Students of the Week – November 9, 2015
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 congratulates Maia Edmunds of Brandon on being named Student of the Week. Maia’s mother and stepfather are Stacey Edmunds-Brickell and Christopher Brickell. Her father is Ross Edmunds. Her younger sister Alia Edmunds is an eighth-grader at OV.
Maia has consistently been named to the honor roll and principal’s list. She has taken or is taking AP Literature, Pre-Calculus and advanced classes including Anatomy, Behavioral Science, American History and American Studies. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She has received awards for academic excellence in Spanish and 3-D art, and received the St. Lawrence book award, which honors high school students who have distinguished themselves for community service.
Maia has participated in field hockey (2015 D-II state champions), basketball and softball (2014 D-II state champions) all four years. She has been a member of the Otter Paws Community Service Club since 10th grade as well as Student Council, for which she currently serves as secretary.
Maia works at The Inside Scoop in Brandon and at Graph-X Inc. in Middlebury. She has been a student coach for Lady Celtics AAU basketball since 2011 and the Fundamentals Field Hockey Program since 2013.
Maia enjoys attending sporting events with her family. She also participates in other athletic clubs outside of school.
Maia says the most significant thing she has learned from high school is “to do what you enjoy and do it well. … if you are involved in something that you don’t enjoy it is hard to put everything you have into it, and that is simply a waste of time.” She also says, “High school has its ups and downs but it goes by quickly. Enjoy the good moments, experience as much as you can and you will create amazing memories and learn a lot.”
After high school, Maia plans to attend college in New England, studying Health Sciences.
According to guidance counselor Ms. McCartney, “Maia has taken a completely college preparatory curriculum, consistently maintaining a schedule that evenly educates her across disciplines.” And athletic director Mr. Keith calls Maia “an exceptional athlete.”
Otter Valley is honored to have Maia in its community and everyone here wishes her the best in her future.
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to name Tucker Paradee of Bristol as its Student of the Week. Tucker is the son of Troy Paradee. He has two younger siblings: Sam is a sophomore and Griffin is in seventh grade.
Tucker has consistently made honor roll. He took AP Biology as a junior and this year is taking AP Calculus. He has achieved academic excellence in math, chemistry, AP biology and Spanish. As a sophomore, Tucker took part in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, and was a part of the soccer team that won the D-II state championship. Last year he was selected by the athletic directors to attend a sports leadership conference in Burlington.
Tucker was in the fall musical in grades 9 and 12 and also took part in the spring musical in grade 11. He has played varsity lacrosse all four years and varsity soccer since grade 10. He has been captain of his lacrosse team since sophomore year, and was captain of his soccer team senior year. In the spring Tucker also plays for Mount Abe’s Ultimate Frisbee team.
Tucker started working at Shaw’s during the summer of his sophomore year. He then worked at the after-school program at the elementary school, and now works at the local bakery. He is also a certified soccer referee and refs games every Sunday in the spring. In the summers he volunteers at the annual Three Day Stampede in Bristol. He took a school trip to Costa Rica
In the winter Tucker enjoys skiing at Sugarbush every weekend. In the summer he mountain bikes through the endless trails in Vermont.
Tucker’s philosophy is “work hard, play hard,” and says if one puts in the effort and time they will have the result that they are looking for.
After high school he hopes to attend a four-year university where he can hopefully play lacrosse.
According to his teachers, “Tucker is a friendly, easy going young man. … He is likeable and sets a fine example for the younger boys in our school. … He is enthusiastic, energetic, and a good friend.”
All in the Mount Abraham community congratulate him on all he has accomplished.
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