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.
 
MAUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Mount Abraham Union High School gladly presents Emily Tardie as its Student of the week. Emily lives in New Haven with her parents, Darcy and Steve Tardie, and her sister, Kayley.
Emily has a history of academic excellence at Mt. Abe, receiving highest honors for all but one semester of high school, when she received high honors. In the spring of her junior year she received the Clarkson University Achievement Award, which entitles her to an annual $12,000 scholarship if she choose to enroll there. Last year, she took AP Calculus, and this year she is enrolled in AP Biology and AP English Literature & Composition.
Emily has been a member of the Mount Abe Fall Musical since 7th grade and the Mount Abe Spring Musical since 8th grade as well as Mount Abe Sweet Transition a Cappella all four years of high school. She is the Pitch (the group leader/team captain) this year. She played softball up through freshman year as well, but her more notable accomplishments are music related. She has taken part in the District Music Festival several times, and was in the All-State Choir last year. When not singing in the Mount Abe chorus she accompanies them on the keys.
For almost a year and a half Emily has worked at Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn in New Haven, running food and helping out where she can during restaurant service and weddings. She likes to play the piano, sing, write music, dance, and sometimes play cribbage with her family when given the opportunity
High school taught her that “you need to live truthfully and fully even when you don’t feel like you know who you are. If you hold nothing back, then you’ll begin to find yourself along the way… involve yourself in more than you think you can handle. Take everything for all that it is and you’ll find personal growth and a whole lot of fun along the way. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, especially during high school.”
Emily is in the process of applying for colleges, and wants to go to school for molecular biology on a premed track. She’s always wanted to be a doctor, and through college she knows she’ll find exactly what type of doctor she wants to be.
AP Biology teacher Samantha Kayhart says, “Emily is a delightful student! She shows curiosity and joie de vivre in all things, has an excellent work ethic and is kind and friendly to all.”
“Emily is a once-in-a-lifetime performer,” says Vice Principal and Spring Musical Director Justin Bouvier. “She shines so bright when she walks onto the stage that others are automatically drawn to her. Emily is going to be sorely missed next year, and the entire Spring Musical team wishes her the best for her future.”
The rest of the Mount Abraham community wishes her the same.
OVUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Evelyn Bart, who has been recognized as Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. Evelyn lives with parents Nancy and Steven Bart. She has two older siblings, a brother and a sister.
Evelyn is a consistent honor roll/president’s list awardee. Last spring she was inducted into the National Honor Society and has taken or is taking all of the Advanced Placement courses Otter Valley offers. Her junior year she received the Citizenship Award as well as three or more years of excellence in Science and Math Certificate of Merit. Musically inclined, Evelyn had participated in the Vermont All State Music Festival band for three years and hopes to make it into the band again this year. Academically she is in the top 10 of her class of 75.
The Walking Stick Theatre Program at Otter Valley has been a part of her life since 7th grade. She has performed in musicals, festival-winning one acts and spring shows. In her junior year she joined the varsity tennis team and plans to play again this year
Since last summer she has worked at Branbury State Park at Aunt Jenny’s Snack Bar, which she loves. She also worked at the Tunbridge World’s Fair in Tunbridge, Vt., this year as a food vendor attendant. She is also a member of the Brandon Town Band, composed of people of all ages from Rutland County.
Spending time doing anything — and even sometimes nothing — with friends after school or during free time is great. She loves to go swimming with her friends or on hikes when the weather is nice. She also enjoys being with her cats while watching a movie or getting homework done.
“Getting through high school was a bit of a challenge in many ways,” she says. “Being able to juggle personal life with homework and extracurricular activities was, and still is hard. Over the past four years, I have enjoyed my experiences at Otter Valley more than not. There were/are many long nights of trying to complete assignments due the morning of but it was/is all worth it to me.”
After high school Emily plans to attend college and go into the medical field. She also wants to travel after high school but would rather go with a friend or couple than independently after a few years of school.
Band Director Pat Roberts says Evelyn “brings excellence, leadership and a relentless positive attitude to every pursuit.” AP Chemistry teacher Larry Gerrior adds, “Evelyn’s academic accomplishments are rivaled only by her personal strengths. Her compassion and charisma are beyond her years and she is well loved by her peers, as well as all those who had the pleasure of teaching her. Whenever any of her fellow students are having a difficult time or feeling down, she never fails to step in with an encouraging word and a smile.”
Everyone at Otter Valley wishes Evelyn all the best.
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
Countryside Carpet & Paint
Cubbers
Jackman Fuels, Inc.
J.W. & D.E. Ryan
NFP Insurance Benefits & Wealth Management
Peak View Eye Care
Route 7 South Sandwich Company
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop