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 pleased to present Maggie Smith as its Student of the Week. Maggie lives in Chittenden with her parents, Brian and Meredith Smith. Her brother, Wesley, is a freshman at OV.
Maggie has made scholars’ roll every year of high school and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is vice president of Student Council and secretary of the class of 2015, and is a member of the Project Graduation Committee. Last year she was enrolled in Advanced Placement Chemistry, and currently she is taking AP Biology, AP European History, AP Literature and Composition, AP Calculus, and Physics.
Maggie has been a member of Walking Stick Theatre since eighth grade, and is currently directing the play “Law and Order: Fairy Tale Unit.” She is also rehearsing for the one-act play “She Kills Monsters.”
She has played softball since freshman year, making varsity as a junior. She has also been a member of the Lakes Region Youth Orchestra for one semester a year since freshman year.
For the past two summers Maggie has volunteered at the Rutland Regional Medical Center within the Smoking Cessation department. For the past three summers she has worked as the babysitter of two young children, soon to become three, at Camp Betsey Cox.
Outside of school Maggie enjoys reading, skiing, hanging out with her friends, and occasionally rock climbing.
Her advice for other students would be, “It’s never too early to start working hard. You’d be surprised how things you did years ago still impact you.”
Beyond high school, Maggie intends to study chemistry or biochemistry for a bachelor’s degree, then work in a laboratory of some kind. After several years she hopes to go back to school and become a high school biology or chemistry teacher.
Mr. Dwyer says of Maggie, “The first words that come to mind in describing Maggie Smith are dynamic, energized, and acutely perceptive. Maggie is a student of astonishing versatility, from theater to music to state championship varsity softball, and rigorous courses.”
Congratulations, Maggie, on being Student of the Week!
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to call Marie Arena its Student of the Week. Marie, the daughter of Rob and Liz Arena, lives in Bristol with her mom and her younger sister, Robyn, a ninth-grader at Mount Abe.
Marie has made honor roll consistently since seventh grade. In grades nine and 10 she was recognized for academic excellence. She is currently enrolled in AP Calculus and notes that she has been accepted to every college she has applied to.
Marie has been an active member of VTLSP (Vermont Teen Leadership Safety Program). She is also a part of the Mount Abe Concert Band, having played the bass clarinet since seventh grade. She also played in this year’s pit band for Mount Abe’s fall musical, “Shrek.” This year, she has been a math tutor for a pre-algebra class, in which she helps the math teacher in the classroom, but also gets to interact with students and teach them math.
Since July 2014 Marie has been working at Shaw’s Supermarket in Bristol. She works as a cashier, and also bags groceries. She says the job shows that she can handle responsibility. It has also boosted her confidence in speaking to others because she tends to be shy.
Outside of school, Marie enjoys listening to music and relaxing. With all the business with school and/or work, she says, it’s hard to fit in a hobby.
When asked to give advice to other students, Marie sys, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to accept help. All my life I have been so shy and confused from not asking for help. Suddenly I changed my mindset and asked for help. Since then my confidence has boosted, and I understand more of the information.”
After high school, Marie plans to go to college in Vermont and major in elementary education.
Math teacher Janet Logan-Robnett said, “Marie’s energy, respect, responsibility, intelligence, integrity and commitment to follow through has made a difference in making our school community a better place. She is an outstanding student and caring human being.”
The Mount Abe community congratulates Marie on her accomplishments and 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