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 announce Sawyer Heath as its Student of the Week. Sawyer lives with his parents, Tracy and Fred Raymond in Brandon, and two younger siblings, a brother in grade 7 at Otter Valley and a sister in grade 6 at Neshobe School.
An excellent and consistent student, Sawyer has been on the honor roll throughout high school career. This year he is taking AP Literature. He has been on both the basketball and soccer teams from elementary school through high school. 
In the summer, Sawyer holds a full-time job painting houses with a Middlebury company. 
In his free time, Sawyer likes to spend time outdoors. He counts riding four-wheelers and snowmobiles as two of his favorite activities.
Of high school Sawyer says, “Always work as hard as you can through your high school career and if you aren’t helping other people, you are wasting your time.”
Upon graduation Sawyer plans on going to college and studying something in Business. 
Sawyer’s teacher Michelle Cioffredi comments, “Sawyer is the type of student who does not bring attention to himself, but he does not go unnoticed. He has a very relaxed manner but stands out as someone who truly is comfortable with who he is. I have immense respect for his intellectual abilities as I have seen him grasp challenging concepts in Advanced Anatomy and Sports Medicine. He is inquisitive, observant and persistent in his approach to learning. When asked to make presentations in class, Sawyer is knowledgeable, thorough and well spoken. His preparation shows, as he is always able to field questions from the class and give thoughtful and reliable answers.”
 
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The faculty, staff and students of Otter Valley Union High School wish Sawyer all the best in his senior year and in all that follows.
 
 
 
 
 
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is happy to present Emma Carter as its Student of the Week. Emma lives in Bristol with her parents, Monica and Eric. Her brother, Chris, is a junior at Clarkson University, majoring in Math.
Emma has achieved Highest Honor Roll since grade nine, earning Academic Excellence each year. She is a member of the Mount Abraham National Honor Society and is ranked 12th in the class. She currently takes two Advanced Placement classes: AP Biology and AP Calculus. 
Emma plays a varsity sport each season. She will be on the Varsity Girls Basketball team for her fourth year, played Varsity Soccer in grades 11 and 12 and Varsity Track in grade 11. 
Her family owns a small farm in Bristol, where they raise cows, chickens and sometimes pigs. They are constantly improving their property. They also build houses on other properties that they buy occasionally. Lots of the work Emma does involves working with her family, whether bringing in hay, splitting and stacking firewood, or working on the construction of a house. This summer, she worked for her dad at his insurance agency as an administrative assistant. In her earlier years at Mount Abraham, she volunteered at the 3-Day Stampede. For National Honor Society, volunteer work is also necessary, whether it is working at the food shelf, or at the annual Mount Abraham Craft Fair. 
Emma spends most of her time outside of school playing basketball. “I guess it has developed into my only hobby,” she says. Her goal growing up was to one day be able to play college basketball, so she decided to use her free time and summers to put time into basketball in order to reach the next level. 
High school has taught her the importance of hard work and persistence. Her advice to students — learn how to work. She says, “Work ethic cannot be overlooked, and will be the best skill you can have when you find something you’re passionate about.” 
After high school, Emma will attend Franklin Pierce University on a full scholarship to play on the Women’s Basketball team. She plans to study Pre-Physical Therapy and then move on to a 2.5-year graduate school program to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
“Emma is a fantastic student who brings a vibrancy and energy with her wherever she goes,” says Mount Abe Anatomy and Physiology teacher Mike Williams. “She has proven herself both academically and as an athlete.”
AP Calculus teacher Chad Disorda writes that Emma is “a shining example for her peers to follow. She is a natural leader.”
 
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Everyone at Mount Abraham wishes Emma great success in college and beyond.
 
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