OVUHS honors 'excellence'

Otter Valley Union High School paid homage to student "excellence" on the evening of May 22. Awards were presented to OVUHS students for academic achievement and community service. A number of students were recognized for scholarships won from regional colleges and universities.

Personal note #1: We note proudly that our three children were among the honorees: daughter Victoria for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the Brandon Free Public Library, son Alex for his work in English and Spanish classes, and son Francis for his work in a food/nutrition class.

Personal note #2: I fully understand that "this is Vermont" and little allowance is made for occasional uncomfortably warm conditions, and I don't suggest that OVUHS spend a fortune installing central air conditioning for late spring events in its auditorium. But, how about a fan or two? Couldn't it still be "Vermont" even with a couple of fans on the premises? This event was conducted in a jam-packed, sweltering auditorium with no windows and no noticeable ventilation. Due to the structure of the event, in which no one knew ahead of time when their children would be called up for an award and all were instructed to remain respectfully seated for the duration, stepping outside for a breath was a practical impossibility. I note that "hot box" treatment is illegal in U.S. prisons and should also be illegal in high school auditoriums.