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 proud to recognize Joey Scarborough as its student of the week. Joey resides in Brandon with his parents, Don and Denise. He has a twin brother, Jacob, who is also a senior at Otter Valley.
Joey attends the Stafford Technical Center in Rutland and is in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy program. He was awarded student of the marking period for the first 4 marking periods of this year. He has also achieved high honors for an entire marking period. During his junior year he was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Since 4th grade Joey has played football. He also played basketball all through high school and has played golf since grade 10. In grade 9 Joey played lacrosse.
Outside of school, Joey volunteers at the Rutland County Parent-Child Center doing lots of various small jobs. He participated in the Stafford Career Center’s Give Back Day, when he raked leaves for residents who couldn’t do it themselves. Joey has also worked with his dad’s business, Quality Property Management doing snow removal, yard clean up and lawn care. Since 2012, he has also worked during the summer time at Celebration Rentals in Brandon.
Joey has been involved with auto racing since 2011. He drives an open-wheeled dirt car that he modified along with his brother. Joey says he grew up around racing. He and his brother started racing at Canaan Speedway in New Hampshire and now race at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in New York every Friday night.
Joey says his high school experience has taught him that “life goes by faster than anyone can ever expect, and to enjoy everything as it happens.” His advice for other students is to work hard on every project and assignment, but to make sure to enjoy these years while they can.
After high school Joey will attend Vermont Technical College to study mechanical engineering and possibly manufacturing.
Teacher Brian Narkewicz says, “Joe is a dedicated student who works diligently to complete work in a timely and accurate fashion. During our course of study in STEM this year we have focused on Introduction to Engineering and Principles of Engineering. Joe has achieved excellence in academic work and also has demonstrated strong transferable life skills that will allow him to succeed in any activity or pursuit that he chooses.”
Everyone at Otter Valley wishes Joey all the best in the future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School proudly names Holly Micklas as its Student of the Week. Holly lives in Lincoln with her parents, Kevin and Mary Micklas. Her brother, Kenny, is a junior at Brown University.
Holly took first-year Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus in 11th grade, and second-year AP Calculus in the first semester of 12th grade. This year she also took AP Studio Art and AP European History. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and this year she received her fourth recognition for academic excellence.
Holly participated in set building and design for the fall musical in 9th and 10th grades, then played trumpet in the pit orchestra in 11th, and in 12th played French horn in the pit orchestra.
Through the National Honor Society, Holly has helped the local food shelf, both with moving back into the basement of St. Ambrose Church as well as with sorting and distributing food. She has worked with her teacher advisory to raise money for various charities and programs throughout high school, such as, in 9th grade, creating care packages to give to patients in the Vermont Children’s Hospital and, most recently, creating a school-wide competition to see which advisory could raise the most money to give to Heifer International this past holiday season.
Outside of school, Holly enjoys gardening, walking her dog, jewelry making, and anything that makes her feel productive.
When asked if she had any words of wisdom for other students, she said, “My advice is to not procrastinate, and what I have learned from high school is that that is easier said than done.”
Holly will attend the University of Vermont in the fall.
Elise Cleary, Holly’s AP art teacher, says over the years Holly “has developed into a meticulous artist, particularly skilled in working in three dimensions, with a high attention to detail. She isn’t afraid to try new techniques and art media and she understands that you need to take risks in order to grow as an artist. She has a great sense of humor and is warm and genuine in all of her relationships.”
Everyone at Mount Abe wishes Holly the best at UVM!
 
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