Jill Walker: Sparking a New Generation of Scientists at Northwood
At Northwood School, we often talk about the transformative power of relationships; relationships between faculty and students, classmates and teammates, and within our alumni community. Beloved faculty member Jill Walker, Director of the Advanced STEM Research program has embodied this transformative spirit at Northwood for more than twenty years. Her passion for science education has sparked curiosity and launched countless student journeys into the sciences.
Like many of the best educators, Jill’s journey began with a spark—ignited by exceptional math and science teachers during her own high school years. Originally set on becoming a math teacher, she shifted gears in college after falling in love with biology.
That passion deepened over her years in the classroom. “The moments that stay with me,” she shared, “are when students come back after graduation and tell me they’ve chosen to pursue a career in the sciences or medical fields. Knowing I helped light that fire for them, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
“Mrs. Walker has a remarkable ability to make science both fun and accessible,” said Dr. Emily Roy ’08 (PT, DPT, Massachusetts General Hospital). “Classes with her led to my interest in and continued pursuit of science in college and beyond. Mrs. Walker isn’t just an outstanding educator; she is also a genuinely kind and compassionate person
who always looks out for her students’ well-being. Her support and encouragement made a lasting impact on me, both academically and personally.”
While thrilled to see all students pursue science, she acknowledges that young women still face challenges in STEM fields.
“We’ve made a lot of progress in the past decade,” she said, “but there’s still a lingering stereotype. When people picture a doctor or engineer, many still imagine a man, so it’s an uphill climb for women who want to pursue competitive STEM programs. But we will get there, and I personally have always been fortunate to have great science colleagues and mentors around me.”
Her classroom is a place where curiosity thrives and mistakes are embraced. “I laugh at myself a lot,” she said with a grin. “I want my students to know it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s part of the process. I also use concrete examples to help them
learn how to really think, rather than just memorize. And, I think that when teachers are passionate about what they are teaching, it is transmitted to the students organically.” This approach, infused with humor and authenticity, helps make complex scientific concepts come to life. It also makes Jill one of the teachers alumni seek out when returning to campus.
One lesson that never fails to engage students? Dissections. “It’s not for everyone —especially the smell!” she laughed. “But it gives students a chance to see what the body parts really look like, which is a very powerful learning tool. And often, it’s the students you wouldn’t expect who really shine in those moments which is great.”
When asked what she’d change about science education, her answer was immediate: “Less memorization. More hands-on work. That’s what students remember.” Time constraints often limit
these opportunities, but she believes firmly in the value of experiential learning.
With the rapid pace of scientific and technological change, one tool she’s exploring with intention is artificial intelligence. “AI is a great tool when used properly,” she noted. “I use it frequently in my STEM Research class, and I teach students ways to use it appropriately. But it can also be an easy way out for students who don’t want to do homework, so it’s made me rethink how I structure and assign homework. Frankly, teachers are often behind the students when it comes to technological change, which comes as no surprise.”
Innovation is particularly evident in her work with the Advanced STEM Research program. Students use cutting-edge technology to explore real-world issues like testing saliva for hydration, using drones, and studying concussions in fruit flies, topics the students choose themselves based on their own interests. Launched in 2020 with just a handful of students, Jill has grown the program to one of the school’s most sought after signature programs.
Her advice for young people considering a career in science: “Do what you love. If you’re curious and excited about something, it doesn’t feel like work. Science is never boring, or so I think,” she laughed. “And there are just so many careers out there in the science fields.”
Outside the classroom, you might find Jill catching up with alumni visiting campus. “It is the best,” she said warmly. “I love to hear how my former students are doing, where they are living, their careers, and their family members whom we often get to know as well. It is a wonderful part of teaching—to be able to see students grow up and have a fulfilling life.”
Since joining Northwood in 2004, Jill has taught and mentored hundreds of students, helping them discover not just the building blocks of science, but also the confidence to pursue their passions. She’s proof that with dedication, dissection, and a little spark, science can come alive.
NYSAIS ACCREDITATION
Self-examination
through the lens of the school’s mission
BY STEPHEN REED
This year, Jill Walker has taken on the task of leading Northwood’s year-long preparation of a community-wide self-study of our educational outcomes and practices. This summer, we will present the roughly 100-page report, along with a host of supplementary materials, to our accrediting body (The New York State Association of Independent Schools) as we prepare to host a visiting committee of educators in the fall who will evaluate our offerings and operations. This process, integral to re-accreditation, takes place every ten years.
We began this important exercise last spring and formed committees to cover the evaluation manual’s various subsections (Mission and Culture, Teaching and Learning, Financial Sustainability, Governance, Student Life, and Operations). This past fall, we did an initial rating of our performance in relation to the manual’s criteria for the subsections, and (as does every school) identified both significant strengths and areas where we might develop strategies for improvement. It is the latter category which is most important and for which self-study is the most useful. The responses highlighted some areas of potential upgrade but pointed to specific actions the school might consider in response.
Beyond the philosophical considerations, we must focus on data (especially that related to admissions, demographics, finance and student performance) that supports our assumptions. The final report must be evidence-based. We must also make clear how our decisions, processes, and policies support our mission: Northwood School fosters growth in young people so they may engage their world and lead lives of consequence.
That mission statement was developed after the last ten-year evaluation in 2014. It was one of the changes made during Mike Maher’s headship in response to NYSAIS’s report that year. We trust next year’s visiting committee will note that since then enrollment has grown by 28%, that the curriculum has been retooled to reflect changes in pedagogy in recent years, that we have become one of the most diverse private boarding schools, and that we are now more active and visible in our community, due in part to the construction of the Innovation Hub on Main Street.
After the committees complete their analyses, we will begin crafting the narrative report, having gained much from the endeavor, and we will look forward to hosting the visiting committee, composed of master teachers and administrators from our fellow NYSAIS institutions.
Jill has brought tremendous energy, experience, and expertise to this endeavor. She notes, “We have worked to make the process inclusive, involving all members of the school community including students and parents. This year, with a change of leadership on the horizon, the study will also provide significant input to guide the incoming head of school, Gino Riffle, and help him plan strategic initiatives based on the information gathered from our own process and the report of the visiting committee.”
SNOW 4 TEAMWORK 4
SCHOOL SPIRIT 4
= WINTER CARNIVAL TIME!
Long Adirondack winters reward us with spectacular and memorable moments, and Winter Carnival is definitely one of those moments. An eager student body competes for four Peak teams: Big Slide, Gothics, Skylight and Wolfjaw (primary colors were the previous categories). Challenges run the gamut from athletic and academic to artistic and constructive, and while some events may have changed over the years, the incredible festive spirit of this Northwood tradition remains a constant.
Dodgeball followed by tug-of-war sets the tone for this high-energy day. Snow fort building, broomball, curling, a geography bee, flag design, tobogganing (dependent on the frozen status of Mirror Lake) and the epic sled race, are just a few of the fun events scheduled with the help of the Head’s Council. Everyone gets a chance to shine. “Winter Carnival showcases the many hidden talents of our students,” remarks Assistant Dean of Students and Carnival Director Leigh Riffle. Citing the merits of events like the Talent Show, she says. “Be ready for surprises. There’s always an act that you just never expect or a student you never thought would be the solo up on the stage.”
Winter Carnival brings the school together at a pivotal point in the calendar: It is a chance to shake off winter as we prepare for spring. And, before we transition to that season of change and departure, we get to have a blast, use a bunch of face paint, and make some new friends (and legends) while solidifying the connection to our school.
Remember your Winter Carnival?
Yet
BY PETER MOORE ’25
As the son of teachers who taught in the same school district I attended from kindergarten through eleventh grade, I grew up getting different reactions when people found out my parents were teachers.
The most common reaction had a negative tone, as people thought it would be more of a hassle having my parents know what I was doing all the time and having teachers check in with my parents any time something happened. Then there were peers whom my parents might have disciplined or given a bad grade to. Other students thought I must get some great perks by having my parents there. Special help from teachers and extra treats in the lunch line seemed like a great idea to me, but they never seemed to materialize as others thought they would. The reality is that having parents who taught where I went to school just seemed normal because that’s all I ever knew. My life didn’t seem any different than the other kids, and I don’t remember anything special coming my way, except for one particular idea. When I was in late elementary school, Brandon School District teachers suddenly discovered Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset For the next two years, I always saw her books around my house and in my teachers’ classrooms. Her key recommendation— “grit.” All the teachers and coaches started using the word grit in everything we would do, telling us if we just stuck with things we could figure out anything. I remember they no longer told us “Good job” and “Great” because that would somehow make us less gritty. We were told things
like “I appreciate how you persevered” and “You worked hard on this” and that was supposed to make us keep going.
But the real mindset change for me came from a little word I started hearing teachers attach to the end of sentences. For some reason, this really stuck with me and gave me a new outlook on some of my activities. Instead of saying “I’m not good at math,” we were now encouraged to say or think “I’m not good at math, yet.” Instead of saying “I can’t sing very well,” it became “I can’t sing very well, yet.”
That word made sense to me, and it gave me a new way of looking at things. Playing hockey has always been my favorite thing to do, and as I entered middle school and saw physical changes taking place among players my age, I realized everybody has a different time frame to get where they want to go. I enjoyed working out and training for hockey and my other sports, but I didn’t see results very quickly because my body wasn’t ready...yet! I didn’t make a team I had tried out for, and I was okay with it because I realized I wasn’t good enough...yet.”
I also knew the word yet didn’t apply to everything because sometimes things in life do have time elements to them, like my AP Stats exam, cross country races, and cleaning my room. But for the person I wanted to become through middle school
WRITING A COLLEGE ESSAY is a wonderful chance for students to project their personalities. Two of the best traits to project (though it’s tricky to find the correct tone and balance) are likability and a self-deprecating sense of humor. The latter must fit naturally into the theme of the essay, and it must never be at the expense of anyone else. This essay strikes that balance and gives a real sense that its author, Pete Moore, a hockey player from Michigan, has an engaging personality. Its ending also has a nice pop to it. –Stephen Reed
and high school, attaching the word “yet” gave me the temporary reprieve I needed in my head to keep working.
Now that I’m a senior in high school, I have grown to 6'5" and almost 200 pounds, I can appreciate irony and metaphors in our AP Literature reading, and I understand the concepts I struggled with in AP Calculus as a junior are still there waiting for me. I walk by the piano in the Northwood School lounge and remember when I stopped taking lessons after six years. I would like to be able to sit down and play some songs for my classmates, but I’m not disappointed I stopped. I know I wasn’t ready to appreciate then how much I might enjoy playing...yet.
One final thought: I’m not into college...yet!
ARE YOU IN?
Every facet of a Northwood education is touched by donations made to the Northwood Fund. The fund is responsible for 19% of the annual budget, because tuition alone does not financially cover the full cost of operating the best small boarding school in the country.
Please consider making a donation today!
Reno’s Restaurant Reviews
BY STEPHEN “RENO” REED
My rotundity is not accidental; I love eating and am blessed to live in Lake Placid, with a variety of great dining options. For this year’s foodie feedback, I have chosen three of my favorite places whose offerings are uncommon for our Adirondack setting.
My go-to place when alumni come to visit is Salt of the Earth, a small bistro on Sentinel Road about five or six minutes from Main Street. It’s easy to miss; it looks more like a rustic residence than a restaurant. Once inside, you will feel welcomed and cozy. The menu will surprise: a variety of creative and unusual dishes, especially the appetizers. On a recent bill of fare (there is great variety from visit to visit), diners could choose appetizers from beetroot cheesecake, Middle Eastern hashweh (venison with rice, raisins, spices, and yogurt), curried carrot and duck fritters, and vegan vegetable bread pudding, before moving on to more traditional starters. The main courses are mostly traditional—steak, fish, duck, pork—with an option like Irish vegetable stew for non-carnivores as well as something exotic like Vietnamese wild boar stew. Their commitment to keeping it fresh and interesting extends to all sections of the menu. Researching this piece, I saw that the five dessert options this evening were all different than when I had dined here a few weeks ago. The staff and chefs will cheerfully accommodate any dietary restrictions. Dining here is a chance to
I trust Oscar Wilde’s dictum that you never know what’s enough until you’ve had too much” —RENO
sample expert preparations of cuisines underrepresented in our area. I have been here dozens of times—a 100% approval rating from my guests.
Often when I dine out, my meal will consist of three appetizers rather than one entrée. Top of the Park on Main Street allows me to double my pleasure by ordering six small plates to share with a friend. I am not sure of the English linguistic equivalent to tapas, dim sum, or meze, but this establishment, with an expansive view of Mirror Lake as a bonus feature, offers a collection of marvelous mini-dishes to sample. Four or five would be enough for most couples, but I trust Oscar Wilde’s dictum that you never know what’s enough until you’ve had too much and order six. One night after opening with a phenomenal pumpkin soup, my group of three shared a full charcuterie, roasted duck, truffle mac and cheese, confit chicken wings, pan-seared bison striploin, and basil scented fish (just for the halibut— feel free to groan). Unfortunately, they didn’t have snails, one of my favorites here, that evening; however, they fortunately didn’t have the white anchovy gremolata, which my companions would have likely insisted upon. Stuffed and reluctant to exceed my sugar quota for the next three years, I passed on the excellent cheesecake. Moreover, I did not want a repeat of the last time I was there when my doctor walked by and cast a disapproving glance at my chocolate ganache. The only negative, we were seated right next to the bar, not my favorite table, but the service was
pleasant and efficient.
My final spot, the Heritage Indian Grill, has only recently opened. I never particularly fancied Indian food, but colleagues and friends from town convinced me to go. It is located next to Hannaford’s on Saranac Avenue, not a plus to be located in a shopping plaza, but the food makes up for it. I have made a point of sharing portions with my tablemates (they would likely call it mooching), but only so I’d tasted sufficient dishes to write the review—totally altruistic. I enjoyed most everything I’ve had there, particularly the naan, a leavened flatbread in a variety of flavors (garlic and sesame are popular) and some savory stuffings and toppings (chicken, cheese, chili). The menu has a staggering variety of dishes, with multiple preparations of chicken, lamb, seafood, goat and vegetarian dishes amongst appetizers and entrees. The waiters ask diners how spicy they wish their food to be. I haven’t had the courage to say ‘Very” yet, but I have had good luck with “Moderate.” Speaking of the service, I might note that it is perhaps overly attentive, with the waiters or hosts looking to strike up conversation. My two favorite dishes so far are lamb korma with its creamy sauce and chicken tikka marsala. If you haven’t had Indian food, this will be a nice introduction. If you are an expert, let me know what you think. Popularity is one great indication; this place is crazy busy most nights, and I haven’t talked to a disappointed customer.
Bon appétit!
FROM THE NORTHWOOD ADMISSION OFFICE
Keeping Up with Carrie Wardlaw
Try to keep up with Carrie Wardlaw. Just try. As Strength & Conditioning alums from Carrie’s first stint on the Northwood faculty (1998-2006…when she was Ms. Grady) may recall, it’s a tough thing to do. She’s a threetime Ironman Triathlon finisher and former competitive skier (on both snow and water), after all. But athleticism is just one angle of Carrie’s multifaceted life that we dare try and keep pace with.
In 2013, after seven years out West, Carrie and her husband Tait, with their three children in tow, returned to Lake Placid to be closer to family. Carrie joined Northwood again, this time in an admission capacity. She currently serves as Senior Associate Director of Admission, teaches in the Humanities Department and is the U16 Ski Team Dean.
We talked with Carrie about life and Northwood, including what she enjoys about her admission role: “I love meeting new families interested in the school and showing them what a wonderful place this is. I also enjoy travelling to meet families and consultants around the country to promote Northwood.” She notes that while there have been huge changes and transitions, such as the expansion of campus with the Innovation Hub on Main Street, and curriculum enhancements like Integrated Humanities and Peak Pathways, the vital family atmosphere remains. “It is a hallmark of this special place, that family feeling—it feels like one big family.” She gives her colleagues a shout-out for being fiercely dedicated, going above and beyond for students every day.
And those three Wardlaw children? It’s fair to say that each of them: Wyatt ’24, Teegan ’25 and Luke ’28, are on the move as well, growing up and thriving with their own Northwood experiences under their belts and adding more dimensions to the already crowded, fast-paced Wardlaw family calendar.
Carrie appreciates having her kids attend Northwood, allowing her to experience so many amazing things with them. “I feel very lucky to be a part of their community throughout their high school years. (I don’t chaperone prom, however.) The only hard part is watching them grow up so fast. Well, that and realizing I am not 25 anymore!”
“I truly believe having worked at Northwood before I had my own kids helped me become a better parent,” As a dorm parent for both girls and boys during those years she says, ”I was a surrogate parent to so many of my students, and became much more empathetic as a result.”
In her mom role, she is notorious for encouraging her kids to do something active (and likely outdoors) pretty much each day. It fits in with her and Tait’s adventure lifestyle: “I love to do anything outside when I am not working.”
Waterskiing is her favorite activity, closely followed by Alpine skiing, hiking, running, spending time on the lake and watching her kids play sports.
“I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to raise a family than the Adirondacks. From hiking a 46er, jumping in the lake, and hitting the new rail trail, to watching a world class athletic event or attending an amazing performance at the LPCA, we are fortunate to live here.”
She has a message for alumni: “Come back and visit as often as you can. I’m sure Northwood had a huge impact on you, and we’d love to see you back on campus. Plus, the new updated trails on Cobble are awaiting your arrival!”
If you take her up on that invite, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll run into a Wardlaw on one of those trails!
Referrals
Alumni and family referrals are important to Northwood. Send potential students our way: admission@northwoodschool.org
Established in 1927, The Mirror, Northwood’s student newspaper has been published exclusively online since 2015, which has allowed the students to focus on their writing and reporting skills while expanding their readership. The Mirror’s website, northwoodmirror.com, and related social media accounts average more than 15,000 views each month.
The Mirror staff meets with the paper’s adviser Mr. John Spear ’88 each Monday where they review online traffic from the previous week, brainstorm and assign articles. At this meeting, our young journalists ask themselves, “What are people talking about this week?” and include those topics in the week’s offerings. Mr. Spear often reminds them that fifty years from now, when students want to know what life at Northwood was like in 2025, they will read the articles written today for their answer, just as we can glean details from articles written back in 1975. (Happy 50th Reunion year, Class of 1975!)
When staff write about national and global stories, they cover them from a uniquely “Northwood perspective.” Their target audience includes schoolmates, alumni, current families, and also prospective students and their families. Mirror alumni often reflect on their time working on the paper, and the positive influence the experience had on their life path. (See a mention in the Justin Gray ’92 profile on page 40.)
Faculty Serve: A Favorite Formal Dinner
Reprinted from The Mirror, February 5, 2025 by Jenny Tran ’25
Formal Dinner is the monthly occasion when students and faculty dress up to dine; however, January’s formal dinner differed from the usual as teachers and coaches became waitstaff for the students.
Formal dinner is a long-time tradition at Northwood School. “Formal dinners were an every night experience back in the 40s and 50s, because students had to wear formal attire to dinner,” said Assistant Head Mr. John Spear. “It was not until the late 60s that casual attire became the norm, and formal dinner was changed to be held once a week,” added Spear.
As the dinner begins, students eagerly wait for their teachers/coaches to arrive with a tray of food: chicken piccata, lasagna, and vegetables. In the familiar dining hall, the air is filled with lively chatter of the students and the hurried footsteps of faculty members delivering dishes to their designated tables.
Even though they had to serve us food, the faculty remained enthusiastic, as if it were the classroom. “The teachers all looked like they were having fun, especially Mr. Reed, who was laughing a lot,” says Florence Richard ’25.
After a round of savory courses, it was time for dessert. The faculty members once again get into action, carrying trays of vanilla cake and scanning the room to see who would like a serving. While some teachers distributed desserts, others collected empty plates, bringing them to the dish room.
“I look forward to formal dinner because I get to spend the evening with my friends, all together, without worrying much about doing my homework,” says Richard. With academic and sports responsibilities, a formal dinner can be a good time for students to socialize. It is a way for the community to come together, make memories, and enjoy each other’s company.
Do you remember Faculty Serve during your time at Northwood? Flem
Let us know if you remember your own days on The Mirror staff. Drop a line to the Editor and Adviser on the website northwoodmirror.com.
We are proud to bring to you some recent articles from The Mirror via this magazine. Make sure to follow the newspaper online for the full scoop. Current staff includes Co-Editors-in-Chief Sydney Kuder ’25 and Sasha Luhur ’27, Social Media Manager Li Feng ’25, and thirteen staff writers.
serving you pasta, Coope, the Edwards, B. Runyon, H. Runyon bringing trays of dessert?
The Privilege of Having People to Miss
Reprinted from The Mirror, May 7, 2025
by Eliza Quackenbush
’25
I was 16 years old when I left home. I got on the plane, a one-way ticket to New York, where everything was about to change. I missed my family. I felt alone. But looking back on it, I am so lucky to have had the privilege of missing them so deeply—the pain and sorrow of knowing they are not near me. But because of this, I was able to move forward. I wanted to do it, to know that that sorrow couldn’t beat me. I was 17, gearing to head back to school for another year, then the tears hit. I was leaving my best friend behind. She was stuck there, hurting, and it hurt me. The time had crawled to the finish line, but it
felt like a sprint. She has been there every step of the way. And I have the privilege of missing her.
I am 18, in the last three weeks of my senior year. With so little time left, I wanted to write about this place and the people who have made it what it is to me. So, thank you. May this forever be a place where our spirits run high and our tears run low. Where we continue to grow alongside each other, never knocked down but always reaching for the sky. Thank you for being the place I have called home for the past three years, taking me in and lifting me up. Northwood, you have done
so much for me. You gave me my dream; you’ve given me love and joy, and most of all, you’ve given me the privilege of having people to miss. And that is irreplaceable. As I leave, I want everyone to know that even though the time feels long, don’t take any of it for granted. I don’t want to say it, but we will never live this life again. We will never be able to experience this bliss with our friends. But be present, be kind, be known, and most of all, be grateful for the privilege of having friends you will always miss.
Northwood, you have done so much for me. You gave me my dream; you’ve given me love and joy, and most of all, you’ve given me the privilege of having people to miss.
—ELIZA QUACKENBUSH ’25
Northwood Events
Northwood gatherings are a great opportunity to reconnect with your school and meet up with other people who are enthusiastic about the Northwood experience. It is always rewarding to see alumni from different decades sharing stories (and usually laughter) about this place in the Adirondacks that we all treasure.
As we like to say, our school is in the “Center of Someplace Special.” Know it is you, as part of the Northwood family, that has helped make it that way. Please join us at a future event. We promise—even if you think you may not know anyone when you walk in, you will leave with a few new friends. Hope to see you soon.
TRUE NORTH DINNER 2024
Where does the time go? We celebrated with the Class of 1974 during their 50th Reunion at the traditional True North Dinner last June. Congratulations! The evening also recognized Distinguished Alumnus Medal recipient Robert “Bob” Toomey ’66 and our 2024 Honored Legacy Family, the Lussis. We look forward to hosting the Class of 1975 on campus for your 50th Reunion celebration, June 6-8, 2025. Make plans to be on campus!
1. Members of the Lussi Family: 2024 Honored Legacy Family
2. 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Medal recipient Bob Toomey ’66 with Head of School Mike Maher
3. Bob and Rosalyn Toomey
4. Mark “Dill” Driscoll ’70
BOSTON
Trustee Bob Toomey ’66 welcomed the Northwood family to the Charles River Country Club for a festive gathering on December 11, 2024. New England area alumni and family - join us at this spectacular venue next year!
1. Tony Pell ’56 and Gary Green ’55
2. Suzanne and Darren Johnston ’95 with Tony Pell ’56
3. Hosts Bob ’66 and Rosalyn Toomey
4. Lynn Barclay ’86 and Mike Maher
5. Dave Gatti ’88 and Billy Stewart ’69
NEW YORK CITY
On December 5, 2024, hosts Bernie ’71 and Cynthia Curry welcomed Northwood alumni, parents and friends to the Racquet and Tennis Club in New York City. This annual tradition at the renowned R&T brings Northwood to Midtown Manhattan where school spirit and holiday cheer abound. If you live, work or travel to the city (or can plan a special weekend there) be sure to make room on your calendar for this fabulous evening. It is always a highlight of the holiday season!
4. Rachel Berger-Hart, Michael Manghisi ’11, Bridgit Hohlfeld, Benjamin Cahn ’11
ALUMNI AWAY GAME
The 2nd annual Northwood Metropolitan Alumni Hockey Game took place March 22, 2025 at the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford, N.Y. The event was co-hosted by Monique Rafferty ’06 and David Mensi P’15, father to Nicole Mensi ’15. The friendly matchup of the Blue vs. White teams had sixteen Northwood alums in attendance, along with Tom “Brody” Broderick P’19,’22 and several Northwood family supporters. The game ended in a tie, with goalie Nicole Grosser ’13 on Blue shutting down the White team and earning the No. 1 star of the game, Sophia Kokkonis ’06 receiving the second star, and Sam Malloy ’10 earning the third star.
Front Row (L to R): Michelle Witz ’05, Jamie Longo ’04, Tom “Brody” Broderick P’19, P’22, John Biechler ’19, Nicole Grosser ’13, Sophia Kokkonis ’06, Erin Brand ’13, friend of the school Erica Garcia.; Back Row (L to R): Sam Malloy ’10, Zak Sheikh ’15, Nicole Mensi ’15, Jessica Galiczewski ’12, Monique Rafferty ’06, Sean Nolan ’96, Mike Rempel ’03, Coach Zach Rempel; Not pictured: Michael Manghisi ’11, Erica Shapey-Freeman ’07
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL METROPOLITAN ALUMNI HOCKEY GAME
It will take place at the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford, N.Y. on March 21, 2026 (puck drop time still TBD). If you don’t skate, don’t worry! We’d love to see you there to cheer on the Blue & White and join us for a social hour afterwards. A special thank you to our organizers and hosts—we hope they’ll inspire you to host a game in your own region. Reach out to alumni@northwoodschool.org to discuss.
NORTHWOOD INVITATIONAL RECEPTION
One highlight of the annual Northwood Invitational Hockey Tournament is the Parent and Alumni reception at the Hub on Main Street. Parents can mingle with coaches, faculty and alumni right in the middle of our vibrant winter village. It is always a fun time to cheer on the Northwood Huskies during this legendary weekend. GO Northwood!
BELLE HAVEN, CT
The Belle Haven Club in Greenwich, Conn. set the stage again for a wonderful Northwood gathering. Peter Alexander ’66 and his wife Judy hosted an evening for alumni, parents and friends along the Long Island Sound. Perfect views and even better company—what more could you ask for?
Future Events!
WE WANT YOU TO GET THE INVITATION!
Please make certain that the Northwood Advancement Office has your current contact information including email address.
Please reach out to Steve “Reno” Reed: reeds@northwoodschool.org alumni@northwoodschool.org 518-524-8692 or 518-523-3357
A NOTE TO EVENT HOSTS
Northwood is deeply grateful to our event hosts. Thank you for recognizing the importance of gathering together to celebrate our school. Let us know if you’d like to host an event in your area: 518.523.3357 or alumni@northwoodschool.org.
Left: Jamie Longo ’04, Michelle Witz ’05, Monique Rafferty ’06 and Brody
HOLIDAY LIVING ROOM
This annual holiday gathering, held in the warmth and glow of our beloved living room, is an event not to miss! It is a great opportunity to reconnect on campus and celebrate the season with fellow alumni, parents, friends and faculty. The old fireplace will hold a roaring fire—a welcoming invite for you to join us next year if you are in the Adirondacks. (As you know, Lake Placid always wears winter well, so bring out those ski sweaters to match!)
Thank you, Diane!
Northwood School extends our deep gratitude to Diane Dingley Scholl P’06. For over two decades, Diane has been an integral part of our community as a parent, neighbor, trustee, benefactor and friend. We cannot say enough about Diane’s impact on our school. In recent years she has been invaluable to our team, helping to highlight our events and outreach.
1. Gino Riffle, Leigh Riffle, Mike Maher
2. Former faculty Ben Runyon with Susie Runyon
3. Margie Philo, Bill Morris, Cheryl Morris
4. Kathy Lamb, Joe Lamb ’73, Steve Reed
5. Andrew Orringer ’75, Mike Raymaley ’65, Carrie Wardlaw, Sue Raymaley, May Chow
6. Royce Van Evera, Bobby and Aileen O’Connor
7. Lisa Wint and former faculty Katie Weaver
COMMENCEMENT 2024
Congratulations, Class of 2024! On May 18, 2024, Northwood welcomed 72 graduates to the alumni family during our school’s 117th Commencement Exercises. They each rang the bell to cap off their Northwood careers. 2024 grads—keep in touch with each other and your school. Come back often!
Above left: Lea ’24, Olivia ’24, Teagan ’24; Above right: The Cum Laude Society
Right: Peter Remington ’73 gave the Commencement address. Below: Class speakers were: Sophia S. ’24 and Jordan S. ’24
Left: Sachiel M. ’24 rings the Northwood bell; Above: Ndhego Z. ’24 with family including father Lawrence ’93; Right: Halle M. ’24, Coach Trevor Gilligan ’03, Shayna D. ’24
Coaches’ Corner — The Year In Sports
U17 SOCCER
KELVIN MARTINEZ
The U17 Soccer team has kicked off the year with an impressive start. This is the youngest team since the inception of the residential soccer program at Northwood seven years ago, featuring six freshmen and a roster of eighteen new players alongside seven returners. Despite their youth and inexperience, these players have shown remarkable adaptability, coachability, and camaraderie. Their bond extends beyond the field, with the boys spending significant time together, fostering a tight-knit team culture. Early in the fall season, they competed against senior varsity teams like Taft, St. Andrews and Millbrook, holding their own despite the age and experience gap. Their standout achievement was winning their group at the prestigious CAN/AM Tournament, which pits top Canadian teams against their US counterparts. As the spring season approaches with even tougher competition, we anticipate their continued growth and evolution as a team. This group of young athletes is poised for an exciting future.
U19 SOCCER
JON MOODEY
The U19 soccer team began 2025 in exciting fashion with a winter preseason tour to Costa Rica. This proved to be a great start to the new semester as the players had a chance to refocus after the holiday season and prepare for a busy second semester with lots of top showcases and tournaments ahead. The team hopes to continue its positive momentum from the fall, during which the team had some noteworthy accomplishments like defeating the NEPSAC Class A champions, Taft School, at the NXT LVL Soccer invitational and winning the CAN/AM Super Cup, defeating Sigma FC, the reigning
national champions along the way. Diego Green ’25 (Notre Dame commit) and Cedric Lamaire ’25 (Rutgers commit) were picked to play in the high school All-American Game, putting them in the select group of the 40 best players in the USA.
GIRLS’ HOCKEY
TREVOR GILLIGAN ’03
The Northwood Girls’ Hockey team had a successful season, highlighted by thirteen college commitments, ten of which are to Division I schools.
Academically, eighteen of the twentytwo players have earned a spot on the High Honor Roll, Effort Honor Roll or Dean’s List, with the top two senior scholars coming from our squad. In January, we clinched the championship of our Northwood Invitational Hockey Tournament and were thrilled to celebrate back-to-back titles. We also won the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) Challenge Cup in February. We finished the season as one of the nation’s top ten ranked teams. This group is full of high achievers.
BOYS’ VARSITY HOCKEY
JEFF MILLER
The Northwood Varsity Hockey Team ended the 2024-2025 season with a 31-21 record. This was a very young group with a high compete level and a great work ethic. The four seniors did a great job of leading the team and will be sorely missed next year. Late season highlights include weekend sweeps at South Kent, Bishop Timon, and Ontario Hockey Academy. In early March the boys suffered a tough 3-2 overtime loss to Bishop Kearney in the semi-finals of the Northern Schools Hockey Conference playoffs in what was a hard fought and exciting game. The Varsity Team was also able to play at numerous college rinks this year, including Yale, Clarkson, and Saint Lawrence University.
BOYS’ PREP HOCKEY
STEPHEN MALLARO ’06
Northwood Boys’ Prep Hockey completed their season recording 42 wins, 17 losses, 2 ties. Now 3 years in a row with 40-win seasons finishing 1st in NYS and 6th in the country in U18 rankings. The Huskies were runners up to Shattuck St. Mary’s in a 2-1 thriller in the PHC Championship game. Northwood won the South Kent Fall Classic, USHL American Cup, the Game Sheet Cup beating Kimball Union Academy 4-3 and a 3rd place finish in the MacPherson Tournament at St. Andrew’s College. Three Huskies made NCAA Division I commitments, Junior, Ritter Coombs to Providence College, Junior, William Schneid
to Princeton University and Senior, Sam Lyne to Colgate University. Senior goaltender, Devin Shakar finished first amongst goalies in the PHC and top ten in the country with a record of 29-10-2, a .936 save %, 1.68 goals against average and 6 shutouts. Go Huskies!
SNOW SPORTS
TOM BIESEMEYER
The Northwood Ski team continues to excel, combining strength in numbers with a commitment to helping our student-athletes achieve their goals. This year, we proudly welcomed a record 47 athletes—a diverse group from six states and four countries— competing in Alpine, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and freestyle disciplines. Most notably, our partnership with the NYSEF coaching staff and Northwood’s faculty grows stronger each year, fostering a seamless balance between academic and athletic demands while providing our student-
athletes with expanded opportunities to train and compete. This collaboration not only enhances Northwood’s brand and reputation within the ski community but also attracts a growing applicant pool and helps bring more winter sports dreams to life by inspiring and developing the next generation.
CREW
HOWARD RUNYON
With the 2024 Tail of the Fish canceled, our two-event Fall campaign started at the Family Weekend home scrimmage—2250 timed meters, out—and—back, on our twolane buoyed course—against our perennial favorite small-boat opponents, Augustine Classical Academy. Heavy with novices this year, we raced only five athletes all season. At the scrimmage, we boated two boys’ singles, a girls’ single and a girls’ double. At the Head of the Fish, to close the season, we managed to spread that tiny squad over five
Above: Northwood Ski Team Left: Daven L. ’25, Abigail V. ’25, Mitchell P. ’25, Jack K.’25 on Ski Team Media Day.
boat classes, boating two boys’ U19 singles, a girls’ U17 single, a girls’ Varsity double, and a Junior mixed double. If the Nordic skiers who strengthened our 2024 spring squad return, then Gus and Sophia, our two veteran seniors, figure to anchor a boys’ double and a girls’ quad for our fleeting spring season, with, if we’re lucky, a late-April scrimmage against Augustine to get us as ready as we can be for the mid-May New York State championships.
THE NORTHWOOD ADVENTURE SPORTS PROGRAM (FORMERLY NOC)
BOBBY O’CONNOR
Beautiful Adirondack weather throughout the fall semester allowed us to paddle, climb and hike late into October/early November. On average we had 12 -15 NAS athletes each day participating in co-curricular outings. Highlights included participating in the “chasing water” sea kayaking symposium held in Bar Harbor, Maine and a local climbing competition at Mt. Van Hoevenberg before Thanksgiving break. We also completed our annual rock-climbing trip to Red Rocks, Nevada, led by myself and SUNY
Plattsburgh Expeditionary Studies professor, Casey Henley. Eleven NAS athletes took part and honed their rock-climbing abilities. The winter was spent preparing for an international ski expedition to Japan over February break. Fifteen students joined us for this epic adventure in Japanese food, culture and snowsports! Rest assured, the next NAS adventure is always on the horizon.
ROBOTICS TEAM 6300
JEFF MARTIN
Students in Applied Robotics and cocurricular robotics are actively involved in building robots for this year’s competitions. We are participating in both the VEX Robotics Competition and the FIRST Robotics Competition this year. These events always test the students with unique engineering design challenges that push them to learn new techniques and engage their creative talents to build robots that are practical and competitive. The teamwork aspect of robot season is often the element that sets teams apart from the rest of the field. It is always inspiring to see how Northwood students pull together to excel
consistently at these regional events. The kids invest hundreds of hours of their free time preparing for a competition and feel a major sense of accomplishment when they see their ideas come to life. Northwood earned a victory at the first event of the season—the VEX Adirondack Qualifier. That advanced them to the NY State Championships where they had a strong showing in the playoffs before losing in the semifinals. An early season FIRST event gave them much needed on-field practice time, and they are now making final preparations for their season finale at the Tech Valley Regional at the end of March.
Dedicated to Fitness
At boarding schools, alumni stories about sneaking out become the stuff of legend and tend to get more elaborate over time, as any good tale based on a memory does. But perhaps unique to Northwood, are tales of trying to sneak IN. Sneak in where, you ask? The Fitness Center.
New faculty members getting oriented to their Fitness Center duty shifts are told by Athletic Trainer Andy “Donny” Donatello, “Triple check that the doors are firmly shut and locked when you leave.” That’s because many Northwood students are fiercely protective of their workout time and they LOVE the Fitness Center, which of course for safety has to be staffed at all times when open. Despite the rules, it has been known to be a magnet for students trying to access it in the off-hours to get in an additional set.
“Over the years, the Fitness Center has become one of the most memorable and valued spaces for our students, both during their time here and long after they’ve moved on,” says Donny. Perhaps this is due to the camaraderie, the striving for fitness goals in
a shared space with music blaring, the outlet a workout provides, or all of the above.
A dedicated fitness space and the notion of “working out” has come a long way since the 70s when alums such as Trustee Gregg Heineman ’80 recall a Universal Gym (a brand name for a single large frame unit that offered stations for about ten different exercises—the tech at the time), crammed into a small room just off the stage. It could fit maybe five or six people and was a very basic space, even then students really enjoyed spending time there.
Flash forward to the late nineties, and the beginnings of the official Fitness Center as we know it today. Located near the old indoor tennis courts (now the indoor turf field), the Fitness Center was part of a larger building renovation which took place. It was based on a model that Andy Donatello produced during graduate school. Previously, that space housed two old squash courts side by side, with only some outdated plastic weights. One squash court remains, its outer wall forming part of the climbing wall.
Today, there is ample room and access to high-quality equipment. “One point of pride is our student-to-machine ratio, which is among the best of any prep school,” says Donny. “This gives students a strong foundation in proper training techniques— skills that serve them well as they advance to the next level, whether in athletics or lifelong fitness.”
We continually strive to upgrade this beloved space to stay current with everevolving exercise trends and equipment. “Our goal is to replace and modernize all machines and fixtures in the next few years to ensure the space continues to meet the needs of our students,” says Donny.
When you come back for a visit, let us know if you’d like a tour of this facility— we’ll gladly show you around, no sneaking in required!
As always, in addition to supporting Northwood’s greatest needs, you can also direct your Northwood Fund gift to a specific program or space in honor of your favorite memoriesincluding to the beloved Fitness Center!
WHEN MY FORMER STUDENT and more recently friend and neighbor, Mike Holmes ’83 passed away suddenly late last fall, the sense of loss was enormous. Mike Richter ’85, sent me the link to this beautiful remembrance of Mike by Sam Weinman, who played in a men’s hockey league with him. I thought the Northwood community might appreciate Sam’s description of Mike’s approach to the game (the same as his approach to life, by the way) in its depiction of a man who was skilled with the puck but even more adept at making the game fun. –Steve Reed
THIS IS WHY THEY CALLED HIM MAGIC
BY SAM WEINMAN
Ask me the best hockey player I ever played with and I should probably name someone other than Michael Holmes.
For a few years in the mid-2000s, for instance, Valeri Kamensky was a regular at our late-night pick-up skates at Rye Country Day. At the time, Kamensky was around 40, and not far removed from a career in which he won an Olympic gold medal with the old Soviet Union, a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, and was inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame.
The story goes that when the NHL put together a team for a mid-season series against the Soviets called “Rendezvous ’87”, the young Kamensky was the player who gave Gretzky and Lemieux fits.
Valeri Kamensky was that good. And yet when he was on the ice with Michael Holmes, it wasn’t entirely clear who was better.
Michael’s official hockey resume wasn’t the story. He led Rye High School to the state final in 1982. Then Northwood and Elmira College. Then a few years of minor league and pro leagues overseas.
In Rye, others had more impressive careers, some of them his own brothers. But even when those players returned to
Great hockey players love to show you how good they are. Michael enjoyed showing you how good you could be, too.”
—SAM WEINMAN
town, Michael had a way of standing out.
For many of us, he was the best hockey player we knew, and possibly the best we ever saw in the category our friend Dennis Megley called “age 25 through the rest of your life.”
Well into his 50s, Michael didn’t skate as much as he floated on the ice. He would carry the puck through the neutral zone, appear to be looking in one direction, then saucer the puck over two sticks and onto your tape in front of a half-open net. His nickname was Magic for a reason. One of Michael’s teammates at Northwood Prep, Tony Granato, went on to be an NHL All-Star and played on a line with Wayne Gretzky in L.A. “If I had Michael’s hands,” he once said to Michael’s former Rye teammate Jay Altmeyer, “I’d be Gretzky.”
One season when my old high school teammate Lowell and I were roommates we staged a scoring competition between us for late-night games, which was equal parts pathetic and inconclusive: When one of us ended up on a line with Michael, it wasn’t even fair.
I loved playing with Michael, but it was an adjustment. No one made the game easier. When you scored a goal with Michael on your line, of course you scored. When you didn’t, you had no excuse. Great hockey players love to show you how good they are. Michael enjoyed showing you how good you could be, too.
Somewhere in there is probably an explanation for why he didn’t progress further as a pro. It wasn’t a lack of ability. But hockey at the elite level is a grind, and Michael still viewed it as if it should always
1982-1983 Northwood Hockey
He was impossible to play against, darting in and out of reach when he had the puck, hunting you down and stealing it back when he didn’t.”
—SAM WEINMAN
be fun. He loved to show up at the rink when everyone was already on the ice and compete as if these were the only games in the world that mattered. When his team would score its fifth goal of the game for the win, starting a new game, Michael relished shouting across the rink for everyone to hear, “Nothing-Nothing!”
The only time I remember crossing him was a game when Michael was on the other team. As you can imagine, he was impossible to play against, darting in and out of reach when he had the puck, hunting you down and stealing it back when he didn’t. One night in the corner with the puck, Michael turned away from me, and I tried to lift up his stick. But I missed his stick and sent my blade straight into his mouth. Blood, teeth, the whole thing. It was a mess, and entirely my fault. Michael drove to the ER and, out of guilt, I followed him. When he emerged with a mouth full of stitches, I apologized and he accepted, but it wasn’t over. Back on the ice a week later I was carrying the puck into
the zone and Michael drilled me into the boards with a laugh. Now we were good. That was the end of it.
I can’t say he and I were good friends. Even when my sister married his brother, or when his son Rob became one of my son’s favorite coaches, I’m not sure we talked about either at length. Michael was always easy to be around because he had zero ego, and I could see first-hand how much he prized and loved his family. Some of my favorite memories of him were the skates when he brought his daughter, Steph, to play, the two passing the puck between them as if on a string.
But plenty of people knew him better than I did. What I knew about Michael was mostly through the window of the game we both loved. It wasn’t just how he was better than the rest of us. It was how he radiated joy and generosity and played as if a small part of us never has to grow old. Reprinted with permission from the author. This article originally appeared on SamWeinman.com December 10, 2024.
The Distinguished Alumnus Medal Honors Excellence Honor and Tradition
Northwood’s Distinguished Alumnus Medal recognizes those alumni who have contributed to our school and our world in meaningful and courageous ways. It is awarded to an alumnus or alumna who typifies the Northwood School tradition of excellence and has brought credit to the school through personal accomplishments, professional achievements, or humanitarian service. This is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a Northwood School graduate.
JEFFREY BLOCH ’75
2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS MEDAL RECIPIENT
Jeff Bloch entered his senior year at Northwood with a lofty goal, acceptance to M.I.T. Even as Northwood’s top science student, he would have faced long odds were it not for a front-page article in The New York Times on July 7, 1973, that helped pave the way for his admission. Titled “Scientists Improvise Heart Device at Sea,” the piece recounted Jeff’s role in creating a device to measure the heart performance of a seaman from a nearby freighter who had suffered two heart attacks. The stricken crewman was being transferred to a ship carrying hundreds of scientists and students who, like Jeff, were traveling east in the Atlantic on their way to view the solar eclipse of 1973. The Times explained that the scientists’ ship had an electrocardiograph suitable only for short term heart monitoring. Jeff, traveling with the National Sciences Institute located in Albany, pointed out that his group had an oscilloscope that could be rigged for more prolonged monitoring. The impromptu device was ready before the sailor came on board. Northwood faculty forwarded the article to M.I.T. admissions; they took the hint, and Jeff’s acceptance was prelude to a career as a team leader on projects vital to America’s security and space programs.
Over the course of his career, Jeff has co-authored numerous treatises on topics ranging from “Space Surveillance One Photo at a Time” to “Finding Golf Courses: The Ultra High-Tech Approach.” He has given a Ted Talk on “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Sponsor.” He has patented a “Background Reducing Multilayer Mirror” and “The AURORAS Orbit Determination Method.” He has received numerous awards for his work: from Los Alamos National Laboratory, for his work as a project leader and outstanding mentor; from the Director of the CIA, the “Exceptional Performance Award for Countering Denial and Deception; from the Air Force Space Test Program, for his work on the ALEXIS (Array of Low Energy X-Ray Emitting Sensors) project. M.I.T. made a great choice.
Jeff, a day student at Northwood fifty years ago, has warm memories of Lake Placid. His parents owned three stores on Main Street in the 70s—Bloch’s, Rene’s and The Green Lantern. He resides now in Sante Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Trisha. They were married by Northwood alum, Cheryl (Stewart) Leshay ’77 in Upper Jay in 2003. Though he has more time for travel nowadays, his distinguished career as a scientist continues.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Justin Gray ’92
Justin Gray ’92 has worked with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Mariah Carey, John Legend, Avril Lavigne, Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Glen Campbell to name a few. And, get this—his collaborations and development projects have an astonishing 8+ billion global streams. Yes, you read that correctly. Chances are that many in the Northwood family have heard some of his creations without even knowing it. With Justin’s extensive reach in sync licensing (whereby a creator receives a fee for the use of their music in various media), his work has hundreds of placements in film, TV, ads and video games. His music and productions have appeared in trailers and in-picture on scores including: Toy Story 4, Lego Movie, Hocus Pocus 2, Grey’s Anatomy and Bull. Adding to that, he is CEO and Founder of SonifyMUSIC.ai. (Read on to learn more.)
Justin, your expertise spans across many genres. How do you describe your musical focus?
My musical focus is intentionally limited to the music I truly love and enjoy. Fortunately, my taste is extremely broad, making me flexible and adaptable in any situation. Ironically, my ‘lack of focus’ has become my focus, allowing me to remain relevant as a music creator and producer for over 25 years. Many of my friends experienced massive success, but eventually pivoted away from music as their moment faded. My ‘jack-of-all-trades’ mentality has kept me consistently busy, thriving, and growing, especially as I began venturing into film and TV work.
Your CV is seriously impressive— what are you most proud of professionally?
It’s been incredibly satisfying to identify and work with generational talent before they achieve widespread recognition. Being in the studio with artists like Amy Winehouse before she was “Amy Winehouse,” or developing the early sound for Joss Stone, Luis Fonsi, and Avril Lavigne, has been a highlight. However, what I find most rewarding is identifying new, young talent who
When we spoke with songwriter, producer and composer Justin Gray ’92 over Zoom, we unexpectedly received a fascinating glimpse into his creative process. For a few minutes while on his keyboards, he combined sounds to accompany a sample of film—it was like watching a maestro, mad scientist and magician all at once. Our conversation with Justin, who is among an elite group of creators in the music and entertainment field, touched on a wide variety of topics, some reaching back to his Northwood days.
entrust me with their creative vision and then witnessing that vision come to fruition. That is truly fulfilling.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m excited to announce my new film, Juliet and Romeo, (releasing on May 9, 2025). It’s a musical reimagining of the classic story, featuring original pop music in the vein of The Greatest Showman, set against the backdrop of 1301 Italy. This project has been incredibly fun and a true
creative challenge. I co-wrote and produced all the original songs and was also entrusted with scoring the film’s orchestral elements. With nearly two hours of music in a twohour film, it’s been a massive undertaking.
In addition to my film work, I founded a music tech company (launching 2025) called SonifyMUSIC.ai that leverages artificial intelligence to help copyright holders and songwriters monetize their intellectual property catalogs. I feel very fortunate to exercise both my creative and analytical sides, applying my skills to both music and the tech sector.
What role has music played in your life? How did it fit in with your hockey pursuits and your decision to major in journalism?
Music has been a cornerstone of my entire life, literally going back to my earliest memories. My dad was a musician. Although not a professional, he did have that dream. Also… I started playing piano at an extremely early age. So for me, music was always significant and woven into the tapestry of my life. During my teenage years, I remember taking bus trips when I was playing varsity hockey at Northwood and sharing music that I discovered with other guys on the team. I also recall performing at the school talent show playing original songs that I had written. So I would say that music is in my DNA. In fact, in my hometown of Toronto, my band—that I had abandoned for the year that I went to Northwood—was in the middle of negotiating a record deal while I was away in Lake Placid. So there’s always been a duality that existed between my athletics and my art. What was incredibly amazing in my experience at Northwood was also being able to interweave academics into the mix as well. When I left Northwood, I was a much more well-rounded human being than when I went in.
My time writing for the Northwood School paper significantly influenced my decision to major in journalism. Mr. Edwards strongly supported my writing and style. Even though I was heavily involved in hockey and music, my acceptance to the prestigious Ryerson School of Journalism in Toronto felt like a natural progression from my Northwood experiences.
However, I also maintained a small recording studio in my dorm room. When I wasn’t playing hockey, in study hall or writing for the newspaper, I was recording original songs. I had eclectic musical tastes. I have a vivid memory of cutting out and posting that year’s Grammy winners on my dorm room wall, highlighting artists I was certain I’d collaborate with someday. Years later, I actually worked with Mariah Carey, who was on that highlighted list. So, when people say manifestation doesn’t work, I can attest with absolute certainty that it does.
Describe your sound system in your dorm room while at Northwood. Did you have crates of CDs, mixed tapes, etc.—and what were you listening to back then?
When one door closes another one opens…and when THAT door closes, find a window. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way in.
—JUSTIN GRAY ’92
Have you experienced any roadblocks that actually turned into new opportunities for you and perhaps ended up being a better path than the initial goal?
Well… I’d say that career-ending shoulder injuries led me to pivoting away from my ambitions as a professional hockey player, towards focusing on being a full-time music creator. Although I was playing piano as young as five years old, hockey was such a powerful and integral part of my life that I never considered music as a career until I was forced to retire. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade, LOL. But I always say…when one door closes another one opens…and when THAT door closes, find a window. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way in.
My sound system while at Northwood consisted of a Tascam four-track tape recorder hooked up to a JVC boombox stereo with a broken speaker. So, as I mentioned earlier, I essentially had a mini makeshift recording studio set up in my dorm room. Oftentimes, I would record music and play it for teachers just to get feedback and opinions. I also had my acoustic guitar with me as well. Generally speaking, my music tastes were so broad at that time. My CD collection ranged from Mariah Carey to Red Hot Chili Peppers and everything in between. My tastes are still as eclectic and diverse today as they were back then. Great music is great music. Great music makes you feel something. It’s what I strive to do every day with every single artist that I work with.
Let’s jump to the tech of today—how have advances in technology changed your sound or your processes?
While technology has democratized music creation, it hasn’t magically bestowed refined taste. Just as a hightech hammer doesn’t transform a novice into a master carpenter, advanced music tools can amplify existing talent, not create it. For me, AI plugins streamline my workflow, enhancing my production. However, they can’t conjure artistry where none exists. This principle drives SonifyMUSIC.ai, our upcoming platform. Recognizing the challenges creators face in maximizing their intellectual property, at SonifyMUSIC, we use AI to analyze IP and copyrights to help songwriters, producers, DJ’s, Music Labels and Music Publishers maximize revenue and earning potential from their assets.
What excites you about the music industry now?
What excites me the most personally is moving deeper into working in film, identifying new and emerging talent and helping be the facilitator of someone else’s success…watching others win has always been one of the most rewarding things
to me. Helping others succeed in many ways is the most selfish act you can do. And watching my daughter follow in my footsteps with all the same hope and optimism that I had at her age is a great reminder of why I do this in the first place. It is easy to get mired in the accolades and success we can achieve if we unlock the code just right…but she reminds me how lucky I am every day to get to write and make music for a living… sometimes we can lose sight of the reasons we did this in the first place.
At the same time—what is your biggest concern about the industry?
The erosion of the music business on the creator level. The devaluation of music has limited a creator’s ability to earn a living from their craft. If you have co-written one song with two other people, and that song has streamed one million times, you will earn less than $300. For reference, almost 90% of all music uploaded to Spotify and others will stream less than 1,000 times in perpetuity. Do the math. It is not positive. That is why SonifyMUSIC exists. One single song placed in a movie, TV show or video game can earn the equivalent of 100 million streams without selling any of your rights…
What advice would you give to a Northwood student when faced with rejection for something they are passionate about?
Only in my ripe old age do I now realize that when we are young, we’re all so microcosmically focused on the outcomes of the decisions that we make, and how they directly affect us without really considering the fact that other people factor into the outcomes of those decisions as well. We are all running our own race, and shouldn’t be concerned with others. There is a long line of failures that turn into successes on the second, third and even tenth attempt. If you believe in yourself, and you are (more importantly) honest with yourself, keep going. Imagine if Simone Biles had quit after she’d fallen off the beam. Or Michael Jordan quitting basketball when he didn’t make his high school team in his freshman year. Or in a music scenario…The Beatles having to go to Germany to hone their craft when NOBODY would come and see them play in Liverpool. Imagine! (John Lennon pun intended).
Is there a film score (or any other type of music) that you wish you had created?
To put it simply, two film scores have recently stood out to me: Oppenheimer and the adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front
What music do you listen to in your car?
I usually find myself listening to whatever project I’m currently working on. It’s incredibly valuable to gain a fresh, outside perspective on my work, listening as a consumer would, outside of the studio context. Otherwise, I’m always listening to podcasts. I’m a big fan of shows like ‘Masters of Scale,’ ‘92NY Talks,’ and ‘The Diary of a CEO.’”
Your desert island albums (Give us your top three, if it is possible to narrow down!):
Pet Sounds—The Beach Boys; Houses of the Holy—Led Zeppelin; The Look of Love—Burt Bacharach Collection; Honorable mention: The Slim Shady LP—Eminem
Name someone you would most like to collaborate with in the future:
I have been so lucky to have been in the room with some of the greatest artists of our (or any) generation. That is something I never thought I would be able to say. I have been blessed, but I wouldn’t exactly hate it if Steven Spielberg gave me a call…
Okay then, let’s get Spielberg’s name highlighted up there on your old dorm room wall—we hope you’ll return to campus sometime soon to do that!
Leading the Way
We are grateful to those who serve or have served on the Northwood School Board of Trustees. We thank them for dedicating their time to this special place called Northwood and for sharing their expertise and wisdom for the betterment of our school.
DR. ERIK BERG ’92, OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Many of our students come from afar—a big life decision for teens to make. Originally from the Denver, Colorado area, Trustee Erik Berg ’92 made that momentous choice in 1988, as just an 8th grader. After Northwood, he attended the University of Notre Dame then returned to teach at Northwood - an experience he cherishes. Alumni who return to teach are in a category all their own and share a unique perspective. Erik feels it was a valuable experience. He then taught at The Taft School before matriculating at Tufts Medical School. Dr. Berg lives with his wife Jennifer and their three children in the Boston area.
Why did you choose to serve on the Northwood School Board of Trustees starting in 2014?
Northwood played a major role at two pivotal points in my life. The first was just deciding to go to boarding school as a fourteen year old. At the time I was playing hockey in Colorado and was a kid getting lost in the shuffle of a big public school. Making that decision really changed the trajectory of my life, not just in terms of hockey but academically and in my personal growth— Northwood teachers really invested in me. After college, Northwood kind of redirected me again, maybe even saved me. I knew I wanted to go to medical school, but wasn’t quite ready. Reno told me about an open Physics position, and I laughed at the time, but I ended up teaching three years at Northwood and another three at Taft, even seriously considering teaching as a career. Eventually, I decided to take a shot at medical school knowing I could always return to the independent school world if it didn’t work out. So, I feel like I owe a lot to Northwood for leading me to where I am today, and serving on the board is the least I can do in return. I also thought my experiences as an alum and former faculty member could bring a valuable perspective to the board.
What are you most excited about at Northwood currently?
I’m excited about the changes that have happened across the curriculum; the fact that academics continue to be rigorous but have become much more customized and student-centered. I think it’s a huge advantage for students and one I can really get behind. I wish it existed when I was a student. I continue to be excited for the experience of every student there and what they get out of a Northwood education: the teachers, the innovation, the Hub, and the individual attention they receive.
And in the future?
I’d say achieving improvements to the physical plant to match the exceptional academics and athletics we currently offer, improvements that will really allow Northwood to thrive. I’m personally hopeful for a new dormitory and improved oncampus athletic facilities.
Why is philanthropy/giving back important to you and your family?
I think back to my time as a student under Head John Friedlander and know that the generosity of others impacted my own Northwood experience. The idea of paying it forward is important to me and it’s why I give back to Northwood. I’m also passionate about the school, which obviously makes it
easier. It is rewarding to feel like I’m helping the school fulfill its potential both through my support and my role as a board member.
What is something people might not know about you?
My wife and I spent some time in the vineyards of the Champagne region in France. While this is not something I saw on my life bingo card, I learned to saber champagne (sabrage, as it’s known, is the practice of using a saber or sword to open a bottle of champagne), and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. We started buying champagne and somebody gave us a saber, and now it’s become our thing. Most people consider champagne to be for celebrations, so nowadays we find pretty much every reason to celebrate—even if it’s just celebrating that it’s the weekend. We’ve taught many friends how to saber, so I’d like to think we’ve started a movement.
NORTHWOOD LEGACY FAMILIES
Northwood School’s rich history and traditions date back to its founding in 1905 and the early years of the Lake Placid Club. The family-centric club founded the school for sons of club members. As the school grew and developed, siblings, children, and grandchildren were welcomed into the Northwood family. We celebrate this tradition as we recognize Northwood School’s Honored Legacy Families.
LEGACY FAMILY HONORED 2025
The Spiegel Family
BY STEPHEN REED
The friendships formed at Northwood— among teen-aged peers and between students and their teachers, coaches and mentors—are the primary links which connect our alumni to the school. This year’s Legacy Family, the Spiegels, provides a salient illustration of the breadth and depth of such relationships. Over their time here, the three sons of Art and Meg Spiegel, Matt ’90, Josh ’92 and Casey ’96, all formed an extraordinary bond with Tom Broderick, who came to Northwood when the eldest, Matt, was a sophomore. That friendship soon extended to Meg and Art and grew stronger when Matt’s kids, Lily ’22 and Jack ’24 attended the school. For this issue of the magazine, Tom has written his memories of working with those five, of the support of Meg and Art as he matured as a teacher/ coach, and of the connections that endure into the fifth decade of being a huge part of each other’s lives.
Meg didn’t want to send her oldest son away, but when the Northwood B team came dressed in their suits and ties and demolished Matt’s team, she and Art, at Matt’s urging, set up an interview for Matt with John Friedlander who won them over on the idea. After two years of success for Matt, they sent Josh as well. During the boys’ time at Northwood, the Spiegels were prominent North Country business people. Art was the owner of Trans-Border, a company that facilitated the clearance of commercial merchandise through U.S. Customs for a multitude of importers with offices at all major entry points to the U.S., and Meg owned a clothing store in Champlain. They had become fans of the sense of community and active connection to our Adirondack environment that the school fostered. She was pleased to see her sons becoming more independent and responsible. Meg joined our board and was a helpful, committed member for fourteen years. Art eventually sold most of the Trans-Border
business to UPS, keeping the air and ocean freight division; his three sons took over that large freight division and expanded the company’s scope.
The boys in their years here made the most of Northwood. All played hockey for Tom Broderick and admired his coaching and hold gratitude for his impact on their lives. Matt writes: “Brody was my soccer and hockey coach as well as my history teacher. He did an excellent job in motivating me in two of the three. (Easy guess, which two.) He provided me with the confidence I needed to excel in the sports I loved. He taught me discipline and helped me find within myself what the meaning of grit was because he embodied it. His teaching and example helped me achieve my goals.” Digression: as a senior goalie on our top team, Matt backstopped the most impressive victory in my fifty-four years watching Northwood hockey; we beat the Thornhill
Thunderbirds to win the prestigious Capitol District Tournament after falling to them earlier in the tournament.
The game ended in a bench-clearing donnybrook when one of their forwards deliberately ran Matt; Thornhill won that, but we won the championship. Younger brothers Josh and Casey also thrived under Brody’s coaching, with the latter noting, “I have had the privilege of having Brody as a teacher, coach and friend. I have competed in sports all over the world with all types of coaches. Mr. Broderick is the best I have ever known.”
Even though he didn’t coach them in hockey, Brody also had an impact upon Matt’s children. Lily ’22 writes: “Brody has played a key role in my growth. He offered to be my advisor because of the close relationship he had with my dad. For four years, he was always there when I needed him. In my freshman year, he checked in often to make sure
that I was adjusting well. He pushed me to do my best in whatever I was doing, whether in academics, extracurriculars, or making new friends. He saw more potential in me than I saw in myself. His encouragement and prodding got me to push the boundaries of my capabilities. When I was at Northwood and today, it’s been reassuring to know Brody is always there for me and my family.”
There is a lot to be proud of here. Art and Meg have been great contributors to the North Country and great ambassadors for Northwood. Their children and grandchildren have represented (or currently represent, in Lily and Jack’s cases) us well in their college careers and in their communities. Brody, now in his fourth decade here, is still motivating our students to be their best and believe in their potential. His enduring friendship with three generations of the Spiegel family is a testament to the impact a great teacher can have.
The Spiegel Family
Art Spiegel with Josh ’92, Matt ’90 and Casey ’96
Assistant Head Tom Broderick Reflects on the Spiegel Family
BY TOM BRODERICK
Over my teaching career, the Spiegel family has made the greatest impact on me and my time at Northwood. They were here when I arrived in the fall of 1988 and remain an important part of my life today, some thirty-six years later. They’re my extended family; friends who have helped shape me. Though I was the teacher/coach, this essay acknowledges the lessons that I learned through three generations of this special Northwood family.
Matt Spiegel ’90, the eldest son, was a member of my memorable first US History class. Matt, along with the Crowley twins— Jennifer ’90 and Jeff ’90, Christine Donnelly ’90, Pam Scheideler ’90, Vanessa Languili ’90 and so many others, were a challenge to teach. When I was hired by John Friedlander, I told him I had no teaching experience, to which he replied, “I know. We’re going to throw you to the wolves, and if you’re any good, you will walk out just fine.” They weren’t wolves, but they sure tested me. My response was to challenge them, to push them.
Matt was smart, but he didn’t seem a particularly diligent student that first
month. When hockey season began and he was fighting for the starting job as the second team’s top goaltender, I could see his hard work ethic on the ice, but in the classroom I noted a sense of indifference. This was a misread. His reserved character in class was instead a product of his critical listening skills. A thinker, Matt would not do what he was told right away. Rather, he would process the request and fulfill it once he understood the “why”. This insight helped me understand that the student in the classroom may not be the complete picture of the whole student, helping form a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy—adjusting my approach individually so as to allow students the best opportunity to grow.
Matt’s parents, Meg and Art were influential in my own growth as an educator and as a person. I remember my first visit with them in Rouses Point, N.Y. when the team was invited over for a meal following our scrimmage with Bellows Falls Academy in Vermont. Meg’s warm smile put me at ease, and from that day forward she has remained a kind, reassuring matriarch in my life. She welcomed me into her home and into her family’s life. When she served on the Northwood School Board of Trustees, she always took time to check-in. Her unconditional love and support over these past 36 years has remained a constant in my life. During my first, uneven year of teaching and coaching Meg was a safe harbor, making it known that she believed in me. That support and that love helped me understand that the work of educators was important and had a positive impact on families.
Art has been a wonderful mentor, an
intelligent successful businessman, Art made a profound impact on me in our conversations. I love his jovial nature but am drawn more to the thoughtful wisdom he exudes. His approval mattered much, and the advice he gave me those first few years at Northwood was invaluable.
Matt’s younger brother, Josh ’92 was a funny and charismatic extrovert. At Northwood he had a seemingly carefree approach to his academic work and athletic pursuits, but also lived life to the fullest. This Spiegel also taught me to look deeper at the person and not to assume based on perceptions. Josh was highly intelligent. His academic nonchalance stemmed from working half as hard as his peers and getting more done in a third of the time. On the ice, Josh used his humor to build relationships and camaraderie with his teammates. He may not have been the biggest or strongest player physically, but he was one of the most effective at reading the game. I may have underutilized him when he played for me; he helped me recognize that coaching at times requires looking beyond the traditional perceptions of a player- big, fast, skilled. In Josh’s case I learned, after he left, that sometimes athletic instincts outweigh physical strengths.
The youngest, Casey ’96 was socially savvy, charming and outgoing, the complete
Dena Archer, Aminee Spiegel, Casey Spiegel ’96, Amy Spiegel, Matt Spiegel ’90, Josh Spiegel ’92
Former Trustee Meg Spiegel with grandson Jack ’24
package. Coaching him was challenging in ways different from his brothers. Casey had big goals and dreams; he wasn’t always the most patient player. His oversized expectations forced me to adapt again. The traditional method of pushing a player did not apply to Casey, because he pushed himself harder than any coach could and I needed him to be patient—to give himself the space to let the game come to him. Casey wanted it all, to be on the first line, to run the power play and so much more. His answer to every problem was to dig deeper. Sometimes, more work does not necessarily translate to growth. In time, his frustration with the program, and a sense that Northwood was his brothers’ school led him to leave before he graduated. His departure was a personal disappointment, even though I knew the move was the right choice for him. Casey taught me that even when my intentions are good, and I work to help a student succeed, the better choice for them may be to seek a different path. It is a reminder that the students we teach are on their own journeys, and we need to be supporters while allowing them agency.
Decades later, Matt and his wife Amy were researching schools for their kids, and they reached out to ask about Northwood. As luck would have it, Lily ’22 was the same grade and age as my youngest daughter Kate ’22, and the girls attended Northwood as members of the 9th grade class in September of 2018—thirty years after I first taught Matt Spiegel. Jack ’24 followed a year later.
I discovered that Lily was even more reserved than her dad and possessed his critical listening skills. (But unlike her father, she was a diligent worker. Sorry, Matt.) At first I counseled her to speak up more, but as I began to teach her, I realized that this advice was misplaced. Too often we educators try to push students to do things that are important for us. To speak up, to share opinions. As an extrovert, I always encourage people to communicate, but Lily taught me that quiet focus has its own value; there are times where students know best what they need.
When Jack arrived on campus he was a bit of a combination of the previous generation
of Spiegels—reserved like his dad, funny like his Uncle Josh and charismatic like his Uncle Casey. Jack, like his father and uncle Josh, found a bit of adversity at school. Each year he became a more motivated student and a more confident person. It was a pleasure to watch him mature and set off for college with a strong work ethic and character. Traditional content-based approaches to learning aren’t for everyone, and as I worked with Jack, I understood that he needed to be an active learner. This lesson came just as Northwood was developing our Peak Pathways initiative. Jack had always expressed an interest in cars, had success in Robotics and 3D modeling, so we asked if he would like to work independently with a local automotive shop to help him engage on a deeper level of learning. He agreed and became one of our first students to work on a realworld automotive course with Hoffman Automotive. Jack is now thriving at the University of Alabama studying automotive engineering. He taught me that there is value in a differentiated approach to learning. It is a lesson I will never forget. Looking back on my relationship with the Spiegel family, I can honestly say three generations of Spiegels have given me more than I could possibly give them in return. They shaped me as an educator and coach, and tolerated my own growth curve. The entire family has remained an extension of my own family all these years. I will forever be in their debt, and I will love each and every one of them until the end of my days.
A lovely thing happened during Lily and Jack’s time at Northwood: Matt and Amy became best friends to me and my wife Nicole. Our occasional dinners blossomed into one of those couple friendships where the four of us had an easy rapport. The timing couldn’t have been better as our friendship began well before Nicole was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and continued until the end of her life this past August. Throughout it all Amy became one of Nicole’s most important friends. Amy was kind and patient with Nic, and more importantly the two of them laughed every time they were together. Even in the darkest last days of Nicole’s life she would ask, “Where’s my friend?” I would reply, “Which friend?” She would say “You know!” “Amy?” I would ask, and Nicole would nod and smile the most beautiful happy smile. Matt became a confidante during this time. A person I could share the hard parts with. His quiet reserved intelligence was perfect at giving me the space to share and the insightful response I needed. His humor was a balm for the raw pain of it all and looking back now, I am so grateful to the two of them for helping me through this most difficult journey of my life. Thank you, Matt and Amy.
As Yeats said, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends/ And say that my glory was I had such friends.”
Above: Tom Broderick with his advisee Lily Spiegel ’22; Right: Matt Spiegel ’90, Nicole Broderick, and Amy Spiegel
A Special Friendship
Northwood has left an indelible mark. What
will be yours?
What is it about Northwood School that has remained with you all these years? Was it the lifelong friendships you made with roommates, classmates and teammates? Was it the thrill of climbing your first High Peak or playing your first game on Olympic ice? Or was it a teacher or headmaster who touched your life in a profound way, influencing the person you are today?
If you find yourself reflecting back on the role that Northwood has played in your life, we hope you will consider helping to secure the longterm future of Northwood School by becoming a member of the Second Century Society.
The Second Century Society recognizes those individuals who have made a bequest intention or other planned gift which includes Northwood School. The individuals who are part of the Second Century Society are loyal donors who have positioned Northwood School as one of their most important priorities. We hope you will too.
If you are considering a planned or deferred gift, you are encouraged to consult with your financial advisor or attorney before making a gift to Northwood School. For more information about planned giving opportunities, please contact the Head of School’s Office at 518-523-3357.
The Goal Remains the Same Hockey Then and Now
BY JOHN SPEAR ’88
In January, the 45th Northwood School Invitational Hockey Tournament took place in Lake Placid, and, as always, the host teams performed admirably. Both the Prep and Girls’ squads clinched championship titles, while the Varsity team fell just short with a tough semi-final loss.
Thirty-seven years ago, I was a Northwood student playing on the school’s top hockey team. Back then, we simply called it “Varsity.” I played in, if my calculator skills are sharp, the eighth year of the tournament in its modern form (the school has hosted hockey tournaments dating back to the 1920s). Occasionally, my students are surprised to learn I once played hockey here, so I’ve hung my 1987-88 team photo
in my office as proof. If they’re willing to humor me, I love sharing stories about what hockey at Northwood was like in those days.
All twenty of my teammates went on to play college hockey the year after graduating, with fifteen competing at the Division I level. Back then, Northwood was the premier stepping stone for future college players. Today, it’s common for top players to spend a year or two—or even three—in junior hockey before starting college. Times have changed, but the talent pipeline remains strong.
Five of my teammates were drafted by NHL teams, with two already drafted before coming to Northwood and three more selected before heading to college. That
said, the draft was quite different in the late 1980s. It had five more rounds than today and was less international in scope. For instance, Soviet-bloc players were often overlooked because they weren’t allowed to leave their countries to play professionally in North America.
Some of my most vivid memories from Northwood involve the West dorm payphones. There were two on the wall in the small lounge between my dorm floor and the living room, with uncomfortable metal folding chairs probably placed to keep the calls short. We used those phones for our weekly calls home and the more frequent calls some of us made to our girlfriends. We all memorized long
A lot has changed since I moved into my dorm room in 1987... But one thing remains the same: hockey at Northwood is still one of the top prep school programs in North America.
—JOHN SPEAR ’88
calling card numbers we had to enter before making a long-distance call. The payphones received incoming calls too, and we all anxiously awaited calls from college coaches.
I remember answering a call on that payphone for one of my teammates from the legendary Wisconsin Coach Jeff Sauer, who eventually offered him a full athletic scholarship. College coaches across the country had our dorm payphone number tacked to their office walls. They knew to avoid calling during study hall unless they wanted to speak to a faculty member who’d politely tell them to call back later. Call too late, though, and the line would be busy as the boys monopolized the phone. The smartest recruiters timed their calls to the last fifteen minutes of study hall, when a dorm parent could fetch the player without disrupting too much homework.
Nowadays, cell phones dominate student life. It’s not unusual for students to ask to leave class to take a coach’s call. Recruiting today also involves text messages, WhatsApp conversations, and carefully curated social media profiles. The process may look different, but the goal remains the same: connecting players with opportunities.
The structure of the hockey season has evolved as well. In the 1980s, our team didn’t start practicing until mid-October, after Family Weekend, and the season wrapped up in late February. Today, boys’
hockey starts the first week of school, and the girls’ team often plays its first game in August. Seasons now stretch into March, and teams play far more games. My team played just 31 games. Today, winning 40 games is a mark of an excellent team.
We had just a few tournaments on our schedule, with none more important than the one at Union College in January. Most of our games were against college JV and junior college teams. A highlight of my season was playing games at BC, BU, Harvard, Yale, Clarkson, and St. Lawrence. We toured locker rooms, met coaches, and often played against freshmen who saw regular shifts in varsity games. It was a great way for college coaches to evaluate talent on their turf. Today’s teams have a very different schedule. They play a mix of junior and prep squads, participate in a dozen tournaments and showcases, and compete in leagues with championship titles on the line—something my team never had.
A lot has changed since I moved into my dorm room in 1987, lugging my gear and a dozen wooden sticks. But one thing remains the same: hockey at Northwood is still one of the top prep school programs in North America. Thirty-seven years from now, I hope I’m still around to hear one of my students reflect on how things have changed since their time in Northwood blue.
After graduating from Northwood in 1988, John attended Williams College, where he captained the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams. He returned to Northwood from 1992-94 to teach English and psychology and coach hockey and lacrosse. Prior to returning to Northwood in 2011, John was the Director of College Guidance and Assistant Head of School at National Sports Academy. Before being named Assistant Head for School Life, John Spear ’88 was Northwood’s Director of College Counseling. He also teaches Journalism and AP Psychology. John lives on campus in Bergamini with his son Yosef ’26.
The 2024-2025 Northwood Boys’ Prep Hockey team
In Memoriam
Since 2015, Northwood has held a memorial service during reunion to honor the alumni, trustees and faculty who have passed away during the year. Fittingly, this ceremony is held beside the Living Room fireplace where we gather to read their names aloud. Attendees are then invited to say a few words if they wish. We hope this brief but poignant ceremony provides some comfort to families and friends. If you are in town, please take a moment to join us for this important annual tribute.
William Scoones ’53
L. James “Jimmy” Hadjis ’55
Robert “Bob” Valentine ’57
Philip Cole ’61
William “Bill” O’Neil ’61, former faculty
Edmund Hilliard ’63
Frank Cowles ’64
Philip Salmeri ’65
Burnham Edson ’66
Stephen Rand ’70
Stuart Cheyne ’71
Gerald Edgley ’77
Jeffrey Morgan ’78
Steve Granville-Smith ’81
Michael Holmes ’83
Nicole Broderick
Bruce Colon
(The above list represents those whom we learned have passed away since the last publication of this magazine and reflects information that the Advancement Office had by press time. Links to obituaries are provided in the electronic issue of this magazine.)
From the Archives
For this issue we give you the BLUE BOOK, all 7 by 8.5 inches and twelve pages of it.
Still in use today and therefore technically not in our archives, for alumni who no longer partake in academic exams, the blue book may well indeed be (happily) archived and relegated to history.
Some research suggests that Harvard began the tradition when they implemented written annual exams to replace recitations. According to The Harvard Gazette, 1857 was the year which marked the arrival of a bound booklet of paper to be marked by instructors. However, it is Butler University that gets widely credited for beginning the blue book trend in the 1920s in honor of their school colors (blue and white). The standard blue book is made up of lined white paper and used for final exams and essays in colleges and some high schools.
We thought with the Butler name, that we’d reach out to one of our own Butlers, Michael Butler ’81 that is, to gain his instant visceral reaction to the sight of one of these exam books. “My palms are beginning to sweat,” Butler said before adding, “I have this sense of dread— depending on which course this is for—and a sinking feeling that I don’t have enough pencils.”
His perspective may echo the nervousness and stress many feel upon seeing this particular hue of blue with its demands for specific details on the front. Why are these exam books blue, you ask?
One theory is that blue books are descendants of the cheaply produced paper covered books from 18th century France known as “the bibliotheque bleue” or “blue library.” Before chlorine bleach was invented and back when paper was made from the pulp of discarded cotton rags, white books were made from white rags and blue books, the cheaper alternative, were made from blue rags (some possibly sourced from worn sailor uniforms). Interesting side note, this use of rag pulp to make paper is why “rag” was also a nickname for tabloid newspapers.
Regardless of the history of these exam books, we promise when you come back to campus (say, hint-hint for reunion in June) you won’t see a blue book in sight. They’ll be tucked away in the supply closet awaiting students in the classes of 20262029 to showcase their knowledge in the new academic year.
Duersch M. (2019). The Rise and Fall of the Blue Book: An Examination of Essay Exam Books. Young Scholars in Writing, 15, 102-113. “This Month in Harvard History.” The Harvard Gazette. March 13, 2003.
Weiss, Kenneth R. “Dreaded ‘Blue Books’ May Go the Way of Quill Pens.” Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 1999.
