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
We’re pleased to introduce Shoreham resident, Janet McIntosh Barkdoll, a senior at Middlebury Union High School and a co-president of the school’s Student Senate.    A motivated student, Janet enjoys school and actively engages in a challenging curriculum.  Her senior course load includes several Advanced Placement classes and an additional class at Middlebury College where she is studying Introductory Computer Science, which she loves.
Janet enjoys writing and has been involved in the Young Writers Project for over four years.  Her works have been published in the Burlington Free Press, Vermont Digger and shared on Vermont Public Radio.  She has participated in the New England Young Writers’ Conference at Bread Loaf for two years and will return again next spring.  She loves interacting with peers who share her passion for writing through both of these notable programs.
Janet has participated in two Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) programs, one concentrated on the arts and another on information technology.  While at Castleton University, she focused her attention on creative writing and digital media and she zeroed in on information technology at Burlington’s Champlain College.  She encourages all students to consider pursuing the Governor’s Institute as she found the experience to be incredibly rewarding.
In addition to the GIV and writing, Janet has pursued an interest in music and Tae Kwan Do, a Korean martial art, which has an emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks.  Janet will soon achieve her black belt.  Musically, she plays the piano and has participated in Music Camp here in Middlebury.  She spent the summer working at a berry farm in Shoreham where she weeded, picked berries, and made jam. 
Janet encourages students at MUHS to explore a variety of academic areas and try new things during their four years at the school.  She suggests that younger students should not feel that the seniors are “old” but to consider them as friends, ones who can help out as they navigate their high school years.  She does this for newly enrolled 9th graders as a Peer Leader, a role she thoroughly enjoys. 
Looking ahead to life after MUHS, Janet is seeking a small four-year liberal arts college where she can continue to explore new academic areas of interest.  She wants a curriculum that provides academic engagement and interdisciplinary challenge.  We know she will find success on her educational journey in college and wish her well in her senior year!  
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Emma Husk as its Student of the Week. Emma lives in Ferrisburgh with her mom and dad, Laura and George Husk.  Emma has a younger brother, Avery, who is a 9th grader at VUHS.
Emma’s greatest achievements at VUHS  would include being inducted into the National Honor Society last year and was elected secretary this year.  Emma was class president twice, her freshman and junior years.  Currently she is taking a dual enrollment course.
Emma is also a contributing member of our Vergennes High School community.  She plays soccer and has for all four years. Emma is also part of our high school band, Commodore Jazz Band, and pep band.  She also tutors during her free time. Outside of school, Emma plays in the city band and has volunteered at the local residential care facility.  She has also been a soccer instructor at the Addison United Soccer Summit.  
Emma says this about her high school career: “If I had to give any advice to other students, I would tell them that it’s okay to slow down. I have always been someone to try to take on a million tasks or join every club possible. You don’t need to fill your schedule or constantly be going to be happy.” Rebecca Coffey, a social studies teacher at VUHS says this about Emma, “Emma is a very driven, caring student.  I can always count on Emma to ask difficult questions and listen to the answers provided by her peers.  Emma wants to learn more.  She comes to class eager to soak in new information.”
Following graduation from VUHS,  Emma plans to double major in English and secondary education.  The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Emma 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:
Bourdon Insurance Agency
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating
Green Earth Energy
J.W. & D.E. Ryan
Jackman Fuels Inc.
Middlebury Antique Center
Peak View Eye Care
Tinker and Smithy Game Store
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop