The Addison Independent is proud to publish the Students of the Week from area High Schools each week. The students are chosen by teachers and administration from each school who would like to recognize their exceptional engagement in the high schools they attend.
OVUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK 
Otter Valley is pleased to name Nora Enright its Student of the Week. Nora, the daughter of Roberta Enright and David Enright, lives with her mom in Pittsford. Her younger sister, Brigid, is a sophomore at Otter Valley.
Nora has been named to the scholars’ roll throughout high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.
She received a certificate of merit in the UVM Mathematics Test for high school students. In ninth and 10th grades she participated in the Vermont Brain Bee, winning the state in 10th grade and placing 15th in the nation. Last year she participated in the Lions Club Speech Contest and won both the local and state levels. Nora has taken numerous summer courses, including a class on molecular biology and a Chinese immersion class, both at UVM. Last summer she worked as an intern in the Boston University Neural Systems Lab. This year she’s a member of the Research on Adaptation to Climate Change Team at Otter Valley.
At Otter Valley, Nora has participated in Student Council (9-12); Interact/Otter Paws (9-12); Pit Orchestra (9-12); Jazz Band (9-12); Debate (7-10); Brain Bee (9-10); Rock Climbing (8-12); Softball (9-11); Soccer (10-12); Research on Adaptation to Climate Change Team (12); and the New England Young Writers’ Conference (10-12).
Nora has helped out at community fairs, youth soccer camps and local food shelves. In past summers, she worked with Chinese exchange students that visited the school as part of an exchange program, and she taught jump rope as a Girl Scout camp counselor.
Nora enjoys reading (especially comic books), playing in Lakes Region Youth Orchestra, and science.
When asked for advice for fellow students, Nora said, “I would tell them to find something that they are passionate about, set goals based on their passion, and work hard to achieve these goals. I would also say that following the pack isn’t always the best choice, and that it is better to stand by your own morals and aspirations.”
Nora plans to attend a four-year college and seek a degree in science and/or engineering, ultimately pursuing graduate studies. She hopes to work as a scientific researcher.
Math teacher Mr. Havens says, “Nora is always quick to assist anyone and everyone she can. Her compassion for others knows no limits, and her desire to learn has no boundaries.”
Everyone at Otter Valley congratulates Nora on all her accomplishments and wishes her the best in the future.
 
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to name Gus Catlin as its Student of the Week. Gus lives in Lincoln with his parents, Bruce and Holly Catlin. His younger brother, Nick, is in ninth grade at the North Branch School, and his older sister, Caroline, is a senior at Wesleyan University.
Gus has made the honor roll at Mount Abe his entire high school career and achieved academic excellence as well. Last year he took AP United States History and this year he is enrolled in AP English and Advanced Environmental Studies. This year he is also serving as the president of the National Honor Society.
Gus has played soccer all four years of high school, and has been on varsity since sophomore year. He is a captain of the team this year. Gus has also been a part of the fall musical since eighth grade, and will play the role of Lord Farquaad in this year’s production of “Shrek the Musical.”
Gus has played on the lacrosse team since freshman year, and was a captain in junior year. He has participated in the spring musical for the last two years, and hopes to again this spring. Gus is an active member of the Scholars’ Bowl, the Vermont Teen Leadership Safety Program, and the League of Young Astronomers. Recently, he joined the Environmental Action Group and is working on composting with them.
During the summer, Gus works for his parents at their rustic family resort in the Adirondacks. There he enjoys weed whacking, serving coffee, and waterskiing. During his free time, Gus spends a lot of time outdoors, but won’t pass up the chance to watch a good movie.
Gus’ advice to other students would be to try new things, and search for the experiences where you aren’t completely comfortable, because those end up being the most rewarding.
After high school Gus plans to attend college. He says he would like to travel to multiple countries around the world either in a study abroad program or on an independent trip.
English teacher Katie Ivory says, “Gus Catlin is an integral member of the Mount Abe community. He approaches everything he does with a kind heart, an eager mind, and a sense of integrity.” The faculty, staff and students of Mount Abe wish Gus the best in his future adventures.
 
Otter Valley Students of the week receive a gift certi?cate from the Book & Leaf Bookstore. Mt. Abe Students of the Week receive a free pizza from Cubbers. Vergennes Students of the Week receive a free sandwich and drink from 3 Squares Cafe. Middlebury Students of the Week receive a free pizza from Green Peppers. Students of the Week from all area high schools will receive a gift certi?cate from Vermont Book Shop.
 
With support from:
Barash Mediation
Business Telephone Systems
Cubbers
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Paige and Campbell Insurance
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop