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 proudly names Isaac Roberts of Pittsford as its Student of the Week. Isaac is the son of Patrick Roberts and Cynthia Roberts. He has a younger sister, Hannah, and three step-siblings, Andrew Fusco, Katie Fusco and Jared Peatman.
Isaac is consistently on the Scholar’s Roll. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been recognized for academic excellence in Physics and American Studies. He also received the 2014 OVTA Citizenship award. He has received a computing medal and scholarship from RIT, as well as the Saint Michael’s College Book Award. He has taken, or is taking, numerous Advanced Placement courses.
Since middle school he has been a member of the Otter Valley Nordic Ski Team. He has been captain since last year. He was on the soccer team in grades 9 and 10.
Isaac plays trumpet in Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Pep Band and sings in Senior Chorale. He also a member of Otter Valley’s a cappella group, The Treblemakers. He is an active member of Otter Valley’s Walking Stick Theater. He has participated in the one-act plays and the spring plays since freshman year. He has earned many honors for his trumpet playing, most recently being accepted to be in the All Eastern Jazz Band.
Last summer Isaac worked as a paid intern for the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union IT Department. He spoke at a conference for technology teachers on implementing Minecraft-based lessons into a standards-based curriculum. He also worked as a camp counselor at Rutland Town Jazz Camp.
Outside of school, Isaac enjoys playing trumpet, Nordic skiing, singing and reading.
Isaac’s advice for other students is: “Work hard in your academics, and stay involved in what you are passionate about, be it sports, music, theater, or anything else you enjoy. Success is at your doorstep; make great strides, and you will reach it.”
After high school, Isaac plans to study technology and engineering, especially computer engineering and biomedical engineering.
AP Euro and AP Lit teacher Mr. Dwyer calls Isaac a “stellar” trumpet player and adds, “He has won kudos as a student because he is engaged in learning, meticulous in his work habits, and considerate towards others.”
The Otter Valley community predicts a bright future for this young man. Congratulations, Isaac!
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School announces its latest Student of the Week: Reed Alexandra Martin of Lincoln. Reed is the daughter of Ian Martin and Nancy McClaran. Her older sister, Bryn Martin, is a sophomore at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md.
Reed has achieved highest honors and academic excellence throughout high school. She came to Mt. Abe in 10th grade from the North Branch School, a private middle school in Ripton. She was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. Reed has taken, or is taking, numerous Advanced Placement classes. She is also the 2015 yearbook artist.
Reed has played soccer all four years of high school and was a proud captain of the 2014 Div. II state champion girls’ varsity team. She achieved 1st Team Lake Division and received the Coach’s Award this year. Reed attended the New England Young Writers’ Conference the past two years, and was asked to reapply as a host student this spring. Reed has also participated in Scholars’ Bowl for the last couple of years.
Reed has been employed at Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn since she was a sophomore.
Reed has been creating art for most of her life. She also enjoys hiking, skiing, working out and spending time with the people she loves. She is exceptional at limboing. She loves to dance in her kitchen and participate in competitive charades.
Reed says she has always been surrounded by wonderful friends and teachers and it is these people that have truly shaped her love of learning. When asked for advice for other students, Reed says knowing your limits is key. “There are times to push yourself to the breaking point in order to reach a greater understanding,” she says, “and there are times when the best choice you can make is to go home and take a nap.”
After high school Reed plans to attend a four-year liberal arts college not too far from home and continue to create a life full of love, diligence and integrity.
English teacher leader Melanie Stultz-Backus says, “Reed’s wisdom reaches beyond her years. A gifted artist, thinker, athlete and writer, she is unpretentious, centered, loving and sensitive. There could be no better collaborator; she appreciates and cultivates the talents of her fellows.”
Reed’s free spirit and kind soul have made Mt. Abe a better place, and everyone in the school community wishes her 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