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 very pleased to recognize Michelle Peterson as its Student of the Week. Michelle and her parents, Doreen and William Peterson, live in Middlebury. The youngest of four siblings, Michelle is also the lone daughter. Her brothers Jeremy and Nathaniel are both engineers, and her youngest brother, Adam, is a senior at R.P.I. majoring in electrical engineering.
Michelle has earned High Honors or Honors throughout high school, and she is a National Honor Society member. In 10th grade, Michelle received American Legion Awards in English and Social Studies. In addition to AP courses in biology, calculus, English and U.S. history, Michelle has taken Introduction to Psychology and a J.R.R. Tolkien course online from UVM. She is also currently enrolled in Linear Algebra at Middlebury College.
Michelle was selected for American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State last year and was chosen to be an MUHS ambassador for the Bread Loaf New England Young Writers’ Conference. Michelle is also an active Peer Leader within the school.
Michelle has been running cross-country and track as well as skiing on the Nordic team throughout high school. She is also passionate about music. This is the fourth year that Michelle’s trumpet has been heard in both the Jazz and Concert bands. Michelle has lent her voice to the MUHS Women’s Ensemble during that time as well. She also sings in her church choir. In the spring, Michelle again will be Drum Major of the MUHS Marching Band, leading it down 5th Avenue in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Michelle has played piano since fourth grade. She also enjoys writing, reading, sketching, Lindy Hop swing dancing and windsurfing. She plans to attend college with the goal of earning a degree in electrical engineering — perhaps not a shock given the examples her brothers have set before her.
When asked what advice she would give to others, Michelle responded, “Never, ever be normal. Ever.” If exceptional and special are not normal, then Michelle has succeeded at her own advice.
Congratulations and best wishes, Michelle.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Hannah Hatch as its Student of the Week. Hannah lives in Ferrisburgh with her parents, Jason Hatch and Jennifer Hatch, and her three younger sisters, Nora, Sophie and Claire.
Hannah has consistently been on high honors since seventh grade and is currently taking AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP Language and Composition. She was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Hannah has won several awards including several underclassmen recognition awards from the Math, PE and Health, Social Studies and Science departments. She earned the Williams College Book award as a junior.
Hannah has played lacrosse all four years, captaining the team from 10th grade on. She was on set crew of “The Music Man” her freshman year, assistant stage-managed “White Christmas” her sophomore year, and was stage manager for “Here’s to Broadway” her junior year and “The Little Mermaid” her senior year. She plays the flute in the high school band and is also a member of the Pep Band.
Hannah has participated in oratorical competitions through the American Legion, Rotary, and Lions Club. Last year, she was the American Legion Oratorical Vermont State Champion, advancing to nationals in Indianapolis. She has been a member of the Math Team all four years of high school, this year acting as a captain. She has tutored middle school students for the past three years. Over the summer, Hannah attended Girls’ State. During the past two summers, Hannah worked on the recreation staff at Basin Harbor Club. Each summer she does community service through United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth. In addition, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading and listening to NPR.
The advice Hannah would give to other students at VUHS is, “Put your best into everything and take advantage of every opportunity. Do things you love, and do them well, and never be afraid to try new things. You may learn something about yourself or develop a new interest.” Sarah Thompson, science teacher at VUHS, said, “Hannah is an exceptional student; she masters all subject areas because she is able to learn in a variety of ways, show her work through different mediums, and can articulate her thoughts in a clear, purposeful, and insightful manner.
After graduation, Hannah plans to study biological sciences, with a focus on potentially becoming a doctor. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Hannah the very best in what looks like a very bright 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