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 introduces Hogan Beazley as its next student of the week. Hogan is the son of Mary Alice and Chuck Beazley of Weybridge. Hogan loves living in Vermont and enjoys time spent with his family and friends, especially when it includes time on the golf course.
Hogan is ranked as one of the top ten golfers at the high school level in the state of Vermont. The golf team at MUHS is a small but talented group of students and Hogan captains the team, which is coached by his father. In his ninth- and tenth-grade years at MUHS, the golf team played as an independent entity. Golf became recognized as a varsity sport at the onset of his junior year. As a sophomore, Hogan was ranked as the seventh-best high school golfer in New England after competing in a tournament in New Hampshire.
Hogan says, “I started hitting golf balls as a two-year-old and I realized I liked the game!” His love for the sport has included summer jobs at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course in Middlebury. He has held a variety of positions at the course and he welcomes any chance he gets to hit the links.
Hogan has pursued a demanding curriculum at MUHS, including seven Advanced Placement courses. A stellar student in mathematics, he enrolled in Linear Mathematics at Middlebury College in the fall of his senior year. He loved the class and found the coursework to be both complex and fascinating.
He spent time last summer at a golf camp at Dartmouth College and caught the eye of a number of college coaches. Hogan focused his college search on small, four-year liberal arts colleges in the Northeast with strong math programs. After having taken a course at Middlebury College, he knew that it was the college for him. Hogan’s efforts were rewarded with an early decision acceptance to Middlebury. He is looking forward to enrolling in the fall and furthering his study of mathematics.
While at MUHS, in addition to his involvement with golf, Hogan has been active in the school’s Scholars Bowl team. He loves the team’s comradery and the participatory action of the group. He served as a Peer Leader in the fall semester helping to orient newly enrolling ninth-graders to the high school, including his own brothers, twins Charlie and Max. Teachers and staff at MUHS hold Hogan in high regard for his keen intellect, thoughtful and caring demeanor, and leadership skills. His dedication to his studies has landed him a spot on the school’s Honor Roll and a place in the National Honor Society. He is a friend to all within the MUHS community and we are grateful he will be staying close by for the next four years, transitioning from a Tiger to a Panther.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School has recognized Bess Gramling as its Student of the Week. Bess lives in Ferrisburgh with her dad and mom, Phil and Julie Gramling. Bess has two brothers: Calvin, who is a 7th-grader at VUMS, and Ian, who is a sophomore at Norwich University.
Bess has made high honors throughout high school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. She has received two French awards, a Technology award, and an Advanced Art award. Bess was also the recipient of the Green and Gold Scholarship from the University of Vermont and the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester. She is currently enrolled in AP Biology and AP Language and Composition, and took AP U.S. History as a 10th-grader. This summer Bess took a Health and Medical Professions class at UVM through dual enrollment.
Bess is also a very active participant the VUHS community. She was a member of both the indoor and outdoor track team. She is a talented member of the music program. She plays in the band and is part of the Commodore Jazz Ensemble. She is also a member of the chorus and the Commodore Singers. She has participated in school musicals since she was in 8th grade.  Bess also has participated in the District and All State Music Festivals. Bess is also a member of the Math Team and Peace One Day Committee.
When asked about high school, Bess says, “I have learned that it is important to challenge yourself in high school. I have gotten to know myself better by working through challenges and achieving my goals. High school is also a great time to explore a variety of interests and find something you’re passionate about. Music has been a great way for me to challenge myself and pursue my passions.”
Susan O’Daniel, the band director at VUHS, says, “Bess is motivated, energetic and gifted in academics, music and theatre. She is an avid and independent learner, particularly in music, where she has learned to play six instruments with performance-level competence. Bess is a catalyst in Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, and her enthusiastic presence raises the level of performance of those around her.”
Following graduation from VUHS Bess plans to attend college and major in the biological sciences on the pre-med track. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Bess Gramling 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