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 Collin Eugair on being named Student of the Week. Collin lives in Brandon with his parents, Scott and Stacey Eugair, and his younger brother, who is a junior. His oldest brother attends CCV in Winooski and his second oldest brother goes to Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colo.
Collin is generally an honor roll student. He is taking pre-calculus and AP Literature. He is also taking a dual enrollment program through Castleton University: basic athletic training.
Collin played football his freshman year, and then switched to varsity soccer for the past three years. He was captain this year. He has played varsity basketball all four years, as a floater his freshman year and then full varsity the other three years. He has played varsity lacrosse since ninth grade and has been captain since grade 10.
Collin has worked at a local art gallery as a landscaper for several summers. He also worked at Aubuchon Hardware in Brandon. Along with other varsity team members, he has helped out with a basketball clinic to help younger kids learn the fundamentals of basketball.
Outside of school Collin enjoys being with his family, and hanging out with friends playing sports or video games.
Collin says high school has taught him that knowledge is important. His advice to other students: “Take every little bit of knowledge you can get out of school, because if you do, you actually get ahead in this world and get into a good college.”
Ms. Cioffredi says of Collin, “He is a quiet leader and serves as an excellent role model. He demonstrates these same qualities in the classroom and on the playing fields. He is always the first to volunteer to head up a project or take on organizational roles in class. One of the qualities that make him stand out as a leader is his quiet attention to inclusion.”
Collin will head off to college after high school, and the Otter Valley community wishes him nothing but success in his future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School proudly names Lyn Ackert-Smith as its Student of the Week.
Lyn lives in Lincoln with his parents, Alison Ackert and Jerry Smith. His older sister, Alexandra, attends Mount Holyoke College.
Lyn has made highest honors every year, and received multiple academic excellence awards. He was inducted into the National Honor Society his senior year. Because he enjoys mathematics, Lyn took an advanced calculus class at CCV over this past summer. He is currently taking AP biology.
Lyn has been on varsity cross-country for the past three years. He also regularly attends weekly math and neuroscience clubs. Through preparation during neuroscience club, Lyn was able to win the Vermont Brain Bee, and went on to compete nationally in Maryland last year.
Interested in being an influence in the community at his school, Lyn goes to the community council meetings, where he is a representative of the senior class. He is also a part of the Lincoln Library board, where he is a teenage representative. There he helps with library functions, fundraising and occasional volunteer work.
Lyn skis at Mad River Glen throughout the winter, and into the spring. He also enjoys working on pen-and-ink drawings and with ceramics outside of school.
When asked for any advice he could give to other students, Lyn suggest that students approach learning cooperatively, and that students help each other through difficulties, as everyone reaps the benefits. His motto is “Approach learning with enthusiasm, as it’s contagious, inspiring others to learn as well.”
After high school, Lyn plans on going to college to pursue the sciences.
Ms. Kayhart, AP Biology teacher says “Lyn has a genuine curiosity about how living things work and actively seeks to make connections between what he already knows and what we are currently learning in class. His questions lead to rich discussions and I’m consistently impressed with his enthusiasm and ability to apply what he learns broadly. Plus, Lyn is a kind-hearted, friendly, all-around nice guy!” Everyone at Mount Abe wishes Lyn well in his 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
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