FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Emmet MacKay
🚀 NASA TechRise Virtual Showcase – What an Amazing Experience! 🌎
On Monday, May 13th, our outstanding 7th graders from FHUMS—Braytin, DJ, Jared, Kalib, Derek, Rose, and Bailey—proudly represented our school and the entire state as the only student team from Vermont in the NASA TechRise Virtual Showcase!
Their innovative project focuses on measuring particulate matter in the atmosphere to better understand why Canadian wildfires are affecting Vermont summers. It’s an important real-world issue, and they approached it with curiosity, scientific thinking, and a strong sense of purpose.
Just like NASA researchers and university professors, the team developed their experiment for potential use in future NASA lunar, planetary, or deep-space missions. And here’s the most exciting part: their project will be launched aboard a NASA high-altitude balloon this summer to collect real atmospheric data!
This fall, the team will analyze the data from the flight and evaluate whether their hypothesis was correct—a true hands-on scientific journey from idea to analysis.
We are incredibly proud of how they presented to an audience of people from all across the country who tuned in virtually to hear about their work. They represented Vermont and their school with professionalism, poise, and passion for science.
Congratulations as well to their teacher, Mr. Jeremy VanDerKern, for his outstanding guidance and mentorship throughout this entire process. His support was key in helping bring this project to life and giving students an unforgettable STEM experience.
Way to go, Slaters!
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Emma Eckler
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Asa Young
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Joselynn Wright
Yesterday, May 14, 2025, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team, Football Team, Bowling Team, and three individual student-athletes—along with their dedicated coaches—were recognized at the Statehouse for winning their respective state championships.
Fair Haven’s State Representative, William Canfield, proudly introduced the athletes to the House, honoring their hard work, determination, and remarkable achievements.
It was an impressive showing of Slater pride—proof that while we may be small in size, Slater Nation is mighty in talent and heart. Congratulations to all our champions!
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Alex Messer
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Ashlynn Duby
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Haley Zellars
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Jakobee Alger
FHUHS Senior Spotlights!
We’re so proud of the Class of 2025! 🎓✨ Get ready to celebrate their journey with us—starting today, we’ll be spotlighting our outstanding students and sharing the exciting paths they’re taking after high school. From college to careers, service, and more—we can’t wait for our community to see the bright futures ahead!
Submission from FHUMHS Music Teacher, Ms. Adams: This past weekend, 5 Fair Haven Union High School students represented our district at the annual All State Music Festival of Vermont. After undergoing a rigorous audition process, students with the highest scores were selected to perform in a variety of ensembles. After 3 full days of rehearsing with other students and renown music directors, the festival concluded on Saturday with 4 concerts. Please help me in congratulating the hard work of these students- Abby Young, Libby Rockwell, Elaina Allard, Anna MacKay, and Emmet MacKay.
Board Meeting - May 12, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School - Town Hall
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/asv-ffux-gux
Or dial: (US) +1 443-679-3222 PIN: 164 803 879#
Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7194963147c0/may-10-district-newsletter
Friday Focus: Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Slate Valley Unified Union's Central Office team and School Board celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week by visiting each school with a coffee and pastry cart, going room to room to personally serve and thank our incredible educators and staff. It was a small gesture to show our immense gratitude for all they do every day to support, inspire, and care for our students. Thank you for your unwavering dedication—you are truly appreciated!
Throwback Thursday: In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to look back to 2005 and honor the incredible educators and staff who shaped lives at Fair Haven Union High School 20 years ago—we're thankful to all, present and past, for your lasting impact and dedication!
Throwback Thursday: In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to look back to 2005 and honor the incredible educators and staff who shaped lives at Fair Haven Union High School 20 years ago—we're thankful to all, present and past, for your lasting impact and dedication!
Where Are They Now Wednesday? Spotlight on Emily Stockwell
This year marks the 20th reunion of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2005, and Emily Stockwell’s journey since graduation has been nothing short of inspiring — a testament to passion, creativity, and community spirit.
After graduating from FHUHS, Emily attended Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, where she earned an Associate Degree in Floral Design and Interior Plantscape. She honed her craft working with several florists in Pennsylvania before returning to her Vermont roots. Back home, she joined the teams at Hawley Florist and Everyday Flowers, ultimately purchasing Everyday Flowers — a business she now proudly owns and operates in Poultney, Vermont.
Emily’s connection to her alma mater has remained strong. For the past four years, she has generously volunteered her time and supplies to work with some Fair Haven Union High School students, helping them create stunning floral bouquets. Through this initiative, Emily not only shares her expertise but also inspires a new generation to explore their own creative talents.
While at FHUHS, Emily played soccer her freshman year but found a more natural path getting involved with 4-H, where she focused on dairy farming. She credits her high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Tracy Gallipo, as a pivotal influence, who encouraged her to stay focused on her dreams.
Emily’s dedication and artistry have not gone unnoticed: she has been named “Number 1 Florist” for three consecutive years by The Lake Region FreePress. Beyond her flourishing business, she remains deeply connected to her passions for farming, gardening, and animal care — looking after a lively group of dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys. A proud supporter of our nation’s veterans, Emily embodies a spirit of service, gratitude, and community pride.
When asked what advice she would offer current Slate Valley students, Emily shared this heartfelt message:
"Don't give up on your dreams. It might take time, but if you keep working toward them, someday they will come true."
Congratulations, Emily! Your success, generosity, and spirit are a true inspiration to Slater Nation.
Fair Haven Union Early College senior Dean Dugan had an unforgettable first visit to the Vermont State House on May 2nd during TRIO Day—a day when the Legislature formally recognizes programs like Upward Bound that support college access and success.
Dean stood with fellow TRIO students as the Legislature passed a resolution honoring the impact of these programs. It was a powerful moment to be recognized on the House floor.
Even more memorable were the personal connections Dean made with Vermont’s elected officials. He had the chance to meet and speak with:
Senator Brian Collamore
Secretary of the Senate John Bloomer Jr.
Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers
Governor Phil Scott
Representative Bill Canfield
Representative Zak Harvey—a proud Fair Haven alum!
Thank you to the officials who took time to connect with our students and show support for the TRIO mission.
(Photos and information submitted by Julie Finnegan, SVUUSD School Board Chair and Director of Upward Bound at Vermont State University – Castleton Campus.)
Reminder of Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
