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 proud to recognize Madeline Ganey as its student of the week. Madeline lives in Middlebury with her parents, Patrick Ganey and Meaghen Hoang. Her brother, Henry, is in 10th grade at MUHS, and her sister, Alice, is in seventh grade at MUMS.
Madeline has been a counselor in Maine for two years at a camp for economically disadvantaged girls. Prior to that, she spent six summers in the state. The motto of Maine is “Dirigo,” which means “I lead,” and whether consciously or not, Madeline has come to embody that motto.
At MUHS, Madeline is president of the National Honor Society, editor of “Calliope” (the school’s literary magazine), and a two-year co-captain of varsity tennis. She is also a Peer Leader Coordinator, co-president of the Social Action Club, and founder of the “Middlebury on View” Facebook page. Madeline also serves as a student representative to the UD-3 School Board. In 2014, she was elected governor of the American Legion Girls’ State. She leads indeed!
Madeline came to MUHS during her sophomore year from Minnesota where she had been the state ambassador for Fuel to Play 60, a program to encourage exercise and healthy diets in elementary and middle schools.
Madeline has taken AP courses in calculus, English, French, psychology, statistics and U.S. history. She took a European history course at Middlebury College last semester. She has also studied French at Middlebury Monterey Language Academy and participated in a five-week immersion program in Quebec. Using her French to help others, Madeline is a teaching assistant for one of the MUHS classes. She also tutors in the MUHS Learning Lab.
Outside of school, Madeline works as a runner at the Lobby restaurant. She enjoys reading politicians’ memoirs in her scant spare time. She plans to major in political science or women and gender studies in college.
Madeline, you’ve led and you lead, and we’ve little doubt you will continue to do so. Perhaps someday you’ll write your own memoir, and if Maine doesn’t mind, we can suggest a title. In the meanwhile, we at MUHS wish you the very best.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Marinna Wojciechowski as its Student of the Week. Marinna lives in Addison with her mom and dad, Elizabeth and Michael Wojciechowski. Her sister, Marigrace, is a freshman at VUHS, and her brother, Nathan, is an eighth-grader at VUMS.
Marinna was recognized with high honors fall semester 2014, and honor roll for both semesters of her junior year. She is currently taking two college courses through CCV. She has already completed two other college level courses. In March Marinna will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. She is currently in the Medical Professions program at the Hannaford Career Center.
Marinna has been very involved with the Vergennes Union High School Music Department’s fall musical every year since eighth grade. She is also a member of the chorus. In fall 2013 Marinna joined the rowing team.
Outside of school Marinna is a nanny to a 21-month-old. She also videotapes the home varsity basketball games; volunteers at the Bixby Memorial Library; and helps serve at the American Legion Post 14 fish fries and steak dinners. She also helps out with a local vacation Bible school.
Marinna has been taking piano lessons from her “wonderful piano teacher” since the fall of 2013. She also loves reading and going to musical theatrical productions.
The advice Marinna would give to other students: “Hard work does pay off. Ask tons of questions, even if you think they are dumb, because I assure you they aren’t. Never settle, if you want something, go for it. Do what makes you happy and live these years to their fullest, because they really do go by fast.”
Jeff Spencer, an art teacher and Marinna’s morning meeting adviser, said, “Marinna is the moral compass of our morning meeting group. She is one if the kindest, most caring students at VUHS; it’s no surprise she has chosen a career path toward helping her fellow humans.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Marinna plans to go to college and study nursing. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Marinna Wojciechowski 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