he 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
Chessley Jackman of New Haven has been selected as Mount Abraham Union High School’s Student of the Week. The daughter of Mary Jackman, Chessley has three siblings — Genevieve and Idalee Jackman and Atticus LaBarre.
Chessley has made highest honors every semester. She received the Certificate of Merit for High Honor in Science and Mathematics from the Society of Women Engineers, the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence after being selected as a delegate to their leadership conference, where she was also inducted into the Society of Torch and Laurel. She was selected as a 2019 Green and Gold Scholar, a National Merit Semi Finalist, and a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. She was invited to be a part of National Honor Society this year before they decided to remove it. Her classwork has included AP Calculus AB and AP United States History, a course at UVM’s Health and Medicine Summer Academy, AP Statistics, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, and 2nd Year Chemistry. She was also just named Valedictorian of her class.
In other school activities, Chessley participates in Jazz Band, Travel Club, the fall and spring musicals, Environmental Action Group and school government as class treasurer and class president. She is also goalkeeper for Mt. Abe’s state champion field hockey team and has received numerous honors and selections for state-wide teams for her play.
After school Chessley works at Mary Johnson Children’s Center’s After School Program at Bristol Elementary School, and on weekends at Bristol Cliffs Café. She has volunteered at Three Day Stampede, at Mary Stetson’s youth field hockey camp and at Homeward Bound. Her family has fostered 11 cats and kittens. When not in field hockey or play season, she also volunteers at Project Independence.
When she has down time Chessley enjoys listening to music, travelling, and spending time with friends.
“Your life is truly and only yours,” she says. “You are the only one who can make yourself anything. Of course there will be people who help you along the way, but it’s really up to you to do the heavy lifting. You’re only going to get back the amount of effort you put in, so when you fail you can’t blame anyone but yourself, but that also means that when you succeed, all the credit is yours.”
Following graduation, Chessley will travel to Hue, Vietnam, for two weeks to do a medical internship with a group of students through FutureDocs Abroad. As for schooling, she plans on attending college studying engineering or mathematics.
French Teacher Jori Jacobeit says, “Throughout her years of high school, Chessley has built her academic career on ambition, integrity, and engagement. She has shown a commitment to strengthening our school community through academics, athletics, the arts and student leadership.”
OVUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Otter Valley Union High School has named Maddie Fuller as its latest Student of the Week. Maddie is the daughter of Devon and Courtney Fuller of Brandon, and has one sister who is a sophomore at OVUHS.
For her hard work and good grades, Maddie was accepted into the National Honors Society.
She says of this recognition, “When I was accepted I was very excited. I had written a very personal essay and I didn’t know if it was going to be good enough, so knowing that it was and they heard my message made me extremely happy.”
Maddie has been involved in theatre at OVUHS since 7th grade. She has also played tennis since her freshman year.
Currently she works at the Hannaford supermarket in Brandon. “It is an amazing job with amazing people,” she says. “I see so many friendly faces during my shifts, and I love seeing friends and family while working!”
When she’s not at school or work, Maddie really enjoys reading, singing and playing with her dog Oliver.
When asked for her advice to fellow students, Maddie says, “I would tell other students to just keep going. I understand that it can be really hard sometimes, but if you just keep pushing through, it will pay off.”
Her post-graduation plans include college, and she has been accepted into Plymouth State University. She is very excited to start the next chapter of her life.
Larry Gerrior, Maddie’s chemistry teacher, has been impressed by this young woman.
“Maddie demonstrated this openness to and empathy for the opinions, feelings, and perspectives of others, along with shrewd powers of observation — all qualities that make her an outstanding student,” he says.
The faculty, students and staff at Otter Valley Union High School wish Maddie Fuller all the best as she heads off on her next adventure.
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 $5 gift certificate to Route 7 Sandwich Co. 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