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Students of the Week – October 6, 2014

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.
MUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Middlebury Union High School is pleased to recognize Katie Holmes as its Student of the Week. Katie lives in Cornwall with her parents, Steve and Jessica Holmes. Her brother, Justin, is an MUHS freshman, and her sister, Sarah, is a fifth-grader at Cornwall Elementary.
Honored as the female Dorey Cup recipient last June, Katie embodies the leadership, scholarship, moral integrity and athletic ability represented by this award. She has achieved high honors for every semester at MUHS. Katie was recognized with both the Wellesley and St. Michael’s College book awards for academic excellence and community contributions. She also earned the 2014 Society of Women Engineers Award for excellence in science and math, and the Advanced Placement Scholar Award. In 2012, Katie received the Community Service Award for her nearly 150 hours of service.
Katie has taken AP courses in Biology, Calculus, French and U.S. History. She is currently enrolled in both AP Environmental Science and Statistics while also taking a microeconomics course at Middlebury College. During her sophomore year, Katie spent a semester studying marine biology and environmental sustainability at the Island School in the Bahamas.
On the fields, Katie is captain of both varsity lacrosse and soccer. In lacrosse, she was selected to the 2014 All-state First Team and named a national all-academic player. Katie was an Addison County Soccer All-star in 2013.
Katie is one of two students serving on the ACSU Strategic Planning Committee. She is also a Peer Leader coordinator and Student Senate member. In 2013 Katie attended Vermont Girls’ State, and she was selected to represent MUHS at the Vermont Student Athletic Leadership Conference. Earlier this year, Katie organized a women’s leadership/education event that raised nearly $3,000 for a girls’ school in Afghanistan.
The Middlebury Community Supper is fortunate to have Katie as one of its weekly volunteers. She also works as a lifeguard at the college pool and is a youth soccer referee in the summer.
Katie indicated that she would like to take a culinary tour of Italy, and when asked about her plans, she responded, “Go to college!” Given all her accomplishments, Katie should have several prime choices for where to do that — and perhaps she can find a way to spend a semester in Italia!
Congratulations and best wishes, Katie, from everyone at MUHS!
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Jacob Dombek as its Student of the Week. Jake lives in North Ferrisburgh with his mom, Kristina MacKulin, and his dad, Andrew Dombek. Jake’s older sister, Ruby, attends Dickinson College.
Jake is a member of the National Honor Society has been on the honor roll throughout high school. He has taken AP U.S. History (10), and AP Calculus and AP Literature (11) and is taking AP Language this year. Jake is in the STEM Engineering & Design program at the Hannaford Career Center. He was awarded the Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement and Social Conscience last year.
Jake has been studying the flute since he was 5 years old and has participated in the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association ensembles since 2005. This December he will be the featured soloist for the VYO’s Orchestrapalooza concert. Since grade 9, Jake has played in the orchestra pit for the VUHS musicals, played the saxophone in the VUHS symphonic band, and played in the Commodore Jazz Ensemble. He has also played in the Varsity Pep Band. Jake has been in the Green Mountain District Band (2010-2014), Vermont All State Music Festival (2011-2014), and New England Music Festival (2012-2014).
Jake has played VUHS and Addison United soccer all four years and is currently a VUHS varsity co-captain. Jake has played JV and varsity basketball and AAU basketball and was on the varsity track team his junior year. As a junior Jake attended the Athletic Leadership conference and also traveled to Germany with his VUHS classmates.
This past summer Jake worked at the Charlotte Berry Farm. He has volunteered to referee basketball games, helped during Tropical Storm Irene cleanup and participated in a service trip to Ghana. In his spare time he likes to spend time on the water and hang out with his friends and family.
Jake’s advice for other students is “High school is more than just a time for preparing for your next step in education, it is a time to discover your passions, fears, strengths, and mostly importantly who you are or would like to be, as you look towards the future.”
German teacher Janet Kepes says Jake is “a dependable and conscientious student, athlete, musician, and friend. … His work ethic, sense of humor, friendliness and commitment will bring him success in whatever endeavor he pursues.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Jake plans to go to a four-year college. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Jacob Dombek the very best in the future.
 
 
Otter Valley Students of the week receive a gift certificate 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
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Noonie Deli
Tae Kwon Do KICKS
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop

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