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.
Reminder that *this* Friday, March 31, is the GIV application deadline.
Passionate 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are invited to apply for the experience of a lifetime! The Governor's Institutes of Vermont (GIV) offers residential summer programs which take place on Vermont college campuses and give their attendees the opportunity to dive deep into a topic of interest for an intensive 1-2 weeks. Each Institute is focused around a career-oriented topic: Arts, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science & Technology, Global Issues & Youth Action, Health & Medicine, Mathematical Sciences, and Technology & Design.
At GIV, students learn from industry professionals, participate in hands-on projects, and explore career options - all while having fun and making friends! These programs are designed to be affordable to all Vermont families with scholarships that allow students to pay as little as $10 to attend.
Students can visit www.giv.org/apply to fill out a simple application now! The deadline is March 31.
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.
STAFFORD TECHNICAL CENTER SIGNING NIGHT!
The annual STC Signing Night is April 13, 2023.
Students who have been accepted into the Technical Program for the 2023-2024 school year will be invited to attend Signing Night. Information will be emailed and mailed directly to students and parents/guardians.
Stafford Technical Center
RCPS, Coordinator of Family Involvement & Support
8 Stratton Road
Rutland VT 05701
*If you have any questions, please reach out to Sue Dodge - May, Administrative Secretary by emailing sue.dodgemay@rcpsvt.org or calling 802-770-1050.
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#
Mrs. Clements Foods classes enjoyed an awesome day of "pickling" last week. Everyone was excited to sample their homemade pickle recipes!
Update from Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent of Schools
"The secure building has been lifted for FHGS and FHUMHS.
Law enforcement has told us there is no direct threat to the schools, however out of an abundance of caution there will be no outside activities today at the direction of law enforcement. If anything changes we will update you with more information. As you know the safety and well-being of students and staff is always our top priority."
Good Morning!
This messasge is from Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent of Schools
"As you know the safety and well-being of students and staff is always our top priority.
At about 10:00 this morning, we were informed of police activity in the neighborhood near our schools.
As a precaution, our Fair Haven Grade School and Fair Haven Middle School/High School are in Secure the Building mode. Business is occurring as usual inside the building but no outside activities are occurring at this time.
All students and staff are safe. We will let you know when this has been lifted and follow-up with more information as appropriate."
Please mark your calendars for the return of the FHUMHS MEGA Day! MEGA Day brings together our Art, Band, Chorus, and Theater programs in one evening. The event begins at 5:00 pm, on April 13th, with grades 7-12 art show through the FHUMS lobby and cafeteria. At 6:00 pm we will start a combined band, chorus, and theater performance in the gymnasium. These events will be recorded and shared through our website afterward.
We are very excited to showcase the amazing talents we have at FHUMHS. Please join us to celebrate and recognize the creativity of our students!
On Wednesdays, members from Caring Canines come to visit our students. This week we had three dogs, Murfee, Brodie and Taft. The teams enjoy spending time with Middle School students during Inquiry along with receiving a few quick pets as the High School students walk by. Thank you, Caring Canines, for bringing smiles to many of our kids.
Students in Mr. Merolle's Horticulture Class recently experienced the process of sugaring, from tapping the trees to boiling down the collected sap. They also transplanted young petunias being raised for a plant sale later this spring.
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
FHUMHS students did an excellent job today with the planned practice of a "Lock in Place" event. We had students and teachers practice barricading and preparing to either counter or evacuate. Their participation in the ALICE drill was spectacular and a great opportunity to practice maintaining a safe learning environment. Please feel free to contact the Administrative Team if you have any questions.
FHUMHS is excited to announce the start of their own Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. This opportunity is available to any 7th -12th grader interested! For more information, contact Mr. Levesque by email: alevesque@svuvt.org, or stop by his room for a visit.
FHUMHS students have work displayed in the "Art from the Schools" exhibit at Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester. The Opening Reception was this past Saturday, March 18th, with work on display through April 23rd. Please consider taking a drive to Manchester and witness this wonderful show in person.
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
