School news
Eco artists create baskets with Sue Lenfest
The EcoArt class recently had the opportunity to work with visiting local artist and basketmaker Sue Lenfest in a hands-on basketry workshop. With many years of experience, including learning from Indigenous artists, she guided students through the process of traditional basketmaking.
Sue harvested black ash trees herself, prepared the splints used for weaving, and incorporated natural dyes to add color. Through this experience, students connected directly with the materials, techniques, and traditions of basketry, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between land, craft, and culture.
Black ash trees are central to Abenaki culture. Their unique growth rings allow logs to be pounded into usable strips that are strong, flexible, and long-lasting. For the Abenaki, ash trees are deeply connected to identity, place, and origin stories, and each basket reflects the story of its maker.
Students also learned about the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that is threatening ash tree populations. Scientists, Indigenous basketmakers, and local communities are working together to monitor and slow its spread, harvest affected trees, treat healthy ones, support Indigenous forest stewardship, and preserve seeds for future forests.
WUHS musicians selected as best in the state
Lia Gugliotta and Satori Rossi have auditioned and been selected to represent WUHS at the Vermont All State Music Festival. Both were selected from over a thousand students who auditioned for the festival. Satori will be playing keyboard & trumpet with the festival's Modern Band, and Lia will be playing alto saxophone in the Concert Band.
The yearly festival brings the very best high school musicians to work with the country's top conductors. It includes rehearsing 8+ hours each day and culminates in a performance.
This year's festival runs Wednesday through Saturday, May 6th through 9th, at Missisquoi Valley Union High School.
Congratulations Lia & Satori!
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!