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
 Hannah Roque is a senior at Middlebury Union High School and the daughter of Nikki Juvan and Trent Campbell of Middlebury and Rick and Lisa Roque of Longmeadow, Mass.
Hannah notes that her favorite subjects in school are English and the arts; she is especially enjoying her AP English course this year. She has been co-editor of the MUHS literary magazine, Calliope, for the past two years.
She credits her 9th grade science teacher for sparking her interest in the sciences. An initial course in earth science prompted her to pursue the subject further and she has gone on to take Biology, and Chemistry I and II. “I now like science far more than I ever dreamed possible, but English is still my favorite subject!” Hannah says.
A member of the honor roll all four years, Hannah is also busy outside class, including this year as a peer leader.
Musical theater is a favorite activity and she is spending time this fall preparing for the MUHS fall production, “The Little Mermaid.” Look for Hannah on stage in the roll of Flounder in November. In fact, she has spent quite a lot of time on stage at MUHS. As a first year student she was an evil step-sister in the production of “Cinderella,” the next year she had the lead role in “Legally Blonde” and last year she was the witch in “Into the Woods.”
She is a standout in the MUHS singing scene, taking part in the Women’s Ensemble and the Camerata Singers. She has been on the All State and New England choirs, as well.
Hannah is also interested in dance, and she studies tap at Spotlight on Dance.
When not singing in the high school choir, acting or studying, you can find Hannah working at her part-time job at TJ Maxx in Middlebury. She also volunteered at the Ilsley Public Library for many years.
As Hannah looks ahead to next year, she knows she wants to stay in the Northeast and plans on pursuing a degree at a small four-year liberal arts college. She is considering attending a women’s college as she likes the prospect of studying and learning at a single-sex institution where the focus is on academics, leadership and collaboration for women. She is actively focusing on her coursework her senior year, her extracurricular activities and is busily preparing her college applications.
Hannah says that her mother is her role model because she has always been her inspiration, her mother instilled in Hannah a love of learning and the arts.
We wish Hannah Roque well as she continues onward with her successful senior year and as she gears up for college! 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Brandon Cousino as its Student of the Week. Brandon lives in Ferrisburgh with his parents, Kirk and Lynn Cousino.
Over the past four years at VUHS, Brandon has been on high honors all but two quarters. Last year he took AP Calculus and joined the math team. Brandon was elected vice president of his senior class. He recently joined the yearbook staff.
Brandon was a member of the JV soccer team up until his junior year. This year Brandon chose to join the cross-country team. Brandon has been on the varsity wrestling team all four years of high school. Brandon was the undefeated State Champ for the 182-pound weight class last year.
Brandon has been very involved with giving back to our community. Over the years, he helped with the Vergennes Area Youth Wrestling Club by attending practices and tournaments. Last year Brandon contacted the Vergennes Lions Club and helped raise money for their organization, which has helped many people. Brandon used his skills in wrestling by contacting businesses and asking them to pledge money based on his final season record. At the end of the year, Brandon went 51-5 and raised $2,402. This money will be used to help people in need in the Vergennes area.
Brandon gives this advice to other high school students, “High school has been insightful to say the least. There are many shortcuts you can take in school to “achieve” success in the academic institution. However, once you transfer into the real world, those shortcuts are rarely available. This is where sports played a large role in teaching me success. Just like in life, some people have it easy, they are naturals at the game and have to give no effort to succeed. However, those who are not naturals still have the chance at success. This success is based off of hard work, perseverance and the will to achieve your goals.”
Lynn Kayhart, a math teacher at VUHS says this about Brandon: “He exemplifies the five guidelines at VUHS. He is an amazing mathematician and wrestler. He works hard to reach excellence in all areas of his life. Brandon is simply a wonderful human being of the highest integrity and character with great academic and personal potential. Congratulations, Brandon!”
Following graduation from VUHS, Brandon is headed to college to pursue a degree in mechanical or industrial engineering. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Brandon Cousino 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:
Addison Central Teens
Addison County Economic Development Corporation
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels Inc.
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Strategies for College, Inc.
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop