MIDDLEBURY — United Way of Addison County (UWAC) fosters community service in all community members, but especially in our youth in Addison County. In that spirit, UWAC honors local high school seniors through the “Live United” Volunteer Scholarship Award. On behalf of a generous donor, three students are chosen annually for the award, recognizing high school seniors who volunteer in their community and who are interested in advancing their education. This year Kyle Mitchell, Harper Sinclair, and Anna Wagner were the recipients. This award comes with a $1,000 cash award for each student, to be used for post- graduation education.

Kyle Mitchell of Middlebury has been volunteering at Charter House Coalition’s community suppers for the past five years. A supervisor at

Charter House noted that Mitchell is exceptionally gifted at making others feel comfortable and always maintains a positive attitude. He will attend Utica College where he plans to major in Social Work, with minors in political science, psychology, and philosophy of law.

Harper Sinclair of Middlebury started a Best Buddies (an international organization that focuses on fostering relationships between those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities) local chapter at Middlebury Union High School two years ago, with the goal of leaving the community a little better than she found it. This fall, Harper will major in neuroscience at Dickinson College.

Anna Wagner of Bridport has served as co-president of the National Honor Society at MUHS, which has allowed

her the opportunity to partake in several volunteer activities. Anna has organized a food drive for Charter House Coalition, conducted fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and every week spends time with a classmate who has an intellectual and developmental disability. Anna will major in biological science at the University of Vermont.

Board member Maria Collette is thrilled that UWAC has the opportunity to recognize some of the youngest volunteers in our community. “Our high school seniors have so much on their plates, especially this past year with remote and hybrid learning. I was impressed with all the applicants who found opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community, and am so thankful to the donor who makes this possible,” said Collette.