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 is pleased to announce Allison “Ally” Jean Lowell as its student of the week. Ally lives in Brandon with her parents, Pam and Ed. Her older sister, Emily, is a junior at Castleton.
Ally has made honor roll all four years of high school, and was named to the National Honor Society in grade 11; she won a Citizenship award in grade 9; an Excellence in Algebra I award in grade 9; and was named most improved in American Studies in grade 11. Ally was nominated for the 2015 Vermont State Leadership Conference in grade 11, named Captain of her varsity field hockey team (grades 11-12), takes AP Literature and pre-calculus at Otter Valley, and an Intro to Psychology class at the Community College of Vermont. She was also awarded the 2016 You Make a Difference award at her job at Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Ally participates in the following activities and sports: varsity field hockey (grades 9-12); JV girls’ lacrosse (grades 9-12); JV basketball (grades 9-10); club field hockey (grades 9-12).
Ally joined a volunteer group named Otter Paws, which raises money for good causes, and help runs fundraisers at the school. She also volunteered at the Brookside Nursing Home, where they participate in activities to brighten the spirits of the residents, such as calling out Bingo numbers and helping players find called numbers on their cards. Ally also volunteered at a homeless shelter in a nearby town and helped clean the thrift shop in the shelter and visited with them while they ate their lunch for the day.
Outside of academics, Ally enjoys field hockey. She plays year-round to improve her game for the coming season.
During her high school experience, Ally has learned how to balance the life of a student athlete while maintaining a steady job. She has also learned academics and gained a great knowledge of herself through the friendships she has made.
After high school Ally plans on pursuing a 4-year degree in nursing.
Teacher Mrs. Blow is impressed with Ally. “Allison is a respectful, confident, strong, young woman,” she says. “She is a leader in many ways, with a warm heart and sensitivity for others. As an athlete, she practices hard, plays hard, and is ever so humble. She encourages the younger players to push themselves both on and off the field.”
Another teacher, Ms. Bly, also has some good things to say. “Ally is a bright face in advisory — she helps corral the younger students, helps them with their work and seeing her wonderful, cheerful disposition in my classroom is a great addition to my mornings!”
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is happy to announce Ashley Turner as its Student of the Week. Ashley lives in Monkton with her parents, Wendi and Stan. Her older brother, Nick, attends UVM.
Ashley has received highest honors and been invited to the Academic Excellence banquet at Mount Abraham since 9th grade. She is a member of National Honor Society. As a junior she completed AP U.S. History and AP Calculus. This year she is taking AP English Literature, AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Ashley is a recipient of the Green and Gold Scholarship from UVM, which offers free tuition. She has also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her community service efforts in her junior year. This fall she received the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence; it is also an invitation to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston.
Ashley has participated in the following activities: field hockey (grades 9-12), Nordic skiing (grades 10-12), lacrosse (grades 9-12), poetry recitation competition (grade 10), garden club (grades 10-12), music department president (grades 9-12), math league (grades 9-12), class treasurer (grades 11-12), 802 lacrosse (grades 10-12), jazz band (grades 9-12), environmental club (grades 10-12), 4-H (grades 10-12), band (grades 9-12), National Honor Society (grade 12), peer mentoring (grades 11-12).
Ashley has worked at the Norris Berry Farm in Monkton for the last four summers (paid job). She thinks it’s important to give back to the community so she has volunteered since 10th grade with Monkton Maples 4-H at the Monkton recycling center, and other town events. She also volunteers at the Middlebury Congregational Church Community Suppers every Friday night.
Outside of school, Ashley enjoys spending time with her dog Riley, and working in the vegetable and flower gardens around her house as well as hiking and running.
Ashley’s advice to other students is, “Work hard and you will succeed.”
After high school, Ashley plans to go to college, major in biology, pursue a pre-medicine track and play women’s lacrosse, and then attend medical school to become a physician. She also hopes to join the Peace Corps after medical school.
“Ashley is a conscientious and dedicated student,” said MAUHS guidance counselor Alan Kamman. “Quietly and with confidence, she has earned the highest GPA we have seen at Mt. Abraham in the past 10 years. Ashley is genuine in all of her interactions. She is respectful and respected. On the athletic field she shows fierce determination with the constant goal of helping her team. She, above all, understands that that word — team —contains no I.”
Band teacher Matt Tatro said. “Although Ashley has been viewed as only a high school student by some, to others she has emerged as a leader and source of reference and resolutions.”
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 County Economic Development Corporation
Barash Mediation
Business Telephone Systems
Cubbers
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels Inc.
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Paige and Campbell Insurance
Peak View Eye Care
Strategies for College, Inc.
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop