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 Emily Fox on being named Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. Emily lives with her parents, John and Melissa Fox, in Pittsford. Her sister, Samantha, is a junior at Johnson State College.
Emily has been on the honor roll throughout high school. She took Advanced American Studies last year, and this year is taking AP Literature. She received Excellence in Parenting in grade 10.
Emily has played soccer and been in the band or pep band since seventh grade. She was manager of the wrestling team in grades 10 and 11 and was on the Prom Committee in grade 11. This year, she ran the Otter Valley 5K and is a member of Otter Paws. She is currently doing an internship at Lothrop Elementary School.
For the past two winters, Emily worked at the Telemark Ski Club in Pittsford. Last summer she worked at Kampersville campground as the activities director. She’ll be doing that again starting in May. She also babysits.
Over the past few years, Emily has volunteered with church bingo, the Harvest Dinner and the Haunted House. She has also helped out at her aunt’s day care.
In her spare time, she likes spending time with friends, boating, camping, photography, shopping, hiking and kayaking,
Emily’s advice to other students: “Always try your best and never be afraid to ask for help. The one thing a teacher looks for the most is if a student gives 100 percent effort in all that he or she does.”
After high school, Emily plans to attend CCV for two years to get her associate’s degree in early childhood education. She will then go to Castleton University for her bachelor’s degree in the same field.
Mr. Gerrior calls Emily “an extraordinary young woman.” Ms. Cioffredi says in Emily’s internship at Lothrop, “her supervising teacher has praised her for her compassion and consistent interactions with the kindergarten students she works with.” Mr. Dwyer says, “She is just the kind of person who will one day make a wonderful elementary teacher.”
Emily is already on the path to her future career. Good for you, Emily!
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is proud to name Elijah Pedriani as its Student of the Week. Elijah lives in New Haven with his parents, Jason and Valerie Pedriani, and his sister Sophia, who is a freshman at Mount Abe.
In seventh grade, Elijah earned a position as an athlete on the United States Olympic Luge Team. Initially, the sport required him to train in Lake Placid, N.Y., for weeks at a time each season, while missing class time at Mount Abraham. Despite this, he had to learn to work independently yet meet the same course requirements as other students attending class. As the years progressed, up to and including his senior year, his time out of class increased substantially while traveling the international World Cup circuit. He has managed to maintain academic excellence and has taken high-level courses in order to keep him well prepared for university. He is completing high school with grades that, given the circumstances, he’s proud to say he has achieved. He has also recieved Academic Achievement awards.
Elijah has been a member of the Mount Abraham Union High School Rowing Club since seventh grade.
He has worked at Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn in New Haven since the summer of 2014. He has also volunteered at Project Independence in Middlebury over the past five years.
In his free time, Elijah enjoys snowboarding, BMXing, and dirtbiking.
When asked for advice for other students, Elijah says, “Stay focused on achieving goals you’ve set for yourself, no matter who or what may stand in the way of them.”
After high school, Elijah plans to continue luge and eventually attend college for civil or mechanical engineering.
A Mount Abe teacher says, “Elijah’s experience balancing personalized, self-directed courses as well as teacher-directed courses has set him aside academically as a student that understands his learning. Whether in the classroom or as part of the rowing team, Elijah is a student that shows passion for his learning and interest in those around him. What stands out for me most though is his good-natured, kind, sincere and personable attitude that he carries with him throughout our school community.”
The Mount Abe community wishes him a successful future, both on the luge run and in college.
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