Kristin Hubert: Class of 1996
FHUHS Class of 1996 alumna Kristin Hubert has come full circle in her academic career. She began as a humble kindergarten student and became a superintendent of her own school district -- all while staying in Vermont.
Kristin’s education started in Castleton, where she attended Castleton Elementary School and Castleton Village School before entering Fair Haven Union High School. She credits several K-12 teachers and administrators for igniting her passion for education. “It is extremely difficult to pick just one, as I loved many, from kindergarten teacher Mrs. Stiles to high school science teacher Mrs. Peltier.” She added, “I also must give a nod to the best choral music director ever, Fran LaPlaca!”
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Kristin was a three-sport athlete, playing varsity soccer, basketball, and softball each year. She also participated in French Club and community service groups.
Kristin attended the University of Vermont where she double-majored in Elementary Education and English. She went on to earn her Master’s in School Leadership from Castleton University and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Northeastern University. Kristin began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher at Fair Haven Grade School. She then became Rutland City’s elementary school principal for a few years before moving into a central office position at Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU) as their curriculum director. Kristin currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools at RNESU in Brandon, Vermont.
She is married to a fellow Slater, John-Henry, and has two daughters, Makenna and Addison. Kristin enjoys spending the weekends at her house on Lake Bomoseen, but is often on the go, traveling around New England to watch her daughters’ athletic events.
When asked if she had any words of encouragement for our current Slaters, Kristin said, “The great thing about school, and learning as a whole, is that it is yours. No one can take it away from you. So find what you love and forge a path forward, even if it isn't a traditional path or what others may want for you.” She continued, quoting Malcolm X, “‘Education is your passport towards the future. Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ You’ve got this; Slaters are unstoppable!”
Thank you, Kristin, for your commitment to education, your schools, and your students. Slater Nation is extremely proud of your accomplishments and appreciates you sharing your story!
Mark Wright: Class of 1990
FHUHS alumnus Mark Wright is a member of the Class of 1990. His upbringing and education began in Castleton, but this small town start never hindered his ambition for worldly success.
Immediately after graduating from Fair Haven Union High, Mark spent a year in Hannover, Germany through the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. Upon returning to the states, he began studying at the University of Vermont, where he graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in German. The next seven years he worked at Auburn International and MetricVision. Both were small companies that sold high-tech measuring equipment to larger industries, such as petrochemical, automotive, and aerospace. During this time Mark was able to live and work out of Brussels, Belgium for two years and Yokohama, Japan for one year, along with traveling extensively around the world. In 2001 he entered into a full-time MBA program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mark’s focus was international business management. He spent 2002 at an internship in Switzerland, and then graduated in 2003.
Mark credits his parents for his worldly success. He states, “My parents were the biggest influence, enabling opportunities and giving us the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and become responsible citizens. Growing up in Castleton, we hosted 5 exchange students, each for a year - this taught us some great lessons about getting along and solving problems.” When asked if any teachers came to mind in helping him fulfill his dreams, he recalled being challenged and inspired by Mr. Rideout in fifth grade, Mr. Tucker in eighth grade, with Mr. Hier, Mr. Sinclair, and Mr. Everett in grades 11 and 12.
While attending FHUHS, Mark played Baseball in grade 9, but switched to the Golf team for grades 10-12. During his years on the golf team, he helped the Slaters become three time State Champions. Mark also played Basketball and Soccer all four years, two soccer seasons saw State Championship titles. He also was a member of the French Club, Band, Honor Society, and attended Boys State. Outside of school, Mark earned his Eagle Scout.
Upon receiving his MBA, Mark started working for BASF in New Jersey. Through the years, he has worked in various leadership positions within this company. He has been on delegation to Germany twice where he and his family lived from 2009-2012 and again in 2018-2020. It should be no surprise to hear that he speaks German fluently. Currently Mark is the Vice President of Global Marketing for their catalysts division. He continues to enjoy leading people in the business setting and hopes to continue doing it.
Mark is married with three teenage daughters - Lina (17), Lois (15), and Lidia (13). His wife, Bianca, is from Germany, they met during Mark’s time as an exchange student. Mark continues the legacy shown to him by his parents and is a member of the Rotary Club in his hometown of Westfield, NJ. He is working toward establishing the Rotary Youth Exchange Program there as he has seen, and experienced, what a life-changing opportunity this is for young people. Currently he and his family are hosting an exchange student from Brazil.
When asked what advice he would give to our current Slate Valley student body, he replied, “My advice is around the idea that life begins when you step outside of your comfort zone. There is a big world out there and if you want to learn and explore, then start by stepping into an adventure and accepting where it takes you. My adventures were around the exchange program after high school, taking on new jobs/roles, volunteering, and being vulnerable as a leader. These were not always easy or positive, but I learned a ton from these experiences and they fundamentally changed me (and my life) for the better ... and I don't regret them for a second.”
Slater Nation would like to thank Mark for sharing his truly inspiring story. We wish him continued success and happiness.
Zachary Harvey: Class of 2012
FHUHS Class of 2012 alumnus, Zachary (Zak) Harvey, has successfully climbed the corporate ladder a mere decade after his high school graduation.
Zak’s educational journey began in Castleton. He acknowledges that each primary and secondary educator were incredible, but credits three in particular for playing a critical role in inspiring his love of learning. First mentioned was Castleton Elementary School’s principal, Jean-Marie Oakman. Zak remembers her charismatic personality, and appreciates her fostering an “environment where learning and excelling in the classroom was encouraged, expected and celebrated”. Next he credits Castleton’s school librarian, who at the time was Mrs. Susan Lyman, for instilling a love of reading and recalls her constant encouragement and support. Third, during his time at Fair Haven Union High School, he remembers Mrs. Sandy Kuehn. “Mrs. Kuehn taught me invaluable lessons in the classroom on civics and geography, but perhaps even more important, to do whatever you do with heart and empathy. I have carried these words with me throughout college and career.” said Zak.
Along with recognizing the support received in school, Zak was certain to mention the love and support of his parents, who always encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Zak was actively involved in Student Government and participated in both winter and spring Track and Field.
Zak attended Providence College in Rhode Island. He worked toward a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics. During his third year, Zak studied abroad at the University College London in England. He also interned two summers at Nasdaq, a stock exchange based in New York City. Upon receiving his degree, he joined the company full-time and moved to New York. Zak worked at Nasdaq for two years before joining the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2018. While there, Zak worked in a series of positions. As of this September, Zak began working in strategy at the parent company, Intercontinental Exchange, for the President of Fixed Income and Data Services.
Zak currently lives in Manhattan, but claims there is nothing better than coming home to Vermont. He plans to remain in the financial services industry, but would someday like to get involved with politics.
When asked if he had any words of encouragement for our current Slaters, he reflected on a piece of advice received in college which was, “don’t pull strings, yank them.” He wants students to remember that everyone starts somewhere, so reach out to family friends, alumni, and teachers for help. Never be intimidated to reach out to those that came before you because “you never know where a conversation will lead or what doors someone can open.” Zak also referred to a quote, by poet Maya Angelou, on the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Great advice to keep in mind.
Thank you, Zak, for sharing your journey. Slater Nation wishes you continued success, with a bright, happy future.
Haley Macomber-Creaser, DVM
FHUHS alumna Haley Macomber is a member of the Class of 2013. Haley has had a very exciting year! This past June, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)!
Haley’s long journey to achievement began right here in her hometown of Fair Haven. She credits her 6th grade teacher, Mr. Stanton, and her 7th and 8th grade teacher, Mr. Crane, of Fair Haven Grade School for getting her excited about science and encouraging her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Haley continued to work hard at her studies. She also participated in athletics, playing field hockey and basketball and running both indoor and outdoor track. During her career running track, she earned the state champion title a few times for the 100m hurdles and 4X100m relay!
After high school, Haley attended the University of Vermont, majoring in Animal Science with a concentration in pre-vet studies. She graduated in 2017. Before beginning her graduate work, Haley worked for a year as a veterinary assistant at an animal clinic in northern Vermont. She then attended the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, where she recently received her DVM.
Currently, Haley is an associate veterinarian at the Rutland Veterinary Clinic and Surgical Center in Rutland Town, Vermont. She is certified in veterinary spinal manipulation, also known as animal chiropractic certification, and is currently working on being certified in veterinary acupuncture. Haley hopes to see patients for this practice in the new year.
Recently married, Haley lives with her husband and their newly adopted black cat in Ludlow, Vermont. When asked if she had any words of advice for our current Slaters, Haley replied, “If I had an inspiring message, I would tell people to never give up on their dreams, even if they seem impossible. It took me two tries to get into my top choice of veterinary school, and a few of my academic advisors at UVM told me not to bother applying because it’s too competitive a field. While this was upsetting to hear at the time, it made me realize how much harder I would have to work if I was going to make my dream a reality. So I took a year off between undergrad and graduate work to build up my resume to become more competitive when I applied for veterinary school the following year. Although a year away from school was not in my original plan, it ended up working out for me and I was accepted into veterinary school and reached my ultimate goal.”
Slater Nation is so incredibly proud of you, Haley, and we thank you for sharing your story! Your hard work and determination are an inspiration to all.