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 Audrey Huston as its Student of the Week. Audrey is the daughter of Lesley and Chris Huston of Waltham. She has a younger brother, Ben, who is a sophomore at Vergennes UHS and her sister, Carly is in her second year at St. Michael’s College in Colchester. 
Audrey has been actively involved in all aspects of MUHS. As she reflects on her four years of high school, Audrey says she is grateful to her teachers for their helpfulness and inspiration in the classroom. She states that Ms. Manley, who doubles as her Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher and Nordic ski coach, has been especially helpful. Audrey is proud to have been part of the two-time state championship Nordic ski team during her sophomore and junior years.  Audrey’s teammates chose her to captain the Nordic team during her senior season. A three-sport athlete, she also runs the 5K as a member of the cross-country team in the fall. She competes in the 800 and 1500 in the spring as a member of the Tigers varsity track team. 
Her teachers respect Audrey for her dedication to her studies, her natural leadership skills and her enthusiasm in the classroom. A talented student, she is taking four Advanced Placement courses as a senior. Audrey enjoys all of her classes but says that her interests lie primarily in the sciences. She is a founding member of the school’s newly formed environmental science club, BIOME. The club has approximately 20 members and Audrey has been elected the group’s first president. The club is  focusing on numerous environmental initiatives at MUHS, one of which is a reduction in food waste in the cafeteria. BIOME surveyed the student body about plastic usage and is helping to bring greater awareness of environmental issues to the school community.
In the fall, Audrey served as a Peer Leader to entering ninth-graders as they transitioned from middle to high school.  She has been in three of the school’s drama productions and especially enjoyed her role in “Singin’ in the Rain,” the fall 2018 musical. Audrey is looking forward to graduation in June and has submitted applications to colleges throughout the Northeast. She has focused her search on small to mid-size colleges and universities where she can pursue her interests in the sciences.
Audrey will be truly missed when she leaves MUHS, but we know that a bright future awaits this talented young woman.
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School recognizes Jameson Haggett as its Student of the Week. Jameson lives in Vergennes with his dad and mom, Shannon and Melissa Haggett. Jameson has an older sister, Siobhan Haggett, who is a senior at the Maine College of Art.
Jameson has been on the Honor Roll all four years of high school. In his junior year he was accepted into the National Technical Honor Society at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center. Jameson has also received numerous band awards and a German award. Jameson has been a member of the band and jazz band since 9th grade. Since his 10th grade year Jameson has been on the lights and sound crew for the school musical, and helped the Ferrisburgh Children’s Play with their lights and sound.
During the summer before his junior year Jameson began to work at the Addison County Humane Society: Homeward Bound. He still works there. He walks the dogs, plays with cats, and cares for the animals. Jameson also cleans up after the animals, feeds them, and makes sure they are properly looked after while they are at the shelter.
Jameson offers this succinct advice to other VUHS students: “Be an independent thinker.”
Becky Ebel, Jameson’s morning meeting teacher, shared positive reflections about him.
“Jameson is kind, thoughtful, and inquisitive. I have enjoyed and valued the conversations I’ve had with Jameson, both philosophical and light-hearted. He has a great sense of humor and is joyful in his curiosity. He has been a strong and fair-minded advocate for student voice in education and I feel honored to have been a part of his educational journey.”
Following graduation from VUHS Jameson is going to college at Franklin Pierce University, possibly majoring in a branch of psychology. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Jameson 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