Upper Valley school notes for Oct. 21, 2024

Secondary accomplishments

Senior Norah Burns has been selected as Lebanon High School’s October student of the month. In addition to participating in athletics and student council, Burns is incredibly involved in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, according to a news release from the Lebanon School District. She participated in a three-week summer exchanged program in Italy as part of the Rotary Exchange.

“Her belief in service above self and her demonstration of empathy, integrity, and willingness to help others embody the values of empathy and community that are essential for building a better world,” according to the release.

Lyme resident and St. Johnsbury Academy student Marcus Burns has named a National Student Poet by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. He is one of five of five student poets who will serve a one-year term as national poetry ambassadors, according to a news release.

The Vermont Agency of Education has named the White River Valley School District a “success story” for its implementation of the Read Vermont literacy program, according to news release from the district. The district has focused on professional development, reading interventionists, and additional screening for children in all grades in the last four years. During the last school year, 70% of the district’s fourth graders demonstrated proficiency in state testing — nearly 20% higher than the state average.

Post-secondary accomplishments

Sydney Gonyea, of Lebanon, made the dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston for the spring 2024 semester.

Email educational accomplishments to schoolnotes@vnews.com.