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 Sierra Norford as its Student of the Week. Sierra lives in Pittsford with her parents, Lauren and Doug Norford, and her young sister, Eliza, who is a fifth-grader at Lothrop Elementary. Her older brother, Zachary, is a sophomore at UVM.
Throughout high school, Sierra has maintained a high GPA and been on the Principal’s List nearly every marking period. As a junior, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. In 10th grade, she was awarded Academic Excellence in Advanced American History. In 11th grade, she was awarded Academic Excellence in Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry. She has taken advanced, college prep classes every year of high school, including AP Biology last year, and is currently taking three AP classes: Literature, European History and Calculus.
Sierra has participated in theater since seventh grade, doing three or more shows a year, including one-act competitions.
She is currently working at Body Gears in Rutland, and she babysits in Pittsford fairly regularly. In the past, she has worked at Old Navy in Rutland. She volunteered as a junior counselor at the Pittsford Rec Camp for four summers in middle school and early high school. The summer before junior year, she volunteered at SolarFest, a sustainability festival in Tinmouth.
Sierra has been dancing for 15 years at Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance. She does pointe, lyrical, and jazz, but classical ballet is her favorite.
When asked for advice for other students, Sierra said, “Stay organized and manage your time well.”
After high school, Sierra will attend UVM.
Mr. Hull says, “Sierra is a creative and natural leader. She is a vital part of the creative process in the Walking Stick Theatre.”
The Otter Valley community wishes Sierra the best in her future.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School congratulates Amelia Bruhl on being named its Student of the Week. Amelia lives in New Haven with her parents, Taborri and Susan Bruhl; her sister, Martha; and her brother, Harrison.
Amelia is a member of the National Honor Society, through which she volunteers for local blood drives, food shelves, and other community events.
Last year, Amelia took AP Biology and AP European History. This year she is taking AP U.S. History and AP English Literature. She has achieved academic excellence throughout high school.
Amelia has been a member of the Mount Abe field hockey program since seventh grade. She has also been on the varsity track team since freshman year, and placed fourth in the state championship meet for high jump her junior year.
Amelia has participated in the Green Mountain District Music Festival every year since sixth grade. She was a member of the All State Chorus last year and will be again this year. She has been a part of the Mount Abraham fall musicals since seventh grade, and played the Sour Kangaroo in “Seussical the Musical” this past fall. She has also participated in the spring musicals, and played Audrey II in this year’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Outside of school Amelia enjoys singing, hanging out with her friends, working on creative art projects, and redecorating her room.
Reflecting on high school, Amelia says, “I used to go to school every day and find the easiest route to an A. I have learned and come to value school as a place to learn and because of this, I love learning.”
After high school, Amelia will attend the University of Vermont in the fall to study neuroscience.
Music teacher Megan LaRose says, “Amelia has the determination of a spring flower. Her eagerness to grow and learn is not swayed by menacing storms or looming difficulties. … Her sheer confidence and self-driven interest in achieving goals will carry this songbird far.”
Congratulations, Amelia, and good luck at UVM!
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