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.
MUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Middlebury Union High School is pleased to recognize Haven Tate as its Student of the Week. Haven is the son of Susan Highley and Alan Tate. His brother, Addison, attends Vassar College. The family lives in Bridport.
Haven has consistently earned honors or high honors during his four years at MUHS. He has taken or is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, English, Environmental Science and Statistics. When his schedule allows, Haven plans to assist with the Agricultural Theory class this spring. Haven was selected for Boys’ State last summer, and he was a Peer Leader this year.
While described as “our laconic Vermonter” by his father (who happens to write these MUHS columns), Haven’s actions have spoken volumes in two areas in particular: music and movement. Voted the “most musical” male by his fellow seniors, Haven and his trombone have well tuned niches in the MUHS Concert and Jazz Bands. He has been selected for District bands since sixth grade, for All States throughout high school, and this year was one of only three Vermonters chosen to play in a national honors concert band. For the past several summers, Haven has played with the Bristol Town Band. He is presently working at mastering the banjo.
Pick a season and a surface, and Haven can be found moving on it: grass and leaves in fall, snow and ice in winter, and whatever tracks are made of in spring. After being named “Most Improved” in cross-country for 2015, Haven was chosen to be a captain for this past season. He also captained the state champion Boys’ Nordic team this winter. A fourth season of track lies ahead as Haven sprints towards graduation.
Haven has worked at Golden Russet Farm in Shoreham during the last three summers. He plans to study sustainable agriculture at either the UVM Honors College or Cornell University. First, however, he intends to take several months to travel and do farmwork in Great Britain and/or Scandinavia.
Congratulations, Haven, for all you’ve accomplished! We wish you safe travels and great adventures, and hope you maintain the music as you move. And, oh yes, be sure to call home now and then, and as always, “Make good choices!”
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Lathrop Brownell as its Student of the Week. Lathrop lives in Vergennes with his mom and dad, Cheryl and Jonathon Brownell. Lathrop has a younger sister, Guin, who is a sophomore at VUHS.
Lathrop has maintained honors or high honors throughout his high school career. This year he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Lathrop took AP Calculus last year, and has taken both AP English courses offered at VUHS. Lathrop has taken almost all of our science classes, including biology, physics, and chemistry. The arts are very important to Lathrop and he has taken many classes in this field.
Lathrop has played both JV soccer and basketball. He has been a member of the varsity lacrosse team since his sophomore year. He works at Sugarbush Resort as a mountain bike coach and trail builder, where he helps put in new jumps and other features. He is hopeful that he may be able to build his own trail at Sugarbush this summer.
Lathrop gives this piece of advice to other VUHS students: “If I’ve learned one thing from high school, it’s that it’s never as stressful as it seems. When things seem too challenging, take a deep breath and take a step back. Have fun with your time in school, enjoy it as much as you can. There will be times when you need to put your head down and push through, but other than that, find the fun in everything.”
Michael Thomas, an English teacher at VUHS, said, “Whether editing a video, arguing a literary analysis, or spending time on the slopes, Lathrop pursues his passions with confidence, energy and style. He keeps an open mind, but also has a definite sense of personal vision. He leads without actively leading, but others notice and often follow.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Lathrop plans on taking a gap year to travel. He then will attend UVM and major in environmental studies and forestry. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Lathrop the very best in 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
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Army National Guard
Vermont Book Shop