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
 Jakub Kraus is involved in all aspects of Middlebury Union High School and he will be sorely missed when he graduates in June. The son of Michael Kraus and Allison Stanger, Jakub and his family reside in Middlebury. A musician and three-sport athlete, Jakub is a talented student who enjoys spending time with his friends and being outdoors.
When asked what his favorite activities are, Jakub smiles and says, “I’m not sure I can choose!” He is a valued member of the Tiger soccer, lacrosse and Nordic ski teams. He says it was a special thrill being on the State Championship Division II Nordic championship team in his senior year.
Jakub has been playing the piano since he was a second-grade student. He values the teaching style and mentorship of Mrs. Severy, who he says has encouraged his musical interests. Jakub is a member of the school band and the jazz ensemble. He plays tenor saxophone and played in the Vermont all state concert band last year. In November, Jakub traveled to Grapevine, Texas, and performed as part of the National Association for Music Education’s annual meeting. In April, he will head to Atlantic City, N.J., and perform again for the same organization. St. Patrick’s Day will found him and his fellow band members marching down Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Outside of school, Jakub is an active member of the youth group at the Congregational Church in Middlebury and participates in community service through the school’s National Honor Society.
Teachers value Jakub’s interest in academics and his name regularly appears on the school’s honor roll. He enjoys mathematics and science and has liked his AP History courses. Jakub’s school counselor, Allison Stebe and post-secondary planning coordinator, Sarah Soule, nominated him for the prestigious Vermont Presidential Scholar program. Jakub was one of 20 high school students from across the Green Mountain state honored by Gov. Scott at a formal ceremony at the State House in Montpelier in January.
Each year 1.6 million students nationwide take the PSAT and Jakub took the test as a junior in the fall of 2015. He learned in February 2017 that he has been named one of 15,000 students from across the country as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition. This is a tremendous honor and puts him in consideration for scholarship opportunities that he can use toward college tuition.
As Jakub looks ahead to college, he says he seeks an institution that will provide academic rigor and a focused faculty, just as he has experienced at MUHS. He has enjoyed the last four years at our school and is eager to experience college life. He has been accepted to the University of Michigan and is awaiting news from other institutions. We know a bright future awaits Jakub! 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Tyler Shortsleeve as its Student of the Week. Tyler lives in Ferrisburgh with his mother, Pennilee Shortsleeve. Tyler has one sister, Shawna, who went to VUHS and graduated in 2015.
Tyler not only takes classes at VUHS, he is also a student at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center. He has taken Automotive I and II. Through this program he is certified in maintenance brakes and lights. He is also tractor safety operation certified.
Tyler has been on the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department for more than three years. He has taken the following trainings: Intro to Fire Fighting (2014), Farm Entanglement (2015), Building Construction (2016), Vehicle Extrication (2017). Tyler had the most cadet training in 2016 among his peers at the FVFD.
Tyler’s advice to other students, is advice he was given by his grandfather: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking to the CEO of a company or the janitor, always treat people with respect. Never talk down to another.”
Chris Wycoff, an English teacher at VUHS, has some positive observations about Tyler.
“Tyler is such a caring and kind hearted individual that I have literally seen him give a fellow student the shirt off his back (I won’t lie; it was a little awkward),” Wycoff said. “But seriously, he is always willing to share anything that he has and is always looking out for the welfare of others. I know that is why he joined the Ferrisburgh Fire Department. He honestly understands that most important thing that you can do in this life is help others in their time of need, and that is why he is my hero.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Tyler’s plan is to go into a mechanical field or welding.
The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Tyler Shortsleeve 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
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop