Students of the Week – December 19, 2016
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 Ghislaine Robin as its Student of the Week. Ghislaine lives in Florence with her parents, Joel and Bernadette Robin.
Ghislaine’s sister Grace is an LNA at Porter, her brother Grant is a radiation therapist in Chicago, and her brother Garrett is studying theatre and political science at Castleton University.
Ghislaine is in the National Honor Society and has made the honor roll a few times throughout high school. As a junior, she was recognized for excellence in French 3 and AP Chemistry. This year she is in AP Literature, AP Euro and AP Calculus.
Currently, Ghislaine is a captain on the varsity girls’ tennis team, and has been on the team since freshman year. She has also been a member of Student Council since freshman year and has been class vice president for three out of the four years of high school and is currently the social manager of Student Council.
Ghislaine is in the upcoming production of “The Producers” as the character Hold Me-Touch Me. As a junior, she was the Junior Representative of Walking Stick Theatre and is now secretary of the Theatre Department. She’s been doing theatre at Otter Valley since the seventh grade and has loved every minute of it. In August of 2015, she traveled to the largest arts festival in the world in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is thankful she was able to travel there with the wonderful theatre department.
Ghislaine is a volunteer at Rutland Regional Medical Center, and also volunteers as a teen courier every Friday evening, since January of 2016. For the past five years she has also been working for her father, who is self employed.
Outside of school, Ghislaine enjoys stargazing, traveling, fashion and film. She has had wonderful opportunities to travel to five countries with her father through Walking Stick Theatre. She has been to France a few times and would love to live there one day.
Ghislaine has learned that being open-minded is an important quality. She thinks staying true to yourself is important, but you should always be willing to take part in new opportunities. She also believes a good sense of humor is an admirable quality to have and can help you get through tough times.
After high school, Ghislaine plans on attending college. She has applied to the University of New Mexico, UVM, Rutgers, and Illinois Tech, and will most likely be majoring in Astrophysics and French.
Teacher Mr. Hull says, “Ghislaine has been an active leader in the Walking Stick Theatre for several years. Her hard work and determination allow her to shine both onstage and off.”
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is pleased to announce Ernesta “Nesta” McIntosh as its Student of the Week. Nesta lives in Lincoln with her parents, Jim and Wendy McIntosh.
Nesta has taken AP Biology and AP U.S. History and is also currently enrolled in AP Art. She has achieved academic excellence and been on either the high or highest honor roll all of her years at Mt. Abe.
Nesta has participated in the following activities during her high school years: varsity soccer 9-12; Nordic skiing 10-12; and Scholars Bowl 11-12.
Currently Nesta works at Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn as a runner and helps cater weddings during the summer and fall. She also enjoys helping out with Young Life activities.
Outside of school, Nesta enjoys soccer, hiking and skiing.
Nesta has always been inspired by the quote, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” by Charlie Chaplin. Throughout high school she has learned that it is important to find the fun in all situations and be grateful for every moment. Time goes by fast and it is essential to be able to live in the moment and find joy and laughter every day.
After high school, Nesta plans to attend college.
Teacher Addie Thompson said, “Nesta stands out in my mind as a remarkable young woman for a number of reasons. She carries within in her such great potential. When Nesta is passionate about something, as she is about soccer and bringing laughter and light to the world, there is an indefinable spark in her eyes. I have seen her become so passionate about something she is writing or thinking that she cannot wait to share. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her smile and willingness to bring fun to even the most mundane of tasks both on the field and in the classroom are beyond compare. She is a leader in the classroom, often making learning more engaging for both herself and others. Nesta has a unique ability to understand the importance of her education while bringing laughter to all of her academic endeavors.”
Coach Bonnie Huizenga said, “Nesta is such a positive asset to the soccer team and anyone she is around. Whenever you see her, whether it is on the field, in the halls or even in the community she is self assured, confident and always upbeat with that infectious smile and laughter! What a great role model.”
AP Art Teacher Elise Cleary used the following words/phrases to describe Nesta: “bright, athletic, curious, happy, talented, great sense of humor, willing to take risks in order to grow, good artist with a strong sense of color and design, great smile and laugh, people like to be around her, her positive attitude is contagious, loves life.”
Coach Dustin Corrigan said, “Nesta is one of the most accomplished soccer players in our program’s history. She was a four-year starter, a team captain, all state, league offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year. She helped us to win two league championships and a state championship during her time playing for us and she was just named to the NSCAA All-Region team. Beyond that she’s a terrific student and person and very deserving of all the accolades she’s earned.”
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 certi?cate 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