Lyndon Institute Head of School Dr. Brian Bloomfield is pleased to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Lyndon Institute Class of 2024.

Valedictorian

The valedictorian of the graduating class at Lyndon Institute is awarded to the student who receives the highest weighted grade point average during their tenure at the school. The student to realize that accomplishment for the Class of 2024 is Lydia Gillespie. In her role as valedictorian, Lydia will present the valedictory address during the school’s commencement ceremonies in June.

Known for her dedication and unwavering resolve, Lydia has consistently pushed herself to excel in every endeavor. Her teachers describe her as a focused and curious student, one who possesses a strong sense of justice and leads by example.  As Math teacher Tim Ulrich notes, “Lydia’s rise to the pinnacle of her class was achieved through her remarkable work ethic and unmatched determination.  Having taught Lydia twice, I have witnessed first hand her desire to continuously improve herself as a student.”  Lydia has established herself as a committed and insightful student who expects the best from herself, her peers, and her community. 

As a student, musician, 3-sport athlete, and volunteer, Lydia exemplifies excellence.  She is a member of National Honors Society, LI’s Athletic Honor Society, and the recipient of the University of Vermont’s Green and Gold Scholarship. She plays the trumpet, has been a four-year member of student government, serving as Treasurer and Vice-President for two of those years, and was an organizer of the Wildflower Pride Ride, an event focused on inclusion and the celebration of queer individuals. She is a member of the Scholar’s Bowl team and received the “Best in School” UVM Math Prize in 2023. Lydia has also volunteered at Northern Vermont Regional Hospital on the medical-surgical floor, which she credits with solidifying her goal to enter the medical field.  Indicative of Lydia’s priorities, she recognizes the need for rural health care providers and hopes to return to the Northeast Kingdom to contribute to the well-being of her community.

In addition to her academic and service achievements, Lydia's character and leadership qualities have been commended by her peers and teachers alike. Kathy Smith, Social Studies teacher, remarks, "Lydia Gillespie has consistently proven herself to be a focused, organized, and dedicated academic leader. She truly enjoys learning and is motivated by the desire to expand her horizons. From her early days at Lyndon Institute to senior year, Lydia has set the tone for numerous classes, pushing herself and her peers to realize their potential. As a senior, Lydia’s maturity and sense of humor have been true assets in the classroom. Lydia is a great representation of an LI student–she is committed and inquisitive, but also a genuinely funny, good-hearted person, who both adults and peers alike want to engage with." 

Lydia will attend the University of Vermont and major in Biochemistry. She is the daughter of Tiana and Jonathan Gillespie of West Burke, Vermont.

Salutatorian

The salutatorian of the graduating class at Lyndon Institute is awarded to the student who has earned the second highest weighted grade point average during their time at the school. The student to realize that accomplishment for the Class of 2024 is Molly Renaudette. In her role as salutatorian, Molly will present the invocation address during the school’s baccalaureate ceremony in June.

A leader in many ways, Molly’s impact on LI can be characterized by the consistent care, humor, and drive she models. Academically, socially, and athletically, Molly has excelled. Most notably, she will earn an Associate’s degree through Vermont State University this spring as a member of Lyndon Institute’s Lyndon Learning Collaborative, a partnership between the two schools that allows students to complete their last two years of high school and first two years of college at the same time. This is no small feat, and Molly has balanced this achievement with a commitment to both her school and her community. 

Rebecca McGregor, Dance teacher at LI, highlights Molly's approach to growth and success, noting that Molly embodies a balance of professionalism and fun in the learning process.  Molly is known for maturely revising her work, applying feedback from others until confident in her skill and performance.  Additionally, Molly is “a strong advocate for herself and senses when the group of which she is a part needs support - providing encouragement, praise and positive feedback. She is someone who brings intelligence, insight, and optimism to any group in which she is a member.” 

Lyndon Institute’s Athletic Director Eric Berry agrees, stating “Molly is the definition of all that a true student athlete represents.  She has worked tirelessly in both venues while also taking the initiative to always be a leader.  Her teammates respect her beyond comparison.  Molly Renaudette is a champion in life because of her mental toughness and desire to succeed.”

In addition to being a member of the Lyndon Learning Collaborative, Molly is a member of the National Honors Society, National Honors Society of Dance Arts, and LI’s Athletic Honors Society. She has served as a captain of the soccer, basketball, and softball teams at LI, earning Capital League recognition in both soccer and basketball. She holds the record for the most saves by an LI soccer goalie and was selected to participate in the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Classic.  Molly has also been a member of student government for four years and is a regular face in youth basketball and softball organizations, serving as a coach, mentor, and camp counselor. She has set herself apart by approaching everything she does with focus and a clear sense of integrity.

Molly has not yet settled on which college she will attend, but her interest in working with animals will ultimately drive her decision.

Molly is the daughter of Kristal Renaudette of Lyndonville and Dan Renaudette of Lyndon Center.