levels. I live about an hour away from here, and I have always been a homebody, so the thought of moving away from home at 15 years old scared me a lot. But the second I toured, I instantly felt that this place would soon become home, making the decision seem easy. To this day, it is still the best decision I have ever made, and I continue to enjoy every day here.

“The most important thing hockey has taught me is that it is more than a sport, and I can’t even imagine who or where I would be without it. The two biggest things hockey has taught me are resilience and hard work. I learned that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you have to get back up, work hard even when no one is watching, and hold yourself accountable. Although I learned these two lessons in hockey, I believe they apply way beyond the rink, and by living by them, I continue to push myself every day and get better.

“I can’t think of just one person who has had the biggest impact on my time here at Northwood. I believe everyone at Northwood, whether it is a teacher helping me get better grades or Jim telling me to have a good day every day when he serves me lunch. I believe my teammates, past and present, have had the greatest impact on me. They always push me to be the best version of myself and are always there for me on my best and worst days, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

“Northwood has given me countless memories that I will never forget, like winning the Northwood tournament three years in a row, days spent at Northwood beach, and more. But I think one of my favorite memories has to be when a group of my teammates and I walked into town to get Emma’s ice cream, then sat around a fire on Mirror Lake just enjoying each other’s company.

“Although I am very scared of college, I’m very excited to play hockey at the next level and hopefully meet new people and make new friends.

“Outside of school and hockey, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. And in the summer, I enjoy being on the water and surfing.”

As told to Rylie Griffiths ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I first fell in love with hockey with my dad. We went to an NHL game to watch my dad’s favourite team. At that moment, I wanted to play hockey too.

“The best thing about Northwood is the community because everybody is treated like family, and everyone looks out for each other. On my first day, I was nervous, but within a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“I transferred to Northwood for a better education and a better hockey program, as Northwood has both of those things. When I first visited Northwood, I knew it was the right school for me.

“My favourite place to eat at Lake Placid is Soulshine. The bagels at that place are to die for, and I usually get a bacon-and-egg bagel.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad, in hockey. He pushes me to my limits, knows I can handle it, and, in the end, makes me a better player and better person, and I am grateful to him.

“Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, whether that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that Northwood is my second home. I am truly thankful for this school leading me to a better future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.