Students Have Writing Published in Anthology

May 10, 2024 by

Wild Words: Adirondack Teen Writing Anthology is a publication from the Adirondack Center for Writing, created to give teens a venue to publish their original creative writing. More than 150 teens from schools across the North Country of New York State submitted writing for consideration, and 70 pieces were selected, including works from six Northwood students, pictured below (left to right): Jacob Slagel ’26, Cambrie-Elizabeth Encalade ’27, Sasha Luhur ’27, Willow Zhao ’27, Hamish Riddell ’26, and Uma Laguna-Curtis ’26.

Uma Laguna-Curtis ’26 had a selection in the first anthology edition last year. “This was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful to have had my work published two years in a row!” she said.

Hamish Riddell is proud to have his writing selected. “It feels great to have my work published after working so hard on it. I had a feeling it would be published,” Riddell said.

Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Noel Carmichael appreciates the opportunity the anthology offers Northwood students. “It is so great to have an opportunity for students to share their work with a wider audience and feel what it is like to be a published author,” Carmichael said.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Adirondack Science Scenic Flight Filed Trip a Hit

May 10, 2024 by

Ms. Fagan’s Adirondack Science class had a memorable lab in late April. The entire class went on a scenic flight and got to see the Adirondacks and Lake Placid region from the air, a perspective most students had never experienced.

The purpose of this trip was not just to enjoy the scenic beauty of our surroundings but also to provide a unique educational experience. By viewing Northwood and other familiar locations from the air, the students could connect their classroom learning with real-world observations. This fun-filled day was a valuable addition to our curriculum, enhancing the student’s understanding and appreciation of the 6-million-acre park we call home.

Photos: Ms. Marcy Fagan 

This field trip, a cherished tradition in our ADK Science class, has been a part of our curriculum for nearly a decade. It was initially the brainchild of Don Mellor, and Ms. Fagan has been carrying on this legacy. Both of them used to teach a geology course, and this trip was a natural extension of that. Seeing the features from the air not only gives students a greater appreciation for how they formed but also connects them to the rich history of our class.

The trip was successful. Fagan could only go up in the plane with two students since it only held three passengers, but all the kids enjoyed it. Hopefully, every student gained an appreciation of how big and beautiful the Adirondack Park is and noticed some lakes, waterfalls, rivers, avalanche slides, and mountains that have been discussed in class. One group was able to see the trap dike, the slides on Wright Peak, where two locals were buried and then survived an avalanche, Mt Marcy, Northwood School, Lake Tear of the Clouds, the Cascade Waterfall, and Cascade Lakes, as well as many other significant locations.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

JT Wint is Lake Placid Youth Volunteer of the Year

May 9, 2024 by

JT Wint ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

JT Wint ’25 has been named Lake Placid Youth Volunteer of the Year. Every year, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) hosts a community-wide celebration to thank the citizens of Lake Placid for their volunteerism in community organizations and events and to promote involvement in local organizations. They give an award every year to one youth and one adult volunteer.

“I felt proud of my accomplishments and my new connections in Lake Placid,” said Wint, the youngest member of the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department, who is also involved in numerous other service activities. “I feel that I am making a difference in the community. I thank everyone who has made this possible for me and hope this will inspire others to step up to the plate and volunteer in their communities! There are plenty of opportunities and ways to get involved, and every little bit adds up,” Wint added.

JT Wint in his LPFD turnout gear. Photo provided.

JT’s journey to this award has been marked by a diverse range of volunteer activities. He has been a part of the Northwood and Lake Placid community in various roles, such as being Northwood’s Husky mascot for three years. He is a member of CARE community service co-curricular. He has done stage crew for school performances and the Lake Placid Nutcracker at the LPCA. He is an aid station volunteer at the Lake Placid Marathon/Half Marathon and Ironman. He was a medal and ceremonies host at the FISU games. He is also certified in CPR, First Aid, and Overdose prevention/intervention/Naloxone. He is also a Music in Park volunteer and the youngest member of the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department.

“This is a huge achievement because only one youth is chosen each year for this award, and the kids who win it do a lot of volunteering,” Wint said. “It’s an important achievement and honor for me because doing community service work is important to me and shows that hard work pays off.  I don’t do volunteer work to get credit. I do it because it’s fun, it makes me feel good to help others and to learn new things, and it allows me to meet new people. But all in all, it is just an honor that residents in Lake Placid and the committee thought of me for this award,” he added.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Top Story

In Midst of Campus Protests, Recent Grad Shares Perspective from Columbia

May 8, 2024 by

As the Israel-Hamas war continues, the tension is being felt all over the world. Columbia University, which has a long history of campus protests, is experiencing a large uprising in student-led protesting that is causing problems for the Ivy League school. Iva-Amanda Nelson ‘23, a citizen of St. Lucia, is a first-year at Columbia. Nelson’s perspective is different from that shared in most news coverage.

Photos by Amanda Neslon ’23

Currently, the university is investing in and partnering with weapon manufacturers. The University has placed graduates with the corporations involved in those partnerships for years. The protests started this fall after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, calling for divestment and disassociation from the manufacturers.

“Students are doing what is called an encampment,” Amanda said. “They are literally living in tents out around the campus. Some students spend all day in tents, and only leave for meals and previously classes, but now all classes have been moved to virtual because of the protests. There is also a large congregation of people right outside my dorm.”

The encampment is inspired by 1968 campus protests against the Vietnam War and Columbia’s association with the US government and corporations supporting the war effort. Like today, those protests also saw encampments and building occupations.

History has repeated itself, and once again, almost 60 years later, Columbia students have discovered links between the administration and weapon manufacturers supplying the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Every student wants our school to divest from the war. There are people here who are pro-Israel, and on the other side, there are people that are pro-Palestine, but there’s not a single person that is in favor of the Columbia administration,” Amanda continued. “I don’t like that our school is supporting violence, but I cannot protest myself. The police have been arresting people, and that’s scary for me because I’m an international student. If I get arrested, I will get deported.”

On April 30, students broke windows in the Hamilton administration building, so the Mayor of New York ordered the police to Columbia, and the university president allowed hundreds of NYPD to sweep the encampment in riot gear and arrest the students who entered the building. The students were tear-gassed and are facing criminal charges.

“I’m shaken up,” Nelson said. “It’s not easy to be a full-time student in the middle of all this.”

There is no word on when the protests will stop. Some students might stay over the summer, and some might go home and come back to the protests, but the consensus is that the protests will continue until a change is made.

Amanda’s sister Christie-Ann attends Northwestern, and I was told that similar things are starting to brew among the student body there.

Columbia students have started a widespread campaign to urge people to remember their humanity and consider whether doing the right thing is more important than money.

“The whole situation is surreal,” Amanda concluded. “I hope the administration makes a change soon and listens to us. It feels like we have no power as students and need that to change.”

Let this be a lesson for all people to consider the importance of their values. Sticking to your values as a human is more important than money.

Filed Under: People, Real World, Top Story

The Mirror Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7, 2024 by

Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day. On this occasion, we show appreciation for teachers everywhere. At The Mirror, we thank Northwood’s teachers for their time and dedication to us, the students of Northwood.

Thank you!

– The Staff of The Mirror

 

Mr. Brantley Beach

“I started this year without knowing who Brantley Beach was,” Zach Wargo ’25 said. “At the first ski team workout, Brantley and I were introduced. We said hello, exchanged names, and went about our business.  However, as the year passed, Brantley would become part of the Northwood ski community. He came on hikes with us, ate meals in the dining hall, and was always around for a good talk. At the end of the year, I think of Brantley as a part of our Northwood family. I know I can count on him for any ski questions or insight into how the local bike trails are riding. Brantley has become a core member of our ski team, and I know everybody will be glad to have him back for another school year,” Wargo added.

 

Mr. Tommy Biesemeyer

 “Tommy Biesemeyer is truly remarkable,” said Sydney Kuder ‘25. “Tommy’s work ethic inspires us all. He always pushes us to our fullest potential and never lets us take the easy way out!” Kuder said.

“Tommy’s constant encouragement propels me beyond my perceived boundaries,” Anja Robertson ’26 said. “I remember when we ran up Whitney Road here in Lake Placid. His presence and companionship helped me get through this hard workout,” Robertson added.

 

Mr. Tom Broderick

“Brody has done so much for me over the past five years, and I can’t thank him enough,” said Jack Spiegel ‘24.” He’s been a huge help with so many things and gave me the feeling of having another person to look out for me like a parent would. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done for me during my time here, and I know the support will continue.”

“Brody is the heart of Northwood,” said Kristen Kiggen ‘24. “He always ensures that everything behind the scenes is running smoothly. I always look forward to going to “Brodypalooza” at the beginning of each school year,” Kiggen added. 

 

Ms. Noel Carmichael

“I have had Ms. Carmichael for two years now,” Jackson Magnus ’26 said. “Ms. Carmichael is genuinely motivational when it comes to academics. She’s able to understand your goals even when you can’t. She loves teaching and can make learning fun and engaging,“ Magnus added.

“Mrs. Carmichael has made my Northwood experience the best it could have been,” Bella Norris ’24 said. “The transition was seamless and I will always be grateful for her. I am so happy she has been my advisor and that I have been able to get to know her better over these past two years. I wish her all the best and I hope to see her after graduation!”

 

Mr. Jose Coss

“Jose Coss had been my biggest supporter this year,” Max Notley ’27 said. “Every day on the football pitch and in the classroom, he always works hard. It is inspiring how far he has come as a coach and teacher. Profe Coss Illuminates any room he steps into with a light of joy, enthusiasm, and compassion. I cannot say how much I appreciate learning from him,” Notley added.

“Coach Coss is an incredible person and teacher,” Said El-Eyssami said. “He has mentored me this year on and off the field. The special thing about Coach Coss is that he has the personality of a friend and the maturity of a teacher, so it’s very fun to hang around him while he also keeps you accountable. I’m very grateful to have Coach Coss as my mentor and coach in the field and outside of it because he has helped me a lot this year to become the best version of myself. I’m very grateful to have such an exceptional person as a coach,” El-Eyssami added.

 

Mr. Andy Donatello

“Donny helped me with an injury during the ski season that made me heal fast and get back to skiing,” Lucas Smith ’26 said. “Donny’s jokes and advice can change the day, and he is one of the most reliable people here at Northwood. He has given me golf advice and more,” Smith added.

 

Mr. Bob Emery

“Mr. Emery’s impact on students is unbelievable,” senior Devin Shakar said. “I have never had a teacher as enthusiastic as he is in a subject. Every time I walk into his class, I know there will be an idea I never even thought of, like 1s and 0s. After his accident, we were all extremely worried, but when we found out he was going to make a full recovery, we started counting down the days till he was back. Not because our subs were bad, but because of his energy and passion for his students and teaching, and we all missed it and missed him! I can’t thank him enough for everything,” Shakar added,

 

Ms. Marcy Fagan

“Ms. Fagan has been my teacher for two years now. I first had her as a teacher in my first year at Northwood for Biology,” Hamish Riddell ’26 said. “I did not know how I would find it as I was starting a new school, didn’t know anyone, and wasn’t sure how my future here would look. From the get-go, Ms. Fagan made sure I was situated and guided me through the class superbly. She is one of those teachers who tries to make the class as exciting as possible. I can see that from this year in Adirondack Sciences. I have her again for this class, and it has been nothing short of an adventure. Ms. Fagan constantly plans field trips and gets us out of the classroom. I will not lie; sometimes, these field trips coincide with other plans, but the fact that Ms. Fagan is actively trying to engage her students and create an exciting classroom vibe is something not many teachers do. I have felt this for two years as her student and cannot thank her enough. She is kind and thoughtful and a great teacher. Like many students, I have had some ups and downs during classes, but I genuinely appreciate Ms. Fagan’s hard work and how she embodies her class,” Riddell added.

 

Ms. Andrea Farrell

“Ms. Farrell has always been a great help to me when I was away for ski races,” Lea Lambert ’24 said. “Her patience and dedication make her an exceptional teacher,“ added Lambert.

“Ms. Farrell takes the time to get to know your personality and learning style, then teaches you accordingly. I am grateful to have her as a teacher,” said Eliza Quackenbush ’25.

 

Mr. Justin Felhaber

“Mr. Felhaber has influenced my high school career. I’ve known Felly for 3 years now, and I’ve gotten to know him as a person on and off the ice. Not only has he shown me a guided path to success athletically and academically, but he’s also been a sincere friend to me. For that, I am forever grateful,” Hayden Newman ’24 said.

 

Mr. Aaron Garvey

“Mr. Garvey has been very helpful in my Peak Pathway endeavor this year,” Jordan Shullenberger ’24 said. “His willingness to share his experiences and knowledge inspires young academics like me,” he added. “On top of all this, he’s a very agreeable fellow and is the type of guy you’d want to be your chill uncle that you get to see twice a year at a family gathering,” Shullenberger said.

“He’s a good man, and I learned much about fishing with him in the fly-fishing LEAP. I learned how to fish, clean, and eat it, and we had a lot of fun,” said Elm Pentinat ‘24.

 

Mr. Trevor Gilligan

“Gilly is big on open communication, and it’s been nice to talk to him and get some advice about life, school, college hockey, or anything that is giving me stress,” said Katie Demers ’24. “He’s good about seeing the person inside me. He gives me a reality check without all the emotion and drama that sometimes comes with girls’ hockey. On the ice, he is our biggest critic and biggest fan. He’s the first person to yell at us when we do something wrong, but if you do it right, he’ll give you great feedback. My dad has been my coach for most of my life. I see my dad in Gilly. He gives me tough love, which is what I need,” added Demers.

“Gilly, is an incredible coach,” said junior Hilary Wilkin. “I can’t thank him enough for his support over the past two years. He has always believed in me, invested in my growth, and pushed me to be a better hockey player and person every day.” 

 

Mr. Ben LeBlanc

“Mr. LeBlanc has impacted me since the day I came to Northwood,” Emma Hathaway ’24 said. “He started off as my fitness center coco leader and always made that time enjoyable. I was lucky to be in his data science class this year. LeBlanc will always go above and beyond to help his students understand the material and the process to achieve an outcome. But Leblanc doesn’t just make an impact on my life at Northwood. He impacts all the students and extends beyond the classroom. I will miss him as I move into my next chapter. I will forever be thankful for him and the things he does at Northwood,” Hathaway shared.

 

Mr. Shawn Lynch

“What I value in Lynchie is the positive energy he has and the relationship he builds with his players,: Parker Asbridge ’24 said. “I like Lynchie’s approach to coaching and that he cares more about his day-to-day relationship with his players. I think he brings a different perspective than coaches I’ve had in the past, and I feel like I can be more open and more myself around him because he’s been in the same shoes as me,” Asbridge added.

 

Ms. Marge Maher

“I appreciate that I can always say “Hi” to Marge and talk to her whenever I need to,” said Sophia Schupp ‘24. “She’s always been there for me whenever I need her, and I appreciate her for everything she does for me and the school,” Schupp added.

 

 

Mr. Steve Mallaro

“Coach Mallaro is a great guy and a great coach. He wants the best for everyone. He’s gonna push you to get better and wants to see the team succeed. He’s dedicated and always makes time for you if you want to watch game film or talk about the weekend or school. He’s a competitor and has made me a better hockey player and person,” Schneid added.

 

Mr. Jeff Martin

“Mr. Martin, McFly as we call him, is an outstanding teacher and extraordinarily kind person. I consider him a friend who has always challenged my ideas and encouraged my growth at Northwood. I appreciate everything he has done for me in and out of school. Northwood School would be lost without him!” senior Mitchell Tuttle shared.

 

Ms. Sytske Martin

“Mrs. Martin is an amazingly friendly librarian who helps us all,” Colin Kis ’24 said. “I always enjoy talking with her in the library, and I want to thank her for creating such a comfortable and quiet environment optimal for completing homework. I will miss having her as a librarian and being in a library as lovely as hers,” Kis added.

 

Mr. Kelvin Martinez

“Coach Martinez has been my coach for the entirety of my Northwood career,” Mitchell Baker ‘24 said. “He helped me settle in when I came here and guided me down a bright path. Martinez is the reason I am the player I am today. I am grateful for everything he has done for me and the club. He is also a great father and has raised three brilliant kids.” 

“Coach Martinez taught me Spanish last year and was my coach for the first two years of my Northwood career,” Trey Franz said. “As a teacher, he helped me find passion in language. As a coach, he mentored me through difficult times and always demanded the maximum from me. I am grateful for his impact on my life,” Frantz added. 

 

Mr. David McCauley

“Mr. McCauley works very hard for us,” said Jordan Shullenberger ‘24.” When it comes to college and apps like SCOIR and the Common App, we know nothing, and he works patiently with every senior to make sure that we get to where we want to go,” he added. “I came to Northwood in January of 2023, and he got me through the process in two semesters. He spends most of his winter days working double-time for the benefit of the seniors. Everyone owes him some thanks. Not to mention, he is a very nice man as well,” Shullenberger added.

“He helped me with my college process, even over the summer when he didn’t have to. He has been a great resource for me in my college process and is part of why I can graduate and go to college early. I also like how he’s part of the community, and I’ve gotten to know his son through the Black Rock community training camps,” Mitch Baker ’24 said.

 

Mr. Jon Moodey

“I am grateful to have Coach Moodey as my coach,” said Mitchell Baker ‘24. “This year was a big transition year for me, and he was always there to push me to my limits. As a player I learn new things from him every day that have taken my game to a new level. As a person, he has taught me key values of leadership and mental toughness, which have helped me a lot. Thank you, Coach Moodey.”  

“Coach Moodey is a big role model for me,” Sachiel MIng ‘24 said. “I respect him a lot and always try to do my best for him. He has helped me a lot throughout my time at Northwood. I am glad I could play for two years under him, as he has changed my life.”

 

Ms. Martina Moodey

“Mrs. Moodey welcomed me as soon as I arrived. She was always there for me and is always positive,” Mitchell Baker ‘24 said. “I was able to stay at her house during Thanksgiving break last year, which was unreal. She also puts a lot of work into the program and is an unsung hero. I am incredibly grateful for Mrs. Moodey. 

“Mrs. Moodey does a lot of background work for our program,” Leo Doyle ‘25 said. “You can call her the backbone of the program. Much of her work is stressful and unseen, but we appreciate her as she is incredibly supportive and makes us feel at home from the beginning.” 

 

Mr. Jeff Miller

“Mr.Miller has been my coach for two years now, and I cannot remember a day he was not there for me or anyone at this school,” Will Dallaire ’24 said. “Following my injury last year, he always checked in on me and ensured I was all right. Coach Miller is also a good person to talk to regarding hockey, problems, and life. His office is always open to us if we need to talk to him. He listens to us carefully and gives good advice. After my time at Northwood, I will remember Coach Miller as someone passionate, generous, and caring about the people surrounding him. Thanks Milsy,” said Dallaire.

 

Mr. Bobby O’Connor

“I love Bobby. I’ve learned so much from him over the years. He’s been one of the most influential figures in my life, and he’s sparked many of my interests,” Avery Novia ’24 said.

“I haven’t gotten to spend a ton of time with Mr. O’Connor, but I appreciate what he does,” Jordan Shullenberger ’24 said.. I think it’s essential for young people to spend much time outside doing various activities. He takes students from all demographic backgrounds on adventures. If I wasn’t a soccer player, I would certainly join NOC,” added Shullenberger.

 

Ms. Heather Odell

Ms. Odell is known for being a bright and happy teacher,” Hamish Riddell ‘26 said. “I have experienced both this and her other side during the year I’ve had her as my Humanities teacher. When I have not caught up on my reading or slacking behind in class, Ms. Odell is always there to push me in the right direction in a light-hearted, joking, yet serious way. She engages each student in class and has a way of leaving a mark on a student. I have thoroughly enjoyed going to class this year in Humanities and am truly grateful for all the work she has put in. She is a great teacher and a good person,” Riddell added.

 

Ms. Stacy Prime

“Ms. Prime’s outgoingness and kindness foster a positive environment for everyone in the class and make it fun to learn,” Gavin Kruger ’26 said. “I liked her IEE class, and it taught me how to go about making a product, which is something I can use in the future. I thank Ms. Prime, and I’m very grateful for her,” he added.

 

Mr. Steve Reed

“This year, I have gotten to know Reno. He has not been my teacher for anything, but his presence has always made my day,” Mitchell Baker said. “His creativity when making jokes is unreal; he can find anything to make a joke out of. The contagious laugh is usually funnier than the joke itself. Reno helped me with my college essays this year, which helped me get into Georgetown. I spent a lot of time with him reviewing several sentences and ideas. Thank you, Reno.”  

“Reno was my AP Literature teacher this year. I am not a big English guy, but he has made the subject very entertaining, and I often look forward to going to class,” Koah Paye ‘25 said. “His constant positive energy makes the class fun. I look forward to getting to know him more next year through my college process. I am very grateful for Reno.” 

 

Mr. Gino Riffle

“Gino has always been a great person to me and is great to talk to,” Gus Garvey ’25 said. “I remember my freshman year when he would always come to talk to me the morning after the Bills would choke on national television. He can be very firm at times, but it’s made me a more careful, thoughtful person in the long run, and I appreciate it very much,” Garvey added.

 

Ms. Leigh Riffle

“I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that Gezty has provided me throughout my academic journey,” Loélie Lachapelle ’26 said. “Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students have inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Getzy’s ability to make learning engaging and enjoyable has greatly impacted my education and personal development. I am thankful for her belief in my potential and always encouraging me to reach for the stars. Her mentorship has shaped my academic success and instilled in me a lifelong love for learning,” Lachapelle added.

“I want to thank Ms. Riffle as she has helped me a lot during this school year,” Anthony Wan ’26 said. “She knows that English is my second language, so she always makes sure I understand the class every time. She’s also always very patient, listening to my questions during class. When I see her in school, she always says hi to me. It makes me feel comfortable. I appreciate her help,” he added.

 

Ms. Hanna Rose

“I love Ms. Rose. She’s always there for me. She helps me with everything. And she’s always a person to talk to,” Jorja Gillis ’25 said. “I agree. I think she’s a great coach, a great teacher, and a great person. She’s not my teacher, but I know all her students love her,” added Oceanne Thiffault Michel ‘26.

 

Ms. Caroline Roy

“On the road to a small clinic to check my sore throat, a short but meaningful conversation with Ms. Roy positively impacted my sense of belonging in Northwood,” Fi Feng ’24 said. “Even though she’s not one of my teachers, my connection with her showed the power of genuine human interaction in creating a sense of community. I feel like the unexpected encounters with people like Ms. Roy leave a lasting impression, but, most importantly, she helped me feel more at home in a new environment,” Feng added.

 

Mr. Matt Roy

“Mr. Roy always lets me sit at his table and is always interested in what I am doing,” Alex Randall ‘25 said. “He has taught me how to drive a bobsled, how to roll a kayak, how to build rockets, and how to be a better person.” 

“Mr. Roy has been helpful with the artsy stuff that I have been doing at Northwood,” Colton Cushman ‘25 said. He is always there to help me when I need it.” 

 

Mr. Howard Runyon

“This was my first year taking one of Mr. Runyon’s classes, or H as people know him. I took A.P Lang, and because of Mr. Runyon I have found a new passion for reading and writing,” Sydney Kuder ’25 said. “I remember when I was faced with my first rhetorical analysis prompt at the beginning of the year. I had no idea what to do, and I thought to myself, ‘How am I going to manage to write this essay for the exam in May?’ Luckily, H helped me prepare. I can confidently say that I can tackle any rhetorical analysis prompt because of H. His class taught me how to read critically, use proper grammar in my writing, and, most importantly, be confident in my writing. During the summer, we were tasked with reading the book In Patagonia. This was a book that I remember was quite difficult to digest. I spent three weeks reading that book, and by the end, I had only a small recollection of the 200 pages or so I had just finished. Throughout the year, we approached texts similar to those in In Patagonia, with H’s help. I can now read any piece of literature as complex as In Patagonia and comprehend it very well. Not only has H been a wonderful English teacher because of his impressive knowledge in the field, but he is witty, compassionate, and very intelligent. It is a goal of mine to achieve even a fraction of his skill to put pen to paper and construct sentences as easily as breathing,” Kuder added.

 

Mr. Simon Shergold

“Mr. Shergold is one of the first teachers to make me enjoy and look forward to attending class. He cares about you as a person, not just a student,” Bella Norris ’24 said.

 

Dr. Reid Smith

“Reid Smith is an amazing teacher who does so much for the students in her humanities research class,” Kristen Kiggen ’24 said. “I haven’t met many teachers who are just as excited as their students about their projects. I have taken this class for two years now, and if I could take it again, I would. I had so much fun and learned much about what I love because of her.  Reid always set me on a path to learn more and push myself. I can speak for everyone when her enthusiasm made us want to work hard and enhanced our passion for learning. I wish her all the best in the future and will miss her a lot next year!!!” Kiggen shared.

 

Mr. John Spear

 “Mr. Spear’s presence is cherished by all. His support and understanding make him a reliable person,” said Olivia Levesque ‘24.

“Mr. Spear is a good leader and leads the school to be better every day,” said Edouard Brochu ‘24.

“Mr. Spear prioritizes the well-being and growth of the student body above all else,” added Wyatt Wardlaw ‘24.

 

Mr. Adam Stewart

“Mr. Stew has been a supportive and inspiring mentor in my journey as a pianist,” Ndhego Zikusoka ’24 said.” Collaborating with him and the rest of the band to play ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ by Oasis has been a memorable and rewarding experience. Mr. Stew has played an important role in helping me develop my skills and confidence as a pianist. It is through Mr. Stew that I have realized that music has a unique ability to bring people together and create meaningful connections. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share that experience with Mr. Stew and the rest of the band,” Zikusoka added.

 

Ms. Ingrid VanSlyke

“I enjoyed being in Ms. Vanslyke’s class because she creates a friendly environment where students can express themselves artistically and literary,” Sam Knauf ’24 said. “Although I don’t speak much in class, the environment created by the students there, especially by Ms. Vanslyke, helped me be in the present. She has taught me a lot this year, and I am extremely grateful for her,” Knauf added.

 

Ms. Jill Walker  

“If I had to pick three words to describe Ms. Walker, I would choose expressive, intelligent, and humorous,” Sophia Miller ‘24 said. “I love her honesty when it comes to her teaching methods. She is more than passionate about her students and the relationship she builds with them.”  

“Ms. Walker is very down to earth. Many students feel that they can talk to her about anything, whether schoolwork or more personal,” Avery Novia ‘24 said. “If I could only pick three words to describe Ms. Walker, I would have to go with witty, vivacious, and caring,” Novia added.  

“Mrs. Walker has been my favorite teacher this year,” said Abby Monette ’24. “She cares not only about me but also about the entire Northwood community. Before coming to Northwood, I was unsure about what I wanted to study in college. However, after taking Mrs. Walker’s advanced biology class, I decided that I wanted to study biology in college because of how much I enjoyed the class,” she added.

 

Ms. Carrie Wardlaw

“Carrie Wardlaw has been like a second mother to me since I’ve been away from home. She has always been there to listen to me when I needed someone,” said Sydney Kuder ‘25.

“Her presence illuminates the day for everyone around her,” Olivia Levesque ‘24 said. “I remember when Carrie came to our workouts and would run with us. She inspired me to push my limits,” Levesque added.

 

Mr. Tim Weaver

“Mr. Weaver is a really good teacher,” said James Martin ’26. “He has been able to teach me the content in chemistry and is always finding effective ways to challenge me. He always can help out if I have questions, and he encourages students to help others, which improves their own understanding.”

“Thank you, Mr. Weaver, for a great school year,” said Hudson Marshall, ‘27. “I enjoyed being in your class and learned a ton. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in preparing us for tests throughout the year. I appreciate you, and thank you. Have a great summer,” Marshall added.

 

Ms. Raychel West

“Ms. West always does favors for me, like taking us on food runs. She goes out of her way to take us places we need or do favors for us. She is always there to help and support us, and I appreciate everything she does for me and the ski team,” Teegan Wardlaw ’25 said.

 

Ms. Lisa Wint

“I can’t thank Mrs. Wint enough for all the help she has given me this year!: Clay Fuller ’25 exclaimed. “I was able to grow as a student and as a person, too, with her aid! I love all the things, little and large, that she does to support and help me, the rest of the students, and the Northwood community! I look forward to working with her again for my final year at Northwood!“ Fuller added.

 

Ms. Tara Wright

“Ms.  Wright helps me push through my homework and tells me what needs to be done,” Justin MacLeod ’26 said. “Ms. Wright is a nice teacher who explains things very well. Her presence in the classroom is warm and inviting. She is somewhat like my counselor and helps me make good academic decisions. I am grateful to have her by my side this year,” he added.

 

 

The entire staff of The Mirror contributed to this report. Photos of Ms. Moodey and Dr. Smith were provided. All other photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Top Story

Advanced STEM Research Concludes with Poster Symposium

April 22, 2024 by

As we are approaching the end of the year, there is an opportunity for some students to go out with a bang. Science teacher and director of the Advanced STEM Research program, Ms. Jill Walker, believes that students learn more from doing than from being talked to. Through the Advanced STEM Research program, Northwood allows students to dive deeper into something that interests them for a whole year. This also allows them to distinguish themselves in the college application process. The course concludes in May with a symposium to present the students’ year of work.

Advanced STEM project research is a class that teaches students how to plan, carry out, and analyze a research project in the STEM field. Here are some of the projects that this 2024 school year includes:

  • Studying the effects of blood flow on legs after using the Norma Tec
  • Using fruit flies to study the impact of diets and supplements on flies with seizure disorders
  • Looking at growing plants in cold-frame greenhouses outside
  • Hydroponics in grow tents looking for novel antibiotics in soil
  • 3D printing an airplane wing to look at efficiency in a wind tunnel
  • Designing a concussion detection device
  • Designing and building an underwater robot
  • And many more…

Olivia Levesque ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Olivia Levesque ’24, one of the students in Advanced STEM Research, is working on a personal project for a complete year. She said Advanced STEM Research was one of the best learning experiences she had in high school. She chose a research project close to her heart, determining if different breathing exercises result in more aerobic efficiency in athletes. She applied the knowledge she learned while studying the subject to put it into practice in her sport of ski racing.

Ms. Walker believes that courses like these ones help students develop skills. For this class, the main skill is independence. Not many courses in high school require you to think deeply about a project without laid-out methods to follow. Students in this class must work on time management and decision-making and deal with things not working out and restarting.

When the deadline comes, students must create a scientific poster. This poster represents all the effort and time dedicated to this project. We then hold a poster symposium at the Northwood Learning HUB on Main Street that is open to the public. All school students are brought over to see the work. Students who worked on their project then stand by their poster and discuss their work with anyone with questions. This year’s symposium will be on Thursday, May 9th, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Innovation Hub on Main Street. We are excited to see you there.

Photos from the 2023 Student Symposium (Photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge):

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Top Story

Seniors Reflect on Their Northwood Experience

April 21, 2024 by

As we enter the final months of the school year, several seniors are cherishing their final moments as Northwood students. Soon, they will have their last formal dinner, play their last game, and have their last classes. To some students, Northwood has been their life for the past four years. They have lived and breathed Northwood and Lake Placid culture. It’s important that the students following these seniors learn from their experiences.

Nicolas Cedeno ‘24. Photo provided.

Nicolas Cedeno ‘24, a 4-year senior at Northwood on the soccer team. Nico came as a ninth grader from Ecuador, hoping to excel in his academic and athletic career. His growth at Northwood has been inspirational. He has faced many difficulties but has always fought through the tough times. When reflecting on his Northwood experience, Nico said, “What I have liked the most is the people here, I have been here for four years, and I still talk to people from ninth grade year. I enjoy getting to know people worldwide and would not be able to do that without Northwood. What I regret the most is that I waited four years to go skiing. I love it. Northwood has helped me in so many ways that I can’t mention just one, but if I had to say one, it would be that it helped me mature. My advice to underclass students is to take advantage of every opportunity that Northwood gives you and that every decision you make impacts your future, so make the right decisions.” Nico has embraced Northwood as his second family and is grateful for his experience.

Maegan Byrne ‘24 (right). Photo provided.

Maegan Byrne ‘24 is a 3-year senior on the ski team. Maegan is relatively local, so the move to Northwood was a lot easier for her than for Nico. Growing up, she often spent time in Lake Placid with her parents and siblings. Her experience was different from Nico’s. Maegan expressed, “I regret not trying more things and breaking out of my shell more. Many people don’t know this, but I have social anxiety. Being at Northwood and being a part of the community has allowed me to come out of my shell and be in a social setting without getting nervous. I enjoyed my friends the most at Northwood. I’ve met some of the best people here and made the best memories with them. I would advise younger students to try many things. I wish I could’ve tried some of those NOC adventures or done a cool LEAP. I felt like I spent much of my free time in bed, which I regret. I will miss Northwood a lot next year, but I am excited to spend these last few months with my friends.” Maegan is going to Elon University next year and is looking forward to a change. The Northwood community will miss her and wishes her the best of luck.

Halle Mules ’24 is the Girls’ Hockey team captain who arrived for tenth grade. The end of the hockey season was the most emotional for her. “When I think about retiring as a Northwood Husky, it brings up a lot of emotions. Realizing that I will have to say goodbye to the place I’ve called home for the past three years is hard. Throughout my time here, I have had many ups and downs. Northwood has taught me so much – not just in the classroom but life lessons. Maybe my fondest memory is from my sophomore year when we all had a dance circle before our championship game. I just remember us being all nervous until Kami O’Brien started dancing and bringing people in who continued dancing. It relieved a lot of stress and nerves, and winning that game made it much better. It is something I will never forget.”

Wyatt Wardlaw ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Wyatt Wardlaw is a “4-year survivor” from Lake Placid. “Thinking about how I will graduate within a few months doesn’t feel real. I have attended the past three graduations since I have been at Northwood for four years. I was sitting and watching as my friends got their diplomas. Now it’s my turn. I am excited to take these steps into a new chapter of my life, but it’s also nerve-racking. I will miss the Northwood community and the relationships I have built here, which have been like a second family to me. I am grateful for all the experiences Northwood has offered me. I will miss Northwood and cherish all the great memories I have made while being here.”

Nora Fitzsimmons ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Nori Fitzsimmons ’24 is another “4-year survivor” from Lake Placid. She’s ready to move on to the next stage of her life, but she’s ambivalent. “I will no longer be a Northwood Husky in just a few weeks. It is bittersweet. I am ready to move on to the next part of my life. I will always be grateful for what Northwood has offered me and the experiences I have had. But thinking about leaving my friends and the little family I have made here certainly brings a lot of sad emotions. These last few weeks, I plan on spending every moment with my friends, enjoying each other’s company before we go our separate ways. I’m looking forward to college and what lies ahead for me. Northwood will always have a special place in my heart.”

Victor Cutting ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Victor Cutting ’24 arrived at Northwood in the fall as a postgraduate. The Saratoga Springs (NY) native fondly remembers his fun with the other guys in Bergamini. “One memory I’ll never forget was our snowball fight outside Berg during the first snowfall of the year. It was memorable because the whole dorm went out, and was an all-out war. People were just ripping snowballs at each other… no mercy. It was also cool because we had a lot of kids in Berg who had never seen snow before. So, it was an awesome experience for them as well. Gav got tackled, and we piled snow on top of him. The fact that it was late at night was cool, too. I’ll take it with me as a cool memory that I’ll never forget.”

Renaud Lalancette ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Renaud Trudeau-Lalancette ’24 is a second-year senior from Montreal. His fondest memory is when a friend and teammate got some good news. “After the last practice as a team, this year, guys that weren’t coming back were getting a bit emotional. One of them – I’ll call him out – Owen Flynn, was a little teary-eyed. We got on the bus, and there were sad vibes. Just then, he opened an email telling him he had been accepted into med school at St George. He became even more emotional; we were all so happy for him. Then, he opened a second email informing him he had an awesome scholarship. He started tearing up even more, shaking, and dropping his phone. So yeah, it’s a moment I’ll never forget. I was so happy for him. Everyone was so happy for him. It was truly an incredible moment.”

Katie Demers ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Katie Demers ’24 is a four-year senior on the Girls’ Hockey team. The North Country native’s highlights of her experience include many fond memories. “Hockey-wise, I’d say beating Stanstead College last year in our league semifinals was special because we had never beaten them. School-wise, I’d say either my first Headmaster Holiday because it was so cold out, but the group of people I was with made it so much fun. Or Mountain Day when we hiked Mount Marcy in five hours.”

Samuel Knauf ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Sam Knauf ‘24 is in his second year at Northwood. The Lake George resident who plays on the U19 soccer team has fond memories of LEAP. “My favorite memory of Northwood has to be Golf LEAP. At this time, we had no school. It had finished. All we did that week was play golf at different courses. The best part was that I could spend the week with my friends and relax after a long soccer season. My favorite course was the Saranac Lake golf course. Because that’s where I played my best.”

Kristen Kiggen ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Kristen Kiggen is a three-year senior from Quebec who played on the Girls’ Hockey team. She also remembers the big wins, as well as downtime with friends. “Hockey-wise, I will probably always remember winning the Northwood tournament in my junior and senior years. Outside of hockey, it would probably be walking into town with my closest friends to get dinner, ice cream, watch sunsets, or just relax.”

Avery Novia ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Avery Novia ’24 is from Connecticut and attended Northwood for two years, leaving a mark on the school’s climbing program. Her fondest memories are of downtime with her friends. She’ll remember “sitting in the dining hall after dinner with all of my friends and being unable to stop laughing at all the dumb stories and jokes.”

Pete Moore ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Pete Moore ’24 arrived in the fall of 2023 and played hockey. His highlight was the big hockey tournament in January. “Something I’ll never forget is our Northwood Hockey Tournament. Everyone came out and supported. It was awesome to see everyone coming together to support.”

These seniors made Northwood their family during their time here. They have bright futures ahead and will miss the Northwood experience. We encourage all younger students and even older students to talk to these seniors and learn from them. They have been through the same battles you are about to face, and they have overcome them. Only one month to go!

Caroline Purcell ’24 and Gavin Kruger ’26 contributed to this story.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports, Top Story

Brawl Stars: The Video Game Sweeps Northwood

March 30, 2024 by

Brawl Stars is a popular shooting game with different characters and abilities. It was released in December 2018 and only recently seems to have overtaken Northwood, with dozens of students obsessed with the game. The game involves various characters who possess different weapons and modes of attack. Players pursue this game by winning showdowns and other events that give you trophies in return. The more trophies you have, the better you are considered. Obviously, when Brawl Stars was originally released, the hype around the game was immense. The excitement, like any other spectacle in life, has its ups and downs. However, recently, at Northwood School, Brawl Stars is making a marvelous comeback.

Students playing Brawl Stars in the dorm. Photo: Hamish Riddell ’26.

Noah Moodey ’25 is a Brawl Stars enthusiast. “Brawl Stars was only just introduced to me a few months ago,” he stated. “I won’t lie. I was not hugely impressed right off the bat, but as I played more, I grew to like it and now I am at a proud 9,000 trophies.” Needless to say, Brawl Stars is now one of Noah’s top mobile games.

Northwood is an athletic school that honors many athletic achievements, yet players need rest and downtime. Many members of the boys’ Varsity Hockey team use this downtime in between classes and off the ice to play Brawl Stars. Pete Moore ’25 is an avid Brawl Stars competitor. “I was off it for a little bit, but me and buddies have been playing a ton recently and I have to say I am having an exciting time,” Moore said. “It is quick and easy to get into matches, and it is just a great game,” he continued, “I am about to reach 25,000 trophies, which is considered, in the modern game, a great tally. I do not know when the game will die down, but as of now, it is great,” Moore added.

Students playing Brawl Stars in the library. Photo: Hamish Riddell ’26.

Across Northwood, if you see a student with their phone turned on its side, it’s likely they are playing Brawl Stars. People may say that video games and technology are not good for people. Many disagree and note with Brawl Stars you can enjoy it with friends constantly. Having conversations about new additions or recent games. You do not have to spend hours on end grinding it away. It is an easy-to-access game. 10-minute break? Our students are in the game.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Sachiel Ming Called up to Bermuda Men’s National Team

March 30, 2024 by

Sachiel Ming ’24 (right) with a teammate on the Bermuda National Team. Photo provided.

Only a couple weeks after starring at the CONCACAF U20 qualifiers, Sachiel Ming ‘24 received the call-up to play for the Bermuda Men’s national team in Saudi Arabia, where he played two international friendlies against Guinea and Brunei. The Bermuda Men’s National team looked to increase their current world ranking (171) before crucial World Cup qualifiers in June.

Playing for the Bermuda National team has always been a dream of Sachiel’s. “Ever since I was young, I dreamt of playing for the national team. I wouldn’t have believed it if someone told me I would be able to play for the national team at 18.” Sachiel is finishing his senior year and is preparing to play for the 2022 National champions, Syracuse University.

When asked about his reaction to the call-up, Sachiel said, “I was astonished; I called my brother, who also played for the National team in the past, straight away. I felt honored and proud to be a Bermudian.

“It is inspirational to see someone who I shared a room with and who I am so close to achieving this,” said Jace Donowa ‘25, a fellow Bermudian. “Every Bermudian kid wants to represent their country, and seeing him do it is truly amazing,” Donowa added.

Ming is a key leader on Northwood’s U19 team. He leads by example on the field and mentors the younger kids. Ming’s absence from the U19 team while with the national squad affected his U19 squad. The U19s were forced to continue playing in prestigious tournaments without him. They did well to solve the problem.

Sachiel made his national team debut against Brunei; he came on with 5 minutes to go in stoppage time. Bermuda won the game 2-0. Sachiel said, “Making my senior debut was special. It took me a while to adjust to the level of training earlier in the week, but I made that adjustment, which helped me during the game. Wearing the pink and blue felt exactly like I thought it would,” he added. Sachiel also played in their second game against Guinea. Unfortunately, Bermuda lost 5-1, but Sachiel played 15 minutes in that game.

Machai Davis ‘25, another Northwood Bermudian, said, “I watched the end of the game, and it was good to see Sachiel out there. He didn’t look out of place playing against professionals who play in Europe.”

Sachiel is now returning to Bermuda, where he will spend spring break with his family. He will return to Northwood after the break and finish his final months at Northwood.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports, Top Story

Creighton Wins Canadian National Championships

March 29, 2024 by

Liz Creighton ’24. Photo: Steve Hilts.

Elizabeth Creighton ’24 is the Canadian National Champion in the slalom discipline following her outstanding performance at Canadian Nationals at Red Mountain Resort. The performance earned her a personal best 23 FIS point result. She is also the U19 Champion in GS. The Mirror’s Lea Lambert ‘24 caught up with Creighton from British Columbia following the race to get Liz’s perspective.

“This is truly a dream come true. Coming back home with the Slalom National Champion title feels completely unreal. Skiing means everything to me. I learned to ski when I was two years old. I wanted to follow my older siblings, who were already skiers. I joined my first ski racing team when I was eight years old.

Liz Creighton ’24. Photo: Steve Hilts.
Liz Creighton ’24. Photo: Steve Hilts.

“When I left for this race series, I aimed to bring back the U19 title. Winning the overall was more than I ever expected. My mindset for these races was the same as my previous races, which was to keep it simple; when I am at the start gate before a race, I always tell myself, ‘Simple, simple, simple.’ When I focus on skiing and turn my head off, that’s when I perform the best. The day before I won the slalom title, I secured the U19 title in GS, which was surprising, as I had been struggling quite a bit in the past few weeks. That good day under my belt took some pressure off before the slalom. Skiing is such a hard sport because most of it is mental.

“The morning of the race, it was really warm, around 60 degrees, which not only made us overheat but made the surface quite soft. The race got delayed, but they still managed to give us a good surface with the help of salt. I was fortunate to start 5th in the first run, so the course wasn’t too rough yet. For the second run, I started 30th. I knew it would be a fight and that I would have to tackle the ruts and soft snow. I could feel the pressure, but being able to manage it and keeping the head in the right place is what separates good skiers from elite skiers. I kept my skiing as simple as possible. I didn’t try to change anything in my preparation and didn’t overthink the process: inspection, visualization, warm up, and go time. What really challenged me was that I almost went out of the course. I had to talk to myself, push as hard as possible, and put every bit of energy I had left in the last few gates. When I got to the bottom of the course, whatever the result was, I was proud because I fought.

“Last year, I didn’t get the results I expected because of some health issues and other difficulties. I didn’t perform like I wanted. I’ve put a lot of effort into the gym, with my mental preparation, a nutritionist, and another specialist who really made a big difference in my preparation. This title represents the culmination of the time and effort I’ve put into skiing in the past few years.

“This title, to me, means motivation to keep putting the work in and keep skiing as fast as possible because hard work does pay off.”

Filed Under: Sports, Top Story
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