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 recognize Courtney Randall as its Student of the Week. Courtney lives in Leicester with her parents, Diane and Greg Randall. Her brother, Cody, is a 2016 graduate of St. Michael’s College and currently works for Otter Creek/Long Trail Brewery in Middlebury.
Courtney has consistently made the Honor Roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. She has taken many advanced classes and is currently taking AP Literature. Courtney will be taking Intro to Psychology at Community College of Vermont for the spring semester. She has received awards for excellence in Advanced American Studies, Health Studies and has received the OVTA Citizenship Award in her eighth- and tenth-grade years.
Courtney has played field hockey since the seventh grade and was on the 2015 Division II State Championship Team during her junior year. She was named to the Addison Independent’s All Star Team and was also given the Most Improved Award during the 2016 season. Courtney also played softball until her sophomore year at Otter Valley. She has been Otter Valley’s yearbook editor and chief since junior year, as well as doing ad sales during senior year. Courtney has also been a member of Student Council and Otter Paws.
Courtney has worked at The Storm Cafe in Middlebury since May of 2015. She was also an intern at Leicester Central School during the school year in the younger classrooms. In the summer, besides working at The Storm Cafe, Courtney works as a counselor at the Leicester School’s Summer Alive Camp. She has been on their staff since the ninth grade as a volunteer and as paid staff.
For the past 14 years, Courtney has danced in ballet, tap and jazz but primarily lyrical and hip hop. She also enjoys spending time outside hiking and swimming.
Courtney’s personal philosophy would be to always try your best, persevere, ask questions and practice hard. And if you do not succeed, then you know it isn’t because you didn’t try your best. Her advice to other students is to stay true to yourself, surround yourself with people that truly care about you and always be kind.
After high school, Courtney plans to attend college. She has always had a love for children that she would like to expand upon, either as a teacher, speech language pathologist or child psychologist.
Teacher Michael Dwyer says, “Yearbook editors don’t normally run in families because the second sibling knows how much work is involved. That did not deter Courtney from taking on the editor’s responsibilities for this year’s yearbook. To that task, she brings all her organization, hard work and persistence. Courtney’s school days are full with classes, her internship, sports, and of course, the final demands of production.”
Teacher Lori Robear says, “Courtney is an exceptional student and role model who consistently displays compassion, determination, leadership and responsibility. Her personable demeanor combined with an extraordinary work ethic makes Courtney a truly valued member of our school community!” 
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is pleased to announce Coleman Russell as its Student of the Week. Coleman lives in Bristol with his parents, Jean and Gary Russell. His sister, Lane, graduated from Lesley University last year.
Coleman has received academic excellence honors throughout his high school career, and continually makes the Honor Roll. He’s currently enrolled in AP English and AP Calculus and excelled in economics. He was chosen to represent MAUHS at the Vermont Leadership Conference during his junior year, and selected as a candidate for Green Mountain Boys State.
Coleman has played basketball from grades 7-12, starting on varsity since sophomore year. He played football from grades 7-12 as quarterback, and was Team Captain his senior year. He was also selected to represent the Mt. Abe/Vergennes Co-op Team in the North/South All-Star Senior Bowl Classic. Coleman has been part of the baseball team in grades 10-12, and played first base and was leadoff batter for the 2016 State Championship Team. He is also a cast member in the Spring musical, “Rent.”
For the past three years, Coleman has worked at the Mary Johnson Children’s BASK Program as a Recreational Assistant over the summer, leading youth activities and engaging children in a variety of tasks. He is a member of the St. Ambrose Church, where he has been an altar server since third grade. He regularly volunteers in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest, and has assisted umpiring for Bristol Youth Sports. He has donated his time in a variety of church-related activities over the years through St. Ambrose youth groups and also through Bristol’s Young Life Organization.
When not in school, Coleman likes to hang out with friends, play basketball, go snowboarding, play Xbox and listen to music.
Coleman’s personal philosophy is to do what makes you happy, and don’t let opportunities pass you by.
His advice to other students is to make the most of their high school experience, but remember there is a whole world waiting for you when you graduate.
Advisor Bruce Babbitt says, “Coleman has been in my advisory since the first day of his freshman year. I’ve enjoyed spending time with him and watching him grow into a thoughtful, devoted student with quiet leadership skills, who is admired by the faculty and his peers. He excels in the classroom, the athletic field and in my art room.”
AP Calculus Teacher Heather MacDonald says, “Coleman is a thoughtful and inquisitive student. He is always asking questions to get a better understanding of the math concept we are studying. He never gives up and goes above and beyond to make sure he has thought about a problem from all angles. I enjoy having Coleman in class and I know his classmates feel the same!”
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
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop