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
We’re pleased to introduce Dace Eaton, a member of the Middlebury Union High School Class of 2017, as our Student of the Week. As a senior, Dace has been actively involved in all aspects of life at MUHS. Dace has won the respect of his teachers and peers and last spring was the recipient of the Dorey Cup in recognition of his leadership and academic abilities. He resides in Middlebury and is the son of Christin Swanson and Bob Eaton.
Dace is well known at MUHS where he serves as the student body president. He is actively engaged as a peer leader and helped welcome 150 new ninth graders at the onset of the 2016-2017 school year. As a senior, Dace encourages the newly enrolling students to challenge themselves and pursue new and different activities as a way of making friends and getting involved at school.
One of his favorite activities is participating in Scholars Bowl under the direction of Coach Perry Lessing. Scholars Bowl is a competition between area high school students whereby they answer rapid fire questions focusing on a range of topics.
After a highly successful season last year, Dace and his teammates went on to compete in the National Small School Tournament in Chicago and finished fifth overall in the U.S. Another of Dace’s passions is dance. He is a member of the dance team at MUHS and is well known for his skills in both hip hop and tap.  
As a student, Dace enjoys science and math and he recently attended the Governor’s Institute at UVM where he focused on mathematical challenges and real world applications of math. He spent the summer of 2015 at Phillips Exeter Academy in N.H., and did an intensive study in the areas of math, physics and debate. These two experiences confirmed his focus on wanting to pursue math and science as he looks ahead to applying to college this fall. Dace’s college search is centering on colleges and universities where he can do research and delve deeply in to technology, mathematics, and science.
Dace is a natural leader and a positive presence in the MUHS community. His academic talents have placed him regularly on the Honor Roll and he earned the prestigious RPI Medal, a noted award from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.
He’s excited for his senior year and is focusing on a challenging year that includes serving as TA (teaching assistant) in Calculus. He’ll be continuing to assist student in his new ninth grade advisory group as they adjust to high school and will offer helpful tips as they settle in to their new school. They’re lucky to have a student like Dace to help show them the ropes! 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Eva Kamman as its Student of the Week. Eva lives in Vergennes with her dad, Neil Kamman, and mom, Carla Mayo. Eva has an older brother, Rowan, who is a sophomore at UVM. Currently, Eva has an exchange brother staying with her family from Kosovo.
Eva has been on the high honor roll 11 out of the 12 quarters of high school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. Eva took AP U.S. History her sophomore year; AP Literature and Composition her junior year; and is currently in AP Biology. In addition to these challenging courses, Eva took an online French class and humanities during her junior year.
Eva was awarded the St. Michael’s Book Scholarship. Eva has earned many underclassman awards including the five guidelines award in social studies, five guidelines award in physical education, and excellence in language arts. She has also earned multiple awards from our music department, in both chorus, concert band and jazz band.
Eva has been an active participant in our school. She has been a member of the rowing team and VUHS musical every year. She has also taken on leadership roles, such as being the rowing captain, school board student representative and jazz band manager. Eva has also been part of our upper level band and chorus groups: Commodore Singers and the jazz band. Eva has been part of the Vermont Interscholastic Council for the past two years.
Outside of school Eva works at the Mt. Philo Inn, and has worked at Greenhaven and First Season Greenhouses. Eva has volunteered as a co-director for the VUES production of “Aladdin.” She has also performed at numerous concerts for the promotion of jazz music with the Bessette Quartet and the High School All-Stars.
Eva gives this piece of advice to others: “In life, things will inevitably become challenging. I have found that if you dread these problems and try to avoid them, it only becomes more difficult to surmount them. So, instead of dwelling over the hardships, face them with a positive attitude. With optimism and determination, mountains can be turned into molehills and lakes into puddles. Nothing can stop a person who believes in themself and their own capabilities.”
Rebecca Coffey, a social studies teacher at VUHS says this about Eva, “Eva is a person who is willing to challenge herself academically and physically. Eva asks the hard questions and answers questions with honesty and clarity. Eva is student who makes my job fun, rewarding and exciting.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Eva is headed to college to major in the sciences. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Eva the very best in the future.
 
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:
Addison Central Teens
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels Inc.
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Stategies for College, Inc.
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop