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
It is with pride that Middlebury Union High School recognizes Joseph Hounchell as its student of the week. Joe is the son of Eric and Julie Hounchell. His brother, Jack, is a junior and Jessie, his sister, is a freshman. They also attend MUHS. The Hounchell family lives in Cornwall.
A National Honor Society member, Joe has achieved High Honors or Honors throughout high school. He is also a Peer Leader. Joe has taken Advanced Placement courses in biology, calculus, English, statistics, and U. S. and world history.
Joe has played baseball at MUHS for four years, and was captain of this year’s team. He also played football for four years and basketball for three.
On Sunday mornings, Joe is a volunteer teacher in the CCD program at St. Mary’s Church. When his schedule allows, Joe likes to relax with friends and participate in or watch sporting events. Indeed, a specific item on his bucket list is to attend a Golden State Warriors’ playoff game at Oracle Arena.
It is a very good bet that Joe is in line for the most demanding, rigorous months ahead among all his classmates. Joe was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy, and he departs for plebe summer on July 1. He may see the ocean, but it’s guaranteed to be no “day at the beach”!
Congratulations, Joe, and our thanks to you in advance for your service. We wish you the very best as you head for Annapolis and the seven seas beyond!
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Stephanie Praamsma as its Student of the Week. Stephanie lives in Ferrisburgh with her mom and dad, Joanie and David Praamsma. She has three brothers and one sister.
Stephanie has made the high honors every semester throughout high school. She has received numerous awards for academic excellence. She has challenged herself by taking AP Literature and Composition and AP European History. This year she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She attends VTC through the VASS program, receiving college credit.
She has been a member of the VUHS Youth Alive group since 9th grade. She has also been a member of the VUHS chorus and a member of the Commodore Singers. She has worked at the Emerson Guest House and First Season Greenhouses. She now works at the Old Lantern in Charlotte.
Stephanie has done volunteer work at Ferrisburgh Elementary School, at VUHS, and at Bethany Christian Services. She volunteers at Your Turn Resale Shoppe in Vergennes, and each month helps out in her church’s nursery. She is also a part of her church’s youth group and regularly participates in community service projects with them.
Stephanie says this about her experience at VUHS: “I have learned that learning can be so exciting and enriching. If I had to give advice to other students it would be to look for the amazing aspects of life, and go into each class with a determination to learn something.”
VUHS teacher Cookie Steponaitis says, “Stephanie is one of the kindest people I have ever met. She goes out of her way to help others and to encourage them. As a student she is tenacious and will not settle for less than excellence.”
Following graduation, Stephanie will be attending Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Stephanie 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