BRISTOL — Mt. Abraham Union High School has released the names of its class of 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Chessley Jackman has been tapped as  the Valedictorian for the Class of 2019. Chessley is the daughter of Mary Blacklock Jackman of Bristol, and Peter Jackman of St. George.
Chessley is an enthusiastic and confident young woman. She is a leader by example who seeks to do her best in every endeavor. Chessley demonstrates independence and leadership in all areas of her life. She consistently exhibits curiosity in learning new information. This is true in any subject area, not just Math and Science where her true passions lie.
A well-rounded individual, Chessley realizes all lessons in life are not always found in the classroom. She is proud of her role in her family. As the oldest of four children, she often finds herself in a caretaking role. A natural helper, she is quick to care for her younger siblings. She has learned to balance their needs with her own, honoring her commitments to family, school, sports, and friends.
Since day one of freshman year, Chessley has challenged herself to take the most rigorous program available. She has excelled in five AP courses, taken courses through the Virtual High School, assisted teachers through DUOs, and participated in the Health and Medicine Academy, and the Med-Quest program, at the University of Vermont.
Chessley’s teachers report that she uses her time effectively, takes initiative, and contributes to the overall learning environment. She is always prepared and brings an attitude that maximizes her potential for learning. Chessley is a remarkable young woman who has posted the highest GPA by a Mt. Abraham graduate in recent memory. 
Outside of the classroom, Chessley is active in numerous activities. She was the starting goalie for the storied Mt. Abraham Field Hockey team, earning accolades from area sports writers. She serves as her senior class president, and as a student member of our district Strategic Planning committee, working to shape the future of education in MAUSD schools. In addition, Chessley has held various volunteer positions in the community helping the elderly, animals at the humane society, coaching aspiring young field hockey stars, and raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. She has also held several part-time jobs. 
Chessley believes that success stems not only from intelligence, but also from the work ethic and determination one displays daily. She has modeled this throughout her high school career. In August, Chessley will enroll at the University of Notre Dame. where she will pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Cora Funke has been recognized as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2019. Cora is the daughter of Otto Funke and Kristin Blanchette of Monkton. Cora is a genuine, intelligent and kind young woman. She has challenged herself academically by taking the most rigorous courses offered at Mt. Abraham Union High School. She has completed AP U.S. History and AP Calculus. As a senior, she is enrolled in AP European History, AP Biology and AP English Literature and Composition. In addition to these challenging courses, during the summer prior to senior year, Cora excelled in an Introduction to Sociology course at The University of Vermont. She has achieved highest honors for every semester of high school and Academic Excellence each year.
Cora has an outstanding academic record is an involved member of our school and local community. She has been a key player on the basketball and softball teams at Mt. Abe for four years of high school. During her junior year, both teams won the state championship. Cora also plays the trombone in the Mt. Abe Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band. She is a student leader for Band this year. Cora is a member of the Environmental Action and Mt. Abraham Student Activism Groups. She has travelled to Ireland and Scotland with the Mt. Abraham Travel Club. Cora is a natural leader who has been a member of Class Council since the 10th grade. She has held the positions of class treasurer, president and is currently secretary. She attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and the American Legion Auxiliary Green Mountain Girls’ State.
In addition to her commitments within the school community, she has also spent the last three years volunteering as a Counselor in Training at the Audubon summer camp and spends some Saturday’s throughout the year helping at the Monkton Town Recycling Center. She balances a part-time job at Lantman’s Market too.
Cora’s strong work ethic and quiet confidence will support her success in all aspects of her life.  Next year, Cora will attend Boston University.
Jackman and Funke will address their fellow class members at Mt. Abe’s Commencement on Saturday, June 8. Both of these young women will be missed at Mt. Abraham. The school community wishes them all the best in their future endeavors.