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.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is pleased to present Robyn Arena as its latest Student of the Week. Robyn lives with her mother Elizabeth Arena in Bristol. Her older sister Marie studies elementary education at Johnson State College.
Succeeding in academics has always been top priority for Robyn, who has worked to challenge herself throughout high school. She has taken AP Biology and is currently enrolled in AP Calculus. She has maintained a high GPA and been awarded academic excellence throughout high school. In the spring of 2017 she was invited into National Honors Society. She is also on track to receive a challenge diploma on graduation day.
An active member of the MAUHS community, Robyn has played field hockey for four years. She has played basketball since grade nine, and in the spring first joined the softball team in grade 9, then switched to track and field for her remaining time at Mt. Abe. Robyn has also been involved in the school’s fall musical since her freshman year.
With the school year so busy, Robyn balances three jobs over the summer. For the past three years she has worked for a local catering company called Foster and Sons Fine Foods. She also had paid internship in the Accounts Payable Department of Middlebury College. When not at her other jobs, she spent hours picking berries, weeding, and planting on Full Belly Farm in Monkton. Along with gainful employment, Robyn feels that giving back to her community is very important. Every summer since 2011, she has volunteered at the Three Day Stampede Towards the Cure for Cystic Fibrosis. She also helps coach Bristol youth sports teams in field hockey and softball. She loves to volunteer her time to teach young kids about something that she is passionate about.
Outside of school Robyn has limited extra time for hobbies. She does, however, spend a lot of time with friends over the weekends. She also participates in Younglife — a group of high school students who come together to join in fun activities while learning about the Gospel.
Of her high school experience Robyn says, “I have learned that you are in control of your future, so you have to work hard for what you believe in and get involved.” After graduating from Mt. Abe, Robyn plans to go to college and pursue a career in physical therapy. She also would love to play field hockey in college.
Field hockey coach Mary Stetson remarks, “Robyn is a consistent steady player who always gives 100 percent. She is that player who always put ‘we’ before ‘me,’ and looks to be the best player so the team will be successful.”  
OVUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Otter Valley Union High School happily presents William Kelly as its Student of the Week. William lives in Sudbury with his parents, Darlene Kelly and Karen Hawley, and his sister, Madison, who is in Grade 6.
William has been a solid honor roll student at OVUHS, and as a freshman received academic achievement in global studies. He has played varsity golf all four years, and serves as the team captain this year. He also plays varsity soccer and basketball. For the past three years, he has been reading the morning announcements at Otter Valley.
For several years, William has volunteered his time for the Rutland Eagles Special Olympics Golf and Bowling teams. He has also volunteered for the Girls on the Run meet. In his freshman year, he worked as a busboy at Café Provence in Brandon.
William has an interest in a number of activities outside of school. In addition to playing golf, he enjoys biking and being outdoors, taking photos, kayaking, swimming, and spending time with his friends.
William says, “I’ve learned that high school is only a practice for the real world. I’ve learned that high school has a vast amount of personalities and you can be yourself and you can work through any adversity. I’ve learned that I can get along with any teacher/student.”
When William finishes high school he plans to attend college and major in Sports Media.
Lao Shi Hong Dan, William’s Mandarin teacher has this to say, “Will Kelly has been trying his very best in Mandarin class; he is becoming a great Chinese speaker as result of his great efforts. He is respectful to everybody around him, and he is always kind and gentle to people. Great to have him!”
William’s golf coach, Tom Ryan, also had great things to day about this young man: “Will never missed a match and always represented OV and the larger school community in an admirable way. This year, he shot his best ever score in a competitive round (43 at Proctor-Pittsford) and also won Medalist honors in a match (recognition for having the lowest score of anyone in the match). He was the heart and soul of the team this year and he will be greatly missed next year.”
The faculty, staff and students of OVUHS wish William the best in all his future plans.
 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:
Barash Mediation Services
Bourdon Insurance Agency
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating
Cubbers
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