Two BBA Seniors Selected as Vermont Presidential Scholars
Burr and Burton seniors Alexa Witkin and Michael Alfano were recently selected as Vermont Presidential Scholars in honor of their hard work and contributions for the past four years.
Both Witkin and Alfano have worked hard to get to where they are today. From pursuing their academic goals in AP and college classes, to competing and leading several varsity sports teams, and spending their free time outside of school working and volunteering for clubs, organizations, and other interests, Witkin and Alfano have fully immersed themselves in the BBA community.
The Presidential Scholars award is described as “one of the nation's highest honors for students in the United States, [and around the world]”. Out of 3,600,000 graduating seniors in the United States who are eligible to receive this award, only a few thousand are chosen.
Here's a little more about what the award means to Witkin and Alfano and what has motivated them along the way.
Q: What does receiving this award mean to you?
Alexa Witkin: This award genuinely means a lot to me, but the true satisfaction was from each little thing that I've done up until this moment. Each time my actions or decisions have been able to make someone smile, or improve their day even the slightest bit, I'm able to feel better about myself. Knowing that I've done the right thing, stayed true to who I am, and positively impacted those around me--that's the true reward.
Michael Alfano: I’m really humbled and honored to have received this award, and very grateful to have been considered for it. This award means a lot to me and gets me excited to work even harder as I get ready to graduate from BBA and head to college.
Q: What does citizenship and leadership mean to you?
Alexa: Some of my family's largest beliefs revolve around effort, kindness, and civility. Citizenship is not only giving back to those around you, but also contributing to the community in a positive manner to give others the opportunity to do so: to make a true, impactful difference. Leadership occurs when one is able to respectfully facilitate groups or individuals to aid them in their pursuit of an accomplishment. This can look quite different in varying situations, but the support, understanding, and dedication that a leader provides remains constant.
Michael: I believe that citizenship and leadership are both connected. To me, citizenship is devoting yourself to helping the communities you are a part of, while leadership is taking the initiative to do those things. I’m really going to try to incorporate those principles into everything I do in the future.
Q: What has motivated you to keep working hard throughout the pandemic?
Alexa: Simply put, perspective. I had a very difficult time with online learning, limited social interaction, and the overall devastation of the pandemic. However, reading articles, essays, watching the news, learning about all of these other children and families enduring far worse, helped me to appreciate what I did have. My family was healthy, I still had the opportunity to continue my education, and I could contact those I couldn't see. I tried to focus on what I could control during a time where nothing seemed to follow any rhyme or reason, and I'm hoping to continue to use that mentality to the best of my ability.
Michael: A significant motivator for me has been how much I enjoy my work. It’s easy to stay motivated when you’re working on something you really like. Also, working on websites and apps, like Lure Cast, the Northshire Rescue Squad website, and the Dorset Fire District website and seeing the positive impact they have on other people, has been extremely rewarding. I used the extra time at home during the pandemic to learn a lot of new areas in the field of computer science, which is what I’m majoring in at college.
Q: Who has been a role model for you in regards to citizenship and leadership?
Alexa: Growing up, my dad was quite busy with his job and had to travel a lot. Due to [this], any time he had with my sister and I was time fully dedicated to being with us. It wasn't until I was much older that I learned about some of the amazing things he had been doing in addition to his demanding job . . . Not once have I heard him complain about each and every responsibility added to his plate, [he] focuses on the ways in which helping someone else [can make] his day. For each of those reasons and hundreds of others, he will always be someone I look up to.
Michael: Throughout my life, my parents have been my biggest role models regarding citizenship and leadership. They have taught me that it’s really important to get involved and to try to help other people whenever you can.
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