Blog Archive: September 2026

A founding member of VSAC GEAR UP Leads and a QuestBridge Junior College Prep Scholar, Nettie Morse has been recognized for building opportunity for her peers. Now she's preparing her own college applications, with the goal of working with children.

This week we spotlight Vermont students who are working with VSAC’s GEAR UP to grow, lead, and prepare for what's next. From leadership workshops to college fairs to career goals, these five students are just a few of the thousands turning opportunities into achievements.

After nearly twenty years working as an LNA, Stacy decided it was time for a change. Now a nursing student at Vermont State, she’s won a prestigious DAISY Award and is on track to complete her associate degree this spring—with plans to become a Registered Nurse, close to home.

Soren Stelma-Leonard has always felt most at home in the woods of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Hunting with his dad and helping with maple sugaring sparked his goal of becoming a game warden—and early acceptance to UVM, backed by financial aid and scholarships, put that goal within reach.

Sayge Bohannon is heading into her senior year in high school with confidence—juggling four college-level classes, National Honor Society, and two sports. A TikTok video sparked her interest in pediatric occupational therapy, and she's learned to trust her instincts as she applies to college.