Rice Memorial High School

What it is Like to Be a Vermonter

Remo Plunkett
Honors English 9
Miss Parent
November 5, 2008
Plunkett
When I visit cities around the country I realize how much I love the landscape and people that make up the Green Mountain State. Our state’s tourist numbers prove my point. Many out-of-state citizens enjoy Vermont very much, from the lake to the mountains. I am proud, and grateful to have these opportunities in my backyard. As a Vermonter I feel a responsibility to preserve these attractions so others who are not as fortunate to live in Vermont can partake in their beauty as well. To me being a Vermonter is a privilege as well as a responsibility. Although Vermont is a small state, nevertheless I am still very proud to call myself a Vermonter because Vermont has had a great impact on my life.

I am a Vermonter. I have grown up in Vermont but am not sure how long to stay situated in the small state. Three other generations of my family have or are still living in Vermont. Although I often complain about living in Vermont, nevertheless it is actually enjoyable and I may want to stay because I realize the importance it has to my family.
I often complain about living in Vermont. I say, “I hate Vermont. I am getting out of here as soon as I possibly can.” That is the pessimistic side of me, when I look at the negatives instead of all the good that there is. There are definitely parts of Vermont that are not so great but they are accompanied, and overpowered by the positives.

Vermont

By Jennifer Many

Vermont has been an influence in my life by having all small towns and all of the wilderness around me. It has allowed me to see my inner self and see all of the beautiful land that businesses destroy everyday to be able to build new condos and apartment buildings. Living in Vermont has made me be able to see all of the environmental problems that are happening around the world today such as global warming. Being out in the Vermont countryside has also made me an animal lover so it scares me to think that all of these beautiful animals could be going extinct so someone can have another car even if they already have four. No one in the city really knows how all of their selfishness can determine a life of a moose or deer that has done nothing wrong at all.

Vermont’s Gold

What Makes Vermont Special in the Summer

For most people Vermont is synonymous with colorful fall foliage, pristine, snow capped mountains, and maple syrup. For me Vermont means something totally different. The things I enjoy the most about Vermont in the summer are: swimming in Lake Champlain, eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and going to summer camp to enjoy the great out doors. I also love going to the Champlain Valley Fair every year.
Even when I was really little I always loved to swim, my mom took me to Lake Champlain where they provided a learning to swim program for little kids. I had a lot of fun and still enjoy going to the beach on hot days with my family or swimming in the lake with my friends.

The Journey Home
By: Gabrielle Krause

In the summer of 2001 my family and I had officially moved to Vermont. The trip from the intense heat of the dry, stormy state of Alabama to the cool climate of the beautiful state of Vermont was quite an enchanting experience. An enchanting and yet horrifying experience all together.
When my family and I moved to Vermont we settled in the town of Bristol. Our neighbors were very nice and welcoming to us, but that was only for a while. Nearly a month later the nice couple decided to move and in came an obnoxious rude family. The couple could never really control their children, or dog for that matter. Our other neighbors were a group of homosexual women, that’s comforting (not!).

Vermont
There are many reasons to love Vermont. Maybe it is the crisp white snow on Christmas morning, or maybe it is just some really good Ben & Jerry's icecream that bring back early childhood memories of your first waffle cone. Well for me it is simply all of my fond memories of growing up here. I have always lived here and I don't have any plans on leaving.
Some of my early memories is riding in my snug blue jogging stroller up Church St. and then down to the waterfront with my dad in the humid heavy days of midsummer. I would be sipping on my blue Gatorade covered in condensation. We would walk to the lake and I would splash around in the water getting myself wet, but not caring because it was fun and it cooled me off. After I was down getting myself drenched we would trudge up a very steep hill that led up to Battery Park.

It felt like it was just yesterday, a chilly weekend in the fall, when I was five years old having my mom and dad rake up a enormous pile of leaves and have me jump into the crunchy, stiff, colorful pile. I could feel that my cheeks were that rosy red color and my little hat and mittens were getting filled with the itchy crumbs from the leaves I had excitingly jumped onto. I did not seem to care that the leaves were not my warm fuzzy blanket that I would cuddle each night. I seemed to enjoy jumping into them, not thinking of how strange I looked, but at least I felt like I was having the best time of my life. At the time I did not really know where I was living and how great Vermont was because all I really noticed was how the leaves changed colors each year. As I got older and I had a better understanding of what was what and had the chance to open my eyes more I realized that in Vermont who does not jump into a big pile of leaves when they are five years old?

Alaina Sarvak November 21, 2008
Vermont Honors English

Coming to live in America after having lived in another country was a dramatic change. I was born and lived in Romania for four years, and moving to Vermont was confusing, since I couldn’t speak English. Being so young, I don’t remember as details. But it was August, and my first big adventure was going to the Champlain Valley Fair. Going to the Champlain Valley fair during summers became a tradition, as did going to the family camp on Lake Champlain. At camp, we swing in a comfortable hammock and watch the sun rise and set above the lake. I water ski on Lake Champlain, and love to play flash light tag in the night with my cousins. We kayak and canoe around the bay, swim off the shore and soak up the marvelous sun shinning.

Waking up to a winter’s icy landscape, an autumn’s breeze, or a summer’s sunshine makes me proud to be a Vermonter. The seasons perform a beautiful yearly slideshow before your eyes. Life in Vermont is special to me, because it provides all the resources needed to live a well educated life. It is special to me because I grew up in this state and it has been a great experience. Growing up in Vermont helped my life by showing me the beautiful things nature provides.
I think a life in Vermont is unique from any other experience. Vermont contains a beautiful open countryside for those who are fascinated with vast landscapes and a suburban area for those who enjoy the company of neighbors. Vermont’s most popular city, Burlington, was recently rated the healthiest city in America. This great feature is one of the many reasons to live in Vermont.

Many from all over the country come to Vermont for the sport of skiing and snowboarding. Though many come for this reason alone, they will leave with much more than a cold experience at the slopes. The mountainous region that is Vermont is more than the terrain that defines it: Vermont is a concept.
Vermont is the only state in the US where a self-proclaimed socialist can attain public office. Vermont is one of the only states where homosexual couples can have the same marital benefits a heterosexual couple have. Vermont is a place where freedom of speech is not punished, and the rights given to the citizens of the United States in the Constitution are explored to their fullest extent. Vermont is often referred to as one of the most progressive state in the US. All this in a state with a population smaller than San Francisco.

Vermont is a very special place to me. I have lived in the same house in Burlington for my whole life. There are many different sides to Vermont, and all of them have been a part of my life. There’s the city, the country, the lake, and the mountains. Living here allows me to see many unique cultures. I get to see the city side of living, and also the country side. I get to see a more busy life, and a more laid back life. Although Vermont is not the most popular state, it’s still very special because of all the different aspects that make it up.

Vermont!!!
By Victoria DeLuca
11/21/08

The seasons roll there is no stopping the clock, though I wish I could, to enjoy the exquisiteness that surrounds me every passing day. Whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall, children can be found enjoying the elegance and grace of our extravagant state, Vermont.

Elaine Bauer
20/11/08
Vermont essay

In August 2007, from previously living in New Jersey, my family moved to Vermont. It was quite a big change going from the crowded and busy city of New Jersey to the quiet under populated Vermont. This period of my life was sad but at the same time very full filling, because of the lovely scenery and fresh air that was new to me.

Henry Brown

Vermont

I like Vermont because I love to snowboard. Living in Vermont allows me to be able to do it every weekend in the winter without having the hassle of far travel. I have been snowboarding since I was very little and have been doing it ever since. I have a lot of fun snowboarding in the winter with my friends. I also enjoy snowboarding with my family. My brother, my dad, and I snowboard and my mom skis.

What sets Vermont apart?
What is the allure that attracts so many people to one of the tiniest states in the Union? Is it the promise of fresh air, of open country, of an escape from the congested, smoggy inner city? Is it the leaves, the farms, the maple syrup? Is it the chance for a better economy, a larger house, a more extensive backyard?
What makes this little state so darn different?
I have lived in Vermont all my life. Although I am a writer—a very sedentary, indoors-y kind of occupation—I love being outside. Every year, during the first or second week of summer vacation, my father and I make the half-hour-long journey up to Lake Carmi, where we meet with some of my dad’s friends and their sons. This has happened every year for over ten years, and I never tire of it.

Patrick Anderson
November 20, 2008

Vermont: The Best State in America

Vermont is a great, truly unique state. It is of the greatest in my opinion. I cannot think of any other state like it; whether it is spring, summer, winter, or fall, there is no dull season in Vermont. There is always something to do, always a hobby to take up, or sport to play. There are so many activities to choose from. Although, almost every sport in Vermont is fun, my personal favorite is skiing.
Skiing is one of the most popular sports in Vermont. There are very few people I have met that don’t either ski or snowboard. I have been skiing for about six years now and Stowe is my home mountain. Every chance I get I am up there. There is nothing better than getting onto the lift, with the wind in your face, and breathing in the cool crisp air at the top.

Alex Guerra
11/19/08
Vermont

When non-Vermonters think of Vermont, the only thing they think of is Mountains and Maple syrup. In fact Vermont has a lot more accomplishments than just maple syrup. Vermont is famous for a number of things: the world famous band Phish was formed in Vermont, and also world famous Ben and Jerry’s ice cream was originated in Vermont. Also, the thirtieth president Calvin Coolidge was born and raised in Plymouth, and the famous inventor, John Deere, was born in Rutland. Vermonters also have many accomplishments: the first state who abolished slavery and, according to recent Yahoo polls, Burlington, Vermont is the healthiest city in the United States. The Green Mountain State is also a very beautiful place with Lake Champlain, the yearly foliage, and it’s crisp, colorful landscape.

Vermont

Jenna Campbell
Mr. Matarazzo
Honors English 9
November 21st, 2008
Campbell 1
A Vermonter is someone who cherishes what they have around them, the people, the scenery, and the love. Being a Vermonter is not something that you can explain in a few words, the experiences in the life of a Vermonter are like those of no other. When one lives in Vermont, they see a different part of the world, one that brings people together with aesthetic beauty.

Vermont and why I love it!
“It is almost Christmas time!” I was sitting there, talking to my friends at my birthday party; we were talking about the upcoming events. I’m always excited about Christmas, especially when there is snow on the ground. Snow, I think is the best thing on Earth; my friends however disagree with me.

Living in Vermont means everything to me. I have been living an excellent life with my friends and family. Moving out of Vermont would be the biggest mistake I would have in my life.
There are way too many excellent memories I have in Vermont. The most of the memories was from the summer of 2005. I was moving in sixth grade and I was too excited to finally go into middle school. So I spent a lot of my time at the park looking at the Lake, writing poetry about Vermont’s beautiful scenery. I met the most spectacular girl, who I loved deeply. We would sit on a small stonewall facing the lake, writing together. Over time we became really close and I wanted to tell her how I felt, but she moved to California even before I said goodbye, I never saw her or talked to her ever again.

I’ve never really realized the things I do now about Vermont. I’ve live here all my life and never really appreciated it. And even though there are some little things I would change, there’s a lot I wouldn’t. One thing I really come to appreciate and admire even is Vermont’s four seasons. There are the ones we love the ones we hate, but I love them all. They each have a certain something.
Spring…the clean up of winter. “Out with the cold in with the dew” my grandma always says. The leaves grow back on the trees, the flowers start to grow back, and my mom gets to harass my dad about mowing the lawn, just kidding. Spring. To me, is like a new beginning.
Yes summer! School’s out, and the warm weather is here, for a, little bit anyways. Hanging with friends, and just enjoying
the outdoors. Summer is definitely the most comfortable out of all the seasons.

Seasons of Vermont

Crick, crackle, crunch; sniff, sniff, sniff: sweat, sweat, sweat; shiver, shiver, shiver. These are the four reasons why I love Vermont. The four seasons have so many different good highlights about them. I love them because of how they can be so different in weather and sights.

Summer is that time of year when you can have pool parties. The best thing about summer is how you jump into that warm pool water and feel that cool rush go through you body. Then you want to open you eyes but that feeling of the bubbles bubbling around on your body just tingles. The moment is broken with the sound of a “splash”.

What does it mean to be a Vermonter?
Crunch, Crunch, Snap! I walk out into the brisk, chilly fall day and listen to the crunch of leaves under my sneakers. I pull my hat tighter around my head as the wind rushes through my hair. I slow my hurried pace to a stroll and take a deep breath in. Cold air rushes into my lungs; the frost lingers but it doesn’t chill me. By now I have adjusted to the bitter air that settles around the state which would normally chill others to the bone. Being a Vermonter means getting used to the elements that affect the state each season.

I wasn’t born in Vermont, so I am not really a true Vermonter. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved to Vermont when I was about four. I lived in a condo in Burlington right next to the airport. My family and I moved up to Vermont because of the mountains and the skiing.
In ten years from now, I would love to live in Vermont. I love the snow and the color of the leaves in the fall. I love the outdoors and the fresh air. I love to ski at smugglers notch and I love the cool water of Lake Champlain when you go swimming and fishing.
Even though I am not a true Vermonter, I feel like I am one at heart. To be a Vermonter means to me that I am part of Vermont, I make up a little bit of Vermont. When ever I hear about Vermont, I feel proud. For example, we produce the most maple syrup in the US..

Vermont

By Maddie Mank
Rice Memorial High School, Grade 9

I live in the middle of a tiny island in Vermont, Isle la Motte. It’s a cool little place, but sometimes it gets pretty boring here. Sure it has amazing crisp views of the Adirondacks across the shimmering lake, and there aren’t too many weird people around, but sometimes that’s not enough.
I have a group of friends there and when we get bored we always find something random to do. On one sizzling hot summer day we decided to go for a walk. We didn’t have any real destination in mind, we just wandered around. Finally we came to the old black marble quarries. The quarry had a big wall of rock, which we decided to walk up. When we got to the top we discovered a path through the woods that looked interesting, and without really thinking we followed it.

I would live in Vermont in ten years because unlike most states, you get to experience all four seasons and the natural beauty (and activities) that come with each.
Winter is a great time in Vermont. Fun activities include skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Personally, I am not a huge snowboarder or skier. But what I appreciate most is simply watching little snowflakes drizzle from the sky and gracefully blanket the earth. I like to admire the trees and hills glistening with white snow. For me, winter is a time of bonding with my family. Winter can be long and cold, but conversing near the fireplace with my family on a frosty night (while sipping some hot chocolate or hot apple cider) can provide some essential warmth during this winter season.

Life in Vermont

The snow sparkled like a thousand tiny, crystal diamonds, each single snowflake with a thousand more facets than the last. The sun glinted off of the blanket, causing the rays to reflect off in different hues of red, blue and yellow. I marveled at the beauty of the sight, giggling to myself as snowflakes swarmed around me. Though only five at the time, I still have a fairly good recollection of my winter days in Vermont.
I giggled some more as the wind whipped at my hair and I stumbled backwards, falling onto my bottom with a slight thud. I stood up with precaution, making sure not to trip and fall backwards as my younger brother Addison had just managed to do by tumbling back before standing up and brushing the snow off.

The frigid white peaks carve shapes out of the icy blue sky. The diamond-like snow seems to mirror whatever it sees. If you listen closely, you can almost hear what the naked trees whisper to each other in the still of the night. And if you really use your imagination, you can see the snowflakes dance as they flutter down to the already blanketed ground. Its as if they can hear an unknown beat that no human can. Even all of winter has a hard time concealing it and that’s why everything freezes over- to keep it from human ears.