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
The president of Middlebury Union High School’s student council, Kate Wallace, is MUHS’s Student of the Week. Kate lives in Cornwall with her parents, John and Margaret, and her younger brother, Jack, an eighth-grader at MUMS. Kate describes her four years at MUHS as having been a positive learning experience, one where she has made many friends and enjoyed her academic coursework.
As a ninth-grader, Kate joined the student government as a class representative. She has thoroughly enjoyed her participation in the organization while working with students from each grade planning and organizing school-wide activities. Kate’s personal favorites include spirit week, pep rallies, and the winter carnival. She spent a productive week learning about current issues and youth activism while attending the Vermont Governor’s Institute. She participated in Rotary’s weekend-long RYLA program, with high school students from across Vermont, focusing on leadership skills. Kate attended Girls State, a program where she learned about state government and toured the state capitol in Montpelier.
In her younger years, Kate learned to play the clarinet. She became intrigued by the sound of the oboe and switched instruments. She learned to play, and is a member of the high school band and is first chair oboe in the District Band. Kate captains the varsity cross-country team. She started running while in 7th grade and enjoys it immensely. She also participates on the Nordic ski team and loves the beautiful trails at Rikert. In the spring, Kate contributes to the Tiger track team in the 1500 meter and 3000 meter events. Kate says that participating with her fellow Tigers has given her a strong sense of comradery and fulfillment.
Academically, Kate notes that Mr. Krahn’s Advanced Placement English and Ms. Arenson’s Advanced Placement U.S. History were two of her favorite classes. Kate has completed Introduction to International Relations and Medieval Art History at UVM, through the Dual Enrollment Program. She loved both classes and felt the opportunity gave her an excellent introduction to college-level coursework.
Looking ahead to college, Kate seeks a small, four-year liberal arts institution where she can focus on her interest in the humanities. Kate’s contributions to MUHS have left a lasting impression on our school, and she has set a positive course for the future. Everyone at the high school wishes her well.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Raven Duke as its Student of the Week. Raven lives in Ferrisburgh with her mom, Shannon Newman. Raven has several siblings: John (VUHS Class of 2016), Rachel (VUHS Class of 2015) and Silas (VUHS Class of 2014).
Raven achieved honor roll every year of school, and she earned two underclassmen awards. She received the Challenge Herself in Art Essentials Award in 9th grade, and the Challenging Herself on Student Council Award in 10 grade. Recently, Raven was nominated for the National Art Honors Society, and will hopefully be inducted into it in May.
Raven is an active member in our VUHS community. She has been an integral part of Student Council for the entirety of her high school career. She has been on the yearbook since she was in 10th grade and is currently the yearbook editor. Last year she participated in the German exchange and was class secretary. Raven is also part of the Math Team, German Club and the QSA. Raven is also part of the makeup crew for the Musical.
Raven says this about her high school career: “Something that I’m still struggling with, but believe everyone should follow, is working proactively. When my teachers introduce big new assignments, I always think that I’ll start it that night, but I never do. I always somehow end up doing it the night before it’s due or a week after it’s due. But I think that if everyone worked proactively, they’d experience less stress. So try your hardest at being proactive.”
Carlie Guinane, an art teacher at VUHS says this about Raven, “She is an absolute joy to be around. She is funny, engaging, passionate and talented. Raven throws herself into the yearbook every year and does work on it during the summer. She is instrumental in leading the underclassmen every year through the yearbook process. She takes art challenges head-on and works the problem until she has the solution she was hoping for.”
Following graduation from VUHS Raven plans to attend college to study the arts, possibly pursuing a major in film or media design. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Raven Duke 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 Vallen 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