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 Haley Gearwar as its Student of the Week. Haley lives in Leicester with her parents, Marc and Anglea Gearwar.
Haley has been recognized many times on Otter Valley’s “A Night of Excellence” for excellence in science, English, technology, and art classes. Last year she received the George Washington Book Award for qualities such as leadership. She has been on the scholars’ roll for most of her high school career. She has also taken two college courses and two ELOs (extended learning opportunities), which are classes that require the student to design their own course and take responsibility for their own learning.
Haley has played varsity soccer for four years. She has been the varsity wrestling team manager for three years, has been a leading member of the Otter Paws community service group, and plans on playing tennis for the first time this coming spring.
Haley has been an associate at T.J. Maxx since she turned 16.
Outside of school Haley enjoys hiking, kayaking, running and spending time with her friends and family.  
When asked what she has learned from high school, Haley said, “High school has taught me that although teachers often push you to do your best, ultimately you have to be responsible for your own success and that typically involves dedication, time management, commitment, and humility. If there were any advice I would give to my underclassmen it would be to try many different activities (drama, sports, new subjects in school, managing a sports team, community service) because you never know where your passions may lie.”
After high school, Haley plans to attend college.
Mr. Gerrior says, “Haley is a motivated young woman of numerous talents and considerable self-discipline.” Mrs. Cioffredi says, “She is a strong positive presence at our school and as she graduates, her warm and friendly manner will be missed.” And Mrs. Willard says, “Haley is incredibly willing help those who are in need, and excels at being a leader by managing her time, organizing information, and positively delegating tasks to her peers.”
The Otter Valley community wishes Haley the best as she moves on to the next phase of her life.aleLJale
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Emma Ober, Mount Abraham Union High School’s Student of the Week.
Emma lives in Lincoln with her parents, Dan and Sally Ober, and her younger sister, Casey, who is a 10th-grader at Mount Abe.
Emma made high honors as a freshman and has made highest honors ever since. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has taken AP biology.
Since junior year Emma has been a member of the Mount Abe Neuroscience Club, a student group that meets after school to learn about neuroscience and the brain in preparation for the Vermont Brain Bee. She participated in the fall musical all four years and the spring musical starting last year.
Emma works at the Bristol Bakery and also helps nature artist and illustrator Nick Mayer pack and ship cards and prints.
For the past seven years, she and her family have traveled to Outer Green Island in Maine for a week as Project Puffin volunteers. Last summer she spent six weeks volunteering at Widecast, the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, in Costa Rica. The work included nightly patrols to look for nesting turtles, as well as helping to build, monitor and maintain the hatchery.
Outside of school, Emma enjoys downhill skiing at Mad River Glen. She also enjoys drawing and painting, both inside and outside of school. She has taken most of the art classes that are offered at Mount Abe, and this year is in the Design and Illustration program at the Hannaford Career Center.
After high school, Emma hopes to go to college somewhere in New England.
Emma’s teachers call her “bright and talented.” … “She is about the world and has a subtle dry sense of humor.” … “She is a true student of the natural world, thriving on the outdoor experiences she describes above. Emma is a serious student who appreciates like-minded learners. She is very excited to take the next step in her education.”
All in the Mount Abraham community wish her the best in college and beyond.
 
 
 
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. 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