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 Sophia “Sophie” Bloomer as its Student of the Week. Sophie lives in Sudbury with her mom, Susan Bloomer. Her older sister, Olivia, is in her third year of college at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.
During her time at Otter Valley, Sophie has been on the honor roll for both her high school and middle school careers. As a junior, Sophie was inducted into the National Honor Society and was nominated to be part of the 2015 Vermont State Leadership Conference. Sophie will be captain of the 2016 girls varsity basketball team. She is currently enrolled in a Community College of Vermont Introduction to Psychology class, as well as taking both pre-calculus and AP literature. She is also planning on taking AP calculus and another Community College of Vermont course in her second semester. Sophie was class secretary for her freshman, sophomore and junior years and has been part of student council for all four years of high school.
Sophie participates in the following sports: JV field hockey (grade 9); varsity field hockey (grades 10-12); varsity basketball (grades 9-12).
Sophie has spent many years babysitting for different families and is a paid camp counselor at the Triple Threat Sports Camp in Rutland. This will be her fifth year working there. She has also been a member of the school’s community service group, Otter Paws, for three years. Otter Paws helps raise money and give back to those in the community, as well as give time volunteering at the Addison County Parent Child Center.
Outside of school Sophie enjoys playing basketball, whether it’s just shooting around in the gym or playing in women’s league tournaments.
During high school Sophie has learned the basics of math, how to write a five paragraph essay, and all about how our country was formed, but there’s so much more than that.
After high school, Sophie plans to attend college to major in psychology with a focus of neuroscience and receive at least a master’s degree.
Teacher Ms. Bly said, “Sophie’s warmth and compassion for other students is seen throughout the school — she’s enthusiastic in her greetings, kind in her conversations and lifts the spirits of those around her.”
Teacher Ms. Cioffredi said, “As a student, Sophia is someone who shows curiosity and can be counted on to ask probing questions that ignite lively class discussion. Sophia is a motivated student who has a keen interest in medicine. After taking an advanced anatomy class, she extended her knowledge by doing a self-directed study in neuroscience.”
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is pleased to announce Owein LaBarr as its Student of the Week. Owein lives in Bristol and Huntington with his parents Jen Peterson and Mark LaBarr. His sister, Mae Peterson, in ninth grade at MAUHS.
Owein has made honor roll for his entire high school career and he prides himself in being a strong academic student. In taking two AP courses centered around math and science, and another AP and advanced course in history classes in his last two years of high school, Owein has come to realize that you have to challenge yourself as a student in order to make the most out of your education as well as give you a chance to find your true passion in life. Owein has received academic excellence at the end of all four years at Mount Abraham, but he feels the real rewards are those brief moments in every day when he has learned to appreciate and get excited about learning, and not just something you are supposed to do.
Owein has participated in the following activities and sports during his high school career: JV soccer grade 9; varsity soccer (grades 10-12); varsity lacrosse (grades 9-12); Spring musical (grades 10-12); Fall play (grade 12); and Scholars Bowl.
Owein has worked many a different jobs here and there but he has been consistently working a paid job at the Bristol Bakery year round for the past two years. He has been shifted round to many positions from waiting on customers to dishwashing, and from his experience he has learned that if you want people to treat you with respect you must treat others with the same and even go out of your way to try and make others’ lives easier. Another job that had a profound impact on Owein’s life was a summer job between junior and senior year working at a tree nursery in Monkton. Along with being paid, it was also a learning experience as he was taught how to properly plant and grow trees as well as the biology behind it all. Owein hopes to pursue more interesting jobs like these to broaden his spectrum of the different and exciting jobs out there.
Outside of school, Owein enjoys skiing, outdoor adventures such as camping, hiking and canoeing, and ultimate Frisbee.
From his high school experience, Owein has learned that you get out what you put in. Owein has made an abundance of friends at Mount Abraham, and being involved in athletics and other school activities has made him come to appreciate the strong community there is at the school. At Mount Abraham, you are given all the tools and options to make the most out of life and Owein wishes to see more students take advantage of those opportunities and become a welcome addition to the Eagle Nation.
After high school, Owein plans to attend college.
Teacher Justin Bouvier said, “Owein is a once in a career type of student. He is kind, caring, engaged in his learning. He has an optimistic outlook on life. Eagle Nation will be sad to see him depart, but we are excited for his 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 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