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 Anabel Hernandez as Student of the Week. She resides in Cornwall with her parents, Maria Martinez and Anastacio Hernandez. Her sister, Ana, lives in Maryland and her brother, Fernando, is a resident of Hinesburg. Anabel’s warm and positive presence is felt throughout the MUHS community, and she is a friend to all.
Anabel is involved in a variety of clubs and activities and is also an athlete. When asked what she enjoys most, she says, “Everything!” Her love of school is infectious and she has shared that enjoyment with others while serving as peer leader to entering ninth-graders. She has enjoyed mentoring newly enrolling first-year students and working alongside Mr. Colangeli’s advisory helping them transition to high school. Her words of advice to the ninth-graders include “Get involved!”
As an athlete, Anabel plays on the varsity field hockey team and considers her teammates as her “after school family.” She has spent time with Middlebury College Coach Katherine DeLorenzo helping elementary school students learn the sport. She was a member of the Tigers Nordic ski team last season.
In addition to athletics, Anabel contributes to the Tiger community as a member of the Debate Club and SCOHR (Student Coalition on Human Rights) and serves as a member of the Prom Committee. She was a class marshal at graduation in June. She volunteers at the Open Door Clinic, translating for patients and assisting at the front desk and is a board member of the Addison Allies Network. She also volunteers as a skating coach for local youth and babysits to earn pocket money. In her spare time, she loves to go hiking and work out at Vermont Sun.
Academically, Anabel has enjoyed her classes at MUHS and has appreciated the support of each of her teachers and her school counselor, Ms. Stebe. Anabel says that their guidance and encouragement has been motivating and helpful. She will be the first in her family to pursue higher education and she seeks a career in the health field. Anabel has carefully researched colleges and universities that offer a range of majors that will propel her to a rewarding career. Her foundation at MUHS, she feels, has provided an excellent launching pad as she heads to college. We know a bright future awaits this talented young woman and look forward to hearing about her future.
 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Ezekiel Palmer as its Student of the Week. Zeke lives in Vergennes with his mom and dad, Kimberly Palmer and Joel Palmer. He has two brothers. His older brother, Matteo, lives in St. Paul, Minn., and attends Berklee College of Music online. His younger brother, Gideon, is an 8th-grader at Vergennes Union Middle School.
As testament to his hard work in school, Zeke was inducted into National Honor Society in 11th grade. He has received high honors all four years of high school. Zeke has challenged himself by taking pre-calculus, statistics, AP European History, and currently AP Calculus.
Zeke is a very vibrant part of our community. Zeke has been part of the soccer and basketball teams. He is also a member of the indoor and outdoor track team. Zeke participates in VUHS’s music department as well, performing in many musicals throughout his high school career. He has also participated in community service with the National Honor Society, including helping document artifacts at the Bixby Library and participating in the Relay for Life.
Zeke says this about his high school career, “Challenge yourself and push your comfort zone. Don’t just take all the easy ways out. Take a challenging course that you are interested in, audition for the musical, or try out for a sports team. High school is a chance to find what you love and gain different experiences.”
Chris Wycoff, an English teacher at VUHS says, “Zeke is one of those guys who slightly annoy you because he is so talented at so many things. He helped lead the varsity soccer team to the semi-finals, he is back on stage as the lead in this year’s musical, and he just delivered a powerful speech about the importance of standing up against injustice to our local Representatives. I would say that Zeke truly is a bon homme, but he is better than that…he is a great guy.”
Following graduation from VUHS Zeke plans to attend college, where he would like to continue to play soccer. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Ezekiel Palmer 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