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 is proud to name Adam Sherwin as its Student of the Week. Adam lives in Brandon with his parents, Jim and Kathy Sherwin. He has three older siblings: Brendan Sherwin, Rick Poro and Jamee Sherwin.
Adam has frequently been on the honor roll. He has taken or is taking A.P. Literature and A.P. Calculus. This year he completed an online psychology course through Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative. He is also enrolled in an External Learning Opportunity (ELO).
Adam has been wrestling and playing football and lacrosse for many years. At OV, he wrestled in grades 10 and 11, serving as captain both years. He has been captain of the lacrosse team since sophomore year and was captain of the football team this year. Also this year, he played in the annual North v. South All-Star Game. He played indoor field hockey his junior year and will continue this spring. He attended a student athlete leadership conference in junior year.
Adam works at Hannaford’s in Brandon. Before that, he worked at McDonald’s in Brandon. He has also volunteered at his church.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys working out and trying to improve his fitness and strength, and encouraging others to do the same. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. But his favorite thing to do is spend time with family.
Adam’s advice to other students is to set goals and be committed until those goals are reached.
Adam has applied to and been accepted at several colleges. His top choices are Minot University, Plymouth State and Western New England. He plans on majoring in physical education/coaching or athletic training. He hopes to be able to play college football as well.
Social studies teacher and football coach Mr. Hall says of Adam, “It has been a pleasure to see him grow into a responsible, mature, and enjoyable young man. He represents our school and our football team in the best possible way.”
Otter Valley is lucky to have a student like Adam Sherwin, and we know he will bring great things to whatever college he attends.
 
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School has the honor of naming Cullen Jemison as its Student of the Week. Cullen lives in Starksboro with his parents, Jill and Chris Jemison, and his younger brother, who is in eighth grade.
Cullen has been involved in the Personalized Learning Program throughout high school. He has gone to and given presentations all over the state. He has taken a few college programming classes, as well as AP Physics B, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Biology, AP English and AP Computer Science.
At Mount Abe, Cullen has run cross country and track and field all four years. He has been in the concert band since freshman year and as a senior joined the jazz band and the Brain Club.
He has been employed in the UVM College of Medicine IT department for four years during the summers.
During the winter, he skis on a regular basis. He enjoys playing the saxophone for both school and recreational purposes.
When asked what he has learned from high school, Cullen said, “No matter how much you dislike a course or its work, just do it. The alternative is never good.”
After high school, Cullen plans to attend at least a four-year college, and maybe pursue a master’s degree. He has been accepted to, and would like to attend, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Alan Kamman had this to say: Cullen is intelligent, inquisitive and clever. He is soft-spoken and even-tempered. Cullen’s mind is always at work. He enjoys project-based learning and seeks these opportunities as often as he can. When asked about his greatest strength, he said, ‘My ability to think in a logical and mathematical way, but also in an abstract and creative way at the same time.’
“Cullen demonstrates the perseverance necessary to follow any problem or project through to completion. He is an independent thinking with much to offer others.”
All at Mount Abe wish Cullen 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