Where are they now WEDNESDAY-
Featuring Mark Wright
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.
Trivia Tuesday: DYK?
Our new Community Advisory Council is meeting for the first time next Monday, April 3rd, from 5:15 - 6:15 PM at the District Office in the FHUMHS building. If you are interested in bridging the gap between the community and school, please consider representing your town in our new group. Hope to see you April 3rd!
After a bit of an extended hiatus, the weekly day posts are back! Today we highlight Kathy Moriarity, one of our dedicated instructional assistants at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School.
Tonight - March 27, 2023
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to: https://meet.google.com/wsa-ictr-qvu
Or dial: (US) +1 405-643-0103 PIN: 725 949 656#
Last Friday, the district counslors and clinicians gathered during their inservice to practice expressive art therapy techniques. They were guided through an expressive arts process and discussed tools and techniques relevant to using expressive arts in the school community.
Stop the Bleed Training, part of the SVUUSD School Safety Series, is happening
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in the library at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. Come to this life saving, valuable training which is free and open to the public... but space is limited, so please either click the link below to reserve your spot or call Deborah Williams, RN at 802-265-4966 extension 2509. Thank you.
https://forms.gle/dRaHVHjSrFFsj8F2A
The Slate Valley Universal Preschool Program will be conducting its last developmental screening of the year for children 0-5 years of age living in Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell and West Haven. The screening involves activities that are both fun for young children and help us learn about a child's motor, cognitive, and language skills. Vision and hearing will also be screened. This screening will be Thursday, March 23rd at Castleton Elementary School. Call to make an appointment.
Introducing our first Slate Valley District Newsletter. Here you will find news from your District Central Office, along with other District Wide Events. Click the link to see the PDF version: https://5il.co/1qxa6
Please join tonight's Community Connection meeting with Director of Curriculum, Casey O'Meara, at Castleton Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 PM. If you can't attend in person, consider connecting virtually by going to meet.google.com/pja-jpkv-ejz.
Today, Wednesday, March 15th, all Slate Valley Schools are on a 2 hour delay.
We are forming a new committee and would love to have you join! If you are interested in bridging the gap between the community and school, please consider representing your town in our new Community Advisory Council. Hope to see you April 3rd at the District Office in the FHUMHS building.
Due to the storm, tonight's Community Connection meeting with Director of Curriculum, Casey O'Meara, at Benson Village School has been cancelled. Please join us Thursday night, 5:30-6:30 PM, at Castleton Elementary School, or connect virtually by going to meet.google.com/pja-jpkv-ejz.
Today, March 14th, all Slate Valley schools will be closed due to the weather.
Tonight - March 13, 2023
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to: https://meet.google.com/tde-zvvj-ufv
Or dial: (US) +1 346-702-3240 PIN: 790 926 127#
Did you remember to "Spring Forward" an hour? Today begins Daylight Saving Time!
The Slate Valley Universal Preschool Program will be conducting developmental screenings for children 0-5 years of age living in Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell and West Haven. The screening involves activities that are both fun for young children and help us learn about a child's motor, cognitive, and language skills. Vision and hearing will also be screened. The second option for screening will be Wednesday, March 15th at Fair Haven Grade School. Call to make an appointment.
Election Results for the School District Vote.
Reminder: Please join us for the 3rd night of our School Safety Series, tonight at 6:00 PM at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library. The focus will be on Emergency Operations Planning.
You're Invited to Attend a Community Discussion with Director of Curriculum, Casey O'Meara. The events will happen Tuesday, March 14th and Thursday, March 16th. All are welcome at either venue.
