School news
WUHS student earns honorable mention at AVA High School Exhibition
Congratulations to WUHS student Mimi Kanda-Olmstead ‘26 for earning Honorable Mention in AVA Gallery and Art Center’s 18th Annual High School Exhibition.
This annual regional exhibition highlights outstanding artwork from high school students across Vermont and New Hampshire. Art teachers nominate students whose work demonstrates creativity, strong technical skill, and a unique artistic voice. Mimi’s work stood out among many impressive submissions and was recognized by the exhibition judges.
Mimi is a student in the Advanced Digital Photo and Design class taught by Dr. Susannah Gravel, where she continues to develop her artistic voice through photography and digital design.
We are incredibly proud to see Mimi’s work recognized and exhibited in a professional gallery.
WUHS artists featured in Vermont's 250th anniversary exhibition
Eight WUHS artists are currently showing their work in Unfinished Revolutions, the Vermont 250th Art Exhibition on display at the State House Cafeteria Gallery in Montpelier. We're proud to have so many of our students represented in this statewide celebration of Vermont art.
Our artists: Calvin Lehouiller, Charleigh Parker, Matilda Richardson, Broder White, Agnes Kardashian, Adelle Danilchick, Zara Paczkowski, and Daxton Redmond.
The exhibit is free and open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. through March 27.
Up to three works will be selected by the Vermont State Curator for permanent inclusion in the Vermont State Art Collection — a remarkable honor for any young artist. Selections will be announced at the Closing Reception on March 26, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Come see our students’ work on display at the State House.
My unfinished revolution focuses on the ongoing challenge of retaining people in Vermont, especially young adults who have their entire futures ahead of them. Many young people are leaving Vermont in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This issue matters deeply to my generation because choosing to stay can help strengthen Vermont’s declining workforce and support essential public services such as schools and healthcare both of which are vital to the well-being of our communities. This piece serves as a call to action, encouraging younger generations in Vermont to invest their futures in the state rather than looking elsewhere.
I chose to express my vision through strong visual symbolism. The image of a car driving away past a “Leaving Vermont” sign represents the growing number of residents moving out of the state. The car has a Vermont license plate to emphasize that the driver is a lifelong Vermonter, and a University of Vermont sticker to show that they pursued higher education in-state. In the distance, a city skyline symbolizes their destination and the promise of “better opportunities.”
- Tilly Richardson
“My unfinished revolution is about the ongoing decline of Vermont’s moose population. Shorter winters have allowed winter tick numbers to rise, especially in areas with high moose density. A single moose can carry up to 90,000 ticks, leading to severe illness and often death. This crisis matters because moose are an essential part of Vermont’s ecosystem. If left unchecked, tick populations will continue to grow, and Vermont will continue to lose its moose.”
- Agnes Kardashian
“My unfinished revolution focuses on mental health in Vermont. Teens in particular have been increasingly affected by mental health struggles, leading to rising rates of depression and suicide.
My artwork portrays how overwhelming it can feel to face your own mind. It shows how small and helpless these struggles can make a person feel - as if there is no escape. I used dark tones and a shadowed theme to create a mood that reflects depression and emotional weight. The large, dark figure in the center symbolizes the power of the mind and how massive an obstacle it can become at times.
I hope my audience feels the heavy, ominous atmosphere of the piece. I want viewers to gain a sense of what it is like for those who battle mental health challenges in silence. That idea of struggling unseen is why I chose to title my work Shadows.”
— Calvin Lehouiller
YOH Players bring “Treasure Island” to life
More than 40 students performed and produced the Yoh Theatre's production of Treasure Island across three performances on March 6–8. Jay Allen '28 played the lead, Jim Hawkins, joined by Mimi Kanda-Olmstead '26 as Billy Bones, Sam Hauze '26 as Long John Silver, Tee Miller ‘26 as Smollet, and Quinn Eckler '26 as Israel Hands. Lia Gugliotta '26 led the design of the set, which including an ambitious ship stern that jutted out into the house. Photos from the performance are available on the Yoh Theatre website. Congratulations to the performers and theatre director Marcia Bender! And thank you to everyone who came out to support our talented players!
Come support our amazing artists over break!
Agnes Kardashian
The Art Department would like to congratulate several WUHS artists for having their work represented at Lebanon, New Hampshire’s AVA Gallery in the upcoming annual High School Artist Show.
Congrats to the Woodstock Union student artists: Addie Tucker, Agnes Kardashian, Corrine White, Ella Lockhart, Marlena Farinas, Mimi Kanda-Olmstead, Milo Farrington, Priscilla Richardson, Schuyler Hagge and Willow Roberts
This is a high school invitational art show that represents many public and private high schools in our area. The art faculty nominates works by students who show exceptional promise in a variety of creative disciplines. The student work includes seven categories: Ceramics, Drawing, Multiple disciplines, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wearable art. The awards will be chosen by Artist Mentor and Publisher of Art New England Rita Fucillo.
The Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception is Friday, Feb 27th, 5-7 p.m., and the show will be open until March 28th. Both the show and the ceremony are open to the public—the artwork tends to be AWESOME!
Ella Lockhart
Mimi Kanda-Olmstead
Schuyler Hagge
Marlena Farinas
Addy Tucker
Milo Farrington
Willow Roberts
Corrine White
Priscilla Richardson
Yoh Theatre performs "Alice by Heart"
Photo by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
The Yoh Theatre players recently brought the musical "Alice by Heart" to life with performances from December 12-14, 2025. This acclaimed show by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater reimagines Alice in Wonderland against the backdrop of the London Blitz, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination.
The story follows young Alice and her ailing friend Alfred as they escape into the fantastical world of Wonderland to cope with the trauma and uncertainty of war. Through Sheik and Sater's evocative music and lyrics—from the creative team behind "Spring Awakening"—the production explores how storytelling and friendship can offer solace in the darkest times.
Over 50 students from grades 7-12 participated in this ambitious production, taking on roles both onstage and behind the scenes as tech crew members. Their dedication and talent brought this complex, emotionally rich musical to our community.
Congratulations to all of our Yoh Theatre players and theatre director Marcia Bender on a remarkable show!
The student group’s next show is Treasure Island. More photos from Alice by Heart are available on the Yoh Theatre website.