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
It is with pride and pleasure that Middlebury Union High School recognizes Matthew Becker as its Student of the Week. Matt is the son of Jeff and Shelly Becker of Bridport. His sister, Taylor, is a sophomore at Miami University in Ohio.
Matt has achieved High Honors each semester at MUHS, a major factor leading to his induction into the National Honor Society last spring. Matt received the Latin Book Award in 2012 and the Williams College Book Award in 2014. He was also recognized this year as a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student. Matt has taken Advanced Placement U.S. History and Calculus, and he is currently taking AP Statistics. He is also enrolled in a Linear Algebra class at Middlebury College.
Multi-talented, Matt is a longstanding brass player in both the MUHS Concert and Jazz and in the Bristol Community Band during the summer. Matt is a Peer Leader, a volunteer tutor in the school Learning Lab, and has been a Scholars’ Bowl participant since 10th grade. As a runner of long distances, Matt is a four-year member of the Cross Country team and a captain this year; in spring he trades trails for mega-multi laps on the MUHS track team.
During the winter months, Matt can be found volunteer coaching for the Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association. In summer he is employed at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course while also taking time to attend United Methodist mission work camps. Matt spent his school break in February 2012 helping with Hurricane Katrina repairs in Mississippi.
When his busy schedule allows, Matt enjoys flying radio-controlled planes. He has been an active member of the Champlain Valley Flyers Club since the age of eight.
Matt plans to attend college and major in mechanical engineering.
Congratulations, Matt, for the foundation you’ve built, and best wishes for all the flights ahead!
 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Elan Hugo as its Student of the Week. Elan lives in North Ferrisburgh with his mom, Paige Betten, and in Shelburne with his dad, David Hugo. His sister, Aliya, is a freshman at VUHS, and he has a two-year-old brother, Olin.
Elan has been on the honor roll throughout high school and is treasurer of the National Honor Society. He has been on the student council for two years and is senior class treasurer. He received an award for academic excellence in science. In grade 11, Elan received a $12,000 scholarship from Norwich University for academic excellence in math and science.
Elan plays on the varsity soccer team and for the Addison United Team. He is also a member of the varsity golf team. He is part of the VUHS band and pep band. He is the leader of the percussion section and the drum line. He is also a member of the Math Team.
Elan has worked at the Inn at Shelburne Farms and at the Starry Night Café. He is an annual volunteer at the Vermont Cheese Festival, and for the Vermont Fresh Network. He has also volunteered at the Bixby Library. After traveling to southern Africa he worked on collecting over 50 pairs of soccer cleats for children in Africa.
Elan says this about his high school experience: “It is the period that changes a kid into an adult, teaching responsibility and awareness of your surroundings. It is a place to study and work hard fine tuning your skills for future jobs, but at the same time you must learn to rejoice with not only your friends, but yourself and the surrounding world. In order to find success all you have to do is try and never give up.”
Lee Shorey, a teacher at VUHS, said, “I have always felt there is a certain mystique to Elan Hugo. He accesses his wealth of knowledge, his experiences travelling far and wide, his network of talented and resourceful acquaintances to contribute with heart and soul in all he does at VUHS.”
After graduation, Elan plans to attend college out West to study natural resource engineering, preferably petroleum or metallurgical engineering.
The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Elan Hugo 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 certificate 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