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 has selected Josh Letourneau as its Student of the Week. Josh lives in Brandon with his parents, Sandy and Gus Letourneau and his two younger brothers, Cole, who is in grade 9 at Otter Valley and Logan, a fifth-grader at Neshobe School.
Josh is a committed athlete who does not say much about himself, but his teachers have a lot to say about him. Teacher Greg Hughes says, “Josh is one of the hardest working student/athletes that I have ever met. He is a leader vocally and by example. He is always willing to go the extra mile to improve himself, his teammates and people around him. Josh is a great role model for young athletes as he shows them how to be successful as well as teach and motivate them to strive for more.”
Michelle Ciofreddi adds, “As a student in my Sports Medicine class, Josh showed himself to be a versatile student. He quickly grasped concepts of care, prevention and treatment of athletic injuries as well as being able to apply them to situational assessments. He is personable and quick to include others in discussions or class activities. He is an excellent athlete, but for me, what makes him exceptional is that he is committed to working with others to share his love and understanding of athletics. As a member of our unified sports program he showed compassion and kindness while helping his teammates learn new skills.”
Josh has played varsity soccer and basketball at Otter Valley since ninth grade, and also participates in unified basketball. He enjoys both of these activities outside of school as well, and works for his father at Letourneau Lawn Care. Once he graduates from Otter Valley, Josh plans on attending college here in Vermont
The teachers, staff and student at OVUHS wish him all the success in the path he choses.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School is pleased to name Carley Sherwin of Monkton as Student of the week. Carley lives with her parents, Shawna and Eric Sherwin. Her sister, Bailey, is a junior at St. Lawrence University.
Carley is a dedicated student. Achieving academic excellence every year, she was accepted into National Honor Society in the spring of 2017. Carley challenged herself early on, choosing to take American Studies as a tenth grader. As a junior she took AP Calculus, AB and AP European History and an online honors course titled Modern Middle East. As a senior she has not slowed, taking AP English Language & Composition, AP Calculus BC, and AP United States Government & Politics.
Carley has played field hockey at Mt. Abe and coached the Bristol Youth Sports field hockey team since middle school. She has been a member of the Travel Club, the Environmental Action Group, and an actor in the Fall Musical. In the spring she works backstage on the spring musical. She has been a production assistant is now the Assistant Stage Manager. She is on MAUHS’ Scholar’s Bowl team, co-founded the Harry Potter Club, serves as class treasurer and a Music Department officer.
Outside of school she volunteers for the Three Day Stampede, working at Saturday drop offs and doing pickups with her grandfather. At the Stampede she can be found at the Rec. field, painting lines, ushering in tractor trailers, setting up tents, unloading trailers, and otherwise working alongside family and volunteers. As if that weren’t enough, Carley also volunteers with the local elementary school field hockey team in the fall as a coach and a referee and holds down two jobs.
When she manages to find a spare second, she loves to immerse herself in Broadway shows, always listening and looking at tickets. She also enjoys running outside on nice days and reading inside on not so nice days. Politically active, she can often be found writing to her Senators and Representatives. She attended the Women’s March in Washington D.C., the protest the night that Donald Trump came to the Flynn in Burlington, and Bernie’s rally on Super Tuesday.
School has taught her that, “you can only get out as much as you put in … My advice to other students would be to give your all to everything you do whether it is in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, or elsewhere.
After high school, Carley plans to go to college. Her interests currently revolve around politics, environmental sustainability, and international affairs. She has always known that she wants to help people.
Assistant Principal Justin Bouvier says, “Carley embodies everything a member of Eagle Nation should be. She is kind, compassionate, friend to all … one of the best fans of Eagle Nation! Did I mention she is among the brightest in the class?”
Everyone at Mt. Abe wishes Carley the best in all her 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