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
Congratulations to Carson Leary of Brandon, Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. Carson is the son of Jim and Nancy Leary. His sister, Jenifer, is a senior at Castleton University.
Carson frequently make honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is taking Advanced Placement Literature, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Behavioral Science and Physics.
Carson was on Student Council two years and on the 2015 Prom Committee. In grades 9 and 10 he was part of Otter Paws. As a junior he was nominated to be part of the VSADA leadership conference. He attended Green Mountain Boys’ State in 2015.
Carson played baseball in grade 9 and varsity lacrosse in grades 10 and 11. He played varsity basketball the last three years and varsity football all four years, acting as captain of the championship team this year. Carson was named the state Gatorade Player of the Year and USA Today Vermont Football Player of the Year in 2015 and was named to the All State Football Team: Offense, in grades 11 and 12. He credits his teammates and coaches for making his success possible.
For three summers Carson has worked in the Camp Keewaydin kitchen. He has volunteered with the football team and with the Life Bridge Church group. He always participates in Green Up Day.
Outside of school, Carson enjoys going on night hikes, swimming and snowboarding. He likes traveling and learning about different cultures.
His advice to other students: “If you want to accomplish something, really set your mind to do it. Anything is possible.”
After high school, Carson will study mechanical engineering at the University of New Hampshire. He will play Division I football there as well.
Mr. Gerrior says, “Carson is always interested in supporting others. For example, Carson and his family were instrumental in establishing the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon. When Hurricane Irene hit our town and left many areas devastated, Carson put in many hours into the cleanup and recovery efforts.”
The Otter Valley community wishes Carson great success at UNH!
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School proudly names Ellie Gevry its Student of the Week. Ellie lives in New Haven with her parents, Heather and Duke Gevry, and her brother, Beau, who is in ninth grade at Mount Abe.
Ellie has made highest honors or high honors all four years. She was selected to be a part of the National Honor Society and is taking AP Biology this year. She took a dual enrollment class on Nutrition through UVM the summer before junior year.
Ellie has been playing field hockey since seventh grade, on varsity since grade 10. In 11th grade she was chosen to go to an athletic leadership conference and in 12th grade she was a team captain. She got the coach’s award senior year, too. She also played in an indoor field hockey league for Team Vermont junior year. Senior year she played for Team Element for indoor field hockey. In grades 9 and 10 she played basketball.
Ellie has worked at the Bristol After School Program for the past two years. She is an activities counselor, working with elementary students part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. She volunteers regularly at the Bristol Food Shelf with the National Honor Society, and she and her mother volunteer for Vermont Cares every Christmas.
Outside of school, Ellie enjoys running and hiking with her dog. She also enjoys reading.
Ellie says, “I have learned throughout high school the importance of being goal-oriented and kind.” Her advice to other students is: “Persevere towards your goals even when you encounter setbacks.”
After high school, Ellie will attend Castleton University to play field hockey and become a nurse. After that she plans on going to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.
Field hockey coach Mary Stetson says, “Ellie leads by example. She is the type of person who elevates her performance to the highest level, and then inspires her teammates to work to excellence.”
Everyone at Mount Abe wishes Ellie the best in all her future endeavors.
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