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 call Amy Jones its Student of the Week. Amy lives in Brandon with her parents. Her older brother, Tyler, is a sophomore at Castleton.
Amy has been on the Principal’s List or Scholar’s Roll throughout high school. She took AP Biology as a junior, and is now taking AP Literature, AP Calculus and AP Chemistry, along with advanced Anatomy. In grade 9 she received a Citizenship Award, as well as excellence awards in English, Spanish, History, Biology and Geometry. In grade 11 she was awarded excellence in American Studies, was honored for science and mathematics by the Society of Women Engineers, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Amy has been on the student council for four years, and in Otter Paws for three. She played field hockey in grades 9-11. She now plays soccer. She has been a starting varsity basketball player since freshman year, and as a junior received the Most Outstanding Player Award, and was selected for the 1st MVL team. She has played varsity softball all four years.
In the summer Amy works in the kitchen at Camp Songadeewin. She also helps with youth basketball clinics and with a summer soccer camp.
Outside of school, Amy loves playing with her two black Labs, being with her friends and playing any sport she can.
Amy says high school has taught her how to manage her time and how to prioritize. She’s learned that most things aren’t worth stressing about, because things eventually turn out the way they should. If she had to give advice to other students, she’d tell them that high school goes by very fast, so enjoy the time you’re there, and learn as much as you can.
After high school Amy will attend college, hopefully out of state (although she loves Vermont!). She plans someday to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Mr. Dwyer, Amy’s AP Lit teacher, says, “Amy is a determined student and athlete who gives whatever she is doing total focus. She is highly organized, self-disciplined, and consistently competent in meeting the ambitious goals she sets for herself.”
We at Otter Valley wish Amy nothing but the best in her future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School proudly names Rowan Warren of Lincoln its Student of the Week. Rowan is the son of Su White and Eric Warren. He has a younger brother, Aidan, who is a ninth-grader at the North Branch School.
Rowan has made highest honors every semester since coming to Mount Abe his sophomore year. He took AP Calculus AB, AP Biology and an Advanced Environmental Science course his junior year, and is currently enrolled in AP English, AP US History and AP Calculus BC. He received the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science award at the end of his junior year, and was selected for the National Honor Society.
Rowan has played soccer all through high school, on varsity since junior year, and was voted captain this year. Since grade 10 he has been a member of the Scholars’ Bowl team, which won the Vermont Small School State Championship last February. In the spring he plays and coaches for the Mount Abe Ultimate Frisbee team. He has performed in the fall and spring musicals since sophomore year, with lead roles in last spring’s “High School Musical” and the upcoming “Seussical.”
For the past two summers he has worked for his dad nailing siding onto their house.
In the winter months, most of Rowan’s free time is devoted to skiing. He also enjoys hiking, sledding, playing with his two dogs and learning new things.
When asked about what he has learned from his high school experience, Rowan said, “School is a more interesting and enjoyable experience for those that are excited about whatever comes their way.” He advises other students: “Don’t take yourself too seriously, and try to see the experiences that you have as fun and interesting.”
Rowan plans on attending a four-year college or university, and looks forward to seeing where that takes him.
Melanie Stultz-Backus, English teacher leader, says, “Rowan’s ability to synthesize ideas with alacrity and sensitivity brings strong insight to his work. He values scholarship not because it garners accolades, but because he genuinely cares about learning. His subtle wit and robust sense of humor belie his reserved demeanor.”
Mount Abe is lucky to have such a wonderful young man in its community. Best of luck in your future, Rowan!
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
Jackman’s Inc
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Paige and Campbell Insurance
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Army National Guard
Vermont Book Shop