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 Ben Turner, son of Dave and Laura Turner of Middlebury, as its student of the week. Ben’s older sister, Lauren, is asophomore at Lawrence University in Wisconsin and his younger sister, Hannah, is a ninth-grader at MUHS.
A two-sport varsity athlete, Ben captains the Tiger soccer and hockey teams and he is considering playing Ultimate Frisbee in the spring. An active member of the MUHS National Honor Society, Ben’s name regularly appears on the school’s honor roll. He spent the summer working with a friend installing solar panels and found the work interesting and enjoyable. Ben serves as a peer leader to the newly enrolled ninth-graders and advises them to take full advantage of all that is available at the high school. He reflects that he cannot believe how quickly his time in high school has gone by.
Ben has pursued a challenging curriculum throughout high school, including six Advanced Placement courses, and while he enjoys all of his classes, he favors math and science. He was the recipient of three prestigious awards at last June’s Final Assembly. Ben was recognized for his athletic and academic talents when he was named a recipient of the school’s esteemed Dorey Cup. It is given annually to a male and female student based on their academic record, athletic ability and leadership skills. Ben received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Medal and an award from Clarkson University, both came with substantial merit scholarships.
As Ben looks ahead to college, he seeks a liberal arts education where he can continue his interest in mathematics and science. He hopes to stay in the Northeast and is excited about the remainder of his senior year. We know a bright future awaits this talented young man and have appreciated his many contributions to the MUHS community.
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Abigail Smith as its Student of the Week. Abigail lives in West Addison with her dad and mom, Peter and Dawn Smith.
Abigail has two older siblings, Rachael, who is 25, and Peter, who is 24.
Abigail has been on the honor roll throughout her entire high school career. She has also been the band president for the past two years. Abigail plays the alto saxophone in band and has been playing since the 4th grade.
Outside of school Abigail has several jobs. She helps out on the family farm and does some part-time property maintenance. She loves helping with her family’s sugaring business. Abigail also bakes cakes for special occasions. She has volunteered to feed veterans at the Thanksgiving meal at the Legion.
In Abigail’s free time she loves spending time with her family, baking and decorating cakes and cupcakes. Abigail enjoys long range shooting with her father, brother, and her Uncle Terry and deer hunting.
Abigail says this about her high school career: “What I’ve learned from my high school experience is no matter how hard your classes are or how rough the day is there is always someone there for you when you need it. Whether it is a favorite teacher, a morning meeting advisor, a friend or a family member, someone is always there for you, and is there to help you figure out your next move. If I had to give advice to other students it would be to work hard. Putting off assignments only hurts yourself.”
Dennis West, a teacher at VUHS says this about Abigail, “Having known Abby now for the past three years, I have seen her passion for fairness, sense of humor, compassion for others and her unbelievable culinary skills. Abby always goes way above and beyond expectations. She takes great pride in her work and loves to be challenged. She will truly be missed at VUHS, but at the same time Abby is ready for her next adventure at Johnson and Wales College, her college of choice.”
Following graduation from VUHS Abigail plans on going to Johnson and Wales to study Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Abigail 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 gift card from Route 7 South Sandwich Company. 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
Countryside Carpet & Paint
J.W. & D.E. Ryan
Jackman Fuels Inc.
NFP Insurance, Benefits & Wealth Management
Peak View Eye Care
Route 7 South Sandwich Company
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop