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Blog Archive: Education Professional

dylan bertolini
23 Jun

GEAR UP Alum Dylan Bertolini returns to VSAC as a counselor in the NEK

Written by
Dilys Pierson

For Dylan Bertolini, the decision to accept a job as a VSAC outreach counselor in the Northeast Kingdom this past February was more than just a career move. It was personal. Dylan, who grew up in Danville, is driven by the opportunity to be involved with the community that raised him, in which, he…
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Aaron Premont
15 Jun

For Aaron Premont, family is everything

Written by
Emily Stetson

When 21-year-old UVM junior Aaron Premont talks about his weekly schedule, it’s clear why others have described him as a “spark plug.” “I work at Texas Roadhouse on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; then I have my internship at the radio station on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; and classes in between…
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Amina Malagic photo
03 Jun

With curiosity and determination, Amina Malagic is set for success

Written by
Emily Stetson

When it came to college and career paths, Spaulding High School senior Amina Malagic had two strong role models growing up: her older sisters. Both were high achievers who graduated from UVM and went on to graduate school; one has her MBA, and the other is pursuing her DPM. “I grew up seeing my…
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Talent Search student Alex Dufresne
19 May

Talent Search student Alex Dufresne rethinks his future

Written by
Emily Stetson

Alex Dufresne, a senior at Twinfield Union High School in Marshfield, admits that his high-school academic experience has been a bit of a roller coaster. “My grades have been really good one year, then really bad the next, then pretty good the next year,” says Alex, who also had some up-and-down…
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Meadow Yvon image
11 May

VSAC GEAR UP student Meadow Yvon grows outside her comfort zone

Written by
Emily Stetson

Twenty-one-year-old Meadow Yvon is just the sort of person you’d want to have as your dental hygienist. She’s diligent and sensitive — and clearly attentive to the needs and feelings of others. “I’ve just always wanted to help people,” Meadow says of the thought process that led her to pursue a…
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Nikiah Viger
02 Apr

VSAC alumna Nikiah Viger pays it forward

Written by
Sabina Haskell

“Without VSAC and my guidance counselor, I wouldn't be where I am right now.” Nikiah Viger’s experience with VSAC shaped her career. Now as the senior financial aid officer at VTSU Castleton, Nikiah works to make college possible for all students, including first-generation college students like…
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Destiny-Rose Chery
04 Feb

Destiny-Rose Chery: Immersing herself in life sciences

Written by
Sabina Haskell

Saying Destiny-Rose Chery is busy would be an understatement. The current senior at Danville High School has a lot on her plate. From applying to colleges to working 20 hours a week as a grocer to following her love of art, Destiny is focused. In conversation, she doesn’t draw attention to how…
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Monica Sargent
17 Dec

Celebrating Monica Sargent: 44 years, more than 7,000 lives touched

Written by
Sabina Haskell

Monica Sargent is a native Vermonter who grew up in Johnson, the fourth generation of her family to do so. She was the fifth of six children of parents who worked in the talc and woolen industries in town. Her older siblings preceded her in college attendance, two earning associate degrees, one from…
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Kelsey Stratton photo
11 Dec

Talent Search alum Kelsey Stratton gives back to her hometown

Written by
Emily Stetson

Speaking with special education teacher and Talent Search alum Kelsey Stratton is nothing short of inspiring. A native of Randolph Union High School, Kelsey credits both her ability to give back to her students and her interest in education to the support VSAC gave to her as a young student. For…
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