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 proudly names Hannah Williams as its Student of the Week. Hannah lives in Sudbury with her parents, Missy and Tim Williams. Her brother Bret, 24, works for the family business, Spafford & Sons. Her brother Zakk, 22, is an apprentice lineworker at New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
Hannah consistently makes the honor roll. She was recognized for effective speaking in 11th grade and has earned honorable mention in trigonometry. She has taken AP literature and AP calculus.
Hannah has been a member of the Student Council for four years. In grades 9 and 10 she was a member of YATST (Youth and Adults Transforming Schools Together). She has been involved with Otter Paws since sophomore year, and was on the Prom Committee last year. She has played sports throughout high school, including on the football team her freshman and sophomore years. She played soccer, basketball and softball at the varsity level during her junior year and varsity soccer and softball as a senior.
Hannah has worked at Half Moon State Park as an attendant the last two summers and plans to work there again this upcoming summer.
Outside of school she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and watching sports with her family.
Hannah says, “I’ve learned throughout high school that at times it can be a lot of work and very hard but to always enjoy your time here because it goes by very fast and you’re a senior before you know it.”
After high school, Hannah plans to attend college to get a degree in nursing.
Teacher Mr. Dwyer says, “Hannah Williams grew up with two older brothers who played football. That may not be unusual, but what makes Hannah different is that she decided that she would play football as well, and thus, has created her own new game rules. With the same energy and determination that she has pursued a sport that she loves, Hannah has approached her life at Otter Valley. She knows what she wants to achieve and goes after it.”
The faculty, staff and students of Otter Valley congratulate Hannah on being named Student of the Week and wish her the best in her life beyond high school.
 
 
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Liam Knight of Bristol, Mount Abraham Union High School’s Student of the Week! Liam is the son of David and Porter Knight. His brother, Bryson, is a sophomore at Mount Abe.
Liam has achieved honors or high honors, as well as academic excellence, every year. He has taken AP U.S. History, AP European History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP Calculus BC. This year he was selected for the National Honor Society, and was elected president. He also was chosen as a delegate to Vermont Boys’ State last summer.
Liam has been a part of the rowing club since seventh grade, and was chosen as a senior captain this year. He has been on Mount Abe’s Community Council since the end of last year. He has played trumpet in the Mount Abe concert band since 9th grade, and has participated in the jazz band since 10th grade. He has been an avid member of Math League all four years as well.
Liam volunteers for the local food shelf. Recently he enrolled in the EMT training course and looks forward to serving on the Bristol Rescue Squad after he turns 18. He works at Shaw’s as a cashier, and in the summer works full-time as an activities counselor and lifeguard for Mary Johnson Children’s Center.
Outside of school, he is very involved with the local Boy Scout troop, recently achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He has been involved in Scouts since fifth grade. He also enjoys backpacking, hiking, and skeet shooting.
Liam says, “High school has taught me that in life, you can not wait for opportunities to come to you, you have to go get them. You have to work to truly succeed.” His advice for other students: “Don’t assume you can coast through anything, always assume it will be harder than you think.”
After high school, Liam plans to attend a four-year liberal arts college.
According to his teachers, “Liam is one of those people who seems able to do everything, help anyone, and still maintain a composure that is relaxed, easygoing, and stress free.” … “Younger students look up to Liam as a role model because he is a good guy who does good things.”
All in the Mt. Abraham community wish him the best for the 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