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 senior Meilena Sanchez as its Student of the Week. Meilena resides in Middlebury with her aunt and uncle, Monica Sanchez Webb and Steve Webb. Meilena says her four years at MUHS have been productive and happy and she has appreciated the teachers who have challenged her academically. She has completed six Advanced Placement classes and has studied Design and Illustration at the Hannaford Career Center, a subject she truly enjoys. An honor roll student, Meilena is talented in all areas and says her subjects have all been interesting and fun, and the teachers have been amazing. 
Meilena’s activities at the high school are varied and she advises other students to participate in clubs and sports as a vehicle to meet others. She is the secretary of SCHOR (Student Coalition On Human Rights) and participated in the Tech Crew for the fall drama production, “Hello, Dolly!” In the spring she will serve in the same role for the senior play. She is a member of the Tigers track and field team and runs the 100 meters and competes in the long jump.
As a member of her Girl Scout troop, Meilena traveled to Costa Rica and did community service and humanitarian work.  She is currently working towards the prestigious Gold Award, the Girl Scouts’ highest honor.
As Meilena looks ahead to college, she is focusing her search on small four-year liberal arts institutions; primarily in the Boston area. She is interested in learning why “people do what they do” and thinks that psychology might be an interesting major to pursue.
Everyone at Middlebury wishes Meilena well as she focuses on completion of her Gold Award and prepares for graduation and college.  
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Norah Deming as its Student of the Week. Norah lives in Addison with her mom and dad, Hannah and Jon Deming. Norah has an older sister, Grace.
Norah has challenged herself throughout her high school career. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. This year she is taking AP European History and AP Literature. Norah also represented VUHS at Girls’ State in the summer of 2017. Norah was the recipient of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award and the Excellence and Leadership in Service Award.
Outside of the classroom Norah has been a member of the Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team since her junior year. This year she was a captain. At VUHS Norah has been part of the Girls Basketball team and the Lacrosse team. Norah is also an active member of the VUHS Student Council. She has been the Class Secretary for the past two years. Norah has also helped plan VUHS’ annual Peace One Day event for many years. Norah has been a member of the chorus for all four years of high school. She has also been a contributing member of the Math Team. Norah also attended the Governor’s Institute of Vermont.
Norah gives this advice to other high school students: “Participate in the myriad of activities available during your time in high school. Every experience serves as a learning opportunity.”
Billy Corbett, a social studies teacher at VUHS says this about Norah, “Norah’s maturity, thoughtfulness and welcoming attitude made an impact on me from day one. In class, Norah has been simply outstanding. It has been helpful for me as a new teacher to rely on her tone of serious academic inquiry, combined with an element of joy and fun.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Norah plans to travel this summer and then will attend college in the fall. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Norah 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