Where are they now? Vergennes Union High School – Ellen Dulsky Watkins, 2010
Hometown, current residence, age: I grew up in Ferrisburgh, I’m 24, and I live in Brooklyn.
Family: My parents, Lisa Dulsky Watkins and Matt Watkins, live in Ferrisburgh with their new puppy, Willie. I have two brothers, Jamie and Peter Watkins, who both attended VUHS. Jamie is a theater director and lives in Brooklyn. Peter is an architect and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My boyfriend, Marc Khouri, is a software engineer; we live together in Brooklyn.
What I am up to: I work in media relations at Fitz & Co., a leading global strategy firm in communications, integrated marketing, social media, audience engagement and events in the art world.
How I got to where I am now: I went to Barnard College, the women’s college of Columbia University, where I majored in art history with a focus on history of photography. During my time at Barnard, I interned at Christie’s, an auction house, and with a non-profit Native American arts organization in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I also studied abroad at University College London, where I had the opportunity to work with scholars specializing in visual culture. After college, I worked in marketing and communications at Wave Hill, a nonprofit cultural organization in the Bronx, and in the Office of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Adults to whom I can attribute my current success: Beyond my wonderful parents and brothers, I am thankful for the support of Martha Redpath and Gary Lange — both exemplary members of the community and steadfast, loving friends.
How my Vermont roots have influenced who I am today: Even though I live in New York City, I’m a cross country skier and hiker at heart. I’ll take any chance I can get to ski, bike or hike!
My memories of high school: There were many high points from my high school years! Participating in the VUHS musicals, singing in choir and Commodore Singers, and French class with Mr. DeBlois were all highlights. But the best part of high school — middle school, actually — was meeting my best friend, Fiona Spencer.
My advice for this year’s crop of graduating seniors: Don’t be afraid to pursue something outside of your comfort zone — your community will always be there to support you.