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 pleased to recognize Emma Snyder-White as its student of the week. Emma is the daughter of Stephen Snyder and Linda White. They live in Bridport. Emma’s brother, John, is a 2014 graduate of the University of Maine.
During her sophomore year, Emma had the opportunity to live and attend school in Tokyo, Japan, while her mother was doing academic research. The experience was certainly a valuable one, but whether it’s to Kansas or to Vermont, and to Auntie Em or Otis the Cat, it’s always good to come home. Back at MUHS, Emma thrived in 2014, earning the following: an AP Scholar Award, Highest Honor in Science and Math recognition from the Society of Women Engineers, a UVM Math Contest Certificate of Merit, and a National Merit Society Commendation.
Emma has taken a year of AP Calculus and both AP U.S. and AP World History; she is currently taking AP Biology. Last summer, she attended the Vermont Governor’s Institute in Mathematics, and she recently completed a semester of Linear Algebra at Middlebury College. Emma has also been selected as a candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program.
Very willing to help her peers, Emma has volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in French and math classes. She also volunteered at Project Independence last spring and was employed there in the summer.
Each school season also finds Emma competing on one team or another. A valuable member of varsity field hockey the past two years, Emma turns to ultimate Frisbee in the spring. Winter and summer have found her working hard at gymnastics. She is a team captain at MUHS this year and will be a gymnastics camp counselor again this summer.
Emma has already been accepted to the Honors Colleges at UVM and the University of Colorado. She is waiting to hear from other schools before deciding where to attend. Wherever Emma goes, we at MUHS know she will make the experience a success.
Congratulations, Emma, we wish you the very best!
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Liam Hayes as its Student of the Week. Liam lives in Vergennes with his mom and dad, Jackie and Kevin Hayes. His older brother, Devin, is a sophomore at Castleton State College.
Since ninth grade, Liam has been an honors and a high honors student. As a junior, Liam was elected into the National Honors Society. He was selected and attended Boy’s State in the summer of 2014. Last year Liam was the first chair baritone horn in the district band ensemble. Last semester, Liam was enrolled in Statistics at the Community College of Vermont. Also, Liam took Calculus 2 at Middlebury College.
Liam is part of the Jazz Band and Symphonic Band. He was elected co-president of the band this year. Also, he is part of the Chorus and Commodore Singers. He has played both soccer and basketball since his ninth grade year and was captain of both of these teams this year. Liam is also an active member of our Student Council.
Liam has worked at the Basin Harbor Club for the last three summers as a recreational staff member. He has volunteered as a referee and scorekeeper for numerous basketball and soccer events at the local elementary schools. Also, Liam helps as part of the St. Peter’s Youth Group to prepare and deliver meals to those in need.
Liam’s advice for other students: “Don’t do things to impress others, or to create a stunning college application; do them because you want to further your knowledge, your interests, your skills, and develop your own identity. Also, join any sports team, club, or school activity you can. Lastly, always be aware of others, and the challenges they may face; help out where you can. And above all else: Be Classy.”
Math teacher Lynn Kayhart said, “Liam Hayes is an incredible role model on the basketball court, soccer field, and, most importantly, in the classroom. He is a scholar, athlete and leader with a very bright future ahead of him.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Liam would like to further his education at either the University of Vermont, or “one from a short list of California engineering schools.” The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Liam the very best in 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