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 happy to introduce Silas Conlon, son of Peter and Mary Conlon of Cornwall, as Student of the Week. Silas is the youngest of three boys; Emerson is teaching Spanish in Chicago and pursuing a graduate degree and William is in law school at Stanford University.
A senior, Silas is involved in all aspects of the MUHS school community and admits that it is hard to believe it is his final year of high school. He loves his classes and favors the humanities, which he hopes to pursue when he heads to college next fall. He has focused his college search on smaller four-year liberal arts institutions in the Northeast with discussion-based classes and strong study abroad offerings. Silas credits his teachers at MUHS for inspiring his love of learning, and he especially enjoyed the discussions in Ms. Arenson’s AP U.S. History class. Silas believes his strong interest in the humanities comes from having taken American Literature with Ms. Carroll and AP English with Mr. Krahn. Two of his favorite books are the “Catcher in the Rye” and “Beloved.”
Outside the classroom, Silas has participated in Scholars Bowl for four years, which he describes as an exciting, high-scale trivia tournament. Silas is equally invested in Model U.N. and has chaired committees on climate change and the European Union. Last year, he and his teammates traveled to Dartmouth College to participate in a Model U.N. competition. He says that Model U.N. has taught him debate skills and given him a better understanding of public issues and world affairs. This year the club is focusing on the Russian Revolution, and he thanks Ms. Slater and Carolyn Schmitt for their work as the group’s advisors.
Silas works at Middlebury College’s Atwater Dining Hall as a dishwasher to earn spending money. He has been a member of the MUHS Ultimate Frisbee team for four years and has served as captain for two. He ran cross country in ninth and tenth grade and now pursues the sport for pleasure. Additionally, Silas has served as a peer leader with other seniors as they mentor entering ninth-graders at the high school.
Silas has a bright future awaiting him and everyone at MUHS wishes him well.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School recognizes Kylie Comeau as its Student of the Week. Kylie lives in Addison with her dad and mom, Andy and Tricia Comeau. Kylie has one older brother, Zac Comeau, who is a hunting guide in Missouri.
Throughout Kylie’s four years of high school, she has maintained honor roll and high honors. During Kylie’s junior year she was inducted into the National Honor Society, received a scholarship to the Sage Colleges in Albany, and became a candidate for the HOBY conference. This year Kylie was named as the DAR Good Citizen. Kylie also has a number of underclass academic awards under her belt.
She actively participates in the VUHS community. Her athletic endeavors include playing soccer and basketball. She has volunteered with the Soccer Summit Community Service Program and Basketball Community Service Program, and did some community service on a trip to Costa Rica with the school. Kylie is also an active member of her class. She has served as treasurer, secretary and is currently the senior class president. She has also helped plan the prom and is helping to plan the winter ball. She is an active participant in the Student Council, the National Honor Society, and Math Team. She was chosen by last year’s senior class to be their Class Marshall.
Kylie says, “The biggest thing I have learned is to value the people around you in high school. Your peers are there to relate to you and support you, as well as faculty members and parents. Try and reach out to as many people as possible and be a positive impact on somebody’s life. Work hard and help to improve your own learning environment as well as others’. Vergennes is such a tight-knit community and it gives the opportunity to help to encourage positivity and stand together as one to make a difference.”
Nancy Ambrose, a math teacher and Kylie’s morning meeting advisor, says, “Kylie is a true role model at VUHS. She is a leader, scholar, and athlete. She has been chosen consistently by our morning meeting for the ‘5 Guidelines Award’ each year of high school. Kylie’s most impressive characteristics are her positivity and kindness. She sees the good in everything and everyone. She is genuine, caring, and a friend to all.”
Following graduation Kylie plans to study to be a nurse. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Kylie 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