Craftsbury Academy student Matthew Califano accepts the Presidential Scholar Award from Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French.
HARDWICK – The Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union has announced that Hazen Union student Haley Michaud has been named a 2023 Vermont Presidential Scholar for the Career Technical Education category; Craftsbury Academy student Matthew Califano has been named a 2023 Vermont Presidential Scholar for the Art Category; and Alexander Califano, fellow Craftsbury student and brother to Matthew, earned an Arts Honorable Mention.
All three students were recognized at a ceremony on Monday, January 30, at the Vermont State House.
Commenting after the event, Matthew Califano stated, “I am humbled that the Vermont Department of Education has chosen to recognize my writing with this award, and I am extremely grateful to all of my teachers at Craftsbury Academy and the Dorset Theatre, all of whom have spent a great deal of time helping me hone my craft over the last three years.”
Exhibiting a strong commitment to the arts, Matthew Califano was described by his teacher as having an intense drive to create that has never been seen before in a student of his age. The review committee noted his strong love of the English language and the use of strong visuals in his writing. They were impressed by his humble talent in showcasing other young writers.
Hazen Union student Haley Michaud accepts the Presidential Scholar Award from Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French.
Prior to receiving the Presidential Scholar recognition, Michaud placed first at the Vermont State SkillsUSA competition and placed seventh in the national championships. Attending Hazen Union and Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Haley carries a rigorous workload earning a 4.0 GPA in HVAC and academic classes, has obtained the universal EPA 608 certification, and is working toward NORA Bronze Oil Heat certification. She is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has been accepted to the University of Northern Ohio in a two-year technical education HVAC program. After that, she has a serious interest in becoming an engineer where she can turn her talents toward designing the HVAC equipment of the future.
Michaud, Matthew Califano and Alexander Califano join an outstanding class of 18 students (15 Scholars and three Honorable Mentions) from around Vermont, selected based on nominations from teachers, administrators, and fellow students. Among this year’s scholars are technologists, writers, student leaders, advocates, mentors, and volunteers.
Craftsbury Academy student Alexander Califano accepts the Presidential Scholar Honorable Mention from Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French.
“Vermont’s presidential scholar class of 2023 exemplifies the best of Vermont education,” said Secretary of Education Dan French. “Each of these students have excelled academically, through either traditional or non-traditional learning experiences, and both in many cases. They are responsible citizens, committed to their community, demonstrating leadership in their schools and serving as an example for their peers. I congratulate the students and their families for this impressive achievement.”
