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 pleased to name Caitlyn Ketcham as its Student of the Week. Caitlyn lives in Sudbury with her parents, Vanessa and Shaun Ketcham. Her sister Mallory is a senior biology major at UVM.
In 11th grade Caitlyn was inducted into the National Honor Society. She was also awarded the Saint Michael’s College Book Award for academic achievement and leadership in community service. In 10th grade she was awarded Excellence in Advanced American Studies. As a freshman she was recognized for excellence in BSCS Biology and Global Studies. She has completed AP Biology, and is currently taking AP Literature and AP European History. She has been on the Honor Roll or Scholar’s List since seventh grade.
Caitlyn has played soccer and softball since seventh grade. She has have also been a member of the Otter Paws, a community service organization, since ninth grade. She is also a member of student council.
As a junior Caitlyn volunteered at Rutland Regional Medical Center as a courier. Last summer she worked at Half Moon State Park as a park attendant.
Outside of school, Caitlyn enjoys reading, writing, playing sports, and spending time with her friends and family.
Caitlyn says the past four years have taught her that while high school can be very stressful at times, it is important to enjoy the fun parts while you can because it goes by very quickly.
After high school, Caitlyn plans to attend college. She is considering majoring in English or possibly speech pathology.
Teacher Mrs. Fretta calls Caitlyn “a conscientious student, a delightful young person and an absolute joy to have in class.” Mr. Gerrior says, in addition to her strong academics, “Caitlyn’s extensive interest and superior skills in both championship-level sports and community involvement reflected her resourcefulness and strong sense of initiative, and also gave her a good sense of what level of application is needed for success.”
The Otter Valley community wishes Caitlyn great success in her future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School announces its next Student of the Week, Jessica McKean. Jesse lives in Starksboro with her parents, Tom and Brenda McKean. Her older brother, Tommy, is a junior at Syracuse University. Her younger brother, Eric, is an eighth-grader at Mount Abe.
Jessie has achieved highest honors all but one semester of her high school career. Last year she took AP Biology. This year she is taking AP Calculus and AP Art. She is a member of the National Honor Society.
Jesse has played school soccer and basketball all four years. In 10th grade she made the varsity soccer team, which won its first state title last year. For the past three years she has also been playing with the Vermont Elite team in Rutland during the spring. Last year she made the varsity basketball team, where she started as point guard. She also played spring basketball on the local AAU team in grades 9-11.
Jesse has been class treasurer for the past two years. Through the National Honor Society, she has volunteered at the Bristol food shelf and the Red Cross blood drive. She has volunteered at the annual Legion dinner with her soccer teammates. She has also helped at MAYS, a soccer camp for younger kids. This past summer she started working at Lincoln Peak Vineyard.
When not playing sports Jesse enjoys reading (recently “The Lord of the Rings”) listening to music, or watching a good movie.
When asked for advice for her peers, Jesse said, “While I do enjoy being an active and busy person, sometimes you just have to step back, realize you’re stressed out, and take a nap. On that note, I would also say you what you put into something is what you get out, so don’t take too many naps.”
After high school, Jesse plans to attend college, maybe in Boston, possibly majoring in medical engineering.
 Jesse’s teachers call her kind and engaging, and say she is an excellent student who always strives to do her best.
All in the Mount Abe community thank her, and wish her the best when she goes to college next year!
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