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 proud to call Laura Beth Roberts its Student of the Week. Laura Beth lives in Brandon with her parents, Brian and Kathy Roberts. Her brother, Thomas, is a sophomore at the University of Vermont.
Laura Beth has been on the scholar’s roll or honor roll every marking period. She is a member of the National Honor Society. In grade 11 she received the St. Lawrence University Book Award and the Excellence in Computer Applications award. This year she is taking AP Biology, AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP Spanish and Physics. She attended Green Mountain Girls’ State and Vermont Principals’ Association Athletic Leadership Conference in grade 11. In grade 9 she attended the National Young Leaders’ State Conference. She received the OV Community Connections Citizenship Award in grade 10, and the OV Teachers Association Citizenship Award in grades 9 and 11.
Laura Beth has been on the varsity field hockey team all four years and is a captain this year. She is also a four-year basketball and softball player. She has been a member of Otter Paws/OV Interact, Otter Valley’s community service group, all four years and is president this year. She was class secretary and a member of the Prom Committee in grade 11. She was on the Student Council in grades 9, 10, and 12 and was a member of the Senior Chorale in grades 9-11.
For the past two summers she has worked as a park attendant at Half Moon Pond State Park. She has volunteered at youth basketball camps and middle-school field hockey practices. This past summer she played on the Battle of the States Cape Cod Classic Vermont field hockey team. She has also played AAU basketball, summer softball, basketball summer league, and indoor field hockey league. This past spring she traveled to Barcelona, Spain, with her Spanish class.
Laura Beth advises other students to “embrace the many opportunities for involvement offered by Otter Valley.”
After high school she will attend college and plans to major in biology. She is interested in a career in the medical field.
Laura Beth’s CP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Gerrior says Laura Beth “possesses critical thinking skills beyond her years” and says she will make a difference in any career she chooses. And Ms. King says, “Her constant smile and can-do attitude allow her to be her best in the classroom, in athletics and clubs, and everyday life.”
Everyone at Otter Valley wishes Laura Beth the best in her future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to name Nick Turner its Student of the Week. Nick lives in Monkton with his parents, Stanley and Wendi Turner, and his younger sister, Ashley, who is a sophomore.
Nick was on the honor roll in grades 9 and 10. Then in 11th grade he took Advanced Placement calculus. This year he is taking AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, and AP European history.
Nick has run cross-country every year since seventh grade. He played lacrosse in grades 7-10, then started track and field in 11th. He plans to run track this year as well. In track last year in D-II he placed third in the state for triple jump and fourth in the state for long jump.
Every year, Nick volunteers to help with the fall and spring musicals by constructing the sets and helping run the lights during the performances.
Outside of school Nick loves running, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
When asked what he learned from high school, Nick says, “Nothing would ever get done if it weren’t for the last minute. Also, it’s OK to make mistakes because we learn more from messing up than from getting something right.”
His advice for other students would be: “Never procrastinate, do your work the day you get it or it will haunt you forever. Also, sleep is extremely important, you can never get enough of it.”
After high school, Nick plans to go to college to study neuroscience.
Mount Abe design and technology teacher Paul Stetson says, “Nick has a great attitude toward learning. He is well organized, very thorough, and always strives to do his best. He has a great sense of humor and is always pleasant to be around.”
Math teacher Teri Fitz-Gerald adds, “Nick sees connections between disciplines and especially recognizes mathematics in the world around him.”
The faculty, staff and students of Mount Abe congratulate this fine young man on being named Student of the Week and wish him the best in his 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