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 Fyn Fernandez, son of Kelly Hickey and Miguel Fernandez of Weybridge, as our Student of the Week. Fyn has three siblings, a twin brother, Santi, who is also a senior at MUHS; a brother, Zealand, who lives and Montpelier; and a sister, Sydney, who resides in California. 
A dedicated athlete and academically talented student, Fyn is well known by students and faculty at MUHS. A four-year standout on the varsity lacrosse team, where he plays defense, Fyn captains the team this spring. Fyn is a member of the varsity football team and rotates between two positions, kicker and guard. Fyn has served on the Student Senate for each of his four years at MUHS, serving as Vice President during his junior and senior years. Fyn has spent the past two summers painting on Dennis Smith’s crew and will do so again this year, too.
Fyn has pursued a challenging curriculum and says he has thoroughly enjoyed each of his classes. He has taken seven Advanced Placement courses, including AP Environmental Science with Ms. Manley and AP Biology with Mr. Johnstone.  Fyn is contemplating a major in environmental studies and is excited about attending college in the fall. He was admitted early decision to Middlebury. He anticipates an exciting transition from being a Tiger to a Panther.
When asked what he has liked best about his four years at MUHS, Fyn said with a smile, “The strong sense of community.” He said he felt welcomed right from the start of his 9th-grade year, has appreciated his many friends, and knows that the teachers really care about him and his fellow students. A personal highlight for him has been his advisory group with Mr. Lawson. It sparked his interest in wanting to apply to be a peer leader this year. He’s enjoyed serving as mentor to the 9th-graders and was chosen as one of the Peer Leader Coordinators. Fyn says the program is successful in that it enables older students to welcome new students to the school and helps them understand how things work at MUHS.
Fyn’s positive attitude and outlook will serve him well as he moves on to college. He will be missed at MUHS. We wish him well at Middlebury College.
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Guinevere Brownell as its Student of the Week. Guin lives in Vergennes with her dad and mom, Jonathan and Cheryl. She has an older brother, Lathrop, who graduated from VUHS in 2016.
Guin has made honors or high honors throughout her high school career. Her interests and talents are many and diverse. She has earned underclass awards in both German and English. She is also a contributing member of the Vergennes Union High School community. She has been the Varsity basketball manager from her ninth-grade year through her senior year. She was in band and chorus last year. She has also been part of the Prom, Project Graduation, and Winter Ball committees and works on the yearbook staff. Guin rounds out her VUHS activities by serving as a member of the student council.
Also an active member of her community outside school, she has worked at Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg and Cookie Love in North Ferrisburgh. She also volunteers at Vergennes’ Bixby Memorial Library.
Guin says this about her high school career:
“I’ve learned how to overcome challenges with grace. I’ve learned how to study well. I’ve learned how to buckle down and care about my work. If I were to give students advice I would say not to take classes you don’t need.”
What are the qualities that make Guin a great member of her school and greater community? Janet Kepes, the German teacher at VUHS says this about our Student of the Week: “Guin is a creative, enthusiastic and curious student, who likes to take what she has learned and apply it to new situations. She has a great sense of humor and brings a positive spirit wherever she goes!”
Following graduation from VUHS, Guin plans to attend Columbia College in Chicago.
The faculty, staff and students of Vergennes Union High School wish Guinevere 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