BRISTOL — Four graduating Mount Abraham Union High School seniors have been awarded scholarships by the Tari Shattuck Education Foundation, which gives scholarships to students planning to pursue a degree in Education. Owen Darling of Bristol, Addy Harris of Starksboro, Alexis Kouwenhoven of Bristol, and Mae Peterson of Bristol were all recipients of this year’s award.
Owen Darling is planning to attend the University of York in England, and looks to use his study abroad to enrich his understanding of the world. This year, Darling took a class at Castleton University, and while there, served as a student mentor for a Castleton Elementary School student. “A teacher is much more than just an educator,” Darling said. “They are a role model, and a friend to confide in. They are someone to trust, and someone to follow. I want to be there for kids, to help them grow and mature.”
Addy Harris is planning to attend Montana State University and major in Elementary Education. As part of her work with youngsters while at Mount Abraham, Harris has worked at the Summit Soccer Camp as a coach for kids in grades K-2. Harris says she has “seen some pretty amazing things happen between teachers and students, and I want to be a part of this.” She looks forward to her studies at MSU and “learning more about little kids and the way that they learn” so that she, too, can be part of it.
Alexis Kouwenhoven is planning to earn a bachelor’s and master’sdegreethroughafive- year accelerated-degree program in Connecticut. Serving her community through volunteering as a camp counselor, an active Girl Scout, a basketball coach, a Girls on the Run coach, and a classroom volunteer has been a huge part of her high school years. Her dream is “to teach 1st through 4th graders,” for that will allow her “to make a positive difference in young people’s lives.”

Mae Peterson is planning to attend UVM or Eckerd College, where she will prepare for work as a science teacher or environmental educator. While at Mount Abraham, Peterson has worked for the afterschool Expanded Learning Program for elementary aged children where she experienced “the joy (of) watching a child accomplish something and being proud of what they’ve done.” Combining her love of working with children with her passion for environmental conservation will help Peterson educate a new generation of environmentalists.

The Tari Shattuck Educational Foundation has been awarding scholarships to Mount Abraham seniors planning to become educators since 1995.