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 Union High School is pleased to name John Winslow as its Student of the Week. John lives in Pittsford with his parents, Andrea and Mark Winslow, and his sister, Charlotte, who is a sophomore at OV. His brother Jim is a sophomore at the University of Maine Orono and his brother Michael is a freshman at SUNY Cobleskill.
Throughout high school, John has been a consistent honor roll and scholars’ roll student, while taking honors classes. He was named to the National Honor Society in 2014, and received Excellence in Spanish his freshman and sophomore years. He is currently taking AP Literature.
John has played varsity football, basketball, and baseball since his freshman year.
John worked at Omya the summer of 2013, and at Wilber Electric last summer. He volunteered at the Pittsford Recreation basketball and football camps for two years. He also coached the OV middle school AAU team as a volunteer.
Outside of school, John enjoys skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer.
After high school John plans to attend college.
Lisa King, accounting and marketing teacher, says, “John is a hard-working, dedicated, responsible young adult. In the classroom or on the field, John continually sets challenging goals for himself. He is a quiet, unassuming leader and a great role model. I really appreciate his insightful thoughts and willingness to fully participate in class. The only thing stronger than his work ethic is his friendly smile and willingness to help others.”
Math teacher and football coach Michael Havens says, “John is a natural leader, both inside and outside of the classroom. As a captain of the football team, he has led the players both vocally and physically to first place in the division. He attends several academically challenging courses, and seeks out to work with others who need assistance to help them obtain their goals as well. John Winslow is a true team player at Otter Valley Union High School.”
The Otter Valley community is proud to know this fine young man and wishes him only the best in his future endeavors.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to name Izzy Moody of Monkton its Student of the Week. Izzy lives wither her parents, Amy and Jim, and her sisters Margaret and Katherine, who are sophomores at Mount Abe.
Izzy, a member of the National Honor Society, has consistently made high or highest honors. She has taken numerous Advanced Placement classes. She attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership conference her sophomore year, and received a United Way Youth Service award this fall.
Izzy has been a member of Mount Abe’s Community Council since eighth grade, and is serving her second term as moderator. She has been involved in the Environmental Action Group since ninth grade, and has been working for the past year to establish the school’s on-site composting system. She has played saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble since middle school and played in the pit orchestra for several school musicals.
She attended the Governor’s Institute for Current Issues and Youth Activism in 2012, twice participated in the Bread Loaf Young Writers’ Conference, and attended a five-week Summer Institute through the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington D.C. this past July.
Izzy has worked two summers teaching swim lessons through Bristol Rec, and has volunteered in the Mount Abe Vegetable Garden as a garden manager since ninth grade. She volunteers at her town recycling center through the Monkton Maples 4-H group, of which she is co-president.
Izzy enjoys hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and good food.
She says, “High school is not separate from the so-called ‘real world,’ but is a crucial and exciting time in our lives; this realization has been key to making the most of my time at Mount Abe, and motivated me to become an active citizen years before my graduation date.” To other students, she says, “Take advantage of Mt. Abe’s resources to pursue what excites you. Being proactive in your learning will make your time in high school much more fulfilling.”
After high school, Izzy plans to attend college and someday travel.
Izzy’s teachers report that she is inquisitive, thorough and open-minded. She brings a strong moral perspective to events without being dogmatic. … Her countless hours of service in the school garden, to her work on Mount Abe’s new composting facility, Izzy exemplifies student engagement and leadership. She is a natural leader.”
Everyone at Mount Abe wishes Izzy the best in her 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 certificate 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