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 Adam Joselson as its student of the week. Adam lives in Middlebury with his parents, Emily Joselson and Alan Hewat. His brother, Nathaniel, attends the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
Adam has achieved High Honors or Honors throughout high school. He has taken AP English, Statistics and U.S. History. Adam was enrolled in a classics course entitled “Golden Age of Athens” at Middlebury College this fall, and he is currently in the midst of a year of AP Calculus.
Adam has a Renaissance man’s way of keeping busy when not doing course work. At MUHS, he has participated in Scholars’ Bowl, track and cross country for four years; Model UN for three; and Ultimate Frisbee for two. Adam has also helped out this year as a MUHS Learning Lab tutor.
Adam’s rich voice has qualified him for the District and All State Choirs each of the last three years. He was also selected to sing in the Eastern States Choir this year.
Since middle school, Adam has done volunteer tech work at the Town Hall Theater. He has been very involved with the Middlebury Community Players and has been on its board of directors for the past two years.
When the school year is over, it just means Adam has more time to do other things. Two summers ago, he attended the Governor’s Institute for Engineering. Last summer, Adam worked for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, helping to repair an Irene-damaged section of the Long Trail.
Adam enjoys running, writing, skiing, reading and singing. He is contemplating a gap year before college, but plans ultimately to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. With that in hand, Adam would like to enter the renewable energy industry.
Adam’s advice to young students is to believe in themselves and to “get involved as much as possible.” And Adam’s not just talking, for he’s set a great example of doing the “walking.” Congratulations, Adam, and best of luck on the paths ahead!
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Emily Tichonuk as its Student of the Week. Emily lives in Addison, Vt., and Port Henry, N.Y., with her mom, Gwen Zwickel, and dad, Erick Tichonuk.
Emily has been on the high honor roll from fall of 2011 to spring of 2014 and was on the honor roll fall 2014. Emily is a member of both the National Technical Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society through the Hannaford Career Center. During her junior year at VUHS she received the Excellence in Social Studies award. Emily has challenged herself by taking AP Literature, AP European History, AP Language and Composition, and AP Biology. She has taken calculus and art history courses through the University of Vermont.
Emily was part of the VUHS lacrosse team during her sophomore and junior years. She also played ice hockey her freshman and sophomore years. Outside of school Emily volunteers at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. She has been doing this for many years. She volunteers on both the actual campus and aboard the canal schooner Lois McClure. Last summer Emily worked at the Maritime Museum gift shop. She also worked as a counselor at the Bridport Central School science camp. Emily’s hobbies include printmaking, biking and skating.
Emily said this about her high school experience: “I’ve learned that an experience is what you make it, and I would advise other students that sometimes you have to make your own path to find the best opportunities.” Rebecca Coffey, a social studies teacher at VUHS, said, “Emily is a very inquisitive, articulate, and hardworking young woman. Emily is a quiet leader in the classroom. She is thoughtful about every task she completes. Emily exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Emily plans to go to a university and pursue a degree in industrial design. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Emily Tichonuk 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