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 Polly Heminway, a senior at MUHS as its Student of the Week. Polly is the daughter of Bill and Lissy Heminway and she has two younger brothers, Owen, 16, and Elliott, 12. The family resides on a farm in Shoreham.
Polly enjoys school and likes all of her classes. When asked if she has a favorite subject, Polly reports that she especially likes studying world cultures and international relations. Polly was admitted early decision to Connecticut College and plans to pursue these two fields when she enrolls in the fall. She chose Connecticut because of its academic offerings, the location, and the opportunities for study abroad. In the summer of 2016, Polly traveled to Kenya through the AFS study abroad program. She lived with a host family and learned about animal conservation.
Polly completed her graduation requirements at mid-year and will travel to Spain in April through AFS and live with a host family while she volunteers at an afterschool program in Valencia. She will return to Vermont in early June in time to graduate with her classmates.
Her interests range from dog sledding with her mother to caring for animals on the family farm. She loves riding and has worked at a local equine facility doing barn chores in Cornwall. Polly joined some friends last summer working as part of a paint crew.
Polly is a member of the varsity MUHS Tiger hockey team and plays forward and left back. She loves hockey and enjoys time on the ice with her supportive teammates. Academically, Polly remarks that her years at the high school have been challenging in a good way and she has appreciated the teachers and their dedication to students.
Polly says “It’s hard to believe that my time in high school is almost over!” She is looking forward to more of the same when she enrolls in college in the fall. Polly’s future is bright and everyone at MUHS wishes her the best.
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Megan Tarte as its Student of the Week. Megan lives in Vergennes with her parents, Jeff and Carie Tarte, and her younger brother, Eric, an 8th-grader in Vergennes Union Middle School.
Since 7th grade, Megan has achieved high honors every quarter. When she entered high school, she challenged herself by taking Advanced Placement Calculus her junior year and Advanced Placement Biology her senior year. She also participated in the Health and Medicine Academy at the University of Vermont, and is currently taking a dual enrollment course through the Community College of Vermont. Megan was inducted into the National Honors Society. She has received a few academic awards, such as Academic Excellence in Biology I, Academic Excellence in English, Challenges Oneself in Mathematics, Academic Excellence in German III, and the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester.
Outside of the classroom, Megan plays basketball and is a captain of the team this year. She is also a member of the varsity softball team. Megan has been a student representative on the Community Engagement Committee (in part of the new unified district school board) since her junior year. Megan was one of the founding members of the Commodore Community Project, a group of students who activate positivity and bring awareness to certain issues surrounding adolescence and the teenage years. Megan also tutors other students in math and science. Megan plays alto saxophone and piano in the Commodore Jazz Ensemble, and sings in the Commodore Singers Select Choral Ensemble.
Megan says, “My high school experience taught me to go outside my comfort zone. Whether giving a speech in front of a large crowd, performing a solo piece, or standing up for what is right, there is nothing more fulfilling than pushing myself to experience new things … [G]et involved in school spirit, sports, community service, community events, because the high school experience is only so long, and your community plays a huge role in who you are and who you want to become.”
“Megan Tarte exemplifies the ideal student,” VUHS math teacher Lynn Kayhart says. “Megan approaches every aspect of her life with grit and perseverance. She is determined to be the best that she can be. She exhibits great character by always being caring and compassionate to others. Her strong leadership skills and positive role modeling, in the classroom and in athletics, will be greatly missed next year. I know Megan is going to help make this world a better place and leave her mark on it. She is amazing! Congratulations Megan!”
Following graduation from VUHS,  Megan plans to attend a four-year university somewhere in New England where she will major in pre-medicine. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Megan 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:
Barash Mediation Services
Bourdon Insurance Agency
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating
Cubbers
Distinctive Paint  and Interiors
Green Earth Energy
J.W. & D.E. Ryan
Jackman Fuels Inc.
Middlebury Antique Center
Peak View Eye Care
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop