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 recognize Cody Young as its Student of the Week. Cody lives in Pittsford with his father, Troy Young. His brother Neiko graduated from OVUHS last year and his sister Keisha is a sophomore.
Cody has made Honor Roll and Principal’s List many times during his time at OVUHS. He joined the National Honor Society in 11th grade.
Cody has played football, and served as team captain this year. He also participates in wresting and lacrosse, and hopes for a good season this spring.
Cody has held paying jobs since he was 16. He has worked in many areas, from kitchens to construction crews. He loves working in the kitchen. Culinary arts have become his passion, and he plans to pursue this interest in the future.
A very social person outside of school, Cody enjoys hanging out with friends. He cooks for his family and takes a few shots at the hoop sometime just for practice. Cody has worked out since the end of his 8th-grade year. He remarks that it has changed his life in so many amazing ways.
During his high school tenure, Cody says, “I have learned that things may not go the way you want them to, but you just have to push through and get the job done. High school isn’t always fun, but I make it fun. I have made my high school experience one the most memorable things in my life. I’m surely going to miss it.”
Post high school Cody intends to continue his career in Culinary Arts. He also plans on going to college to get either his Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
 “If you were to ask the ingredients that best describe Cody Young’s academic and personal growth as a student, they would include: hard work, intelligence, creativity, compassion and perseverance,” says OVUHS Guidance Counselor Lori Robear. “The same ingredients I am certain that will ensure Cody’s success as he pursues his dream of becoming a chef.”
Chef Fennimore at Stafford Tech Center agrees. “Cody is a disciplined, dedicated young man whose work ethic, positivity and sense of community have impressed me since he first joined my class in the fall of 2016. He has a strong attention to detail, a great sense of humor, and the grit to persevere through challenges. His love of his family is palpable and he is a patient mentor to his younger classmates. I have been lucky to have him in my class for two years!”
Everyone at Otter Valley looks forward to seeing what Cody accomplishes in the coming years.
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School takes pride in announcing Samuel Chase Paradee, or Sam, as its Student of the Week. Sam lives in Bristol with his parents, Troy and Pam Paradee. His brother Tucker is a sophomore at UVM and his brother Griffin is a freshman at Mt. Abe.
Sam is a diligent and accomplished student, having been awarded academic excellence each year and high honors every semester. He was named a member of National Honors Society this year. Last year he took AP European History, and this year he is taking AP Biology and AP Calculus. Sam is also in his fifth year of the Spanish program. This past summer Sam attended a Governor’s Institute for Environmental Science and Technology for a week at UVM.
He also displays his diligence and dedication in non-academic activities. Sam was a member of the varsity soccer team freshman through senior years, and a member of the varsity lacrosse team since his freshman year. He is planning on playing again in this upcoming season and will repeat his role of lacrosse team captain. He participated in the spring musical freshman and sophomore years, and will again this year. Sam has also been a part of the Scholars Bowl team since sophomore year. Last year he joined Environmental Club.
With all this he manages to keep a job as well, working at Juice Amour in Middlebury on the weekends and at Full Belly Farm over the summers. Sam also volunteers at the Three Day Stampede, and does odd jobs for the Bristol Rec. Department with his father. And in his free time? Sam enjoys being outside: hiking, swimming, camping, kayaking and biking during the summer and skiing in the winter.
Of high school Sam says, “I’ve learned that it is best to take advantage of all the opportunities you are given and try new things. I never thought I would love to perform in school plays or do competitive trivia in Scholars Bowl, but I figured I would try some new stuff throughout my high school experience and I have found more activities that I enjoy.”
After graduating from Mt. Abe Sam plans on going to college for a degree in either Architecture or Civil Engineering. He hasn’t committed to any particular college, but he has been accepted at University of Vermont, Roger Williams University and Montana State University.
 “Sam is incredibly bright and has a warm, affable, inclusive personality that is instrumental in helping all those around him feel comfortable,” says AP Biology teacher Samantha Kayhart. “He’s a joy to have in class!” Advisor Mike Williams adds, “Sam has the ability to brighten up any room with his outgoing, funny and entertaining attitude … He is an excellent student and athlete with a bright future.”
The faculty, staff and students of Mt. Abe all wish Sam the very best in the years to come.
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