Student of the Week
To celebrate these student achievements, Full Circle Building & Remodeling is providing each Student of the Week $25 in local currency. Just check in with your school’s Student of the Week coordinator to claim your prize!
Students of the Week are chosen by school teachers and administration.
Weekly Student of the Week Pages
Click to view!
September 11, 2025: MUHS & VUHS
September 18, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
September 25, 2025: MUHS & VUHS
October 2, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
October 16, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
October 30, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
November 13, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
November 20, 2025: MUHS & VUHS
November 27, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
December 11, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
December 18, 2025: MUHS & VUHS
December 25, 2025: MAUHS & OVUHS
January 8, 2026: MAUHS & OVUHS
January 15, 2026: MUHS & VUHS
January 22, 2026: MAUHS & OVUHS
February 5, 2026: MAUHS & OVUHS
February 12, 20256: MUHS & VUHS
February 19, 2026: MAUHS & OVUHS
Middlebury Union High School
09/11/25: Cooke Riney
Cooke Riney, the son of Pearl and Seth Riney, is Middlebury Union High School’s first student of the week for this year. Cooke’s older brother, Penn, is a junior at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and his younger sister, Ginger, is a 10th-grader at MUHS. The family resides in Cornwall with their dog, Tito, and their cat, Annie.
Cooke has thoroughly enjoyed his time at MUHS, saying that one of the things he likes best about the school is “there’s something for everyone here.” Cooke is a candidate for the full diploma as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, but appreciates the different pathways available for all students to find their interests.
Our Student of the Week enjoys his classes at MUHS, especially Physics with Mr. Harrington and Calculus with Mr. Comar. He mentions that they both bring “a certain kind of fun” to the classroom, and that it is clear that they like their fields and exposing students to concepts in their disciplines. Last year, Cooke was one of the two winners of the prestigious Dorey Cup, which is awarded to two juniors every year who have “attained the highest standing” in the areas of athletic ability, leadership, scholarship, and moral integrity and habits.
Cooke has accumulated multiple accolades in the areas of interscholastic sports, including being named to first team all-state in football, first team all-region in basketball, second team all-state in lacrosse, and as a “Rising Star” in both lacrosse and basketball. Cooke was a captain of the basketball team as a junior and is currently a captain of the football team.
Acting as a peer leader this year, he is helping 9th-graders join the MUHS community. Cooke is one of the coordinators of the peer leader program, having been selected by his fellow leaders to develop and implement programming in first-year advisories. Over his career at MUHS, Cooke has also participated as a student leader at the Vermont State Athletic Directors’ Association conference and was selected to represent MUHS at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY).
Cooke is looking forward to the remainder of his time at MUHS. His advice to kids in younger grades is to get as involved as possible, and to remember that high school is “a great time to be yourself.” After high school, Cooke is planning on attending Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where he will play football and hopes to continue his passion for physics. We wish Cooke the best of luck for the remainder of his school year and beyond.
Vergennes Union High School
09/11/25: Chance Koenig
Chance Koenig is Vergennes Union High School’s Student of the Week. The son of Mark Koenig and Erin Roche of Vergennes, Chance at home enjoys the company of his family’s pets: a dog, a cat and a snake.
Chance is a well-known leader at VUHS, where he has embraced the school’s tight-knit community. He says he values how everyone feels connected and that “there is no place where I do not feel that I belong.” Among his favorite classes are AP Biology with Ms. Thompson, Band with Mr. Mann, and AP Calculus with Mrs. Kayhart. He credits Ms. Thompson as his most influential teacher, noting that her ability to build strong relationships with students made her class a supportive place for him throughout high school.
An accomplished student and leader, Chance has consistently earned Honor Roll recognition and has been selected for the All-District Band each year since freshman year playing concert tuba. He serves as captain of both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, and was chosen for Boys State, where he was later named an alternate for Boys Nation. A dedicated Scout, he is a Life Scout in Troop 539 and is currently completing his Eagle Scout project, which involves installing a long jump pit. Chance has also contributed behind the scenes as stage manager for the Middlebury Community Players’ “Morning’s At Seven.” He has been class president for the past three years, following his freshman year as class treasurer.
Outside of school, Chance serves as the operations director for Vergennes Parks and Recreation, and he is a member of the Vergennes Opera House Board. He is also actively involved in National Honor Society and Student Congress, and he does community service through both Scouting and NHS. For his community-based learning class, he works with students in behavioral intervention at Vergennes Union Elementary School.
In his free time, Chance enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and advocating for others. He says one of the most important lessons he’s learned at VUHS is to speak up for himself and his community. He says, “You have a voice and you should not be afraid to use it. Often, people do not always know that change is the right thing to happen because they might not have your perspective. Speak up for yourself. Have agency for yourself and your community.”
After graduation, Chance plans to attend college or university to study nursing. The whole school community wishes Chance Koenig all the best.
09/25/25: Mary Harrington
Mary Harrington, the daughter of Tracey and Jay Harrington, is Middlebury Union High School’s latest student of the week. Mary’s older brother, Baxter, is a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis. The family lives with their dog, Finch, in Ripton.
Mary has appreciated her time at MUHS, especially enjoying getting to know the students and teachers who are part of the community. Mary is a candidate for the full diploma as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. She is also an active member of the Music Department and an accomplished athlete.
Especially interested in science and math, Mary noted that one of her favorite classes at MUHS was chemistry with Ms. Lloyd. She recalls that her two-year chemistry class was productive and that Ms. Lloyd made it fun. Mary also reflected positively on her math classes with Mr. Comar, saying that Mr. Comar’s teaching style is a bit different from other teachers in a way that is especially enjoyable.
Last year, Mary was one of the two winners of the prestigious Dorey Cup, which is awarded to two juniors every year who have “attained the highest standing” in the areas of athletic ability, leadership, scholarship, moral integrity and habits. At MUHS, Mary is a member of SCOHR (Student Council on Human Rights) and Best Buddies, where she serves as a co-president. She is also preparing as a member of the pit band for this fall’s musical production of “Newsies.” In the summers, Mary works at Branbury State Park in Salisbury.
Mary has found significant success in the realm of athletics, both interscholastically and outside of school. She is a team captain on the cross country running team, and has been successful statewide in running pursuits. Her true passion, however, is Nordic skiing. Mary has won multiple high school Nordic skiing state championships in both individual and relay events. She’s helped lead the Tigers to multiple team state championships. Beyond the interscholastic realm, Mary has competed at Junior Olympics, a national-level competition for the strongest skiers in the country. At Junior Olympics, Mary has achieved many top-10 finishes, including two third-place finishes and a runner-up accolade. Mary’s success at these competitions ranks her as one of the best Nordic skiers in the country.
Mary is enjoying her senior year. She acknowledges that she has learned the value of time management throughout her experience at MUHS and is putting it into practice this year as she balances her rigorous academic load, athletic training and other activities. When asked about what advice she has for underclassmen, Mary said, “Go into things with an open mind and give it your best. There’s a lot to be said for the mindset that you go into things with; it can shape your experience.”
Mary is solidifying her plans for next year, but she hopes to attend college somewhere in New England and continue to pursue Nordic skiing competitively. Although not decided on what she would like to study, she is interested in psychology as a potential pathway. We at MUHS wish Mary the best for the remainder of her school year.
09/25/25: Quincy Sabick
Quincy Sabick is Vergennes Union High School’s newest Student of the Week. Quincy lives in Vergennes with her parents, her younger brother, who is a ninth-grader, and the family’s three cats and dog.
Quincy says one of her favorite parts of VUHS is the tight-knit community: “Everyone feels like we have been friends forever. We get to make close connections with our classmates.” She especially enjoyed AP Literature and Humanities, where Mr. Thomas “really taught me to look at the world differently” by encouraging students to consider their choices and their impact. She has also valued the chance to study German throughout her four years of high school.
Earning high honors every semester, it’s no surprise that Quincy scored 5s on all four of her AP exams. Her other accomplishments are wide-ranging. She was elected Governor at the 81st Girls State, earned a gold medal on the Level II National German Exam, founded the school newspaper, served as NHS President, led the Green Team, and participated in Vermont History Day every year since sixth grade. This year, she won first place at Vermont History Day with a paper later published in the Vermont History Journal. Quincy credits Rebecca Coffey and Josh Brooks for inspiring and sustaining her passion for Vermont History Day.
Her leadership extends beyond academics. She is president of the Vergennes LEOs Club, a youth representative on the Vermont Climate Council, treasurer of the Class of 2026, and a student representative on the ANWSD School Board since 2023. Quincy also attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy in 10th grade, worked as a U.S. Senate page in Washington, D.C., during summer 2025 (sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders), and spends her summers working at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
Quincy has also been active in track and field all four years, played clarinet in the band and jazz band, competed on the math team, and has worked backstage on the crew for musical productions since 9th grade.
Outside of school, Quincy enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling. She is especially excited about the VUHS German Exchange Program, where she will host German students this fall and visit them in the spring.
Reflecting on her time at VUHS, Quincy says, “I’ve learned the importance of embracing the opportunities you can, and creating new opportunities. My advice for younger students is to work hard in high school. It does pay off. Seek out opportunities in your community so you can engage in as many things as possible. Find a balance between what you care about and what you have to do so you can pursue what you love and make a difference.”
After graduation, Quincy plans to study Economics and Public Policy on a pre-law track while continuing her German studies and exploring other languages. The VUHS community wishes her all the best!
10/09/25: Mattisen Austin
Mattisen Austin, the daughter of Tammy and Bill Austin, is Middlebury Union High School’s latest student of the week. Matty lives with her parents and younger brother, Parker, who is a ninth-grader at MUHS. The family resides in East Middlebury with their dog, Neila, and cat, Pumpkin.
Matty has enjoyed her time as a student at MUHS, saying that she appreciates the sense of community and the multiple different pathways available to different students. She is a candidate for the full diploma as part of the International Baccalaureate program, and as part of her studies, has taken a special interest in her biology and physics courses. She appreciated the two teachers in those courses, Mr. Wilkerson and Mr. Harrington, and specifically noted that they allowed her and other students to explore areas of specific interest within the curriculum. This sort of personalization allowed Matty to develop a fuller understanding of the subjects, she said.
Matty’s teachers noted specifically that she is a kind and inclusive leader in the school community. She was awarded the Clarkson University Leadership and Achievement Award during her junior year, and has also won a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA), and an MUHS Community Service Award. Matty is currently a peer leader, working with ninth-graders as they settle into their places at MUHS this fall. Additionally, she is a member of the Student Coalition on Human Rights and participated in the group’s service trip to Puerto Rico during her sophomore year.
Outside of school, Matty does a significant amount of volunteer work, especially as a coach with the Middlebury Figure Skating Club. She works with young figure skaters in the community throughout the fall and winter as the members prepare for the annual ice show at Middlebury College’s Winter Carnival. In Matty’s spare time, she participates in lacrosse and soccer at MUHS as well as in non-scholastic club settings. She has been playing these sports since she was a ninth-grader. When not toiling on schoolwork, volunteering, or playing sports, Matty enjoys spending time outside and dogsits locally.
When asked for her advice for younger students at MUHS, Matty encouraged them to “take everything one step at a time,” and remarked that “perfectionism is overrated.” Matty is planning on continuing her studies next year at a college somewhere in the Northeast, where she is hoping to study pre-medicine in order to eventually become a doctor. We at MUHS wish Matty the best for the rest of her senior year and the years to come.
10/09/25: Amelia Giroux
Amelia Giroux is Vergennes Union High School’s Student of the Week. She lives in Panton with her parents, Jen and Bryan; her siblings, Sebastian and Scarlett; and their two cats. Her sister Madelyn is a sophomore at UVM. Amelia also co-leases a horse boarded at a neighbor’s barn.
At VUHS, Amelia has excelled in a wide range of subjects. She cites AP Biology with Sarah Thompson and AP Calculus with Lynn Kayhart among her favorite classes, noting how academically engaging both were. She’s also loved studying German with Frau Kepes, participating in the German exchange program, and was honored with the Student Sage Award from Russell Sage College during her junior year.
Amelia is deeply involved in her school community. She’s played soccer and basketball for VUHS, and outside of school she shows draft horses. A member of several student organizations, she serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and as Secretary for the Class of 2026, helping plan events like prom and school fundraisers. Amelia is also part of the environmental Green Team, SPACE Club (a collaboration with Atria Collective), and Math Team, where she enjoys the challenge of math meets (and the cookies afterward!).
Her involvement extends beyond school as well. Amelia is active in the Vergennes LEOs Club, reading to young students in the community. She’s also held summer jobs at Basin Harbor’s Harbor Store and in the office at the Champlain Bridge Marina. She has taken advantage of enrichment opportunities like the Governor’s Institute for Health and Medicine and represented VUHS at Girls’ State, where she was elected as her town’s attorney and had the opportunity to visit the Vermont Supreme Court.
In her free time, Amelia enjoys riding horses, spending time with family and friends, and traveling, with memorable trips to Mexico and Canada among her favorites.
Reflecting on her time at VUHS, Amelia says one of the most important lessons she’s learned is the power of advocacy. “The most important experiences I’ve had are the opportunities to speak up for myself and for my class’s needs,” she says. “To underclassmen, don’t let those moments pass by. Your voice really matters, and you can make an impact.”
After graduation, Amelia plans to attend a four-year university, where she looks forward to exploring new places and becoming part of a new community. We wish Amelia all the best!
10/23/25: Austin Gero
Austin Gero, the son of Amber and Eric Gero, is Middlebury Union High School’s latest student of the week. Austin’s younger sister, Monica, is a tenth-grader at MUHS. He lives with his family and dog, Buddy, in Cornwall.
Many staff members at MUHS have glowing things to say about Austin’s membership in our community. His kindness was noted by many, and he is a strong advocate for himself and others. However, his work ethic stands out the most amongst his peers. One staff member, in a nomination, exclaimed, “I know few adults with such a work ethic [as his]!”
At MUHS, Austin notes that he especially enjoys his history class with Mr. Korndoerfer. He said that Mr. Korndoerfer does a great job at making history interesting by telling stories and engaging with his students, and that he is “an easy person to talk to.” When asked about other teachers who have made a difference in his time at MUHS, Austin identified Peggy Leary and Dave Richardson as two other teachers who have been big supporters of his throughout his high school career.
When Austin is not toiling on his schoolwork, he is working on the custodial staff at MUHS. Austin has been a member of the facilities crew at the school since his freshman year, and is now working 40 hours a week on top of his academics. Austin’s maturity and work ethic are clear — his grades do not suffer due to his long work hours and he is successfully able to juggle what are effectively two full-time jobs between his schoolwork and his role on the facilities crew. In what little spare time Austin has, he enjoys working on his cars and spending time with family and friends.
Over his time at MUHS, Austin has received a number of accolades, including being named as a 21st Century Award recipient by the mathematics department in both his sophomore and junior years. Austin was an honorable mention for the PE/Health departmental award as a junior and was also a recipient of the William Lawson and Catherine Dieman Principals’ award last year.
When asked about what advice he would give to students arriving at MUHS, Austin was unequivocal. “Stay focused — follow something that you want to do. It might be hard — things might hold you back — but you have to push through them. Don’t let other people get in your way.”
Austin is still determining what is next as he approaches graduation. He is interested in remaining in Vermont and entering the workforce, but would also like to find opportunities to travel. He is in the process of planning a trip to New York City and would like to explore other places as well.
10/23/25: Gina LeBeau
Vergennes Union High School is proud to recognize Gina LeBeau as its latest Student of the Week. Gina lives in Panton with her parents and their family dog, one of many pets she’s had over the years. She also has an older sister who’s currently in college. Gina says she enjoys life in Panton because it’s quiet and peaceful.
As a student, Gina has discovered a love for learning — especially when she can choose classes that match her interests. One of her favorites has been Wildlife Biology, which she describes as “super fun.” She also enjoys Chorus and often spends her free time playing guitar in Ms. O’Hara’s room. A lover of science, Gina appreciates being challenged by Mr. Francis, and she also fondly remembers the great discussions in Mr. Steen’s AP Language and Composition class.
Gina is deeply involved in the Music Department, where she participates in Commodore Singers and finds her creative home in school musicals. She began in the ensemble of “Newsies” as a ninth-grader, took on a larger role in “Mamma Mia!” her sophomore year, and last year played her first lead as Violet Newstead in “9 to 5.” “I felt like I shared personality traits with that character,” she said. “It felt more like I was being me on stage, which was so cool.”
In addition to music, Gina is a member of the Green Team, National Honor Society, and Spring Track & Field. She states that while she’s not the best on the team, she loves the supportive and fun community.
Outside of school, Gina volunteers with the Leo Club, where she enjoys giving back to the community. She also works at United Way of Addison County, helping with youth substance misuse prevention, a cause she sees as an important issue in our community.
When she’s not studying or volunteering, Gina loves to hike, run, play guitar, write her own music, read, craft, bake, and spend time with friends.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Gina says one of the most valuable lessons she’s learned is not to worry too much about what others think. “Other people don’t care as much about how you dress or look, or what you do for fun, as you may think,” she said. “Worrying too much about what other people think may actually prevent you from finding your people.”
Looking ahead, Gina plans to attend college and major in Environmental Science, with a focus on wildlife conservation.
Congratulations, Gina! We wish you continued success in the years to come.
11/06/25: Maya Breckenridge
Maya Breckenridge, the daughter of Kimberly and Matthew Breckenridge, is Middlebury Union High School’s latest student of the week. Maya lives with her parents and younger brother, Max, who is a 10th-grader at MUHS. The family resides in Cornwall with their labradoodle, Luke.
Maya says she loves coming to school because she is very involved with clubs and it is a great way to start her morning. Her favorite class is ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies) where they are discussing food and its impact on the environment. She has really appreciated Mr. Krahn as he has pushed her to become a better writer and says that Mr. Crodelle has been a great advisor because he is able to make school feel not so stressful.
Maya has been on honor roll all four years and is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. She was awarded the Clarkson University Leadership and Achievement Award during her junior year, and also attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) leadership conference. Maya is currently a Coordinator in the Peer Leader program that works with ninth-graders as they settle into their places at MUHS this fall. Additionally, she is a member of the Student Coalition on Human Rights (SCOHR); a member of MiddMinds, a club focusing on mental health; and is the President of Student Council.
Outside of school, Maya is very busy. She volunteers at Porter Hospital as a greeter. In addition to volunteering, Maya works two jobs. She is a barista at Otter Creek Bakery and caters at Middlebury College. In the fall, Maya was the Captain of the field hockey team and plans to play tennis this spring. When not working on schoolwork, volunteering or playing sports, Maya enjoys spending time with friends and family playing lots of board games and enjoying lots of movie nights.
When asked for her advice for younger students at MUHS, Maya encouraged students to get out of their comfort zone and take positive risks. Maya stated, “I used to not be very outgoing but being involved in clubs and activities built my confidence to take on IB and speak up in class.
Maya is planning on continuing her studies next year at a college somewhere most likely in the Northeast. She plans to major in biology and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. We at MUHS wish Maya the best for the rest of her senior year and the years to come.
11/06/25: Nilah Fitzgerald
We’re proud to announce that Nilah Fitzgerald is Vergennes Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. Nilah splits her time with her dad and dog in Addison and with her mom, brother and stepdad in Vergennes. She likes living in both places, enjoying the closeness of Vergennes and the openness of Addison.
Nilah likes the small sizes of her classes at VUHS. Her favorite class was Humanities. She really enjoyed the discussions with her classmates. She also loved researching music and why it is a universal language, noting that presenting her research to the community was a highlight.
Nilah has been on the Honor Roll for all semesters in high school. Each year, she has also received an award of recognition from one of her teachers. Last year, Nilah received the Xerox Innovation Award through the University of Rochester.
Outside of academics, Nilah played soccer through 11th grade and will play lacrosse in the spring. She has been a member of the Green Team for all four years of high school, and was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. The blood drive that the NHS sponsors has been a highlight because it brings the community together to help others.
In the summers, she works at Camp Kookamunga spending the day at Memorial Sports Center in Middlebury and taking the campers on field trips each week. She loves connecting with the kids. Outside of school, Nilah likes to ski, play piano and spend time with her family and dog.
Nilah’s advice to younger students is to not worry so much about the “what ifs.” “I have learned that if I can stop myself from thinking about what could be, I will surprise myself with what I can do.”
Next year, Nilah will be attending Montana State University with a major in Earth Science. She is looking forward to exploring the outdoors and spending time with family that lives nearby, stating, “I fell in love with Montana when I was little, so I have known that I would want to spend time out there. I want to thank my parents for giving me so many opportunities to be myself.” We wish Nilah all the best!
11/20/25: Peter Conklin
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize Peter Conklin as its latest Student of the Week. Peter is the son of Kate Conklin and lives in Middlebury with his mom, her boyfriend, and his sister Ellie, a tenth-grader at MUHS. He also has four older siblings, and the family shares their home with three beloved cats.
At school, Peter appreciates being surrounded by peers who are genuinely interested in learning and in exploring diverse perspectives. His favorite classes are Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Latin. He credits Mr. Tufts and Ms. Carroll as his favorite teachers. Peter notes that “Mr. Tufts is able to succinctly tie the Latin language to Roman and modern culture — it’s almost like an anthropology course.” He adds that “With Ms. Carroll, we get to discuss philosophy, and she’s great at incorporating students’ interests into the curriculum, which keeps everyone more invested.”
Peter has received the Language Acquisition Award and has been an active member of Student Council for three years, serving as secretary for two of them. He also participates in DREAM Club mentorship and Scholars Bowl.
Outside of school, Peter babysits for a neighborhood family and spends much of his free time reading. He especially enjoys exploring history, political theory and philosophy, and has recently developed an interest in sculpting. Politics and current events are also important to Peter. He has become deeply interested in the work of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, particularly Hegel’s ideas about Immanent Critique and Dialectical Reasoning — engaging in logical debate to form a worldview. Peter says this philosophical approach has helped him connect his academic studies to real life.
His biggest piece of advice for underclassmen is simple but powerful: “Read. Reading has changed my life.”
Looking ahead, Peter plans to attend a four-year university to study accounting or political science. He is also considering a future career as a professor. MUHS congratulates Peter Conklin on his many accomplishments and wishes him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond.
11/20/25: Ryan Wright
Ryan Wright is Vergennes Union High School’s Student of the Week. Ryan has lived in Addison his entire life with his dad, stepmom, and his dog, Bella (a birthday gift he received when he was just two years old). Growing up alongside Bella and in a tight-knit community that always shows up for one another has shaped Ryan’s appreciation for small-town connection and support. “I believe that’s how it should be,” he says.
Ryan enjoys school more than he sometimes realizes, especially because of the friends and classmates he’s shared so many experiences with. His favorite subject is CAD, where Mr. Crawford pushes him to make his work the best it can be. Ryan loves designing buildings and structures and using his visualization skills to bring ideas to life. Academically, he has made the honor roll every year and was selected as a delegate for the 2025 Vermont Boys State.
Sports play a major role in Ryan’s high school life. He has played football and basketball throughout all four years and added baseball to his schedule during his junior and senior years. He served as a varsity basketball captain during both his junior and senior seasons.
Outside of school, Ryan holds two summer jobs: one with the City of Vergennes Public Works Department, where he’s been learning about construction and practical life skills, and another at the West Addison General Store. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports with friends, drawing, fishing and spending time with friends and family.
One of the most important lessons Ryan has learned in high school is not to get lost in the what-ifs. “I see people worrying about the hypotheticals too much. Live life to the fullest and with purpose. If you can stop and think about someone or something you want to devote your life to, you’re going to make them proud. Make memories with your peers now because life can change before you even know it.”
After graduation, Ryan plans to attend college to study architecture and pursue his Bachelor of Architecture degree. Good luck, Ryan!
12/04/25: Marolyn Bingham
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize Marolyn Bingham as its latest Student of the Week. She is the daughter of Nathan and Bethany Bingham and has one older brother. Marolyn grew up in Weybridge before moving to Cornwall. Having been raised on a farm, she has spent countless hours with cows and has owned livestock since she was nine years old.
Marolyn says she has always loved learning and being in the classroom. English and math are among her favorite subjects, and she has long enjoyed her core classes. She credits her elementary school teacher, Maggie, with helping her grow both academically and personally. Throughout her years at MUHS, Marolyn has made the honor roll several times and has earned IB honors in Individuals and Societies as well as English.
A dedicated athlete and musician, Marolyn played field hockey all four years of high school. She is also an active member of the marching and concert bands, where she plays percussion — most often the timpani. Her father works at Monument Farm, and over the years, Marolyn has helped him with various tasks.
In the winter, Marolyn skis at the Middlebury Snowbowl at least once a week. She enjoys field hockey year-round and participates in an adult league. In her free time, she loves writing and is currently working on a book. She also enjoys writing poetry and crafting; friends can often spot her embroidered designs on jeans she sews herself.
When asked about influential people in her life, Marolyn shared, “I think being in class with Ms. Billings in 7th grade and hearing how she struggled with math and went on to teach math was inspiring.” That experience helped spark Marolyn’s goal of becoming a middle school English teacher.
Her advice for younger students is simple but heartfelt: “It is OK to not have things figured out. As long as you do the work and keep moving forward, things will get figured out even when things are scary.”
Looking ahead, Marolyn plans to apply to Saint Michael’s College, where she hopes to continue playing field hockey. She intends to double major in English and education.
MUHS congratulates Marolyn on her many accomplishments and wishes her continued success throughout her senior year and beyond.
12/04/25: Phoebe Raphael
Vergennes Union High School is proud to recognize Phoebe Raphael as this week’s Student of the Week. Phoebe lives in Vergennes with her parents, younger brother, dog, and three cats. One of her favorite things about her hometown is how walkable it is, and she especially enjoys strolling down Main Street and thrifting at Your Turn.
At VUHS, Phoebe enjoys the strong sense of community and spending time with her friends. This semester she is especially excited about Law & Justice, AP Psychology, and Music Theory. Her favorite class so far has been Statistics, and she gives a special shoutout to Mr. Schechter for fostering a learning environment built on conversation and curiosity.
Music is a major part of her high school experience. Phoebe has been a member of Band and Chorus for all four years, calling it an anchor in her day-to-day life. She’s also active in the school’s performing arts scene. Each spring, she performs in the school musical, with roles including Judy in “9 to 5,” Sophie in “Mamma Mia,” Race in “Newsies,” and Belinda in “Dido & Aeneas.” This winter marks her third year performing in Middlebury Acting Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” As a junior, she also participated in the A.R.T. program at the Hannaford Career Center. Phoebe is a member of Commodore Singers, Jazz Band, Green Team, and Math Team. Phoebe also enjoys sports and has spent three years on the softball team and plans to join Track & Field this spring.
Beyond school, Phoebe is committed to giving back. She volunteers with The Better Tomorrow Projects, a student-run nonprofit that raises money for causes important to Vermont teens. She also works on Main Street at Malabar, a job she has held for four years.
When she’s not studying or performing, Phoebe loves to play the ukulele, record and share singing videos on social media, craft, read, ski, and play pickleball with her dad.
Her advice to other students is simple, “Do everything. Join every club, class, or activity you want to. Don’t limit yourself!”
Phoebe is currently applying to colleges and plans to major in sociology, with definite plans to study abroad in the future. Congratulations, Phoebe!
12/18/25: Kaden Hammond
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize Kaden Hammond as its latest Student of the Week. Kaden, the son of Elaine and Chris Hammond, lives in Middlebury and is the youngest of three siblings. His brother Colby graduated from the University of Maryland, and his sister Viviana is currently a senior at Duke University.
Reflecting on his time at MUHS, Kaden shared, “I love the teachers here. You can tell they are passionate about what they do and they are good at what they do.” Among his favorite classes are Spanish with Ms. Causton and Global Politics with Ms. Slater — courses that he says have openned his eyes to the world beyond MUHS. Kaden is also taking Introduction to Latino Studies at Middlebury College and is grateful to Professor Roberto Lint Sagarena for the opportunity to participate.
A dedicated and high-achieving student, Kaden is the recipient of the UVM Green and Gold Award, has earned High Honors all four years, and has received department awards in Individuals and Society as well as Language Acquisition.
Kaden stays exceptionally active within the school community. He served as Captain of the Cross Country Team in the fall and of Nordic Skiing in the winter. Beyond athletics, he is involved in numerous clubs, including serving as President of the BIPOC Affinity Space, Co-President of Model United Nations, and a Peer Leader.
Since his freshman year, Kaden has also worked at the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, where he stocks inventory and assists customers. Additionally, he volunteers with the Better Middlebury Partnership. Outside of school and work, he enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking and spending time with friends and family.
Throughout his years at MUHS, Kaden has learned the value of self-advocacy. His advice to younger students is simple but powerful: “Advocate for yourself. You do not know until you ask. They may not know about a situation until you ask.”
Next fall, Kaden plans to attend college at Princeton University and intends to major in International Relations or Race Relations.
MUHS congratulates Kaden on his many accomplishments and wishes him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond.
12/18/25: Ellie Wilkinson-Sachs
Ellie Wilkinson-Sachs is Vergennes Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. She lives in Vergennes with her mom and her mom’s partner, as well as three cats and a dog.
English classes have always been Ellie’s favorite, along with visual art classes. She loves writing and reading, especially poetry. Ellie’s favorite visual art mediums are drawing and painting. This year, she’s especially enjoying AP Literature & Composition. Ellie also loved her experience in AP Biology last year. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has received Outstanding Achievement Awards in writing and visual arts, and has been on high honor roll.
Beyond academics, Ellie is a part of the VUHS Symphonic Band, Chorus, Jazz Band and Commodore Singers. She has also participated in the school musical. Once an ice hockey and lacrosse player, Ellie is now focused on cross country and track & field. On the arts front, she is currently involved in an independent study through school with a local artist, John Vincent, who runs the non-profit organization called A Revolutionary Press. Ellie notes that, “John has done incredible work in our community and has been generous with his time, resources, mentorship and knowledge. Our creative collaboration has brought me a lot of joy and insight.”
Outside of school, she enjoys meditation and participating in meditation retreats. Her mom has encouraged her to explore meditation and wheel-throwing pottery, for which Ellie is grateful. Ellie has participated in studio art workshops over the past few summers, at the Governor’s Institute of Vermont arts program, the SMFA at Tufts University, and The Putney School. For three years, she has been part of the annual winter solstice pageant, “Night Fires,” which she describes as “a spectacular celebration of song, poetry, storytelling and dance, written and directed by Marianne Lust, and everyone should consider joining us to witness the magic!”
Ellie claims that the uncertainty of senior year has made her realize how connected her class is at VUHS. “We’re together in this place of transition, going through the process of ending high school and beginning new journeys. Reflecting on what our time in this school has meant has given us this common foundational experience, and has made me so curious about all of the people I am sharing space with. In the final moments of our high school career, we are all pretty terrified and excited, and it is really wonderful to see that reflected in others. My advice is to let yourself be bored. Give yourself the space and time to become curious about yourself and others, because that interest is where you will find the inspiration to keep learning more about your community, your passions, and the world at large. Find and follow the threads that light you up, even when it feels terrifying, messy or lonely. Exploring your relationship to yourself and your environment is what will feed your soul and help you land in the places you belong. I truly believe that this type of investigation is as important for your health as basic necessities like food and water, and boredom is where it begins.”
Next, Ellie will be going to college and hopes to major in Studio Art and English. One day, she would love to get a master’s degree and join as many creative communities as she can find. The VUHS community wishes Ellie all the best!
01/01/26: Esra Anzali
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize Esra Anzali as its Student of the Week. Esra, the daughter of Ata and Fahimeh, lives in Weybridge. She has one sister, Narges, who is a sophomore at Princeton University, and two cats.
When reflecting on her time at Middlebury Union High School, Esra shared, “I love the community here. I like the smaller size and the mix of different types of people. I have friends from many different groups. I also feel like the teachers are incredible — there is lots of support and a high level of learning.”
Esra expressed special gratitude for her advisor, Mr. Bartlett, who supported her during her transition back to Middlebury and helped her with future planning and building self-confidence. She also credits Mr. Krahn and Ms. Carroll as being instrumental in her learning, noting that their classes feel less like work and more like genuine learning experiences. “You can tell they are passionate about their students,” she said. Esra shared that Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, has been her favorite class.
Throughout her high school career, Esra has earned honor roll recognition each year and was selected to attend Girls State. Esra is highly involved in the school community. She serves as the co-president of the Model United Nations, an activity she has participated in all four years. She is also a member of the BIPOC Affinity Group and a Peer Leader.
Outside of school, Esra works at Project Independence at Elderly Services, a day program for senior citizens, where she leads activities and works in the kitchen. “I love my job — I have built a community there,” she shared. In her free time, Esra enjoys reading, spending time with friends, being in nature, hiking, and going to the gym.
Reflecting on her experience in the IB Diploma Program, Esra said she initially felt out of place and questioned whether she belonged, which had an impact on her confidence. However, seeing her results helped her realize that she was exactly where she needed to be. She expressed gratitude for the people who believed in her and encouraged her to stay in the program.
Her advice to other students is to take advantage of all the opportunities the school offers. “It’s amazing how much support students receive here. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself,” she said.
Next fall, Esra plans to attend Rice University in Texas, where she intends to study Public Policy Analysis.
Middlebury Union High School congratulates Esra on her many accomplishments and wishes her continued success throughout her senior year and beyond.
01/01/26: Kyan Barcomb
Vergennes Union High School’s Student of the Week is Kyan Barcomb. Kyan lives in Panton with her mom, dad, and older brother on 24 acres of land filled with woods, animals, and plenty of activity. Her family has two dogs, two cats, chickens and roosters, and even a turtle that belongs to her brother. Life at home is busy and adventurous, with everything from raising meat birds to riding dirt bikes and minibikes around the property.
At VUHS, Kyan values the school’s small class sizes, which she says make learning more engaging and allow students to be surrounded by others who are equally invested. One of her favorite teachers is Ms. Thompson, her AP Biology teacher in 11th grade, whom she admires for her deep knowledge, respect for students, and willingness to answer questions. Academically, Kyan has been on the High Honor Roll since 9th grade, received the Sage Award in 11th grade, and earned an award of recognition from Ms. Kayhart during Pre-Calculus.
Kyan is highly involved in school life. She has served as vice president of her class for all four years of high school and is a member of the Math Team, Green Team, Leo Club, and National Honor Society. One of her proudest moments came this year when her class raised more than $3,000 for cancer research in just one week through a walk-a-thon, exceeding their goal and bringing the community together for a cause, complete with some laughs along the way.
Outside the classroom, Kyan volunteers with the Humane Society, helping to socialize stray cats. Through the Leo Club, she enjoys reading to younger students, especially preschoolers, and through the National Honor Society, she took part in sponsoring a student during the holidays by picking out gifts.
In her free time, Kyan loves spending time with friends and family. Each evening, her family makes a point to sit together and talk about their day. She especially enjoys time with her dogs and summers spent on the lake, where she appreciates the history and stories of Arnold’s Bay. With her family, every outing is an adventure.
One of the most meaningful experiences for Kyan at VUHS has been the school’s annual “Ag Day,” which celebrates agriculture and the hardworking people who sustain the community. She says the tradition reminds her of who she is and her family’s legacy, and of the importance of honoring Vermont’s agricultural roots. Kyan states, “I think that everyone in this school can relate to the experience of working hard, because we all have to, and days like ‘Ag Day’ have shaped my experience and insights. I hope that future students continue to keep this tradition in our schools as our way of honoring the people who keep our milk, dairy, and meat shelves stocked. It is a reminder of where we come from and a promise never to let the true Vermont way of life be forgotten.”
After high school, Kyan is considering several colleges and plans to major in Biology or Marine Biology, depending on where she decides to go. She says she is keeping her options open as she thoughtfully considers her next steps.
01/15/26: Nathan Stefani
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize senior Nathan Stefani as its Student of the Week. Nathan, the son of Mark and Jennifer, lives in Middlebury and has one sister who is currently studying in London.
During his time at MUHS, Nathan has been deeply involved in the school’s music and arts programs, including band, marching band, choir, select choir and acting in school productions. He said music has been a particularly meaningful part of his high school experience, as it allows for creative expression while fostering a strong sense of community. Among his favorite classes are DP Music and Language and Literature. Nathan credits Ms. LeBeau, Mr. Krahn and Mr. DeBruyn for having a positive influence on his academic and personal growth, as they continually challenge him to do his best.
Nathan has frequently earned honor roll recognition and most recently starred as “Jack Kelly” in the MUHS fall production of “Newsies.” Beyond school performances, he has participated in numerous music festivals and is also an active member of the Scholars’ Bowl school trivia team.
Outside of school, Nathan has spent many summers working at Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rhode Island, where he teaches merit badges. He is highly involved in Boy Scouts through Troop 543 in Bristol, participating in a wide range of volunteer opportunities through the organization.
In his free time, Nathan enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. His involvement in Scouts and summer camp has helped him build strong friendships and meaningful connections that he values greatly.
Reflecting on his high school experience, Nathan believes one of the most important lessons he has learned is not to be afraid of meeting new people and forming new friendships. He also encourages others to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities, and take on challenges.
Following graduation, Nathan plans to attend college to study geology, though he has not yet committed to a school. Middlebury Union High School congratulates Nathan on his many accomplishments and wishes him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond.
01/15/26: Ava Francis
Ava Francis is Vergennes Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. She lives with her mom and two older brothers in North Ferrisburgh.
Ava’s favorite class at VUHS has been AP Biology. She says that Sarah Thompson, who teaches the class, connects with students well and helps them enjoy the rigorous work and content. Ava believes her dual-enrollment classes have accelerated her learning beyond what is offered in the school building, stating, “There are so many paths and classes offered that you might not think to take as a high school student.” She earned High Honors for all semesters in high school and also received the University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award in her junior year.
Beyond academics, Ava is a four-year Varsity soccer and basketball player. This year, she helped the soccer team win the State Championship. On that big win, Ava shares, “It felt amazing to represent our school and community. I will never forget the moments after the game when we came together as a team to celebrate.” Ava joined the National Honor Society in 11th grade and is the secretary this year. She is also a member of the VUHS Green Team & Math Team and serves as the community liaison for the Class of 2026.
Outside of school, Ava works at Park Squeeze in Vergennes and Danforth Pewter in Middlebury, valuing the social skills she is developing in these settings. In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family. Thanks to a renewed interest in reading novels, she has transformed her relationship with her phone and social media, noting it feels like a healthy and important life choice.
Her advice to younger students? “Don’t be scared to do a lot in terms of school, sports and within the community. Even if it sometimes feels like you can’t handle the challenges, keep trying! ” Ava notes that following this advice to stay busy and engaged has helped her find her passions and purpose.
Ava plans on attending college to pursue a career in Radiology. She is excited to experience new things, meet new people, and continue to step out of her comfort zone. We wish Ava continued success!
01/29/26: Sole Pareja
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize senior Sole Pareja as its Student of the Week. Sole lives in Middlebury with his parents, Roberto and Irina, his younger sibling Victor, who is in seventh grade, and a parakeet named Rio.
When asked about school, Sole shared, “I like to learn new things, and I enjoy spending time with friends. He noted that he has especially enjoyed Chemistry. Many teachers have had a positive impact on Sole’s high school experience, and he would like to highlight Ms. Lloyd, Mr. Rooney, Mrs. LeBeau, and Mr. DeBruyn for being supportive educators.
Sole has consistently been on the honor roll and, during his sophomore year, earned an Art Award at the Hannaford Career Center. One unique area of interest for Sole is scientific illustration, which combines both his artistic and scientific passions.
Sole is very involved in music and theater at school. He participates in both choir and band, acts in school plays, and contributes behind the scenes by working on technical aspects, including ensuring microphones function properly during performances. In the spirit of learning and trying new things, Sole also plans to participate in track this spring.
Outside of school, Sole stays busy working two jobs at Two Brothers and Stone Leaf Tea House. At Two Brothers, he works bussing tables. He previously volunteered at Homeward Bound Animal Shelter and hopes to return to volunteering there in the future.
In his free time, Sole enjoys reading and drawing, as well as hiking, biking, and running.
Reflecting on his high school experience, Sole shared that an important lesson he has learned is to be himself and not try to be someone else. He also emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting that if you keep trying, you will eventually get there—because if you don’t do it, no one else will.
Following graduation, Sole plans to attend college to study Wildlife Conservation, though he has not yet committed to a school. Middlebury Union High School congratulates Sole on his many accomplishments and wishes him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond.
01/29/26: Ashtin Stearns
Ashtin Stearns is Vergennes Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. She lives on her family farm in Ferrisburgh, where dairy and beef cows are part of everyday life.
At school, Ashtin especially enjoyed plant and animal science for its hands-on activities and practical applications. Ashtin has earned either honors or high honors every semester. In athletics, Ashtin has received multiple awards in basketball and soccer, with a standout milestone this year: scoring a 1,000th career point in basketball, an achievement she is especially proud of.
Ashtin is active in the National Honor Society and competes on both the basketball and soccer teams. Giving back is an important part of her sports seasons, too. Ashtin regularly helps with Saturday youth clinics and will be coaching an AAU basketball team this spring.
In addition to working on a local dairy farm, Ashtin also works for a plumbing and heating company, a landscaping business, and maintains a weekly lawn-mowing job.
When there’s free time, Ashtin enjoys spending time with family, playing sports, hunting, fishing, and caring for an ever-growing collection of animals at home: three donkeys, two goats, one alpaca, 20 rabbits, and 18 ducks.
One of the most important lessons Ashtin has learned in school is the value of choosing friends wisely and embracing change as people grow and move in different directions. Ashtin encourages underclassmen to stay true to themselves, “Not everyone will value you for who you are, but stick to yourself, your goals, and your values. You will get where you want to go.”
After graduation, Ashtin plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill, majoring in plant science while continuing to compete in both soccer and basketball.
Congratulations to Ashtin on this well-earned recognition!
02/12/26: Avery Hohenschau
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize senior Avery Hohenschau as its Student of the Week. Avery lives in Middlebury with her parents, David and Claire, and her younger brother, who is in eighth grade. She has a cat named Comet, a dog named Lupin, and six chickens.
When asked about her experience at MUHS, Avery shared, “I love that there are so many opportunities to try intensive classes like DP that I would not get at another school.” She added that these opportunities allow students to take deeper dives into projects and subjects. Avery has especially enjoyed Global Politics, finding it fascinating to study the world, and credits Tara Martin as an inspiring instructor. She also highlighted Ms. LeBeau as a meaningful mentor who helped Avery find her place at the school. Avery has earned Honor Roll recognition throughout her time at Middlebury.
Avery is highly involved in school activities. She has served as stage manager for the past three theater productions. In the fall, she plays soccer, and in the spring, plays Ultimate Frisbee and is the team captain. In addition, outside of school, Avery figure skates. During her sophomore year, Avery was enrolled in Addison Repertory Theater at the Hannaford Career Center, and she continues to stay closely connected with the program. She is also a member of the Built Environment Arts Group, in which students help bring art to the walls of Middlebury. Over the past two summers, Avery has worked at Junebug in Middlebury.
In her free time, Avery enjoys spending time with friends, reading and working on small creative projects.
One important skill Avery has developed is self-advocacy. She shared, “As a stage manager, I had to advocate for the cast with adults. Learning how to do that has been a huge growth opportunity.” Her advice to younger students is, “Don’t hesitate to reach out to people. I’ve made so many new connections by being willing to step outside my comfort zone.”
Following graduation, Avery plans to attend Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where she will study Film Production. Middlebury Union High School congratulates Avery on her many accomplishments and wishes her continued success throughout her senior year and beyond.
02/12/26: Carter McGuire
Carter McGuire is Vergennes Union School’s latest Student of the Week. He lives in downtown Vergennes with his immediate family and three roommates. They also have a black Lab, Thunder.
Carter enjoys the element of choice that is embedded in high school, noting that the high school experience can be whatever you want it to be; he’s chosen to focus mostly on the Arts and Sciences.
He states, “Carlie Guinane’s art classroom has been a supportive space for me. I took sculpture, painting, and all media for creating art. She has been an incredible support, and I appreciate her as a teacher.”
In Carter’s junior year, he became a four-sport athlete, participating in cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, and baseball, and even got to play with two of his brothers, which he says was an incredible experience. Beyond sports, he has a leading role in this year’s musical, is a member of the National Honor Society and German National Honor Society, is a member of the VUHS Green Team and is a participant in the VUHS Unified Basketball Team, supporting students with learning and developmental disabilities to access team sports.
Outside of school, Carter volunteers through Scouting America, where he is approaching Eagle rank, participating in wildlife conservation service projects, working with the Lions Club, and supporting others’ Eagle projects. In the summer, he is also a lifeguard at the community pool, where he loves summer camp week, engaging with the community, and working with fellow students.
This year, his focus has been on college applications. When he does have spare time, he focuses on art, making videos for YouTube and Instagram to document his artistic process. He also loves spending time with his friends and siblings.
When asked what advice he has for younger students, he says, “I heard from someone here a few years ago, they told me that you spend your whole life inside your head, so make sure it is a nice place to be. I thought it was profound, so I have held onto it. Reach out when you are struggling, and help others. Mental health matters, and we don’t talk about it enough.”
Carter would like to attend college, majoring in art, so long as he can keep his work separate from his hobbies and interests. He’s unsure of where he’ll end up as of right now, but is feeling excited (and nervous) about the prospect. Congratulations, Carter!
02/26/26: Berkeley Graham-Gurland
Middlebury Union High School is proud to recognize senior Berkeley Graham-Gurland as its Student of the Week. Berkeley, the son of Amy Graham and Suzanne Gurland, lives in Middlebury and has one sister, who is currently a junior at Dartmouth College.
When asked what he enjoys most about school, Berkeley shared, “I like learning as a whole.” He enjoys all of his courses, with a particular passion for math. He credits Mr. Comar as an influential teacher, noting that he currently has him for Calculus and previously had him for another math course. Throughout high school, Berkeley has consistently earned honor roll or high honors recognition and has received nominations from the Math and Science departments. He also has a special interest in game design.
Berkeley is actively involved in school activities, participating in cross country, ultimate frisbee, and Scholars’ Bowl. In addition, he is musically inclined, taking DP Music and playing the flute. He plans to look for a job this summer as well.
In his free time, Berkeley enjoys reading and playing video games.
Reflecting on his high school experience, Berkeley shared that navigating social situations while having autism has been challenging. Over time, however, he has become much more social and involved in activities than he once imagined possible. “I have grown a lot since 9th grade,” he said. He noted that taking the first step can be the hardest part for someone with autism or social anxiety, but that it has become easier with time as his confidence has grown. For students enrolled in the DP program, Berkeley offers this advice: “Treat it like a marathon—however, you can’t walk, because it will catch up to you.”
Following graduation, Berkeley plans to attend college to study game design, though he has not yet committed to a school. Middlebury Union High School congratulates Berkeley on his many accomplishments and wishes him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond.
02/26/26: Calvin Almeida
Calvin Almeida is Vergennes Union High School’s latest Student of the Week.
He lives in Addison with his mom and dad; sisters, Ava and Laci; their two Labs, Mavis and Sunny; and 20 beef cows. Agriculture plays a big role in Calvin’s life. Forestry through the Hannaford Career Center is his favorite class. Now in his second year of the program, Calvin says teacher Aaron Townshend has helped him grow tremendously as both a student and future professional.
Calvin is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has previously been recognized as Student of the Semester. He has also been deeply involved in FFA throughout high school and currently serves as President of the Vergennes FFA chapter. Through FFA, he has competed at multiple state and national conventions and has helped co-plan fundraisers, celebrations and the chapter’s annual Ag Day.
Outside of school, Calvin works as a farmhand at Kayhart Brothers Dairy in West Addison, where he does a little bit of everything and truly enjoys the work. In his spare time, he cares for his own beef cows, spends time with friends and his girlfriend, and enjoys driving around Addison County.
His advice to other students: “If anyone offers help in any way that benefits you and your learning, take it. Advocate for yourself and what you think you need to help you achieve your goals.”
After graduating in June, Calvin plans to work full-time at Kayhart Brothers Dairy. He’s grateful for the opportunities he’s had and excited to begin this next chapter.
Congratulations from:
Mt. Abraham Union High School
09/18/25: Charlie Prouty
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Charlie Prouty, the senior class president, as student of the week. Charlie lives in Lincoln with his parents and their two dogs, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.
Charlie has consistently earned high and highest honors throughout high school. His favorite classes include AP Language and Composition, AP Art and Design, and Modern Band. When asked about his favorite teachers, he explained, “I can’t pick one, but my favorite teachers all possess a shared ability to be empathetic, patient, offer honest but constructive feedback, and be supportive figures I can have meaningful conversations with.”
Along with student government, Charlie is an integral member of the music and theater departments. Stating that he “loves all the opportunities offered here,” Charlie has performed in lead roles since middle school. Many will remember him most recently as Beetlejuice, while some may recall his earlier role as William Barfée.
In addition, Charlie is a member of the Eagle Leadership Society, participates in the DREAM guided mentoring program at Bristol Elementary School and has spent his summers as a YMCA overnight camp counselor. Most recently, he attended a YMCA leadership conference where he earned his lifeguard certification, studied behavioral management, and learned valuable programming skills. In his spare time, Charlie enjoys listening to, playing and singing music. “I’m an avid drummer which can be misinterpreted as an annoying tapping problem,” he joked. Beyond music, he especially loves participating in local theater, acting and musical performances.
Reflecting on his time at Mt. Abe, Charlie’s advice to other students is that “you’ll take out what you put in. Take advantage of all the incredible opportunities that surround us, submerge yourself into subjects and extracurriculars that appeal to what you enjoy. Get out of your comfort zone, get out of your head, and try things you might be hesitant about now but could grow to love.”
Looking ahead, Charlie plans to attend college to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater or Acting, and hopes to minor in film or media studies.
Congratulations, Charlie, on your accomplishments, leadership and commitment to the Mt. Abraham community!
Otter Valley Union High School
09/18/25: Braeden Waldie
Otter Valley Union High School is proud to recognize Braeden Waldie as its Student of the Week. He lives in Brandon with his parents and two younger brothers.
Throughout his years at Otter Valley, Braeden has consistently earned recognition for his academic achievement and leadership. He has been on the Principal’s List every year since 7th grade and is a member of the National Honor Society. His academic excellence has been honored with awards including Excellence in Advanced Placement World History Modern, Excellence in American Studies, and the St. Anselm College Book Award. He is also the recipient of the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award, which comes with a $5,000 merit scholarship each year for four years. In addition, Braeden has been recognized with an Excellence in Woodworking Certificate, as well as commendations for effort in math and literature. His leadership is reflected in his election as Class President and his selection to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law and CSI. Braeden’s contributions have also been celebrated through Otter Valley’s PRIDE (Positive attitude, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Empathy) values recognition certificate, a Positive Postcard from staff for his efforts, and the selection of his artwork for both the Brandon Artists Guild Student Exhibition and the Otter Valley Art Show.
He enjoys immersing himself in history, politics, writing and independent research projects.
“My great joy in academics is the study of history, specifically the Victorian Era and the Great War,” he explains. His favorite classes are history and writing, and he especially appreciates conversations with Mr. Hall, whom he describes as humorous, lighthearted and highly knowledgeable about historical topics, and Mrs. Kretzer.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Braeden credits diligence and perseverance. He recalls spending three to four hours a night on assignments for his Advanced American Studies class, including a lengthy scrapbook project. To underclassmen, he suggests, “Through diligent work and continual effort you shall, even if one struggles, in all likelihood succeed. Even if you get grades below your expectations despite all this, you can at least pride yourself in knowing you had attempted it to the best of your ability.”
This past summer, Braeden ran the popcorn concession stand for Brandon’s Music at the River’s Bend concert series and will soon begin an internship with Bill Moore at the Brandon Town Office.
After graduation, Braeden plans to attend college to continue studying history, with hopes of one day teaching and possibly working in higher levels of government. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors!
10/02/25: Louisa Guilmette
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Louisa Guilmette as student of the week. Lou lives in Monkton with her Mom, Dad, younger brother and dog, Phoebe.
Lou has earned highest honors every semester throughout her high school career. She enjoys challenging herself and getting out of her comfort zone. Her favorite classes at Mt. Abe have been AP Biology, AP English Literature and American Studies. She also loves science, especially Chemistry. Lou states that science interests her as it helps explain “why things are the way they are and how they work.” Lou shared her appreciation for her teacher Mrs. Grzyb, stating “she is one of the kindest, empathetic, selfless and understanding people I know. She works very, very hard to make sure her students understand the material. She always grades on time and will spend countless hours with you after school to help you. She challenges you and pushes you to succeed. I am beyond grateful that I had her as a teacher.”
In addition to her outstanding academic career, Lou is very involved in the Mt. Abe community. She likes being with her friends and connecting with them throughout the school day. She is captain of the field hockey team, senior class treasurer, a member of the Eagle Leadership Society, the Neuroscience Club and a participant in Mt. Abe musicals.
In her spare time, Lou can be found working at Lulu’s ice cream shop in Vergennes, where she washes dishes and prepares ingredients for the ice cream. She also enjoys baking, camping, hanging out with friends and spending time with her family.
Reflecting on her time at Mt. Abe, Lou speaks to the importance of finding people who support and value her. Lou’s advice to other students is “to be friends with the people who make you laugh and make you feel appreciated.”
Lou plans to attend college to pursue a degree in the sciences. She hopes to study abroad while in school and travel after she graduates from college. Congratulations, Lou, on your accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to the Mt. Abraham community! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
10/02/25: Jaydon Connors
Jaydon Connors is this week’s Otter Valley Student of the Week. He lives in Pittsford with his mom, sister and pets. Jaydon manages to balance academics, athletics and a part-time job at Keith’s Country Store.
When he’s not working or in class, Jaydon spends his time improving his football skills, lifting weights, and hanging out with friends and family. At Otter Valley, he appreciates the chance to expand on what he already knows, and he especially enjoys AP World History. His favorite teacher is Mr. Rose, who Jaydon describes as a smart, caring individual and also his football coach and mentor.
Jaydon is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as captain of both the football and lacrosse teams.
He believes one of the most important lessons he’s learned is that “people are always going to try to bring you down. You can’t spend your time thinking of what others say — you gotta have some sort of an ego and stay optimistic to win.” It’s a piece of advice he hopes underclassmen will carry with them through their own high school experience.
After graduation, Jaydon plans to attend college and pursue a career as an athletic trainer.
Everyone at Otter Valley Union High School wishes Jaydon the very best in his future endeavors!
10/16/25: Genevieve Forand
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Genevieve Forand as our Student of the Week. Gen lives in Bristol with her parents, two brothers, her dog and cat.
Gen has been a recipient of high or highest honors every semester of her high school career. She likes that school allows her to constantly learn new things while being involved with a supportive community. Gen earned the Seal of Biliteracy for French. Her favorite classes at Mt. Abe have been AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature, and Virtual High School American Sign Language. She appreciates her teacher Mrs. Grzyb for being “ incredibly supportive and kind while still pushing you to your fullest potential.”
Gen is an involved member of our Mt. Abe community. She is the captain of the Varsity Softball team, Co-President of the Environmental Action Group, and has been recognized as an All League Player for softball three years in a row. Gen is also the founder of the Morgan’s Message club and serves as an ambassador for the organization. In addition to her school commitments, Gen works part-time at Rocker’s Pizza as well as volunteers at the Homeward Bound animal shelter. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and going to the gym.
Reflecting on her time at Mt. Abe, Gen talks about the importance of organization and time management. “Balancing academic responsibilities, athletics, and a social life can be challenging,” she said. “What I would tell underclassmen is, stay grounded, look at the bigger picture, but know it’s OK to ask for help.”
Gen plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in Marine Biology and continue her softball career. The Mt. Abe community wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.
10/16/25: Breanna Bovey
Breanna Bovey is Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. She lives in Pittsford with her dad, two brothers, one sister, two dogs, and a cat. Outside of school, she works as a hostess at the Cluckin’ Cafe in Pittsford and enjoys staying active through sports like field hockey and basketball, as well as spending time outdoors.
In the classroom, Breanna likes learning new concepts and connecting with other students. Her favorite classes are AP World History and AP Chemistry because they challenge her to analyze information deeply and form well-supported claims. She credits Mr. Jeskie as one of her biggest influences, sharing that he has been “super supportive of me through academics and athletics… he has always been there for help and I really find him to be extremely helpful during the school year.”
Breanna’s hard work and leadership have earned her numerous achievements, including placement on the Principal’s List and receiving Excellence Awards in Chemistry, Global Studies, American Studies, You and the Law, BSCS, and Geometry. She is also a proud member of the National Honor Society.
Reflecting on what she’s learned, Breanna says that being supported by her peers through academic challenges has inspired her to do the same for others. Her advice to younger students is simple but meaningful, “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
Looking ahead, Breanna plans to attend college to study pre-legal studies, with the goal of going on to law school to become an attorney. She also hopes to continue playing field hockey at the university level. We wish Breanna continued success!
10/30/25: Isla Underwood
Mt. Abraham Union High School is proud to recognize Isla Underwood as our student of the week. Isla lives in Monkton with her parents, sister Sophie and two dogs.
Isla has received highest honors each semester of her high school career and earned the Seal of Biliteracy in French last year. Her favorite classes have been AP Calculus and AP Biology. Isla finds math and science the most interesting subjects as they allow her to explore how things work and think critically to solve problems. Her favorite teacher is Ms. Little; Isla states “I’m so grateful for all the support and kindness she has shown me over the years. She is always there for me, whether I need advice, help in a class, or just someone to talk to and I truly thank her for that.” Another influential adult at Mt. Abe has been the athletic trainer, Meg Quiet. Isla shares that Meg “cares deeply for so many athletes, not only helping us recover from injuries but also offering encouragement and support. She has been instrumental in helping me recover and pursue my athletic goals.”
Isla is an involved member of our Mt. Abe community and is grateful for the opportunities available through classes, sports and clubs. She has been Vice President of the Class of 2026 since her ninth-grade year. She is co-president of the Environmental Action Group, and a member of the Eagle Leadership Society. Isla is also the first Mt. Abe student to serve as a member of the Vermont Principals’ Association Student Athlete Advisory Council, or VPA SAAC. Isla is a three sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball and track. She has been the captain of the varsity soccer team for two years running and captain of the track team as a junior. She also earned Division II First Team All State and First Team Lake League honors for both 10th and 11th grade in soccer.
Outside of school Isla is an assistant youth soccer coach at Far Post Soccer Club and works as a summer camp counselor at the Expanded Learning Program (ELP). In her spare time she plays a lot of soccer and enjoys spending quality time outside or traveling with friends and family.
When asked what advice she would give to underclassmen Isla stated, “Surround yourself with things that positively influence your life, whether that be activities or people; make the most out of the opportunities given to you.”
Isla plans on attending the University of New England. She is excited to be a member of the UNE soccer team and will major in Applied Science and Applied Mathematics. The Mt. Abe community wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.
10/30/25: Logan Denis
Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon is proud to recognize an outstanding senior, Logan Denis, as its latest Student of the Week! Logan lives in Whiting with his parents, two brothers, and two cats.
Outside of school, Logan works as a parts store worker and service writer at Green Mountain Garage. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing basketball and racing in the limited sportsman division at Devil’s Bowl Speedway.
At school, Logan enjoys seeing his friends and learning new things. His favorite subject is math, and his favorite teacher is Mr. Jeskie, who “teaches in a way that helps me learn subjects well.” Logan has earned a place on the Principal’s List, reflecting his dedication and hard work.
What advice would Logan give to underclassmen Isla?
He believes that “the most important thing to be successful in school is to put in effort, the more effort you put into school, the more you will learn and the better grades you will get.”
After graduation, Logan plans to attend college and study mechanical engineering, though he hasn’t yet decided where he’ll enroll.
Congratulations, Logan!
11/13/25: Evan Corrigan
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Evan Corrigan as our student of the week. Evan lives in Bristol with his parents and two sisters, Ila and Audrey.
Evan has been a recipient of highest honors for both academics and transferable skills every semester of his high school career. His favorite classes include AP Calculus, Human Biology and Personal Fitness. His favorite teacher is Mr. Shepard, of whom Evan says, “He is one of the coolest people I know.” Evan really enjoys learning about how the human body works which has motivated him to pursue an internship at Bristol Physical Therapy and study exercise science in college.
Evan is an active member of the Mt. Abraham community. He is the captain of the Varsity Baseball Team, a member of the Eagle Leadership Society, and represented Mt. Abe at the Vermont Principals’ Association/Vermont State Athletic Directors Student Athlete Leadership conference during his junior year. He has also received athletic honors for soccer and baseball. Evan works at ELP (Expanded Learning Opportunity), is a US Soccer referee, and works as a coach at Summit Soccer School. In his free time, Evan likes to lift weights and spend time with his friends.
“While at Mount Abe, the most important lessons I learned were through baseball because in baseball, you fail more than you succeed,” Evan shared. “This has taught me how to work hard and embrace challenges. I’ve learned that the things you really want in life, you are going to have to work hard for. Take advantage of the opportunities that are offered at Mount Abe.
“The courses you take and grades you get in your underclassman years matter. High school goes by fast, so the sooner you can decide what you want to do after high school, the better.”
After graduation, Evan plans to attend college and play baseball. He eventually plans to pursue a Physical Therapy degree and coach baseball as a graduate assistant. We wish Evan all the best in his future endeavors.
11/13/25: Hannah Bertrand
Hannah Bertrand is Otter Valley Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. Hannah lives in Brandon with her mom, stepdad, brother, and two dogs. She works at ARK Childcare in Whiting and is also a junior member of the Brandon Fire Department.
Hannah participates in the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center’s Science and Medical Professions program, where she has completed her Licensed Nursing Assistant training and went through the LNA Pinning Ceremony this past June. At school in Brandon, she has made the honor roll and received the Excellence in Advanced Behavior Science Award.
Hannah says it’s difficult to choose a favorite teacher, as she’s had no shortage of those who have encouraged and supported her. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, watching movies, riding horses, and taking naps.
One of the most important lessons Hannah has learned is to face her fears and challenge herself. She has some advice for younger Otter Valley students and they make their way through the school: “Try new things and avoid drama.”
She looks forward to graduating from OVUHS and is currently exploring her post-high school options. Congratulations on a bright future, Hannah!
11/27/25: Maris LaPerle
Mt. Abraham Union High School is proud to recognize Maris LaPerle as our student of the week. Maris lives in New Haven with her parents, Sarah and Adam, and her younger sister, Gwen, who is a sophomore at Mt. Abe.
Maris has earned high and highest honors for academic and transferable skills each semester of high school. Her favorite classes include Money Matters, Statistics, French IV and AP Environmental Science, an online course she completed through Virtual High School. When asked about her teachers, she explained, “My favorite teachers are Mr. Foster and Ms. Jacobeit. Mr. Foster always wants the best for everyone and will stay after school or come before school to help you with work. He grades quickly and understands how to help students independently. Ms. Jacobeit listens to each student individually and understands that French is a hard subject. She knows how to teach in a way that is caring and easy to understand. I have also had two really important support people at school, my advisor Ms. Little and our athletic trainer Meg Quiet.”
Along with her academic achievements, Maris is an integral member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams. She has been on varsity for both sports since 9th grade and was captain of the field hockey team junior and senior years. In addition to athletics, Maris is involved in several student groups. She was a cast member of the fall production of “Anastasia,” a member of the Eagle Leadership Society, the Environmental Action Group and Morgan’s Message Club. In addition, she was selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Green Mountain Girls State this past summer. Outside of school, she works weekends as a host at Fire and Ice restaurant in Middlebury. In her spare time, Maris enjoys working out, reading, playing board games, hanging out with friends and playing sports.
Reflecting on her time at Mt. Abe, Maris states, “The most important lesson I have had while at Mt. Abe is learning how to be a better leader and a better friend. I would say, don’t be afraid to expand your friend group. High school has taught me that people grow and change so don’t be afraid to make new friends along the way.”
Looking ahead, Maris plans to attend Washington College in Maryland and will play for the field hockey team. We will miss Maris’s strong commitment to the Mt. Abraham community and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
11/27/25: Zachary Dragon
Zachary Dragon is Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. He lives in Sudbury with his parents and two cats, Tonka and Reese.
At OV, Zac says some of his favorite parts of the school day are getting to see his friends, the strong school spirit, and the opportunity to learn something new every day. When it comes to teachers, he doesn’t choose favorites; he appreciates what each of them brings to the classroom.
Zac is proud to have made the Principals’ List and to serve as varsity football captain. A longtime football player, Zac quarterbacked the Otter football team the past two seasons, earning a good measure of success. For instance, he led his team to a win in the Division III semifinal game this year with three successful touchdown passes. The team finished a winning season with six victories
He’s earned a measure of wisdom during his years at OVUHS, and his advice to younger students is simple: “Learn all you can while the opportunity is in front of you.”
Outside of school, Zac works at Hayes Pallets in Brandon and enjoys hunting, hanging out with friends, and playing sports.
After graduation, Zachary plans to attend Vermont State University Castleton. We wish Zachary all the best!
12/11/25: Wyatt Moyer
Mt. Abraham Union High School is proud to recognize Wyatt Moyer as our Student of the Week. Wyatt lives in Starksboro with his parents, Rachel and Peter.
Wyatt has earned Transferable Skills and Academic Highest Honors throughout high school. His favorite classes include Piano, AP United States History, and AP English Language & Composition. Wyatt is a dedicated student and credits his teachers for going “above and beyond” to cultivate an engaging, meaningful learning environment. When asked about his favorite teacher, he shared that Mrs. LaRose, his chorus and piano teacher, “is solely responsible for allowing me the time and giving me the knowledge necessary to pursue a passion that I had never known I had, that being, playing the piano and singing. She is an unbelievably dedicated teacher.”
Along with his academic achievements, Wyatt has made significant contributions to the performing arts program at Mt. Abe. He is the school’s first student lighting designer and director for the Fall Musical. Since 10th grade, he has also served as the student light tech lead for both the fall and spring musical productions. Outside of school, Wyatt works as a clerk at the Lincoln General Store, enjoys writing, volunteering at the United Church of Lincoln, and playing the piano. Wyatt also enjoys public speaking and frequently delivers sermons at the United Church of Lincoln.
Reflecting on his experience at Mt. Abe, Wyatt says, “When I sat in the 9th grade transition night assembly and listened to high schoolers tell me that the next four years would fly by, I scoffed and probably said something like, “Yeah, right.” But, they were right. So if there’s one thing I have to say, it’s that as much as you may not enjoy school on the day-to-day, value the experiences you have, take any and all opportunities you can, and make the experience yours. You only get high school once, and the depth, breadth and value of the educational opportunities this school offers truly gets overlooked until you get nearer to graduation. Take advantage of them as soon as you can!!”
Looking ahead, Wyatt plans to attend college in Vermont and study Business Administration, with the long-term goal of obtaining a master’s degree and becoming an ordained minister. We are grateful for the contributions Wyatt has made to the Mt. Abe community and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
12/11/25 Marissa Dick
Marissa Dick is Otter Valley Union High School’s Student of the Week. Marissa lives in Pittsford with her mom, dad and three dogs.
In her free time, Marissa loves spending time with friends, being outdoors, hanging out with her dogs, and playing field hockey. She especially enjoys the social aspect of school and loves connecting with friends, attending sports games, and going all out for spirit weeks. The sense of community, particularly within OV’s athletics, is one of her favorite parts of high school.
Marissa’s favorite classes are math and science. She names Ms. Blow as her favorite teacher, noting that she always makes students feel included and is willing to help with any problems that arise.
A dedicated and accomplished student-athlete, Marissa has made the Honor Roll for the past three years. She served as captain of the 2024–2025 varsity field hockey team, was a Southern Vermont League First Team field hockey player, was selected for Twin States Field Hockey, and is a recipient of the St. Lawrence Book Award.
Marissa says the most important lesson she’s learned in high school is to “always try your hardest and focus on yourself. If you’re constantly comparing yourself to other students, then you can’t do your best work.” To underclassmen, she offers this advice: “As long as you’re trying your best and focusing on yourself, there’s nothing stopping you from getting the grades you want.”
After graduation, Marissa plans to attend a college or university to study dental hygiene.
12/25/25: Lila Brightman
Mt. Abraham proudly recognizes Lila Brightman as our Student of the Week. Lila resides in Lincoln with her parents Sadie and Nick, sister Carina, and pets Nellie and Leo.
Throughout her high school career, Lila has consistently achieved highest honors and received awards from the Music, French and Social Studies departments. Her favorite classes include AP English Literature, AP European History, and American Studies. She is also currently taking AP Music Theory through Virtual High School. Lila values combining viewpoints from both teachers and peers to create a complex understanding of the academic content. Her favorite teachers include Ms. Grzyb and Mr. Beckwith. Lila says, “Ms. Grzyb is amazing at connecting with students of all backgrounds and engaging them in a large variety of curricula. Mr. Beckwith is incredibly knowledgeable about his subjects and inspires students to dive into class more because of his passion and encouragement. ”
Beyond academics, Lila is deeply involved in the Mt. Abe community. She was a captain of the varsity soccer team this fall, serves as a mentor in the DREAM program and is a member of the Eagle Leadership Society. In addition, she is a prominent member of the music and theatre programs. She is president of the music department, has participated in District Chorus, All-State A Cappella Ensemble, and All-State Modern Band. Her theatrical roles include Cady Heron in “Mean Girls” and Anastasia in “Anastasia.” She was a member of the A Cappella group, Sweet Transition, and served as Pitch her junior year. Lila is currently in the Modern Band Airport Drive.
Outside of school, Lila works as a camp counselor at the Middlebury Community Music Center during the summer and at Miso Toh Kome at Sugarbush in the winter. In her free time, she likes to sing, write songs, and play piano & guitar. She also enjoys reading, skiing and doing New York Times games.
Reflecting on her school experience, Lila shares, “High school is what you make of it. Your mindset has a huge impact on how much you enjoy school and extracurricular activities. If you choose to look at school through a positive lens, you will see how much opportunity there is to engage in incredible learning, meet amazing people through sports and activities, and develop who you are as a person. You have the choice to make these four years great, so go for it!”
Lila plans to attend a four-year college or university in the Northeast to pursue a degree in English. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
12/25/25: Drake Felkl
Otter Valley Union High School’s latest Student of the Week is Drake Felkl. Drake lives in Sudbury with his parents.
Drake loves to learn new things. His favorite classes are science and history, and he names Mr. Hall as a favorite teacher because he engages the class with fun conversations and is just a “good history teacher.”
Drake is a member of the National Honor Society, has been on the Principal’s List, received the Otter Valley Empathy Award, and has served as team captain on both the football and wrestling teams. He has made a particular mark on the Otter Valley Wrestling team. Drake earned career win number 100 in his varsity wrestling career as a junior! At the Feb. 1 Mount Mansfield Tournament Drake got his 100th career win along with winning the 215 pound tournament championship! In this past football season, he was Division-III, second-team running back.
He notes that the most important lesson he has learned at Otter Valley is to “Never give up and whatever you do, do it at 100%.”
In his free time, Drake loves to be outside. As such, he aims to major in Environmental Science at either Castleton State University, Paul Smith’s College, or Western New England University.
Everyone in the Otter Valley community wishes Drake all the best!
01/08/26: Paige Guilbeault
Mt. Abraham Union High School is proud to recognize Paige Guilbeault as our Student of the Week. Paige lives in Bristol with her mom, dad, and three younger siblings.
Paige has earned Highest Academic Honors every semester throughout her high school career. Her favorite subject is math, particularly Pre-Calculus. Paige appreciates the opportunities Mt. Abe offers, sharing that she enjoys being able “to make connections and try new things through different extracurriculars and classes.” When asked about her favorite teacher, Paige noted that Mr. Foster stands out because “he allows me to ask questions that help me understand the material better and is always a friendly face in the hallways.”
Along with her strong academic achievements, Paige is highly involved in the Mt. Abe community and beyond. She is the founder and captain of the volleyball team, serving in that role for all three years. Paige is also a Bristol Fire Department Cadet, Vice President of the Music Department, a mentor, and a Vermont Young Playwrights winner. In addition, she has attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar, the Vermont State Athletic Directors Association (VSADA) Student Leadership Conference, and Green Mountain Girls’ State.
Outside of school, Paige works during the summer at Lake Iroquois, where she helps with invasive species protection. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and spending time with friends and family.
Reflecting on her time at Mt. Abe, Paige shared, “Being in a more rural school, it can sometimes feel like there are fewer opportunities available. My advice is to make your own opportunities. If you face an obstacle, especially when it’s something you’re passionate about, push through, because your determination can open doors for other people. The best thing I did in high school was make a team that brought people together and taught them about a sport I love.”
Looking ahead, Paige plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in engineering and minoring in math, while continuing to play volleyball at the club or Division III level. After college, she hopes to attend law school. We are grateful for Paige’s dedication to the Mt. Abraham community and wish her all the best!
01/08/26: Ethan Dukette
Otter Valley Union High School is happy to introduce its Student of the Week: Ethan Dukette. Ethan lives in Leicester with his mom, dad, brother and sister, along with one dog and one cat.
Ethan was in the Moosalamoo Outdoor Education program for two years as a freshman and a sophomore. He gained considerable skills and knowledge about the environment, Vermont history, and wilderness survival.
As a junior, he attended Stafford Technical Center’s Automotive Technology Program.
In addition to his academics, Ethan played on the Otter Football team, this past fall in the running back and defensive end position. This spring he plans to return to the lacrosse team. Ethan was also busy in October and November working on the set crew for the Otter Valley musical production of “Annie.”
Outside of school, he works at Hannaford and enjoys spending his free time with loved ones and going four-wheeling. And he has an affinity for a certain classic hot rod.
At school, Ethan’s favorite part of the day is hanging out with his buddies. When asked what advice he would give to other students, he keeps it simple: Have fun.
After graduation, Ethan plans to go directly into the workforce.
Everyone at Otter Valley Union High School wishes Ethan all the best in his future endeavors!
01/22/26: June Yates-Rusch
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize June Yates-Rusch as our Student of the Week. June lives in Bristol with her mom, Mary, and cat, Daisy.
Throughout her high school career, June has consistently achieved highest or high honors. She has received awards from the Art Department each year, as well as a PE and English award. June’s favorite classes are AP Calculus and Chemistry and her favorite teacher is Mr. Eberhardy. In addition, her favorite class was Sports and Society, where she learned about the impact that sports has on work and communities.
She notes that school makes her feel productive and confident about how she spends her time. Beyond academics, June is an active social member of the Mt. Abe community. She has played Varsity Lacrosse since 9th grade and was the captain of the team last spring. She is also on the Varsity Nordic Ski team and the Varsity Field Hockey Team. She has been an active member of the Eagle Leadership Society for the past two years.
Outside of school, June works as a lifeguard and camp counselor for the Bristol Recreation Department as well as a youth lacrosse referee. In her spare time she enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with her friends.
Reflecting on her school experience, June shares, “One of the highlights of my time at Mt. Abe was starting a new sport during my junior year (field hockey). This experience taught me the importance of trying new things, even when they feel unfamiliar or challenging at first. Taking the risk to learn a new sport not only helped me develop new skills, but also led to new friendships and connections that I would not have made otherwise.”
Looking ahead, June will be attending St. Lawrence University in the fall. She plans to major in Biomedical Sciences and play lacrosse. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
01/22/26: Hannah Desabrais
Hannah Desabrais is Otter Valley Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. She lives in Brandon with her mom, dad, sister and brother.
An active and dedicated student, Hannah stays busy year-round. During the summer, she works as a camp counselor at Camp Kookamunga. Throughout the school year, she plays multiple sports, including field hockey, softball and basketball, and also makes time to spend with family and friends.
At school, Hannah says she enjoys seeing her friends and building strong connections with her teachers. Her favorite subjects are math and English, and one of her favorite teachers is Mrs. Blow. Hannah values the meaningful connections she made in Mrs. Blow’s class and appreciates that they have stayed in touch even after the class ended.
Hannah’s hard work and leadership have earned her an impressive list of honors. She has been named to the Principal’s List, served as a team captain for field hockey, basketball and softball, and received Excellence awards in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Behavioral Science, Geometry, Chemistry, Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. She has also earned the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit for High Honor in Science and Mathematics and the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award.
When asked what advice she would give to younger students, Hannah says, “It’s important that when you are faced with a challenge, you push through it because it will only help you to grow in the end.”
After graduation, Hannah plans to pursue a career in physical therapy and is considering attending either the University of Vermont or Plymouth State University.
02/05/26: Riley Abbott
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Riley Abbott as our Student of the Week. Riley lives in Bristol with her parents, brother and dog.
Throughout her high school career, Riley has consistently achieved highest or high honors. She has received Outstanding Student of the Semester for the Hannaford Career Center her junior and senior years and was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society this year. Riley enjoys building connections with her peers and teachers at school. She has been enrolled in the Human Services program at the Hannaford Career Center for two years and identifies this as her favorite class. Riley credits Mrs. Decker with helping her get through her high school career. She highlights Mrs. Decker’s ability to support her students, always being available to them and assisting with difficult class or life situations as key reasons she is one of her favorite teachers. Riley also shares her appreciation for her advisor, Mr. Russell, stating that “he has an incredible understanding of his students and is always willing to help them by providing support.” She cherishes his humor and how he has made advisory memorable.
Outside of school, Riley is employed at the Starksboro Preschool. She loves her work with the young children. In addition, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, walking, line dancing and listening to music.
Reflecting on her school experience, Riley shares, “Even though school can be challenging in many different ways, remember to do your best and work as hard as you can. I’d recommend focusing on your learning and yourself and skip the drama that goes on throughout your experience in school even if it’s tricky! Always remember, you can do this!”
Looking ahead, Riley plans to attend the Community College of Vermont while continuing her work at the Starksboro Preschool. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
02/05/26: Sienna-Marie Torres
This week’s Otter Valley Union High School Student of the Week is Sienna-Marie Torres. She lives in Brandon with her mom, step-dad, brother and pets.
Sienna-Marie is an active member of the debate team, where she works on speeches and serves as co-council for the women’s team. Her dedication has paid off, she was recognized with the first Jefferson Award at Otter Valley.
Academically, Sienna-Marie likes to stay busy and challenge herself. Despite being an English Language Learner (ELL), she pushes herself in rigorous classes such as AP History, Practical Chemistry, and Independent Art. One of her favorite teachers is Mrs. Bixby, whom she describes as creating a classroom that feels safe and welcoming and always being willing to help students, even in subjects outside her own.
Outside of school, Sienna-Marie works at Brandon House of Pizza, and when she’s not on the job or studying, she enjoys baking and painting, often channeling her creativity into art projects and murals.
Looking ahead, Sienna-Marie plans to attend college and is currently finalizing her decision. Her top acceptances so far include the University of Southern Maine, UMass Dartmouth, Merrimack College, and Washington & Jefferson. She is interested in pursuing a Criminal Justice major while continuing to paint murals in her free time.
Reflecting on her experience, Sienna-Marie shares an important lesson she’s learned:
“Invisible issues don’t get fixed until you ask. I spent years as an unrecognized ELL student and finally brought it to attention, and now have the help I need to do better in English classes.”
Her advice to other students? “Ask for the help you need. Not everyone is going to notice your struggles if you don’t make them known.”
The Otter Valley community says Congratulations to Sienna-Marie!
02/19/26: Harper Young
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize Harper Young as our Student of the Week. Harper lives in Starksboro with her parents and three Boston terriers.
Harper has achieved highest honors each semester of her high school career. She has received the Department Award for Academic Excellence in Math and Spanish, has earned the Vermont Seal of Biliteracy and represented Mt. Abe at Green Mountain Girls’ State. Harper’s favorite classes are AP Calculus BC and Spanish. She appreciates her Spanish teacher, Mr. Shepard, as he is “very kind and dependable, and provides an inclusive and fun learning environment.”
Beyond academics, Harper is an active member of the Mt. Abe community. She has played field hockey for 9th, 10th and 12th grade and was the JV team captain during her sophomore year season. She is the co-president of the Neuroscience Club, a member of Eagle Leadership Society, Environmental Action Group, and Scholars Bowl.
Outside of school, Harper keeps herself busy with multiple jobs. She is a prep chef for Common Ground Center and a store clerk at Simon Says. In addition, Harper works at the schools’ Expanded Learning Program (ELP) and is a pet sitter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking and cooking.
Reflecting on her school experience, Harper states, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of finding things that bring you joy and placing yourself in environments that support and value your ideas. When you follow your own individual path, you create space to grow, learn, and succeed in ways that fulfill your goals, regardless of outside expectations.”
Looking ahead, Harper plans to attend a four-year university in the Northeast, majoring in Biomedical or Chemical Engineering. We wish Harper all the best with her future endeavors!
02/19/26: Chloe Mol
Chloe Mol is Otter Valley Union High School’s latest Student of the Week. She lives in Brandon with her parents, brother and cat, Barley.
While at school, Chloe particularly enjoys musical theater, debate and the opportunity to spend time with friends. Her favorite classes are AP Literature and the Intro to Political Science class that she is currently taking at Community College of Vermont. Chloe loves how supportive the teachers at Otter Valley are, and notes that her debate coach, Mr. Thomas is her favorite; he is always willing to have a philosophical conversation about the ways of life
Chloe is a member of the National Honor Society and president of the Otter Valley theater council. She played the title character in this year’s Walking Stick Theater fall production of “Annie.” Last year, she received the Citizen Scholar award from UVM.
Outside of school, Chloe works at Cafe Provence, is a youth organizer at Outright Vermont, and volunteers with HOBY Vermont, a non-profit youth leadership organization.
Her advice to younger students is pretty straightforward: “No matter what people have to say, you cannot allow the opinions and voices of others to drown out your own.”
Chloe plans on attending college to foster her love of political science and continue to pursue her passion for advocacy beyond Vermont. She has applied to several schools throughout the Northeast. Everyone at Otter Valley wishes her the very best!
03/05/26: James Graziadei
Mt. Abraham is proud to recognize James Graziadei as our Student of the Week. James lives in Lincoln with his mother, Elizabeth and brother, Joe.
James has achieved highest honors each semester of his high school career. His favorite classes are currently Money Matters and AP English Language and Composition. He enjoys spending time with his friends and being pushed to learn new things every day at school. James shares that his favorite teacher is Ms. Thompson, stating that “her empathy allows for a more productive learning environment, and she always has a smile on her face.”
Beyond academics, James has been a member of the Mt. Abe Varsity soccer team since 9th grade. He has served as the captain for the past two years. He earned Lake Division Player of the Year and a spot on the Vermont All-State First Team. Outside of school, James enjoys playing soccer, spending time at the gym and downhill skiing. He also works part-time at the Bobcat Cafe as a dishwasher and food runner.
Reflecting on his school experience, James states, “The most important lesson and experience I have had while at school is to find a balance between academics and hobbies. This balance has inspired me to work harder in school, while also allowing me to explore unique opportunities outside of it. I would like to tell underclassmen that it’s OK to take a few days in the school year to skip class and ski, and I would advise you to make a fun experience for yourself in and out of the classroom.”
Looking ahead, James plans on taking a post-graduate year at a prep school and then attending college. We wish James all the best with his future endeavors!
03/05/26: Jacob Warrell
Otter Valley Union High School is proud to recognize Jacob Warrell as its latest Student of the Week. Jacob lives in Pittsford with his mom, dad and two cats.
Jacob is frequently on the honor roll and principal’s lists, served as the varsity baseball captain his junior year, and won the Clarkson Achievement Award for his academic achievements and leadership. He enjoys the social aspect of school, as well as playing school sports. His favorite class is welding with Mr. Karpak. He’s especially excited about a smoker he is building with a friend in welding class. Science teacher Ms. Keith is Jacob’s favorite because she’s knowledgeable in her subject area and teaches based on the learning styles of her students.
Outside of school, Jacob is a ticket agent at Killington Resort, helping guests with any issues they might be having and answering any questions. His hobbies include weightlifting, playing baseball and video games.
His advice to other students is to explore all the opportunities available at Otter Valley,
“Go try new things that you have never tried before because you never know if you might end up liking them.” Taking his advice to heart, Jacob’s in the crochet club this semester and is really enjoying it.
Jacob plans on attending Clarkson University to study Global Supply Chain Management and play baseball. We wish him all the best!
Congratulations from:
