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
Middlebury Union High School is pleased to introduce Jane Holmes of Middlebury as Student of the Week. Jane is the daughter of Breena and Lewis Holmes. Her two brothers, Nick and Sam, both attend Bates College in Maine. Jane has been actively engaged in all aspects of Middlebury Union High School and enjoys an array of hobbies and activities. 
In the fall of her junior year, Jane enrolled in the Mountain School in Vershire, Vt.  Known as a semester school, the Mountain School offers students from across the country an opportunity to enroll in an academically challenging program in an alternative setting. Jane credits the experience as being formative and solid preparation for living away from home. She found the coursework to be similar in nature to what she has taken at MUHS and adds that she got to participate in daily farm chores, including splitting wood. One thing she especially enjoyed was the focus on environmental stewardship while at the Mountain School.
Jane loves the arts and plays the guitar and piano. She spends her free time walking her dogs Bodie and Molly. She is an avid Nordic and downhill skier. When not outdoors, she can be found reading — Stephen King is a favorite author. Jane had a role in the MUHS fall theater production of “Hello, Dolly!” She volunteers at the Open Door Clinic, where she uses her Spanish skills to assist patients with their paperwork in preparation for appointments.
Jane has accumulated enough credits to complete her graduation requirements at mid-year. In mid-winter she will travel to Nicaragua to continue working on her Spanish speaking skills. From there she will head to California and will reside with a family, volunteer in a bilingual school and assist in an elementary classroom. Jane will return to Vermont in June to graduate with her class. As to college, she is seeking a small four-year liberal arts institution offering a range of majors where she can explore her options.
All of us at MUHS wish Jane well in the future. 
 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Anneke Boelens as its Student of the Week. Anneke lives in Ferrisburgh with her dad and mom, Scott and Elaine Boelens. Anneke has a sister, Laura Boelens, who is two years older and graduated from Perkins School for the Blind.
Anneke has been on the honor role throughout her entire high school career. She has been on high honors for all but two quarters. Anneke was inducted into National Honor Society in 11th grade. In 10th grade, she received two awards, Challenges Oneself Award and the Five Guideline Award. Anneke was class Vice President in 11th grade. In 10th grade, she was chosen to participate in HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program), and in 11th grade she was a delegate to Girls State.
Outside of the classroom, Anneke is part of the yearbook staff. She has been a member of the Commodore Singers since 10th grade and chorus since 9th grade. She is also an active leader in Student Council and helped organize the Junior Prom.
Anneke says this about her high school career: “My advice to every high school student is that you should work hard and challenge yourself, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Always put 100 percent of your effort into your work to produce the best outcome. You are capable of doing more than you think. Stay organized and focused. Don’t procrastinate. Always try to do your best. Even if you don’t do well, teachers are there to help you build important skills that will be useful both in high school and in your future.”
Mark Powers, a science teacher at VUHS, said, “Anneke has been selected as the student of the week this week, but she could have also been selected as student of the week for every week of her high school career. Anneke is the picture of what a dedicated and involved student should be. She is a dedicated academic who is involved with student government and is one of the most kind and understanding students I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Anneke has a bright future ahead of her after her graduation this year.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Anneke plans on going to a four year college, most likely in Virginia, to major in Nursing. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Anneke 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