MUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Middlebury Union High School introduces Jesse Rubin, son of Lisa Young and Ron Rubin, as its Student of the Week. Jesse lives with his family in Middlebury and his older brother, Micah, is a first-year student at Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
Jesse is looking forward to graduation in June, but says it is hard to believe how quickly his four years in high school have passed. He says each of his classes has been enjoyable and challenging and he is appreciative of his education at MUHS. Jesse has taken a wide range of courses, including two Advanced Placement classes senior year, and he has rounded out his curriculum with coursework in Psychology, the sciences, Entrepreneurship and Finance.
He thanks Mr. Swinhart and Ms. Causton for encouraging him to join the MUHS school trip to Spain during his junior year. He had never been to Europe, and he loved using his Spanish language skills as he experienced the cultural heritage, historical sites and landscape of Spain. As a member of the school’s SCHOR club, he traveled to Puerto Rico during the recent April break. Working alongside 14 fellow MUHS students, he and two teachers, Amy Masefield and Larry O’Conner, aided in hurricane relief efforts on the island. He has also gone on a service trip to Ecuador and assisted in building a water system. Jesse values time giving back to others and wants to continue doing similar projects in the future.
Jesse has been an active member of the Tiger varsity tennis team for each of his four years at the high school. He was named captain his sophomore year, a position he has held ever since. He works part-time at the Middlebury College dining hall to earn pocket money and spends his summers at Camp Kookamunga, serving as a counselor. He loves working with the young children of Middlebury, playing games, engaging them in activities and being outdoors.
Jesse did a comprehensive college search and focused his efforts on mid-sized institutions that offer a wide array of majors with a strong sense of community. Jesse has chosen to enroll at the University of Vermont and looks forward to spending the next four years in Burlington as he transitions from being a Tiger to a Catamount. A bright future awaits Jesse and the MUHS community wishes him well.
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Connor Gill as its Student of the Week. Connor lives in Ferrisburgh with his dad and mom, Scott and Rachel Gill. Connor has two siblings: Thane, who attends Vergennes Union Middle School, and Ayla, who attends the University of Vermont.
Connor made the honor roll every semester at high school. In his sophomore year, Connor earned the academic excellence award in mathematics. He took AP Calculus in his junior year and got 5 on the national exam — that’s the highest score you can get. During Connor’s senior year of high school, he went to Community College of Vermont, taking advantage of the Early College program. His first semester there he earned a 3.7 GPA.
Connor says this about his high school career: “Something I learned from my time at VUHS is to not let life overwhelm you and have fun whenever possible.
“I don’t necessarily have a personal philosophy,” he continued, “but I would tell other students to not procrastinate on work and get enough sleep. Both of these will help you so much.”
Becky Ebel, Connor’s morning meeting advisor, sees his strengths: “Connor leads and inspires through his actions and does this unselfconsciously and with natural inclusiveness. I have deeply appreciated being a part of Connor’s educational journey. He has brought intellectual curiosity, kindness, humor and joy to all of his endeavors.”
Following graduation from VUHS Connor plans to attend UVM and major in business. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Connor Gill 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