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
We’re pleased to introduce Indigo Woods, a member of the senior class at Middlebury Union High School, as this week’s student of the week.
Indigo Woods is the daughter of Karri Ingerson and Steven Lindemann of Middlebury. She has pursued a challenging course of study at Middlebury Union High School and has completed all of her graduation requirements. After finishing her final exams this month, Indigo is departing for a “gap semester” in Ireland. She will participate in outdoor leadership activities and adventure travel through the Irish Gap Program. Indigo will return to Vermont in mid-May and join her classmates for the graduation ceremonies in June.
As a student, Indigo has pursued an academically challenging program and admits to favoring the sciences, an area she will pursue next year at The College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Indigo was admitted early decision and has been named one of the college’s Presidential Scholars. She loves the outdoors and credits her summer at Whale Camp in the Bay of Fundy as being a formative experience. Indigo has already completed one college course, having taken Environmental Science at Middlebury in the fall. She remarks that, “I especially enjoyed the hands-on field work!” She expects to major in human ecology with a focus on marine biology while in college. She is confident that the College of the Atlantic’s setting, nestled amid Acadia National Park, will prove to be just the right fit.
Indigo participated in the Governor’s Institute on the Arts at Castleton University last summer studying etching and bookbinding. She describes the experience as “incredible.” She completed a photography class through the Governor’s Institute Winter Weekend program and encourages other MUHS students to participate in the Governors Institutes. Indigo said she valued the hands-on offerings and the opportunity to meet students from across Vermont.
A member of the MUHS Tiger Cross Country team, she is happy to collaborate with fellow classmates in a sport. Indigo also has served as an alternate peer leader with fellow seniors and has enjoyed welcoming new ninth-graders to the high school.
Indigo will be missed this spring while she is in Ireland, but we’re sure she will have an inspiring semester exploring the Emerald Isle. Her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors will serve her well as she takes part in an exciting semester away. We’re equally confident that she will thrive in college, too! 
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Megan Rooney as its Student of the Week. Megan lives in Ferrisburgh with her dad and mom, Kevin and Debbie Rooney. Megan has two younger siblings: Emily is a freshman at VUHS and Shamus is a sixth-grader at Ferrisburgh Central School.
Since freshman year, Megan has been on the Honor Roll. From sophomore year to senior year Megan took three Advanced Placement classes. In junior year, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and received the Clarkson Leadership Award for leadership and exceptional academic achievement.
Outside of the classroom Megan has been an active participant in the VUHS community. She has been on the Varsity Girl’s Soccer team all four years and has been on the Track and Field team since her junior year. She has been involved with the Peace One Day committee and GSA. She was in the band until senior year, and was even the band librarian. She also helped plan the junior prom. Megan has been a student council member all four years of high school and was class president her sophomore and junior years. She is also an active member of the school’s Math team.
Megan says this about her time at Vergennes Union High School: “In my high school experience, I have learned that finding out who you are is so much more important than trying to fit in with everyone else. My personal philosophy is that no matter how many times I get hit down by life, I will always be strong enough to get back up. If I could give any advice to other students it would be to always stay true to who you are. Bad things will happen and people will try to hurt you and change you, but if you stick to who you are, you will always be OK.”
Rebecca Coffey, a social studies teacher and Megan’s morning meeting teacher, likes what she sees in Megan: “She is a hard worker in the classroom and on the athletic fields. She puts her all into everything she does. Megan is a student you can count on to be attentive and conscientious about her work. Megan will succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.”
Following graduation from VUHS, Megan is headed to Hobart and William Smith College to pursue a degree in political science in hopes of becoming a political journalist. She will be playing soccer for the college. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Megan 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 free pizza from Green Peppers. Students of the Week from all area high schools will receive a gift certificate from Vermont Book Shop.
With support from:
Addison Central Teens
Addison County Economic Development Corporation
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating
Jackman Fuels Inc.
JW DE Ryan
Martin’s Hardware
Strategies for College, Inc.
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop