This week’s recommendations come off the back of the Spring co-curricular update, and the little change of weather in the Northeast. Teagan Wentzel 24’ is a Northwood senior. I asked her to recommend two songs and a spring activity because she greatly anticipates summer.

“Fountains,” by Drake (with Tems)

Teagan’s first song fits the bill for warmer weather. “I recommend this song to anybody that likes afro beats or Drake because it’s a bit of both. I love the music that Tems makes, and it gets me excited,” she said. Both Drake and Tems have been perennial top-charts leaders, and this song adds to their repertoire.

“No.1,” by Tyla (feat. Tems)

This song is more traditional afro beats that feature two of the women leading the industry. Tems is on fire now. “Once again, I love Tems and the vibe of this song is nice. You can’t help but move your body to this song.” I can agree as well. I like this song a lot, too, and it is one to listen to if you haven’t yet.

Go for a Swim

Teagan first recommended that any Northwood students that haven’t signed up for their co-co, choose volleyball because it’s a lot of fun. She also said she’s very excited to swim at the Northwood beach this spring.

“I’m really excited to swim. I know that the water will still be cold for a while, but I’m okay with that because it’s my favorite thing to do when the weather is warm, and the sun is out. The Northwood beach is a sweet spot near campus, but any river or lake will do for me.”

See more in our Three Recommendations series.

Sam Knauf ’24 (Photo: Jordan Shullenberger ’24)

For recommendations, I like to seek a great variety of people and a diversity of subjects. This week, I interviewed Sam Knauf ‘24 for some different recommendations than the past couple of editions. Sam is a second-year Senior from Lake George, New York. Sam plays on the U19 soccer team.

For recommendations, I asked Sam for a movie, food, and game to share with the Northwood community, and here’s what he had to say:

Movie: Champions (2023)

Champions is about an ex-NBA coach sentenced to do community service by coaching a team of recreational basketball players with mental disabilities. It’s a comedy, but it also has sentimental value and will warm your heart.

“I like Champions because it’s funny but also a good movie,” said Sam.

Food: Chicken fried rice

Chicken fried rice is a traditional Chinese dish that contains chicken, rice, and vegetables, and it’s like stir fry.

“I like chicken fried rice because it’s yummy, and it’s even better with a little bit of hot sauce. My dad makes some good homemade hot sauce. Hot sauce is my favorite sauce, and I put it on everything,” Sam continued.

Game: Fortnite

Fortnite is a game that has been popular all over for years and has re-emerged recently as a top game. It’s a battle royale game, and I bet you that all high schoolers have heard of it.

“I like Fortnite because it’s a fun game to play, especially with friends,” Sam said.

Jordan Shullenberger ’24. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Last week, we got some good recommendations from Colton Cushman ’25. This week, I thought I might provide my own. What good is this series if I can’t even recommend something myself? This week, I have a few songs, a movie, and a show I’d love for people to check out.

Jazz (We’ve Got) – A Tribe Called Quest (1991)

Since February is Black History Month, this song is very fitting for the theme. A Tribe Called Quest became a famous group in the 90s era of hip hop with their creation of what is called “jazz rap.” The Low End Theory combines smooth jazz beats with vocals that hit every beat just right. A Tribe Called Quest is part of a large collection of hip-hop artists called The Native Tongues that focus their music on Afrocentrism and elevating black music in America. If you haven’t listened to this song, dim the lights and put it on because it is literally music to your ears.

Olufe feat. Wande Coal – WizKid (2023)

This song is a bit different from Jazz (We’ve Got) because it’s straight from Africa. WizKid has dominated the top charts for the past couple of years, and I’m sure you’ve heard a song from him before. His most recent release, “S2,” is an EP that was dropped in December of 2023. This song is the type that comes to mind when you think of Afro beats.

The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson (2014)

If we’re talking about recommendations, how can I not recommend my favorite movie? This movie by Wes Anderson is quirky, funny, goofy, sentimental, and artistic. And the vibes are immaculate. Watching this movie makes me feel like I’m a child again, and I’m playing with my figurines, making up my own storyline. It has a banger cast, and the acting is very well done. The story follows a journalist who travels to the hotel and meets its owner. The owner recollects the crazy tale of how he came to inherit the enchanted old ruin back in its glory days. The film explores the themes of nostalgia, friendship, and loyalty and is a must-watch.

Ted Lasso (2020)

I can’t recommend this show enough. By far, it is the best show I’ve ever watched. Being a soccer player myself, I enjoy the story, but it’s more than just a show about soccer. It exhibits character growth, love, loss, and happiness, and it’s an extremely sentimental show. Moreover, it is very funny. There are some corny jokes in there, but overall, the humor is of good taste. This show has a bit of everything for everyone, and you should listen to your neighbor and give it a watch. It lives up to the hype.