The Other Paper - 6-20-24

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

Wolves capture baseball D-I title

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

For some of South Burlington’s large senior group, Saturday’s Division I state championship baseball game was the culmination of four years’ worth of goals and objectives.

The Wolves capitalized on mistakes in the first inning and the starting pitcher did the rest as South Burlington beat Champlain Valley, 6-2, to win the D-I title at Centennial Field.

“We had confidence in ourselves all season, every day we just battled,” South Burlington winning pitcher Nick Kelly said. “There is nothing better than this feeling.

“We were just trying to build every year, we finally got here, and we finally won it.”

South Burlington’s 10 seniors walk off as winners, capturing the program’s first title since 2018, a goal of the group since some

See BASEBALL on page 6

South Burlington sends off Class of 2024

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Wednesday June 26th 5-9pm

See GRADUATION on page 10

High school graduations often leave students and those in attendance with a glimmer of wisdom and a bit of nostalgia. Take, for example, the words offered by graduating scholar Jordan Chloe Larose at South Burlington High School’s graduation last week: Seize opportunities, take risks, always say please and thank you, do things that scare you, and never forget #YOLO — You Only Live Once. As Larose put it, the South Burlington Class of 2024 has faced some harder challenges when compared to any other class: entering high school

PHOTO BY GORDON MILLER

Students throw their hats in celebration of their graduation from South Burlington High School on June 14 at University of Vermont’s Patrick Gymnasium in Burlington.

Brian Searles, former South Burlington chief of police dies at 77

JUAN VEGA DE SOTO VTDIGGER

During his nearly half-century career in Vermont, Brian Searles developed a reputation as a modest but brilliant public servant — capable of efficiently managing the wide variety of organizations he led.

Searles died on June 5 in Tampa, Florida, at 77 years old. He had been receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia before his death, according to an obituary prepared by his family.

After working his way up the ranks in Chittenden County law enforcement — including a stint as chief of the South Burlington Police Department — Searles jumped into state government to head then-Gov. Howard Dean’s department of personnel. In the years that followed, Searles served as deputy secretary of administration, director of Burlington International Airport and twice as the state’s secretary of transportation.

“He wore a lot of hats, and he wore them very well,” said former Vermont attorney general Bill Sorrell, who brought Searles on as his deputy while serving as secretary of administration under

those he needed to be tough on, but supporting those who needed it, too,” Dean said.

The success of Searles’ first four-year stint as the state’s transportation secretary caught the eye of the state’s next Democratic governor, Peter Shumlin, who asked him to return to the post.

“When I was elected in 2010, I called him and he said, without missing a beat, ‘I’d be very interested,’” Shumlin said.

Soon after his return to the transportation agency, the state’s infrastructure was battered by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. In

“I think that what happened in the four months after Irene was incredible,” Searles told the Burlington Free Press at the time.

Brian Richard Searles was born March 12, 1947, in Essex Junction, one of six children of Frances and Vincent Searles. He attended Essex High School and became a police dispatcher for his local police department, beginning his long relationship with law enforcement, according to

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Brian Searles

SEARLES

continued from page 2

those who knew him well.

But it was at the South Burlington Police Department that Searles rose through the ranks from officer to captain, before becoming executive director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council.

“He was never a ‘I’m a cop, you’re not’ guy. He was more of a peace officer,” said Sorrell, who knew Searles through his work as a state’s attorney in Chittenden County. Sorrell now chairs the renamed Vermont Criminal Justice Council.

Returning to the South Burlington Police Department as chief, Searles evidenced the particularly effective brand of leadership that would come to define his career, pursuing international training accreditations for the agency and playing an integral role in the establishment of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, according to Sorrell.

Margolis said.

Searles’ talent for managing people and institutions soon took him beyond law enforcement. As director of Burlington International Airport from 2005 to 2010, Searles was instrumental in accessing federal funding to expand the terminal, according to current airport director Nic Longo.

Searles’ long career in public service also included various roles in law enforcement and leading Burlington International Airport.

Gary Margolis, who Searles hired as a police officer in 1991, said that Searles’ defining trait was his moral strength.

“He was a visionary leader, a voice of reason and calm … He leaves a lasting legacy in Vermont law enforcement,”

“This airport would not look the same without Brian’s insight,” Longo said.

Yet, even as his responsibilities grew with his steps into state government in the Dean and Shumlin administrations, Searles remained unflappable in improving his home state. Two weeks before dying, ill in a hospital in Florida receiving aggressive treatments, Searles told Sorrell to count on him to join the Criminal Justice Council’s virtual meetings if they needed him.

“He still thought of his responsibility,” Sorrell said.

Shumlin echoed the sentiment: “There were all kinds of things he could have done with his life, but he felt passionate about making Vermont a better place. He did that. A true public servant.”

Letters to the Editor

SB asks: To leash or not to leash

To the Editor:

Nearly every community faces the challenges of what to do with off-leash dogs. Despite the November 2022 opening of a new dog park at the Wheeler Nature Park in South Burlington, dog owners continue to take their dogs off-leash elsewhere. Understanding why is the first step to developing strategies with the potential to be effective at reducing the frequency of unwanted incidents.

The South Burlington City Council established the Committee on Common Areas for Dogs in 2021 with the mission “to promote a culture that reflects positive features of everyday life for people and dogs and advocate for the relevant resources necessary to achieve this vision.”

Its vision is “to integrate the needs of dog owners and dogs into South Burlington’s quality of life and conservation goals.”

The committee has spent a great deal of time looking at the issue of off-leash dogs and last fall determined a survey might assist in answering the question of why people take their dogs off-leash. In the fall

2023, the committee conducted a survey primarily targeting dog owners. The survey was filled out by 858 individuals — 629 dog owners and 229 non-dog owners. In addition to specific questions, over 800 comments were received.

Survey results included data and recommendations that address: the need for more off-leash space that varies in size and topography and access to nature within walking distance of neighborhoods that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. It also included suggestions on minimizing negative encounters between people and off-leash dogs and people without dogs and even people with on-leash dogs. There were also suggestions on public education, access to training for dogs and their owners on “good dog citizenship,” health and safety (both outside and inside of dog parks), social opportunities, and more.

The results of the “To Leash or Not to Leash” survey, can be found at bit. ly/3yVN2NQ.

Elizabeth Milizia Chair Committee on Common Areas

for Dogs

Join us on Wednesday nights starting June 19th. 7-9pm for our summer concert series.

CRIME & COURTS

Two sought in kidnapping found in Hinesburg

Vermont State Police arrested two kidnapping suspects Thursday evening in Hinesburg after an hours-long search.

Anthony Seagroves and Katelynn Cannon were arrested without incident at about 8:35 p.m. at a residence on Richmond Road in Hinesburg.

Police say Seagroves, 32, of Hinesburg, and Cannon, 28, of Essex, were involved in a kidnapping in Starksboro on Wednesday. They say Seagroves was

armed with a baseball bat when he ordered an adult household member into a car, drove away and hurt that person while restraining them. They say Cannon also assaulted that person.

Police say when they tried to arrest Seagroves on Thursday, he fled in a grey Honda CRV likely driven by Cannon.

State troopers were assisted by the Burlington, Essex, Hinesburg, Shelburne and University of Vermont police departments.

Woman killed in motorcycle crash on Shelburne Road

A woman was killed June 11 in a motorcycle crash on Webster Road around 8 p.m.

Shelburne police said Jennifer Mayhew, 43, of Shelburne, was preparing to merge onto Shelburne Road when she failed to negotiate a curve and struck a pole.

Despite lifesaving efforts of bystanders and first responders,

Mayhew was pronounced dead at the scene, police say.

The crash remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Shelburne police at 802-985-8051.

Shelburne fire and rescue also responded to the scene, with assistance from officers from South Burlington.

South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC otherpapersbvt.com

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Contact: 1340 Williston Road

South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 864-6670

South Burlington Police Blotter: June 10-16

Total incidents: 232

Welfare check: 23

Agency / public assists: 23

Directed patrol: 10

Traffic stop: 15

Accident: property damage: 11

Alarm: 11

Foot patrol: 15

Suspicious event: 10

Retail theft: 7

Motor vehicle complaint: 10

Trespass: 7

Domestic: 6

Fraud: 6

Disturbance: 8

Field contact: 7

Noise: 4

Juvenile issue: 5

Accident: insurance purposes: 4

Leaving the scene: 4

Threats: 2

Accident: injury: 2

Larceny from a structure: 2

Arrests:

Parker Kamara Silver, 28, of South Burlington, was arrested for assaulting a police or other public safety officer in an incident on April 23 at 12:52 p.m. on Timber Lane.

Sabrina L. Miller, 29, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident at Allen Road and

Spear Street on June 6 at 12:10 a.m.

Caitlin Elizabeth Dimas, 35, of South Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release, felony possession of stolen property and aggravated operation without consent on Kennedy Drive on June 7 at 8:18 a.m.

Incidents:

June 10 at 8:04 a.m., Scott M. Mercure, 58, of South Burlington, was arrested for negligent operation and leaving the scene of an accident at Shelburne Road and Laurel Hill Drive.

June 11 at 3:45 p.m., Rykeem B. Allen, 31, of St. Albans, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Garden Street.

June 11 at 3:45 p.m., Sabrina N. Craig, 21, of South Burlington, was arrested for giving false information to a police officer on Garden Street.

June 13 at 8:17 a.m., Caitlin Elizabeth Dimas, 35, of South Burlington, was as a fugitive from justice on Gregory Drive.

June 13 at 11:09 a.m., Trever J. Hoag, 48, of Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Hinesburg Road.

June 13 3:25 p.m., Jesse J. McGuire, 31, of Barre City, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.

June 14 at 8:46 p.m., Makenna M. Deuso, 22, of Burlington, was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct on Hinesburg Road.

June 14 at 8:46 p.m., Patrick J. Jerome, 30, of Burlington, was arrested for unlawful trespass on Hinesburg Road.

June 15 at 2:30 a.m., Zane Dustin Davison, 29, no address provided, was arrested for resisting arrest, and two instances of violating conditions of release on Williston Road.

Untimely deaths:

June 14 at 8:49 p.m., police responded to Queen City Park Road for the death of Chad Mecca, 43, of South Burlington. The medical examiner’s office is determining cause and manner of each death.

Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

‘Eat, Poop, Die’ author hosts book signing in SB Biologist and author Joe Roman presents his new book “Eat, Poop, Die: How Animals Make Our World” at the South Burlington Public Library auditorium on Thursday, June 27, 5:306:45 p.m.

Roman is a conservation biologist, marine ecologist and editor ’n’ chef of eattheinvaders.org. Winner of the 2012 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award for “Listed: Dispatches from America’s Endangered Species Act,” Roman has written for the New York Times, Science, Audubon, New Scientist, Slate and other publications.

Like many of the animals he studies, Roman is a free-range biologist. He has worked at Harvard University, Duke University Marine Lab, University of Iceland, University of Havana, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Vermont, where he is a fellow and writer in residence at the Gund Institute for Environment.

French heritage celebrated at Champlain Mill

Learn more about French culture at French Heritage Day at the Winooski Farmers Market, Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The free event features live music by Champlain Shoregasm and Déjà-Nous, and French language and genealogy activities and food in front of the Champlain Mill.

COMMUNITY

The Heritage Winooski Mill and Winooski Historical Society Museums inside the mill will also be open. Local judges will award a winner in the tourtiere and French bread contests and there will be musical guests, Champlain Shoregasm and Déjà-Nous.

All city parking is free.

For more details visit French Heritage Day, visit bit.ly/3VvXK6L.

Working lands businesses, groups receive awards

The Working Lands Enterprise Board gave out $2.3 million in awards to businesses and organizations in 2024 which earn a living off the land.

“The challenges the farm and forest economy sectors face are significant, which is why my Administration continues to prioritize investments in the rural regions of our state,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “These awards are important to growing our economy and making it more affordable for those working the land.”

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative and governing board were created by the Vermont Legislature in 2012 to stimulate economic development in the agricultural and forestry sectors. It is a collaborative effort between the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets, the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks, & Recreation and the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development.

Local grant winners include:

• Belter Family Partnership, South Burlington, received a $250,000 grant for purchase and installation of four GEA 9500 milking robots in a new milking barn.

Vermont Commons School graduates Class of 2024

Vermont Commons School’s 27th graduating class will receive their diplomas on Friday, June 14, at 11:30 a.m., ending the 2023-24 school year. This year’s graduates hail from multiple towns, includ-

ing Shelburne, South Burlington and Stowe. They will continue their studies at a variety of colleges and universities.

The Vermont Commons School Class of 2024 includes:

• Analia Cannon, Burlington, Northeastern University

• Grantham Cannon, South Burlington, gap year, employed at The Schoolhouse

• Henry Douglas, South Burlington, University of Toronto

• Ashlyn Foley, Burlington, Lafayette College

• Talia Gibbs, Shelburne,

University of Rochester

• Toby Hecht, Burlington, Skidmore College

• Zangmu Lama Sherpa, Williston, Trinity College

• Asher Rosenbaum, Stowe, Washington University in St. Louis

• Adelie Tebbetts, South Burlington, Middlebury College

• Lilliana White, Waitsfield, University of Denver

• Isabelle Wyatt, Lincoln, Bryn Mawr College

Cumulatively, the Class of 2024 received more than $2.9 million in scholarships and merit aid.

COURTESY PHOTO

BASEBALL continued from page 1

joined the team as first year players.

“Some of these guys started with us as freshman four years ago on varsity and they just love baseball,” South Burlington coach Luke Goyette said. “It’s so much fun. Today’s game was not about coaching, today’s game was about them doing what they have learned and just going out and playing the game.”

South Burlington scored all six of its runs with two outs in the bottom of the first inning. After CVU turned a double play, Lucas Van Mullen got things going again with a single to right field. The Wolves followed it up with a walk and an error that loaded the bases.

Senior James Chagnon then stepped up to the plate and hit a bases-clearing triple that gave South Burlington a 3-0 lead.

“I knew a curve was coming and I just kept my hands inside the ball and put it to right field,”

PHOTO BY AL FREY

The South Burlington Wolves celebrate their 6-2 Division I baseball championship win over the CVU Redhawks on Friday at The University of Vermont’s Centennial Field.

BASEBALL

continued from page 6

Chagnon said. “When you put it in play, good things happen. Super surreal, I wish I could experience it all over again.”

The Wolves kept going, adding another run on a single by Cedric LaMothe and two more when a hit from Andre Bouffard caused CVU to make an error.

“They were just taking every at bat,” Goyette said. “They went for it and there was just quality at bats, as a group.”

Overall, the South Burlington team held a 6-0 lead after the first inning and realized their title dreams were within reach.

“Honestly, I already felt like we had won it,” Chagnon said of the six-run first. “But you can’t take (CVU) for granted so we just had to keep on going.”

Senior pitcher Kelly took over on the mound for the Wolves, pitching a complete game and giving up two runs (none earned) on four hits and striking out seven batters.

“There’s nothing better than having a six-run lead,” Kelly said. “You just have all the confidence in the world, you just stay calm, focus on your breath and you go. I always knew I was never going to give up six runs.”

It was a good thing that Kelly was strong on the mound, as CVU shut down the South Burlington batters for the rest of the game as it tried to chip away at the lead. The Redhawks scored twice in the fifth inning to try to mount a comeback.

But Kelly sent CVU down 1-2-3 in the sixth and seventh innings to snuff out any hopes for a late rally.

“We wanted to win this one,” Bouffard said. “We weren’t looking into the future, we weren’t looking to the summer, we were looking at right now. We just wanted to win one more time, in our last game.”

South Burlington finished the season with a 16-3 record.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

South Burlington’s Nick Kelly throws a pitch to CVU’s Travis Stroh during the Wolves’ 6-2 championship win.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

The Wolves celebrate their championship win over the CVU Redhawks.

Sawyer James Abruntilla

Jackson Scott Adams

Wynne Ruth Adamson

Ayowunmi Phoebe Adewuyi

Earl Misola Aguila

Liam Robert Ahern

Rama AL Namee

Hammad Syed Ali

Micah Belle Allen

Jihad Alsaffar

Jamyang Dorje Anak

William Craig Anderson

Ahava Chance Avery

Grace Caroline Bachand

Dawson Ray Bailey *

Ryan Alex Bailey

Morgan Isles Baker

Brady Barrett

Isabella Barrino

Caitlin Eleanor Bartlett

Joan Margaret Bartlett

Kate Becker

Jaden Miles Bennett *

Tyler Adam Bergmans

Maximilian Conall Bertmann

Trent Eldridge Biaza

Sophia Ann Bishop

Emma Claire Blanchard

Malin Carol Bolton

Sawyer John Bond

Oliver Reed Bostwick

Andre Denis Bouffard

Meagan Colleen Boyer

James Hamilton Bradley

William Kingston Bradley

Frankie Jean Brownell

Sabrina Chantal Brunet

Elias Joshua Buck

Kiley Bella Burke

Isaiah Bushee

Alonzo Lee Butts III

Celia Anna Caron

Ryan Anthony Carpenter

Kallie Marie Carter

America Isabel Castro

James Dylan Chagnon

Harrison Neil Chamberlain

Addyson Marietta Chappell

Noah Edward Charbonneau

Nicolas Ross Charlebois

Tenzin Chime

Molly Grace Church

Margaret Maple Clark

Amarre Tajon Clarke

Patrick Blaise Clear

Oliver Patrick Clifford

Carson Louis Cline

Liliana Monroe Coulman

Veda Genevieve Cox

Omar Moulay Daoudi

Friday, June 14, 2024

Christopher Allen Darling

Roman Gabriel Davids

Ayden DeStefano

Sarah Jane Dixon

Thatcher Eastman Dodge

Alex R. Domina

Ella Flora Doyle

Abigail Ruth Duffy

Lily Dulin

Mateo Duracak

Jay Miles Eagle

Anne Eldridge Edwards

Landon Wendell Emmons

Lilian Hayley Epstein

Anja Sofia Eriksson

Memphis Everest

Kristen Elizabeth Everton

Zhengyan Fang

Aubrie Faith Fay

Lucy Charlotte Flemer

Beatrice Amelie Fogarty

Amelia Lisette Foley

Tess Francis Fontana

Katherine Martha Ford

Braden Jacob Francis

Kieran Albury Francis * Logan Robert

Francis-McGrath

Mairi MacLennan Gabel

Luc Miguel Gagnon

Cameron Sean Gammon

Keenan Daniel

Garlieb-Meno

Sophia Mae Gavin

Gabriel Barkai Gelfenbein

Moriya Chana Gelfenbein

Giulia Naima Bernard Gennari

Isabella Pannonica Bernard Gennari

Axel Hendrick Glenney

Jackson Rinn Goodman

Alexis L. Graves

Jayan Bella Greeff

Anna Helene Guyette *

Simon Sturgis Hall

Tucker Anthony Hall

Nadiene Hanson-Metayer

Penelope Kehoe Harm

Brady Alexander Havers

Ava Grace Hershberg

Robin Ariel Hokenmaier

Aynsley Hooks

Hawthorne Charlotte Hughes

Amelie Melkorca

Ingadottir-May

John Sutherland Jackson

Ava Simone Skutel Jensen

Ivy Jiang

Maya Tsehai Akilah Jones

Betty B. Kayembe

Rachel Elizabeth Kelley

Sophie Elizabeth Kellogg

Nicholas Kelly

Jayna Elizabeth Kett

Benjamin Howard Kirby

Samuel James Kyle

Jacqueline Audrey Lambert

Isabelly Gabrielle Ladeira

Laramee

Jordan Chloe Larose

Diana Victoria Larrow

Levi Paul Leavitt

Jaden Lee

Aidan Michael Lybarger *

Oakley Brown Machanic

Grant Robert MacKay

Grace Ann Maloney

Jenna Lorraine Marcotte

Zachary Alexander Marek

Aiden Nikolas Marshall

Joshua William Mathieson

Isabella Rose Maynard

Sam Mazza-Bergeron

Elizabeth Maureen McCaffrey

Finn Burke McCarney

Macy McClary

Kiefer Finley McGrath

Benjamin Stewart McHenry

Alisa Cisic McLean

Aubrey Merrill

Sunil Mongar

Eric Martin Moore

Kelsey More

Mia Eden Morselli

Jay Avery Moscatelli

David Yiphao Mui

Elizabeth Madeline Nahstoll

Rowan Nenninger

Lillian Van Nguyen-Kenney

Tate Anderson Nightingale

Olivia Nious

Elsa Anita Toomey

Nygaard-Ostby

Liam Christopher O’Connor

Nora Joslyn O’Grady *

Emma Regina O’Leary

Catherine Malia Palmer

Llewellyn Regina Palmer

Braden Dennis Paquin

Kylyn Dakota Parizo

Iola Anwen Parry

Rishi Parthiv Patel

Jonathan Derek Phillips

Jayden Ploof

Paige Elizabeth Poirier

Katherine Dawn Popick

Kaide Poulin

* Absentia

Spencer Jones Profeta

Ava May Provost

Khalil Joshua Quebec-Hill

Lakenna Marie Ragan *

Tallulah Rhian Richard

Jesse Joseph

Richards-Bradt *

Patrick GW Richardson *

William Decker Rickards

Nicolas Alexander Rinelli

Connor James Rivoire-Brown

Noah Allen Roberts *

Noah James Robertson

Barzilai Gesam Roque

Trinity Rose Rye

Kamila Yussef Sadik

Andrew Michael Shenton

Hailey Elana Shoram

Bruno Silvestrini

Austin Marshall Simone

Bridget Celeste Simone

Kenyon Vernon Smith

Sophia Bell Smith

Elliot Stadtmauer

Alece Troyona Staley

Giovanni Thomas Stazi

Lucas Stegner

Grace Neilah Stein

Alexander Stem

Myasia Akeelah Stephens

Caely Paige Sterling

Grey Patrick Sterling

Madison Lynn Straight

Madison Christine Sweeney

Andrew Makena Sweenor

Braden Patrick Sweet

Ffionn Cyril Timms

Taylor Nicole Tobrocke

Jahiem A-Jahni Tonge

Natalie Frances Torres

Ngoc Bao Tran

Aidan Kendall Tsai

Cynthia Margaret Tudor

Sloane Wells Urette

Schuyler Addison Ash Valin

Henry Orion

Van Gilder-Nellis

Anna Frieda Visger

Charlotte Mattheis Visger

Achilles Jason Vittum

Emma Susan Vogt

Sunny Hollis Wickenden

Isobel Susanne Woods

Hunter Sargent Wright

Landon John Wright

Nashita Yusuf

DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS

Charles Bond Life Science Achievement Award

Esther J. Urie Award for Excellence in English

Gary Barber Technology Department Award

John E. McGee Award for Excellence in Mathematics

Physical Science Achievement Award

Roger Bedard Award for

Outstanding Achievement in Technology Education

Social Studies Department Award

Thomas G. Irwin Memorial Science Award

Visual Art Department Award

World Language Award

Bridget Celeste

Grace Neilah

Cameron Sean

Harrison Neil Chamberlain

Elizabeth Madeline

Jackson Rinn

Amelia Lisette

Wynne Ruth Adamson, Rama AL

Lilian Hayley

Isabelly Gabrielle Ladeira

NATIONAL MERIT AND ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION AWARDS

Certificate of Merit Trent Eldridge

Letter of Commendation

Biaza, Emma Claire

Harrison Neil Chamberlain

SOUTH BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

South Burlington High School

Student Council Scholarship Maya Tsehai, Akilah Jones, Isabelly Gabrielle Ladeira

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Barbara Bushaw Educational Scholarship, presented by the Colchester American Legion Post #91

Christine LaPointe Family Lunch Lady Scholarship

Kathryn Buley and Richard Wise Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington Educators’ Association

Lisa Hebert Memorial Scholarship

Jordan Chloe

Jayna Elizabeth

Catherine Malia

Alece Troyona

Above: Senior Scholar Jordan Chloe Larose gives her fellow graduates a sendoff message. Right: South Burlington High School Chamber Singers, conducted by Aimee Bushey, sing the national

Celeste Simone

Neilah Stein

Gammon

Chamberlain

Madeline Nahstoll

Goodman

Lisette Foley

AL Namee

Hayley Epstein

Ladeira Laramee

AWARDS

Blanchard

Chamberlain

Pizzagalli Can-Do Scholarship

South Burlington Chamberlin School

Parent/Teacher Association Scholarship

South Burlington Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School

Margaret Maple Clark

Isabella Barrino

Parent/Teacher Association Scholarship Tenzin Chime

South Burlington High School

Athletic Booster Scholarship Andre Denis Bouffard, Tucker Anthony Hall, Rachel Elizabeth Kelley, Oakley Brown Machanic, Elsa Anita Toomey Nygaard-Ostby

South Burlington Orchard School Parent/Teacher Association Scholarship Jihad Alsaffar

South Burlington Police Officers’ Association Scholarship Madison Christine Sweeney

South Burlington Rick Marcotte Central School

Parent/Teacher Association Scholarship Grant Robert MacKay

South Burlington Rotary Club William W. Stone Scholarship Margaret Maple Clark

South Burlington Tim Wile Reach Up Scholarship Maya Tsehai Akilah Jones

SteelBerry Scholarship

The Other Paper Scholarship

Thomas A. Farrell Scholarship

Vermont Golf Association Scholarship

Ladeira Laramee

Chloe Larose

Elizabeth Kett

Malia Palmer

Troyona Staley

Ryan Alex Bailey

Kate Becker

Ayowunmi Phoebe Adewuyi

Jayna Elizabeth Kett, Bridget Celeste Simone

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Abigail Rush Memorial World Language Scholarship

Rama AL Namee

Allen B. Cummings Family Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington High School Athletic Boosters Isabella Rose Maynard

Edith Mascott Memorial Scholarship

Frederick H. Tuttle Memorial Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington Educators’ Association

Gary D. Iverson Memorial Scholarship

George Cannon Memorial Scholarship

Abigail Ruth Duffy

Elizabeth Madeline Nahstoll

Sabrina Chantal Brunet

Jesse Joseph Richards-Bradt

James P. Buley Memorial Scholarship

John Torpey Memorial Scholarship

Amarre Tajon Clarke

Trent Eldridge Biaza

Lisa Hebert Memorial Scholarship Alece Troyona Staley

Mark A. Evnin Memorial Scholarship David Yiphao Mui

Melissa J. Wells Memorial Scholarship William Decker Rickards

Michael D. Flaherty Memorial Scholarship Isabelly Gabrielle Ladeira Laramee

Nick Methot Memorial Scholarship Austin Marshall Simone

Patricia Nowak Memorial Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington Business Association Tyler Adam Bergmans

Paul A. Toomey Memorial Scholarship Jordan Chloe Larose

Paul and Barbara Jordan

Memorial Scholarship Ava Simone Skutel Jensen, Kiefer Finley McGrath

Roderick C. Marcotte Memorial Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington Educators’ Association Aynsley Hooks

Rosa Maria Schaefer Memorial Scholarship Earl Misola Aguila

Theodore and Ann Manazir Memorial Scholarship Grace Caroline Bachand

Thomas Senesac Memorial Scholarship Caely Paige Sterling, Ngoc Bao Tran

Timothy D. Comolli Memorial Scholarship, presented by the South Burlington Educators’ Association Lillian Van Nguyen-Kenney,

Andrew Michael Shenton

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BY THE PRINCIPAL

John J. Herbert Award Alonzo Lee Butts

Bruce R. Ladeau Memorial Award Ahava Chance Avery

Vermont Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education Ayowunmi Phoebe Adewuyi

Vermont Presidential Scholar Maya Tsehai Akilah Jones

U.S. Service Academy Appointment Iola Anwen Parry-USNA

PHOTOS BY GORDON MILLER

national anthem as the commencement ceremony begins.

GRADUATION continued from page 1

during a worldwide pandemic, global wars, inflation and climate change. Not to mention those proverbial breakups and acne that teenagers must endure before they enter adulthood.

“If we can handle that, we can handle anything life throws our way,” she joked, adding that the class has added nearly 10 state championship trophies to the school’s trophy case. “And, for these reasons, the Class of 2024 is not only the strongest class, but also the most attractive.”

Rama AL Namee, on the other hand, the first senior scholar speaker and the student representative on the South Burlington School Board for the past several years, left a few parting words of wisdom for those who are entering high school in South Burlington: Even though the upstairs girls’ bathroom has 10 stalls, only two of them will ever really be usable at once; don’t mess around in Mr. Dransfield’s science classroom because no one actually knows what is a real human skull and what isn’t; don’t be scared of the “weird liquid” leaking out of the ceiling in some the first-floor classrooms as it’s

just the tears of the calculus kids upstairs; and principal Patrick Burke and assistant principal John Craig will “absolutely lose their minds” every time there are chicken patties on the menu for lunch.

“Every one of us had a had a unique experience at South Burlington High School, and a unique story of what brought you here today. But graduation isn’t just a time to look into the past. It’s also about looking ahead, the time we spent at South Burlington High School, and that many of us spent in the district from elementary school, has taught us many lessons to take into our future,” she said, making a reminiscent nod back to her time at Orchard Elementary School.

“Every one of us had a had a unique experience at South Burlington High School, and a unique story of what brought you here today. But graduation isn’t just a time to look into the past. It’s also about looking ahead.”

— Rama AL Namee

“Over the last four years, all the staff has instilled integrity, empathy and a commitment to excellence into all the students they’ve reached,” she said. “Because of this we stand on the threshold of endless possibilities armed with the education skills

See GRADUATION on page 11

PHOTOS BY GORDON MILLER

South Burlington students give themselves a hand as a speaker addresses the class during the graduation ceremony. Grads celebrate and pose for pictures with family and friends.

Mortarboards tell a story, a story of where South Burlington’s graduates might be headed next year. At right, students listen respectfully as the national anthem plays.

GRADUATION

continued from page 10

and passion to make a difference in the world. Whether we pursue further studies, enter the workforce or embark on a different path altogether, we know we can never be truly ready for what is to come, but we sure are as close as it gets,” she said.

These two senior scholars were just two of the 225 students who graduated last week at the University of Vermont’s Patrick gym, including three from Big Picture, a school-sponsored program for independent learners who work on self-directed projects. Thirty-eight in the class were honored as summa cum laude, the school’s highest academic achievement award with a GPA of 4.1 or higher.

Numerous students were given departmental awards, national merit awards and community memorials and scholarships. (See accompanying list on page 8)

Kimberly Watkin, a teacher in the social studies department, was selected as commencement speaker this year. As she bid adieu to the class, she also was saying goodbye to the district she has served for 25 years, the past 18 teaching Holocaust studies with Maryellen Schaefer.

The class president, Isabelly Gabrielle Ladeira Laramee, introduced Watkin as a “celebrity within the school,” not just for her extensive knowledge of current affairs and world history,

but as an overall essential part of the school’s entire spirit. From classrooms to after-school activities, “the number of times myself and other students have seen her bumbling around the concession stand to prepare pregame cookouts after school is innumerable and she will be missed dearly,” Laramee said.

But for Watkin, the role of a history teacher is to balance her days with serious pursuits and moments of levity and joy, opening her speech remembering the time she accidentally served a class of sophomores cat treats, thinking they were candy.

U.S. public schools, she said, were created to offer young people the opportunity to affect their own lives and the lives of those around them through a system that saw community investment in education as a public good. Watkin urged the graduating seniors to be proud of their public education. More than anything, she said, be proud it came from South Burlington.

“There are forces within our society who want to erode the public’s trust in the common good, and the values of equality for all,” she said. “So, I say to you, as new graduates, you must be diligent and engaged participants in your community. Your voice as an expression of your values is needed for the continuation of our small democratic society.”

PHOTOS BY GORDON MILLER

Community Bank promotes two to senior branch positions

Maryann Russell and Darcy Cunningham have both been promoted to the role of senior district manager at Community Bank.

Russell and Cunningham will oversee the leadership and growth of 11 bank branches in Chittenden and Addison counties.

Russell, who lives in Shelburne, will manage the Shelburne Road, Williston Road, Bristol and Vergennes branches. Cunningham will manage seven branch locations: Winooski, Burlington North Avenue, Essex, Jericho, Johnson, Enosburg and South Hero.

Both Russell and Cunningham previously served as managers for their respective

districts in customer service, sales, personnel development, risk management and community relations.

Russell has more than 27 years of experience in banking and has been with the bank since 2002. She specializes in consumer and home lending and retail banking.

In her spare time, Russell volunteers with local organizations, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Shelburne and Charlotte Scouts. She earned her bachelor’s’ degree in business management from Champlain College and lives in Shelburne.

Cunningham began her 37-year career with Community Bank in 1987, starting as a proof operator before transitioning into leadership and management roles in the bank’s Vermont branch network. She specializes in retail, residential and small business lending, customer service, relationship development and team building.

She received her graduate degree from the New England School for Financial Studies and completed the St. Michael’s Branch President Leadership Development Program. Outside of work, Cunningham is a committee member for the nonprofit organization KidSafe Collaborative in Burlington. She lives in Milton and enjoys spending

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time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.

SB woman graduates Vermont Leadership Institute

Krista Chadwick of South Burlington has graduated from the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute.

She celebrated with the Class of 2024 and family members and colleagues on June 1 at Basin Harbor in Vergennes.

Chadwick is currently the business manager for the South Burlington School District.

As a participant in the leadership institute, they joined 22 others from around the state for a series of eight overnight sessions designed to foster relationships and explore issues facing Vermont.

With session themes including personal leadership adaptation, complex systems thinking, public policy, innovation, and leadership paradigms that actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion for all Vermonters, the program challenges and supports participants to develop self-awareness and acquire knowledge and skills that result in strong, effective leadership and thoughtful action.

This year’s keynote was delivered by Tracy Zschau, president and CEO of the Vermont Land Trust. She emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration across sectors, and reflected on leadership in

Vermont, successes of her organization and the impact that we all can make in the state.

Chamber picks new leader

Spear, a former executive director of Stowe Area Association, has been picked to lead the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Amy

Darcy Cunningham Maryann Russell

COURTESY PHOTO

Krista Chadwick

See BUSINESS BRIEFS on page 13

Spear was selected after a six-month search committee process. The committee’s recommendation was ratified by the full chamber board on June 6. She begins her new job on July 1.

Organization Management designation, a four-year program for association leaders, and is expected to graduate in July.

She lives in Killington with her family and is an active community volunteer.

“I am honored to serve in this role, and I am excited to continue working with our talented team,” Spear said. “As incoming president, I am committed to ensuring that the Vermont Chamber continues to focus on its mission to advance the Vermont economy.”

Spear has been part of the Vermont Chamber leadership team since 2019, serving as the Vice President of Tourism.

“I look forward to working with Amy and building on her expertise in chamber operations, government affairs, and strategic planning,” Tom Dunn, Vermont Chamber of Commerce board chair, said. “With her success advocating for the restaurant and lodging industries in the Statehouse, I am confident she will continue building on our legacy of business advocacy.”

Spear was named to Vermont Business Magazine’s Vermont Rising Stars Class of 2023. Before joining the Vermont Chamber, she was executive director of the Stowe Area Association. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Spear has a track record of driving initiatives, engaging diverse stakeholders and delivering results, according to a chamber press release.

Spear has worked with three chambers in Vermont and is currently earning her Institute for

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Reporting to the board, the president is responsible for setting the strategy and tone of the organization and ensuring it remains the most influential non-partisan business organization in Vermont.

Keller Williams makes changes at the top

Brian Armstrong is the new operating principal at Keller Williams in South Burlington.

He replaces his business partner and co-founder, Adam Hergenrother, who is stepping down after 15 years.

Armstrong served as the team leader and CEO for seven years and says he is excited to take on this new role. “This natural transition allows Brian to stay focused on what he loves most: helping agents and expanding our company,” Hergenrother said.

As a co-founder and now oper-

ating principal of KW Vermont, Armstrong said, “I look forward to collaborating with both our agents and leadership team to bring even more value to the communities we serve. Few things are more important to our communities than a place to call home.

Mike Hickey is the company’s new CEO and team leader. His career began in sales in outdoor industries, where he developed an interest in marketing. In 2006, he founded a marketing company, managing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike.

He transitioned to a career in real estate, quickly establishing himself as a leader through his innovative approach and client-centered philosophy.

His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including serving as the vice chair of membership and on the Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee for the National Association of Realtors. Hickey was also past president of the Vermont Association of Realtors and named 2020 Realtor of the Year by the Lamoille Area Board of Realtors.

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e Williston and Georgia South I-89 Welcome Centers are looking to hire full-time, part-time and/or per diem employees with great customer service skills and a love for Vermont tourism.

Duties include some custodial tasks and physical tasks including snow removal. Weekend and some holiday availability is required.

To learn more or to apply, email welcomecenters@vermont.org

Amy Spear