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 Simon Broucke as its student of the week. Simon speaks four languages — no surprise since his mother, Ilaria Brancoli, is originally from Italy and his father, Pieter Broucke, from Belgium. Simon’s brother, Tobias, is a sophomore at MUHS. The family lives in Middlebury.
As a sophomore, Simon participated in the New England Young Writers’ Conference and a Governor’s Institute for the Performing Arts. He received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence last year and was also a co-recipient of the Harvard Book Award. Having achieved High Honors or Honors throughout high school, Simon is both a member of National Honor Society and a Peer Leader.
During his junior year, Simon took AP Calculus I and II, AP English, AP Statistics and AP US History. He is currently taking AP World History and French, and is a teaching assistant in AP English. Simon is also taking Linear Algebra at Middlebury College.
In addition to his other courses this year, Simon is doing an independent study in conducting, so it is not difficult to conjure him directing the “Broucke Quartet” featuring Simon on piano, cello, upright bass and percussion. He plays them all, and is an active and versatile member of the MUHS Concert and Jazz Bands. Simon has performed on piano, bass and cello in district events, and he is a session musician at Liontone Studios in Middlebury.
Simon has participated in cross country and track, and is a member of the Scholars’ Bowl team. Out of school, he has been a member of the Middlebury Unitarian Church youth group, helping with community suppers, the local food shelf and Hurricane Irene relief. Simon loves to cook, and also enjoys drawing and playing chess.
Simon plans to study architecture, mathematics and/or music in college. The advice he shares and obviously lives by is, “Be interested in everything.”
Our congratulations and best wishes to Simon!
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Erik Eisenhower as our Student of the Week. Erik lives with his dad, Mark Eisenhower, in North Ferrisburgh. His mom, Patrice Eisenhower, lives in Addison. His younger brother, Jack, is a junior at VUHS.
Erik is currently enrolled in AP Calculus and is a member of the National Honor Society. He was chosen as Vergennes’ recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. He was chosen to attend the Green Mountain Boys’ State, where he was chosen as an alternate for Boys’ Nation. Erik currently serves as vice president in his class. Erik has played football throughout high school, making captain of varsity his senior year. Erik was chosen to play in the North-South All Star Game his senior year. Erik wrestled in 9th and 10th grade. He played varsity lacrosse throughout high school, captaining the team his junior and senior years. He made the Rising Stars Lacrosse Game his sophomore year and Second Team Lake Division his junior year.
During the past two summers, Erik has worked at Shelburne Farms as a prep cook. He volunteers with the Vergennes Youth Wrestling Tournaments each winter. In his free time, Erik enjoys playing lacrosse with the Vermont Junior Voyageurs Box Lacrosse Team, training for upcoming sports, swimming, biking, and spending time with friends and family.
While attending Boys’ State, Erik was inspired by a Robert Frost quote: “Do good well.” The advice Erik would give to other students at VUHS is, “Step out of your comfort zone, take advantage of opportunities that are presented, and never be afraid to be yourself.” Bill Van De Weert, agriculture teacher at VUHS, said, “Erik is an intelligent young man with incredible character, a powerful work ethic, and a genuinely happy personality. It is impossible not to like him. I eagerly anticipate seeing where these qualities will take Erik in his future.”
After graduation from VUHS, Erik plans to attend college to study business. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS are proud of Erik and wish him the best for 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