Chris Bulla is persistent. At least that's what Champlain Valley Union (CVU) head ice hockey coach Mike Murray says of this determined senior.

John Keen is a skillful basketball player. And that's not all. "John is one of the stabilizing forces on the basketball team this season," stated Champlain Valley Union (CVU) head boys basketball coach Scott Bliss. "As a senior he brings experience to a fairly young team that includes 11 juniors and one sophomore. He is also an important defensive contributor, our third leading scorer, and one of our best rebounders," he added.

Molly Burke has a positive attitude. Most student-athletes would find it difficult to stay optimistic while battling illness. Not to mention that the Nordic ski season has been compromised because of the lack of snow. But that doesn't bother Burke. She takes it all in stride.

Sam Fortin comes from a family of wrestlers. In fact, he has wrestling genes running through his veins. As he puts it, his older brothers, Patrick and Stephan, were accomplished wrestlers at Champlain Valley Union (CVU) in their day. Oldest brother Patrick is helping coach the Hinesburg Hurricane youth wrestling program. Even his uncle is part of the family tradition. Uncle Jeff wrestled for Mt. Abe some years ago and is a steadfast and supportive presence for Sam. Today Sam is following in their legacy.

Elana Bayer-Pacht is versatile. Champlain Valley Union head girls basketball coach Ute Otley shared these accolades about her senior tri-captain, "Elana is a fierce defensive player. She can literally guard anyone, guard or forward, and she's very versatile. When our team suffered multiple player injuries, Elana moved out of position (from guard to forward) to give our team the best chance to be successful."

Quinn Kropf is strong. Champlain Valley Union's head ice hockey coach Mike Murray uses the word stalwart. "Quinn is a top defenseman. He's stalwart, he's got great leadership qualities, and he's a major part of our team." And that's not all. "Quinn basically does the team's dirty work. He might not get much credit for his play but every time he goes out on the ice he does his job. He's more than dependable," Murray added.

Katie Prouty is committed. At least that's what Champlain Valley Union (CVU) head cheerleading coach Michelle Filardi says about the lone senior on her cheer squad. "Katie is a great girl and a very committed cheerleader.

CVU head soccer coach TJ Mead refers to Chad Bateman as an extremely gifted student athlete. And that's not all. Mead generously compliments one of his senior captains by adding, "Chad does a lot of the jobs that get very little credit. I have told multiple sources this year that although you didn't see his name in the paper too often, anyone who watches us play would agree that he's usually the best player on the pitch."

Kathryn Maitland is a natural athlete. Just ask Champlain Valley Union's head field hockey coach Kate McDonald. "Kathyrn is a hard worker and a natural athlete, and her skills have reached a new level in her senior season," McDonald added. "She has played every second of every game, and her fitness and consistency make her my most dependable field player."

Riley Prom has character. Sidelined with an injury since the second game of the season, Champlain Valley Union head football coach Jim Provost is quick to comment about one of his senior albeit first-year players, "I only wish Riley had played football prior to this year. He is a good athlete and a great kid.

Brendan Davitt is gregarious. His outgoing personality flew over the phone lines as we fell into an easy repartee. CVU head football coach Jim Provost alludes to his defensive back's personality, "Brendan is a very dependable player who just goes about his business.

Shelby Hanlon is determined. One of many talents that CVU head soccer coach Brad Parker mentions when discussing his senior co-captain, "Shelby is such a hard worker and with her incredible determination and skill on the field she helps to bring out the best in other players on the team who strive to emulate her play."

Sam Raszka is the total package. That's how the conversation with Champlain Valley Union head soccer coach TJ Mead ended; it began with him insisting, "I could talk about Sam all day long." Suffice it to say coach Mead wasn't exaggerating.

Lauren King is a green and gold scholar. Nominated by Champlain Valley Union (CVU) principal Sean McMannon as the academically strongest student at the end of her junior year, King was approved by the University of Vermont's Scholarship Committee and received the offer of a full-tuition, four-year scholarship this summer.

Ryan Fleming covers the field. All of it. At least that's what Champlain Valley Union's head football coach Jim Provost said, "Covering the field is a great title to describe Ryan's play for the team so far this year. He has been everywhere the first two games - our team leader on defense for sure.

Emma Riesner just completed her best season as a member of the Champlain Valley Union track and field team. Riesner is a natural athlete, leader, and motivator who brings out the best in her teammates.

Nicky Elderton's coming-of-age moment as a member of Rice Memorial High School's varsity baseball team happened in the blink of an eye.

Taber Engelken will graduate from New Hampton School in New Hampshire this weekend, spend most of his summer on Oregon's Mount Hood, and then eventually make his way to St. Lawrence University in upstate New York.

State-champion track athletes are typically forged from years of hard work.

Holly Thayer's tennis career at Rice Memorial High School didn't exactly get off to an ominous start. She made the varsity team as a freshman, and her talents were tantalizing enough in preseason practice to convince coach Kevin Cook to make Thayer the team's No. 3 seed in her very first match. But she lost the first set she played, 6-0.

Tim Bryan is creative. Not artistic in the usual sense, but put Bryan on a lacrosse field and his style of play would be considered art by many. Second year head Rice lacrosse coach, Rich Ronaldo, appreciates his artwork. "Tim is a long stick middie, a position that brings out his strengths. He has the ability to create chaos on the field, which in turn creates turnovers for the team, a perfect complement to our style of play," he shared.

Jeff Palmer is intense. It is one of the first assets that CVU head lacrosse coach Dave Trevithick notes when asked about this senior midfielder.

Susan Parmelee is a strong leader. At least that's what CVU first year head softball coach Sara Armstrong Donegan says about her student-athlete.